Category: TECH & GADGETS

Good watches for good times: EverSwiss from Watch Shop

Posted: 19/06/2019

For the times in life you need something a bit nicer for that work meeting, dinner date, night at the opera or just to coordinate well with your non-around-the-house clothes, then maybe EverSwiss is the brand for you. From the people at the Watch Shop – one of the UK’s leading retailers of brand name designer watches that prides themselves on having one of the most efficient shopping systems available – EverSwiss fits the bill A Swiss made line of watches, they’re for the casual, the moderately stylish and the full-blown corporate amongst us, offering traditional leather bands, through to the more classic like a two-tone steel and brass range for men and women. Find more about the Watch Shop Official range at their website.

Category: LIFESTYLE, RETAIL, STYLE, TECH & GADGETS

Google Home JOT lets you take it with you

by James Banham

Updated: 19/06/2019

Because cords suck and do nothing but get in the way, Google has some good news if you’re a fan of the Home. Whether you’ve got the full or mini version of the Google Home, the new wireless docks add another boost of power to your own personal assistant, letting you take it anywhere you go. Called the LOFT (for the full version) and JOT (for the mini), they’re handy portable battery bases that you can unplug and enjoy the freedom to move your device around your home or office, cord free. From the legends at Ninety7, each unit gives you another eight hours of juice to let you move from room to room without interrupting your podcast, audio book or favourite playlist – or anything else you’d do with your own mobile PA. Get either of the unit you need from leading retailers. Get a LOFT for Google Home for $69.95, a JOT for Google Home Mini for $59.95. From JB HiFi, Kogan, Dick Smith, Officeworks, David Jones and Amazon.com.au.

Category: LIFESTYLE, TECH & GADGETS

Tags: google home, Google Home adaptor, Google Home JOT, Google Home Loft

Top tech for the next time you travel

by James Banham

Posted: 16/05/2019

Picture this: You’re in Paris. You’re at the base of the Eiffel Tower. You look up and see how tall it stands, how massive it actually is and impressive it would look on your Instagram. You go to grab your phone to take a quick photo, but the battery’s dead and you won’t be home for hours. If you can figure out how to get there without Google Maps… Not fun! We’ve all been there. Which is why, if you don’t know that you don’t go anywhere on any holiday without at least one power bank, an iPad, or at very least a laptop, you’re kind of asking for trouble. But worry not; thankfully there are brands and people out there whose sole purpose it is to make your travelling experience less stressful and more techy than ever before. We’ve done a round-up of some favourite tech for your travel, and here it is. SurgePlus International surge protector and adaptor This baby has all the power socket fittings (most of them, anyway) and protects your gear from dodgy international standards, while still allowing you to plug in and charge everything you don’t have the right cord for. Life saver! Get it from Belkin. BOOST CHARGE power bank with lightning connector Available in 5,000mAh and 10,000mAh variants, it delivers a more simplified and efficient iOS experience solution by being able to charge the power bank with the same Lightning cable used to charge an iPhone. It’s small, thin and lightweight. Get it from Belkin. Victorinox Lexicon… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, TECH & GADGETS, TRAVEL

Tags: Battery packs, Belkin battery packs, best power banks, Travel tech, What to take on a trip

Taimi: The gay dating app that will alter the world of gay dating in Australia

by THE F

Updated: 16/11/2022

A new dating app designed especially for gay people was launched in Australia last Saturday. Taimi claims to be different from other online applications of its kind. Here’s why. Overcoming stereotypes The market is oversaturated with one-night-stand driven dating apps. Developers of those usually have a false perception that all the gay men are looking just for a hook-up. Taimi challenges this myth maintaining an environment for trusting and meaningful connections. This app takes dating seriously and welcomes users who do the same. It provides them not only with a standard swiping process, but with a number of tools allowing to make a statement about their worldview: Creating personalized interactive feed, Sharing stories, Creating and following thematic groups inside the app. All this makes Taimi much more than just a place to find a casual one-nighter. Creating community With all these features, Taimi – dating app at its core – becomes also a social network. The app brings together people with common interests and issues. Thus, Taimi is a free-from-discrimination place where gay people feel safe and understood. It encourages efficient private communication providing users with various instruments, such as video calls and icebreakers, which pop up every time you match with someone. There’s more Safety Features. Taimi’s thorough verification process and 24/7 moderation eliminate attempts to create fake accounts. In addition, users can benefit from the Stealth Mode (only people you like can see you are online), and the Private Album (you can control access to your private photos). Feature Requests. You can submit… Read More

Category: FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, TECH & GADGETS

New headphones, sorted: 5 ways Beats Studio 3 Wireless are must-haves

by James Banham

Updated: 05/03/2019

So, there’s trendy, then there’s Beats by Dre. Never before has a set of music-playing headphones gone from a little name by a big name in music, to being absorbed by the biggest tech company in the world, Apple, to take over how we do music. There have been lots of different versions of the Beats name since they started back in 2008, but it’s the newest version, Beats Solo 3 Wireless. They’re packed with a tonne of stuff that makes them one of the leading brands in wireless audio for basically everyone on the market – that don’t make your head look oddly weird – with a bunch of good stuff to know about. Wireless They come with Class 1 Bluetooth technology, meaning you don’t need to install anything in your phone or computer. Just hold down the button and connect via Bluetooth. Quality acoustics At the heart of Beats Solo3 Wireless is the Beats sound. The headphones come with fine-tuned acoustics that maximise clarity, breadth and balance, on top of which comfort-cushion ear cups buffer outside noise for immersive sound so you can experience music the way it was meant to be heard. Heaps of battery life It has a pretty impressive battery life and charge factor, meaning you score up to 40 hours of battery life and quick 5-minute charge gives you 3 hours of playback. Super comfy Beats Solo3 Wireless stays true to its predecessor with bold styling and a streamlined design. The on-ear, cushioned ear cups are adjustable so you… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, TECH & GADGETS

First timer’s guide to European memory-making with the Nikon Z6

by James Banham

Updated: 17/03/2019

Europe’s massive and stuff to see is kind of endless, depending on what you’re into. From the Eiffel Tower, Alexanderplatz, the Berlin Wall, the Louvre, Buckingham Palace – it goes on and on, but it’s how you decide to tackle it and the memories you decide to make that really sets each trip apart. And there’s no easier way to learn that, than with a quality camera that makes those memories really work for you. Nothing is quite like a quality photo or video to really take you back to that place and moment in time and there’s nothing quite like the Nikon Z6 to help get you there. It’s a $4000 piece from the boss name in cameras that is easy to use for anyone who knows almost literally nothing about cameras. The camera comes with a lot of technical stuff that for most people, means absolutely sweet FA, but, if there’s one thing to know about it – it makes your iPhone or Android an absolute joke. Here are six things to know about the snapper before you consider using it on your next trip. It’ll catch more picture They say it has 273 focus points. It doesn’t mean much to the regular person but basically, boils down to the camera being able to cover over 90% of the imaging area both horizontally and vertically to ensure you achieve the highest level of coverage. Works for pics and videos. It does photos, sharply The Z6 is has got new EXPEED 6 image-processing engine… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, TECH & GADGETS, TRAVEL

Tags: best travel camera, europe, How to take travel photos, nikon, photo guide, THE F Europe, THE F Nikon, the f travel, Travel camera guide, travel guide

ARTS & CULTURE

NGV Architecture Commission 2024: Home Truth by Breathe

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In a bold reimagining of Australian home design, Home Truth by Breathe has been announced as the winner of the NGV Architecture Commission for 2024. This captivating installation takes the form of a labyrinthine house-within-a-house, challenging the notion of ever-expanding home sizes in Australia. At the heart of this design is a powerful message: rethink how we build to create more sustainable, higher-quality, and community-orientated living spaces. Home Truth invites visitors to step into a space that questions the ethical and ecological ramifications of the sprawling, oversized homes that have become prevalent across the nation. An external frame mirrors the silhouette of the average Australian home, which, at 236 square metres, ranks as the largest globally. Nestled within this silhouette is a serene timber structure, representing a smaller, more sustainable living footprint. This juxtaposition of scales is not just an architectural statement but a call to action. By contrasting these two structures, Home Truth shines a light on how smaller, more considered homes could help reduce suburban sprawl, mitigate environmental impacts, and enhance community wellbeing. It is a thought-provoking invitation for audiences to consider alternative, sustainable housing models that could lead to positive lifestyle changes. Visitors entering through the expansive garage door of the larger house find themselves navigating a maze of rooms and corridors, eventually arriving at the intimate timber retreat. This wooden haven offers a space for meditation and reflection, presenting a tangible vision of a more sustainable housing future. Constructed from framing pine and Saveboard, Home Truth uses materials emblematic of current… Read More

LOEWE PRECO SS25 SUNA FUJITA CERAMICS RGB CROPPED 4X5 3 5

Suna Fujita, LOEWE & Melbourne Art Fair to exhibit works

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In an exciting fusion of art and fashion, Melbourne Art Fair has announced a groundbreaking partnership with LOEWE, the esteemed luxury fashion brand renowned for its dedication to craftsmanship since 1846. This collaboration brings to life an exquisite preview of Jonathan Anderson’s renewed partnership with the Kyoto-based ceramist duo, Suna Fujita, marking a world-first exhibition in Australasia. The LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection made its debut with an intimate showcase at LOEWE’s Melbourne Collins Street store, offering an exclusive viewing experience of twenty whimsical ceramic pieces. These delicate works, celebrated for their intricate hand-painted scenes featuring ocean creatures and cosmic animals, seamlessly blend artistry with everyday function, transforming accessories and ready-to-wear items into enchanting works of art. Fair Director Melissa Loughnan expressed her enthusiasm for this creative union, stating, “This partnership is a reflection of Melbourne Art Fair and LOEWE’s shared commitment to supporting living artists and creatives, and an exciting precursor to the 18th edition of the Fair, which promises to be one of our most dynamic and anticipated showcases yet.” The collaboration not only highlights the playful essence of Suna Fujita’s ceramics but also underscores the vibrant art scene that Melbourne Art Fair champions. Launching today, the LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection is available both in stores and online at loewe.com, continuing until 29th December 2024. This artistic venture paves the way for the 18th edition of Melbourne Art Fair, set to take place from 20-23 February 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The fair will present a remarkable assembly of… Read More

Labyrinth in Concert comes to London’s Royal Festival Hall

12/11/2024

By James Banham

Prepare to be whisked away to the mystical realm of Goblin City with a legendary twist, as “Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert” makes its grand debut at London’s Royal Festival Hall. On Friday, 28th November 2025, fans of this beloved musical fantasy film will experience a spectacular fusion of cinema and live music that promises to be nothing short of magical. For the first time ever, Jim Henson’s original masterpiece, starring the one and only David Bowie, will come alive on stage with a captivating live band performance. Audiences will be treated to the enchanting melodies of Bowie’s original vocals, accompanied by the band in perfect harmony, all set against the backdrop of the movie projected on a large HD cinema screen. It’s a chance to relive the unforgettable music and adventure that has captured hearts for nearly 40 years since the film’s release in 1986. Produced by Black Ink Presents, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, this unique concert experience is set to enthral long-time fans and newcomers alike. Known for breathing new life into iconic films with live orchestras and bands, Black Ink Presents has previously dazzled audiences with events like Batman, Ghostbusters, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. CEO John Kinsner shares his excitement, stating, “I have always been a huge fan of the groundbreaking collaboration of Jim Henson, George Lucas, David Bowie, and Trevor Jones on this film, and bringing it to fans in a live concert screening experience is a dream come true. Getting to hear Bowie’s vocals with a live… Read More

Why rush to National Art School postgrad show

12/11/2024

By James Banham

Step into the vibrant world of the arts at the National Art School (NAS) as it proudly unveils the 2024 Postgrad Show, a spectacular showcase of over 400 works by Australia’s next generation of emerging artists. Open to the public until 17 November 2024, this annual exhibition has firmly established itself as a pivotal event in Sydney’s cultural calendar, attracting gallerists, collectors, and art enthusiasts eager to discover fresh talent. The Postgrad Show serves as a launchpad for these budding artists, featuring the final bodies of work by the Master of Fine Art (MFA) graduates. This year’s exhibition offers an eclectic mix of mediums including painting, sculpture, printmaking, video, collage, 3D printing, performance, photography, drawing, and ceramics. Each piece is a testament to the diverse themes being explored—ranging from natural and digital ecosystems to identity, the Anthropocene, philosophy, and personal narratives. Ceramics take centre stage with artists like Benjamin Akuila, who delves into themes of construction, authenticity, and plasticity, informed by his Tongan heritage. His work offers a compelling exploration of queer and diasporic identity through hybrid cultural narratives. Meanwhile, Chrystie Longworth uses ceramic forms to navigate femininity, identity, and domesticity, drawing inspiration from historical subversive messages crafted by women in textiles. Her work, with its tactile terracotta and pigment surfaces, invites viewers to experience a subtle play of light and texture. From the drawing studios, Quan Zhu Ma marries traditional Chinese philosophy with contemporary practices, using innovative materials like heated charcoal and ash. His work reimagines traditional ink art, creating a fusion that resonates… Read More

Christmas music treat in Sydney: Handel’s Messiah returns

11/11/2024

By James Banham

This December, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs are set to enchant audiences once again with their much-loved Messiah concerts, a cherished Sydney Christmas tradition that has spanned over a century.