STACK #246 April 2025

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CPU is the kind of acronym that has been around for so long people know what it is even if they don’t know what it means. However, there’s a new(ish) kid on the block called NPU , and you might not be familiar with this one. Unless you’ve been stranded on the East Antarctic Plateau for three years, existing on nothing more than seal blubber, you would’ve noticed that the term AI has permeated just about every corner of life. An NPU (Neural Processing Unit) is a specialised processor designed to handle specific AI and machine learning. Unlike a CPU, which does many things simultaneously, an NPU focuses on fast, power-efficient AI processing by handling lots of small calculations simultaneously. It helps speed up AI features and improves battery life by reducing the workload on the main processor. Confused by tech jargon? We’re here to decode your desktop, give you a laptop lowdown, and tame your tablet talk.

DYK?

Like many great inventions, Wi-Fi was discovered by accident. Australian scientist Dr John O’Sullivan was working on a project to detect radio waves in black holes when he unintentionally stumbled upon the tech that made Wi-Fi possible.

APRIL

Technology has become an integral part of Australian lifestyles and continues to

advance in leaps and bounds. From smartphones to smart homes, STACK keeps you up to date on the latest consumer tech in user-friendly terms, along with key points to consider before you buy. If you love tech, you’re in the right place.

What tech has been floating the boat of the writers at STACK recently? You can find it right here every month.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

1998

What was the hottest tech in…

Swann Buddy 4K Video Doorbell The Swann Buddy 4K is a quality entry-level doorbell with all the must-have features – real-time video streaming, motion alerts, night vision, two-way talk – and also includes a battery-powered indoor chime. But it has a unique point of difference – the SwannShield AI voice assistant. This smart concierge interacts naturally with visitors on your behalf; answering the door when you're busy, not at home, or just don’t feel like it. You can customise its responses, choose from eight different voices (including a very Aussie one), and even set its ‘demeanour’ to polite, assertive, or disinterested. The camera’s 4K clarity and wide-angle view ensure you won’t miss a thing, and video storage is flexible with no monthly fees. You get a free seven-day cloud option, and a 32GB micro-SD card is included for storing clips locally.

It’s never been easier to access music on the run. Whip out your phone, and boom – instant tunes. With a subscription service, you have millions of songs at your fingertips. The origins of the humble

Despite its limited capacity, the Rio PMP300 marked a significant shift toward portable digital music. It even helped inspire RioPort, one of the earliest digital music

download services. But the music industry wasn’t happy, and Rio’s success led to legal challenges. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) attempted to block its sale, claiming it violated the 1992 Audio Home Recording Act. The lawsuit failed, and Diamond sold over

MP3 player precede the Apple iPod’s world-changing premiere in 2001 by a full three years. In 1998, Diamond Multimedia, a company which had forged a reputation in producing graphics cards, launched the Rio PMP300. One of the first commercially successful MP3 players, it was priced at US$200 and came with 32MB of storage, enough for around 10 songs or one version of Pink Floyd’s Echoes . The Rio had a basic LCD screen that only displayed track numbers. However, ingeniously, it included a random play function, giving users a new way to experience digital music. It proved appealing to early adopters. The MP3 player eliminated the annoyance of music skipping that portable CD players often experienced.

200,000 units, proving the demand for digital music players. Although later overshadowed by

Ideal for busy households and those who want to boost their home security, the Swann Buddy 4K ensures that you’ll never miss a visitor – or a delivery – again!

On The Radar

the Apple iPod, the Rio PMP300 played a crucial role in shaping the future of music consumption. It paved the way for MP3 players, digital downloads, and, eventually, streaming services.

Are you on the hunt for a TV? Looking for an upgrade? Fascinated by the new technology dominating TVs in 2025? Wondering what size best suits your space at home? Well, in our May issue, we’ll have all these answers and much more in our annual visual spectacular!

APRIL 2025

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