Author: Stephen Fenech

Apple has released updated models of the MacBook Air and the Mac Studio with new Apple silicon to provide dramatic speed and performance improvements. Apple has also introduced an all-new M3 Ultra chip which takes things to an all-new level with support for more than half a terabyte of unified memory – what Apple now calls RAM – the most ever for a personal computer. MACBOOK AIR WITH M4 The world’s most popular laptop just got a little faster thanks to the addition of Apple’s new M4 chip which now has the power to support up to two external displays…

We’ve reached a point where a robot vacuum like the new DEEBOT X8 Pro Omni can genuinely take over the cleaning duties in our homes and do such a fine job it will surprise you. ECOVACS, the company behind the DEEBOT X8 Pro Omni and the market leader in service robotics, has invested a lot of time, money and energy improving the technology that powers these robots. As a result, when someone asks us if a product like the X8 Pro Omni is any good – we can confidently tell them it’s great. https://youtu.be/oOIidxld_Ns?si=TXw1eGABTawX1S0D Over the years Tech Guide has…

Apple released a new faster iPad Air with its M3 silicon which makes the device compatible with Apple Intelligence and sporting new abilities and improved performance. The iPad Air with M3 will be available in 11-inch and 13-inch models and will go on sale on March 12. The iPad Air – the device that sits between the iPad and iPad Pro – has been supercharged so it can handle high-end and graphics-intensive apps and games. This model is 3.5x faster than the iPad Air powered by the A14 Bionic. The iPad Air with M3 has noticeable improvements even over the…

UK tech company Nothing has unveiled its new Phone (3a) series – the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro – which boasts its typical unique design, improved camera systems and other advanced features. Tech Guide has taken a hands-on first look at the new devices which are powered by the Snapdragon processor and feature brighter and more vibrant displays. The new Nothing smartphones have a standout look and feel with clear glass back panels so you can peek inside the device rather just having a plain colour filling the space. The camera systems have also had a redesign from the…

Get updated and educated with Episode 634 of the top-rating Tech Guide podcast hosted by editor Stephen Fenech and hear the latest consumer tech news and product reviews. On this week’s show, alarming research about our children’s online safety, Amazon upgrades Alexa to be even smarter and Samsung has unveiled its range affordable Galaxy A series smartphones. In the Tech Guide reviews – we share our verdict on the iPhone 16e, we take a look at the Elexi six-in-one charger and Ring has updated its Outdoor Camera Plus. In the Tech Guide Help Desk we talk about modems and what…

Get into the fast lane and take a listen to the latest episode of the popular show Two Blokes Talking Electric Cars – The EV Podcast – with Tech Guide editor Stephen Fenech and EFTM’s Trevor Long. This week we talk to Brendon Green from Pickles about the health of an EV battery after its first owner – the surprising results that give us hope for the future. We talk to Glen about options to replace a RAV4 Hybrid, and he has some questions about charging. If you’ve got a question about EVs or you want to be part of…

More than half of Australian children have been contacted online by strangers according to research conducted by conscientious smartphone manufacturer Human Mobile Devices (HMD). HMD commissioned a survey of more than 12,000 children from around the world, including Australia, aged between 8-15 and the findings were alarming around online safety, cyberbullying, harmful and inappropriate content and screen time. The study also involved parents and prompted a response from Hollywood star, talk show host and mother of two Drew Barrymore who made an appearance at the HMD event at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona where the company unveiled new devices and…

The iPhone is a popular device because it offers the type of all-round experience no other smartphone can imitate. That’s why so many people want one. So when Apple released the iPhone 16e it was a way customers could enjoy that experience, but at  a more affordable price. The iPhone 16e is not a cheap phone – it still starts at $999 and if you want 512GB of storage you’re paying $1,549. But it’s an iPhone which brings together Apple’s hardware, Apple’s software, Apple’s own chip and now Apple Intelligence. That overall experience is what customers want and Apple has…

Samsung has unveiled its new Galaxy A Series of affordable yet feature-packed smartphones which include AI and rugged construction and offer remarkable value. The series includes the Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A26 5G which is for the first time incorporating the One UI 7 platform and Awesome Intelligence. They will go on sale in Australia on March 27 and start from $499. “The new Galaxy A series marks an important step in our mission of AI for all, by opening Galaxy’s incredible mobile AI experiences to even more people around the world,” said TM Roh, President and…

Do or do not – there is not try! This week on The Best Movies You’ve Never Seen podcast we’re watching The Empire Strikes Back starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher. The Empire Strikes Back is Episode V in the saga and tells the story of Darth Vader’s relentless search for Luke Skywalker who is instructed to be trained by Jedi Master Yoda – but something is pulling him away and he must confront Vader at a time when he could be tempted by the Dark Side of the Force. Stephen saw this in the cinema when he…

Celebrate the 14th Birthday of the Two Blokes Talking Tech podcast by listening to Episode 672 with Tech Guide editor Stephen Fenech and EFTM’s Trevor Long as they discuss the week’s biggest tech stories and product announcements. This it’s 14 years since Stephen and Trevor started the podcast back in 2011. And you can win a prize from our sponsor since day one – Netgear. Take a listen to the show to find out what you need to do. On this week’s show: big news in streaming, MAX is launching in Australia in Late March – what does that mean?…

The Elexi Powerbank Pro is like a mobile power Swiss Army Knife – it’s a 6-in-1 charger so it offers lots of ways to power your devices and can even top up your Apple Watch. It looks like an Apple MacBook charger – but it’s slightly larger and has interchangeable plugs to use in the US, Asia and Europe so it’s ideal for travellers. It has a small display which shows the charge level beside a USB-A and USB-C port. There is also a cable that unfolds from the side which has a dual head plug – one is Lightning…

Amazon’s Alexa – accessible through Echo smart speakers and other products – has been upgraded with AI to make the assistant even smarter, more conversational and more personalised so it can get things done and find information even faster. Alexa+ is now connected to an LLM (large language model) to give it even wider capabilities and make it more intuitive. Now conversations with Alexa+ will be more conversational and natural and will feel like you’re talking to a friend. Alexa+ is already integrated into many services like Apple Music, Spotify, Netflix, Disney+ and can also access, monitor and control smart…

ECOVACS ROBOTICS, the world’s leading service robotics brand, has unveiled its 2025 line-up of robot vacuum cleaners featuring cutting-edge technologies and exceptional cleaning capabilities tailored to suit every Australian home. The line-up includes the DEEBOT X8 Pro Omni with its groundbreaking new OZMO roller self-washing mopping technology and the DEEBOT T50 series which offers the most powerful suction ever and the slimmest profile robot vacuum on the market. “Our mission of Robotics For All means delivering a bespoke choice of robotic cleaning solutions to suit every type of Australian home,” said Karen Powell, ECOVACS Regional Director for Australia and New…

Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) will be launching its streaming service Max in Australia on March 31, 2025, and will offer an impressive catalogue of iconic TV shows and movies on demand. Max is home to HBO and Max Originals and will also bring together Warner Bros, the DC Universe and Harry Potter along with Discovery and Cartoon Network. Max will join Netflix, Stan, Disney+, Paramount+ and Prime Video in Australia and is set to change up the viewing landscape and offer yet another viewing choice for customers. Plans and pricing are yet to be announced with the launch set for…

Do the right thing and press play on Episode 633 of the top-rating Tech Guide podcast hosted by editor Stephen Fenech as he keeps you updated and educated about the latest consumer tech news and reviews. On this week’s show: Apple unveils the iPhone 16e – but can you call it affordable? Norton has added AI-powered features to cyber safety products to improve online protection and Adobe’s Photoshop is 35 years old. In the Tech Guide reviews – we take a listen to the Technics EAH-AZ100 earphones with magnetic fluid driver, DJI unveils its new Osmo Mobile 7 gimbal for…

Oppo has unveiled its new Reno13 smartphone series – the Reno13 Pro 5G, the Reno13 5G and Reno13 F 5G – which combine slick design and performance with new AI features. Available from March 27, the Reno13 series range in price between $599 and $1,299. “This is the Reno Series like you’ve never seen it before. With the technology inside, there’s absolutely nothing ‘mid’ about these smartphones,” says Michael Tran, OPPO Australia’s Managing Director. “We’re packing 5,800mAh and 5,600mAh batteries, up to 80W flash charging, an IP69 rating, advanced camera systems, and an entire suite of AI features. “Starting from…

Ring has released its new Outdoor Camera Plus with improved 2K video resolution and a wider field of view to keep an eye on your home. The new camera also utilises Ring Vision which offers even greater clarity along with Low Light Sight technology which uses advanced image processing to capture colour and detail even in complete darkness. “The launch of Outdoor Camera Plus marks a significant milestone in our journey of combining superior image quality with intelligent features to enhance smart security, keeping customers connected to what matters most,” said Mark Fletcher, Ring Managing Director, APAC. “With 2K resolution,…

Put on your seatbelt and take a listen to the latest episode of the popular show Two Blokes Talking Electric Cars – The EV Podcast – with Tech Guide editor Stephen Fenech and EFTM’s Trevor Long. This week we talk to Julie Perrissel about her app IVYGo – where you can list your EV charger for other people to use and earn money. Caller Lucy wonders about charging for her new car – she nearly took on Penelope’s record for cars tested but we love what she settled on. And Lloyd talks to us about research showing battery life may…

Norton is holding a free webinar to educate the community, especially seniors, from becoming the victim of a scam. Scams are at an all-time high and make up more than 90 per cent of the threats received by people around the world. More than $318m was lot to scams in Australia in 2024 and these scams are becoming a growing risk for our online and digital safety. Seniors can join the free Norton webinar will be held at 10am February 26. Users can register here. The webinar will offer information about the latest scams, how to recognise them and other…