Technology
Byteside gift guide 2024: fun, weird, wonderful, nerdy gift ideas
Lets skip the obvious and explore some clever ideas, shall we?
Google Pixel 9 series: what a leap forward... but wait for the 10 if you can
Google has achieved 100% 'flagship' credentials with the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This is the place to spend your money on Android... but the missing feature that should arrive in 2025 is worth waiting for.
DJI Power 500 review: sneaky power for tech nerd camping trips
A beautifully designed power station with plenty of power to keep your devices running for extended stays away from home.
Shokz OpenRun Pro: the ideal sports headphone experience
Earbuds are doing transparency modes well these days, but nothing does full awareness of the world around you better than bone conduction.
Espresso displays: hitting the sweet spot for portable displays
The Australian startup has designed top quality hardware that is perfect for those who really want two screens wherever they may work.
HTC Vive XR Elite: How far have we come?
HTC's latest is another big leap forward for VR fans, but why is it still not enough for everyone else?
6TB portable drives are now a thing: Western Digital just bumped its 2.5-inch drives up to a new record 6TB storage. Just wild how much fits into such a small package now. This is popping up across their portable drive range now, fro My Passport to game drives to G-DRIVE rugged options. A WD My Passport 6TB drive is just $299. They'll also have the WD_BLACK drive for adding 6TB of storage to game consoles. It's TBC on pricing.
The copper colour option in the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 earbud range is stunning! Sennheiser does these earbuds really well at this point, with full adaptive noise cancelling using a six-microphone array that also delivers excellent voice pick up for calls. The tech is solid, the battery life is great, and I'm just loving that copper colour. Yum. ($499)
Google Pixel 8a review: full featured AI power for everyone
The Pixel 8a can go toe-to-toe with the Pixel Pro as well as the best from Samsung and Apple. Google's AI software might now push its hardware into the lead for most users.
Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand Pro with DockKit is next level hands free video utility
Belkin just dropped the most versatile auto tracking system for iPhones ever to hit the market. Simple, instant, and works the way you want it to.
The big 2024 iPad line up refresh is here
Apple drops the M4 processor into iPad Pro before anything else, plus an all-new Apple Pencil, new iPad Air, and a price drop on the base iPad. A big day for the tablet.
Is the 'a' for AI now? Google has revealed the Pixel 8a today and the big push is on the role of AI in our devices. Given the a series for Pixel typically offers a lot of the benefits of the fancier models at a better price, this year there's a firm focus on how big a role Google's Gemini AI will play in your photos, videos, and generally getting things done.
Nice wins include getting the same G3 chip here that you get in the Pixel 8 Pro, and a promise of seven years of feature and security updates. That's 2030! Starts from $849 and pre-orders are now open for May 14 release.
You're probably starting to see Qi2 getting a mention out there in wireless charger land. Just remember Apple has shared its MagSafe tech with the Qi standard so that everyone can start to get the integrated magnetic locking system on their devices. It's a win for car mounts and desk chargers of all stripes.
Paleblue lets you keep traditional batteries charged on the go
Just when you thought traditional batteries were dead, here comes Paleblue with a full range of classic cells that recharge over USB.
ROG Phone 8: It often feels like phones have become a two horse race, maybe three. So I love it when things like the Asus ROG brand keeps delivering phones for a precise market. The gamer focused handset has a beefy 2500-nit brightness and a superfast 720Hz touch sampling rate.
It's not messing around on specs and not messing around on price either. Starting from $1,799 all the way up to $2,499. Check it out at JB Hi-Fi or the Asus store.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Absolutely stunning. The LG Cinebeam Qube is a 4K laser projector. But just look at it! Absolutely gorgeous design. More gadgets, more home devices, take note! LG has been leaving its competitors for dead with its approach to industrial design lately. I adore this one.
