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Monitors and hertz – what’s the deal?

Hertz (Hz) on a monitor refers to how many times per second the screen refreshes its image. A 60Hz display refreshes 60 times per second, while 144Hz or 240Hz screens refresh much more frequently. Higher refresh rates mean smoother motion, reduced blur, and better responsiveness - especially noticeable in fast-paced gaming or video playback. Even for general use, higher Hz can reduce eye strain over time. While 60Hz suits everyday tasks, 120Hz+ is ideal for smoother performance and competitive gameplay.

DYK?

JUNE

The most used key on a computer keyboard is the space key. Coming in at number two is the letter E!

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.

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What was the hottest tech in…

Oura Ring 4 The Oura Ring 4 proves that big tech can come in small packages. With nearly a decade in the smart ring game, Oura’s latest wearable combines a host of features from precision sleep tracking to wellbeing management. Available in 12 sizes and six colours - from classic matte black to rose gold - it’s designed for the perfect fit and personal style. Beyond the looks, it has powerful sensors: upgraded green, red, and infrared LEDs, plus a sensitive temperature array. The result? Accurate sleep staging, SpO 2 monitoring, illness detection, and refined readiness scores so you’re ready to start the day. Its top-tier sleep tracking breaks down light, deep, and REM stages and offers a comprehensive ‘Sleep Score’ based on recovery and circadian rhythms. Menstruating users also benefit from improved cycle prediction thanks to temperature-driven algorithms. The best part? It lasts up to eight days on one battery charge. With an optional membership, users unlock deeper insights across sleep, heart health, stress, fertility, and more - plus, it seamlessly integrates into apps like Apple Health and Strava. Smart rings are here to stay, and celeb-fave Oura is on top of the game.

Talk to any vintage digital watch enthusiast and the name Casiotron is one of the holy grails of collecting. Founded in post war Japan by engineer Tadao Kashio, Casio originally specialised in calculators. The company gained popularity and commercial success in the 1960s for its compact electronic calculators and eagerly sought a new market where digital innovation could thrive. In the late '60s, quartz technology was reshaping timekeeping. Quartz offered greater accuracy, and using fewer moving parts dramatically decreased production costs. Keen to exploit the burgeoning interest in digital watches, Casio identified an opportunity to add intelligence beyond timekeeping. The company envisioned a wristwatch that didn’t just display numbers but understood the concept of

dates, eliminating the need to reset the calendar function each month. Casio’s engineers developed the QW02 module that, along with timekeeping, could calculate the correct number of days in each month, even including leap years. The QW02 module became the internal electronic movement in Casio’s crown jewel, the Casiotron. Released in 1974, it was finished in a stainless-steel body and included a digital display and onboard smart calendar, the Casiotron was a futuristic leap for the watch industry. Initial success soon turned global with a marketplace eager for the very latest in digital technology. A commercial success, the Casiotron paved the way for Casio’s acceptance as a worldwide leader in digital watch technology.

On The Radar

Mid-year (OK, mid-year and a bit) has always meant one thing for our resident tech writers – an audio extravaganza! Yes, not only are we obsessed with music, but we’re also equally as nuts about everything you can play it on or listen to it through. July is our mammoth audio special, so whether you’re looking

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for a turntable to spin your vinyl on or a pair of noise-cancelling headphones for the gym, you’ll find them here.

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JUNE 2025

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