Author: Stephen Fenech

We all know the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 11 Pro have better cameras, improved performance and longer battery life but there are a host of other features Apple didn’t have time to mention at the special launch event keynote. Most of the attention for the new iPhones went to their prospective camera systems and showcasing the quality of the photos and videos captured with the new devices. But there are a few other features under the hood that didn’t rate dimension by Apple on stage. Here’s what we found: FAST CHARGING The new iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro…

Tech Guide has gone hands on with the new iPhone 11 and the iPhone 11 Pro in the Steve Jobs Theatre after Apple’s special launch event today. After the announcements, we were able to get up close to the products in the hands-on area at the event. https://youtu.be/jOUTkDPuQXA The iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 11 Pro Max other flagship models in the range and offer superior performance across the board. On top of the regular silver, space grey and gold colours there is now a new addition – midnight green. Design-wise the only major changes to the rear panel…

Apple has announced the new Apple Watch Series 5 with an always-on display so you can always see the time and keep an eye on your complications. The device will go on sale in Australia on September 20 with prices starting at $649 for the Bluetooth GPS model and $799 for GPS plus Cellular. The always-on feature is made possible by an innovative new LTPO (low temperature poly silicone and oxide) display technology which intelligently dims when the user’s wrist is down and returns to full brightness with a raise or tap. Also onboard the Apple Watch Series 5 is…

Apple has unveiled a refreshed line-up of iPhones which take performance to the next level and include the best camera system the company has ever created. The new iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 11 were revealed at the Steve Jobs Theatre at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters and have taken image and video capture to the next level. TECH GUIDE’S HANDS-ON LOOK AT THE iPHONE 11 and iPHONE 11 PRO The iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 11 will be available for preorder on Friday, September 13 and will go on sale on September 20.…

The Apple TV+ streaming service will kick off in Australia on November 1 with a host of original content and at a cost of $7.99 per month. And if you buy an Apple device you’ll get a year’s subscription for free. Announced at the Apple launch event at the company’s headquarters in Cupertino, Apple TV+ will be going up against Disney+ which will debut in the same month – just two weeks later. “With Apple TV+, we are presenting all-original stories from the best, brightest and most creative minds, and we know viewers will find their new favourite show or movie on our…

Tune in to Episode 365 of the top-rating Tech Guide podcast, hosted by editor Stephen Fenech, as we wrap up the products unveiled at the IFA tech show in Berlin. We get our hands on the Samsung Galaxy Fold, we’ll also talk about 8K, take a look at all the announcements from Lenovo and we’ll also chat with Lenovo’s Australian managing director Matt Codrington. Also on the show you’ll hear about the new Ecovacs Robotic’s Deebot Ozma 950 and the new smartphones coming from TCL and Alcatel. In other news, Ring has released a new doorbell especially for apartments and in…

Sennheiser has launched the third generation of its premium Momentum headphone range which combine the company’s signature audio quality, the latest technology and a modern design. On board is an auto on/off and Smart Pause feature which means the Sennheiser Momentum wireless headphones turn on when unfolded, pause when they are removed and resume when they are put on again. This is achieved by using proximity sensors so the user doesn’t have to fiddle with any buttons or controls –  their music is right there when they want it. The headphone earpads  are made from sheepskin leather  while the pearl-blasted…

Hisense, a brand we already know for its impressive TVs, soundbars and refrigerators, has launched a new range of air-conditioners which are designed especially for Australian customers and the Australian climate. The Hisense R&D team developed these products with Australian climates in mind. In fact, our unique climate was the decision behind providing reverse cycle solutions (heating and cooling) for the cooler southern regions and cooling only models for the northern regions. “Reliable cooling solutions are incredibly important to consumers – especially in Australia with its typically long and hot summers,” says Andre Iannuzzi, head of marketing at Hisense Australia.…

Sony has launched 40th anniversary edition of the Walkman so customers can take a trip down memory lane with an incredible copy of the iconic device. The Sony NW-A100TPS Walkman has the same retro style as the original Walkman released 40 years ago. it comes with a specially designed soft case and package that’s a throwback to Sony’s very first portable cassette player which launched on July 1, 1979. The device, which is running Android, as 1/40 anniversary logo printed on the rear panel. The soft case has a small window on the front that makes it look like a…

Apple’s special launch event is fast approaching and there have been plenty of rumours and speculation about what we can expect to see unveiled at the Steve Jobs Theatre. The “By Innovation Only” event will kick off on September 10 (3am September 11 Sydney time) and will be live streamed on Apple TV and also through the Apple website. September is usually iPhone season and 2019 will be no different. But with a looming Apple TV+ streaming service and fresh rumours around some other products we may see several other announcements. iPHONE It is certain we will see new iPhones…

Two Blokes Talking Tech Episode 403 with Tech Guide editor Stephen Fenech and EFTM’s Trevor Long is coming to you live from the IFA tech show in Berlin. On this week’s show, we go through the biggest announcements from Europe’s biggest tech event. Stephen and Trevor both got a chance to get their hands on the Samsung Galaxy Fold and share their first impressions., The blokes also talk about the new 8K TVs from Samsung and LG and the issue of “real 8K”, Lenovo takes a smart approach to its new laptops, tablets and smart speakers, TCL to launch a…

Tech Guide has taken its first look at Samsung’s first foldable smartphone – the Galaxy Fold – which was unveiled back in February but in our hands for the very first time at the IFA tech show in Berlin. From the first moment we got the Galaxy Fold in our hands we could feel the impressive build quality. The metal edges and the sophisticated hinge felt solid in our hand. https://youtu.be/4k7mlYLJ680 In the folded position, it’s really easy to grip the device. In this mode, it’s less than the width of a regular smart phone but has enough room to…

Leading home robotics company Ecovacs Robotics has unveiled its latest flagship model – the Deebot Ozmo 950 – which has new multi-floor mapping functionality and three hours of battery life to give your home a fast and thorough clean. The Deebot Ozmo 950 has already been awarded the IFA Product Technical Innovation Award for its mapping technology. “Ecovacs aims to play a key role in the development of the service robotics industry in the next 20 or even 100 years,” said Jonathan Tang, Vice President, Head of Global Business at Ecovacs Robotics. “The new brand Visual Identity goes well beyond a Logo. It…

The Lenovo mission of offering “smarter technology for all”  took a huge step closer today after the company revealed its range of new products at its annual Tech Life event on the eve of the IFA tech trade show in Berlin. Front and centre were a new range of Yoga consumer laptops, smart home devices with built-in Google Assistant and an AR headset. The premium Yoga laptop PCs introduced in Berlin continue the brand’s tradition of providing solid computer power, sleek design and an immersive entertainment experience. They also bring to the table a range of new features including Super…

Electronics giant TCL will enter the Australian smartphone with the TCL Plex – a flagship-level device with advanced camera and display technology that was unveiled at the IFA tech trade show in Berlin. The company will also release the TCL 4G Movetime Family Watch to keep families connected on the go. Alcatel, a member of the TCL Communication family, also announced the launch of the Alcatel 3X, an affordable with a 6.5-inch high definition display. “It is exciting to be launching the TCL brand in smartphones and wearables into Australia,” said Sam Skontos, VP & Regional Managing Director South East Asia &…

Samsung has kicked off its 50th birthday celebrations at the IFA tech trade show in Berlin with an all-new addition to its impressive 8K QLED line-up. “Ever since Samsung’s original black and white TV launch nearly 50 years ago, we have been introducing cutting-edge technologies across our consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile businesses,” said Benjamin Braun, Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President, Samsung Europe. “Samsung will continue to build the legacy of the company and bring life-changing innovations to our customers.” Samsung was the first brand to launch 8K TVs a year ago at IFA 2018 in large screen…

Bose has introduced the Portable Home Speaker which produces 360-degree sound that can truly go anywhere with you and be controlled with your voice. The device weighs just over 1kg and can be carried by the handle room to room, outside, around the home and anywhere else you want to take it. The Bose Portable Home Speaker has an onboard battery that runs for up to 12 hours. It connects wirelessly via Bluetooth so it can stream your music from your phone or tablet. When it’s connected to a wi-fi network, the Bose Portable Home Speaker also offers Google Assistant…

Ride sharing app Uber has overtaken taxis as the preferred private transport service in Australia for the very first time according to research conducted by Roy Morgan. More Australians aged 14 and above (22.9 per cent) would choose an Uber over a taxi (21.8 per cent) according to the Roy Morgan Research conducted with face-to-face interviews with 1000 Australians each week and  more than 50,000 each year. After just three years in the market, Uber has experienced tremendous growth with the proportion of Australians utilising the service in an average three month period rising from 6.6 per cent of the…

Ring has changed the game when it comes to home security with its video doorbells and it has just released the fifth version of the product that is designed for apartments, townhouses and other rental properties. Ring Door View Cam can be installed directly on a front door to replace an existing peephole. Installation doesn’t require any drilling or permanent modifications of any kind to the door. On the inside of the door users place the included viewer which lets you look out through the Ring Door View Cam making it now a digital peephole. Ring Door View Cam provides…

Bang & Olufsen has announced its first soundbar which combines the company’s signature sound and flair for design in a product that will provide an immersive cinematic experience. The Beosound Stage has a simple, yet elegant, design that’s available in natural aluminium, bronze tone aluminium or smoked oak. A Frame runs all the way around the speaker which seamlessly integrates an engraved sensory control panel. There is a 2mm gap between the frame and the fabric speaker cover which gives the illusion the speaker is floating inside the frame. Under the hood the Beosound Stage has 11 speaker drivers which…