Category: TECH & GADGETS

New way to wash windows: Ecovacs has launched a window cleaner

Ecovacs window cleaner 2

ECOVACS ROBOTICS, a trailblazer in service robotics and a market leader in Australia, has unveiled its latest innovation: the WINBOT W2 PRO OMNI robotic window cleaner. This cutting-edge device promises to revolutionise window cleaning with advancements that make the process more efficient, safe, and utterly hassle-free. At the heart of this breakthrough is the innovative in-base OMNI station, which not only enhances the cleaning process but also ensures a clutter-free experience with its smart cable management system. With a high-capacity battery, the WINBOT W2 PRO OMNI delivers uninterrupted, power cable-free cleaning for up to 110 minutes, effortlessly covering window surfaces up to 55m². This makes it ideal for tackling those hard-to-reach windows, regardless of their size or orientation, whether they’re floor-to-ceiling, frameless, or tilting. What sets this robotic cleaner apart is its exclusive Three-nozzle Wide-angle Spray Atomisation Technology, paired with the WIN-SLAM 4.0 intelligent planning technology. These features ensure windows are left spotless, while the robot’s 12-stage safety system guarantees peace of mind during operation. ECOVACS has redefined window cleaning safety with measures such as a robust suction force and a reinforced safety rope, making the WINBOT W2 PRO OMNI a reliable choice for any household. Karen Powell, ANZ Regional Director for ECOVACS Robotics, highlights the significance of this launch, stating, “Australia is full of stunning landscapes and spectacular views, so it is no wonder we often design our homes with large windows. The WINBOT W2 PRO OMNI takes a generational leap forward in automated window cleaning, its breakthrough station design helping customers to embrace… Read More

Sonos has a new speaker to know about: the Sonos Arc Ultra

Sonos Arc

Sonos has once again set the stage for audio innovation with the launch of the Sonos Arc Ultra, a premium soundbar that introduces their groundbreaking Sound Motion™ technology. This revolutionary advancement in audio engineering marks a significant leap forward, allowing for a more compact transducer that supercharges the bass output, ultimately delivering a bigger, bolder sound from smaller devices. Arc Ultra promises to transform your home theatre experience with double the bass of its predecessor and a remarkable 9.1.4 spatial audio experience encased in a sleek, sophisticated design. In tandem with the Arc Ultra, Sonos unveils the Sonos Sub 4, the latest iteration of their iconic subwoofer. This next-gen subwoofer elevates your favourite movies and shows with rumbling bass and a refreshed design that enhances both style and substance. “For decades, Sonos has revolutionised home theatre and music experiences with products that look as great as they sound,” said Patrick Spence, CEO of Sonos. “Driven by our hunger for innovation, we created Sound Motion™ to break the boundaries of what’s possible by a single speaker, bringing this industry-first transducer technology to home theatre where demand for extraordinary sound is equal to designs that fit modern living spaces. Arc Ultra is a reimagination of our best-selling soundbar, leveraging this incredible innovation to deliver an unprecedented sound experience from a sleeker design.” Sonos is also enhancing its app, ensuring it complements the launch of Arc Ultra and Sub 4. This new update promises to surpass prior app versions in system identification, device setup, and grouping capabilities, addressing… Read More

All about iRobot’s latest innovation: the Combo Essential Robot Vacuum & Mop

irobot vacuum robot

In the bustling world of home automation, iRobot has once again set a new standard with the introduction of the Roomba Combo Essential. This innovative 2-in-1 vacuum and mop brings unparalleled convenience and efficiency to every household, all for a price that won’t break the bank—just $499 AUD or $599 NZD. Building on the success of the beloved Roomba i2 Series, the Combo Essential takes cleaning to a whole new level with 18x more suction power and the intuitive iRobot OS at its core. Whether you’re a recent graduate setting up a new space, or a homeowner looking to simplify chores, this turbo-charged machine is the perfect entry point into the world of automated cleaning. The Roomba Combo Essential stands out with its customisable features, allowing users to tailor suction strength and liquid settings to their preferences. Its Clean Map reports provide a detailed overview of its cleaning prowess, ensuring no corner goes unnoticed. This model is not just about brawn; it’s about smart cleaning with style. The iRobot OS makes it easy to control—simply tap a button on the iRobot Home app or use voice commands to get it started. Its sleek design ensures it navigates smoothly across floors and even under furniture, making cleaning a breeze. Equipped with a 4-Stage Cleaning System, including a V-Shaped Multi-Surface Brush and a microfiber mop pad, the Combo Essential tackles hard floors with ease. Its powerful 18x suction and impressive 120-minute battery life mean it cleans efficiently and thoroughly, requiring minimal effort on your part. Customization is… Read More

REVIEW: The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra is the ultimate phone for culture vultures

razr 50 ultra smile

We are officially converted to flip phones. And no you haven’t gone back in time, this is still 2024. The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra is a modern marvel that seamlessly blends nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. As someone who spends a significant amount of time gaming and streaming on my phone, finding a device that can keep up with my demands has been a challenge—until now. The Razr 50 Ultra has quickly become my go-to device, not just for its stunning looks, but for its unmatched performance. Here’s why this phone is an absolute game-changer for anyone who lives on the go. A Display That Wows The first thing that grabbed my attention was the expansive 6.9″ pOLED display. This isn’t just a screen—it’s an experience. With ultra-vibrant colors and deep blacks, everything from the latest Netflix series to my favorite mobile games looks incredible. But what really makes this display stand out is the 165Hz refresh rate. I’ve used a lot of phones, but none have delivered this level of smoothness. Whether I’m swiping through social media or diving into an intense battle in a game (yes I’m a shameless mobile gamer and trust me this is THE phone to play on), the fluidity is next-level. There’s even a game mode that’s automatically detected when you open your game! It’s like the phone knows what I want to do before I do it, making every interaction feel effortless and seamless. The Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3: Speed and Power Under the hood, the Razr 50 Ultra… Read More

How AI makes life as a creative easier

Black woman Flex Mami

So AI is a thing now and it can make life easier. That’s at least according to Flex Mami, an Australian influencer, author and DJ, who uses AI in a way that many Aussies don’t think to use it for. Here’s a bit about Microsoft’s AI before we hear from Flex themselves. Understanding Microsoft’s AI Copilot Microsoft’s AI Copilot, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-3 language model, is a sophisticated AI assistant designed to assist developers in writing code more efficiently. By analyzing natural language inputs from developers, AI Copilot generates code suggestions, provides relevant documentation, and offers smart completions in real-time. This intuitive tool aims to augment developer capabilities, reduce coding errors, and accelerate the software development process. Enhancing Productivity and Collaboration One of the key advantages of Microsoft’s AI Copilot is its ability to boost productivity among developers. By automating repetitive tasks, suggesting alternative solutions, and offering contextual insights, AI Copilot enables developers to focus on higher-level problem-solving and innovation. Moreover, the collaborative nature of this AI tool promotes knowledge sharing, fosters best practices, and facilitates seamless teamwork within development teams. Streamlining Workflows and Code Quality With AI Copilot’s intelligent code completions and suggestions, developers can write code more efficiently and accurately. The AI assistant analyzes the context of the codebase, identifies patterns, and generates relevant snippets, thereby streamlining coding workflows and reducing the likelihood of errors. Additionally, AI Copilot helps maintain code quality by enforcing coding conventions, catching syntax errors, and providing instant feedback during the coding process. Embracing the Future of Coding As… Read More

Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Y2K icon reborn for Gen Z

Moto razr green

Motorola has reignited the Gen Z revival of Y2K trends with the launch of the motorola razr 50 ultra, precisely 20 years after the iconic introduction of the RAZR V3. The new flip phone, priced at $1,699 RRP, boasts the industry’s largest and most intelligent external display among flip phones, measuring 4.0 inches with up to a 165Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1272 x 1080. Bold Colours and Vegan Leather Finishes The motorola razr 50 ultra comes in vibrant colours—Spring Green, Midnight Blue, and, for the first time in Australia, the Pantone™ Color of the Year 2024, Peach Fuzz. These finishes are complemented by soft vegan leather, providing a premium feel and look. Nostalgic Nod with Modern Enhancements Channeling the must-have flip phone aesthetic of the 2000s, the new razr has been given a modern twist that even appealed to original IT girl Paris Hilton. She made a grand appearance at the New York launch event, DJing to celebrate her partnership with motorola razr. Now that’s hot. Pre-order and Exclusive Offers Pre-orders for the motorola razr 50 ultra are available from July 2 to July 16. The phone will officially be on sale from July 17. Customers who pre-order or purchase the phone during this window are eligible to redeem a bonus pair of moto buds+ featuring Sound by Bose, valued at $249. The buds come in the Forest Grey colour and can be redeemed on or before August 13, 2024, with proof of purchase and handset IMEI number. Advanced Camera and AI… Read More

Travel tech gifts for the Summer holidays

newtrio137 min

Many of us are preparing for our big holiday, with the summer holidays approaching. Whether taking a break on a beach, seeing a new city, or planning a business trip, smart tech gadgets, if appropriately chosen, can provide you with a hassle-free and exciting experience. These summer travel tech gadgets can help you stay connected and on the go, from wired to wireless. Mobile Pixels Trio: A Game-Changer for Remote Work and Entertainment Mobile Pixels Trio is perfect for people who are always on the go. The Trio and Trio Max have been updated and are now 20% thinner and 1 lb lighter than the predecessors, making them a perfect addition to the travel tech collection. These are all-in-one triple-screen, plug-and-play monitors for working professionals, gamers, entrepreneurs, coders, stock traders & people on the move. The?Mobile Pixels Trio has a choice of two sizes – 13.3″ and 14.1″, each with two built-in sliding 1080p full HD displays.  The monitors have an optional magnet and freestanding functions, with a built-in kickstand, for varying needs in different environments. They also plug and play through USB-C and work with Windows, Nintendo Switch, macOS, and Samsung Dex. And it will keep you productive and entertained no matter where you are. Get the?Trio monitor and take your travel experience to the next level while keeping important information in the foreground and having entertainment on the go. Portable Chargers: Keep Your Devices Powered Every traveler needs a good portable charger, period. As we turn to our smartphones, tablets, and many other… Read More

The latest best tech for your next trip

Belkin cables

In an era where convenience and sustainability are not just valued but expected, Belkin steps up to the plate with a striking innovation: the new BoostCharge Hybrid Wall Charger + Power Bank 5K with Travel Adapter Kit. This sleek, compact device rolls the efficiency of a dynamic wall charger and the mobility of a durable power bank into one seamless solution — and it has just hit the Australian market, ready to redefine how we power our lives. The BoostCharge Hybrid isn’t merely a gadget; it’s a thoughtful companion for the modern nomad. With its portable design and powerful dual charging capability, it ensures your tech essentials are juiced up wherever your travels take you. Imagine seamlessly charging your smartphone and tablet simultaneously, with a total of 45W split between a 25W USB-C PD3.0 PPS wall charger and a 20W power bank — because even in the wilds of adventure, or the hustle of business trips, staying powered shouldn’t slow you down. Belkin anchors this innovation with a firm commitment to the environment. By constructing the hybrid charger with a minimum of 75% post-consumer recycled plastics and encasing it in 100% plastic-free packaging, Belkin asserts its responsible ethos, making sure your latest tech addition leaves a minimal footprint. The esteem for design extends beyond aesthetics and into the pragmatic. The BoostCharge comes with a variety of interchangeable plugs catering to global voltage standards, and the USB-C to USB-C cable included covers a generous 3.3ft/1m span, ensuring setup snags are a concern of the past. And… Read More

Antenna Documentary Film Festival full 2024 line-up

20 Days in Mariupol

9-19 February 2024 | Sydney Antenna, Australia’s premier international non-fiction film festival, today unwraps its complete program for 2024. The event boasts a lineup of 52 of the most compelling, thought-provoking documentaries from around the globe, set to transform Sydney into a haven for documentary enthusiasts from 9–19 February 2024. Festival Director Dudi Rokach expressed, “I am supremely proud of this lineup as a whole. Each documentary is imaginative, cinematic, and provocative, exemplifying the boundless potential of documentary cinema in the hands of a skillful filmmaker.” Kicking off the festival is the Australian Premiere of Tribeca Film Festival winner The Gullspång Miracle. It’s a consistently unexpected and amusing film that follows two devout sisters who purchase an apartment after witnessing a divine sign, only to realise that the seller bears a striking resemblance to their other sister, who committed suicide some thirty years prior. What begins as a story of familial reunion morphs into a drama that’s stranger than fiction. In an exhilarating new partnership with the Sydney Opera House, Antenna will close the festival with the Australian Premiere of Ryuichi Sakamoto | Optus, a concert film that encapsulates Sakamoto’s final performance. A celebration of an artist’s life in its purest form, this film serves as the definitive farewell to the beloved maestro. Fresh from TIFF and IDFA, Antenna will host the Australian Premiere of The World is Family by the renowned documentary filmmaker Anand Patwardhan, who will be a special guest at the festival. Anand’s insights into social and political life have garnered him… Read More