Tech

A beginner’s guide on the pros and cons of virtual reality

Published

5 days ago

September 28, 2023

For ardent gamers and tech-lovers, virtual reality (VR) represents one of the most exciting new developments in the tech world. However, the uses of VR are far-reaching, since the technology can be applied to a variety of sectors like gaming, education, entertainment, engineering, design, media and even medicine. Palmer Luckey, the founder of the Oculus Rift, is credited with reviving the industry. So, what are some of the pros and cons of this new technology? Read on to find out.

Pros

Starting with the pros, there’s no doubt that there are many. Firstly, owners of VR systems say that the experience is unparalleled. It’s immersive, fun and totally worth it. The level of detail is sublime, and for gamers, in particular, VR provides them with an experience that cannot be matched.

Furthermore, VR can be a social medium. It can connect you to thousands of people across the world and encourages teamwork and collaboration. You can play online poker with others, link up with a squad in a modern warzone or build your own spacecraft and explore alternate, virtual galaxies. And that’s just the gaming side of it – VR his proven to have many benefits when applied to other sectors.

Cons

As is the case with all great things, there are drawbacks. For VR, the most significant disadvantage is the cost. Because it’s still working its way into mainstream circles (in some countries and sectors it’s already there), the costs associated with purchasing a new VR system can be quite high. In Australia, an Oculus will set you back around $800, while the HTC VIVE will take $1300 off your bank balance.

Also, it can become incredibly addictive, causing users to detach themselves from their local environment. It’s also not as easy as it sounds – some people need proper, fully-fledged training in VR uses to get the most out of it. So, if you’re new to VR, be patient and take your time.

Tech

Top 4 smart TVs available now

Published

1 hour ago

October 3, 2023

William Cross

The market for smart televisions has grown astronomically over the last decade. Because of the ridiculous level of competitions, customers have ultimately benefited. There’s now more to choose from at lower prices from reputable brands. If you’re in the market for a new television, here are the best smart televisions available.

#1 Samsung Q95T

The Samsung Q95T is the motherload of all televisions. It comes in three sizes; 55-inch, 65-inch and 75-inch. It is currently Samsung’s flagship smart TV, and it’s easy to see why, with its superb quality, impressive HDR performance and comprehensive functionality. The one drawback? Well, all good things come at a price, and the Samsung Q95T is no exception. You can expect to pay somewhere between $3000 to $4000 for this one.

#2 Sony Bravia A8G OLED

Sony has been manufacturing excellent smart TVs for years now, and their Bravia range continues to deliver. Their latest Bravia addition is one of the best Sony has released. One thing that Sony has always done well is their motion processing, and the Bravia A8G continues this trend, with some of the best motion processing in the industry. Users will also benefit from some ultra-customisation functions; however, there has been some criticism of mediocre sound quality. Nonetheless, it’s still one of the best smart televisions going around.

#3 LG B9 OLED Series

The LG B9 is a great, affordable smart television. It is one of the cheapest smart TVs available in Australia but can still deliver 95% of premium smart TV functionality. While you’re not getting the same experience as the more premium devices, if you’re on a strict budget, the B9 should be at the top of your list.

#4 Samsung Q70R QLED

This is one of Samsung’s mid-range televisions and proves that Samsung is a force to be reckoned with in the industry. It boasts exceptional contrast and an excellent internal system.

Tech

4 amazing, world-changing technological innovations from the 2000s

Published

10 hours ago

October 3, 2023

William Cross

For years, technology evolved and developed at a glacial pace. However, the speed of this development has grown exponentially, especially since the early 1990s. As a result, the first decade of the 21^st century saw some of the most ground-breaking, innovative tech products become mainstream, changing our lives forever. Here are some of the most seminal and notable!

The Apple iPod (2001)

In 2001, the iPod irrevocably changed how people can listen to music, podcasts and other audio mediums. While the MP3 had existed for a while, its storage capabilities were limited. The iPod, on the other hand, represented the first time that music lovers could feasibly carry their entire music collection wherever they went.

Facebook (2004)

The origins of Facebook are contentious; we all know that. But in 2004, Mark Zuckerberg officially founded TheFacebook. Facebook has been the driving force behind social media and its influence in changing the way we communicate, both socially and professionally. It’s a place to talk, share ideas and build communities.

Airbnb (2008)

Airbnb emerged on the scene in 2008 and was a clear sign that our tech industries were changing. Credited with ushering in the “sharing economy”, Airbnb has had a massive impact on how people view housing, zoning and land laws. Its rise in popularity has forced local, national and international jurisdictions across the world to rethink their land law policies. Its CEO, Brian Chesky, is worth more than $3 billion US.

Fitbit (2009)

The last entry into our list is the Fitbit. The device was one of the first “exercise” watches and has been praised for encouraging millions of people across the world to be more mindful of their daily exercise routines. While the device now faces hefty competition from other firms (like the Apple Watch), there’s no doubt that the Fitbit has had a massive impact on how we exercise and train.

Tech

4 youngest, most innovative entrepreneurs revitalising the tech industry

Published

3 days ago

October 1, 2023

William Cross

When it comes to mainstream success, age is no barrier. Some of the most successful contributors to the tech space are under the age of 30. Millennials are making millions, sometimes billions before turning 25. The way the contemporary market operates means individuals can now capitalise off the back of great ideas in a matter of months. The following list outlines some of the youngest, most successful entrepreneurs in the tech field.

Alastair Aiken (25)

Alastair Aiken is the mastermind behind Fortnite commentaries, one of the most popular online games of all time. The game is played by celebs like Joe Jonas and Finn Wolfhard. He is better known by his social media name, Ali-A, where he uploads content day by day. His main YouTube page has over 17 million subscribers and almost 5 billion views. He is one of the world’s most successful YouTubers, and virtually all his wealth is accumulated via gaming.

Henry Hu (25)

Henry Hu is the founder of Café X, a tech start-up that manufactures one of the most innovative, detailed robotic café systems in the world. Hu’s robotic coffee bar can serve up to 40 café beverages in a matter of seconds, using a complex system of AI and robotics. The tech is expected to revolutionise the foodservice industry, and Hu has been able to raise $12 million in the process.

Amelia Friedman (27)

Amelia Friedman is the co-founder of a software system called HatchApps. The purpose of her team’s work is to develop a fully integrated app without the need for code. Since it was established in 2015, the company has raised over $2 million.

Liam J.E. Gerada (19)

Closing off our list is Liam Gerada, who is also the youngest person to make the list. He is the co-founder of Krepling, which is one of the fastest-growing e-commerce platforms in the world.