STACK #200 Jun 2021

TECH LIFE JUNE

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STACK ’ s Tech Tip

SOFTWARE UPDATES

ERGONOMIC TECHNOLOGY

We’ve all been there: a software update push notification on our smartphones is ignored because we’re either too busy, it’s inconvenient at the time, or we just plain forget. But promptly updating the software on your smartphone, particularly with security patches, is a smart idea. Irrespective of the operating system, periodically, users will be asked to complete either a version update or a security issue. Smartphones can be set to download updates automatically but for many, it remains a manual operation. A version update might include new improvements to the operating system, refined features and updated user interfaces. However, security updates are vitally important as these not only fix potential bugs that inevitably occur when a new version update is introduced, they patch potential security breaches or known hacks. So, it’s imperative to update these when you’re notified. After all, you certainly don’t want to grant access to your banking apps or allow your personal information to fall into the wrong hands. There are several recommendations worth undertaking before you begin an update. It’s always a good idea to back-up your smartphone first and always keep it plugged in to a power source for the duration of the update. Finally, don’t switch off your phone for any reason while the update is downloading. Next time you get a notification to update your smartphone, it might pay to make some time.

H ands up if you can remember playing Snake on the Nokia 6110 in 1997? Rudimentary in both concept and design, Snake would chew up hours upon hours on many a long-distance car or bus journey. Its rabid popularity would create an opportunity for developers looking to expand gaming on mobile

this doesn’t look like abating in 2021 either. Purpose-built smartphones designed specifically with gaming in mind are becoming more popular, and this month we’re covering three new models that fit comfortably in that space. And, of course, June is tax time, so we’ve pulled together a host of new laptops for your consideration, along with a look at what you need to get that home office ergonomic-friendly.

devices and three years later, games were being offered as downloads. It was the start of mobile gaming, and the industry continues to grow at a phenomenal rate. Last year, with more people sat at home, there was a 12 per cent increase in the number of people gaming on smart devices, taking it to over 2.5 billion players globally. Mobile gamers spent more than US$19 billion in the second half of 2020 alone, and

Alongside the new TVs we covered in the last issue, audio month has got to be right up there as one of our favourites to write about. July in Life Tech is all about the latest headphones, Bluetooth/smart speakers and turntables to spin your vinyl on. We’ll bring you the latest models to hit the shelves at JB across a broad range of budgets to suit everyone’s needs. Can you tell we’re excited? On The Radar

In terms of tech status symbols, if you pulled a Motorola RAZR V3 out of your pocket in 2004, you were a force to be reckoned with. Expensive and deliberately exclusive on launch, the beautifully designed V3 had a slim aluminium body, far thinner than its What was the hottest tech in… 2004

competitors at the time, a 2.2-inch colour screen, and a keypad that when illuminated looks like a prop from Tron . To top it off, it featured a 1.3 megapixel camera to catch all those important nights out on the

tiles. It would eventually become more affordable, selling an incredible 130 million units before being phased out.

46 JUNE 2021

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