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Articles by Elise Reid
Content and Downloads - SmartHouse
Not only are all LG Gram laptops set to be shipped with Windows 11 already onboard to make life easier for customers, the company say previous LG Gram models can be upgraded to it by visiting the Microsoft website. “Shipping LG gram laptops with Windows 11 immediately after the OS launch is an example of our…
Content and Downloads - SmartHouse
Skip to content Skip to sidebar Walt Disney Co has announced that its streaming service Disney+ added fewer users last quarter than Wall Street predictions, after enjoying a meteoric start.
channelnews : ADAPT 460T Earphones Review: Incredible ANC & Crystal Clear Sound
I’ve been reviewing the ADAPT 460T earphones whilst at work and in my downtime, and have been blown away with how comfortable they are to wear, and how effective the Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is. As you would expect from co-branded EPOS and Sennheiser product, the 460T headset offers premium quality audio.
Samsung Unveil AI-Powered, Energy-Efficient Washing Machines
Samsung has announced its new sustainable washing machine – the WW9800T washer – which cuts down wash times and energy consumption significantly. In this new line-up Samsung is adding AI capabilities, which can learn users’ behaviour patterns to recommend cycles and offer a personalised washing experience. The AI Control reduces unnecessary scrolling through cycles to find the right one and means users won’t have to input their individualised settings each time.
channelnews : Global Smartphone Sales Forecast To Drop 10% In 2020, But Return To Growth In 2021
Research firm IDC estimates global smartphone shipments to fall by nearly 10% in 2020; however, they expect the market to return to growth in 2021, driven by 5G handsets. “While many of the top vendors have reduced their 2020 production plans to align with the market decline, we’ve seen most of the cuts focused on their 4G portfolios.
channelnews : Google Duo Calls Coming To Android TVs
Google has announced that they are rolling out a beta version of a Google Duo app on Android TVs in coming weeks, which will allow smart TV owners to make Google Duo video calls on a larger screen. “With Google Duo, you can initiate one-on-one and group calls from your TV, and if your TV doesn’t have a camera built-in, you can simply plug in a USB camera,” Google stated.
channelnews : Small Business Enquiries To ACCC Up 42% During COVID-19
The ACCC has said that the number of enquiries made to the ACCC in the first half of the year rose by 42%, largely as a result of issues related to the COVID-19 crisis. “The impact of the pandemic on small businesses has been enormous and we have re-prioritised our work and resources to help businesses and consumers work through many of the issues,” said ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh.
channelnews : LG Launch TONE Free TWS Earbuds With UV Nano Case
LG Electronics Australia has unveiled the LG TONE Free (LG TONE FN6) wireless earbuds. These TWS earbuds feature Meridian Audio technology, which promises to deliver a life-like listening experience. Meridian is a UK-based company that has specialised in high-fidelity audio for over 25 years. LG TONE FN6 earbuds feature a comfortable in-ear earbud design with a matte black finish. They are also splashproof, with an IPX4 rating. The earbuds come with a UVnano case, which kills up to 99.9% of E.
channelnews : Samsung’s New Fridges Have Thinner Walls For More Space
Samsung has unveiled the RB7300, a new bottom-mount refrigerator that features SpaceMax Technology. This tech allows the interior walls of the fridge to be much thinner – thanks to its high-efficiency insulation – providing a greater internal capacity of 385L, which is 18L larger than the previous model.
channelnews : MSI’s Sales Up 18.8% In Gaming Boom
Taiwan’s MSI, which specialises in gaming notebooks and accessories, has witnessed rising sales over recent months as the gaming industry has boomed under COVID-19 lockdowns. In March, when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in many countries, MSI’s sales revenue declined by 3.34% year-on-year (y-o-y). Since then, however, sales revenue growth has continued to accelerate. In April it increased by 2.85% y-o-y, followed by growth in May (6.37% y-o-y), and June (14.76% y-o-y).
channelnews : HP & Dell Notebook Sales Driven By Remote Working & Learning
Both HP and Dell have reported surging sales in Q2 2020, driven by increased demand for notebooks as markets across the globe work and learn remotely. “In Q2, we saw strength in the government sector and in education, with orders up 16% and 24%, respectively, as parents, teachers and school districts prepare for a new frontier in virtual learning,” said Jeff Clarke, Vice Chairman and CEO of Dell Technologies.
channelnews : 41% Oz Businesses Report Revenue Drop In August
In the August ‘Business Impacts of COVID-19’ survey from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 41% of businesses reported a decrease in revenue, compared to 47% in July. While this is still a large percentage of Australian businesses, 28% expect revenue to fall in September, which would mark a notable improvement. Nevertheless, the difficult operating conditions of the COVID-19 crisis continue to weigh heavily on business expenditure.
channelnews : LG Announce PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier
LG Electronics has announced that it will showcase the PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier in its virtual exhibition at IFA 2020, and confirmed that the product will be available in select markets in Q4 2020. The wearable purifier kills harmful germs with built-in UV-LED lights, and features high-performance replaceable filters. The purifier’s dual fans then provide the user with clean, filtered air.
channelnews : Samsung Unveil AI-Powered, Energy-Efficient Washing Machines
Samsung has announced its new sustainable washing machine – the WW9800T washer – which cuts down wash times and energy consumption significantly. In this new line-up Samsung is adding AI capabilities, which can learn users’ behaviour patterns to recommend cycles and offer a personalised washing experience. The AI Control reduces unnecessary scrolling through cycles to find the right one and means users won’t have to input their individualised settings each time.
channelnews : Nine’s Losses Hit $575M
Nine Entertainment reported a net loss of $575 million in FY20, despite audience growth across its key platforms, as the COVID-19 crisis weighed on ad markets broadly. Nine’s broadcasting division – which includes the Nine Network, 9Now, and Nine Radio – recorded an 11% fall in revenue, even though Nine was the top network and primary channel in all key demographics. “On a primary channel basis, Nine’s share of the 25-54s was 38.5%, more than seven share points ahead of its nearest competitor.
channelnews : Big W’s Sales Up 31.8%, Driven By Home Office & Appliance Demand
Big W’s sales accelerated in Q4 FY20 under COVID-19 lockdowns, increasing by 31.8% year-on-year (y-o-y). Over the whole financial year, the retailer’s total sales rose by 10.5% to hit $4.1 billion. “We are especially proud of the achievement of the Big W team which resulted in FY20 EBIT of $39 million. Big W had strong sales momentum prior to COVID but sales growth increased materially from March,” said Woolworths Group Chairman Gordon Cairns.
channelnews : EPOS Audio Launch Microsoft Teams-Certified ‘ADAPT’ Series Headphones
EPOS Audio, which specialises in high-end audio solutions for enterprise and gaming, has launched a range of premium, ADAPT Series headphones for the newfound remote workforce. Made for people working from home, this entire line of headphones feature a dedicated button for Microsoft Team and come with a USB dongle for easy connection to your laptop or computer.
channelnews : Samsung’s ‘Find My Mobile’ Now Works When Devices Are Offline
XDA Developers has spotted an important improvement in Samsung’s latest update. Now, the brand’s Find My Mobile feature will work on Galaxy devices that are offline. If a lost device does not have mobile data turned on and is not connected to Wi-Fi, the updated Offline Finding function of Find My Mobile will use nearby Galaxy devices to attempt to locate it. When users have this Offline Finding enabled, their smartphone will also be used to scan for others’ lost devices.
channelnews : COVID: 70% In TAS, VIC & NSW Have Changed Employment
According to Roy Morgan research, two-thirds of working Australians have had to change their employment due to the COVID-19 crisis, and this rate is even higher in New South Wales (70%), Victoria (71%) and Tasmania (74%). “The second wave of the coronavirus crisis since June has been far more deadly than the first, but heavily concentrated in Victoria rather than felt equally around the nation,” said Michele Levine, CEO of Roy Morgan.
channelnews : Apple Updates Final Cut Pro X For Remote Workflows
Apple has added new features to Final Cut Pro X that are designed to enhance remote workflows and speed up editing for content creators. Final Cut Pro 10.4.9 is available today as a free update for existing users (or A$499.99 for new users on the Mac App Store). “Now, more than ever before, users are editing remotely across a wide range of locations,” Apple stated.
channelnews : Global Smartphone Sales Plunged 20% In Q2
According to the latest figures from Gartner, global smartphone sales fell by 20.4% to 295 million units in Q2 2020, as the COVID-19 crisis continued to dampen demand. “Travel restrictions, retail closures and more prudent spending on non-essential products during the pandemic led to the second consecutive quarterly decline in smartphone sales this year,” said Anshul Gupta, Senior Research Director at Gartner.
channelnews : Fackelmann Housewares Becomes Local Distributor Of Vitamix
Fackelmann Housewares Australia and Fackelmann Housewares New Zealand have announced that they will become a distributor of the Vitamix brand for their local markets, effective October 2020. Vitamix is the category leader in high-performance blending. Fackelmann Housewares will serve all current customers for Vitamix across the two markets, with a full product line-up, local logistics and customer service.
channelnews : Consumer Confidence Up 4.6%, Biggest Gain In Months
The ANZ-Roy Morgan Australian Consumer Confidence index increased by 4.6% last week, marking one of the highest increases in the past three months, with all subindices in the survey gaining. For instance, ‘time to buy a household item’ rose by 6.4%, while ‘current economic conditions’ increased by 13.1% to be up 25% over the last two weeks. ‘Future economic conditions’ gained for the third week in a row, up 3.9%.
channelnews : Seven’s Revenue Down 33% In Weak Ad Environment
Seven West Media has revealed that its Free-to-Air (FTA) TV revenue in Q4 FY20 declined by 33%, citing the wider weak advertising environment caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Over the whole financial year, advertising on Seven’s Metro FTA advertising revenue fell by 14.1%. As evidence of it being a tough operating environment, Seven still held 37.4% of revenue share in the market in the financial year.
channelnews : D-Link Launch Two AI-Based mydlink Security Cameras
D-Link has launched two new surveillance cameras in the mydlink range: the DCS-8526LH Full HD Pan/Tilt Pro Wi-Fi Camera and the DCS-8630LH Full HD Outdoor Wi-Fi Spotlight Camera. Both of these security cameras feature AI technology for person detection, facilitating more intelligent surveillance capabilities and more personal automation options. Unlike other motion sensors, the AI technology ensures that you only receive alerts when a real person is detected.
channelnews : Apple Pledges $120M To Fixing Business Practices
South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission has announced that Apple has committed $100 billion Korean won (A$120 million) to fixing its business practices in the country, according to The Korea Herald. The watchdog was primarily targeting Apple’s unfair agreements with the country’s mobile carriers. Under this agreement, Apple has pledged to make its procedures related to advertising funds with telecom operators fairer and more transparent.
channelnews : Samsung Rolls Out Powerful Update For Galaxy S20
Samsung Electronics has announced that the new One UI 2.5 software, which is available on the Galaxy Note20 series, will be rolled out to the Galaxy S20 series. This update will add Pro Video Mode, which allows users to record footage in 21:9 aspect ratio. It also enables shooters to control the smartphone’s mic direction so you can pick up specific sounds. When paired with a pair of Galaxy Buds, the earbuds can be used as an even better microphone to minimise background audio.
channelnews : COVID Warning For Shoppers At Inner-West Sydney Westfield
Shoppers who visited the Westfield at Burwood in Sydney’s inner west have been told to be on high alert for COVID-19 symptoms after someone who visited the shopping centre last week tested positive for the virus. The infected person visited Westfield Shopping Centre Burwood last Thursday (20th August) 6pm – 7pm and visited Kmart and Woolworths. The same person also visited Service NSW Burwood 2.30pm – 3.00pm on Friday (21st August).
PS5 Commercial Dropped, Expected To Launch Soon
Sony has dropped a new feature add for PlayStation 5, suggesting that the new gaming console will be released soon. However, Sony is remaining tight-lipped about the price. Instead, the ad focused on the wireless DualSense controller (which will provide haptic feedback sensation and adaptive triggers), the Tempest 3D AudioTech, and the immersive gaming experience the PlayStation 5 promises to provide.
Samsung Expands HDR10+ Content For Its Smart TVs
Samsung Electronics is further expanding the HDR10+ streaming content available on its Smart TVs by adding Google Play Movies. Now, users will be able to view high-res HDR10+ 4K HDR content on Google Play Movies (current titles include ‘Joker’, ‘Shazam!’, and ‘Crazy Rich Asians’). This HDR10+ service is now available on Samsung Smart TVs in 117 countries.
BINGE Adds DC Superhero Content
BINGE has expanded its content library, adding a range of DC shows and movies from the DC Comics universe, including Pennyworth, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl, Watchmen, The Dark Knight, Man of Steel, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern. DC’s brand new DC’s Stargirl will be available to stream on BINGE from tomorrow (22nd August), while the anticipated second season of Doom Patrol will be available from 2nd September.
channelnews : Shaver Shop’s Total Sales Up 16.4% In FY20, Online Sales Double
Shaver Shop’s total sales increased by 16.4% to $194.9 million in FY20, while the grooming retailer’s online sales more than doubled, up 103.5% at $47.8 million. Now, Shaver Shop’s online sales account for 22.7% of the total. “The investments we made in our digital platforms and capability over the past 18 months drove strong growth across the year.
channelnews : oOh!media Revenue Down A Third As Out-Of-Home Audience Plunge
Despite remaining the market leader in Australia, outdoor advertising and media company oOh!media’s revenue declined by 33% to $205 million in the first half of 2020, as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns. Brendon Cook, CEO of oOh!media, said COVID-19 restrictions had caused an unprecedented decline in ‘Out of Home’ audiences, which, combined with the general economic slowdown, caused a significant decline in revenue for the second quarter.
Oz Customers Shifting From Post-Paid To Pre-Paid Mobiles
For the first time ever, prepaid mobile phones have overtaken their post-paid counterparts in customer satisfaction, according to new data from Roy Morgan. “We highlighted the trend of Australians turning to pre-paid mobile phones a year ago and this trend has continued. Now, 33% use this type of mobile plan and, importantly, satisfaction with pre-paid mobile phones has overtaken the more widely used post-paid for the first time,” said Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine.
MSI Release New Gaming Accessories: Keyboard, Mouse & Wrist Rest
Taiwan’s MSI, which is known for its gaming products, has launched three new products for mainstream gamers: the VIGOR GK50 ELITE Series Gaming Keyboard; the Clutch GM08 Gaming Mouse; and the VIGOR WR01 Wrist Rest. The GK50 ELITE keyboard promises a crisper typing experience, with a tactile and audible click when keys are pressed. This gaming keyboard also aims to be more durable, with 80 million actuations and IP56 water and dust resistance.
channelnews : Super Retail Group’s Online Sales Up 44.4%
Super Retail Group – which owns SuperCheap Auto, Rebel, BCF and Macpac – reported online sales growth of 44.4% in FY20, compared to total sales growth of 4.2%. Online sales represented roughly 10% of the group’s total sales, at $290.5 million. ‘Click & Collect’ purchases accounted for 43% of these online purchases. In addition, more than 1 million customers made their first online purchase with Super Retail Group in FY20.
channelnews : Samsung Air Purifier Review: An Unobtrusive Way Of Improving Your Air Quality
We’ve had the AX7500 model from Samsung’s new range of Air Purifiers in the office since its launch, and have already noticed a difference in odours and dust in the air. Retailing for $999, the AX7500 is Samsung’s second-most premium Air Purifier (the flagship AX9500, or ‘The Cube’, costs $1,299). As such, it is able to quickly purify air, even in larger spaces. The AX7500 can purifier air in spaces of up to 60 sq metres.
channelnews : Content Apps Ask Apple To Be Treated The Same As Amazon
In an open letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, Digital Content Next – a non-profit international trade association for the digital content industry – has called on the tech giant to treat all app developers as they treat Amazon. In July it was revealed that Apple only charges Amazon 15% of the revenue made from its Amazon Prime Video app for customers who sign up through the iPhone app, and no cut for users that already subscribed via Amazon or somewhere else.
channelnews : Oz Retail Turnover Up 12.2% YoY In July, Led By Household Goods
Australian retail turnover rose by 12.2% year-on-year in July, according to preliminary trade figures from the ABS. Month-on-month, retail turnover was up 3.3%. “Retail turnover rose in all states and territories except Victoria in July.
channelnews : BINGE Adds DC Superhero Content
BINGE has expanded its content library, adding a range of DC shows and movies from the DC Comics universe, including Pennyworth, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl, Watchmen, The Dark Knight, Man of Steel, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern. DC’s brand new DC’s Stargirl will be available to stream on BINGE from tomorrow (22nd August), while the anticipated second season of Doom Patrol will be available from 2nd September.
channelnews : PS5 Commercial Dropped, Expected To Launch Soon
Sony has dropped a new feature add for PlayStation 5, suggesting that the new gaming console will be released soon. However, Sony is remaining tight-lipped about the price. Instead, the ad focused on the wireless DualSense controller (which will provide haptic feedback sensation and adaptive triggers), the Tempest 3D AudioTech, and the immersive gaming experience the PlayStation 5 promises to provide.
channelnews : Samsung Expands HDR10+ Content For Its Smart TVs
Samsung Electronics is further expanding the HDR10+ streaming content available on its Smart TVs by adding Google Play Movies. Now, users will be able to view high-res HDR10+ 4K HDR content on Google Play Movies (current titles include ‘Joker’, ‘Shazam!’, and ‘Crazy Rich Asians’). This HDR10+ service is now available on Samsung Smart TVs in 117 countries.
channelnews : Western Digital Launch New ‘My Passport SSD’ Up To 2TB
Western Digital has introduced new WD brand My Passport SSD storage devices in capacities up to 2TB. These devices have a sleek and compact metal design, offer fast speeds powered by NVMe technology, and are backed by a five-year limited warranty. “The new My Passport SSD delivers the speed, reliability, and functionality consumers have come to expect from us,” said Susan Park, Vice President of Consumer Solutions at Western Digital.
channelnews : More Pressure On Apple As App Developers Ask To Be Treated The Same Amazon
In an open letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, Digital Content Next – a non-profit international trade association for the digital content industry – has called on the tech giant to treat all app developers as they treat Amazon. In July it was revealed that Apple only charges Amazon 15% of the revenue made from its Amazon Prime Video app for customers who sign up through the iPhone app, and no cut for users that already subscribed via Amazon or somewhere else.
channelnews : MSI Release New Gaming Accessories: Keyboard, Mouse & Wrist Rest
Taiwan’s MSI, which is known for its gaming products, has launched three new products for mainstream gamers: the VIGOR GK50 ELITE Series Gaming Keyboard; the Clutch GM08 Gaming Mouse; and the VIGOR WR01 Wrist Rest. The GK50 ELITE keyboard promises a crisper typing experience, with a tactile and audible click when keys are pressed. This gaming keyboard also aims to be more durable, with 80 million actuations and IP56 water and dust resistance.
channelnews : S&P: ‘WFH & Home Improvement Set To Drive Wesfarmers Sales Growth In FY21’
Following on from Wesfarmers’ strong earnings report for FY20, credit ratings agency S&P Global Ratings has announced that it believes the group will post sales growth in FY21, largely thanks to their ability to continue retail trading amid COVID-19 restrictions.
channelnews : Oz Customers Shifting From Post-Paid To Pre-Paid Mobiles
For the first time ever, prepaid mobile phones have overtaken their post-paid counterparts in customer satisfaction, according to new data from Roy Morgan. “We highlighted the trend of Australians turning to pre-paid mobile phones a year ago and this trend has continued. Now, 33% use this type of mobile plan and, importantly, satisfaction with pre-paid mobile phones has overtaken the more widely used post-paid for the first time,” said Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine.
channelnews : ABC Launch Revamped iView App For Smart TVs
The ABC has launched its fully rebuilt and redesigned ABC iview app for modern TVs and large-screen devices.
channelnews : ‘At Home’ Purchases Drive The Reject Shop Sales Up 7.1%
The Reject Shop recorded sales growth of 7.1% in the second half of FY 20, driven by strong customer demand for ‘essential’ products during the COVID-19 pandemic, including grocery, cleaning, toiletries and pet care. The retailer also witnessed growth in its ‘stay-at-home’ categories, including electronics, craft and stationary, toys, garden, hardware and kitchen items.
channelnews : Father’s Day Sale: 30% Off Belkin Power Bank Chargers
In the lead up to Father’s Day the entire range of Belkin power banks will be discounted by 30% from today (19th August) to 9th September 2020 at retailers such as JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman as well as Belkin’s online store with the coupon code DAD30.
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