Author: Stephen Fenech

Stephen is the Tech Guide editor and one of Australia's most respected tech journalists. He is a regular on radio and TV talking about the latest tech news, products and trends.

Let the Two Blokes Talking Tech – Stephen Fenech (Tech Guide) and Trevor Long (EFTM) – give you the latest in tech news and products in a fun and informative way in Episode 473 of the popular podcast. In this week’s show, Apple Watch finally gets Irregular Rhythm Notifications approval from the TGA with ECG approval imminent, the state of the smartphone market sees Apple as the big winner while Oppo gains support from another retailer, Optus now offering a wi-fi booster with their latest NBN plans, the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1-branded electric scooter and we take a look at…

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We take so many photos with our smartphones and that’s where they stay but with the new Meural Wi-Fi Photo Frame from Netgear, you can have all of your favourite pictures constantly on display. And if you’re an art lover, you can also choose to have some of the most famous masterpieces hanging on your wall as well with the Meural Art membership which is like Spotify for art. The new Netgear Meural has a 15-inch 1080P IPS anti-glare display which has TruArt technology onboard. The screen has nice grey frame with a woodgrain edge and looks good when it’s…

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Apple was the big winner as smartphone sales increased by 3 per cent in the second half  of 2020 while we were still gripped by the COVID pandemic, compared to the same period in 2019, according to research by analyst firm Telsyte. The Telsyte Australian Smartphone and Wearable devices study showed sales of iPhones increased by 12 per cent to 2.1 million units in the second half of 2020. And this was driven by more affordable iPhones like the iPhone SE, the price-reduced iPhone 11 models and demand for Apple’s first 5G device – the iPhone 12. In contrast, sales…

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The Apple Watch’s credentials as a health device has received a boost after the Irregular Rhythm Notification feature was approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). But Apple is still awaiting approval for the ECG (electrocardiogram) feature which was submitted to the TGA some time ago. The Irregular Rhythm Notification, once installed through an Apple Watch update, will be able to pick up an irregular heart beat rhythm and provide an alert. This irregular rhythm could be a sign of atrial fibrillation – a condition that would require the patient to have an ECG to get a more complete…

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Not every Formula One fan can drive a Formula One car but they can ride the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One edition of the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2 which is available now. Priced at $1,499, the Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2 Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One edition can achieve a maximum speed of 25km/h and can travel up to 45km on a single charge. The scooter has a sleek design that has been enhanced with the same teal accents of the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One cars as well as the distinctive AMB branding near the rear wheel.…

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It’s time to tune in to Episode 437 of the top-rating Tech Guide podcast, hosted by editor Stephen Fenech, so you can stay updated and educated about the latest consumer tech news and reviews. In this week’s show, which 5G network is fastest and which has the widest coverage – Optus and Telstra battle it out, will we see an Apple Car and why Ford has partnered with Google, South Sydney launches Rabbitohs PLUS to offer cheaper mobile plans and other services. In the Tech Guide reviews, we get behind the wheel of the MG ZS electric SUV, realme has…

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The world’s first smartphones with a built-in temperature sensor to read a person’s temperature have been unveiled in response to the global COVID safety measures. The UMIDIGI A9, A9 Pro and A7S smartphones have an infrared sensor within the camera cluster on the rear panel which can be held close to a person’s forehead to take their temperature. The COVID-19 pandemic is still a concern around the world and an elevated temperature is an early indicator that a person may be infected with the virus. Today it’s not uncommon to see temperature sensors at the entrances to pubs, clubs, restaurant…

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Optus has launched a new all-in-one home internet solution which includes a modem and separate wi-fi booster to ensure families have fast and reliable wi-fi across their entire home. The new Optus Family Internet Plans include both the new Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Modem and Ultra Wi-Fi Booster which work together to extended the wireless signal to every corner and every level of your house. More time is being spent either working or learning from home so our wireless networks are more important than ever. Reliable wi-fi is also necessary when streaming content and for online gaming. An all-in-one solution like the Optus…

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The MG ZS is not only the first fully electric SUV in Australia – it has also been priced competitively so it can be a serious consideration for any customer thinking of making the switch to an EV. Tech Guide got behind the wheel of the MG ZS EV which looks and drives just like a regular SUV but instead of refuelling at the petrol bowser – you plug it in. I’m already very familiar with electric cars – I’ve been driving a Tesla for almost three years – so this is going to be two reviews in one. One…

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The South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league club has launched a new initiative to give fans a chance to show their support through their regular purchases and services including mobile phone plans, credit cards and insurance. Rabbitohs PLUS has been designed to provide extra value to the club’s many members on the everyday items they would usually purchase elsewhere like mobile plans, insurance, credit cards, home loans, personal loans, car loans and travel bookings. Members will receive highly competitive rates on these purchases with a portion of their spend going back to the club to fund resources for community programs and…

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Two Blokes Talking Tech Episode 472 with Tech Guide editor Stephen Fenech and Trevor Long brings you the biggest tech news and products in a fun and informative podcast. On this week’s show, how sports rights and streaming services will evolve over the years, Ford partners with Google while Apple Car rumours persist after news of a potential deal with Hyundai, Ecovacs Deebot U2 robot vacuum launched for less than $400 and the realme 7 5G smartphone that’s priced under $500, TikTok coming to your TV and Apple Watch will unlock your iPhone if you’re wearing a mask. You can…

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The rumours about Apple working on a car just won’t go away. And they were fired up even further with reports that Apple is on the verge of signing a deal with Hyundai and sister company Kia to manufacture its electric car. Bloomberg is reporting the partnership will include Apple making a $US3.6 billion investment in Hyundai. Reports suggest the car won’t be seen on the road before 2024. Apple’s involvement isn’t entirely clear but it’s fair to say the company will focus more on the car’s operating system and autonomous driving capabilities and leave the actual car manufacturing to…

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Making our homes smarter and more secure is the goal of more Australians than ever before with more than 190 million connected devices already in our homes. And that number is set to rise by a staggering 92 per cent by 2024. Arlo, the leading wireless security camera company, teamed up with Telsyte to produce the IoT@Home Market Study 2020 which found that the number of connected devices will explode from 190 million to 370 million connected devices within the next three years – that’s an increase of 92 per cent. And with the increase of connected devices, this will…

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realme has broken the $500 barrier for a 5G smartphone with new the realme 7 device which not only offers 5G connectivity but also a 120Hz ultra smooth display, 30W fast charging and a 5,000mAh battery. One of the fastest growing smartphone brands, realme has managed to combine a number of impressive features with the realme 7 5G which has been priced at $499. “2021 is the year that 5G becomes a reality for Aussies across the country,” says realme managing director Andy Yang. “At realme, we want to pave the way in ensuring all consumers can benefit from the…

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EcoXGear has launched another rugged outdoor product – the EcoExtreme 2 – that’s both a Bluetooth speaker and a case to protect your belongings. The EcoExtreme 2 is rated at IP67 and is fully waterproof so you can take the speaker anywhere and also store your items like phone, wallet, keys and other small items while travelling or camping. The product can be fully submerged and will also float if it goes into the water. EcoExtreme 2 is made from high impact and rugged materials so it can handle all types of conditions. The onboard speaker has a 15W full…

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Ecovacs Robotics has launched a new robot vacuum – the Deebot U2 – which offers powerful suction for carpets as well as mopping for your hard floors and all for less than $400. Available from February 4, the Deebot U2 is an affordable new entry-level option which joins the advanced Ecovacs range. “We are continuously striving to help Australian families free up time from cumbersome chores so that they can focus on more enjoyable things during their rare downtime,” says Karen Powell, Head of Australia and New Zealand for Ecovacs Robotics. “Having a reliable, cost effective robotic vacuum solution such…

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Ford and Google have announced a partnership which will see the car manufacturer’s vehicles running the Android operating system from 2023 onwards with Google app and services built in. This strategic alliance is designed to accelerate Ford’s vision of a connected vehicle experience. Ford and Google will establish a collaborative group called Team Upshift which will leverage the talents of both companies to create new users experiences for everything from in-car driving applications to new retail experiences. Ford has also announced Google Cloud as its preferred cloud provider which will offer world class expertise in data, artificial intelligence (AI) and…

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Episode 436 of the top-rating Tech Guide podcast, hosted by editor Stephen Fenech, is right here so you can stay updated and educated about the latest consumer tech news and reviews. On this week’s show, understanding how our data is used to track us, Google has kicked off an information war over the News Media Bargaining Code – but they’ve also presented a solution and Tesla has unveiled the latest version of its Model S electric car. In the Tech Guide reviews, we offer our verdict on the Samsung S21 and S21 Ultra smartphones, Norton releases new internet security for…

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Telstra has transformed its live sports streaming offer by joining forces with Kayo Sports to give customers even more value and more sports to enjoy on their smartphones and at home. Kayo will replace Telstra Live Pass in the AFL and NRL apps and give fans the ability to watch every AFL and every NFL match of every round live and ad-break free. And Telstra also has an exclusive offer for those who had previously used the AFL and NRL Live Passes with eligible customers receiving $20 a month off Kayo’s basic subscription (usually $25) which brings the price down…

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Energy company AGL has entered the phone business and is now offering mobile SIM plans with generous data allowances and no lock-in contracts. AGL Mobile will be powered by the Optus network with plans starting at as little as $15 a month. There will also be discounts available to customers who combine their AGL Mobile service with an AGL Energy plan. “We want to transform how Australians connect to the essential services that power their lives,” says AGL chief customer office Christine Corbett. “We’re offering customers simplicity and ease by taking away the hassle of calling several providers and becoming…

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