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SPECIAL STACK

TECH

Looking back When we introduced tech to the magazine, it was the first new section to appear in STACK since the debut of Music eight years prior. During that time, Marvel had released 20 movies, gaming giant Nintendo had three different consoles available, and vinyl experienced an unexpected resurgence. 3D TVs were all the rage, virtual and augmented reality was the stuff of video games, and AI just a science fiction concept. Today, tech is an integral part of our lives, and we hope that STACK Tech has become just as essential in keeping you well informed on this constantly evolving space.

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2020 was a memorable year for lots of reasons, including another milestone for STACK – the introduction of a new, dedicated ’Life Tech’ section, which has continued to grow in leaps and bounds.

As consumer tech grew in popularity and more and more devices began to fill the shelves at JB, a decision was made at STACK HQ to include a dedicated monthly tech section in the magazine.

Following a review of the latest Blu-ray player in an early issue, tech coverage began to gradually creep into STACK over the years, with the occasional review of a new pair of headphones in the music section (appropriately), along with the latest gaming hardware and headsets.

The 4K revolution

Full HD 1080p seemed like the pinnacle of TV resolution, until 4K Ultra HD came along in 2013 to show us that, yes, the picture could look even better! 4K has now become the standard resolution for smart TVs, streaming services continue to offer more content in the format, and movie lovers can watch their favourite films like never before on 4K Blu-ray disc.

STACK ’s inaugural Life Tech section kicked off a new year in January 2020, making its debut in issue #183.

Our very first Life Tech section totalled 20 pages and covered back to school tech essentials and savvy smartphones.

Life Tech quickly took off and made its first appearance on the front cover in July 2020, issue #189, promoting our 2020 Audio Guide, which led a bumper 35-page section.

From its inception, the tech section had been largely written and produced by our esteemed editor-in-chief, along with other members of the STACK team. Yes, we are all proficient multitaskers! That was until May 2023, when the tech section finally gained a dedicated editor. STACK Tech continues to deliver annual coverage of the latest smart TVs and projectors, smartphones and smart homes, back to school and uni tech, and a big Christmas gift guide. Just as important as covering the latest devices is the inclusion of buying guides to demystify confusing jargon and point JB customers in the right direction.

The new Life Tech section quickly gave the STACK team an opportunity to get hands on with the latest devices for review. Suddenly we had more earbuds than ears, were checking our heart rates on the latest smartwatches, riding around on electric scooters, and revelling

Having served as STACK ’s Movie & TV editor for almost 20 years, Scott Hocking moved into the tech editor’s chair and embraced this new challenge with gusto.

The rise of the smart home

in the multidirectional audio of a Dolby Atmos soundbar.

The concept of home automation was the realm of The Jetsons , until the Internet of Things (IoT) allowed devices to communicate with each other. The luxury of automated living is a now reality and almost any device

can be smart, controlled by an app or a voice command, and linked together into a smart home ecosystem. And it can all start with a humble light bulb or smart plug. Trending tech in 2004

In January of 2023, issue #219, we dropped the ’Life” and the section became simply STACK Tech.

Industry support and the staggering amount of tech being released every month has seen STACK Tech expand exponentially over the last five years, and the section now peaks at an average 50–60+ pages per issue!

Back when STACK was just a fledgling pamphlet on the counter at JB stores, iPhones and YouTube were still a year away, the laptop was quickly replacing desktop computers, the iPod was at peak popularity (and getting smaller), Bluetooth connectivity had begun to find its way into various devices, and students at Harvard University in Massachusetts were connecting and sharing photos via something called ’TheFacebook’. Fast forward 20 years and its amazing to think that all of the above is now a part of our everyday lives – and that STACK is celebrating its 20th anniversary!

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