Consumer Advice
RECALL: IKEA ÅSKSTORM 40W USB charger article number 304.611.94
The IKEA ÅSKSTORM 40W USB charger is recalled due to a potentially faulty power cable. Return it to the store for a refund.
What is AI (Artificial Intelligence), how will it affect me? (simple guide)
AI (Artificial Intelligence) today is simply a computer that can do things a hell of a lot faster than a human can.
Large Lithium-Ion battery fires are a risk too far
Large lithium-ion battery fires are now a daily occurrence. Fire services say get out fast - don't even try to stop a thermal runaway.
Why TikTok Pixel Spyware is deceitful and just plain wrong (safety)
TikTok Pixel Spyware is wrong. First, it is deceitful. Second, it has far wider ramifications for possible nation state data.
Members-only pricing may not be illegal, but it is damned irritating (Opinion)
Members-only pricing is becoming more prevalent with the big franchise brands. It is purely an excuse to get and monetise your personal data.
Holiday Shopping Trends: Savings and Gifting Priorities
Oppo sends word that following research (Holiday Shopping Trends) - that kids in Australia will likely have their parents throwing down $321 per child on…
Recall: Lenovo USB-C 20,000mAh powerbank
The Lenovo USB-C 20,000mAh powerbank sold from 12 May to 8 July 2023 is recalled due to a fire risk. Check yours today.
TPG slashes Internode and Westnet brands – transfer mobile and internet to iiNet
Internode and Westnet brand's parent company, TPG, will transfer customers to another TPG brand iiNet ‘early in 2024’.
Fake reviews – ACCC crackdown on dodgy social media influencers
The ACCC is cracking down on fake reviews (misleading online reviews) and social media influencer endorsements.
Guard Your Business: Free Cybersecurity Check & Expert Support!
To guard your business in today’s business world, both big and small companies really need strong cybersecurity. Here is how.
Foxtel Hubbl update – the black box and TV in detail (AV)
Foxtel Hubbl update: Hubbl is from Sky/Comcast that provides a turn-key solution to Telcos, and OTT operators. It is not a Foxtel invention.
Foxtel Hubbl – search saviour or sinner? (AV updated TV Spyware guide)
Foxtel Hubbl is a new service to aggregate all TV services into one interface – a universal program guide. Sounds heavenly but it is though?
Cheap Chinese Android TV set-top boxes riddled with Badbox spyware (AV)
Cheap Chinese Android TV set-top boxes are riddled with spyware that can make billions for cyber criminals at your expense.
Is there a safe way to charge Lithium-ion batteries? (guide)
It takes more than common sense to charge lithium-ion batteries safely. You can minimise the potential for catastrophic thermal runaway fires.
Does insurance cover a lithium-ion battery fire? Maybe and probably not
If you have a Lithium-ion battery fire, are you covered by insurance? In simple English all we could get was a 'maybe'.
Microsoft Windows 11 Copilot – your personal AI (and other Microsoft updates)
Microsoft Windows 11 CoPilot is big news, bringing personal AI to Windows 11 and Microsoft 365.
RCS messaging takes over from SMS for Android users – what you need to know
RCS Messaging is the successor to SMS/MMS and its coming to late model Android phones. We explain the benefits and help you to change over.
Disney+ will stop password sharing – and more to follow (AV).
Disney+ will stop password sharing after Netflix’s enormously successful revenue hike from the same policy. More to come!
Australia to UK SMS blocked
From 1 June 2023, Australia to UK SMS has been blocked by all UK telecommunications providers. This is to stop SMS scams.
Securing Your Smart Home Devices: Tips to Stay Safe and Smart
Securing Your Smart Home Devices is about matching convenience with safety. Many devices have backdoors for hacker exploitation.
I am so over LIFX smart bulbs
Long story short – In 2019, I equipped my home with LIFX smart bulbs. All went well for a year until OK Google started having…
Want your own email domain? It is easy
It is easy to set up your email domain and be independent of your NBN reseller. Here are three easy and low-cost steps.
Only a Digital ID will stop scams and Identity Theft (opinion)
A Digital ID will stop scams and Identity Theft. We desperately need it but there are huge p[[political and privacy hurdles to overcome.
Google Gmail is a safe alternative to your broadband supplier’s email address
Google Gmail presents the safest alternative for free email. It is encrypted, and it intends to remain free for the foreseeable future.
