Author: Stephen Fenech

Uber is used by more than 3.8 million Australians and now riders can take even more control of their ride thanks to a new feature called Uber Comfort. With Uber Comfort, passengers are now able to choose quiet mode, request temperature control and extend waiting times. Riders can request quiet mode without any music or conversation when they are expecting a call, need to dial in to a conference call or just want peace and quiet. Passengers can also request a temperature setting – cool, warm or hot – if they have forgotten their jacket on a cool day so…

D-Link has just released a smart security bundle powered by AI to give users a home monitoring solution with the ability to automate and control devices in your home. The DCS-8331 Smart DIY Security Bundle includes a smart full HD wireless camera with a built-in smart home hub, a smart door and window sensor along with a motion sensor. Users can set up the system to provide continuous local recording to your NAS (network attached storage) or the cloud. The D-Link DCS-8331’s smart wi-fi camera also uses AI and Intelligent Video Analytics (IVA) detection with a 151-degree field of view…

Uniden has expanded its line-up of dash cams with two sleek new models that offer advanced video capture while being discreetly positioned in your vehicle. The Dash View 30 and Dash View 30R Smart Dash Cam have 2.5K video resolution from the front facing camera while the rear camera included with the Dash View 30R shoots full high definition at 30 frames per second. The cameras have a slick cylindrical shape but have no screens. Users can view footage captured on the dash cams through the DashView that works on both iOS and Android as well as seeing a live…

Find out about the latest tech news and product reviews by listening to Episode 387 of the top-rating Tech Guide podcast, hosted by editor Stephen Fenech. On this week’s show, Mobile World Congress has been cancelled over fears of the Coronavirus, how DJI is using its drones to fight the deadly virus in China and Vodafone and TPG get the green light to merge and what this will mean for customers and the mobile industry. And we’ve just returned from the Samsung event in San Francisco and we’ll give you our hands on reviews of the new Galaxy S20 smartphones…

Afterpay has partnered with Samsung Electronics Australia which will allow customers shopping at Samsung’s online store to take advantage of its Buy Now Pay Later service. This means Samsung customers will be able to buy a range of products including TVs, tablets, IT products, smartphones and appliances from its online store and spread out the payments over four fortnightly interest-free instalments. It will also make the new Galaxy S20 smartphones, to be released on March 6, an even more tempting choice with customers able to purchase the device outright but to spread the payments out over two months. “By partnering…

A new personal emergency alarm – the mCareMate – has just been released to keep elderly and vulnerable people independent but safe and at the same time offering immediate access to support and care. The discreet device is just 6.4cm long, 3.9cm wide and 1.8cm thick and is small enough to wear as a pendant or keep in your pocket. mCareMate has a number of added features over a traditional personal alarm and was developed in consultation with families, individuals and organisations who support the elderly and people with disabilities. It also has a built-in SIM card that connects to…

Movie Frenzy is back! Get the popcorn ready this weekend or a three-day digital movie sale that will offer Hollywood’s latest blockbusters to enjoy in your home at low rental prices. From Friday February 21 until Sunday February 23, Movie Frenzy will allow viewers to rent newly-released hits and critically-acclaimed award-winning movies across the most popular platforms including Apple TV/iTunes, Fetch, Foxtel Store, Google Play, Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store and Telstra TV Box Office. Movies can be rented for $3 and under. The selection of movies will satisfy movie lovers whether they’re interested in musicals, dramas, action or edge-of-your-seat thrillers.…

The drone has evolved into so much more than a flying camera with DJI leading the way and introducing it into so many new industries and areas of our lives. The latest example from DJI is using its drones to fight the deadly coronavirus in China. Since originating in the Chinese city Wuhan, it has spread with frightening speed with the death toll now exceeding more than 1,000 and the number infected at around 45,000. DJI has stepped up to the plate to help combat the disease with the latest drone technology. It has used its drones in a number…

The cancellation of Mobile World Congress 2020 in Barcelona over fears of the coronavirus will have huge repercussions on the worldwide smartphone market and potentially delay the launch of new devices for months. MWC is the biggest gathering of the year for smartphone vendors, network infrastructure companies, telecommunications companies and retailers. It is a global platform where companies get to launch their products in front of the world’s press. But it is also where deals between smartphone manufacturers, retailers and carriers are made as well. Without a show this year it could take months for these meetings to be held…

Tesla has closed its St Leonards service centre and removed the six Superchargers at that site which leaves only one Supercharger location for Sydney Tesla drivers to use. The six St Leonards superchargers were removed in early February which means the eight stations located in the Broadway shopping centre are the only ones available to Tesla drivers in the greater Sydney area. Tesla says a new Supercharger will open in the first half of 2020 in the lower north shore. Tesla did announce late last year that the St Leonards would be closing with this statement: “Our existing Tesla location…

The merger between Vodafone and TPG has been given the green light after the Federal Court ruled against the ACCC who tried to block the merger because it thought it would reduce market competition. But Justice John Middleton, after four months of consideration, saw it differently and ruled the proposed merger could go ahead. Naturally Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) welcomed the Federal Court decision to allow the merger with TPG to proceed. VHA CEO Inaki Berroeta said the outcome will benefit Australian customers and the Australian economy and would pave the way for even greater investment in 5G networks. “It’s…

Mobile World Congress, the biggest annual gathering of the mobile industry in Barcelona, has been cancelled this year over fears of the spread of the coronavirus. GSMA, the organisers of the event, confirmed the show would not be going ahead in 2020. MWC 2020 was due to run from February 24-28. “With due regard to the safe and healthy environment in Barcelona and the host country today, the GSMA has cancelled MWC Barcelona 2020 because the global concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak, travel concern and other circumstances, make it impossible for the GSMA to hold the event,” said GSMA CEO…

Spotify has launched Spotify Kids – a new app aimed at listeners age three years and older – which will provide a safe and ad-free environment for young music lovers to explore the latest tracks and playlists. Spotify Kids is exclusive to Spotify Premium family subscribers and is a walled garden where kids can enjoy more than 130 playlists from child favourites including Disney, Nickelodeon and Hasbro. It is a stand-alone app designed with young kids in mind and to give parents peace of mind with ad free content curated by Spotify’s team of editors. The Spotify Kids interface looks…

The new Rode NT-USB Mini has brought the impressive sound quality of the company’s professional microphones and shrunk it down to a compact easy-to-use size to deliver high audio quality for gamers, podcasters, streamers, content creators and musicians. It brings the characteristics of Rode’s studio mics and brings a high-quality condenser to a smaller USB platform and deliver the warmth and quality in your recordings. It measures 89mm wide and 141mm tall – that’s pretty compact with a really small footprint. But don’t let its size let you underestimate its quality. Under the hood is a directional cardioid polar pattern…

Episode 423 of the Two Blokes Talking Tech podcast with Tech Guide editor Stephen Fenech and EFTM’s Trevor Long is coming to you live from San Francisco at Samsung Unpacked event. Stephen and Trevor travelled to San Francisco as guests of Samsung to get a first-hand look at the latest Galaxy S20 range of smartphones and the all-new Galaxy Z Flip folding smartphone. We also speculate on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip expected price and how It will stand up against Motorola Razr. The Blokes also take you through the features of the three S20 phones including an improved screen,…

Samsung has released its second folding smartphone – the Galaxy Z Flip – a sleek device aimed at the style conscious customer that opens up to reveal a 6.7-inch display but that fits in the palm of your hand when folded. A year ago Samsung ushered in the era of the folding phone when it revealed the Galaxy Fold which opened up like a book to reveal a larger tablet-size screen. https://youtu.be/dxruGNcNGOc While the Galaxy Z Flip offers similar folding display technology with an innovative hideaway hinge, the approach is slightly different. With the Z Flip, users can enjoy a…

The Samsung Galaxy S20 range is really stretching the possibilities of what can be achieved with a smartphone with an even better pro-level camera and even bigger screens to access and enjoy content on the move through 5G. Tech Guide got its hands on the devices at the Samsung Unpacked event in San Francisco. The device comes in three screen sizes – 6.2-inch (S20), 6.7-inch (S20 Plus) and the huge 6.9-inch (S20 Ultra). Samsung is giving customer choices here – not everyone wants a large device. The S20 at 6.2-inch doesn’t feel too big in your hand thanks to the super thin bezels that gives you a larger display…

Samsung has unveiled its most advanced smartphones to date – the Galaxy S20 range – with upgrades that will get customers attention including better and larger a displays, 5G connectivity and a pro-level camera system. There are three Galaxy S20 smartphones – the S20 (6.2-inch screen), S20 Plus (6.7-inch) and the S20 Ultra which is rocking a huge 6.9-inch display. They will go on sale in Australia on March 6 and will start from $1,349 – the same starting price as last year’s Galaxy S10. On the design side the new S20 smartphones have even thinner bezels and the Infinity…

If you want to stay updated and educated about the latest consumer tech news and reviews then you need to tune in to Episode 386 of the top-rating Tech Guide podcast hosted by editor Stephen Fenech. On this week’s show, Google Maps is 15 years old and we talk about its Australian roots, the coronavirus won’t stop Mobile World Congress despite companies pulling out of the event and is the end for BlackBerry? In the Tech Guide reviews, we talk about the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero wireless headphones for PC gamers, Denon is bringing its TV soundbar systems to…

An Australian-designed and developed global messaging solution called Zoleo has been unveiled to offer connectivity whether you have cellular coverage or not, making it an ideal device to have in emergency situations. The recent Australian bushfires were a stark example of how people can be cut off from communications with the cell towers were being destroyed alongside the trees, bushland and properties. It offers a reliable messaging solution and personal safety companion for users in virtually any conditions. “Until now, no company in the mobile satellite sector has conquered what is arguably the ‘killer app’ of the smartphone age –…