It’s the 12th and final day of Tech Guide’s popular 2023 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas. We made it! This guide was designed to help you find the perfect gift for your family and friends.

Today we’re looking at computers and accessories and other related products.

Here are Tech Guide’s 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas:

Day 1: Cameras

Day 2: Smartphones

Day 3: Wearables/smartwatches

Day 4: Headphones/speakers

DAY 5: Gaming

DAY 6: Tablets/e-readers

DAY 7: Drones/Gadgets

DAY 8: Smart/IoT devices

DAY 9: In-car gadgets

DAY 10: TVs/Blu-Ray/4K

DAY 11: Appliances

DAY 12: Computers

DAY 12: COMPUTERS

16-INCH MACBOOK PRO M3 MAX – From $5,999

The new 16-inch MacBook Pro with Apple’s M3 processor under the hood is an absolute powerhouse that will change the working life of professional users.

I am typing this review on the Space Black 16-inch MacBook Pro which won’t go anywhere near testing the capabilities of this laptop but for creative professionals, coders, film makers and researchers who are dealing with high end applications and terabytes of data this is an absolute game changer.

The model we were loaned for review is running Apple’s M3 Max chip with 48GB unified memory (what we used to call RAM) and a 1TB SSD (solid state drive).

READ OUR COMPLETE REVIEW HERE

ESPRESSO 17 PRO 4K PORTABLE DISPLAY – From $999

Australian success story espresso Displays – the company that introduced portable touchscreen technology to make it easier to work from anywhere – has released its latest product – the espresso 17 Pro.

The espresso 17 Pro is a stunning 4K portable touchscreen display that’s capable of displaying more than a billion colours and with 450 nits brightness.

The espresso 17 Pro connects to your computer with a single USB-C cable and can expand your screen real estate from your laptop or desktop computer as well as offering a unique touchscreen experience so users can interact with their favourite applications like never before.

FULL REPORT HERE

LOGITECH CASA POP UP DESK – $289.95

Australians are working from anywhere – from home, on the go and in the office – so Logitech has released a product to make that even easier – the new Casa Pop-Up Desk.

Today work is a thing you do, not a place you go – but you also need to maintain efficiency and productivity no matter where you are.

The Logitech Casa Pop Up Desk has everything you need to put your laptop in the right position so you can work comfortably.

FULL REPORT HERE

JOURNEY ALTI WIRELESS DESK MAT – $149

Do you need to tidy up your desktop, get yourself organised and charge your smartphone and earbuds at the same time? Then what you need is the ALTI Wireless Charging Desk Mat from Journey.

The desk mat (which is 68cm long and 37cm wide) has a magnetic edge on the left side so the charging pad (10cm x 37cm) can neatly attach itself.

The mat itself is made of felt and vegan leather and users can choose which material they prefer being on top by simply flipping it over.

FULL REPORT HERE

DUEX MAX – $499

There are times when we just need extra screen space when we’re using laptop. One solution is the Duex Max which can turn any laptop into a dual-screen set-up.

Created by Mobile Pixels, the Duex Max attaches to the lid of your laptop and can slide out and provide an extra 14.1 inches of screen real estate.

The Duex Max is ideal for a busy mobile professional but it would also suit a user who has set up a home office to work remotely.

FULL REVIEW HERE

15-INCH MACBOOK AIR WITH M4 – $2,199

The new 15-inch MacBook Air with M2 chip offers the best of both worlds – a large screen to give you more room to move with your work and entertainment while maintaining its slim and light design.

On sale from today, the 15-inch MacBook Air with M2 is available in four finishes – Midnight, Starlight, Space Grey and Silver. Pricing starts at $2,199.

On the design side, the new 15-inch MacBook Air is identical to the 13-inch model and is made from 100 per cent recycled aluminium.

FULL REVIEW HERE

JOURNEY NEXA LAPTOP SLEEVE – $129.95

The Journey NEXA laptop sleeve can actually do a lot more than just protect your laptop – it can also double as a mouse pad and even wirelessly charge your phone and earphones case.

It’s really a workstation that can go anywhere with you.

The laptop sleeve is made from vegan leather and has a soft-quilted interior to protect your laptop.

It is available in two sizes to fit 13 and 14-inch and 15 and 16-inch laptops and comes in two colours – black and dove grey.

FULL REPORT HERE

24-INCH IMAC WITH M3 – From $2,199

Apple’s beloved 24-inch iMac has just been upgraded to the latest M3 silicon to make it the fastest all-in-one computer the company has ever produced.

Announced at the Apple launch event alongside new MacBook Pro M3 models, the all-new M3 iMac retains its remarkably thin design but take a huge leap in performance.

It will also be available in the same seven colours – green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver.

FULL REPORT HERE

NETGEAR RS700 WI-FI 7 ROUTER – $1,499

Netgear has introduced the first Wi-Fi 7 router which can achieve speeds of up to 19Gbps – that’s more than double the speed of the previous generation.

The Netgear Nighthawk RS700 router was built with more than 25 years of wi-fi expertise to meet the growing needs of connected homes.

Our demands on our wireless networks are higher than ever as we stream 4K and 8K video, take part in high definition video calls, work from home, play online games and experience cutting edge AR and VR applications.

The tri-band Netgear Nighthawk RS700 Wi-Fi 7 router is powered by Broadcom’s BCM6726/3 Wi-Fi 7 System on a Chip (SoC) to achieve speeds up to 19Gbps.

FULL REPORT HERE

BELKIN THUNDERBOLT 4 RANGE – $299.95

Leading consumer electronics company Belkin has today unveiled its Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock and Connect Thunderbolt 4 5-in-1 Core Hub which can provide dual 4K display support and power delivery for fast charging.

These connectivity solutions were built with Intel’s Thunderbolt 4 controller under the hood to ensure high bandwidth for connecting devices and to ensure a quality and stable connection between accessories so it’s easy to charge and easy to transfer data and video through a single port.

Thunderbolt 4 is a versatile connection that can connect devices, transfer data and supply power.

A common use of these new Belkin products is to connect additional monitors to a laptop or add displays to a desktop computer with support for a single 8K monitor or multiple 4K monitors.

FULL REPORT HERE

HP ENVY MOVE ALL-IN-ONE PC – $1,999

The HP Envy move is an all-in-one desktop PC with a 23.8-inch QHD screen and includes a keyboard with an attached trackpad.

But the key difference here is that it can be moved room to room as easy as you move a laptop.

On the back of the computer is a handle and a sleeve so you can tuck the keyboard away on the rear panel before carrying it to another room in your home.

FULL REPORT HERE

LG GRAM SUPERSLIM – $2,999

Get back to work after the Christmas vacation (and make it a joy!) with the LG gram SuperSlim. Designed with productivity in mind, this LG gram is portable and powerful enough to enhance your hybrid work-life.

A 15.6-inch OLED display, combined with an Anti-glare Low Reflection (AGLR) coating, ensures an optimal viewing experience inside and outside the office.

Weighing less than 1kg and the thinnest model to date, the LG gram SuperSlim is the perfect gift for the tech-head on your list.

The post Tech Guide’s 2023 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas – Day 12: Computers appeared first on Tech Guide.

In today’s competitive business environment, it can be difficult to find new ways to engage customers in effective and memorable ways. The implementation of technology into modern life has given great scope for new ways to reach bigger audiences. However, often businesses that fail to evolve with the evolution of technology get left behind.

Yet, if a business evolves too quickly into new technology, it can leave some consumers behind.

Today we will be focusing on a method of customer engagement that finds the sweet spot between innovation and practicality: Barcodes. Though once a simple product identifier, barcodes have expanded to become an extremely versatile tool. Conveniently, they are also extremely easy to create. You can make a QR right now by using accessible online tools such as a QR Code Generator.

What types of barcodes exist and how can you utilise them?

There are two main types of barcodes: linear barcodes and 2D barcodes. 

Linear barcodes are commonly found on product packaging such as a supermarket item. These are called UPC barcodes and will consist of a series of parallel lines that encodes information. These barcodes provide stores with product information and inventory tracking. This is mostly useful for business operations efficiency rather than customer engagement. 

2D barcodes such as QR codes use a matrix of squares to encode information in two dimensions. This allows for the storage and transfer of more data. This can be used to direct customers to product information websites, social media accounts or even provide access to exclusive content. 

Ways to Enhance Customer Engagement with Barcodes

Barcodes can enhance customer engagement in a variety of ways. We have compiled some of the most innovative QR strategies below:

Barcodes can provide product information to customers such as reviews, usage instructions and detailed specifications for technological products. This can add credibility to your business and demonstrates transparency and accessibility. There is also the added bonus of lower staff workload, meaning employees are able to use their extra time to make customer experiences more enriching.

Another way to use barcodes is to offer promotions, discounts or loyalty programs. This is an efficient way to directly deliver value to your customers and keep them coming back for more. 

You may also use barcodes to increase consumer engagement by showing product demonstrations. By using the product demonstrations to present different uses for the product, customers can easily imagine themselves owning the products. If this is a consumable good, you may also use product demonstrations to increase the amount of usage situations, and therefore use frequency, increasing frequency of sales. 

Examples of successful barcode campaigns that have resulted in increased customer engagement and sales

Still not convinced? Here are a few examples of past brand campaigns using barcodes that have been extremely successful. They may also be useful inspiration for your own campaigns. 

PepsiCo used QR codes on its beverage packaging to launch a digital scavenger hunt. This campaign led to over 10 million scans and a significant increase in brand engagement. 

L’Oréal launched a QR code campaign by putting them on beauty product packaging to provide customers with personalised makeup tutorials. The result of this was increased product sales and customer satisfaction. 

Starbucks used QR codes on its coffee cups to direct customers to their mobile app. This led to a large increase in app downloads and customer loyalty.

Best practices for using barcodes to create seamless and engaging customer experiences

So, you have made up your mind that you want to use a QR code in your business to maximise customer engagement. How do you actually implement them for the best chance of success? 

Firstly, you want to make them clear and easy to scan. This can be achieved by placing them in prominent locations where they are easily visible to customers. Using large barcodes with clear contrast can make them easier to scan. Since their goal is to make the customer experience more seamless, putting them in frustrating places is counterintuitive to success. 

Next, you want to create a compelling call to action. As a customer, why would you want to scan this random QR code? You must clearly communicate a reason or prompt for customers to scan the QR code indicating what they should expect after scanning. This should be done clearly and concisely, or you will lose the customers attention or overload their senses. 

Make sure you don’t overdo it. You do not want to overwhelm the customer by placing unnecessary QR codes everywhere. Avoid sending customers to generic landing pages or irrelevant content. It is also important that the website you are sending them to is mobile friendly, for ease of use. Remember, customers can only take in so much information at a time, so be strategic with quantity and purpose. 

Lastly, make sure to track results. No good customer engagement strategy is complete without result analysis. Make sure to monitor the activity on your site after implementing this strategy, and see which links are most popular. This will help you identify successful QR codes and make adjustments as needed. 

Barcodes are a fantastic way to boost customer engagement and (hopefully) sales as a small business. QR codes in particular are cost effective and easy to use, saving both time and money that is vital when starting a business. 

The post Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Customer Engagement with Barcodes appeared first on Tech Guide.

Traditional work environments have changed significantly in the last few years. Flexible and collaborative workspaces are in high demand due to the growth of freelance work, remote work, and the gig economy. 

Coworking spaces are becoming a sought-after destination for professionals seeking a setting that fosters creativity, networking, and productivity. These shared workplaces are quite beneficial and can meet the various demands of both individuals and corporations.

What is Coworking Space?

Coworking spaces are shared workspaces where people from various industries, businesses, and professions collaborate in public. These areas offer a collaborative and adaptable substitute for conventional office spaces. 

In addition to standard amenities like conference rooms, kitchens, printers, and event spaces, they provide various other services like high-speed internet, chairs, desks, and common areas.

Coworking spaces are primarily designed to foster a vibrant and encouraging environment that promotes networking, cooperation, and interaction among individuals who may not be affiliated with the same company. 

They are frequently used by independent contractors, remote workers, business owners, startups, small companies, and occasionally even larger organizations needing flexible workplace options.

The Core of Coworking Spaces

Coworking spaces are collaborative offices that unite people from different industries, backgrounds, and professions in one physical location. They are very different from standard office environments since they offer open floor plans, flexible membership options, and a social environment encouraging networking and cooperation.

Benefits of Coworking Spaces

Coworking spaces have completely changed how people work by offering many advantages that meet the changing needs of professionals in a wide range of industries. The following are the seven main benefits of coworking spaces:

1. A Hub of Diversity and Networking Opportunities

The diverse community that coworking spaces foster is one of their main draws. Professionals from different fields, specializations, and backgrounds come together in these settings to exchange ideas and viewpoints. 

With so many networking options this broad ecosystem offers, people can interact, work together, and possibly develop mutually beneficial commercial partnerships. Through sharing knowledge and experiences, these exchanges frequently result in fortuitous meetings that stimulate creativity and ignite novel ideas.

2. Flexibility and Productivity Enhancement

Coworking spaces are the epitome of adaptability, allowing people to select a workspace that best suits their requirements. These areas accommodate various work styles, whether one chooses a quiet spot for concentrated work or a shared place for socialization and brainstorming sessions. 

In addition, the lack of a conventional workplace hierarchy encourages people to feel empowered and autonomous, which increases output and innovation.

3. Cost-Effectiveness and Infrastructure Benefits

A coworking space Melbourne, for instance, provides small enterprises, freelancers, and entrepreneurs an affordable option to typical office arrangements. A single membership price grants access to these venues’ services, which include meeting rooms, printing facilities, fast internet, and a variety of office supplies. 

Through resource sharing, companies can access professional infrastructure that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive while cutting down on overhead.

4. Cultivating a Sense of Community and Collaboration

Coworking spaces foster a strong community among participants because of their collaborative nature. These areas encourage social interaction, which lessens the feeling of professional isolation that remote workers sometimes feel. This is in contrast to isolated remote work setups. 

Coworking spaces host networking events, workshops, and conferences that promote friendship and teamwork. This creates a welcoming environment where people can ask for help, exchange ideas, and work together on projects.

5. Encouraging Work-Life Balance

Coworking spaces put their members’ well-being first, even if they are work-centric places. Many locations create a holistic work environment by providing wellness programs, leisure places, and common areas to reduce stress and support work-life balance. 

This focus on well-being lowers burnout and increases overall productivity, making work a more fulfilling experience.

6. Adapting to the Future of Work

Coworking spaces stay at the forefront of innovation by adapting to the ever-changing nature of the work world. These areas welcome technology innovations and include clever fixes to meet the evolving demands of the labor market. 

Coworking spaces easily support hybrid work models combining in-office and remote work. This creates the perfect environment for both distant and collaborative work.

7. Promoting Entrepreneurship and Creativity

Coworking spaces act as creative and entrepreneurial incubators. They provide a setting encouraging innovation and trial and the tools and resources needed for freelancers and entrepreneurs to succeed. 

These areas’ synergy frequently encourages creativity, encouraging people to experiment with new thoughts, work together on initiatives, and turn ideas into real business endeavors.

Challenges and Future Trends

While coworking spaces offer many advantages, acknowledging their potential drawbacks is crucial to understanding their full impact on professionals and the work environment. Several challenges accompany the benefits, including:

1. Balancing Noise Levels and Community Development

It’s not easy to control noise levels while fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Maintaining a calm workstation for concentrated work while promoting interaction simultaneously is still crucial.

2. Ensuring Equal Access to Resources

The shared resource model is the foundation of coworking spaces. However, ensuring that all members have equal access to services and facilities can be difficult. Managing resource availability and scheduling without favoritism or exclusivity takes significant thought.

3. Adapting to Remote Work Demands

Coworking spaces must change as the nature of work changes and remote work becomes more common. Ongoing issues include:

• Meeting the demands of remote workers.
• Enabling smooth cooperation between members who work on-site and off-site.
• Creating an atmosphere that supports hybrid work arrangements.

Even with these difficulties, coworking spaces have a bright future because of these developing trends:

1. Specialized Specialty Areas

Serving specialized or niche industries is a developing coworking space trend. These spaces are designed to meet the specific requirements of people working in healthcare, technology, the creative arts, and other related disciplines. They are furnished with industry-specific tools, networks, and resources.

2. Emphasis on Sustainability

Sustainability is becoming more and more of an emphasis in coworking spaces. Adopting sustainable practices, using renewable energy sources, cutting waste, and designing eco-friendly workspaces align with the world’s trend toward sustainability.

3. Technological Integration for Enhanced Experience

Coworking spaces are incorporating technological innovations to improve the entire experience. This includes cutting-edge workspace management systems, Internet of Things (IoT) apps, sophisticated connection solutions, and creative technologies for enhancing productivity, comfort, and teamwork.

The Evolutionary Essence of Coworking Spaces

Coworking spaces are a testament to the changing demands of individuals and organizations in modern work culture. In addition to offering a physical workstation, these settings promote creativity, networking, and cooperation. 

Coworking spaces, which provide affordability, flexibility, and a lively community, have evolved into essential hubs that meet the many demands of the workforce. These spaces, which are always changing and adapting, will play a crucial role in influencing how work is done in the future. This encourages professional community building, innovation, and teamwork across borders.

The post Creating Collaborative Environments: Exploring the Benefits of Coworking Spaces appeared first on Tech Guide.

Investing in small business management software can be a game-changer for many enterprises. This technology promises streamlined operations, increased productivity, and improved decision-making capabilities.

However, as with any significant business decision, it’s crucial to conduct a comprehensive cost vs benefit analysis before taking the plunge.

This article will delve into the potential advantages and drawbacks of implementing this software, aiming to provide a balanced perspective to aid in your decision-making process.

What is Small Business Management Software?

Small Business Management Software is a suite of integrated applications designed to assist small businesses in managing and coordinating all their critical functions.

These typically include project management, inventory management, sales and marketing, customer relationship management (CRM), human resources, and accounting.

By integrating these functions into a unified system, small businesses can automate numerous routine tasks, streamline workflows, improve data accuracy, and generate timely and insightful reports. Consequently, this can result in more efficient operations and facilitate strategic decision-making.

Cost vs Benefit Analysis of Small Business Management Software

Cost

One of the primary concerns for small businesses is the cost associated with investing in management software. The initial investment can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the size and complexity of your business. Additionally, there may be ongoing costs such as licensing fees, maintenance and support, and training expenses.

Moreover, implementing new software also requires an investment of time and resources for data migration, system integration, and employee training. This can be a significant disruption to daily operations and may result in a temporary decrease in productivity.

Benefits

Despite the initial cost and effort involved, small business management software offers several potential benefits that can ultimately outweigh the expenses.

Efficiency

By automating routine tasks, such as data entry and report generation, small business management software can save time and reduce the chances of human error. It also allows for better communication and collaboration among team members, leading to improved efficiency.

Data Accuracy

As data gathering and processing are done digitally, small business management software minimizes the risk of human error, ensuring accurate and reliable data. This is especially important for financial data and can save businesses from potential losses due to miscalculations or incorrect reporting.

Timely Insights

Management software provides real-time data, allowing business owners to make informed decisions quickly. This is particularly beneficial in today’s fast-paced market, where timely insights can give small businesses a competitive edge.

Scalability

Many small business management software solutions offer the option to scale up as your business grows. This allows for a more cost-effective approach to managing business operations, as you only pay for the features and resources you need.

Centralized Information

Through a centralized database, small business management software ensures that all employees have access to the most up-to-date information, eliminating data silos and promoting better communication within the company.

Effective for Healthcare Organizations

Small businesses in the healthcare industry can greatly benefit from management software with features such as patient scheduling, electronic medical records, billing and payment, and more, as long as it’s aligned with HIPAA compliance standards.

Customization

Small business management software can be tailored to suit the specific needs of your business. This allows for a more personalized and efficient approach to managing operations, as the software can be customized to fit your unique business processes.

Integration

In today’s digital age, it is essential for businesses to have various systems that work seamlessly together. Small business management software can integrate with other tools such as accounting software, CRM systems, and e-commerce platforms, creating a more streamlined and efficient workflow.

Improved Productivity

Small business management software can automate tasks such as invoicing, inventory management, and HR processes, freeing up time for employees to focus on more critical tasks. This can lead to increased productivity and better overall business performance.

Analytics

Many small business management software solutions offer advanced analytics capabilities, allowing businesses to track their performance and make data-driven decisions. This can help identify areas for improvement and optimize business processes for better results.

Mobile Access

With the rise of remote work, having access to business management software on the go is crucial. Many solutions offer mobile applications, allowing employees to manage tasks and access information from anywhere, at any time.

This can improve collaboration and productivity, especially for businesses with remote or field-based teams.

Additional Features

Depending on the specific software chosen, small business management software can offer a wide range of additional features such as project management tools, time tracking capabilities, and employee performance evaluation. These features can enhance overall business operations and help businesses stay organized.

Security

Many small business management software solutions provide secure data storage and backup options, ensuring the safety of sensitive information. This can give businesses peace of mind knowing that their important data is protected from potential cyber threats or hardware malfunctions.

Conclusion

Overall, investing in small business management software can bring numerous benefits to a company, such as increased efficiency, improved decision-making, and better organization.

With the constantly evolving business landscape, utilizing technology to streamline processes is crucial for businesses to stay competitive and achieve success.

Carefully considering the needs and goals of your business can help you choose the right software solution that will drive growth and success for your small business.

So, assess your current processes and areas for improvement, research different options, and implement a small business management software that aligns with your specific business needs. The future success of your business may depend on it.

The post Cost vs Benefit Analysis: Investing in Small Business Management Software appeared first on Tech Guide.

The Journey NEXA laptop sleeve can actually do a lot more than just protect your laptop – it can also double as a mouse pad and even wirelessly charge your phone and earphones case.

It’s really a workstation that can go anywhere with you.

The laptop sleeve is made from vegan leather and has a soft-quilted interior to protect your laptop.

It is available in two sizes to fit 13 and 14-inch and 15 and 16-inch laptops and comes in two colours – black and dove grey.

Our laptops are valuable and usually expensive items that we need to protect especially in these times when we are working on the move and working from home.

And the NEXA’s additional features can help keep you productive and keep your devices charged.

When you open the sleeve and remove your laptop, the sleeve’s smooth and flat vegan leather surface can be used as a mouse pad.

We prefer using a mouse with our laptop when we’re out and about and this provides an excellent surface.

Inside the flap of the Journey NEXA sleeve is the charging panel that can accommodate your iPhone and AirPods – but it will work with other wireless capable smartphones and earphones.

The panel has distinct sections to let the user know exactly where they need to place theirt devices to charge.

There is a USB port at the top of the panel that will naturally need to be connected to power.

There is no battery inside this panel – although that would be a great idea but it would add weight and cost to the product.

If you can connect that USB cable to a charger, then you’re able to top up your devices.

The flap also has a magnetic closure, so it stays securely in place and holds the laptop in place as well.

The Journey NEXA 4-in-1 Laptop Sleeve with Wireless Charging is available now and is priced at $129.95 – it’s the same price for the 13-14-inch sleeve and the 15-16-inch sleeve.

The post The Journey NEXA laptop sleeve is a workstation and charger you can take anywhere appeared first on Tech Guide.

Technology is supposed to help us but as our devices become a greater part of our daily lives and more and more people are using them the more tech-related injuries we’re hearing about.

A study in the US by Decluttr has revealed the most common tech-related injuries and how they are being caused.

TVs were the most dangerous items making up 30 per cent of tech-related injuries with the most significant being lower back strain while unpacking the TV or moving the TV to another room.

Smartphones were the next most dangerous device and accounted for 23 per cent of tech injuries.

The study revealed it was common for people walking and texting or talking at the same time were tripping or running into things or other people on the street which lead to sprained ankles, facial injuries and bruised elbows.

Another common occurrence was people holding their phones up while laying down only to drop them on their face and cause bruising and, in some cases, lacerations.

Computers, laptops and gaming consoles are also the most popular causes of poor posture which leads to neck, back pain and headaches.

The Decluttr study also revealed “tech neck” was also a common injury – in fact it made up 14 per cent of all injuries.

This is the result of people staring down at their smartphones for longer periods or looking down at laptops for most of the day.

And with more and more people working remotely it is less likely their working conditions would have the same ergonomic standards as working in an office.

There were also reports of earphones being lodged in people’s ear and small batteries being ingested.

“These figures are truly eye-opening and underscore a trend that’s been building for some time now,” says Liam Howley, Chief Marketing Officer at Decluttr.

“With technology becoming deeply entrenched in our day-to-day lives, it’s no surprise that accidents happen, however, we need to be more conscious of how our tech habits could cause a risk to ourselves and others.

“What’s encouraging to see is that some easy fixes can be made to ensure our tech is just that little bit more safe – sitting up in bed when texting, waiting until we are firmly on stop when out walking to check our devices, or upgrading your home office – these may seem obvious but a more mindful approach to technology will go a long way to reduce injury.”

The post When it comes to tech we’re starting to feel the pain – here are the most common injuries appeared first on Tech Guide.

In today’s digital age, information technology (IT) is the backbone of modern businesses. From managing day-to-day operations to fostering growth and innovation, IT service management plays a pivotal role in ensuring a company’s success.

Comprehensive IT services go beyond the traditional break-fix model and encompass a wide range of solutions to support and enhance business operations. In this article, we will delve into what constitutes comprehensive IT services for modern businesses and why they are essential.

1. Managed IT Services:

Managed IT services form the foundation of comprehensive IT support for modern businesses. This model involves outsourcing the management of your IT infrastructure to a specialized provider. They proactively monitor and maintain your network, servers, workstations, and other IT assets, ensuring optimal performance and security. Managed IT services help businesses reduce downtime, increase efficiency, and stay ahead of potential problems.

2. Cybersecurity Solutions:

In an era where cyber threats are constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated, comprehensive IT services must include robust cybersecurity measures. This includes firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion detection systems, and regular security assessments. Cybersecurity experts work to protect sensitive data and keep businesses safe from ransomware, phishing attacks, and other security breaches.

3. Cloud Services:

Cloud computing has transformed the way businesses operate. Comprehensive IT services often involve cloud solutions to improve flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Cloud services encompass cloud storage, backup, and application hosting, allowing businesses to access data and applications from anywhere with an internet connection.

4. IT Consulting:

A crucial component of comprehensive IT services is IT consulting. Experienced IT consultants provide strategic guidance to help businesses align their technology with their overall objectives. They assist in planning for future growth, optimizing existing infrastructure, and implementing new technologies to drive efficiency and competitiveness.

5. Help Desk Support:

A responsive helpdesk is indispensable for modern businesses. It ensures that employees can quickly resolve IT issues and continue their work without significant disruptions. Help desk support includes providing technical assistance via phone, email, or chat and addressing a wide range of IT problems, from hardware and software issues to connectivity problems.

6. Data Backup and Recovery:

Data is one of the most valuable assets for businesses. Comprehensive IT services encompass robust data backup and recovery solutions to safeguard critical information. Regular backups and disaster recovery plans ensure that businesses can quickly recover from data loss due to hardware failures, accidents, or cyberattacks.

7. Networking Services:

Networking is the backbone of modern IT infrastructure. Comprehensive IT services include the design, implementation, and management of networks to ensure seamless connectivity and optimal performance. This includes local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and wireless networks.

8. Software Development and Integration:

Custom software solutions tailored to a business’s specific needs can be a game-changer. Comprehensive IT services often include software development and integration to enhance business processes and operations. Whether it’s developing a unique application or integrating existing software to work cohesively, this service can boost efficiency and competitiveness.

9. Mobile Device Management (MDM):

With the increasing use of mobile devices in the workplace, mobile device management has become crucial for businesses. MDM services help in the management and security of mobile devices, ensuring that company data is protected, and employees can work securely on their smartphones and tablets.

10. Technology Procurement:

Choosing the right hardware and software is essential for businesses. Comprehensive IT services often include technology procurement, where experts assist in selecting the most suitable IT solutions, negotiating contracts, and ensuring that the technology aligns with the business’s goals.

Comprehensive IT services for modern businesses encompass a wide range of solutions to ensure that a company’s IT infrastructure is secure, efficient, and aligned with its strategic objectives. From managed IT services and cybersecurity to cloud solutions, data backup, and networking services, businesses must invest in a holistic approach to IT to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. IT consultants play a vital role in providing strategic guidance, while help desk support ensures that employees can work with minimal disruptions. With the right IT support in place, businesses can leverage technology to drive growth, innovation, and success in the modern era.

The post What Constitutes Comprehensive IT Services for Contemporary Businesses? appeared first on Tech Guide.

As a business owner, you know that every one of your clients is crucial to you, which means that you will want to keep looking for ways to boost customer service and integrate the right strategies to ensure customer satisfaction. To help you reach this goal, we have put together a short list of tips and strategies that you can use to boost customer service.

View Things from the Customer’s Viewpoint

If you want to improve anything in your business, you will want to look at things from that perspective. Now, suppose you want to boost customer satisfaction. In that case, you will want to take the journey from that perspective and experience how they experience it when interacting with your business.

There are several touchpoints that your clients go through when interacting with your business, including when they have bought from your business and after they have successfully made the purchase. So, you will want to take a look and see how things go when they are interacting with your business.

In other words, you will want to have first-hand experience so that you know which aspects to improve. You will also want to go to the extent of registering a complaint and assessing how much time it takes to get a response and get the problem fixed.

Once you have viewed everything from the customer’s viewpoint, you can easily improve the processes and eventually boost customer experience, which will eventually boost customer satisfaction.

Prioritize Data Security

You will want to be mindful of the fact that clients care about the security of your data, and so will your business partners, which is why you will want to add an additional layer of security by opting for a safe space to sign and share important documents, such as a virtual data room at https://www.firmex.com/virtual-data-room, which will give you full control for who can access your data and who can make changes to it.

This way, you can showcase to your clients the seriousness with which you deal with data and how much data security matters to you. When it comes to showing to your potential clients that you are taking data security extremely seriously, you will want to ensure that you have a transparent data security policy on your website.

The data privacy policy should comprise everything related to how your company collects, assesses, uses, and keeps important personal data safe. The transparent window will give your customers peace of mind and confidence that they are safe when conducting business with your company.

Treat Your Potential Clients Right

While this is no rocket science, it still needs to be mentioned. At the end of the day, everyone will remember how you treated them when they interacted with your brand online and offline. So, it doesn’t matter which platform you use to interact with your clients; you will want to give them the utmost attention and treat each of your customers with respect.

Also, make sure that your business website is user-friendly and that your customers have an easy time navigating the website.

The post Three Easy Strategies to Boost Customer Service appeared first on Tech Guide.

Imagine the heart-stopping moment when you realize you’ve accidentally deleted crucial files from your hard drive. Panic sets in as you grapple with the possibility of losing precious data forever. The fear is real but don’t worry! 

In this blog, hard drive data recovery in Sydney will embark on a journey through the realm of data recovery, exploring a plethora of possible solutions to help you recover your hard drive data after an accidental deletion. So, take a deep breath, take a cup of hot tea, and let’s dive in!

Stop the Panic, but Act Quickly

The first step after realizing the accidental deletion is to remain calm. Panicking may lead to impulsive actions that could further jeopardize your chances of data recovery. Once you’ve composed yourself, act promptly. Stop using the affected hard drive immediately to avoid overwriting the deleted files with new data.

Check the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac)

Believe it or not, sometimes the solution lies in the simplest of places. Check the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac) to see if your deleted files ended up there. If they did, restore them to their original location, and voila! Problem solved.

Utilise File Recovery Software

When files are deleted from the hard drive, they aren’t necessarily erased permanently. File recovery software can help you retrieve these seemingly lost files by scanning the drive for remnants of the deleted data. Notable software options include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill. Follow the software’s instructions and let it work its magic!

Consult a Professional Hard Drive Recovery Service

If your attempts with file recovery software prove unsuccessful, it might be time to call in the experts. Hard drive recovery service specialize in salvaging data from damaged, corrupted, or deleted storage media. They possess advanced tools and expertise to tackle even the most challenging cases. Although this option can be more expensive, it increases your chances of a successful recovery.

Restore from Backup

Having a regular backup routine is a lifesaver in situations like accidental deletions. If you’re in the habit of backing up your data, you can simply restore the deleted files from the most recent backup. Cloud storage services, external hard drives, or dedicated backup software are excellent options to safeguard your data.

Shadow Copies (Windows)

Windows operating systems feature a built-in feature called Shadow Copies, which creates automatic backups of files. By right-clicking on the affected folder or file, you can navigate to the “Previous Versions” tab and restore a previous version of the file or folder, effectively undoing the accidental deletion.

Time Machine (Mac)

Mac users have an ace up their sleeves with Time Machine. This powerful backup utility creates automatic backups of files, allowing you to travel back in time and restore your data. Connect your Time Machine backup drive, open the Time Machine application, and browse through the backups to locate and retrieve the deleted files.

Check Other Devices and Cloud Services

In our interconnected world, it’s possible that the files you deleted accidentally were synced or backed up on other devices or cloud services. Check your smartphone, tablet, or other computers for copies of the missing files. Also, log in to cloud storage platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud and search for the deleted files there.

Bringing Everything Together 

Remember that losing data due to an error in deleting can be a terrifying event. You may, however, walk the path to data recovery with the correct information and tools. Be calm, act fast, and think about the methods listed above. There is hope for the resurrection of your hard drive.

The post How to Recover Hard Drive Data After Deleting Accidentally appeared first on Tech Guide.

OneAdaptr has released new models in the OneWorld adapter series – the OneWorld135 and the OneWorld 30 – to meet all your charging needs when you’re travelling.

The OneWorld adapters have three sliding switches on the side which expose plugs for the US, UK and Europe along with universal AC outlets and four or five USB ports.

ONEWORLD 135 – $174

The new international OneWorld135 is a 135W adaptor that can charge up to five devices at once including laptops, tablets, smartphones and other USB-powered devices.

It has enough power to charge two MacBook Pros at full speed at the same time.

OneWorld135 works in more than 200 countries and keep all your devices charged.

There are dual 100W USB-C PD (power delivery) ports (to charge laptops) and a 20W USB-C PD ports (to charge tablets and smartphones) and a USB-A 18W charging port for all your other devices.

The adapter incorporates the latest Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology which offers even higher charging efficiency while maintaining the smallest possible package.

The front face of the OneWorld135 charger is about the size of a credit card with a thickness of 5.4cm so it’s easy to fit in your bag on your travels – all you need to bring with you are the cables.

The adapter is also IEC 60884 Certified and offers protection for over temperature, over current, over voltage, over power and fuse protection.

OneWorld 135 is available in blue or white.

International Adapter with 135W USB C charger

– Works in over 200+ countries

– Charge 2 MacBook Pro/Notebook simultaneously

– Charge up to 5 devices simultaneously

– 2 x 100W USB PD charging port with QC

– 20W USB PD charging port with QC

– 18W USB A Smart charging port

– Over current, over temperature and fuse protection.

– 10A AC universal power outlet

– GaN (Gallium Nitride) Technology

ONEWORLD30 – $62

The front of the OneWorld30 adapter is smaller than a credit card and is 5.3cm thick.

It can charge up to six devices simultaneously through the universal AC adapter, a 20W USB-C PD port, two 15W USB-C PD ports and two USB-A ports.

The GaN charger can power all your Apple mobile devices at once along with other tablets, cameras and other USB-powered devices.

The OneWorld135 is also IEC 60884 Certified with built-in protection for over temperature, over current, over voltage, over power and fuse protection.

International Adapter with 30W USB-C PD charger

– Works in over 200+ countries

– Charge up to 6 devices simultaneously

– 20W USB-C PD charging port with QC

– 15W Smart charging ports (2x USB-C, 2x USB-A)

– Over current, over temperature and fuse protection.

– 10A AC universal power outlet

– GaN (Gallium Nitride) Technology

www.oneadaptr.com

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Security and privacy are of utmost importance to customers and their online accounts and Norton has released improved versions of its Password Manager to create and remember strong passwords and AntiTrack so your emails can remain private.

Norton’s new Enhanced Password Manager is available for free – or as part of a Norton 360 subscription – and it is more user friendly and more secure than ever before.

All you need to do is remember your vault password, but Norton will also inform you if your vault password appears on the dark web.

There is also new vault access recovery to recover your vault password if you forget without compromising your security.

Norton’s AntiTrack now includes a new feature called Private Email which can hide your personal email address and make them unidentifiable to potential threats.

Private Email also removes hidden trackers are often found in messages to collect your personal, and possibly sensitive, information.

It is common for these hidden trackers to reveal your location, device usage and shopping behaviours.

“Our enhancements to Norton Password Manager and Norton AntiTrack exemplify our passion for constantly improving our products and services to help our customers protect their online privacy and stay one step ahead of threats to their security,” said Leena Elias, Chief Product Officer at Gen.

“Free password managers are traditionally basic, difficult to access on different devices, and lack multi-layered security.

“With Norton Password Manager, you no longer have to choose between conveniently accessing your accounts and having excellent password protection.

“And, our addition of Private Email as part of Norton AntiTrack allows you to easily take steps to protect your online privacy when you’re engaging with the digital world and protect your personal email address, which is often the gateway to your personal information and accounts.

“We are committed to helping our customers safeguard their online privacy through the launch of these solutions.”

Norton Password Manager is free and works with Windows PC, Mac, Android, Mac and iOS and available as a browser extension on Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge and Safari.

Norton AntiTrack with Private Email is available via subscription from here.

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Apple’s beloved 24-inch iMac has just been upgraded to the latest M3 silicon to make it the fastest all-in-one computer the company has ever produced.

Announced at the Apple launch event alongside new MacBook Pro M3 models, the all-new M3 iMac retains its remarkably thin design but take a huge leap in performance.

It will also be available in the same seven colours – green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver.

“We’re excited to give iMac a big boost in performance with the M3 chip,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering.

“Millions of users absolutely love iMac for its stunning design and expansive 24-inch, 4.5K Retina display that’s the perfect size to spread out with all their favourite apps and get things done.

“And now M3 brings even more speed to everything users do, whether multitasking, creating captivating images and videos, working on a business plan, or playing their favourite games.

“The new iMac with M3 is incredible for anyone, especially those who haven’t yet upgraded from Intel, providing a giant leap in performance and capabilities only possible with Apple silicon.”

The M3 chip aboard the new iMac has an 8-core CPU, up to a 10-core GPU and support for up to 24GB of unified memory.

Customers will notice the added speed and performance of the M3 when they are multitasking, editing multiple streams of 4K video and high resolution images and 3D design.

The iMac will also support Mesh Shading and Ray Tracing so your gaming experience will be next level.

Whether you’re a small business owner, student, gamer or just in everyday customer you will notice address the improvement in the gnu iMac M3 including:

– Safari, the world’s fastest browser, performs up to 30 per cent faster.

– Productivity apps like Microsoft Excel perform up to 30 per cent faster.

– Games load even faster, and users will experience up to 50 per cent faster frame rates.

And for content creation, photography and video editing the iMac can achieve:

– Edit and play back up to 12 streams of 4K video, which is 3x more than before.

– Produce video projects in Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro up to 2x faster.

– Process photos in apps like Adobe Photoshop up to 2x faster.

Still on board the iMac is the 4.5K retina display along with the latest Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, a 1080p FaceTime camera and studio quality mic.

All accessories of the iMac are colour-matched including the keyboard, mouse and trackpad and customers have the option of choosing a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID that will allow four users to securely unlock the computer, use Apple Pay and download apps.

And if you’re already an iPhone user, iMac customers will be able to enjoy Continuity so you can share content between devices and even send and receive messages and make and receive phone calls right from the iMac.

Users can also scan a document with their iPhone and see it instantly appear on their iMac desktop.

PRICING

The new 24-inch iMac with M3 can be pre-ordered today ahead of the release on November 7.

The M3 iMac with 8-core GPU is priced from $2,199 and $2,109 for education and is available in green, pink, blue, and silver.

This version of the iMac features an 8-core CPU, 8GB of unified memory, 256GB SSD, two Thunderbolt ports, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Mouse.

iMac with 10-core GPU starts at $2,499 and $2,329 for education and is available in green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver.

This 10-core GPU iMac features an 8-core CPU, 8GB of unified memory, 256GB SSD, two Thunderbolt ports, two additional USB 3 ports, Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, Magic Mouse, and Gigabit Ethernet.

The post Apple upgrades its popular 24-inch iMac with the new blazing fast M3 chip appeared first on Tech Guide.

Samsung has released the new 11-inch Galaxy Tab A9+ which offers an impressive tablet experience but at a more affordable price.

Starting at $379, the Galaxy Tab A9+ combines an excellent display with a crisp quad speaker system with Dolby Atmos so users can enjoy their games and content anywhere.

It can also support productivity applications so you can still work efficiently on the move.

“We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the latest innovations in tablet technology,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Samsung Electronics’ Mobile eXperience Business.

“With the latest Galaxy Tab A series release, we’re making it easier than ever for all to enjoy great entertainment and productive multitasking across the entire Galaxy ecosystem.”

The tablet has a sleek unibody design and a soft texture rear panel to make it easier to grip

The 11-inch screen is the largest ever included with the Galaxy A series tablets and, with a 90Hz refresh rate, users can enjoy smoother gaming, scrolling and video playback.

There is also a version of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ which offers 5G connectivity so you can always stay connected wherever you are.

Also onboard are the largest memory and storage every included on a Galaxy Tab A series tablet as well as microSD card slot to expand storage even further.

They Tab A9+ tablets are powered by an octa-core processor which allows users to achieve PC-level multi-tasking.

With Samsung DeX, users can enjoy an even deeper PC-like experience to power their work.

Users can also connect seamlessly across their Samsung Galaxy devices to share content between mobile, tablet and TV monitors without the need to pair.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ goes on sale in November and are priced from $379.

Pricing

Galaxy Tab A9+
	Galaxy Tab A9+
Display	11.0-inch, LCD Up to 90Hz
	* Measured diagonally as a full rectangle without accounting for the rounded corners. Actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole.
Dimensions & Weight	168.7 x 257.1 x 6.9 mm, 480g (Wi-Fi), 491g (5G)
Camera	8 MP Rear Camera 5 MP Front Camera
AP	Octa-Core Processor
Memory & Storage	4GB + 64GB 8GB + 128GB
	Micro SD Card up to 1 TB
	*Available storage capacity is subject to preloaded software. **Memory option may vary by market. ***Micro SD card sold separately.
Battery	7,040mAh
	*Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors. **Wired charging compatible with QC2.0 and AFC. ***15W Power Adapter sold separately. Use only Samsung-approved chargers and cables.
OS	Android 13
Network and Connectivity	5G*, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth® v 5.1
	* 5G connectivity supported on Galaxy Tab A9+ only. **Requires optimal 5G connection. 5G services are only supported in 5G network enabled locations. Actual speed may vary depending on country, carrier and user environment.
Sound	Dolby Atmos®
Security	Samsung Knox
Accessories	Book Cover
	*Accessories are available for purchase separately. Availability of third-party cases may vary by market, carrier and retailer.

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Apple will be holding a virtual launch event on October 31 which is likely to introduce a new line-up of Macs including new iMacs and new MacBook Pro laptops.

The invitation sent to media features a glowing Apple logo with the words “Scary fast” which alludes to the fact the event is being held the day before Halloween and that what we’re expecting to see will include even faster chips.

What confirmed the event will be centred around the Mac was the Apple Events website which showed the same invitation, but the Apple logo morphs into the Finder symbol – the central menu spot on the Mac.

The event is also taking place in the late afternoon – 5pm October 30 Pacific Time in the US – which is 11am October 31 Australian Eastern Daylight Savings time.

This is the first time we can recall an Apple launch event being held in the early evening.

There will be no in-person in attendance – it will be streamed on the Apple website and on YouTube.

We’re expecting to see a new 24-inch iMac with an M2 processor.

The last time we saw an iMac refresh was back in April 2021 when Apple introduced the new 24-inch iMac powered by the M1 chip and available in a range of colours.

The logical upgrade would be to the M2 chip but there are reports the M3 chip is also due to be announced.

We think the M3 chip will be used firstly with a MacBook Pro or the next version of the Mac Studio.

There have also been strong rumours in the last year of a 30-inch or 32-inch iMac being developed so there’s an outside chance we may see that as well.

Apple may also use this event to launch new 13-inch, 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with the latest Apple M3 silicon which would play into the “scary fast” promise.

The Apple event will be streamed live at 11am October 31 Sydney time.

Stay tuned to Tech Guide for all the announcements as they happen.

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Microsoft will be investing $5bn in Australia over the next two years to enhance our cyber security, expand our capacity for AI and boost job opportunities in the digital economy.

The Microsoft investment will also include infrastructure for cloud computing and expanding the reach of AI.

Microsoft will also increase its local datacentre footprint from 20 to 29 across sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.

The announcement was made during Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to the US where he met with Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith and Microsoft Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Steven Worrall.

“This is a major investment in the skills and workers of the future, which will help Australia to strengthen our position as a world-leading economy,” Mr Albanese said.

“A priority for my government is to ensure all Australians benefit from economic growth.

“This means that we need to provide the skills to enable Australians to succeed in the jobs of the future.”

“A strong economy requires protection from cyber threats. I welcome Microsoft’s collaboration with the Australian Signals Directorate to enhance cybersecurity for households and business.”

Microsoft will collaborate with the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) on a Cyber Shield to ensure improved protection for Australian citizens, businesses and government bodies.

The Microsoft ASD Cyber Shield (MACS) will add a major new layer of protection to detect, analyse and defend against sophisticated cyber threats.

This investment by Microsoft will help meet the demands for cloud computing services which is expected to double within the next three years.

It will also help Australians capitalise on the latest AI technology and how it can expand economic and productivity opportunities.

Generative AI could add as much as $115bn a year to the Australian economy by 2030.

Microsoft says it will support an additional 300,000 Australians to expands its global skills program to offer upskilling, so job hunters have the tools and abilities to succeed in the digital economy.

“This milestone investment from Microsoft into Australia is a game-changer. It will help Australian businesses lift their use of AI and cloud technologies, build the skills Australians will need in future, and secure our nation against cyber threats,” says Bran Black, Business Council chief executive:

“We know the use of cloud and AI will be critical to lifting productivity in Australia. This investment will help workers and businesses leverage these technologies to stay competitive and deliver the products Australians want.

“The partnership between Microsoft and Australian Signals Directorate is exactly what’s needed to tackle cyber risks, because we know the best cyber security outcomes are achieved when businesses and government work in partnership.

“Work integrated learning and industry aligned curriculum development produce future ready workforces, and this investment in digital tradies delivers in both respects and represents a great outcome for Australia and Australian businesses.”

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Apple has announced a new and more affordable Apple Pencil to allow even more iPad users the ability to take notes, sketch, draw and mark up documents on their device.

The new Apple Pencil has a matte finish and a flat edge so it can attach magnetically to your iPad for storage.

It also pairs and charges with a USB C cable and will work with any iPad model with a USB-C port.

“Apple Pencil has revolutionised note taking, sketching, and illustrating, unleashing endless possibilities for productivity and creativity,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.

“Combined with the versatility of iPad, the new Apple Pencil unlocks another great option to experience the magic of digital handwriting, annotation, marking up documents, and more.”

Apple Pencil opens a lot of possibilities for iPad users whether you’re a student, an artist or someone who just likes writing and drawing rather than typing.

Apple Pencil offers pixel perfect accuracy and low latency along with tilt sensitivity so it’s a responsive tool with your writing, drawing, painting or when marking up documents.

The tool also works well with built in iPad OS features like Scribble, Quick Note and Freeform.

The new Apple Pencil has a sliding cap to reveal the USB-C port and allows customers to use a USB-C cable to connect to their iPad for pairing and charging.

And when Apple Pencil is magnetically attached to the iPad for storage, it automatically goes into sleep mode to maintain the battery life.

This latest Apple Pencil with USB-C is the most affordable in the line-up and joins Apple Pencil 1^st Gen and Apple Pencil 2^nd Gen.

Apple Pencil 1^st Gen supports pressure sensitivity for a free flowing and natural experience and has a Lightning port under the cap for pairing and charging.

Apple Pencil 2^nd Gen has a streamlined design and a range of tools to streamline a professional workflow including pressure sensitivity, double tap and Apple Pencil Hover when used with the iPad Pro models with M2.

The new Apple Pencil is compatible with all iPad models with USB C ports. These include iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (4th and 5th generations), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generations), and iPad mini (6th generation).

The new Apple Pencil USB-C will be available in early November and will be priced at $139.

The post Apple unveils new and more affordable Apple Pencil with USB-C appeared first on Tech Guide.

Netgear has introduced the first Wi-Fi 7 router which can achieve speeds of up to 19Gbps – that’s more than double the speed of the previous generation.

The Netgear Nighthawk RS700 router was built with more than 25 years of wi-fi expertise to meet the growing needs of connected homes.

Our demands on our wireless networks are higher than ever as we stream 4K and 8K video, take part in high definition video calls, work from home, play online games and experience cutting edge AR and VR applications.

The tri-band Netgear Nighthawk RS700 Wi-Fi 7 router is powered by Broadcom’s BCM6726/3 Wi-Fi 7 System on a Chip (SoC) to achieve speeds up to 19Gbps.

The tri-band router not only increases speed but also dramatically reduces latency in real-time responsiveness to ensure smoother streaming video calls and gaming experiences.

Also onboard the router is a 10Gb internet port to support the fastest internet speeds along with four 1Gb LAN ports for faster and flexible wired connections.

The Nighthawk RS700 router has a slim chassis and includes high performance antennas for 360-degrees of coverage with support for up to 200 devices simultaneously connected throughout the home.

The 3D antenna design maximises coverage for larger multi-story homes while the radio frequency circuits push Wi-Fi range out to 325 square metres.

The router’s smaller footprint and slim profile can fit discreetly on a bookshelf or desktop.

“With the launch of our Nighthawk RS700 Router, we’re setting the pace for adoption of the next generation wi-fi,” said David Henry, president & GM of Connected Home Products and Services at NETGEAR.

“The RS700 is purposefully constructed for the highest possible performance. We’ve deployed our decades of RF expertise to maximise antenna range within a compact design that minimises interference while fitting flawlessly into any home environment.”

The new Netgear router also has link aggregation for simultaneous multi-gig Internet and LAN access.

Users can also connect a USB hard drive to create network attached storage and provide large file backups as well as sharing high quality media on the network.

The RS700 also comes with one year of Netgear ARMOR powered by Bitdefender to provide added security for all your connected devices.

The Netgear Nighthawk Wi-Fi 7 Tri-Band Router RS700S is available now at netgear.com.au and major retailers and is priced at $1,499.

Technical specifications:

– 320MHz high-capacity channels & 4K QAM – New, ultra-wide bandwidth means 2.4x the speed to your connected devices. WiFi 7 smartphones and laptops can get speeds up to 5Gbps.

– Multi-Link Operation – Uses multiple wi-fi bands at once to improve network reliability, reduce latency, and ensure data is delivered with maximum speed.

– Lower latency – Dramatically upgrades gaming and interactive online experiences and opens the door for immersive next-gen AR and VR.

– More Capacity for Data-Intense Activities – Connect up to 200 devices, such as security cameras, smart home devices, and speakers, while enjoying 4K/8K video streaming, online gaming and HD video conferencing.

– Multi-Gig Speeds with 10GbE Internet Port – Use the 10 Gig internet port for cable and fibre plans up to 10Gbps. Compatible with any internet service provider.

– More wired ports on every device – Plug in wired devices to improve performance via a 10Gbps and four 1Gbps LAN ports.

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In a world first, Australian students will have access to cutting-edge AI to act as their tutor and study guide as they enter the high school senior year exams including the HSC, VCE and QCE.

Leading EdTech company Zookal has launched Exam Prep Zookal Genius which utilises the power of AI to provide learning support and become a study tool for Australian students at a fraction of the cost of a human tutor.

“The tutoring industry in Australia is valued at $1B, and more than $200B globally, with parents paying up to $230 an hour in some instances for one-on-one tutoring for final year exams,” said Ahmed Haider, CEO & Co-Founder of Zookal.

“At Zookal, we wanted to increase access to quality education for Aussie students, making it an affordable, comprehensive and personalised learning experience.”

Zookal Genius is an AI-powered platform that can deliver more than 3.8 million pieces of exam content and perform mathematics equations and calculations 25 per cent more accurately than ChatGPT.

It can also render visual content like equations, graphs, charts, images, diagrams and chemical compounds as well as generate more than 10,000 new exam questions per week.

Price at just $9.99 a month, Australian students will have unlimited access annually to “Zookie” the AI astronaut tutor.

In these times of increased cost of living parents will still be able to invest in their child’s education without breaking the bank.

“We wanted to create something that would provide the closest possible experience to exam conditions and papers for students in order to support their learning and decrease exam anxiety leading into senior school exams,” Haider says.

“Until now, there has been a real pressure on students to trawl through past papers and find their own questions, and an increased workload for teachers who are required to support students by creating additional questions and marking these quickly while also teaching full time in classrooms.

“Zookal Genius isn’t just accurate, it provides instantaneous answers and results and uses incredibly advanced technology to recreate the exam experience.

“Utilising the current 2023 syllabus and curriculum, equivalent past papers, a constantly increasing data set and the power of AI which adheres to academic integrity guidelines, we’ve created something powerful, positive and life changing for students and their families.

 “We are taking a truly different direction from other companies in this space.

“Most AI tutors are just ChatGPT dressed up in different clothing, Zookal Genius has been built from the ground up to meet the exam format challenge that students actually face.”

 Zookal Exam Prep Genius has been in development for more than six years and utilises large language models (LLMs) as well as integrating the best features from Meta, Google, Microsoft and Open AI.

Zookal Exam Prep Genius is also designed to prevent students from cheating so it can easily be implemented in schools and colleges around the world.

Right now there are 37 subjects currently available including English, mathematics, biology, history, PDHPE, engineering, drama, legal studies and visual arts with more subjects are being added regularly.

The product is also set to launch globally in 2024 including in the US ahead of the SAT exams.

“The proof is in the final product; we’ve demonstrated that formal education and AI are not mutually exclusive and have done so over a breadth of subjects and disciplines,” Haider says. “There is limitless potential that Zookal Genius holds for the future of education in Australia and globally, offering a safe and secure learning journey with unprecedented accuracy.

“Our technology could be the key to unlocking improved exam results for Aussie students and increasing confidence as students file into the exam rooms in the coming weeks.”

The post World’s first AI tutor launched in Australia to help students get through their exams appeared first on Tech Guide.

Australians are working from anywhere – from home, on the go and in the office – so Logitech has released a product to make that even easier – the new Casa Pop-Up Desk.

Today work is a thing you do, not a place you go – but you also need to maintain efficiency and productivity no matter where you are.

The Logitech Casa Pop Up Desk has everything you need to put your laptop in the right position so you can work comfortably.

Casa includes a laptop stand, a keyboard and trackpad and it comes in a single case which makes it easy to take with you anywhere.

When it’s all packed up it’s like carrying a slightly thicker iPad case so you can easily find room for it.

So how does it work?

When you set up you open the Casa case and take out the keyboard and trackpad.

The lid of the case folds forward and clips magnetically to a slot at the front of the case.

This is where you can place your laptop which is held in place securely with a lip so you can then have the screen at an ergonomically friendly height.

We are writing this report using Casa Pop-Up Desk and our 15-inch MacBook Air.

As soon as we turned on the keyboard and trackpad we went into the settings on the laptop and paired then to the laptop in the Bluetooth menu.

You can also take that a step further and install the Logi Options+ software to pair and control the keyboard and trackpad.

The Logi keyboard has five rows and well-spaced slightly concave keys along with a full row of function keys that allow you to control your media, adjust volume and access all your emojis.

And it still quite compact and just over 1cm tall at its thickest point.

The trackpad has a smooth surface glass surface with Click Anywhere technology for easy navigation and control so you can click and use gestures to get things done.

The keyboard and trackpad can be charged with the included USB-C cable and can draw power when connected to the laptop in front of you.

“Working long hours in front of a PC can take a toll on the body, especially when you do not have a fixed workspace,” said Joseph Mingori, vice president of Mobile Solutions & Partnerships at Logitech.

“With Casa Pop-Up Desk, we are able to deliver a sustainable, cross-OS compatible, and ergonomic solution that addresses workspace limitations, so people feel energised at the end of the workday.”

The Casa Pop-Up Desk is made from certified post-consumer recycled plastic made from old consumer electronics products to give them a second life.

It comes in three colours – Nordic Cam (sand/off white), Bohemian Blush (rose) and Classic Chic (deep green/granite).

The Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk is available now and is priced at $289.95.

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Australian success story espresso Displays – the company that introduced portable touchscreen technology to make it easier to work from anywhere – has just unveiled its latest product – the espresso 17 Pro.

The espresso 17 Pro is a stunning 4K portable touchscreen display that’s capable of displaying more than a billion colours and with 450 nits brightness.

The espresso 17 Pro connects to your computer with a single USB-C cable and can expand your screen real estate from your laptop or desktop computer as well as offering a unique touchscreen experience so users can interact with their favourite applications like never before.

“espresso 17 Pro is meticulously crafted to support professionals and creatives who need to perform at their best, wherever their work takes them and whatever platforms they use,” says Will Scuderi, cofounder and CEO at espresso Displays.

“Every aspect of espresso 17 Pro has been developed and refined to produce an unrivalled experience and helps people deliver their best work, whatever the task.”

Tech Guide was offered a sneak peek at espresso 17 Pro ahead of its official launch.

It has an impressive and lightweight design that’s made of aerospace grade aluminium with the same portability as the previous versions.

When we saw espresso 17 Pro for the first time, all we could think about were the many uses and possibilities the product could offers whether it’s in a corporate setting, on the go, for a creative professional or for video production.

And now the 4K resolution has provided the very thing many creative professionals have been waiting for.

“We’ve listened intently to how people work today and where work trends are evolving,” Scuderi added.

“Our innovation responds directly to what we see and hear from our customers, partners, and collaborators, which is why our products do not sit within the confines of traditional tech product categories.”

The touchscreen software has also been re-engineered to deliver enhanced and intuitive controls whether it’s connected to a Mac or PC.

Now espresso 17 Pro can support pro-level drawing and creative touchscreen controls.

Also announced today is espresso Jot – software that turbocharges your note taking and drawing and that can also work with hundreds of existing desktop and web-based applications.

Users can capture, cut, save and copy on-screen content and move between other apps and windows or documents.

Jot can also be used to mark-up documents and insert sketches into presentations and other creative projects.

Espresso has also launched a range of accessories to optimise the experience with the espresso 17 Pro.

The espresso Stand Pro attaches magnetically to the back of the display so it can be adjusted at the precise angle and height to suit what you’re doing.

You can also power the whole experience with the espresso Charge which is designed to seamlessly integrate under the stand and elevate it to an even higher position.

The battery can provide power to your laptop or smartphone when you’re working on the move.

The new espresso Creator is a screen protector that also provides a paper-like texture when writing and drawing on the espresso 17 Pro screen.

The espresso 17 Pro is available to preorder now with shipping in November. Launch bundles are also available with a preorder deposit.

espresso 17 Pro techs and specs:

Australian pricing and pre-sale bundle offers:

US pricing and pre-sale bundle offers:

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