Gizmodo Australia

Optus Unveils Mobile Security Solution For Small Businesses - Will It Work?

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:37:07 +1000

Back in 2006, 3 introduced an IP webcam that you could monitor on your 3G phone. It was called the 3 Eyecam, it was about the size of a coffee mug and it was a HUGE failure. From the fact that it beeped when you connected to it, to the terrible video quality, it was panned universally for being the suckiest security camera ever.

Now, two years later, Optus is offering a similar IP security vision solution. Dubbed the Securecam, it allows Optus 3G customers the ability to monitor their home or office via a private IP camera.

Users can easily install the camera themselves, and can receive SMS or email notification if the camera detects movement. They can then check the camera via an IP address or a compatible Optus 3G phone.

Toshiba Showing Off UMPC Prototype

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:21:16 +1000

At the same presentation that APC mag learnt about the upcoming Toshiba ULPC, Will Maher over at PC Authority managed to get some hands-on time with a UMPC prototype from the laptop manufacturer.

Running on an Atom processor with Vista installed, a 5.6-inch screen and 64GB of SSD memory, the prototype also features a built in GPS chip, thanks to Toshiba figuring out how they can make antennas follow a curved surface.

The prototype is unlikely to ever make it into consumers hands, however, as Toshy feel that the 5.6-inch screen is too small for practical use. PC Authority agreed, saying that the onscreen, touch-sensitive keyboard took up 2/3 of the screen space when typing.

Still, it's a fairly cute device that looks like it has a bit of potential. Hopefully we'll see some more of this innovation from Toshiba make it into real products soon.

[PC Authority]

Toshiba To Launch An Eee PC Killer?

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:40:27 +1000

Our good friend David Flynn over at APCMag got himself a bit of a scoop chatting with Mark Whittard from Toshiba - apparently they're seriously planning to launch an Eee PC killer in the near future.

Although there's very little info about the device at all, Mark did say that it would most likely feature a nine-inch screen, feature a (relatively) large SSD drive, run on an Atom processor and run Windows rather than Linux.

Interestingly, Mark used the apparently used the term ULPC to describe the device, with the "L" standing for "low-cost" rather than "light". Which should be the perfect way to confuse customers even more than they already are.

He also mentioned that they're goal in entering the space was to "produce a premium ULPC or mini-note at a slightly higher price by adding "a few hundred dollars" to the sticker".

As good as it is to have another player enter the low-cost laptop market, openly stating that you're trying to drive up the cost isn't going to win you too many friends with consumers looking for a super-cheap lappy. After all, they've already got the Eee, the MSI wind and the Acer Aspire Blue... Why pay $800 when you can get away with $500?

[APCMag]

iiNet Has Unmetered Downloads For ABC's iView Service

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:34:45 +1000

Hot on the heels of last night's announcement that the ABC would be launching its online video service iView, iiNet sent out a press release stating that they would be offering unmetered downloads for all iView viewing.

Couple that with their unmetered downloads for iTunes, the recently launched TV shows on iTunes and rumoured upcoming movie downloads on iTunes, and all of a sudden, iiNet is looking like it's the ISP to go with for your video entertainment needs.

Of course, the ABC states on their iView site that they are still in discussions with other ISPs to allow iView to be unmetered downloads, but how those discussions pan out is still yet to be determined.

ABC Launches iView Internet Video Service

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:58:55 +1000

Last night, the ABC proved once again that they're better than all the free-to-air networks by launching their new iView video download service. You might remember it from its beta stage, when it was known as Playback.

Unlike the Playback beta, which suffered from a serious lack of programming, the new iView service offers plenty of shows from ABC1 and ABC2, including Doctor Who, The Gruen Transfer, The New Inventors, The Einstein Factor and Echo Beach - and that's just in the Catchup section. There are also new, dedicated channels like ABC News, which features all the latest news and current affairs programming from Aunty, plus ABC Kazam! (which has kid's programming), ABC Docs for documentaries and ABC Arts for all those arty programs your parents like.

Breakfast Wrap: Best Of Wednesday Night

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:07:36 +1000

Sony, Sharp, Hitachi, Samsung and Motorola Agree on Amimon Whole-House Wireless HD Standard
Wireless HD video in the home? Sign me up!

Why You Should Carry a Camcorder at All Times-Plus Infrared Goggles, Survival Kits, GPS, and Canned Burgers
I'm not sure whether I should be awed or crapping myself watching this video...

George Lucas in Carbonite
See the fear in his eyes? He's just rr-read the script for The Phantom Menace.

Why We Still Need the iPhone App Black Market
And it's not just so we can play NES games on the iPhone (although that does get a mention...)

Samsung Updates LED-Backlit LCD: Series 9 Expensive But Probably Worth It
Series 9? Why are we just getting Series 6 here in Australia? My spidey-sense is telling me we're getting screwed again.

Periodic Coffee Table With Embedded Element Samples
The ultimate geek test: if part of you wants this table, then you are a Geek. End of test.

Broadband Finally Overtakes Dial-Up In Australia

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:33:41 +1000

Remember dial-up internet? That incredibly slow and awkward way that you used to use to access the internet back in the 90s and early naughties? Well, it's still around, although it is dying a slow and painful death. the good news is that the Australian Bureau of Statistics has announced that for the very first time, Broadband has overtaken dial-up as the method of choice for Australian consumers to access ~~porn~~ the Internet. If the concept of people still using dial-up offends your geeky sensibilities (like it does ours), then you can take solace in the fact that these results - published today - are actually from 2006-2007, and are in comparison to results from 2004-2005. From the ABS Report Australian Social Trends 2008:

Senator Conroy Hearts The iPhone 3G

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:39:26 +1000

Apologies for the god-awful photoshop above (if you want better, send it through to me!) but ZDnet are reporting that Communications Minister Stephen Conroy is lusting after his very own iPhone 3G.

Talking with the audience at Communications Consumer Dialogue 2008 yesterday morning, he apparently announced:

"The sexy gadget at the moment is the iPhone. I'm looking forward to getting one."

Although there's no mention of which carrier he plans on giving his iPhone allegiance to, the fact that the Senator considers anything sexy places him in higher regard in Gizmodo's book than the previous Comms minister.

In other news, ZDnet says he's also stoked that the ACCC has already stepped up to the plate with its announcement that you should be careful when it comes to mobile data, as it means he has less work to do. Good man!

Edifier's Portable iPod Speaker Also Works With the iPhone

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:24:18 +1000

Next to my bed sits an iPod speaker. An expensive iPod speaker I might add. It has pretty good sound quality, looks funky and has an RF remote control, which means I can control my tunes from the other side of the house, which is surprisingly useful.

So imagine my disappointment to find that it doesn't work with the iPhone. It will charge the iPhone, but if I want to listen to music, I have to pull out my old iPod Photo. Disappointing is an understatement.

It goes to show that more expensive isn't always better - the new iF330 from Edifier is not only lightweight enough to carry with you, runs on AC or battery power and works with both iPods and iPhones, it comes in for just $99.95. It may not have the RF remote, but would you really expect it to for that price?

Of course, there's no mention of any shielding from GSM interference either, and for the price I probably wouldn't expect it. But I have to admit I am intrigued. Maybe I'll get one in for review to see how it fares as a bedside iPod dock...

[Audion]

Nintendo's Wii Fastest Console to Sell 500,000 Units In Australia

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:40:17 +1000

Despite the disappointment that radiated from E3 last week like a Japanese lanyard, Nintendo Australia must be doing something right, seeing as how they just became the fastest selling console to reach the 500,000 mark. The Wii, which went on sale back in December 2006, took just 84 weeks to reach the milestone, eclipsing the previous record holder by 23 weeks. It's an impressive feat, although they still have a way to go before they eclipse the PS2's total unit sales of 2.3 million or so. [Nintendo]

Sony Joins The Digital Photo Frame Brigade

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:23:42 +1000

Here at Giz, there's a general feeling of acute loathing towards digital photo frames. They're expensive, they suck up energy unnecessarily (which is especially important in this age of environmental awareness) and for the most part, screen quality is crappier than a cheap, Chinese mobile phone. So when Sony announces that they're releasing a new photo frame of the digital variety, we don't break out the champers and start jumping for joy.

Of course, that doesn't mean that some of you won't be interested in this, so we're going to fight through our cynicism (a little bit, anyway) and tell you what you can expect for your 250 dollars:

Breakfast Wrap: Best Of Tuesday Night

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:05:19 +1000

Osram Pushes White LEDS to World-Record Brightness, Super Efficiency
Now, if only we could have the same advances in batteries as we're having in lighting, the world would be a better place.

Garmin's New Nuvi 500 GPS Does Driving, Walking, Boating Nav in One Unit
Now all I need is a boat.

Is This the Next PSP?
It doesn't look too playable just yet.

Sony HQ Shows Off 3D Fish Footage on 200-inch Mystery Display
200 inches - that's just insane!

Rumour: MacBook touch Coming in October
Just a rumour at the moment, but this could be very exciting...

ACCC Says: Watch Your Back On Mobile Data

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:26:41 +1000

Everybody's favourite consumer watchdog is back in the news, this time as they raise their concerns about mobile data usage and in particular excess mobile data usage fees.

The timing is impeccable, since the iPhone 3G has launched and some Telcos aren't even trying to compete in the mobile data space.

The ACCC has sent letters asking all the Telcos to outline their strategies for educating users on the excess cost of mobile data on the networks. They've also cautioned users to pay particular attention to their contracts so that they can avoid a hefty charge come bill-time.

So, don't expect anything to change in the short term - this is more the ACCC sticking its head up and telling everyone that it's watching the situation, not an announcement for upcoming change. Which is a shame, really...

[via SMH]

Breakfast Wrap: Best of Monday Night

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:12:43 +1000

Danamics CPU Cooler Chills Chips With Liquid Metal: Won't Terminate Them
But this does sound like the kind of thing Skynet would be building, no?

World's First Tidal Turbine Power Station Goes Online, Doesn't Blend Seals
How long before we see these up and down the east coast of Australia?

Exclusive: Inside the Lego Factory
Part of me expects to see animated Lego minifigs singing something like It's a Small World every time I watch this...

Armpit Televisions Promote Stinky Ads
This is why you don't put ad guys in charge of marketing.

This Giant Slip 'N Slide Looks Way More Fun Than Work
I so want this for summer. All I need is a hill, some plastic sheeting and an army of Oompa Loompas to make it for me.

Nokia Responds to Batphone Allegations
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na Batman!

Optus Unleashes Unlimited Calls And SMS Plans

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:14:13 +1000

Optus are on a bit of a roll at the moment. They trumped all the other networks with their iPhone 3G pricing, and now they're offering pricing caps more akin to Three than the country's second biggest Telco.

The new mobile plans include unlimited calls, SMS and MMS messaging to mobiles in Australia. The new plans - which Optus is calling Timeless - include a $99 option and a $129 option. The more expensive of the two plans also includes 2GB worth of data, which makes it perfect for iPhone use...

If those numbers seem a little bit pricey, there's also a $79 cap that includes $550 worth of calls and unlimited texts. If that's still too much for you, look at it this way - unlimited voice calls means you can ditch your home phone, saving at least $30 a month.

The catch? Well, it seems as though the $99 option is only available if you take the $14.95 mobile data pack on top (which offers 200MB), meaning it really costs $113.95 per month. And really, when you pay that much, why not upgrade for 2GB of data for an extra $17?

[Optus]

No Price Cut For Australian Eee PC 1000H

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:34:25 +1000

Some of you were probably salivating at the prospect of the Eee PC 1000H getting a price cut over the weekend. Sadly, in Australia, there's no price cut to be found.

Asus have finally announced the official Aussie price for their latest Eee, and for those 10 inches of screen and 80GB worth of hard drive space, you can expect to hand over $699.

With Acer's Aspire One and the MSI Wind all hitting the country at a slightly cheaper price, Asus are finally starting to get some competition in this space. As to which one's the best, well, you'll just have to wait and see...

[Asus]

Breakfast Wrap: Best Of The Weekend

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:04:40 +1000

Scientists Use Mosquito-Mouth Design for Pain-Free Hypodermic Needle
I'm not sure whether I should like needles more or hate mosquitos less.

Video of the Moon Passing in Front of the Earth Taken From 50 Million Kilometres Away
Wow. Just wow.

Sony Putting the PS3 Xross Media Bar Into Vaio FW Laptops
Here's hoping that Sony don't become too comfortable with the XMB and continue to innovate.

Hover Boards, Holy Grails and TIE Fighters Fill Hollywood Prop Auction's Geek Memorabilia Motherlode
Yet another reason that I wish I was a multi-millionaire.

Birdcage Backpack Will Get Both You and Your Bird Beat Up
Could this be the most ridiculous gadget we've ever seen on Giz?

WASP Knife Will Freeze and Blow Up Your Organs
Because being stabbed wasn't quite scary enough.

80GB PS3 Dated For AU, Platinum Titles Priced

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:16:38 +1000

The guys over at Kotaku have all the goss from a private Sony briefing at E3 dedicated to PAL regions, and some interesting nuggets have managed to find their way online. Firstly, despite the fact that we were told by Sony locally that they couldn't announce the price and date of the 80GB PS3 console to replace the 40GB version, Sony Europe were telling people that it would hit all PAL territories on August 27. That means a new 80GB PS3 model will be available at the end of next month. They did announce European pricing, but not for AU, so at least Sony Australia has a chance to surprise us all with a nice price cut (please). The second life-changing event announced for PAL territories was the pricing for platinum PS3 games - while they'll cost just US$30 in the states, Australians are looking at $50 per game. Pretty good when you compare it to a full-priced PS3 game, not so good when compared to the US. Obviously there are factors like the size of the market which will push up the price over here, but 20 bucks is a pretty big markup in any event. But hey, isn't the PS3 region free for games? [Kotaku]

Freeview Officially Launching In 2009. Yawn.

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:45:04 +1000

The free-to-air networks this week got together and officially announced that they are planning on bringing the Freeview brand to Australia. ~~Awesome~~. My hands are fighting back the urge to start clapping as I type this.

For those not in the know, Freeview is a UK branding exercise that covers free-to-air digital television. It essentially offers all the FTA networks digital TV offerings under one easy to remember brand name, essentially so that it can compete better with pay TV.

Considering the success Foxtel is experiencing at the moment, this is actually a good move for the FTA networks. Freeview will act as a standard that various DVR manufacturers will be able to adopt to ensure that they can provide an accurate EPG for home entertainment recording. This will allow other PVRs to seriously compete with the likes of TiVo and Foxtel's iQ2 box.

Freeview will incorporate 15 channels from the FTA networks, including the high-def channels and the upcoming SD multi-channel offerings, and is tasked to drive up the digital offerings available on free-to-air TV.

Countdown To Annoying Alarm Clock Rocket Begun

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:46:14 +1000

Annoying alarm clocks are everywhere these days. My question is - who the hell keeps buying them? Surely there's nobody who actually buys them for themselves? It's more the kind of thing that Dr Horrible would give to Captain Hammer.

The latest in this ongoing series of crimes against humanity is the Rocket alarm clock from Latestbuy. When its time to wake up, it will begin a countdown. If you wake up before the countdown has completed, you're safe. But if the countdown reaches zero, the rocket will take off across the room, and the only way you can turn off the alarm is to get out of bed, grab the rocket and place it back on the alarm (or smash the entire alarm against a wall - that might work too).

If you're a masochist with a penchant for stupid alarm clocks, you can pick up this one for $29.95 from Latestbuy.

Don't Forget! You Could Win An iPhone 3G From iWorld Australia

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:56:44 +1000

Yesterday I wandered past the Sydney Apple Store, and was shocked to see a queue of people lined up outside the store, still hoping to get their hands on an iPhone 3G. For a moment I thought about joining them, but then I remembered our competition with iWorld Australia.

You see, the guys from iWorld have generously offered Giz AU readers the chance to win their very own iPhone 3G. It will be a 16GB black model, and it will be completely unlocked, so you can stick it on any carrier you want, including 3.

The competition will end on July 31, and all you need to do to enter is hit the link, fill in your details and pick the accessory you'd most be interested in. It's got to be the easiest iPhone comp out there.

So, forget about lining up and start entering competitions - it's the easiest and cheapest way to get your new iPhone 3G.

[Win-an-iphone]

Breakfast Wrap: Best of Thursday Night

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:30:18 +1000

Sorry for the lack of a wrap yesterday - I was out go-karting with the guys from Olympus, checking out their new E-520 DSLR. I should have a review unit soon to give you a more in-depth analysis. In the meantime, here's the best from Thursday's feed:

Fisker Karma Hybrid Sports Car Gets Production Plans
Hybrid sportscars are getting better every day. Pity nobody can afford them...

PlayStation 3 Movies Are Region-Locked
Just in case you were hoping to cheat the system...

Icare Motorcycle Actually Doesn't Give a $@&* About Anything
I don't think there'd be a car on the road if everyone could afford one of these - how awesome does it look?

One-Man Submarine Built By One Man
Um. Why?

Seattle's Filthy, Prostitute-Ridden Automated Public Toilets Now Available on eBay
It's posts like this that make me truly happy that I don't live in America.

Nerdgasm: <i>Watchmen</i> Trailer Hits Web a Day Early
Looks good...

23 Hours Left To Win A Nokia N78 From Giz AU

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:57:52 +1000

We're into the final stretch - 23 hours until the winner is selected for our Nokia N78 comp, so if you haven't entered already, hit the link below and enter now. It's the only way you'll ever be truly happy... trust us, we didn't enter our last competition, and we've been miserable ever since...

[Nokia N78 comp on Giz]

iPhone 3G Unlocked And Working On 3

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:50:45 +1000

Up until today, there was absolutely no way of knowing whether or not an unlocked iPhone 3G would work on other networks like 3 - even 3 themselves had no idea. Fortunately, thanks to MacTalk.com.au forum member tryandbyte, we now know that you can, in fact, have your iPhone and eat some decent data plans too.

It's hardly the cheapest option, or the simplest, but if you purchase an iPhone 3G outright and pay an unlocking fee to Optus (It's $80), you can update your iPhone to work with other carriers.

If you're interested to see more screengrabs and read all about the unlocking process, head on over to the MacTalk forums.

UPDATE: Reader Simon has informed us that it also works on an unlocked Telstra iPhone, with evidence available on the MacTalk forums...

[Thanks Kieran!]

AU To Get 80GB PS3, Platinum Games, But Price And Date Still TBC

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:29:39 +1000

When it comes to big international events like E3, there's quite often a good chance that we'll never see the products down here in Australia. So we're somewhat relieved after chatting to Sony's PR that the 80GB PS3 will be coming to Australia, along with platinum titles, in the not too distant future.

However, the video download store that is going live in the US tonight (or today AU time) is still a fair way off down here - We were assured that it's definitely something Sony's planning on rolling out internationally, but because of all the restrictions behind the scenes, we won't see it in 2008.

As for when we'll get an official 80GB PS3 pricing and date - we were assured sooner rather than later. So stay tuned for more.

[Giz's E3 2008 coverage]

NailGun Mod Has Emphasis On The Gun Part

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:55:42 +1000

If Home Improvement was still on the air, this is exactly the kind of modified tool Tim Allen would have used to create an entire episode's worth of grunting wombat noises. He may even have shot that sidekick of his, Al, for minutes worth of canned laughter.

Tool and machine gun fan David Wiggins created the mod in response to another machine-nail-gun he saw online. He didn't think twice about it after having just picked up a new M16 (as you do).

Apparently is can drive a nail through a 2 x 4 at 200 yards. Not that you'd want to try that, of course. In any case, I highly doubt that DeWalt will be looking to bring this new line to market - at least not in Australia. Maybe in gun-loving America, but not down under.

Hit the link for even more pics of this king of the toolshed.

[via Toolmonger]

Sam Fisher Will Be Watching You Watching The Dark Knight

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:05:28 +1000

It's probably the beginning of the apocalypse or something, but Australia is actually starting to get things before the United States. Last week it was the iPhone 3G, and this week it's the new Batman movie - The Dark Knight is in Australian Cinemas today, but not hitting the US until Friday. This almost makes up for Disney delaying Wall-E by 3 months in Australia. Almost.

In any case, because of the exciting Australian exclusive, Village Roadshow are cranking up the piracy ~~paranoia~~ prevention, and issuing staff at workers at cinemas nationwide with night-vision goggles, according to News.com.au. That's right, the same guys that will be picking up your empty popcorn boxes will also be armed with state of the art military tech to stop you from recording a copy of the film for YouTube.

If you do decide to risk it and are caught, expect to be ~~silently shot in the back of the head~~ ejected from the cinema post haste.

[News.com.au]

Breakfast Wrap: Best Of Tuesday Night

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:58:53 +1000

Another big night from E3, with Sony and Nintendo announcing their big offerings for the year. As for everything else:
Does Pittsburgh Dream of Electric Sheep? No: It's Got One Already
What a cute robot. If only is actually mowed the lawn...

New B-2 Bomber Crash Photos Show Carnage Up Close
Oooh! Destruction!

Apple Finally Unleashes Lawyers, Force Lightning on Psystar
They took their sweet time.

Google to Mask Data Before Handover, YouTubers Now Safe From Viacom
At last, a little bit of common sense prevails (just a little bit).

We Must Have Space Sex For Moon and Mars Astronauts, Says Scientist
If NASA doesn't endorse it, I'm sure it will happen anyway - probably Brokeback Mountain style.

UPDATED: Dr. Horrible Plans US-Only World Domination

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:49:01 +1000

UPDATE: It's now viewable in Australia, and it's great, if a little weird. What did you guys think?

The Good news: The first act of Joss Whedon's new internet-only show Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog has gone live.

The Bad news: For some god unknown reason, the site decided to use Hulu as their online video service of choice, which is not available to view outside of the United States.

So, all that amazing internet hype and the freedom the networks that comes with releasing a show online has been rendered completely useless, as fans in Australia and around the world instead have to enjoy a floating black box which tells them, point blank, that they need to be in the US to view the show.

Apparently they're working on a fix, but considering the whole program is only available to watch for five days (before it makes its way to iTunes and DVD - although whether that will include iTunes Stores outside the US remains unclear) this is a major setback.

It seems like this is something that should have been thought of in the planning meetings.

[Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog]

Why Don't You Want To Win A Nokia?

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:41:23 +1000

There's only three full working days left that you can win a Nokia N78 from Giz AU. We gave one away last week, and this week we're doing it again. It's not hard to win - all you need to do is answer one little question in 25 words or less - pretty simple, huh?

Just go here to the original post and answer the question in the comments section. Then, on Friday afternoon, I'll pick the best answer. The person who wrote it will have a new Nokia N78. And it could be you. So go on - enter now!
[Nokia N78 comp on Giz]