Issue 196

T3 Australia

The gadget and technology magazine

T3 Australia1 min read
T3 Australia
Editor: Ben Mansill ben.mansill@futurenet.com Creative Director:Troy Coleman troy.coleman@futurenet.com Matt Bolton, Nick Odantzis, Claire Davies, Paul Dimery, Craig Stewart, Chris Barnes, James Jarvis, Warren Brown, Duncan Bell, Joe Branston, Alex C
T3 Australia1 min read
Editor’s Letter
A sigh is rolling across the whole world. Not of satisfaction, resulting from a sustained binge of Christmas holiday pleasures and Netflix. Neither is it a sigh of wonder, as we collectively soak ourselves in the next-gen graphics of our newly acquir
T3 Australia1 min read
T3 ’s Mission
T3’s mission is to help you find the best products for every area of your tech lifestyle. From traditional gadget buys like phones and TVs to connected home security and sports sensors, if it can make your life better, we’re here to make sure you get
T3 Australia6 min read
Horizon
From $2,199, razer.com Did you miss it? Razer’s slow creep into the non-gaming market has been, if you’ll forgive the pun, something of a stealth move. The Blade line of laptops does all the big flashy gamer stuff, such as the Blade Stealth, but it’s
T3 Australia1 min read
Our Awards
Only a five-star review earn a product our prestigious Platinum Award We give this only to tech that stands out for stunning aesthetics or a clever build This award, and others like it, are given for exceptional performance in a key feature The wi
T3 Australia1 min read
Hit The Right Notes
Headily complex and seductive, with the vanilla accord melding with precious woods for a warm touch. A little will go a long way. $180, richard-james.com Warm notes of saffron, nutmeg, sage and amber pair beautifully with the classic lavender to
T3 Australia1 min read
Money No Object
We admit this might be a little niche, but if you’re a Leica-owning photographer who spends their weekends photographing polar bears or climbing mountains, this is undoubtedly the jacket for you. It’s designed to be worn in extreme weather, but also
T3 Australia1 min readFashion
Workout Recovery Gear
The fabric inside the UA Recover Legacy Trousers is said to return infrared energy to your body, helping you recover from runs faster. The tapered leg fit also helps keep the warmth in. The zipped back pocket is a bonus. $120, underarmour.com.au Th
T3 Australia1 min readComputers
Back On Track
Fitness trackers and running watches are most usually worn on the wrist and therefore provide information based on how one side of the body moves. This information is analysed and extrapolated by the algorithms in the watch to ‘guess’ how the rest of
T3 Australia1 min readFashion
Arc’teryx Atom Lt
Wearable as a mid-layer, or outer on its own, the updated Atom LT is versatile and will keep you moving and see you through the cooling temps as the seasons shift. The side panels are a stretch fabric lined with a breathable soft shell fabric, while
T3 Australia1 min read
The Hottest Timepieces Right Now
To mark the brand’s 160th anniversary this year, the Carrera collection welcomes a new addition – which features an elegant design reminiscent of historic models but with a touch of modern flair. $6,600, tagheuer.com The 42mm automatic version of
T3 Australia4 min readComputers
Gadget Guru
Q ELIOT WISE Can I use an OLED TV as a monitor? A Guru can’t control what you do in the privacy of your own home. You’re welcome to use just about any screen as a monitor. The question isn’t one of ‘can I do it?’, but ‘should I do it?’; mostly, Gu
T3 Australia2 min readArchitecture
Gadget Guru’s Magic Box
Because Mrs Guru is now working from home, GaGu’s mind is being forcibly turned once again to renovations. There’s a whole trickle-down list of jobs to be done, the first of which was for Guru to board the loft. Given the ample insulation of Guru Tow
T3 Australia1 min read
Now Playing
Thirty years on, the reboot of Unsolved Mysteries is a bit less supernatural nonsense and a bit more grisly murder, but it’s well worth a watch if you’re hunting around on Netflix. With Idles, imagine John Spencer Blues Explosion went to war with th
T3 Australia3 min read
Duncan Bell Is Social Distancing
What a year it’s been! The big winners of 2020 in the tech world have been Amazon and, in fact, anyone with a functioning online shop. With an honorary mention going to Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony, whose respective consoles must have made them a min
T3 Australia6 min read
Stream Unmissable Shows
The streaming service that started it all always goes all out during and after the holidays, and this year is no different. Joining its lineup is the second instalments of The Princess Switch and The Christmas Chronicles netflix.com Those not quite r
T3 Australia6 min read
True Wireless Earbuds
Everyone wants true wireless headphones right now. We know from looking at sales data, and the fact that brands send us about 20 new pairs of the buggers every week. It wouldn’t be wildly off the mark to say that, more specifically, everyone wants Ap
T3 Australia1 min read
What’s On Test…
While Jabra is nowhere near as well known as Bose or Samsung, they are increasingly renowned for their true wireless buds. With active noise cancelling and a focus on audio quality in a very compact form, Elite 85t sits very much at the midpoint betw
T3 Australia1 min readTechnology & Engineering
Verdict: The Overall Winner Is…
$349 jabra.com.au WE’RE IMPRESSED Great fit, compact size, really impressive audio and a mix of active noise cancelling and noise isolation that is like an off switch for the world. Jabra also has an excellent track record for rolling out improvem
T3 Australia1 min readTechnology & Engineering
Things To Consider When Upgrading To True Wireless
Sound generally remains of lower quality than comparably priced wired or standard Bluetooth headphones but is vastly improved over earlier true wireless. In fact, the sound of the most recent contenders is so much better that they are now the ideal b
T3 Australia1 min readTechnology & Engineering
5 Essential Add-ons
While it’s not the cheapest charger out there, this is pretty much perfect for juicing up your true wireless buds. Not only does it offer 5W Qi charging, it also has a 5,000mAh in-built battery, making it the ideal last resort when even your case is
T3 Australia5 min readComputers
Playstation 5
Here it is, the number one product this summer holiday season and, as such, the console gamers the world over are still really struggling to land. The PlayStation 5 is an absolute beast of a console in terms of proportions. This is a system that tops
T3 Australia1 min readComputers
Specifications
CPU AMD Zen 2, eight-core, 3.5 GHz GPU 2.23 GHz custom AMD RDNA 2 (10.28 TFlops) RAM 16GB GDDR6 Storage 825GB SSD (667GB available) Optical Drive 4K Blu-ray Network Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6 Dimensions 390×104×260mm Weight 4.5KG ■
T3 Australia1 min read
Unmissable Games
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales falls between a story expansion and a full sequel. PS5 players will be able to experience a fresh take on Insomniac’s much-loved wallcrawling formula. The original Demon’s Souls was the progenitor of precise combat
T3 Australia1 min readComputers
Verdict
The way the gaming industry is going, this may be the last traditional console generation we ever see, and if it is then the PS5 will be a fitting swan song. Console generation wins aren’t decided on paper – they’re decided with real-world performanc
T3 Australia5 min readComputers
Xbox Series X
Packing an enormous amount of processing power, yet looking as dull as a NAS drive, the Xbox Series X is the biggest (so far) of Microsoft’s entries into the new generation of games consoles. Its little brother, the Series S, is thinner, less powerfu
T3 Australia1 min readComputers
Specifications
CPU Custom AMD Zen 2, eight cores at 3.8 GHz GPU Custom AMD RDNA2 Memory 16GB Storage 1TB internal NVMe SSD, expandable with custom cards or USB Optical drive 4K Blu-ray Size 301 mm × 151 mm × 151 mm Weight 4.4kg ■
T3 Australia1 min read
Unmissable Games
Arguably the highest-profile third-party Xbox Series X game so far, this offers a departure from the game’s traditional rooftop-sneaking stealth-led gameplay, as lead character Eivor engages in pitched battles with English soldiers. DiRT 5 looks aw
T3 Australia1 min readComputers
Verdict
In creating this Xbox Series X review one thing has become very clear – from a hardware point of view Microsoft has absolutely nailed it with its next-gen flagship. This is a console that delivers massive amounts of power and performance, and one tha
T3 Australia1 min readTechnology & Engineering
‘Hybrid’ Surround Systems
A groundbreaking 9.1.4-channel speaker system comprising a powerful external subwoofer, front left, right, centre, side and up-firing speakers in the main soundbar, plus two upfiring drivers in the wireless rears. From $1,895, samsung.com While i
T3 Australia5 min readTechnology & Engineering
Soundbars
Soundbars feel like they’re relatively new additions to the home entertainment landscape. An inevitable spin-off of our obsession with ever-thinner TV designs that just don’t have enough physical space to hold a half-decent sound system. In reality,
T3 Australia4 min readComputers
Ideal Laptops For Every Task
Apple’s brand new MacBook Air has instantly up-ended the laptop market, alongside the 13-inch MacBook Pro, which got a similar refresh at the same time. They’re the first two MacBooks to come with Apple’s own M1 chipset design, which potentially offe
T3 Australia2 min readTechnology & Engineering
The Best Soundbars For Every Budget
If you want the perfect soundbar to suit your own specific tastes and feature requirements, it’s always worth doing your own research based on the advice provided in this feature. If that all sounds far too much like hard work for your liking, though
T3 Australia1 min readPerforming Arts
Little Things That Matter
Soundbars that carry displays are much easier to use than those that don’t. Being able to see at a glance which input you’ve selected, which sound format you’re playing and which speaker volume level you’re adjusting during set up is far preferable t
T3 Australia2 min read
Strengthen Your Core
It’s probably the least likely physical pursuit to receive a full technological makeover, but yoga is molten hot right now and it’s one of the finest, low-impact ways to improve strength and flexibility, especially where the core is concerned. These
T3 Australia3 min read
Get Trim
Purveyors of some of the finest turbo trainers money can buy, Wahoo has taken things to the next level by unleashing arguably one of the most realistic indoor cycling experiences around. The Kickr Bike is styled like a carbon fibre Tour de France rac
T3 Australia2 min read
Build Muscle
These adjustable dumbbells should form part of any prospective muscle builder’s armoury, as the unique design replaces up to 15 sets of dumbbells. The clever package sees an exterior rotary grip select the desired weight with a quick spin, meaning yo
T3 Australia3 min readTechnology & Engineering
Smash Your Run Times
Take the guesswork out of perfecting running form with these smart running insoles, which feature 32 precision sensors that are discreetly embedded into the insole. They constantly feed data to a smartphone app in order to analyse running health and
T3 Australia3 min read
Improve Your Cardio Fitness
Partnering with popular London spin studio Boom Cycle, Apex is one of the latest additions to the at-home bike workout scene. It’s a sleek and capable bike, while the monthly subscription gains access to hundreds of live and on-demand classes. The bi
T3 Australia1 min read
Tested
In T3, we feature only the finest gadgets out there, and we believe that you – our loyal reader – deserve only the best tech in your life. We don’t want you to waste time, and money, on inferior products, and that’s exactly why our Tested section exi
T3 Australia1 min readTechnology & Engineering
Verdict
WE’RE IMPRESSED Good sound at the price and no subwoofer to deal with. WE’D IMPROVE Virtual surround not worth having. THE LAST WORD If you’re after a neat TV audio solution, you can’t get neater than a soundbar without a subwoofer. With this SR-B2
T3 Australia2 min readTechnology & Engineering
Yamaha SRB20 soundbar
$228 au.yamaha.com Yamaha describes both its two new ‘entry-level’ soundbars as upgrades for your TV sound, something very much required in these days when flat screens generally mean weedy built-in TV sound. There is mercifully little pretence here
T3 Australia1 min read
The Alternative
Sure, it’s almost triple the price of the others here. But it’s also the best 8K TV you can buy. Not only is it stunning, it has the best HDR and contrast out there and gloriously mind-blowing 4K AI upscaling. $7,999, samsung.com ■
T3 Australia3 min readPerforming Arts
Samsung Q800T
From $5,299 samsung.com Great 8K TVs have remained stubbornly beyond the budgets of all but the wealthiest AV fans. Until now. Samsung’s Q800T doesn’t quite come as cheap as most similar-sized flagship 4K sets but after some price drops it has come
T3 Australia1 min read
Verdict
WE’RE IMPRESSED Bright, detailed picture; impressive design; remarkable black levels; 120Hz and VRR support. WE’D IMPROVE Pricier than 4K OLEDs; highlights struggle on dark backdrops; no Dolby Vision. THE LAST WORD A sensible futureproofing move, e
T3 Australia3 min readComputers
Apple HomePod mini
$149 apple.com/au Apple’s tiny new Siri speaker brings the same focus on music quality that the full-size HomePod has, but in a package the size of a bread roll. And not to spoil what’s coming, but the HomePod mini also punches well above its size c
T3 Australia1 min readComputers
The Alternatives
The original and still the granddaddy, the Echo packs great sound, easy setup for smart home devices and the most advanced smart assistant on the market. It’s also perennially affordable. $59, amazon.com.au Despite its boost in audio quality, the
T3 Australia1 min readComputers
Verdict
WE’RE IMPRESSED Excellent sound quality; fun design; some useful smart features. WE’D IMPROVE Best if you’re an all-Apple household; lack of non-Apple services; Siri not as smart as Alexa or Google Assistant. THE LAST WORD The HomePod mini is the s
T3 Australia6 min readComputers
Apple MacBook Air
From $1,599 apple.com/au This is the start of something huge for Apple: computers made using its own chips. Ever since the iPad debuted the first Apple-made chip back in 2010, we had to wonder whether this would be the long-term plan. The M1 chip ma
T3 Australia1 min readComputers
Pro Add-ons
When you have a laptop this suited to working on the go, you’ll want to pair it with a similarly chic bag. This offering from Faguo has a padded pocket for your new pal, leather detailing, and the company plants a tree for every one sold. Around $16
T3 Australia2 min readComputers
Amazon Echo
From $79 amazon.com.au With the latest Amazon Echo, we have the biggest design change in the six years since the Alexa smart speaker first appeared on the scene: cylinders are out, spheres are in. We’re going to be honest: we preferred the old cylin
T3 Australia1 min readComputers
Verdict
WE’RE IMPRESSED Sounds really nice; built-in Zigbee hub; lots of audio options. WE’D IMPROVE Shape hard to get used to; you may prefer cheaper Dot; huge Amazon focus. THE LAST WORD The Amazon Echo continues to impress as a smart speaker thanks to A
T3 Australia1 min readTelecommunications
Verdict
WE’RE IMPRESSED Amazing HDR screen; superb camera; top processor; 5G; great build quality. WE’D IMPROVE Expensive; average battery life; no 90Hz or 120Hz screen; you may want a longer zoom. THE LAST WORD The iPhone 12 Pro feels truly elite to use.
T3 Australia2 min readTelecommunications
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
From $1,699, apple.com/au If you’ve read our review of the iPhone 12, you’ll be aware that this year’s mid-range iPhone has already set a high bar. But with a few extras, the 12 Pro sails over this, offering one of the best designed and most powerfu
T3 Australia1 min readComputers
Specifications
Processor A14 Bionic chip Screen 10.9-inch, 2360x1640 LED Storage 64GB/256GB Battery Up to 10 hours Cameras 12MP rear; 7MP front OS iPadOS 14 Dimensions 247.6x178.5x6.1mm Weight 458g / 460g ■
T3 Australia3 min readComputers
Apple iPad Air
From $899 apple.com/au Apple’s ‘Air’ products tend to be the ones targeted at most of its buyers, giving you high-end features but with a few corners cut from its ‘Pro’ ranges to keep the price down. Given that the iPad Air 2020 has many of the Pro’
T3 Australia1 min read
The Alternatives
While it rocks a slightly older CPU, the iPad Pro offers a brighter, bolder 120Hz screen, four speakers for stronger stereo and an improved dual-lens camera, so it’s no slouch. From $1,399 apple.com/au Want a silky smooth 120Hz OLED screen? The T
T3 Australia1 min readComputers
Verdict
WE’RE IMPRESSED Sleek design; detailed screen; so fast and slick; Apple Pencil 2 support; impressive spatial audio. WE’D IMPROVE Mediocre cameras; no 120Hz or OLED screen; notable price jump. THE LAST WORD The iPad Air offers a great screen, powerf
T3 Australia1 min readComputers
Specifications
Processor A14 Bionic chip Screen 6.1-inch 2532x1170 OLED Memory 8GB Storage 64GB/128GB/256GB Battery Up to 17 hours video playback Cameras 12MP wide, 12MP ultra wide rear; 12MP front OS iOS 14 Dimensions 71.5x146.7x7.4mm Weight 162g ■
T3 Australia6 min readTechnology & Engineering
Apple iPhone 12
From $1,199 apple.com/au One of four new iPhones released towards the end of 2020, the iPhone 12 will probably be the most popular model, coming in the middle of the flagship phone price range, and offering a solid range of improvements compared to
T3 Australia2 min read
WE HEART THIS Withings ScanWatch
$479 (38mm), $499 (42mm) withings.com Every smart watch and fitness band out there will tell you your heart rate, which they do via optical sensors that look at blood vessels and measure variation in blood flow. Fidelity is generally low, but absolu
T3 Australia1 min readTelecommunications
Pro Add-ons
This offers the 15W charging you need to juice your iPhone 12 quickly while its MagSafe connection will display it beautifully. And it will handle your Watch and AirPods too! $TBC, belkin.com While not the fanciest on the market, Apple’s silicone
T3 Australia1 min read
Verdict
WE’RE IMPRESSED A government-certified potentially life-saving medical device, with bonus James Bond looks and style. WE’D IMPROVE Silicone band likes to make sweat then glue itself to your wrist. THE LAST WORD A really nice looking health watch wi
T3 Australia1 min readTelecommunications
Verdict
WE’RE IMPRESSED Fab HDR screen; quality cameras; 5G; powerful innards; new design. WE’D IMPROVE iPhone 11 cheaper; just two lenses; okay battery; 60Hz screen. THE LAST WORD It’s ideal for most people but its high-quality features come at a higher pri
T3 Australia12 min readTechnology & Engineering
Best Of The Best
If you’re looking for the very best tech available today, you’ve definitely come to the right place. Best of the Best is the most useful gadget-buying guide you will ever encounter. To create it, we’ve extensively tested the best tech the world has t
T3 Australia1 min read
Luxuries
Given we’re facing a fairly locked down festive period, we could all do with a taste of the Caribbean right now. Fortunately, Bacardi has you covered, bringing you that bashment spirit, whether you’re more interested in spinning records or spinning l

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