Author: Stephen Fenech

Australians are already up to speed with 5G with two thirds of smartphone users calling it a “must have” feature that will future proof the purchase of their next device. The research, commissioned by Oppo which will be releasing its first 5G smartphone – the Oppo Reno – this week, indicates Australians are excited about the faster speeds and capacity that 5G will provide. Some are also hoping 5G will also help them achieve a faster connection on their home broadband service. But Oppo’s 5G Futures report shows Australians will only purchase a 5G smartphone if it comes in under…

Apple has introduced an all-new iPod Touch which offers improved performance for gaming and, for the first time on iPod, immersive augmented reality experiences. The device is powered by Apple’s A10 Fusion chip and has three times faster graphics so games and videos run even smoother and look even better. The new iPod Touch also runs the latest iOS operating system which includes features like Group FaceTime to chat with multiple family members and friends at the same time. “We’re making the most affordable iOS device even better with performance that is twice as fast as before, Group FaceTime and augmented…

Bose is a company that produces high-quality audio but it latest product is a pair of sunglasses. Not just any old sunglasses – they just happen to have the world’s thinnest and lightest audio system on board as well. The Bose Frames look like a typical pair of matte black sunglasses with tinted lenses that block up to 99 per cent of UVA/UVB rays. But take a closer look and you’ll see the arms are slightly thicker on each side – this is where the wafer thin acoustic package has been located. There are no earbuds or anything you need…

We’re celebrating the milestone of 350 episodes of the top-rating Tech Guide podcast, hosted by editor Stephen Fenech that has been updating and educating our loyal listeners for seven years. On this week’s 350th show, Telstra’s lightning 5G demonstration with the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, the HTC 5G Hub to use the Telstra 5G network at home and on the go and TCL will be bringing its 8K TV to Australia. In the Tech Guide reviews, we take a look at the Google Pixel 3a smartphone, we run our eye over the Lenovo Smart Clock and the Aura scanner that…

Is your smartphone making you sick? Is it affecting your eye health? New research has shown our obsession with our mobile devices is putting our health at risk. Research has shown our constant use and misuse of our smartphone is having adverse effects to our well-being and also putting a strain on our eyes. The survey by online optical retailer Clearly.com.au of 500 Australian smartphone users revealed some alarming habits. Most people hold their phones up to 22cm closer to their eyes than they would if reading a magazine or a book. The study also showed 60 per cent of…

Google’s new Pixel 3a smartphone is good value proposition for anyone looking for a more affordable phone with most of the features of a flagship device but at a mid-range price. Previously, Google’s Pixel phones were priced as highly as Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones and iPhones. Frankly, most people who had $1,200 to spend on a phone were giving that money to Samsung and Apple before they were giving it to Google. But that’s not to say the Pixel phones didn’t have their fans. Now with the Pixel 3a it will be a lot more attractive to customers because it takes…

Telstra has impressively demonstrated the speed of its 5G network with Samsung’s new Galaxy S10 5G smartphone – the first 5G handset to be released in Australia. From tomorrow (May 28) customers can get their hands on the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G which boasts a 6.7-inch display, a six camera system and a 4,500mAh battery with fast charging. Also available on the Telstra 5G network this week is the HTC 5G Hub – the world’s first 5G mobile hotspot that also has a place in the home with the ability to connect up to 20 devices wirelessly. The biggest attraction…

Sports lovers who own a Sony Bravia TV, or are thinking of buying one, will be pleased to hear that it will include the Kayo Sports app to so they can enjoy live streaming of more than 50 sports on the service. Kayo Sports, what people are calling the Netflix of sport, will be available on the Sony Bravia TVs which run the Android operating system. That means Sony TVs purchased as far back as 2015 will be able to download the Kayo Sports app on their TV and log in with their details to enjoy live sport streamed from…

Lenovo has launched its new Smart Clock with Google Assistant so you get all the convenience of a clock and an alarm system with the many benefits of a smart speaker. The Lenovo Smart Clock is quite small – it has a 4-inch display – but it’s just the right size to have by your bedside. It has voice and touch screen control and is a perfect device to have on your bedside table. There’s even a USB port on the rear of the device so you can charge your smartphone overnight. Lenovo says it came up with the Smart…

The latest fresh episode (Episode 389) of Two Blokes Talking Tech with Tech Guide editor Stephen Fenech and EFTM’s Trevor Long takes a look at the week’s biggest tech stories. On this week’s show, Huawei facing an unknown future after being banned by Google, 5G has arrived with Telstra releasing two 5G devices – the HTC 5G Hub and the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G – and Apple Pay comes to National Australia Bank customers while Ticketek make it possible to put your tickets on your iPhone or Apple Watch. https://youtu.be/RGiuFjogPos Also on the program, Samsung releases its Space Monitor, prepare…

Scanning documents, books and photographs can be a time-consuming process using a flatbed scanner but the new Aura smart scanner by Czur has just changed all of that. For a start, Aura is not just another flatbed scanner – it looks nothing like it. The device looks more like a lamp than a scanner and has a solid unibody aluminium construction and a stylish metallic finish. In fact, when not being used for scanning Aura can also be used as a smart multifunction desk lamp. The Aura scanner arm unfolds and locks into place so the camera and smart lamp…

TCL has announced it will be bringing its first 8K TV, which was revealed to the world in January at the Consumer Electronics Show Las Vegas, to Australia and New Zealand later this year. The TCL 75-inch X10 8K TV has four times the resolution of a 4K TV and 16 times the resolution of a full high definition TV. Video on the TV, which we saw at CES, looks super sharp and bright. It uses the company’s latest Quantum Dot display technology and has a simple yet elegant design. Also onboard is a built-in soundbar which has been tuned…

Telstra will be offering two 5G devices from next week – the HTC 5G Hub and the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G but just how extensive is its 5G network and is it already available where you live. Telstra will become the first company to offer 5G devices on its network and has made good on its promise to have these available to customers in the first half of 2019. The HTC 5G Hub is the world’s first 5G/4GX media hotspot which can function as both a secure mobile solution or as a family entertainment hub which takes advantage of 5G…

National Australia Bank customers will now be able to access Apple Pay with their iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad or Mac with an eligible Visa debit or credit card. The service is now live for NAB personal and business customers so they can make an easy, secure and private payment with their Apple device. “We’ve been hearing from customers that they want Apple Pay and it’s great to be able to launch this service today,” says NAB chief customer experience officer Rachel Slade. “We’re continuing to listen to customer feedback and take action to become the bank our customers want. “As…

Ticketek has launched contactless ticketing for iPhone and Apple Watch users in an Australian first which will make its debut at Suncorp Stadium just-in-time for the rugby league blockbuster – State of Origin Game 1. Now customers can choose to receive their tickets digitally and add them to Apple Wallet with one touch. When entering the stadium, fans simply place their iPhone or Apple Watch near the turnstiles reader for fast entry. These contactless tickets are easier to carry and more secure and will eliminate the worry of losing a paper ticket. Cameron Hoy, the chief operating officer and head…

Samsung’s new Galaxy S10 5G – Australia’s first 5G mobile device – will go on sale next week through Telstra and Samsung Experience Stores. The Galaxy S10 5G is another step up from its recently released Galaxy S10 line-up with an even larger screen, superior camera functionality to capture better photos and videos and a bigger battery. And Telstra customers who purchased the Galaxy S10+ during the eligibility period earlier this year will be able to upgrade their device to the new Galaxy S10 5G at no extra cost. Customers will have 21 days from May 28 to redeem this…

Telstra has officially switched on its 5G network and is launching Australia’s first 5G mobile device – the HTC 5G Hub which will be available to order online from today. The HTC 5G Hub will arrive on May 28 in Telstra stores across Australia. The device is the world’s first 5G/4GX media hotspot which can function as both a secure mobile solution or as a family entertainment hub which takes advantage of 5G speeds to stream 4K content and games to your TV. Telstra CEO Andy Penn says the launch of the HTC 5G Hub is a significant milestone for…

Coffee lovers are willing to go to great lengths for good coffee including spending money on a machine that will deliver that high quality brew in the comfort of your own home just like the De’Longhi Dinamica Plus. The fully automated coffee machine is the first in Australia to feature Advanced Interaction technology which can remember your most frequently selected coffees. The Dinamica Plus has a 3.5-inch touchscreen which gives users one-touch control  of the machine. It is also smart enough to personalise the beverages to suit your taste in a number of ways including length of the pour, temperature…

Episode 349 of the top rating Tech Guide podcast, hosted by editor Stephen Fenech, is here so you can stay updated and educated about the latest consumer tech news and reviews. On this week’s show, is this the end for Huawei after Google bans them from the Android operating system, Optus 5G home broadband delivering speeds three times faster than the NBN and DJI’s new Osmo Action camera takes on the GoPro. In the Tech Guide reviews, we check out the Arlo Ultra wire-free security cameras, we run our eye over the Hisense Series 7 TV and Samsung unveils its…

Choosing a security camera system for your home is a serious decision. You want high quality security but also the connectivity to give you peace of mind. That’s exactly what you get with new Arlo Ultra 4K Wire-Free Security System. The cameras offer 4K ultra high definition HDR (high dynamic range) so you get the clearest possible video which is ideal if you need to identify people and car licence plates. Also onboard is a 180-degree field of view – a lot wider than the previous generation of Arlo cameras – so can fit a lot more in the frame.…