Author: Stephen Fenech

The App Store has prevented more than $10 billion ($US7 billion) worth of potentially fraudulent transactions and blocked 14 million stolen credit cards between 2020 and 2023 using industry leading technologies. Apple revealed in its fourth annual Fraud Prevention Analysis Report that he had rejected more than 1.7 million app submissions which failed to meet the App Store’s high standards for privacy security and content. Apple’s investment in anti-fraud technologies since the store opened in 2008 was to ensure a safe and secure experience for customers downloading apps. In recent years, the company has expanded its security initiatives to address…

Fetch TV will be adding free to air IP channels to its TV Guide which means customers without an antenna or poor reception can still enjoy one click access to free to air programmes. The free to air IP channels can be viewed already on the Fetch platform through the various catch up apps for the commercial networks. But to view the free to air live stream users had to locate the app, open it and scroll to find the live IP feed. With this new update Fetch will separate that stream and make it available in the EPG (Electronic…

Optus has kicked of its text message service so customers can check if their devices will continue to work once it shuts down its 3G network at the end of September. Telstra, which was due to turn off its 3G network on June 30, started offering the same SMS service in April. And Telstra has now pushed back its 3G network closure to give customers more time to check and upgrade their devices. It’s not just older 3G devices that will be impacted but also some 4G devices that may have been purchased overseas or imported. These products might not…

We are celebrating our milestone 600th Episode of the top-rating Tech Guide podcast hosted by editor Stephen Fenech who has been updating and educating listeners about the latest consumer tech news and product reviews since the first episode was released in June 2012. And we’re giving away some great prizes from our great sponsors – Netgear and Norton –  to mark the occasion. These include a Netgear M6 Pro 5G mobile router and 10 copies of the Norton 360 Premium security software. On this week’s show: Dumbphones are making a comeback with a re-release of the iconic Nokia 3210, and…

Dyson has re-invented the mop with its first dedicated wet floor cleaner – the Dyson WashG1 – which brings its trademark engineering and development to make it even easier and hygienic to clean up messy spills. The Dyson WashG1 features the company’s latest floorcare technology to pick up wet and dry debris in a single sweep on hard floors. On board is a one litre clean water tank to cover up to 290 square metres so the Dyson WashG1 can use hydration, absorption and extraction technologies to remove and separate debris at the same time to ensure easier maintenance and…

Plug in and get charged up for the latest episode of popular new show Two Blokes Talking Electric Cars – The EV Podcast with Tech Guide’s Stephen Fenech and EFTM’s Trevor Long. This week, Stephen and Trevor talk about the decision by Tesla to sack their entire Supercharger division and the effects it is already having in Australia, we chat with more EV owners about their new driving experience and Stephen runs his eye over the BYD Seal – a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3. https://youtu.be/sfPbUc-fhaU?si=wpfDS4Sw20jXHcVn If you’ve got a question about EVs or you want to talk…

A quarter of a century ago, the Nokia 3210 was one of the most popular smartphones on the planet and it is now making a comeback. This comes at a time when Australians are looking for simpler devices that offer a digital detox and a move away from social media. The iconic device from HMD Global, priced at $120, will fill many Australians with nostalgia. It will be offered in three colours – Scuba Blue, Y2K Gold and Grunge Orange – and is aimed at those customers who want the simplicity of a phone whose best features are phone calls…

The Audio Technica ATH-TWX7 earphones are sleek and light and deliver the signature impressive audio we’ve come to expect from the brand. The wireless earbuds have 5.8mm high resolution drivers under the hood and support for 24-bit/96Khz audio files so you’re getting crisp and clear music. On the design side the Audio Technica ATH-TWX7 have a slender design with a short stalk that rests outside your ear. The earbud itself is shaped to fit snugly in your ear after you twist it into place. For our review we used the Audio Technica ATH-TWX7 in the gym and on walks and…

Give me back my son!! This week on The Best Movies You’ve Never Seen podcast we’re watching Ransom starring Mel Gibson and Rene Russo and directed by Ron Howard. Ransom tells the story of Tom Mullen an airline mogul who has to deal with kidnappers who have taken his son and are holding him for ransom. But Tom has a plan to turn the tables on them. Stephen watched Ransom at the movies but Trevor is experiencing it for the very first time. We go through the memorable scenes and share some interesting facts, behind the scenes tidbits, trivia, fact…

If you’re in the market for a security camera there are a lot to choose from and they all offer an array of different features, design and quality. So what exactly should you look for? Leading home security brand Arlo has come up with the five things to look for when shopping for your first camera or your additional camera. There are lot of different factors to consider when looking for the right security camera for your home. Here are Arlo’s top five features to look for: Recording Clarity – FHD vs 2K vs 4K Camera resolution and recording clarity…

Find out more about Apple’s latest iPad announcements with Episode 632 of the Two Blokes Talking Tech podcast with Tech Guide editor Stephen Fenech and EFTM’s Trevor Long. Apple announced a new iPad Pro, iPad Air and Apple Pencil and Stephen and Trevor discuss each announcement. They also talk about the appointment of former NBN CEO Stephen Rue as the new Optus CEO. You can listen or the watch show right here on Tech Guide site using the audio player below or by pressing play on the YouTube player. It is also possible to subscribe to the popular weekly tech…

Apple has announced a new range of iPad Air, iPad Pro modes with new designs and improved performance as well as an upgraded Apple Pencil Pro with a range of new capabilities. This is the biggest iPad update since the revolutionary device was introduced in January 2010. These are also the first new iPad releases since October 2022. IPAD PRO The new iPad Pro has had a major upgrade with a new design, new screen technology and an even faster processor. It is available in 11-inch and 13-inch models and will go on sale on May 15. On the design…

Google has just unveiled its latest smartphone – the Pixel 8a – which is powered by the latest Google Tensor G3 chip and boasting most of the same AI features found on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro including Gemini, Best Take and Audio Magic Eraser. The Google Pixel 8a will be priced from $849 and goes on sale on May 14. The Pixel 8a remains faithful to the Pixel design with rounded edges and a matte back panel along with the signature polished aluminium rail which houses the dual cameras. Onboard is a 6.1-inch Actua OLED display with…

Lend us your ears for Episode 599 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. On this week’s show, Telstra pushes back the 3G closure date to give customers more time to switch and we speak to Withings Head of Consumer Products Matthieu Manenteau about the company’s exciting roadmap. In the Tech Guide reviews, Roborock has released its new S8 MaxV Ultra, robot vacuum, Netgear has released the new Orbi 970 with Wi-Fi 7 and why Australians are turning to AI to…

Leading intelligent home robotics company Roborock has unveiled its most advanced robotic cleaner the S8 MaxV Ultra – a powerful one-stop cleaning system with advanced features to make it even more efficient and convenient. The S8 MaxV Ultra, which was unveiled in a media event in Cairns recently, has Reactive AI 2.0 Obstacle Recognition and a built-in voice assistant. It also has a flexi-arm to extend the side brush and get into places usually not accessible by a robot vacuum. https://youtu.be/3kprj-fVN4A?si=xD6k5jSn8hNZ951Y Roborock is the number one brand globally in the robot vacuum cleaner space and has sold more than 15,000,000…

Belkin has launched its new Auto Tracking Stand Pro – the first accessory to work with DockKit automated subject tracking technology – which keeps you centred in the frame as you move around your space. The new Stand Pro offers accurate camera work using the iPhone’s built in camera and the DockKit technology which can keep you centred with 360 degrees of pan and up to 90 degrees of tilt. Stand Pro let’s content creators focus on their content while the Stand Pro automatically tracks them and keeps him in the frame to capture their natural movements without the need…

Jump in the car with Tech Guide’s Stephen Fenech and EFTM’s Trevor Long as they bring you the latest episode of their popular new show Two Blokes Talking Electric Cars – The EV Podcast. This week, Stephen and Trevor talk about their most recent charging mishaps, we discuss the Mustang EV and the Cupra Born – Trevor’s car that Stephen is driving – what does he think? And we talk to a V8 Mustang owner decided to get an EV and another potential customer who is weighing up his options on which model to buy – he came to the…

Optus has announced NBN Co CEO Stephen Rue has been appointed as the company’s new CEO after an extensive internal and external international search. He will take up his new position in November 2024. Michael Venter will continue as interim CEO until Rue takes up his new position. Rue has just announced his resignation from his position as NBN Co Chief Executive Officer after almost a decade with the company, including the last six as CEO. The appointment was announced as Optus introduced a new governance model for decentralised operation and company-driven structure which means Rue and Optus executives will…

Telstra has delayed the closure of its 3G network by two months to give customers more time to check and update their devices and ensure they are not caught out. Telstra was initially due to shut down its 3G network on June 30, 2024, and it has now extended that deadline to August 30, 2024. This additional two months gives people more time to check their devices that rely on 3G for data, voice or emergency calls. A few months ago there were more then 750,000 customers who were using smartphones that would not work once 3G is closed. Telstra…

I’m the king of the world!!! This week on The Best Movies You’ve Never Seen we’re watching Titanic starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet and directed by James Cameron. Titanic tells the epic story of the maiden voyage of doomed cruise liner which is the backdrop for the love story between Jack and Rose. Stephen naturally watched Titanic in the cinema while Trevor, who has heard of the movies and knows all the famous references, has never actually watched movie from start to finish. We go through the memorable scenes and share some interesting facts, behind the scenes tidbits, trivia,…