STACK #208 Feb 2022

TECH LIFE FEBRUARY

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STACK ’ s TECH TipS

1 Clean the lens. It sounds obvious, but our phones are generally in our hands throughout the day. Fingerprints, dust and sunscreen can all lead to a blurred lens. Get into the habit of cleaning your lens before you start shooting. 2 Learn, baby, learn. Smartphones are jam-packed with features, so take some time out and learn what they are and how they make A camera upgrade is one of the biggest drivers in the decision to buy a new smartphone. And with these tips, you can be shooting pics like a pro in no time at all. to taking a better smartphone photo a difference to the photos you’re taking. Knowledge is power. 3 On the grid. If your smartphone has grid functionality, use it. Employing the grid overlay on your photos will help you frame the shot better and keep the photo level. 4 Slow and steady. There’s nothing worse than a blurry skyline, so ditch the one-handed snapping. Use both mitts for a steady hold and revert to the volume button to take the shot if you can. Failing that, a tripod is your best friend in these situations. 5 Edit enhancement. Most new smartphones will come with in-built edit software, allowing a myriad of changes from sharpening and lightening images to adjusting colour and adding filters. Have fun playing with your options – it’s possible to turn an ordinary shot into an extraordinary one with the magic at your fingertips.

L ast year, it was estimated that there were just over 20 million smartphone users in Australia. With 5G coverage increasing by the week, Australians have never been more connected, and more and more users are turning to mobile gaming. Irrespective of your interest in gaming, there’s almost certainly something for you to play, and they’ve come a long way over the last five years. This month we look at what you need to level up with your mobile gaming, including a look at the latest game-focused smartphones on the market. And we also run through all the basics that you’ll need to make the right buying decision if you’re on the lookout for a brand new smartphone.

What was the hottest tech in…

1972

Back in the early ‘70s, home entertainment was about to undergo a revolution. The VCR was on the cusp of release, meaning the joys of whatever was broadcast on the pokey little TV set in the living room could be recorded and watched later. Sony already had the wheels in motion in the commercial field, but in 1972, Philips eyed an opportunity. Initially conceived for the education space, the Philips N1500 found enthusiasm in the consumer market despite its ridiculous price tag. It had a built-in TV tuner to record off-air television programmes, a timer so you’d never miss a show and even an analogue clock face mounted in the front of the unit. The pioneering N1500 could only record in 70-minute intervals

Who doesn’t get excited at the prospect of new tech in the smart home universe? Well, our annual look at the latest and greatest in smart home devices and technology kicks off next month as we uncover what you need to build on your existing ecosystem or how to take the first step. And personal care is back in March with our guide to the best products available in that space. On The Radar

before the tape had to be changed, and the biggest kicker of all was the price

- it cost a phenomenal $AU12,000 (allowing for inflation) at the till.

24 FEBRUARY 2022

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