Life & Technology – 2GB 13th April 2024

Prepaid Sim Cards – What IS and IS NOT Included

We promised to break this down for you this week, and here it is – Prepaid sim rules and inclusions for Australia.

Used Temu or Shein? How you can protect your private data now you have used these platforms

If you have downloaded the Temu or Shein app or used their websites, know that your personal data has been hoovered up and is already being used. You cannot stop that!

Many readers have been shocked to learn that Temu – more Chinese spyware – the catch in cheap online shopping, and now Shein – more Chinese spyware – fast fashion at the expense of privacy are simply fronts for high-level data mining.

Read the full article here. 

Businesses responsibility to the protecting OUR data is changing – Part 1. of my Video Interview Series with Cyber Security Lawyer Annie Haggar on the changing rules around protecting consumer data – 

 If you own a business you need to know the rules. 

If you engage with businesses you should know your rights about your data. 

I am presenting a multi part series of the changing landscape in data retention regulations. The rules are changing as that means requirements on business to ensure they follow the rules. The Federal Government is becoming more focused on protecting consumers and you will hear more and more about this in the general media. This series aims to help you . 

This interview was supported by Harvey Norman who are offering a free Cyber Security Assessment for Australian Business – Details are here.  

Watch the interview here. 

Guests and Topics on the Show
 A few weeks ago, we had World Back Up Day and in line with that, we invited Jeff Park, Seagate Country Manager ANZ on to the show to talk about backing up your important files, and photos using Seagate.  You can check out a lot of different Seagate products on the Harvey Norman website here, including some of the options I mentioned during the show. 

I met with Swann this week and was shown a brand new technology which can be very helpful to our listeners.  

Swann, a global leader in do-it-yourself security, today announces the availability of Swann HomeShield™, a powerful AI-driven voice assistant which is set to redefine home protection. Developed with Amazon Web Services (AWS) technology, this state-of-the-art solution harnesses generative AI to communicate with visitors, providing an unparalleled level of deterrence and peace of mind.Launching in May, Swann HomeShield™ will enhance compatible Swann video doorbells, cameras and devices, using the latest adaptive AI technology to automatically respond to visitors with natural, human-like interactions.   

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Life & Technology – 2GB 6th April 2024

Australia’s most and least trusted brands 2023 – tech does not fare well 

The 2023 Roy Morgan report on Australia’s most and least trusted brands shows that tech brands do not fare well. 

Read the full article here.  

The right Windows laptop for you. Save money – avoid upselling (2024 update guide) 

The right Windows laptop for you depends on your needs and budget. You may have high needs (performance, capacity), but you can’t have a low price (mutually exclusive). We show you how to determine your needs and avoid marketing hype. A laptop is more than the sum of its parts. Sure, there is a screen, central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), memory (RAM), and Storage (solid state or spinning hard disk). Then there is the build quality, warranty, and repairability.

 Read the full guide here. 
Guests and Topics on the Show
 Hubbl Streaming Service is a cutting-edge platform revolutionizing the way audiences consume entertainment. Offering a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content, Hubbl delivers high-quality streaming experiences tailored to individual preferences. With its intuitive interface and seamless navigation, users can easily discover new favorites and enjoy them across multiple devices. We invited Hubbl’s Executive Director, Dani Simpson, on the show this week to talk about this latest sreaming service.   



The 3G shutdown marks a significant milestone in the country’s telecommunications evolution.  This move reflects the industry’s shift towards faster, more efficient technologies capable of meeting growing data demands. While the shutdown may inconvenience some users with older devices, it signals progress towards a more interconnected, digitally advanced future.  Channa Seneviratne, Technology Development and Innovation from Telstra joined us this week to discuss about the 3G shutdown implications and what it means to you.  

Read more about this here.   

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Life & Technology – 2GB 30th Mar, 2024

Extend in-house internet to out-house (network)

There are a few other solutions depending on the distance between the in-house and out-house. We have collected a bunch of them together and outlined the options for you. 

Other options to Extend in-house internet to outbuildings

Note that the options below are not for commercial use. They are for getting the same Wi-Fi internet from one place to another.

Cat 6e Ethernet cable up to 100m.

An electrician or cable guy could run an Ethernet Cat6e cable through a conduit either under the ground (recommended) or aerially (a cable cannot be run without a conduit). This solution, likely to cost under $300, offers an affordable way to extend your internet to external buildings. Connect a Wi-Fi extender (as an Access Point) or Mesh router (for seamless roaming with the same SSID) in that area.

Benefit: At least 1000Mbps full-duplex speed.

READ MORE..

Last week, motorola released its latest g series – the G34, G24, and G04, catering to diverse user needs with a balance of performance, affordability, and innovation. We invited Kurt Bonnici, Head of Motorola – Greater Asia Pacific to discuss about these 3 newest phones.  

Motorola has unleashed its new moto g devices, blending premium style, high performance, and potent capabilities. With the launch of three new additions to the moto g series. These new devices are available now and shortly –  G34 – $279 – Available from April 24

G24 – $229 – Available Now
G04 – $179 – Available Now  

READ MORE..  
D-Link has recently launched AQUILA PRO AI M30 which aims to boost your smart home coverage. 

Graeme Reardon, Managing Director from D-Link Australia and New Zealand joined us this week and shared the technical advancement of their newest router.  The new D-Link Aquila Pro M30 Ai Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 mesh router is available in a 2 or 3-pack to suit small-to-medium-sized homes or apartments. Its AI improves Wi-Fi reliability.It is also a stylish new design reminiscent of Sally Fields Flying Nun’s hat. The design takes Wi-Fi coverage from a 2D circle to a 3D sphere, meaning better signal strength through the floor or ceiling coverage – suitable for some multi-level homes.

 D-Link Aquila Pro M30 AI Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 mesh router (network review)
   
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