Category: TECH & GADGETS

Acer’s helping the planet with digital art by Andy Thomas

7.8MB The Three Sisters Acer x Andy Thomas Aspire Vero 2

Acer has got a new computer: fully post-consumer recyclable plastic (PCR) integration into the laptop device.  It’s purposeful, sustainable design saves around 21% in CO2 emissions and is made to be easily repaired, upgraded and recycled.    It’s all a part of their new effort to be more green, after they released a report, the Acer Plastic Pandemic Report – which reveals over half the adult population (55%) are unaware of the severity of the plastic pandemic that we are facing and nearly 6 in 10 (58%) people do not understand the difference between virgin plastics and recycled plastics. The shocking reality is over 3.4 million tonnes of plastics are used in Australia every year, with less than 10% being recycled or reprocessed for re-use. The impact that plastic waste has on our environment is devastating – most ends up in landfill or our oceans, contributing to climate change, contaminating our soil, and negatively affecting our natural landscapes and wildlife.  We spoke to digital artist Andy Thomas about some work he’s created using the new tech… You recently collaborated with Acer on the release of their new ‘Green PC’ the Aspire Vero, tell usmore about the collaboration? The collaboration between myself and Acer was a really great fit. I have always been interested innature and recreating nature with my computers and 3D software. There was a real serendipity withthis project on multiple levels which was super satisfying and fun. I had a blast creating this workfrom start to finish. What inspired the LIFECYCLES series? The inspiration for the LIFECYCLES series… Read More

Turns out aromatherapy’s still a thing – but you need the right gear

360 diffuser pink

After the last moment in history we all endured, there’d be no surprises if you’re a bit stressed, tense, anxious, generally in need of a chill. And before turning to the bottle, or staying the tried-and-true path of the yogis, why not try aromatherapy? Renowned around the Western world as being an aid in relaxation and decompression, aromatherapy harnesses the power of the olfactory to alleviate tension and promote feelings of peace, serenity and a worldly disconnection. In Essence knows this and their latest range of 360 Diffusers are all about making those dreams of a life without pressure a reality. Australian owned and designed, the portable and rechargeable diffusers can be placed in any room – ours lives next to the bath – when you’re in need of some full-on, scented zen. As the name would suggest, aromas are dispersed all around the touch-pad, ambient lit piece of tech, offering a complete room takeover of relaxation. And now the only question is, which scents will really do it for you? Find out more about the In Essence 260 Diffuser at the website.

Skullcandy’s New Skull- iQ Earbuds have one big advantage over AirPods

Skullcandy earbuds

If ever you wanted an in-ear music experience that didn’t suck, then listen-up. Skullcandy’s all-new, intuitive voice-driven platform, Skull-iQ Smart Feature Technology is providing users with the ability to go completely hands-free, Skull-iQ debuts on both the Push Active Sport True Wireless and Grind True Wireless Earbuds. Unlike earbuds with Siri and Google Assistant built-in, the Hey Skullcandy command works entirely offline and alongside ANY phone operating system. As long as the earbuds are connected to a phone and paired with the Skullcandy companion app, the ‘Hey Skullcandy’ command works even without an active data/Wi-Fi connection. So for the iPhone users out there, you can officially kiss your AirPods goodbye. Or even if you’re yet to make your way into the world of wireless, voice activated sound and musical ecstasy, then these make for a good kick-off. Push Active is for those seeking an adventure-ready, durable fit, designed specifically for high-intensity activities. Push Active True Wireless Sport Earbuds are the ultimate audio partner, offering flexible over-ear hooks and water/sweat resistance. Alternatively, the Grind, aptly named, is your go-to for everyday errands and work-life routine. Grind True Wireless Earbuds are your strong and stable in-ear solution to doing it all, water/sweat/dust resistant with a truly premium sound.  For more and to get yourself a pair, head to the Skullcandy website

NFTs, cars and how a vehicle designer’s combining the two + WIN your own NFT

Crypto Carz NFT 1

Before about a year ago, the term ‘NFT’ had almost never been head before. But combine the highest recorded price of Bitcoin ever, the emergence of countless trading platforms for Crypto and the emergence of equally as countless artists and designers discovering what it means to create and sell NFTs, there’s been a BOOM in activity in the space. But what is it and why should you care? NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are pieces of digital collateral that can really be anything (such as drawings, music, your brain downloaded and turned into an AI), but a lot of the current excitement is around using the tech to sell digital art. The Verge explains what they are and how they work really well. They matter because of a few different reasons, but none so much as that they’re fast becoming a new store of value and collectible item, namely in art. Which is where Mike Turner comes into it. He’s the designer we’re referring to in the headline and his speciality is cars – or we should say Crypto-Carz specifically. A vehicle designer with over 25 years’ experience, Mike has started producing clunky-but-cute stylised CAD versions of iconic road and race cars – inspired by early Low Poly (low polygon count) video game graphics from his youth. His work is light-hearted Automotive escapism – but harnesses the same professional skills and techniques he uses daily as a professional designer and digital image creator. What he create comes from the heart – inspired by vehicles, eras and legends… Read More

Go investment: The rise of on-the-go investment apps

Phone investing invest app

No longer do you need to engage a traditional broker to invest your money. Thanks to technology and everything going digital – and the rise of increasingly intelligent apps – it has never been easier to get your foot in the door. Many of the apps available use algorithms to help with the investments, which generally results in less fees and can still assist you in creating an individualised strategy that is low maintenance. So what are the options? Micro-investing apps Micro-investing apps, such as Raiz and Spaceship Voyager, can be used either by people who want to invest a lump sum of money, or by those who prefer to use it as a piggy bank. Both apps give you the option to round-up purchases to the nearest, meaning if you spend $2.40 using your allocated spending account, the app will invest 60 cents for you in your chosen portfolio. Micro-investing apps are great because people can dip their toe into the investing world for as little as $5, whereas many other investment platforms or brokers will require a minimum spend. Your money then gets invested with everyone else’s money, however, you can decide whether you would like to put your money onto modest/safe investments or higher risk/higher reward ones. Micro-investing apps are a great low fuss strategy that especially suits people who are not great at saving. It is also surprisingly effective over time when all of a sudden you have a fair bit of money in there. Another factor that increases traders’ satisfaction is the opportunity to improve their skills within a platform. For instance, a broker… Read More

Join up to invest in the Australian Stock Exchange on-the-go with Stake

Stake ASX option 1

You can officially kiss the big banks and hefty priced investment firms a hearty ‘goodbye’! The moment every Australian investor’s been waiting for is here, courtesy of Stake. As of today, the waitlist is open for you to join the first intake of investors in Stake’s new offering: the ability to invest in the Australian Stock exchange using your phone (or desktop, if you’re classic), with a $0 brokerage fee for those on the BETA version. If you’ve been looking to invest in the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) but the standard $30-ish brokerage fee (the price brokers charge you to make trades) has been a put-off, then relax; Stake is the answer you’ve been hunting for. They’ll charge a tiny $3 brokerage per trade in 2022. Already know about Stake? Join up today with this VIP link If this sounds like the next move in your financial security, then head to the new ASX landing page is up and you can sign up to the waitlist! “We’ve kicked off already. People are trading on the ASX with Stake. We’re opening up thousands more spots, progressively, over the next couple of months. People atop our Beta waitlist will be taken on, which thousands have already signed up to,” said Stake founder and CEO Matt Leibowitz. “You jump ahead in the queue each time you refer a friend to the waitlist. Sign up, refer and climb, and you’ll be trading for free on the ASX until 2022.” It’s one helluva shake-up to the market long-dominated by only… Read More

Latest in men’s wearable tech to leave you wanting more

We Vibe Bond toy 2

Doesn’t matter what you put where; if you’re a man who has sex, then you need the newly-launched product by We-Vibe. They’ve launched Bond, the newest wearable tech for men, worn around the male erogenous zones, can be worn in public, and controlled with the app for undercover teasing. It’s all about extending foreplay and building anticipation but is not meant to bring you to climax. So for those who are after a kinky dinner out, playing in the cinema – while staying dressed – or long, erotic car drives (albeit dangerous!) then this is for you. With a remote control, you and any partner can be in control of your own arousal and pleasure, anywhere, any time. The result is an incredibly sexy feeling, made safe and discreet by We-Vibe Bond’s precision engineering, easy-on quick-release design and custom fit for any penis size. This wearable stimulation ring, controlled by app or remote, celebrates the bond between sexual partners, and emphasises the importance of curious, adventurous intimacy. Here are some of the highlights of the new tool: Custom fit Easy to put on and take off Remote control  Ergonomic shape  10 intensity levels  We-Connect app  Super-soft silicone  Waterproof (IPX7)  90 minutes charge   Up to 2 hours of play   Whisper quiet   Low power alert   Get your own for $149 from Amazon Australia

Stake investment: The updated Stake investing app is here

Stake new update

If you’ve jumped on board the trading-on-the-go from your phone trend that’s exploded around the world, then you know about Stake. And if you don’t, then check them out. Just today, they’ve ripped off the veil and shown the world a brand new better version of their app – and it’s nice. The now older version of he app was bold, easy-to-use, gave you everything you needed and as fewer steps as possible to get what you need done. The great news is that with this new version of the app, all that goodness still stands – it’s just a lot better. Here’s what’s up: They’ve introduced dark mode Whatever your mood or aesthetic, the app is now an outward manifestation of your inner you. Just switch it on or off in the settings. They’ve gone social While stopping short – at the moment – of being the full-blown social trading platform the likes of eToro, Stake’s now working with an integrated share and chat function, putting the your top tips for the week right in front of your pals’ faces. Stake Black? The paid version of the otherwise commission and cost-free vanilla version, Stake Black gives you instant buying power on on sell trades, buy and sell ratings from Wall Street analysts, price targets and full company financials to make those even better choices. Try it for $7.50/month billed annually. It’s about the get bigger Never before has the ability to invest in the Australian Stock Exchange as easily as what Stake’s planning. They’re… Read More

Stake Australia: Investing in the US Stock Market? Some first steps from Stake Australia

Stake investing Sydney

The 21st century is all about challenger fintechs and app-based share trading for everyone. From Australia to the USA and everywhere in-between, investing and day trading are big business for individuals and the companies like Stake that give them unfettered access to investing in Wall Street. Read more about Stake here, but if you’ve downloaded the app, then here’s some ideas on how to make your first move from the expert themselves. What’s the first step? The S&P500, a basket of America’s 500 biggest companies, has averaged a return of 9% across history. $1000 invested into the S&P500 with $1000 added annually would be worth $150,000 after 30 years. The stock market is one of the greatest wealth-generating engines in the world. You can be part of it. Some investors prefer to actively pick companies they think will grow and increase in price. Are you particularly interested in cars or renewables? Maybe you believe in Tesla. Notice that one of your favourite online brands is always selling out? Maybe it’s worth looking at the stock. Over time, you’ll develop strategies as you gain experience and come across different resources. Remember though, time in the market will always beat timing the market. How many options are out there? Stake has over 6,000 US-listed stocks and ETFs available to investors. From the giants of today like Apple and Amazon, to the game changers of tomorrow like Tesla, investors can find all the companies they know and love on the Stake platform. Some of the most popular stocks… Read More