Browsing: Gadgets

BlackBerry is coming back with a new smartphone – with a keyboard

By on January 5, 2017

Despite previous (and failed) attempts to revive the brand, TCL (yes, that company that makes TVs) thinks it can be the one that can restore it to its former shining glory. The Chinese manufacturer has announced at that it will be creating a new BlackBerry-branded smartphone that will see the return of the keyboard. And yes, you read that right. BlackBerry-branded. Last year, BlackBerry (the company) and TCL signed a licensing […]

MSI brings its VR backpack to PAX Australia, on sale now for $3599

By on November 4, 2016

One of the biggest annoyances about virtual reality is that you are tethered to a machine or console that is plugged to the wall, so you are only limited to how long your cable is. At PAX Australia this year, MSI may have come up with a solution – by putting the machine on your back. Built in partnership with HTC, the VR One features an overclocked Intel Core i7 processor and […]

Microsoft HoloLens is finally coming to Australia, pre-orders begin today

By on October 13, 2016

Microsoft’s “mixed reality” glasses will soon be available to more people, with the folks at Redmond announcing today that six more countries – including Australia and New Zealand – will soon be getting their hands on HoloLens. From late November, developers (and those who seriously want to play with cool tech) from Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom will be able to buy the HoloLens exclusively from the […]

Samsung may actually not know why the Galaxy Note 7 bursts into flames – report

By on October 13, 2016

While the fallout from Samsung’s decision to suddenly stop production and sales of the Galaxy Note 7 continues, a new report from the New York Times suggests that Samsung still have no idea why the phone keeps bursting into flames – despite putting hundreds of employees to solve the potentially brand-destroying issue. After reports of the original Note 7s started spontaneously exploding, Samsung’s engineers were unable to replicate the problem. Because of a tight […]

Samsung kills the Galaxy Note 7

By on October 11, 2016

In a drastic move, Samsung has today announced that it will stop all production of the Galaxy Note 7. The news comes after the Australian and US carriers halted the phone exchange program after reports of the replacement devices were also bursting into flames. In a statement, seen by Al Jazeera, the company said, “We recently readjusted the production volume for thorough investigation and quality control, but putting consumer safety […]

Google showcases Google Home, its competitor to the Amazon Echo

By on October 5, 2016

After unveiling the device at Google I/O earlier in the year, Google finally released more details about Google Home – its “smart speaker” for the home – at this morning’s press conference. However, if you’re looking at getting this device in Australia, Google currently has no plans to bring the device to you. Google Home will come packaged with Google Assistant, allowing you to ask questions and perform tasks just […]

Google adds 4K support with new Chromecast Ultra

By on October 5, 2016

Google has announced this morning an update to its Chromecast lineup of devices, with the introduction of the Chromecast Ultra. The new addition includes support to stream 4K content, HDR and Dolby Vision content via Wi-Fi; and some performance changes that Google say make it 1.8x faster than the previous Chromecast. While YouTube and Netflix have 4K content for you to stream, Google also announced that it will be making Google […]

Google brings affordable VR to the masses with Daydream View

By on October 5, 2016

Google has announced this morning that it will release a headset for its latest virtual reality endeavour, Daydream. Called the Daydream View, the newest VR headset promises to make VR affordable and more fashionable. Similar to the Samsung Galaxy VR headset, it requires a phone that is Daydream-ready. The Google Pixel already supports this, but they say that they expect more of its Android hardware partners will support Daydream in the future. […]

Google unveils Pixel – and shows off the potential of Google’s AI future

By on October 5, 2016

Early this morning, Google has finally unveiled what has been long speculated in the tech press – the Google Pixel, its premium line of Android-powered smartphones designed and manufactured internally. With significantly better hardware than most of its rivals, the most interesting thing about the Pixel isn’t the hardware spec sheet. No, the interesting thing about Pixel is how it will bundle in all of Google’s work on artificial intelligence in […]

DJI reveals the Mavic Pro drone, goes head-to-head with GoPro’s Karma

By on September 28, 2016

Days after GoPro announced its own foldable drone called the Karma, DJI has announced their own version. Called the Mavic Pro, it is designed to be ultraportable while uncompromising on performance. “DJI has spent a decade making it easier for anyone to fly, and by rethinking everything about how a drones look, we have created an entirely new type of aerial platform for anyone to explore their creativity,” its CEO […]

Square launches new payment reader in Australia – includes support for Apple and Android Pay

By on September 27, 2016

Square, the global payment startup founded by Twitter founder and CEO Jack Dorsey, has today announced that it will finally bring its new payment reader to Australians – being only the second country the new reader has rolled out to. The new reader supports chip cards and contactless payment methods – such as Apple Pay, Android Pay, or tap-and-pay with your credit or debit card. “We know NFC is important to Australian […]

You can now schedule your Uber trips in Australia

By on September 15, 2016

Uber is now going to be more useful in Australia, as the company has announced today that it plans to roll out its Scheduled Rides feature to selected areas in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. As the name suggests, Scheduled Rides will let you book an Uber trip 30 minutes to 30 days in advance. This provides some peace of mind if you want to use Uber to take you to […]

Plantronics reveals RIG 800 wireless headset, promises 24 hour battery life

By on June 17, 2016

Plantronics’ flagship gaming headset just got bigger, with the company revealing at E3 the RIG 800 – the first wireless headset that, it says, promises 24 hours battery life. The headset has two variants: one for the PlayStation 4, and one for the Xbox One. “At Plantronics, we understand the importance of providing gamers with tangible benefits that make them better players,” Peter Petrides, the Director of Gaming Products at […]

E3 2016: Xbox One Slim leaked ahead of E3

By on June 13, 2016

Less than an hour before the first major conference of E3, and already there are a handful of leaks from EA and Microsoft. From KawabataSan on NeoGaf, we have confirmation that Xbox will be releasing a new and improved (and slimmer) Xbox One console. Codenamed ‘Edmonton’, the improved console will be 40% smaller than the current Xbox One. Including a 2TB hard drive, outputting 4K Ultra HD video, a new ‘streamlined’ controller and a vertical […]

Cortana comes to Australia in new Windows 10 update

By on November 13, 2015

Microsoft has today announced that all Australians will now be able to use Cortana, the digital personal assistant on Windows 10 and competitor to Apple’s Siri. Previously, this feature was only available to those part of the Windows 10 Insider Program or by changing your settings to say you were from the United States. According to Microsoft, the Australian version of Cortana has been customised to include knowledge about the country, […]