Two Blokes Talking Tech

Just another Covid Podcast really

Optus has launched a service that could be a game-changer for those suffering from Streaming Fatigue - SubHub is for Optus Customers to manage their never ending list of subscriptions - it's a great idea! Samsung gets into action with their smart watches, launching ECG plus Blood Pressure monitoring on the Watch 4, 3 and Active 2. Twitter is aiming to cut down on misinformation - good luck with that! Hisense has a new Cinema TV. Google's latest affordable earbuds and the Tesla of e-bikes is Australian. Our 500th show. Massive thanks to all our loyal fans, long time listeners and those who have just discovered us. Great milestone, with many more to come.

Stephen is in lockdown, and it's really stuffed our plans.

This is the first episode of our NEW SHOW - it won't appear in your Two Blokes Feed every week - just a couple to tease you!! So subscribe now, search THE BEST MOVIES YOU'VE NEVER SEEN on Apple, Spotify or other major platforms!

Thanks to Netgear & Arlo the Two Blokes Talking Tech are covering this week's tech news, starting off with all the news from Samsung this week. A new Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Flip3 5G are hitting the market in September and they come in with new features and dramatically reduced prices. Another streaming service? Did anyone ask for that? No. But Paramount+ has launched at $8.99 a month, so what's it about and what's it got? Plus the 140 inch screen in your glasses so only you see what you're watching, the thin Aussie portable display for your laptop or PC, and both Stephen and Trevor review the JBL Live Pro+ headphones.

Life in lockdown

Telstra has made the decision to make phone calls from Public Phones free - for all, and that's cool. So the blokes walk down memory lane talking phone calls and phone booths. Plus, Google's next Pixel is almost here, we know a lot more today. Trev's AirTag experiment proves the Apple Find My network's scale and ability, Oppo announces Under-screen camera technology while studies show Australia is doing well on a dollar per data rate globally for mobile data, and Dyson's latest hair-care product.

Reminiscing.

Stephen and Trevor discuss the rise of the Digital Wallet, with Apple adding Aussie Health Insurance cards, a world first, plus the debate about Apple's market power and the banks - we're back to all that drama are we? Samsung rules out a new Note device in their next event with Fold to dominate entirely. Boost mobile locks in the Telstra Network for the next decade plus an expansion out of just mobile. Nokia's rugged and tough phone, The Olympics on your Xbox or PlayStation and visiting the Great Barrier Reef - from your computer.

Oh what a story Trev has....

Samsung have locked in a date for their next big event, Unpacked, or should we say unfolded. New folding phones, maybe new watches too? Lots to talk about. Robot vacuums continue to boom in the Aussie market with a new one from Ecovacs offering big features at a lower price. Trev talks Netflix adding games to their streaming service. Stephen reviews the LG Tonefree headphones, offering noise cancelling and bacteria killing. How to watch the Tokyo Olympics on 7Plus, and Sony's latest home theatre products.

What to watch and Covid Stuff

Trev and Stephen look at the latest flagship phone from TCL, the TCL 20 Pro 5G and how it stacks up on the market, plus the cracking on-sale deal for a free TV when you buy the phone! Plus plenty of other great deals including super low cost 80+ inch TVs and an iPhone 12 for $300 off!! Magsafe comes of age with new accessories and chargers from a range of companies, and Trev's testing the latest Super Mario smartwatch from TAG!

Not us, other people

It's peak rumour season with big announcements due from Samsung, Google and Apple at the very least. Stephen and Trevor look over what's expected, what they predict and as always, we'll see who's right and wrong. Telstra and TPG combine forces to up the Mobile Data speeds for Telstra and Vodafone users. JBL's new Airpod Pro rivals look the goods as the blokes consider the affordable headphone options And WD MyBook dramas for those relying on a backup, plus Stephen's look at the Gozney Dome BBQ

Trev's car rego nightmare, plus Covid Lockdown

Apple's next operating system for iPhone is coming later in the year but the Public Beta test is available now. Trevor and Stephen discuss what's new and what they like about it. TCL has some great new product including cinema screen glasses for your personal viewing. Plus new smartphone, share features and kids watch. The ACCC's warning on AirTags has Trev fired up, Telstra's 5G is "doing very well", and wasn't Windows 10 the last one? And Optus' phone call translation service launches.

Mare of Easttown is Stephen's recommendation - but some COVID frustrations exist...

This week Stephen and Trevor talk about the possibility of Apple having to allow sideloading of apps - what is it? Why does it matter? Why is Apple not keen on the idea? Plus the global Silicone Chip shortage, more on why it's happening and when things will go back to normal NSW EV policy explained, your addiction to your phone, Shazam's big milestone and Christmas for Scammers

Not for kiddies, and not our best show quite frankly:)

Oh the drama. A network provider outage caused major concerns for Aussie Banks, Australia Post, Virgin Australia and more - so what's it all about, and will we see more of this kind of thing? The E3 gaming expo is on, with huge numbers of new titles announced from Avatar through to Forza Horizon 5 - Stephen wraps it all up. Hisense brings Kayo and an NRL app to a wide range of recent model TVs, while Telstra ups their scam call blocking game. Trev trys out a new F1 Racing Simulator, and Stephen backs up to a Synology Cloud at home

Just doctors really

How great is the story of the Police using criminal influencers to get a dodgy not really encrypted encryption chat app into the hands of thousands of the world's low lives? Brilliant. Plus Apple's WWDC is all software, with new features for every device, particularly interesting new work life balance features, sharing content features and even thought for your digital legacy. Sony's amazing new in-ear headphones tested, along with Apple's Spacial Audio, while Trev checks out the Disney tablets at Big W and the boys discuss the new Hisense TV range

Two Blokes on the course

Looking back on the data and call inclusions of phone plans going way back to 2011 - the blokes reflect on the huge data available today compared to then. Plus how complaints to the TIO have changed and which Telcos are the most complained about. The app to tell you which products are the most Australian so you can choose to buy "Strayan". How Apple is doing very well with the App Store, and TCL's Mini LED TVs announced for Australia while Stephen looks at the Apple TV 4K

Gibber jabber.

TCL's 20 series smartphones have launched at Harvey Norman and Officeworks so the boys run through the lineup and their thoughts. LG's Rollable OLED TV for those that are "doing very well" launches in Australia as a made-to-order offering. Trev looks at NSW doing well with their Digital Driver's Licence program, Stephen the latest EcoTank printers from EPSON, while Trev uncovers more Apple Look Around cameras in preparation for the launch of the Streetview like service in Australia. Google gets on the train and Stephen's look at the LG Gram laptop.

It's really happening

Apple's latest shiny new things are out, and we've had our first look. The new iMac comes in seven colours but it's the performance that gets forgotten - the Apple M1 makes it a powerhouse, as well as a stunner. The new iPad Pros are equally staggering with the M1 processor, a great screen, 5G connectivity and a nifty video calling feature. Plus, Googles new Android Version, the Samsung and Google watch OS partnership, Apple Music goes high quality, Uber adds subscriptions and Kobos latest e-reader with a twist.

The Plague of Mice

Stephen and Trevor travel to Brisbane to attend the NRL Magic Round opening match at Suncorp Stadium with broadcaster Fox Sports. They see the amazing number and quality of cameras, the systems used to drive the Fox Rover, Fly the Flying Fox and bring the whole broadcast together. Also this week, ABC looking to implement a login system for iView viewing, Google ending the free upload plan for Google Photos, Apple's Work protecting apps and consumers in the App Store plus HTC's latest VR headsets.

Could it finally happen?

Officeworks has removed the Apple AirTags from sale over apparent safety concerns - the blokes have views on this, and it's a topic of great conversation. NBN Fiber to the Home is coming to many more, we discuss the how and why as well as the amazing new Dyson Stick vacuum with a Laser beam to see the dust! TCL's new affordable smartphones are worth a look with 5G under $500 and a camera that blows others away at $299. LG's 2021 TVs get a price tag, and a decade of tech changes revealed by Telsyte.

Two Blokes Talking Rubbish

Australia's 5G looking good on a global scale with average speeds third highest in the world and far greater than some countries like the UK or USA. Meanwhile ECG is finally available in Australia on the Apple Watch, how good is it, and how should it be used. Arlo has a new indoor camera with built in privacy, Spotify's plan to get more eyes and ears on them through Facebook and Podcasting, Netflix helping you channel surf and Orbi's latest Small Business Wifi Solution.

Strike it rich, imagine winning $40million.

Apple may have been late out of the blocks in 2021, but they sure were quick with six major announcements in just one hour. From new iPads in a range of colours to the much rumoured Apple AirTags for finding your things, the boys have you covered. iPad Pro devices go to Laptop grade in more ways than one, Apple TV gets a boost, Podcasting an overhaul and a new iPhone 12 - in Purple!

Gibber Jabber

Apple has a big event next week, so there's a lot to consider and wonder. Will there be iPads, iMacs, Apple Tags, and more? The blokes speculate. Plus, Samsung Unpacked - another event just a week later - will it be a Laptop or a Z Fold? We have literally no idea! Trev visits the Telstra Museum and his kids love it, Stephen looks at his below average screen time, Microsoft announces the Surface Laptop 4 and HP offers ink on subscription

Gibbering Lego Lovers

Telstra and Optus are coming out swinging with "record speed tests" on their 5G networks - but what does it mean, and are there bigger things they should be looking at? Sonos new ROAM speaker is portable and the blokes have reviewed it and have strong feelings about how good it is and who it's for. Meanwhile LG has bailed from the mobile phone business globally with no more smartphones coming... sad but inevitable. Belkin's new MagSafe range is out, great stuff and really cool designs. Google's latest nest hub is keeping track of your sleep, while Stephen has all the answers for borrowing Audiobooks and eBooks.

No really, all a bit deep and serious this week.

Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference is going virtual again in 2021. The boys discuss what that means, what might come and if it might be Virtual for a while to come. The tech giant has also launched a new repairs program allowing third party repairers to get authorised and use Apple Genuine parts. Meanwhile Facebook has come out with a concept of Transparency and new tools to understand their algorithm and process, as well as limiting content and comments. Asics has some high-tech shoes for Tokyo, while ACMA reports over 600,000 scam calls a day are being blocked and Boost are selling way more than just refurbished iPhones.

yeah... we went there

Amazon has released their TV dongle, the Firestick 4K in Australia - a direct competitor to the Chromecast with Google TV at the same price of $99 the question is who buys it and why? Stephen and Trevor received a surprise box of goodies - music to a PS5 fans ears, a bunch of accessories ready to hit the market. Fenech looks at the Stunning Samsung 8K Neo QLED TV while Trev talks mobile deals with Belong and Aldi. Plus, a bunch of gibber in-between.

Been a rough week

Samsung isn't holding back in 2021 - announcing six new additions to it's mid-tier A Series Smartphone range with prices under $800. This is a big segment of the market so Stephen and Trevor unpack the who and why of the launch. Google and Amazon hit the shelves with new smart speakers. The new Nest will track your sleep, while the new Echo Show 10 will follow you around the room - sort of. Arlo's latest Pro 4 Camera, Scribd launches in Australia as a subscription book service, the Aspera smartish phone and Amazon's big fulfillment center.

A lot to discuss.

It's TV season, well, it's starting anyway with Samsung first to market with Mini LED in their NEO QLED range of 4K and 8K TVs. What's new, what's coming and how competitive will it be? Plus, What cracking tech has ALDI got in its Bauhn TVs next week - Trev has checked it out. Sonos proves that Roam wasn't built in a day - that's Stephen's joke which will make sense when you hear about their new product. Cashless society - will Australia get there fast? Survey says YES, plus Paypal adding Buy Now Pay later to their product roadmap. Be careful of the Covid scams, theres now attacks on Vaccine keywords in all your emails, there's Pasta making playlists and An Apple CarPlay parking app!

Just gibbering