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Seamus Byrne

Founder and Head of Content at Byteside.

Apple

MacBook Air gets M3 boost: Apple has dropped the M3 update for MacBook Air today across both 13-inch and 15-inch models. Along with some speed bumps, the big win for power users is that the M3 models offer support for two external monitors when the lid is closed, which is sometimes the one reason some folks feel like they 'must' go for a Pro. M3 models also get a Wi-Fi 6E upgrade. M3 models start from $1,799.

M2 MacBook Air options remain available in the range and now start from $1,599.

Space

Here's a great use of VR – in space! The HTC Vive Focus 3 is being used to help astronauts with both physical and mental health efforts. With the highly confined quarters on the ISS, astronauts are now using VR to experience more expansive environments back on Earth as well as to go cycling in Danish landscapes. Cool initiative – read more about it here.

Using the HTC Vive Focus 3 on the ISS.
Xbox

There are a lot of games getting totally carried away with IP tie-ins. There's plenty I like, there's plenty more that are real head scratchers on why they exist. One of the best I've ever seen has to be this new update for Microsoft Flight Simulator, giving players the option to fly Royal Atreides Ornithopters across the surface of Arrakis. The precision engineering of Flight Simulator applied to a gorgeously rendered fictional world feels like a win for fans of both.

Promo image of an Ornithopter above the surface of Arrakis with the Dune and Flight Simulator logos.
Electric Vehicles

Always Be Charging: The Australian government has given a $3 million grant to researchers at Swinburne University of Technology to prototype "embedding advanced wireless charging infrastructure on regional roads". The theory is to be able to electrify heavy vehicles and have dynamic wireless charging as they move. Swinburne suggests such electrification could save $324 billion by 2050 alongside all the environmental benefits.

Netflix

Millie Bobby Brown is stupidly talented and this looks like a very fun fantasy romp with a girl power twist.

Lands on Netflix March 8.

Games

Geometry Survivor is out now: A "rogue-lite auto-shooter" that looks super fun. Seemingly a blend of the Xbox classic Geometry Wars and Vampire Survivors, take a look at the trailer and you'll know if it's for you or not. It's on Xbox, Playstation, Switch and Steam now.

Activision Blizzard

Diablo IV hits Game Pass: The big changes with Activision Blizzard joining Microsoft are well underway. Seeing Diablo IV join Xbox Game Pass on 28 March is definitely a big one. Will be interesting how this move also shifts the fortunes of the slow start for this one (I've enjoyed the campaign but miss a lot of the replayability that had arrived at Diablo III during its lifespan).

Technology

Jabra gear converges on a hybrid work audio sweet spot

Not every business accessory maker is getting this hybrid work era right, but it's great to see Jabra is adapting its line up very nicely to the new era.

Jabra Speak2 75 Bluetooth speakerphone sitting on a table next to a laptop
Adobe

Fun tech fashion:

At NYC Fashion Week, Christian Cowan and the Adobe Research Team achieved the remarkable: the Adobe x Christian Cowan Dress Powered by Primrose Technology, the first-ever complete garment of its kind.
In two months, the dress went from concept to a wearable, electronically reconfigurable garment that raises the bar on the potential for sustainability and customization in fashion giving designers the ability to create multiple iterations of a singular garment and a deeper level of collaboration between designer and customer when it comes to custom designs.
Close up on the Primrose Technology circuitry being applied to a dress.
"Is it blue and white or yellow and gold?"
Sony

The very particular purpose of a PlayStation Portal

At first glance I wasn't sure what problem a PlayStation Portal solves. But after a bit more thinking it's going to be exactly what a specific kind of household needs.

The very particular purpose of a PlayStation Portal
Telstra

Telstra has demonstrated a 'Temporary Disaster Roaming' proof of concept that steps the possibility forward. Working with Optus, TPG, and government, the aim is to move beyond "SOS Only" to give people more utility in the midst of a crisis. A great idea that must be managed carefully to ensure everyone benefits.

Technology

The new Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus wireless headphones have just landed, with an aim to offer the great sound you expect from the classic audio brand along with great battery life. A combo of 50 hours of battery on a full charge plus 5 hours of playtime from just 10 minutes plugged in is a great 'always ready' feeling, plus the included 3.5mm cable option so you can plug in during flights or anywhere else you suddenly notice you're stuck if you can't do it old school. Also includes a tidy little case to keep them in tip top shape. RRP $399.95.

New Realities

Immersive Gamebox review: a genuinely fun alternative to movies or arcades

The photos look weird, but they just don't do it justice. Immersive Gamebox is a nice new option for some interactive fun in the heart of Sydney.

Immersive Gamebox review: a genuinely fun alternative to movies or arcades
Xbox

Xbox adds vaporous new styles to its custom controller Design Lab

Electric, Fire, Cyber, Dream, Nocturnal, and Stormcloud. Can you guess which colour is which in the new Vapour style range on the Xbox Design Lab?

Six controllers with six different new Vapour style finishes.
Games

Destiny 2 is having some fun with a Mass Effect crossover event, letting players nab some armor sets inspired by some of our fave friends from the Normandy Crew. Titans can get a Commander Shepard style N7 set, for Hunters there's a Garrus style Vakarian set, and Warlocks can go a Liara style Shadow Broker look. They hit the Eververse store in-game on February 14, just in time to show your love to the crew member of your dreams.

Technology

Belkin has a great new hybrid charger that needs an easier name

Belkin's new dual USB wall charger has a nifty hidden power bank to keep your devices running before you get to the hotel.

Belkin has a great new hybrid charger that needs an easier name
Technology

I've said it before, I'll say it again. Twelve South does great accessories, and the TimePorter is a winner for Apple Watch users who like to change up their bands. I regularly swap between a sports band for running and a leather strap for work mode. My biggest concern is that my cats could decide it's a cat toy, so I'd definitely want to put this inside the wardrobe door. Get it for $49.95.

Sonos

One of the first ever Sonos products was an amplifier to connect traditional speakers to its wireless music delivery system. The company left things like in-ceiling and outdoor speakers to other companies. But now Sonos completes its own range of 'architectural' speakers, working with Sonance to offer 8-inch in-ceiling speakers. One Sonos Amp can drive up to 3 pairs. These will go for $1,599 per pair – check out the whole architectural section of the Sonos site if you're after ceiling, in-wall, or outdoor Sonos speakers.

Home

Nanoleaf started out with a range of clever wall mountable panel lights, then shifted into options like light strips and smart bulbs. This year the range expands into new territory. The GU10 and Downlight give smart options for track and recessed fixtures, and the new Skylight offers a very new approach to ceiling smart light design. Lots to play with for those getting serious with their smart lighting.

Home

Great designs stand out yet again. In a mesh wireless router setup, you need a few devices dotted around the house. But usually that means very "router" looking devices sitting here and there. But these? The D-Link Aquila Pro M30 just look like lovely little sculptures that also happen to spread Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 around the house. They come in 2-pack and 3-pack setups (but they're selling out with hot demand).