Gadgets
What is Qi2? Universal wireless charging, with magnets, is almost here
The new standard, based on Apple’s MagSafe, will soon work with iPhones, Androids and other devices.
- by Tim Biggs
Latest
Review
Phones
Nubia stacks up as a flip phone with a bargain price
The Nubia Flip 5G isn’t the most value-packed phone, but it is a competent folding device at half the price of the competition.
- by Tim Biggs
‘A ticking time bomb’: Family’s plea on battery fires after their home is charred, pets gone
Jim and Maria lost their pets and a lifetime of memories as a result of a lithium-ion battery fire. Victorian firefighters are battling one such fire every day.
- by Rachael Dexter
Lithium-ion battery fires: How to stay safe
Don’t buy a device with a rechargeable battery unless it comes from a reputable brand and seller, and be extra careful when charging e-scooters and e-bikes at home.
- by Tim Biggs
Review
For subscribers
It’s not black and white: New e-reader brings more colour, but less clarity
Book covers, magazines, comics and notes benefit greatly from a colour screen but, for reading, black-and-white technology is still superior.
- by Tim Biggs
Your brain waves are up for sale – a new law wants to change that
Supporters of the bill expressed their concern that neural data could be used to decode a person’s thoughts and feelings or to learn sensitive facts about an individual’s mental health, such as whether someone has epilepsy.
- by Jonathan Moens
Police email warns new device can emulate car fobs, garage door remotes
“There is a trend developing worldwide of emerging technology that allows some devices to be able to read the codes and frequencies from electronic devices,” police said.
- by Bailey Kenzie
Why Siri’s Stepford Wife vibe should have us worried
Siri and friends perpetuate damaging gender stereotypes: hostess, maid, secretary, muse, consort.
- by Carla Wilshire
Opinion
For subscribers
My step-by-step guide to a happier life? Never read the bloody instructions
My partner and a judgy washing machine repairman beg to differ, but I’ve been vindicated.
- by Kerri Sackville
Samsung’s latest Ultra is incredible, but not vastly improved by AI
When it comes to hardware, the phone takes small but important steps up from last year, but it also comes with a whole host of AI-powered creativity features.
- by Tim Biggs
Analysis
For subscribers
Tech trends that will define 2024
Generative AI and cyberattacks helped define 2023, and the next 12 months are set to be just as critical for the local technology sector.
- by David Swan