st230

YOUR

TO MOVIES, TV, MUSIC, GAMING & TECH

ESSENTIAL GUIDE

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ISSUE 230 DEC ’23

STACK Issue 230 DECEMBER 2023 “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.”

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ISSUE 230 DEC ’23

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INSIDE: COWABUNGA! THE TMNT ARE BACK! THE BEST TECH OF 2023

ISSUE 230 DEC ’23

MUSIC

Holiday

RS

-HITTE

HEAVY

IN-STORE AT

hot

YOUR MONTHLY MOVIE & TV GUIDE TO WHAT’S

hot

IN-STORE AT

YOUR MONTHLY MUSIC GUIDE TO WHAT’S

WIN THE ULTIMATE BOSE AUDIO PACK!

PERKS see page 5 for details

CONTENTS

ISSUE 230 DEC 2023

TECH 06-20 The top 100 tech gift ideas for Christmas 22 The DJI Pocket 3 is a small bundle of joy 24 Dyson get creative 26 OPPO is in the fold with the Find N3 28 Breville put the fizz in just about everything 30 Getting immersed with Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra headphones 32 The best tech of 2023 34 What’s new at JB GAMING FLIP MAG AND READ FROM BACK 4 Take 5/Merch of the month/Game changers! 10 The 10 best games releases of 2023 12 Out this month/Wham, bam, game exam! 14 STACK recommends 16 Fast forward/Q5 MUSIC 20-24 The Music Room: Critics’ choice of ‘23, Christmas albums, more 26 Lifting the lid on New Order, Dolly Parton 28-30 Cover feature: Holiday heavy hitters 32 Vital Vinyl 34 This month @ JB 36-38 Album reviews MOVIES & TV 42 Intro 44 Merch, charts and socials 46 Interview with TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman 48 Oppenheimer : Appealing to the masses 50 Denzel Washington: The Threequalizer 6 Lenovo Legion Go Z1 Extreme 8 Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

WELCOME

What was your favourite home entertainment release or tech pick-up of 2023? In our final issue of the year, we always like to pull together our top choices from the last 12 months. And there’s been plenty to choose from with blockbusters like Oppenheimer , Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 and Barbie in movies, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 in games, and the first record from the Rolling Stones in 18 years. And in tech, Bose timed a late run to perfection, dropping the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds and headphones in time for the big man in the red suit coming to a chimney near you soon. Of course, any of the above would make a welcome present under the tree, but we’ve done the hard work for you if you want a more comprehensive selection. From tech, we’ve pulled together a comprehensive 100 best gift ideas from headphones to grooming essentials and just about everything in between. And for the home entertainment enthusiast, there are five pages chock full of 4K movies, big vinyl releases, the best games, and a great spread of pop culture stocking stuffers. Whatever your plans for the coming holidays, from the team here at STACK , we wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas and an entertainment-filled new year. We’ll catch you in 2024. Paul Jones, Editor-in-Chief

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Founder Nic Short Editor-in-Chief Paul Jones Tech Editor Scott Hocking Music Editor Zoë Radas

Music Consultant Mike Glynn Marketing Manager Fleur Parker

Social Media Manager Glenn Cochrane Production Manager Craig Patterson Correspondence STACK editor@stack.com.au

Chief Contributors Gill Pringle, Bob Jones Contributors Bryget Chrisfield, Jeff Jenkins,

Games & Online Editor Amy Flower Movie & TV Editor Glenn Cochrane Creative Director Gary Siewert Movies Consultant Kerrie Taylor Games Consultant Sachi Fernando

Simon Lukic, Billy Pinnell, Denise Hylands, Simon Winkler, Jake Cleland, Holly Pereira, Adam Colby, Bec Summer, Dan Nicholson, Alex Deutrom, Michael Irving, Jacqui Picone

RATINGS GUIDE

Parental guidance recommended

Recommended for mature audiences

Not suitable for people under 15. Under 15s must be accommpanied by a parent or adult guardian

Restricted to 18 and over

52 Retribution & Mercy Road 54 Top 10 - The best of 2023 56 New from Imprint 58 Out this month

General

Disclaimer STACK is published by Scribal Custom Pty Ltd (ACN 092 362 135). © Copyright Scribal Custom Pty Ltd, 2023 All rights reserved. All material appearing in this publication is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material or advertisement. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Scribal Custom Pty Ltd. No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of advertisements or information. Whilst care has been taken in the research and preparation of this publication, the publishers, writers or anyone else associated cannot accept any responsibility for any loss, injury or hardship arising from the content contained herein or reliance therefrom, howsoever caused, and it remains your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any such content. Views expressed are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher or the editor. By the very nature of this publication, things change daily and we cannot take responsibility for any changes or inaccuracies that occur subsequent to going to press.

60 The 10 best 4K releases of 2023 61 The hottest entertainment gift ideas for Christmas

follow STACK on SOCIAL MEDIA For all the latest in MOVIES, TV, GAMING and MUSIC

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5 Tips

for successful Christmas shopping at JB

1. Take a look through our gift guide this month for 100 top tech picks for Christmas, and make a list before you leave the house. It doesn’t get any easier than that! 2. Get in early.You’ll beat the crowds and avoid missing out on popular items. If you opt to shop online, leave yourself plenty of time for delivery. 3. Set yourself a budget and stick to it! 4. Are you a JB Hi-Fi Perks member? If you sign up, you’ll get a $10 welcome coupon straight off the bat (which is valid for 28 days from issue), as well as member-exclusive deals and, importantly, early access to our biggest sales. 5. If you’re still unsure of what to buy, lean on the knowledgeable staff in-store to help you decide on that perfect gift. And remember, a gift card is always a solid choice – it’s better to give someone the option of buying something they want than getting something they won’t use.

DECEMBER

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.

DYK?

The word ‘technology’ originates from the ancient Greece word, ‘techne’. Techne was used by the great Greek philosophers to describe art, craft and skill; the principles used in making something.

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

EDITOR’S CHOICE

1954

What was the hottest tech AT Christmas in

?

Popular with the more senior members of the family who will regale fantastic stories of listening to the Test at Lord’s under the bed covers in the late ‘50s, the transistor radio was a pocket-sized portable radio. Commonly seen and heard in suburban backyards and at sporting events, the portable transistor radio was a game changer, allowing users to take their favourite radio programmes and sports coverage mobile. The Regency TR-1 had been on the drawing board since

BOSE QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds For purveyors of good sound in their ear gear, Bose have always been a solid bet for consumers. This latest release features a nearly identical design to the QuietComfort earbuds but features a few significant improvements. The first is what the brand is calling Immersive Audio. Essentially, Bose’s version of spatial audio, the big difference here is that you won’t have to fork out on a higher subscription tier to access it – the QC Ultra will convert music from any source to its Immersive Audio mode. Once engaged, the sound quality is astonishing, and something you need to experience in person to appreciate fully. Combining comfort and easy touch controls with the company’s excellent noise-cancellation, the Ultras have an adjustable EQ via the Bose Music app to fine

1951, a collaboration of Texas Instruments and I.D.E.A, a company that specialised

in home antennas. Adopting a futuristic aesthetic, the AM-only TR1 was in stores before the profitable Christmas period, selling close to 150,000 units in its first year at $50 a pop ($AU870 today). The product's popularity would see rival companies worldwide competing to produce their own version in a bid to cash in on the craze. The humble transistor radio would continue to be popular throughout the next two decades, eventually superseded in the 1980s and '90s by the arrival of Walkman portable stereos and MP3 players. The Regency TR-1 was a milestone in the development of portable consumer electronics.

tune your sound. If you love your music and need a new pair or an upgrade, the premium QuietComfort Ultras should be on your list.

It’s the time that most kids dread and when exhausted parents breathe a sigh of relief – back to school. As has become the norm in STACK , we cover what’s new and essential in tech so you can send your loved ones to school knowing that they’re fully prepared for the busy year ahead. On The Radar

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PERKS MEMBER EXCLUSIVE COMPETITION

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AND ENTER FOR YOUR

WIN THE ULTIMATE BOSE AUDIO PACK!

Prize includes: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Headphones (Black) Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker (Black) Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos (Black)

SCAN TO JOIN & ENTER! Terms & conditions apply

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Enter now and view full competition details at jbhifi.com.au/blogs/competitions/perks

Summary of Terms and Conditions: For full terms and conditions, please visit https://www.jbhifi.com.au/blogs/competitions/jb-hi-fi-perks-bose . Only JB Hi-Fi Perks members who are Australian residents may enter. The Promoter is JB Hi-Fi Group Pty Ltd (ABN 37 093 114 286) of Podium Level, 60 City Road, Southbank VIC 3006 (“Promoter”). The Entrants must answer the question here. Entrants must remain a JB Hi-Fi Perks member until the date the competition is drawn. Entries must include all requested contact details and a 25-word or less answer to be eligible to win. The competition commences on 01/12/23 at 12:00 AM and closes 31/12/23 at 11:59 PM. The winner will be the best valid entry as judged by the judging panel, having regard to skill, creativity, and originality, at the Promoter’s Premises on 10/01/2024 at 11:00 AM. The total number of competition winners in this competition is one. The winner will be notified by email and their names will be published online on our winners page for 90 days from the date of verification of the winner. Only one entry per person will be permitted. Total prize value is up to $2,397 (including GST), as at 1/12/23. Prize includes: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Headphones, Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker, Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar.

TECH FEATURE

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Well, that came around quickly, didn’t it? Yes, it’s Christmas again, and that means it’s time to start considering gifting ideas for your nearest and dearest. Every year, we put together a comprehensive selection of tech gift ideas to take the hassle out of Christmas shopping. So, if, like most of us, you walk into a JB and instantly forget what you had listed in your mind to buy (it’s known as the ‘doorway effect’), now you can shop in the comfortable knowledge that we’ve put together 100 tech suggestions for pressies across all budgets in one handy guide. Put your feet up, grab a marker pen, and circle your desired gifts. Christmas shopping doesn’t come much easier than this!

The Great Outdoors It’s summer, so what better time to get outside and enjoy the long, warm days? Here's some perfect accompanying tech for your outdoor adventures.

Please Note: Each state and territory in Australia has a different set of rules and regulations pertaining to the usage of e-scooters and e-boards (including where e-scooters and e-boards can legally be used and whether e-scooters and e-boards need to be registered with the relevant road traffic authority). Any user of this product must ensure that they check and abide by their local by-laws and use responsibly. Ride with caution and always wear a helmet and protective gear when riding your e-scooter or e-board.

BEFORE YOU START DRONING: Check out the full drone rules and regulations at https://www.casa.gov.au/knowyourdrone . Ignorance of them isn’t a valid defence if anything happens to go wrong.

DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone More advanced photographers and drone pilots will love the DJI Mini 4

you 55km on a charge, plus safety features like a bright LED and even indicators, this scooter is perfect for the eco-conscious commuter on your gift list. Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2

Pro, with a 4K HDR

camera that shoots at 60 frames per second, plus slow-mo and Night Shot options. Segway Ninebot Kickscooter F2 Pro With a battery that’ll get

The Max G2 kicks it up a notch with a powerful rear-wheel drive, double suspension system, a traction control system, and an extended range of up to 70km.

Zero-X Glyden Do you know a budding photographer who might want to take their hobby to the skies for the first time? The Zero-X Glyden drone packs a Full HD camera and 16 minutes flight time.

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FEATURE TECH

Twinkly Festoon Lights A perfect gift for party hosts who like to add the perfect finish to their outdoor entertainment area. Includes 20 bulbs, with a range of programmable light modes in 16 million colours.

Zero-X Ataca RC Car Car-obsessed kids (or big kids) will love driving this remote-controlled 4x4 through the dirt. With a top speed of 31 km/h, it can be steered from 45m away.

Anker 521 PowerHouse

For the camper whose devices are always dying, this heavy-duty battery has enough juice to charge devices 3,000 times over, and packs a range of ports to power whatever they need. Ninja Grill & Smoker This versatile BBQ is a grill, smoker, and air fryer all in one, perfect for the foodie turned camper (or vice versa) in your life.

Wiz String Lights This string of 12 smart light bulbs not only shines in 16 million colours, plus tuneable whites from cool to warm, but they can also be controlled through an app or even just your voice.

Fitness & Health Whether it’s smashing out a session in the gym, going for a run, or even just walking the pooch, there’s something for everyone from tracking to soundtracking a healthy lifestyle.

massage modes, and four interchangeable heads. Beurer MG99CY

Garmin Epix This smart sports watch tracks it all – not just steps and heart rate, but oxygen, respiration, stress and even your “body battery.” A great gift for those looking to elevate their fitness.

package, with over 40 exercise modes plus a Daily Readiness Score to help figure out how hard to push yourself.

Shokz OpenFit These earbuds provide a clear audio experience while the open-ear design ensures listeners can stay alert to the outside world. Ideal for runners who want to jam out but stay safe. Jabra Elite 8 The world’s toughest earbuds,

For those who need to learn to chill sometimes, the Beurer massage gun is compact and light, with five intensity levels, and four attachments to soothe every aching muscle. Beurer Roller This vibrating massage roller targets the trigger points when standing, sitting or lying down.

Samsung Galaxy Watch6

A stylish but tough watch from Samsung. It’s perfect for people who are already in the Galaxy club, since it can sync to their phone and tablet to snap photos or make payments.

With three different textured units and three intensity levels, this is for anyone who needs to remember their rest days. TheraCup

these are for the serious audiophile on the go with Dolby Spatial Sound, Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, and up to 32 hours battery life.

Google Pixel Watch 2 Combining the engineering of Google with the fitness

Know someone spending a fortune on regular cupping sessions? The TheraCup lets

JLab Go Air Sport

them do it at home, with three cup sizes, adjustable suction, heat and vibration settings, and built-in safeguards. Renpho Smart Skipping Rope That classic workout tool has had a

Funky, sporty and affordable, these earbuds are perfect for jamming out while working out. They’re sweat-resistant, ergonomically shaped to stay in place, and long-lasting.

features of Fitbit, the Pixel Watch 2 packs an advanced heart rate monitor and a sensor for skin temperature changes.

Fitbit Charge 6 The other side of the Google/Fitbit partnership comes in a sportier

Homedics Massager Give the gift of pain relief to a loved one who likes to challenge themselves. This massager has a built-in LCD screen for easy control, six

smart makeover, with multiple modes, detailed data insights, and even a cordless mode for small spaces.

7

TECH FEATURE

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VS Sassoon Unbound For the partner who takes forever to get ready, this automatic curler will speed things up. Everything from tight curls to luxurious waves can be done easier and come out perfect every time. Homedics Beauty Fridge Self-care products need care too, and the Homedics Beauty Bar keeps them at just the right temperature, cooling or warming. With home and car power adaptors, it’s great for anywhere skincare. Therabody SmartGoggles Buying for somebody who’s too busy to relax? The Therabody SmartGoggles will help them take five, applying vibration, massage and heat to the face to aid sleep or meditation, or relieve anxiety, stress and headaches.

continued

Beauty & Wellbeing Tech in the beauty and wellbeing space is becoming exceptionally popular. From hairdryers to clippers and shavers, there are some great gift ideas right here!

Homedics Radiance The gift of clearer skin will keep on giving. This microdermabrasion device will reduce lines, wrinkles, blackheads, and acne

Philips OneBlade Pro This clever shaver has a 360-degree blade for careful grooming in 12 length settings. This could be a not-so-subtle nudge to the shaggy faced guy in your life to neaten up. Wahl Lithium Pro Plus These clippers can give the whole family professional-grade haircuts. It packs reinforced guide combs at four length settings, and cord or cordless operation for flexible use.

Braun MGK7420 Series 7 Know a man in need of manscaping? This 10-in 1 style kit includes clippers for the head, face and everywhere else, right down to ear and nose trimmers. Wahl Female Shaver

scarring, and leave skin silky smooth – and 70% firmer in three weeks. Homedics SoundSleep If “a good night’s sleep” is on someone’s wish list, the SoundSleep can grant it. With 29 different white noise, fan and nature sounds, plus a multicoloured nightlight, it’s like gifting a Sandman visit.

This electric shaver uses a 3-cut system to remove more hair per stroke, for a gentle but close

shave on the arms, legs or body, so a significant other can feel her best. Dyson Airwrap

Treat someone special to the very best styler out there. The Airwrap dries, straightens, curls, smooths, waves, untangles and volumises hair – all with just air, so no heat damage. Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer With intelligent heat

Morphée Zen For the chronic overthinker, this little device can help ground and recentre them in just five minutes throughout their day. It guides users through 72 sessions of meditation and relaxation to reduce stress

control, five attachments and multiple speed and heat settings, Dyson’s famous engineering makes this powerful hair dryer and styler a great gift choice for a long-haired loved one.

and anxiety.

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Give the gift of invention in special edition Blue Blush

Dyson Supersonic™hair dryer in special edition Blue Blush with Dyson-designed presentation case. Fast drying and styling. No extreme heat. Hides flyaways in a single pass for a smooth, shiny finish. 1 Powerful. Dyson digital motor v9 spins at up to 110,000 rpm. Air temperature is measured over 40 times per second and regulates the heat, to help protect your hair’s shine.

Dyson Airwrap™multi-styler Complete Long in special edition Blue Blush with Dyson-designed presentation case. Dry. Curl. Shape. Smooth and hide flyaways. With no heat damage.

Versatility. 6 attachments harness Enhanced Coanda airflow to create multiple styles with increased control to suit all hair types.

Versatility. 5 magnetic styling attachments engineered for all hair types.

1 For use on dry or straight(ened) hair.

TECH FEATURE

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Ninja Blast This portable blender gives up to 15 blends on each charge, with durable blades that blast through ice and frozen ingredients. Perfect for the on-the-go smoothie lover. NutriBullet Mega Pack It’s hard to beat the classics. The NutriBullet quickly breaks down fruits, vegetables, and

continued

Kitchen Considerations Got a budding cooking or coffee maestro on your list?There’s some tech for that, and these all make great gift ideas.

seeds to make nutritious and delicious smoothies and juices.

Breville InFizz Fusion Fizzy drink fanatics will love the

freedom to give almost any drink some bubbles. The InFizz Fusion can add a sparkle to juice, tea, cocktails, wine, and even flat soft drinks. Ninja Creami Loved one complaining about their

favourite ice cream flavour being discontinued? The Ninja Creami lets them make it themselves, with simple steps to make ice creams, sorbets, milkshakes, and more at home. Anova Precision Cooker Nano

Breville Barista Express The Barista Express brings the specialty coffee experience home, with dose-control grinding and a micro-foam milk texturing steam wand. Exactly what your favourite coffee connoisseur will want to find under the tree. De'Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus Premium The perfect mix

work. It can produce 28 blends across five cup sizes at the touch of a button. Philips Air Fryer Combi Don’t let the name fool you – this air fryer also grills, roasts, bakes, braises, slow-cooks, sous vides and more. It’s so simple even the worst cook you know can make great meals. Tefal Easy Fry An XXL capacity can cook up to eight generous portions at once, using eight preset programs to make sure each type of food comes out tasting its very best.

Sous vide is a delicate process that requires

precision for the best results. This circulator keeps water at exactly the right temperature around the pot, perfect for aspiring sous vide chefs. Meater Plus Thermometer

of automation and control, this coffee machine lets you brew with multiple temperature and

milk texture profiles. It’s

Buying for a serial steak over cooker? This smart meat thermometer uses two sensors to monitor the internal temperature throughout the cooking process, telling how long to cook and rest your food.

topped off with an automatic LatteArt system. Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee Machine If the coffee lover on your Christmas list is less hands on, this coffee machine does all the

10 DECEMBER 2023

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TECH FEATURE

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and temperature in the baby’s room. Perfect for a new parent on your list. Philips Hue Festavia Elevate their decorating game with these smart string lights. Smart home integration and easy control via voice or app lets you set a range of lighting modes like linear, scattered or mirror. Govee Glide These RGB light panels will dazzle the gamer, streamer, or influencer on your list. The hexagon shape lets them slot together in any arrangement, and they light up in many colours and patterns.

continued

The Smart Home From simple lights and plugs to complete security solutions, JB is the place to go to begin yours, or someone else’s, smart home journey.

Google Nest Hub Gifting for a newbie who’s

having trouble managing their smart home system? The Nest Hub is the central command post for lights, cameras, and other devices, plus calendars, music, weather, and Google Assistant.

Amazon Echo Pop This smart speaker delivers full sound and can play

eufy SoloCam S340 Give the gift of security with this 360-degree camera. It shoots in 3K resolution with 8x zoom so you don’t miss a thing, and videos are stored right on the device – meaning no ongoing fees. Arlo Essentials See every detail day or night with 2K resolution, 12x zoom, colour night vision, and built-in spotlights. Includes two weather-resistant cameras with motion detection and sirens.

music, podcasts and audiobooks from your favourite service. The built-in Alexa assistant boasts thousands of skills. ECOVACS GOAT G1 What better gift could you give than never having to mow the lawn again? This robotic mower never complains, packing intelligent boundaries and obstacle avoidance, plus safety features. TP Link Smart Plug Smarten up any device with this smart plug.

Google Nest Doorbell For the person constantly getting packages when they’re not home, the Google Nest doorbell lets users see and talk to visitors from anywhere through the app. Eufy Baby Monitor

Whatever you plug into it will be able to switch

on or off through an app, on timers and schedules, or through voice commands.

A 2K resolution camera with infrared night vision lets you check on them silently, and monitors noise

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Help in your hand. And at home.

The Pixel Tablet is engineered by Google to be more helpful at home. Place it on the charging speaker dock for high quality music and video streaming. 1 Control your smart home, and say “Hey Google” for hands-free help. 2

1 Subscriptions may be required for certain content. 2 Smart home features require compatible devices (sold separately).

TECH FEATURE

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Staying Connected Whether it’s a phone, a portable satellite or a brand new mesh system for the house, staying connected has never been easier.

headphones. They not only sound great, but are intuitive to use, last 30 hours on a charge, and protect sensitive ears.

Ultimate Ears EpicBoom The ultimate gift for the non-stop party animal, the EpicBoom blasts 94dB of bassy sound 360 degrees. That includes pool parties – it’s waterproof and even floats.

continued

Sonos Move 2 The Sonos Move 2 sports a new acoustic architecture with dual tweeters plus deep bass. Trueplay tuning optimises its

Google Pixel 8 Powered by Google’s powerful Tensor G3 chip, this Pixel generation packs a high res 120Hz display and an industry-leading camera array complete with flexible photo processing tools. Samsung Galaxy S23

Audio Essentials For the music lover, picking gifts couldn’t be easier. A choice of Bluetooth speakers, headphones, earbuds and turntables all make for perfect pressies.

sound by analysing its surroundings. Battery life has been doubled, to 24 hours. Marshall Willen

Up the unofficial photographer’s game with the Galaxy S23. A 50-megapixel wide lens, a 30x zoom telephoto lens and an ultrawide lens all work together for the best shots, even at night. Galaxy Z Flip5

True audiophiles know Marshall means quality sound, and now you can take that everywhere with the Marshall Willen. It’s also rugged with a high dust and water resistance rating. Audio-Technica Sound Burger An '80s icon returns for a new generation with the Sound Burger portable record player. Classic design blends with modern tech like Bluetooth, ideal for the nostalgic techie or muso. Audio-Technica LP60X This simple turntable is perfect for those just getting into records or rediscovering a collection. It plays both 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records, with noise reduction for high-fidelity audio. Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar

For the tech trendsetter, the Flip5 packs a huge folding screen and now a larger cover screen, so you can get quick info like time or notifications. Starlink Kit Connect to high-speed satellite internet anywhere in Australia with the Starlink kit. Plonk the antenna on your roof or even take it camping – perfect for the digital nomad.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones The name says it all – the noise cancelling tech blocks out distractions, while the headband and ear pads are designed to stay comfy all day, to match the 24-hour battery life.

LG StanbyME This 27-inch monitor stands 1.2m tall, swivels to portrait or landscape modes and can be wheeled around the house to stream or cast content. The perfect workout or study buddy.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Bose’s premium tech is jammed into these buds, including Immersive Audio that creates a spatial

soundscape, and CustomTune, which analyses your ear shape and creates a personalised EQ profile.

Google Pixel Tablet This versatile little device can be docked into Hub Mode to act as a digital photo frame or provide smart home controls, or undocked for streaming or browsing. Lenovo ThinkVision M15

Sony XM5 These stylish

noise-cancelling headphones not only sound great but they’re super smart and pack a 30-hour battery life. Great for music lovers and frequent call-takers alike. Jabra Elite 4

Bose’s top-of-the-line surround soundbar elevates the home cinema experience for the movie buff in your life. The AI Dialogue mode ensures that you hear every word among the explosions. UE Wonderboom 3 The perfect mix of portable and powerful,

Gift better productivity on the go to the travelling businessperson on your Christmas list. This mobile

monitor plugs into laptops for better multitasking in cafes, airports, or anywhere else.

Affordable but powerful earbuds with active noise cancellation for serial multitaskers. The Jabra Elite 4 can connect to several devices at once and switch

Google Nest Wifi Pro Tapping into new Wi-Fi 6E, this mesh network beams a stable, superfast internet connection throughout the house. It automatically manages performance of different devices and self-diagnoses issues. Netgear EX6110 Know someone with patchy Wi-Fi? This range extender is a simple way to boost the signal to fill in dead zones and keep the whole household connected.

this is the speaker for the camper on your list. Being dust and waterproof,

between them seamlessly.

Belkin SoundForm Mini Your muso-in-the making will love these child-friendly

it will pump out great sound at the beach or camping.

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PUSH YOUR GAME STYLE BEYOND PERFORMANCE.

Dell G15 Gaming Laptop powered by the latest 13th Gen Intel ® Core ™ processor.

Game on a retro-inspired gaming laptop with Intel ® processors enhanced overclocking for everyday gaming.

TECH FEATURE

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continued

Cameras & Content Creation For the photo enthusiast or the budding influencer, cameras and content creation gear can make the perfect Christmas gift.

to the Instax app to apply filters, create animations, and print the results. RODE

Wireless ME It’s important not to neglect audio, and this wireless microphone set

will help produce better sounding interviews, reports, presentations and podcasts. Simply sync to a phone, camera or laptop and clip to your talent. DJI Osmo Mobile 6 This gimbal uses 3-axis stabilisation for smoother videos, with a range of modes to suit whatever you’re shooting. It also functions as a tripod or selfie stick.

Sony ZV-E10 Give an aspiring influencer a real leg-up with Sony’s vlog camera. A large sensor captures detail and up to 4K video, with smart exposure and focus effects, and clear voice recording. Nikon Z 30 an image sensor 14x larger than a smartphone, so you can capture far finer detail. Plus advanced bokeh effects, slow-mo video, night effects, and creative picture controls. Nikon Z f The ultimate in content creation and photography, the Z f allows artsy monochrome shots, and features functionality that helps casual users shoot professional-grade photos and videos. This powerful camera packs

DJI Osmo Action 4 Let the extreme sports lover capture and share their adventures. This action cam shoots in 4K, with ultra-wide and slow-mo options, with smart stabilisation. Fujifilm Instax Mini12 For more playful

Joby Vlog Kit The complete starter kit for the amateur content

photographers who prefer to capture a moment raw, the Instax Mini12 is a fun, point-and

creator in your life. Includes the GorillaPod mobile rig to steady shots, the Beamo Mini LED for consistent lighting, and the Wavo Mobile microphone for clear sound. Kodak i60 For the purist photographer who insists that everything looks better on film, the Kodak i60 is

shoot camera that instantly prints out snaps for that nostalgic touch. Fujifilm Instax Pal This adorable pocket camera

a retro throwback that uses 35mm film, with pop-up flash and optical viewfinder.

is for the life of the party. It captures mini, square, or wide photos that can be transferred

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®™ THE AFL LOGO AND COMPETING TEAM LOGOS, EMBLEMS AND NAMES ON THIS PRODUCT ARE ALL TRADE MARKS OF AND USED UNDER LICENSE FROM THE OWNER THE AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE BY WHOM ALL © COPYRIGHT AND OTHER RIGHTS OF REPRODUCTION ARE RESERVED.

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A MUST-HAVE FOR EVERY MAGPIES SUPPORTER .

TRIUMPH RELIVE THE

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Tech for the Traveller The holidays are fast approaching and with many people frantically making plans to get away, there’s a heap of gift opportunities in this space.

Cygnett ChargeUp Pocket The world traveller on your list will love this portable power bank. With enough juice for more than 2.5 phone charges, and integrated cables for Apple and Android devices, they’ll stay connected everywhere.

Zagg Messenger Folio 2 Keyboards are still better than touchscreens at some jobs, and this case gives iPad users the best of both worlds. Features a space-saving stand and a built-in, spacious keyboard.

JBL Tour Pro 2 These powerful noise

cancelling earbuds filter out background noise and put the focus on music, pumped out by JBL Pro Sound. Up to 40 hours of listening per charge of the case.

Tile Mate Tracker Ideal for the forgetful friend who’s always losing stuff. Just attach the Tile Mate to a bag, keys, phone or whatever, and you can “call” it or track its movements on an app.

Twelve South AirFly SE This ingenious adapter lets you connect your favourite Bluetooth earbuds and headphones to any device with a headphone jack. Great for planes or older devices that you don’t wanna part with yet. Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk For those who like to work from cafés or the cosy windowsill, this clever case folds out into an ergonomic laptop stand, and holds a Bluetooth keyboard and trackpad.

Belkin BoostUp Wireless Charging Pad

This 3-in-1 wireless charging pad will top up iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods all at once. It’s the perfect nightstand organiser and is portable for travelling.

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Blaupunkt Projector For the host with the killer backyard for summer movie nights, this Full HD projector comes with its own inflatable screen and a range of input options. Nebula Apollo Projector Watch on the big screen anywhere with this projector. Connect via HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, AirPlay or Miracast, and pair with a Bluetooth speaker for great sound.

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Going Visual You’re going to make somebody very happy if they wake up in the morning and see aTV-shaped box next to the tree. Or why not look at a projector for watching your favourite movies or sports events on a big screen?

Amazon Fire TV Stick The easiest way to watch content from everywhere on the one TV, this latest streaming stick supports 4K video and provides easy navigation with the remote or through Alexa voice commands. Fetch Mini 4K TV Box

The perfect gift for an older relative who’s sick of learning to use so many different devices. The Fetch box brings content from all the apps under one menu system.

Hisense 75” TV Built with Mini-LED Pro technology, allowing more detail and brighter whites and darker blacks, expect stunning picture quality from this 4K TV. Round it out with IMAX Enhanced visuals and Dolby Atmos sound.

Chromecast with Google TV Just plug the Chromecast dongle into an HDMI port and cast content from devices easily. Google TV adds a central hub to search and browse content without jumping between apps.

TCL 65” TV Quantum dot tech provides a more realistic viewing experience for this 4K TV, while

FFalcon 65” TV This midrange TV still packs a punch, with 4K resolution and 60Hz refresh rate. It’s powered by Android TV and has Chromecast built-in for easy streaming.

Ai-Picture will automatically

optimise contrast,

colour and motion for each piece of content.

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UH, WHAT’S A GIMBAL?

A gimbal is a device featuring motors and sensors that stabilises your digital camera for beautifully smooth vision capture even while on the move. A three-axis gimbal, such as on the Pocket 3, covers tilt, pan, and roll.

fussed, as you can quickly rotate its two-inch full-colour OLED touchscreen to suit your requirements. In fact, all of its controls are within easy reach, with parameter adjustments a simple tap away. We’ve touched upon what the Pocket 3 can do out and about, but it’s also your perfect companion for in-studio jobs, be it you on-camera, or taking product shots. There’s even a new “Product Showcase” mode, which prioritises the foreground while focusing on a subject quickly and

If you really want to step up your content creation game, then you’ll need a dedicated camera with a gimbal for stability. DJI have the perfect solution in their nifty, palm-sized Osmo Pocket 3 gimbal camera – here are five of our favourite things. Words Bec Summer THE PALM-SIZED POCKET 3 PACKS PRODIGIOUS POWER!

smoothly. Want more? “Glamour Effects 2.0” offers more personalised beauty options to make you truly shine – or not shine should that be your thing! Simply activate and download materials via the DJI Mimo app for beautification. This is on top of the Pocket 3’s intuitive ability to fine tune exposure for different skin tones when shooting, delivering clear and glowing output. The sound Have you ever encountered great content let down by substandard audio? That won’t happen with the Pocket 3. It features a built-in three-mic array, which can effectively reduce wind noise while recording omnidirectional stereo sound. Somewhere noisy, like a concert or sports event? No worries, as the Pocket 3 is smart enough to accurately identify sound sources for more immersive audio. Want to add an external mic? The Pocket 3 supports USB Audio protocol for quickly connecting external devices. Compact and powerful All of these features, and the Pocket 3 – as its name suggests – is perfectly pocket sized! Take it with you anywhere, ready to pounce should a memorable moment occur. When fully charged, it can record up to 116 minutes of 4K/60fps footage, or up to a massive 166 minutes of 1080p/24fps footage. Should you need more while out and about, the Pocket 3 can be charged to 80% in just 16 minutes. And, when you’re done, power off and the gimbal will automatically lock into storage position, ready and waiting your next amazing adventure.

The vision Features, features, features – that’s what you want with a top-quality content camera. The Pocket 3 delivers, starting with a powerful one inch CMOS sensor, allowing it to capture clear highlight-shadow details, meaning a significant leap in image quality in all different levels of light. Record cinematic-level vision at up to 4K at an impressive 120 frames per second, which allows both buttery smooth motion and the ability to play back in slow motion with exceptional clarity. Getting a bit more technical, the Pocket 3 features 10-bit

it delivers accurate colours with vivid details. How vivid? The 10-bit D-Log M colour mode can record up to an astonishing one billion colours, while the ultra-high dynamic range injects every shot you take – static or video - with rich detail. Ready, steady, go! For that real professional look you want your vision to be super-smooth, and that’s what the Pocket 3’s three-axis mechanical stabilisation delivers. With it, what you capture remains stable, even when the camera is in motion. There are multiple stabilisation

levels to counter increasingly more intense shaking. Yes, you can take

D-Log M and 10-bit HLG colour modes, with HDR (that’s High Dynamic Range – more scope between bright and dim) recording, which is a must for professional creation as

your Pocket 3 bush bashing! Creator friendly Some content may require

horizontal view, while others may call for vertical. The Pocket 3 isn’t

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1″ CMOS Pocket Gimbal Camera The all-new Pocket 3 features a powerful 1-inch CMOS sensor that puts detail-rich imaging right in the palm of your hand. With a 2-inch rotatable touchscreen and full-pixel fast focusing, go horizontal or vertical for more precise awareness and control. 4K/120fps, three-axis mechanical stabilization, and a host of intelligent features make Pocket 3 ready for any moving moment. your hand. With a 2-inch rotatable touchscreen and

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Dyson have always strived to be innovative with their tech, and that’s certainly the case with their amazing new air-purifying wireless over-ear headphones, Dyson Zone. Words Bec Summer GET YOUR HEAD IN THE ZONE

attachment to supply filtration and was streamlined continually to arrive at the final design. Dyson claim that the Zone captures 99%

about the clean air, as the Dyson Zone also aims to deliver top quality sound. It packs in three advanced ANC modes that utilise eight microphones to block out external noise, plus there are another two beamforming mics for making clear calls over Bluetooth even in loud places and for the transparency mode, which allows some external sound in when engaged. Other top tech inside includes a neodymium electroacoustic system, to deliver rich, immersive audio that faithfully replicates what you listen to as its creator intended. And you can listen for ages, too, with up-to 50-hours of battery life even with ANC enabled – the Zone is clever enough to switch off automatically when not in use to save energy, too. Even with air purification fully enabled you can get up to four hours of listening time in on a single charge. Oh, and you may be wondering… If you’re not in need of the air purification functionality at any time, the visor can be removed for more of an old school headphone vibe.

of particle pollution, which includes dust, pollen, and bacteria as small as 0.1 microns, via any of four different levels of purification. Of course, it isn’t just

I t’s their first wearable purifier, which aims to capture all types of city pollution including gas, allergens, and particulate matter, as well as delivering pure, high-fidelity audio while cancelling unwanted noise with advanced noise cancellation. Over six years went into development of the Zone. Yes, it all started before most of us even knew what a ”COVID” was – and the final result follows some 500 prototypes, which kicked off with a cumbersome backpack

Since the original model’s introduction in 2016, the Dyson Supersonic hairdryer has become possibly the most desirable piece of hairstyling kit out there.The latest, special edition blue and blush coloured combo just adds to that allure. Words Bec Summer FEEL SUPERSONIC WITH DYSON T he Supersonic itself is a fascinating piece of kit, that employs Dyson’s patented

kit for looking after your locks in style. Inside the package, and able to be housed in the sleek included storage case, you’ll find five magnetic attachments: one for smoothing flyaway hair, a styling concentrator, a standard diffuser, a gentle air diffuser, and a wide tooth comb.

Sure, you can spend less on a hairdryer, but if you really want to protect your precious locks from potential damage and get a whole world of styling benefits as well, with the Dyson Supersonic you really do get what you pay for.

digital motor V9 inside, which spins at up to a phenomenal 110,000 rpm. It’s coupled with Dyson’s Air Multiplier tech, which produces a high-pressure and high velocity jet of controlled air. What does this mean for your hair? Fast drying and styling, with no damage from prolonged heat exposure. How it prevents heat damage is quite fascinating, too. The Dyson Supersonic measures air temperature more than 40 times per second and then regulates its heat accordingly. There are four precise heat settings, ranging from the cold of 28°C right up to 100°C for fast drying and styling, in tandem with

the ’high’ speed setting. There are also medium and

low speeds for other jobs such as regular styling, and for gentler or diffused drying. Time to set your ’do? Then the cold shot button is your best friend in your home salon. Great news is that the Dyson Supersonic is suitable for all hair types, thanks to the bevy of attachments that it comes with. Yes, when you invest in the Dyson Supersonic you don’t just get a hairdryer, you get a complete

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Fold it and fold it and fold it again! The OPPO Find has a rating for over 1,000,000 folds from respected independent certification authority TÜV Rheinland.

light information. This means unparalleled clarity and detail, with truly vibrant colours. Coupled with a 64MP periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom that works just as well at night as it does during the day, as well as a 48MP ultra-wide-angle camera, that’s some peak photographic power. Then there’s the 20MP and 32MP front facing camera pairing – you can even do hands free selfies by giving your Find N3 a wave! Plus, it’s all powered by Hasselblad, one of the most respected names in the field of photography.

It's got the look Presented in classic black vegan leather, OPPO’s Find N3 certainly looks the goods, and the stylish round camera array just adds to the retro-future

vibe. But there’s more, as power it up and the nanocrystal glass AMOLED screens burst into glorious colour, with a level of brightness that’s uncommon in smartphones, with vision even staying clear in dazzling sunlight. Add 4K recording, Dolby Vision support, and a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, and we’re talking some serious screen specs here. Listen to the music Some smartphones look the part but are a letdown in the sound department. Fire up the Find N3 though and its stereo multi-speaker system delivers sound that truly packs a punch. It even supports simulated Dolby Atmos spatial audio, via its impressive array of four speakers – two up top and two down below (when held upright).

The latest foldable 5G Android 13 smartphone from OPPO pulls off a rare feat, by delivering a big screen in a unit that boasts little weight. Here are five of the things that we love about the funky new OPPO Find N3. Words Bec Summer ENTER THE OPPO FIND N3 FOLD

Feel the power - and feel protected

crease. It can even handily fold at various angles for different needs, such as watching videos, or for setting up selfies. Pro-grade imaging Not all smartphones are created equal in the photography department, and OPPO have gone to great lengths to ensure that the Find N3 excels in this field. They’ve packed in three advanced rear-facing cameras that are powered by super-smart algorithms. The 48MP ultra-sensing wide-angle camera features OPPO’s

Inside the Find N3 there’s some powerful technology at play. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor – the fastest Android one available in 2023 – is paired with a whopping 16GB of super-fast LPDDR5X memory, and there’s 512GB of internal storage. Then there’s the large 67W SUPERVOOC 4805mAh battery that delivers up to 35 hours of talk time – and you can even give the Find N3 a quick 35% charge boost in just ten minutes with the included charger. There’s also inbuilt peace of mind from the Find N3’s dedicated security chip, which protects biometric fingerprint information and encrypts your files. Worried about others hearing what’s been said to you on a call? You won’t be with the Find N3, as OPPO’s Sound Sealed Call technology ensures that words said to you are only heard by you. Meanwhile, OPPO promise five years of security patches, and OS updates up to Android 17.

Big screen, small weight OPPO give us a 7.82-inch, 2268 x 2440 pixel main screen when folded out, plus a 6.31-inch cover display, yet the entire Find N3 weighs just 239 grams and easily slips into a pocket or handbag. This accomplishment has been achieved by using aerospace grade materials including titanium alloy and carbon fibre, delivering impressive strength in a unit that’s a super-slim 5.8mm. The Find N3’s innovative hinge has also been built for the tough stuff, and bids farewell to foldable phone screen

revolutionary Stacked Pixel

Architecture, which eliminates sensor size restrictions, allowing the Find N3 to store 140% more

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