Two Blokes Talking Tech

Looking back on the tech of 2018, the best phones, tablets, laptops, TVs and everything else, plus a look forward to 2019. Thanks for listening this year!

Stephen finally has NBN and his experience getting connected is a lesson for Optus, the telcos and customers getting FTTC, but the good news is, it's flying. Freeview is now on your browser, so there's an easy way to watch live TV just using your web browser. Huawei are helping deaf kids learn to read with a new app using AI, the app that helps you save someone else's life by stopping them from texting and driving, the smart cricket bat sensor to help you with your swing and Tom Cruise's impassioned plea to TV companies.

It's not the April Fools episode. But get this, Commonwealth Bank has announced Apple Pay for its users! that's right, from January - Apple Pay! Crazy - we discuss what went on and how it went down. Google looks back on the year so the blokes stroll down short term memory lane, Oppo tops the Canstar charts, Stephen goes Water Droning, XMAS ideas for all at this last minute time and some reviews of course!

Telstra 5G is getting serious, and we're really almost ready to see our first real device on sale - Trev's seen it and we're expecting more in early 2019, plus Samsung brings SmartThings devices to Australia - first off - Victoria through RACV, the blokes discuss this partnership and what it means. Vodafone offering multi plan loyalty to customers with more than one plan, from 5% to 20% discounts. Apple Music coming to Alexa, an affordable smart speaker alternative for Apple users - plus Apple's best of 2018 has been released so which movies did we watch, songs did we listen to and apps did we download? Arlo goes 4K with a stunning new Wire-Free camera and the boys have their minute reviews!

It's official, Kayo Sports is your online streaming sports destination with loads of sport and all the apps it's seemingly too good to be true - but it's real. Plus the blokes have taken a good look at Hisense's new OLED TV - what's good what's not and would you buy one? Robot guides and our direct experience, are we paying too much for Netflix on the global scale, Tap and Go comes to public transport in Sydney, Optus launch an interesting - if not a touch confusing Apple Watch deal, and Stephen reviews Lenovo's Smart Display

The blokes are in Korea, and it's action stations as 8K starts to hit the street - we've talked a Brain Scientist about why 8K and higher are good for our brains, and what our brains can do to make more from the higher res picture. Plus, outdoor Wifi, more important than you think - the Fitbit for Cows from the CSIRO, Huawei's first Aussie laptop, the Matebook X Pro, Logitech's interesting iPad accessory, the high tech coffee mug, Telstra's real steps to 5G and the minute reviews

Fresh from Hawaii Stephen is back and the tech news keeps rolling, Boost, Kogan & Amaysim are head to head with new data deals for the prepaid lovers and it's great data value. Hisense is in market with OLED TVs at great prices, but we also uncover some cracker deals on LG too. NBN is making changes in the bush that should be a thing for everyone perhaps, Alexa skills you can make yourself, Telstra's new affordable Tablet for kids, the Foldable phone future and Trevor's minute reviews.

All the news from the Apple Event in New York - an all-new Mac Mini, but who's buying them, the refreshed but not entirely all-new MacBook Air, plus the big news being the iPad, USB-C, Pencil redesigned and way more power - what's the blokes views on all this! Plus Huawei's Mate 20 - more impressive than ever, with some standout features and a stunner of a camera, Steve's car got an Upgrade - that's how it should be right? The games coming to Playstation Classic that have even Trev excited, Audible for Dogs - yes Audio books for Dogs! And the minute reviews!

The iPhone XR is out today, there was no queue at the Sydney Apple Store - are the queues over? Is online enough? The blokes discuss queuing of all kinds. Plus Huawei's Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro - best in class? too pricey? Channel 7 set to Stream the Tokyo Olympics in 4K, The Google Home and Alexa screens coming thick and fast, Mobile Muster encouraging you to fear not when it comes to your device data, Sony's new 4K projector and the Minute reviews

In the second clip show of Trevor's break, the boys discuss wireless home audio, what's what and what's necessary in this market right now, plus the long awaited Seinfeld Chat - favourite episodes, moments, characters and all things Seinfeld, and a look at what tech goes into making a podcast!

This week the boys have a broad ranging discussion about a few things on your mind - listener topics which include Travel Tech - what we like to see in hotels, what we carry when we travel and how to be prepared, plus Streaming services and streaming shows and the big topic of World Changing Technology - what tech has really changed the world?

The third in our 2018 "Cafe" Series episodes, the blokes are back with news of iPhone Xs' results in the DXOMark smartphone camera tests, Trev has news on Foxtel Now price rises and the programming coming to Foxtel 4K. Google Maps gears you up for the commute and has your music front and centre, Stephen visits a super smart apartment from driveway to kitchen, Xbox is coming out bundled with Fortnite - why? Stephen has Dogs and Dinosaurs and the minute reviews are all about STEM

Google turns 20, can you believe it? What would the world be like without it? What was the progression from Garage to today - amazing story, a reflection on an internet age. Bathurst in 4K Baby! Trev is excited. Forza Horizon 4 looks great according to Trev, Amazon has a load of new devices, Nokia's 8110 tested and Arlo's new light - plus some mega minute reviews.

The blokes have been at the opening of the Sydney Apple store for iPhone Xs and Xs Max, how big was the queue?? What's the reason for the size of the queue and what's change. Thoughts on last week's launch event, thoughts on the phones and watches - plus news from GoPro with a new Hero 7 camera out - from LG with Google added to their 2018 TVs finally, and ANZ innovates at the ATM!

Foxtel gives a great new feature, but makes it available only to a certain type of customer - seems to make no sense - the blokes discuss! Apple's event is in just a few days, what's planned, what's coming. The all-electric Mercedes Benz EQC - how's it compare to what's out there, does it kill Tesla? And what new features does Tesla have planned. Phones Phones Phones, lots of new ones coming which we discuss, and the new Bose smart speaker and soundbars. All that, plus the minute reviews.

The two blokes are in Berlin for the annual IFA show where the latest gadgets and gizmos are shown off to the world - this week they look at 8K TV, Sony's news, Netgear, Translators and a whole lot more - plus, Apple confirms their September event!

The Note 9 is out, what do the blokes think? How's it perform, what's the good and bad of it now you can get your hands on it. Vodafone is in talks with TPG to merge their businesses, why? What's in it for Vodafone - what's in it for TPG? Trev's excited about F1 2018 coming out, Steve's wondering why we don't make phone calls any more. THe blokes head to Berlin next week for IFA - what's happening, and what do we expect? Minute reviews, plus your chance to set the talking points for some future episodes!

Foxtel is going 4K - well, one channel at least - so the boys discuss what it means, how it works, and some of the details. NBN is hitting more homes, 4.2 million connected - how's it tracking? Telstra's launched 5G - Stephen and Trevor disagree with how big this is, The Model 3 is on show in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne - will you check it out? The Oppo Find X impressed the blokes, Predator is in 4K and the Minute reviews...

Trevor and Stephen are in New York as guests of Samsung for their August UNPACKED event where the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 device was announced, along with the Galaxy Watch, A Spotify Partnership, Fortnite for Android and a teaser for a new Home speaker the Galaxy Home. The boys discuss all the features, the pricing and their thoughts on what Samsung see as very important devices for them.

The ACCC has released an updated look at NBN and Broadband speeds with Aussie Broadband and My Republic results released for the first time, and there's movement - TPG, iiNet and Telstra slow down, while Aussie impresses. Stephen goes inside the high-tech NRL bunker, Cabcharge goes into the Apple Wallet Samsung throws some new tablets into the market ahead of next week's big NOTE event, Google as a new bigger, louder more powerful HOME speaker the MAX, Trev tests the Uniden solar powered portable battery, Stephen looks at the NVIDIA Android Gaming box and Trev throws a spotlight on the porch.

The telcos dominate the news this week with Telstra announcing a wide range of new plans with peace of mind from excess fees and charges, but are they worth it? Plus the telcos are rated for customer service and it won't surprise you to know we think they are pretty rubbish. Samsung has an unbreakable display technology - could it come to smartphones soon? Apple had some MacBook woes that they had to fix rather fast, Trev explains the latest scam involving your password and porn plus Stephen describe's Hisense's new screen technology - and the minute reviews!

The blokes discuss the relatively controversially reported My Health Record system the government is introducing. Is it a security risk? Should you opt out? What are the benefits. Plus the iPhone leaks begin are we getting three notch phones? Netflix upgrades it's app big time to enhance discovery, Apple updates the Macbook and it's a big deal, World Emoji day - we look at our favourites, and Telstra's LTE-B launch - what and why? Plus two very different smartphones in the minute reviews.

It's been ten years to the day since the iPhone launched in Australia so Stephen and Trevor take a trip down memory lane to remember the amazing innovations of the decade, plus, at the same time the App Store turns 10 - with a whole new economy created it's hard to ignore. Fortnite breaks into the real world - your way to stay hip with the kids, NBN choices seem limited in a recent survey, so what should people be looking for? Aussie Ben Simmons is the cover star for the next NBA2K game, and Stephen looks at the latest full true 4K projectors from sony - plus, the minute reviews

Trev rocked up to Stephen's place early today to record the 350th episode of Two Blokes Talking Tech - and there is - as always, lots to talk about. The end of DVD's and CDs at KMart and what it means for the DVD business, plus Stephen's views on why Discs are still better than streaming. Boost in data for Boost customers plus some sweet international calling deals too - GMail privacy woes and what it really means, Amazon Prime's big Aussie sale is coming up, NVIDIA has a little gaming box to get you going on the big screen, Die Hard turns 30 and Stephen finds a way to get that into the show.

Well, like groundhog day the boys are discussing Optus again and their World Cup Woes and they've handed SBS all the live games, plus this week in Tech News Vodafone shakes up their NBN plans with no up front costs and no contracts and a solution to keeping your landline number too. Oppo's new R15 and their Bali deal as well as an innovative new Find X phone as the boys realise Oppo is doing pretty bloody well right now in Australia. Parents and their knowledge of kids online playing games - do you realise what they are doing, do you realise how you can take charge? Could Facebook start charging us, and what's new in iOS 12 available in Beta now!

Stephen and Trevor cover all the streaming woes Optus has had, looking at the bigger picture - what does it mean for the industry? Telstra has their share of issues today with a small outage getting national attention just a day before they announce huge changes to the business including massive job losses. Amazon launches it's PRIME subscription service in Australia giving new free shipping options to Aussies, Apple's dramas with the ACCC and warranties, Circle from Disney launches in Australia for a fantastic option to give parents Parental controls on their network and kids devices plus the TCL X4 TV review!

This week the boys are back in Australia talking all things World Cup and Streaming, plus some insight into how Sports Streaming can and does not work and what might the future hold. The world's biggest gaming launches are happening in LA the two blokes have a wrap of the big news, Sonos have announced another smart speaker this time a soundbar, Stephen sold his car and the service he used might just be worth a look! Virgin has WiFi on all international flights now and Trev tested it out, the Blackberry KeyOne has a follow up with the Key2 and Stephen's minute reviews - plus, some thoughts on streaming shows too as a bonus!

Live from the Apple Podcast Studio in San Jose at the 2018 Worldwide Developers Conference, Stephen and Trevor have all the news on iOS, macOS, WatchOS and TVOS - everything you need to know about how your Apple devices will be changing in the months ahead.

Apple's annual developers conference is on next week in San Jose, the blokes are heading there so this week we look at what's happening, what's coming, what to expect - will we see new hardware? Or will it be a software only event? Plus iOS 11.4 is out, with new features including updates to the capabilities of HomePod for Stereo Pairing and Multi-Room. Virgin Mobile is dead, or dying, so what's happened and why? eBay takes on Amazon before they are forced to, SOLO the movie is out, Stephen's thoughts, plus Tesla's updated charger network and the minute reviews.

Telstra has had a shocking week - their network failed, customers are outraged - so what are they to do? Plus Optus is copping it from Fenech who is worried his crap internet will continue if he sticks with Optus on the NBN. HTC's 2018 Flagship phone is called the U12+ and it's a plus size with the U11 squeeze, enhanced from last year to make it even smarter. LYF mobile launches - for who though? Plus, are you paying to much for your mobile plan - likely the answer is yes. And Stephen's minute reviews.

Stephen and Trevor are this week in a Bondi penthouse where Samsung is demonstrating their full connected home experience, from Fridge, to TV, Robot Vacuum and Washing Machines it's all happening. Plus they discuss the new Norton Core WiFi network protector, Youtube's new Music app launching next week - why and what's new? and Telsyte looking at the booming growth in IoT devices off the back of all the smart speakers being sold, Kaspersky opts for transparency over rumours and Xbox launches a controller for those with limited mobility. And the minute reviews!

Google has gone full skynet with a robot/computer that can communicate, not just speak, but converse like a human being! It's insane, awesome, and a touch scary. Huawei's P20 is coming and it's spectacular, D-Link finally have a mesh router solution for your home, Samsung has your whole home covered with new Fridge, Washer and Vacuum's coming, ZTE is on the brink of collapse, Uber-like as you need it phone services could be the future - and, the minute reviews.

Telstra and Vodafone have launched Unlimited data plans, Stephen and Trevor unpack just how unlimited they are, who would need them and the controversy around the concept of unlimited. Plus, password dramas at Twitter and how risky the password use online is, LG launches a new flagship and it looks sensational, NSW to introduce cameras to detect mobile use in the car, Pocket Casts acquired by US Public Radio, Car Next Door for your car rental needs and the Minute reviews

Lots of Amazon Alexa news this week with the launch of the Echo Spot, as well as new devices from UE the Blast and Megablast and Sonos have an Alexa Update too. Plus, Telstra's big fine for premium billing dramas, Landline phones are still a thing, but not after 2037, Amaysim hand Huawei Australia a drama - launching the P20 here early as a Grey Import, just what is a grey import and should you do it? The Spacetalk watch for kids of a very specific age and Stephen's Minute reviews

It's official, again - Telcos suck at customer service. Complaints are coming into the TIO at over 400 a day proving the telcos don't know how to help people with issues, Stephen and Trevor break it all down. Plus the NBN, yes the NBN - speeds are up, Kogan is involved and it's all happening. TVs TVs TVs and more TVs - the 2018 models are coming to stores so there's never a better time to buy a TV or wait for the latest and greatest, plus Optus officially goes unlimited and eBay makes life ease - AND some minute reviews!!

This Facebook story drags on, what can you do, how do you stay on top of things, how can you lock down your profile and privacy . Apple has new gear all focussed no Education, the NBN is in the news with FTTC launching and their CEO leaving, Stephen is in the news for his Solar Panels and battery, Optus launch their 5G demo on the Gold Coast, Trev gets into online gaming with Far Cry 5 and the minute reviews.

The news this week is all about Facebook, our privacy shattered, our data used in political marketing so what has been compromised ? The blokes discuss, along with the update to Google Home which gives some solid Aussie sporting knowledge. Aussie Broadband opens the books on their data and congestion with public graphs, Huawei's Mate 10 has a secret feature that will please your mates, Apple's event next week - what to expect and why - and Telstra's super fast Samsung Galaxy S9. And our reviews on the New gaming Nighthawk from Netgear and the HTC U11 Life.

Foxtel is ditching Cable TV and going 100% satellite in a bid to cut costs, and reduce downtime for customers - Trevor has the scoop, plus Samsung's new TVs - picture quality not the primary discussion point so what new features might get you buying a new TV. Fitbit ads a new watch and a kids tracker, Apple has announced WWDC and the blokes speculate as to what might come at that show. The NBN has a new monthly report showing good progress but there's still issues, and Optus ups the data and tests unlimited plans, plus Stephen's minute reviews..

Trevor and Stephen are in Barcelona for the annual Mobile World Congress trade show, this week they run through all the latest news and releases - brand new mobile phones from Samsung, Alcatel, Nokia, Sony and more and they share their thoughts on each and possible pricing and availability details - everything you need to know from MWC 2018!

The Seven year itch? The blokes have been at this for seven years, some reflection then onto the news of the week. Texting and driving is in the spotlight again, and we discuss why, what needs to happen and what tech there is to prevent it. Samsung gets Commonwealth Bank before Apple for their Samsung Pay system, Could Seven be planning to charge for HD content on their catch up app? Would you be willing to pay for yet another streaming service? The local tour app Roamin allowing you to make money from what you know about places - Star Wars coming out in 4K and the minute reviews!

There's a new payment game in town, the banks have joined together to create a new faster transfer platform with immediate payments for us all - great news, but bloody hell why has it taken so long? DJI introduces the drone flyer quiz before you can fly here in Australia and the blokes think its fantastic. Samsung's next phone is out there for all to see, lots of new info we can run you through - the mobile phone repair service that comes to you, Fox Sports entry into eSports with the E-League and Stephen's minute reviews.

The blokes are in Rome with Samsung for the South East Asia and Oceania Regional forum, this week they discuss all the news from Samsung, the latest Frame TV, soundbars, updates to Family Hub Fridges and the fully connected smart home. Plus, Apple's HomePod has launched, Trev has been to San Francisco and gives some insights into the detail Apple have gone to in developing the product but just what is it lacking? How romantic is Stephen? he thinks giving a breathalyser is cool for Valentine's! Trev looks at Binge viewing on Netflix and the minute reviews...

Samsung are set to announce the Galaxy S9 and S9+ in Barcelona - what we know, and what we think - plus Apple's HomePod pricing and availability is now known - what's it all mean? Commodore 64 is back! the blokes are a whole bunch more excited about that than the Nintendo back a year or so ago, DJI have a whole new compact Drone, Fetch TV adds channels, Audible recruits Michael Bolton, The Smart Home air-conditioner control that Trevor bloody loves and Stephen's minute reviews.

All the tech news of the week with Amazon's Echo launching next week and a whole bunch of Aussie companies jumping on board, what is Google up to, how do they stack up and just where is Apple? Plus Vodafone's NBN price cuts, Innovations in banking on your mobile phone and Tim Cook speaks about the Apple Battery woes - all that and some gadget reviews this week on Two Blokes Talking Tech

Before the boys leave town they catch up to discuss Netgear's new range, Alcatel's new phone, the Huawei Wifi system, D-Link's WiFi system plus Telstra's announcements of Narrowband Iot and 5G predictions, Trevor found some amazing AKG headphones while Stephen ducked into the Kitchen with Whirlpool

Stephen and Trevor run through all the news from LG, Samsung, Sony, Hisense at CES in Las Vegas as well as discussing the future of cars and a bit of wireless charging too!

All the fun gadgets from CES Unveiled - kicking off the biggest tech show of the year!

The boys are heading off to Las Vegas for CES so they stop to share their thoughts on the big show, plus talk about what they see coming in 2018 in TVs, Smartphones, Appliances, Smart home and more - a full preview of 2018 coming your way!

Stephen and Trevor look back on 2017 and wonder what was the best and brightest, what stood out the most and what's memorable. From Google Home to Smartphones, Smart home, Toys and more - it's been a big year for tech!

Stephen has seen it three times already so for a spoiler-free assessment of the latest Star Wars plus a look at all the Star Wars Toys the boys have got you covered. Disney now owns 21st Century Fox movies and more so what's it mean for the future of streaming, Google looks back on the year in Search, Virgin advocates gifting DATA this Christmas, and Amazon's top buys in Australia - plus the Minute reviews....