No roof, no problem: Australian balcony solar ban could lift soon     Balcony solar could become legal in Australia after energy ministers met and agreed to explore its viability for local households. The United Kingdom recently legalised plug-in solar systems, and New Zealand plans to do the same in the coming year. Germany is a current world leader, with estimates showing 1 in 10 households have a plug-in system installed. Unfortunately, it’s currently illegal to plug in a balcony solar system in Australia, though technically the systems can be sold. There is a small group of Australian retailers selling kits that are marketed with a caveat to check local laws before connecting. Repealing the ban would lift the gate barring solar for millions of Australians who rent or live in apartments. Plug-in solar doesn’t need a roof or an electrician, and the system can move with you. How does balcony solar work? Unlike rooftop solar systems that are most popular with owner-occupiers, balcony solar doesn’t require professional installation. The systems typically incorporate one or two panels that connect to a microinverter and plug directly into a standard power point. A typical system generates around 800 watts. When they’re plugged into the wall, the solar panels push generated electricity back through your homes wiring. That way, they power your appliances directly rather than drawing energy from the grid. That means if you run your appliances like washing machines and dishwashers when the sun’s out, the panels automatically offset some of the power draw from the grid, lowering your costs. Batteries are increasingly bundled with plug-in kits, meaning surplus energy generated through the day can be stored for use after dark. Some estimates say a battery can double the savings compared to a panel alone. READ MORE. CYBERSHACK TV  We’re back with a brand-new episode, and this week we’re taking you to Berlin for IFA! We’re checking out the latest robots, smart-home innovations and some seriously exciting new tech. LG pushes the limits of ultra-thin design with its astonishing Wallpaper TV. Epson is making dye-sublimation printing more accessible, and we’ll show you how. Plus, there’s plenty more to discover from the wonderful world of tech.

 

Guests and Topics on the Show

HTC VIVE Eagle AI: Bringing AI Into the VR Experience   Artificial intelligence had been moving beyond phones and computers, and it was also becoming part of immersive technology. HTC VIVE had been exploring how AI could make virtual and mixed reality experiences more useful, interactive and natural. Thomas Dexmier, ANZ Country Manager for HTC VIVE, joined us to discuss Eagle AI and what it meant for the future of VR. We looked at how AI could be integrated into VIVE experiences, what consumers could expect from the technology, and where AI-powered virtual reality could fit into everyday applications. Read More Here    Dye-Sublimation Printing: Bringing Professional Printing to More Businesses      Dye-sublimation printing had become an increasingly useful technology for businesses producing everything from personalised products to signage, apparel and promotional materials. Unlike conventional printing, the process used heat to transfer dye into a material, creating durable and high-quality results. Ryan Warby, Development Manager – Professional Print Solutions at Epson Australia, joined us to explain how dye-sublimation printing worked and where businesses could use it. We also looked at what businesses needed to consider when choosing a dye-sublimation printer, including the type of materials they worked with, print quality and production requirements.    Dye Sublimation Printer: The perfect companion for small business

 

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Apple Announces iPhone 18 – Where is the model we can afford?  Some of noticed, as we did, that Apple has announced new iPhone 18 and each costs over $2000 aud. As that price is above the purchase limit of most, we looked into what is happening with the regular iPhone18 and when we should expect to see released, or at least announced.  Read more here  Microsoft 365 to kill off SMS and voice 2FA for business accounts    Microsoft is phasing out text message and voice login codes for Microsoft 365 business accounts, nudging users onto passkey login instead. The change has just started rolling out. It’s a gradual change, with SMS and voice code options to be fully retired by 1st February 2027. What’s changing and why From 1st September, anyone on a Microsoft 365 business account currently using SMS or voice codes for multi-factor authentication will be automatically enrolled into a passkey profile. The next time the user signs in, they’ll be prompted to set up a passkey. It’s a soft switch for now, as users can snooze the prompt for later. The hard deadline is 1st February 2027, when Microsoft will fully retire SMS and voice codes. If one of these codes is someone’s only login option at that point, they will be required to set up a passkey with no snooze or opt-out option. Microsoft’s stated reason is phishing resistance. SMS-based authentication can be intercepted with spoofing and SIM-swap attacks. Time-based one-time password authenticators will continue to be available.      READ MORE..

 

Guests and Topics on the Show

What Apple’s Latest iPhone Announcements Mean for Consumers   Mike Boyd joined us to take a closer look at Apple’s latest iPhone announcements, following the company’s unveiling of its newest devices and features.  We discussed the key changes Apple had introduced, how the latest iPhones compared with previous models, and what the announcements meant for consumers deciding whether it was time to upgrade.   Here are some other notes from Mike –  iPhone Duo — Apple’s first foldable Apple has finally entered the foldable-phone market with the iPhone Duo, its first-ever foldable iPhone. It folds like a book, opening up to become the largest-screened iPhone Apple has ever produced, while folding down to roughly the size of a passport for everyday use. The big selling point is getting a large screen when you need it without carrying a tablet-sized device around all day. It also features an all-day battery, a new durable hinge and iOS 27 designed specifically for the foldable format. But there is a significant catch: the price. At A$3,499, it is the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever sold and is around $750 more than Samsung’s current equivalent foldable. There are also some compromises, including no Face ID, with Touch ID built into the power button, relatively disappointing audio and MagSafe positioning that may not work with all accessories. And while Apple has clearly put a lot of work into the folding screen, the long-term durability of foldable displays remains a question. Pre-orders begin on 16 October, with the iPhone Duo available in stores from 23 October. iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Apple’s flagship traditional iPhones also receive a significant upgrade, particularly when it comes to photography. The new 48-megapixel main camera can mechanically adjust its aperture, giving the iPhone something closer to the depth-of-field control traditionally associated with a DSLR camera. Battery life has also improved, with the Pro Max offering up to six additional hours of video playback compared with last year’s model. Apple is also using considerably more components that it designs itself. Prices have increased by $100, with the iPhone 18 Pro starting at A$2,099 and the Pro Max at A$2,299. If you want 1TB or 2TB of storage, prices can climb as high as A$4,699. A new burgundy colour is also being introduced. Pre-orders begin 12 September, with the phones available from 18 September. What happened to the other iPhones? Interestingly, Apple didn’t announce the expected standard iPhone 18, the successor to the 17e, or the iPhone Air. There is speculation that the upgraded base model could arrive around Thanksgiving or early next year. There is also growing speculation that Apple’s iPhone range has become too broad and that some models could eventually be dropped, particularly with a major 20th anniversary iPhone expected around this time next year. Software Updates — 15 September Apple is also releasing major free software updates across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro and Apple TV. The biggest change is Siri, which has been rebuilt around AI. The new Siri is designed to understand context across different apps and handle more complicated requests. There are also new Apple Intelligence features and improved parental controls. The updates will support the iPhone 11 and newer, along with the specified newer iPad models. For Apple, this is potentially the most significant software update in years. Siri has struggled to keep pace with newer AI assistants, and Apple is clearly betting that this completely rebuilt version will change people’s perception of Siri. Apple Watch Series 12 The Apple Watch Series 12 receives a new heart-rate sensor system capable of monitoring heart rate every five seconds, along with a new Readiness Score. The idea is to tell you each morning whether your body is ready to train hard or whether you should take it easier based on your sleep, activity and vital signs. Charging is also considerably faster, with 15 minutes providing up to 12 hours of use. The starting price remains A$649, so there is no price increase. New finishes include ceramic, which hasn’t been offered since the Series 5, and there is also a new Audio Intelligence feature that can transcribe the last 15 seconds of a conversation if you missed something. The Series 12 is available from 18 September. Apple Watch Ultra 4 The Apple Watch Ultra 4 continues Apple’s push into serious outdoor and adventure use. It includes the same new health features as the Series 12 but adds the rugged design, longer battery life and enhanced GPS capabilities expected from the Ultra range. Battery life is more than two days, with up to 45 hours during an outdoor GPS workout. Satellite emergency communications are also built in. It starts at A$1,349, the same price as last year’s model, and is available in natural or black titanium. AirPods 5 One of the more interesting announcements is the new AirPods 5. Apple’s standard open-ear AirPods now include Active Noise Cancellation, meaning users can get noise cancellation without having to use the silicone ear tips found on AirPods Pro. The standard version costs A$219, exactly the same price as last year’s non-ANC AirPods. A version with a wireless charging case and additional controls costs A$249. This makes the AirPods 5 arguably one of the best-value products announced, because Apple has added a significant feature without increasing the entry-level price. The big consumer takeaway The biggest headline is obviously Apple’s entry into the foldable-phone market, but the enormous A$3,499 price tag will make the iPhone Duo a luxury product rather than a mainstream iPhone. The iPhone 18 Pro’s camera upgrade is arguably the most technically interesting hardware change, particularly the mechanically adjustable aperture. But Apple’s biggest long-term opportunity may actually be the software. The completely rebuilt, AI-powered Siri represents Apple’s attempt to catch up with the rapid development of AI assistants. And from a value perspective, the AirPods 5 may be the surprise winner, bringing Active Noise Cancellation to Apple’s standard AirPods at the same starting price as last year’s model.

Dreame Unveils Its Latest Smart Home Innovations at IFA 2026       Ash Khosla, Sales Director at Dreame Australia, joined us from IFA 2026 to discuss the company’s latest product announcements and innovations.  We looked at the new technology Dreame had showcased at the event, how the brand had continued to expand its smart home ecosystem, and what Australian consumers could expect as these new products made their way to the market.

 

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NBN LEO satellite service locks in plans for 2027 launch    NBN has confirmed its plans for its future Low Earth Orbit satellite service intended for regional Australia. Current Sky Muster plans are showing their age with slow speeds and high latency. NBN LEO is intended to compete directly with Starlink, bringing better performance for video calls, streaming, and gaming. NBN LEO satellite plans and pricing    Eligible customers will be able to choose from a range of uncapped data plans. At the outset, 50/10 Mbps and 100/20 Mbps plans will be available with higher speed plans potentially arriving later. NBN will cover the initial installation and equipment package, including an integrated Wi-Fi router with no upfront wholesale charge. NBN LEO will undergo annual pricing reviews like other NBN services, with pricing to be published in advance. Pricing will be consistent regardless of location or demand. Compared to existing services like Starlink, NBN’s focus appears to be less about raw speed and more about consistent, predictable pricing that Starlink fails to deliver.    READ MORE..   Harvey Norman to launch its biggest ever new category this weekend       Harvey Norman is consolidating its outdoor range into a new section and launching this weekend, bringing a wide set of products under one umbrella. Barbecues and outdoor cooking, pergolas and furniture, outdoor entertainment, and outdoor robots will be brought into a single department. That means shoppers can find everything they need for the outdoors in one part of the store rather than wandering around the whole shop for different pieces.    What’s Changing The mode will fold four separate categories under one department. Outdoor Robots: robot mowers, window robots, pool robots BBQ and Outdoor Cooking: barbecues, outdoor kitchens, cooking gear Outdoor Furniture: pergolas, outdoor dining settings Outdoor Entertainment: portable speakers, karaoke machines, portable monitors and projectors Staff in the new department will be trained across the full range rather than just specialising in one product type. That means less time hunting around the store and staff who can speak to the full outdoor range rather than bouncing you between departments.

 

Guests and Topics on the Show

HP Deep Espresso: A New Look for AI PCs   The laptop market continued to evolve as manufacturers focused not only on performance, but also on design, portability and AI capabilities. HP introduced its Deep Espresso finish across selected premium laptops, giving its latest machines a darker, more distinctive look while retaining the features expected from modern AI PCs. HP’s OmniBook range included models with next-generation processors designed to support AI-powered features and everyday productivity. Liam Hales, National Retail Account Manager at HP, joined us to discuss the thinking behind the Deep Espresso range, what consumers could expect from HP’s latest AI-powered laptops, and how design had become an increasingly important part of the laptop buying decision.

Choosing the Right Air Purifier for Your Home       Air purifiers had become increasingly popular in Australian homes, but choosing the right model was not simply a matter of buying the biggest or most powerful unit available. Room size, air circulation and the purifier’s capacity all played an important role in determining how effectively it could clean the air. Breville offered models designed for different room sizes, from compact units for bedrooms and home offices through to larger models for bigger living spaces.   Lucy Martyn, General Manager at Breville, joined us to explain how Australians could work out what size air purifier they needed, what specifications they should look for, and why matching the purifier to the room was so important. Remember, as we discussed on the show, PLEASE remove the plastic covering around the filter element of the Air Filter before you install.     What size air purifier do you need? A simple way to work it out

 

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