Bing Versus Google: The Battle of the AI Search Engines

Robert Cerff / 16-03-2023 / Tech

If 2022 was all about NFTs and Web3.0, then 2023 is shaping up to be the year of Artificial Intelligence, or AI, and it seems Microsoft is taking the fight to Google with its new AI-powered Bing search engine.

Of course, A.I. isn’t anything new, as various services like Jasper have popped into the public consciousness over the past few years, but what really catapulted AI into the mainstream is undoubtedly the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT (Generative Pre-Training Transformer), a chatbot that can answer queries using natural language in a conversational style.

Recognising the power of AI, Microsoft seems to be taking the lead by incorporating a more advanced version of ChatGPT into its latest iteration of the Bing search engine. It’s been decades since Google launched and went on to dominate search, owning more than 95% of the global market, but will the new AI-powered Bing finally be able to turn the tables?

The AI-powered Bing works by returning actual answers to questions in a conversational style instead of just spitting out relevant links to websites like all search engines, including Google, have done in the past. For example, if you ask Bing for “ideas for an 8-year old boy’s birthday party”, it will craft an answer in natural language with valuable tips and suggestions instead of just pointing you to a party planner’s website or a Pinterest board. This gives it a personalised feel that’s been sorely lacking in search thus far, so it’s clear to see the appeal such AI has for most users.

According to CNET’s Stephen Shankler, “Bing can run rings around Google search”. The tech writer claims that he preferred Bing’s results for 8 out of ten tests he ran on both search engines, thanks to its artificial intelligence. Microsoft’s consumer products marketing chief Yusuf Mehdi claims that more than a million people have already signed up for the new ChatGPT-powered Bing at launch, and that number is growing by the day.

Google isn’t taking the news laying down. Just recently the search giant released its own AI chatbot named Bard, but the launch didn’t turn out too well when Bard provided an  incorrect answer to a question. Oops! It’s back to the drawing board for now, but there’s little doubt that Google will eventually get it right and come back with a vengeance. It’s also worth noting that Bing’s AI isn’t flawless either and can return incorrect information, so for now, users cannot rely on their results being 100% factual. This is further proof that, right now, AI chatbots like ChatGPT are in no position to replace humans in any job that requires critical thinking and creative aptitude, so writers and designers can breathe a sigh of relief.

Microsoft’s new AI-powered Bing is still only available to a select number of users, but you can sign up for early access and try a demo of the AI if you simply can’t wait for the full rollout later this year.

Here’s to the future!   

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8 Helpful Tech Apps Your Dad Needs In 2025

Discover the top apps for dads in 2025 including fitness, smart budgeting and mental wellness. These essential tools keep you healthy, financially on track, and focused on what matters! Daddy’s Cool Contrary to popular belief, dad’s do a lot more than just make badly timed Dad Jokes. Between work, school runs, late-night feeds and long to-do lists, finding time for your health, mental well-being or finances can be tough. That’s why we’ve put together 8 of the best apps for modern dads. Now you’ll be able to track workouts, manage your stress and take control of those unexpected expenses all from your smartphones. These apps are practical tools to help you stay strong, focused and financially confident. Let’s find the right fit for your dad life. Mental Health Apps: Dadditude: Built specifically for dads, Dadditude delivers expert-backed self-care tips to help manage stress, build emotional resilience and maintain focus throughout every stage of parenting. The app also features motivational quotes and insights from well-known dads like Jack Black and Tyler Perry. Dadditude adapts to your needs and helps you stay emotionally present. Calm: This wellness app is designed to support users with everyday stress and anxiety. It offers guided meditations, sleep stories, breathing exercises and soothing soundscapes – all built to promote relaxation and mental clarity. For dads juggling busy schedules, Calm provides a simple way to find moments of peace throughout the day.   MyPossibleSelf: Described by Buzzfeed as a “pocket therapist”, MyPossibleSelf is a mental health app developed with input from clinical psychologists. It helps users track their mood, manage anxiety and build better emotional habits – something all parents are looking to cultivate. With guided modules on topics like stress, loss and low mood, it’s a practical choice for dads looking to stay on top of their mental wellbeing. The app is free to use, with additional features available through optional in-app purchases. Health Apps MyFitnessPal:  For dads looking to build healthier habits or manage weight, MyFitnessPal an easy way to stay on track without the guesswork. MyFitnessPal makes meal-tracking simple with an extensive food database and built-in barcode scanner, so logging your meals takes seconds. It tracks calories, nutrients and water intake, giving you a clear overview of what you’re consuming every day. Strava: Whether you’re running, cycling or just out for a walk, Strava turns your movement into motivation. It maps your routes, tracks key stats like pace and distance and lets you compete with yourself – or others – for that extra push. If you’re a dad who loves a challenge, Strava keeps you focused and fired up with performance insights and community support.  FitOn: Working out becoming too expensive? We’ve got you! FitOn gives you access to free, high-quality workouts whenever and wherever you want. From quick HIIT sessions to calming yoga or strength training, it’s all guided by expert trainers – no equipment or subscriptions required. You’ll be able to fit in a fitness routine that can work around you. Be it 10 minutes or 45, FitOn makes it easy to stay active and feel your best, right from your living room. Budgeting Apps YNAB (You Need a Budget) YNAB isn’t just about tracking what you’ve spent – it’s about planning for what’s ahead, like that collage fund you’ve been meaning to set up. With a proactive, goal-based system, it helps you assign every rand a job, whether that’s covering bills, building savings or tackling debt. The app focuses on long-term habits that stick and the website offers plenty of educational content to guide you along the way. If you’re serious about gaining control over your money, YNAB gives you the tools to make it happen. Splitwise The rugby’s on, your brus are over and you’re hosting a proper bring and braai, if you do say so yourself. One brought chops, another showed up with garlic bread and a six-pack and you covered the charcoal, snacks and enough boerie to feed half the neighbourhood. A few days later, everyone says, “Just let me know what I owe you.” Except.. they forget. Again. Splitwise is an expense-sharing app that keeps things simple and fuss-free. You log who paid for what and it handles the rest – no awkward follow-ups, no mental gymnastics. Whether you're managing family holidays, shared bills or group gifts, it takes care of the math – and the pay me when you can conversations, so you don’t have to. Conclusion As a dad, you don’t have to go it alone – or juggle sticky notes and mental lists. The best dad-friendly apps of 2025 are designed to lighten the load, support your wellbeing and keep life running smoothly without the stress. Whether it’s calming your mind, staying active or managing your money, these apps offer practical, easy-to-use tools that fit right into your routine. Try a few, see what works and let technology take some of the pressure off you. FAQS How does Dadditude support dads’ mental health? Dadditude offers bite-sized self-care tips from licensed professionals and inspiring quotes from famous dads. It’s designed to help dads manage stress, build resilience and navigate fatherhood with confidence. Is Strava good for beginners or only for serious athletes? Strava works for all fitness levels. Whether you’re a casual walker or a cycling enthusiast, Strava tracks routes and performance while connecting you with a motivating community. How can dads manage family or group expenses easily? Apps like Splitwise are ideal for managing shared costs after events like bring and braais, holidays or birthday gifts. It tracks who paid for what and calculates who owes who—no awkward WhatsApps or complicated spreadsheets. Which health apps are ideal for busy dads? Popular health apps for busy dads include MyFitnessPal for tracking meals and nutrition, Strava for outdoor fitness like running and cycling, and FitOn for free, flexible workouts that fit any schedule. Are parenting apps useful for new dads? Absolutely. Parenting apps like Dadditude provide tailored advice, emotional support and practical tips that new dads need to navigate the challenges of early fatherhood confidently. References https://www.calm.com/ https://americanspcc.org/dadditude/ https://www.mypossibleself.com/ https://www.strava.com/ https://americanspcc.org/dadditude/ https://fitonapp.com/ https://www.ynab.com/ https://www.splitwise.com/

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The 5 Best Value Smartphones Of 2025 You'll Want To Buy

Looking for an affordable smartphone in South Africa? Discover 5 budget phones with 5G, top-end displays and impressive cameras. Which one’s your next pick?Decisions, Decisions Picking your next smartphone isn’t just about the flashy specs or the latest trends. You have to factor in how much you can afford to pay every month.If you’re looking for a 24- or 36-month plan, you need a phone that can keep up with you when it comes to work, play and snapping solid pics for The Gram.The good news is that 2025’s budget smartphones are spoiling us all for choice. You can now get reliable performance, great cameras and 5G connectivity without going into debt to get it.We’re breaking down five of the best value-for-money phones around right now: the still-strong Apple iPhone 13, Samsung’s new Galaxy A26, Huawei nova Y63, the sleek HONOR 200 Lite and the budget-friendly Spectra J1. Let’s find the one that ticks all your boxes.Why are Budget Smartphones such a Big Deal?Not long ago, budget smartphones meant settling for low-quality displays, weak performance and shaky reliability. If you wanted great features, you had to pay big.But in 2025, that’s all changed. Budget and mid-range phones now pack specs once reserved for flagships.AMOLED screens, 5G, faster chips and solid cameras are showing up in phones well under R10 000. Battery life? Many last over a day on only one charge. These days, affordable doesn’t mean bad quality. Whatever you’re in the market for – a crisp display, reliable speed or a battery that goes the distance – the choices keep improving.Apple iPhone 13The iPhone 13 may be from all the way in 2021 but it’s still a powerhouse device.  This is perfect for you if you want in on an Apple smartphone without paying for the newest model. Its sharp 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display and dual 12MP cameras are great for photos and videos. Storage options range from 128GB to 512GB so you won’t run out of space. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, it handles gaming and multitasking like a champ and the battery can last up to 19 hours. No mid-day slumps here, proving once again that there are no bad Apples.Samsung Galaxy A26If you want something a little newer or you’re a Samsung loyalist, the Samsung Galaxy A26 is definitely worth checking out. Launched this year, it comes in White, Mint, Peach Pink and Black.The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display is bright and crisp, ideal for binge-watching or scrolling. With 6GB RAM and 128GB storage – expandable up to 2TB via MicroSD – you’ll have plenty of space. The 50MP rear camera takes solid shots and the 13MP front camera is great for selfies and video calls.Huawei nova Y63The Huawei nova Y63 is a great new entry-level option packed with features for everyday use. It has a large 6.7-inch display perfect for browsing and streaming plus 128GB of storage for all your apps and photos.Its 50MP AI dual rear camera delivers solid shots in good light while the 8MP front camera is perfect for selfies and video calls. With a hefty 6 000mAh battery, it’s built to last all day. Important because you never want to worry about running out of juice before bedtime.HONOR 200 LiteThe HONOR 200 Lite stands out with its vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, that delivers a premium viewing experience. Its 108MP main camera captures sharp, detailed photos while the 50MP front camera is perfect for bright selfies and smooth video calls.A 4 500mAh battery easily gets you through the day and the 35W HONOR SuperCharge powers you up fast. Overall, the HONOR 200 Lite packs a great display, strong cameras and decent battery life.Spectra J1Spectra is a South African brand of budget-friendly phones that still pack solid tech. The Spectra J1 is a great choice if you want a reliable everyday phone without spending a fortune. It sports a 6.56-inch screen which is big enough for comfy browsing and streaming but still easy to handle and carry around.Security is simple with fingerprint recognition for quick unlocking. The 13MP rear camera captures decent shots for social and casual snaps while the 8MP front camera handles selfies and video calls with ease. Plus the 5 000mAh battery keeps you powered all day, making the Spectra J1 a practical, no-fuss choice.The Verdict Choosing your next smartphone doesn’t have to drain your wallet or force you into settling for less. The best phone is the one that feels like it was made just for you, without a huge price tag. Ready to upgrade? Your next favourite smartphone is waiting. Check out our top deals here.FAQsIs the iPhone 13 a good buy in 2025? Yes! Though it launched in 2021, the iPhone 13 remains a powerful and reliable choice. It has a stunning Super Retina XDR display, solid dual cameras and the speedy A15 Bionic chip – all at a lower price than the latest models.Are there any reliable budget smartphones made in South Africa? Yes! The Spectra J1 is a great local option. It offers a large screen, fingerprint security, decent cameras and a powerful 5 000mAh battery.Are budget smartphones good for photography? Definitely! Phones like the HONOR 200 Lite with its 108MP camera and the Samsung Galaxy A26 with a 50MP shooter prove you can get sharp, detailed photos without paying flagship prices. They handle everyday snaps and selfies with ease.Are budget smartphones worth it for everyday use? Absolutely. With improved displays, cameras, battery life and faster processors, budget smartphones in 2025 are designed to handle daily tasks like work emails and social media without compromise or breaking your budget.Can budget smartphones handle gaming and multitasking? Yes, many budget phones now come with powerful processors and enough RAM to smoothly run games and multiple apps. The iPhone 13’s A15 Bionic chip and Samsung A26’s 6GB RAM offer reliable performance for gaming and streaming.Referenceshttps://www.samsung.com/za/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a26-5g-mint-128gb-sm-a266blgiafa/https://swappie.com/en/blog/is-it-still-worth-buying-an-iphone-13/https://consumer.huawei.com/za/offer/huawei-smartphones/nova-y63-buy/https://www.HONOR.com/global/phones/HONOR-200-lite/https://spectramobile.co.za/j1-2/

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What to Expect from the Huawei nova Y73

Looking for the Huawei nova Y73? Get the latest on its design, camera, battery and software. We break down everything you need to know before buying.The New Huawei In Town There’s a new addition to Huawei’s line-up: the mysterious Huawei nova Y73. While Huawei hasn’t revealed all the details just yet, early leaks and official specs are already giving us a solid first look. This sleek mid-range device appears to prioritise design and performance and it's positioning itself as a serious contender in the budget-friendly smartphone space.We’re taking a deeper look at everything we know about the Huawei nova Y73 features so far, and whether it’s one to keep on your radar. (Spoiler: We vote yes!)But here’s why it gets our vote.The Huawei nova Y73 looks to be a global version of the Enjoy 80, Huawei’s China-only release. While the core specs appear similar, there are a few changes to look out for, including a reduced range of colour options. It’s not a complete one-to-one rebrand and these tiny adjustments could impact how the phone is received in different markets. Let’s check out what has already been shared about the global release of the Huawei nova Y73 so far.Design and DisplayWhile the original Enjoy 80 launched in four colours, the Huawei nova Y73 is expected to keep things minimal with just two options here in South Africa. Light Blue and Black. This limited range might be disappointing but Huawei’s nova line is known for sleek design, premium feel and great build quality and the Huawei nova Y73 looks set to follow suit.The Huawei nova Y73 comes with a 6.67-inch display, offering plenty of screen space for streaming, scrolling and gaming, while still feeling comfortable to use one-handed. It also features aluminosilicate glass for added durability and an always-on display for quick access to key info.Camera QualitySo far, it looks like the Huawei nova Y73 will come equipped with a 50MP main camera, giving you the tools to capture detailed shots whether you're out in bright daylight or snapping quick moments on the go.On the front, there’s an 8MP selfie camera that can handle video calls, selfies and content creation with ease. While this setup won’t compete with flagship cameras, it’s a decent offering for users who want cameras that get the job done in style but without the heavy price tag that often comes with phones that produce that quality.Battery and PerformanceThe Huawei nova Y73 packs a lot of power into its body thanks to the 6 620 mAh battery with 40W fast charging. It’s built to keep up whether you’re a casual scroller or a dedicated streamer binge-watching your favourite shows. It’s paired with 8GB of RAM, delivering smooth performance for everyday tasks, light multitasking and app switching without a hitch.While storage hasn’t been officially confirmed, it’s expected to launch with either 128GB or 256GB. It will be a win either way because these are both great options for users who store plenty of photos, apps and offline content.On the software side, the Huawei nova Y73 will run EMUI 15, based on Android 12, offering a familiar Android experience with Huawei’s own custom features and optimisations.Overall ValueThe Huawei nova Y73 delivers solid value for money, especially for users prioritising battery life, sleek design and reliable day-to-day performance without breaking the bank. However, it’s worth noting the phone does not include a microSD card slot, so you’ll need to make do with the internal storage available. If storage is important to you, the 256GB version is definitely the better choice to avoid running out of space.Of course, like other recent Huawei models, the Huawei nova Y73 does not support Google services. While Huawei’s AppGallery continues to grow and improve, the absence of Google apps may be a dealbreaker if you rely heavily on Google’s ecosystem.But if you’re using your phone for all the basics – picture taking, calls, social scrolling – you’ll still be able to with the Huawei AppGallery’s offerings.Verdict While the Huawei nova Y73 won’t blow you away with flagship-level specs like say a Huawei Mate X model might, it’s also not going to throw your budget out the window.Its 50MP camera, large 6.67-inch display and huge 6 620 mAh battery make it a strong contender for anyone wanting a quality specs out of their new device but don’t want to compromise on having a dependable, easy to use and easy to afford device.From the released details, it looks like the Huawei nova Y73 balances solid performance and stylish design with features that matter most to users. If you’re looking for an affordable phone that covers the essentials and offers reliable battery life, the Huawei nova Y73 definitely deserves a closer look before you make your next smartphone decision.FAQsWhen will the Huawei nova Y73 be released globally? Huawei hasn’t announced an exact global release date for the Huawei nova Y73 yet but it’s expected to launch soon as a global version of the Enjoy 80, with some tweaks to colour options and specs, in South Africa.Does the Huawei nova Y73 support Google services and expandable storage? Like other recent Huawei models, the Huawei nova Y73 does not support Google services, which may be a drawback for some users. It also lacks a microSD card slot, so you’ll need to choose between the 128GB or 256GB internal storage options based on your needs.What colours will the Huawei nova Y73 be available in? The Huawei nova Y73 will launch in two colours- Light Blue and Black. This is a scaled-back choice compared to the Enjoy 80’s four options but both shades look sleek and stylish.Is the Huawei nova Y73 good for gaming and multitasking? Thanks to 8GB of RAM, the Huawei nova Y73 handles everyday multitasking and light gaming smoothly. It’s not a powerhouse for heavy gaming but should be fine for casual players.How does the Huawei nova Y73 compare to other mid-range phones? The Huawei nova Y73 stands out for its large battery, decent camera and stylish design at a budget-friendly price. Its biggest downside is the lack of Google services, which might steer some buyers towards other brands.References:https://www.mobgsm.com/news/huawei-nova-y73-is-coming-soon-with-an-underpowered-chipsethttps://www.huaweicentral.com/huawei-nova-y73-launching-soon-as-rebranded-version-of-enjoy-80/

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