IT Brief Australia - Technology news for CIOs & IT decision-makers

About Owen

Owen McCarthy mugshot photo
Owen McCarthy
Reviewer
Owen McCarthy has had a long love affair with all things technical since the dawn of the computer age. A child of the 1960’s, he agrees with legendary author, Douglas Adams, that digital watches were a pretty neat idea. By the 1980’s Owen was learning how to code using C and by the turn of the century, he was teaching HTML to enthusiastic youngsters. These days, Owen can be found pestering editors for new technology to review on an annoyingly regular basis. In his spare time, he rides motorcycles of the three-wheeled variety, studies theology, aqua-jogs, and works hard to honour his late wife’s request to live a joy-filled life.

Stories by Owen - Page 5

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Year in review: What 2019 brought to the world of technology

Tue, 31st Dec 2019
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wireless networks
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cloud services
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gadgets
2019 saw an explosion of tech innovations, from foldable phones to smart home gadgets, each leaving a significant mark on enthusiasts and users alike.
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Hands-on Review: BackBeat FIT 6100 Wireless Sport

Fri, 20th Dec 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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headphones
The BackBeat FIT 6100 Wireless Sport by Plantronics delivers superior sound, noise-cancelling capabilities, and ergonomic design, all for under USD $300.
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OPPO confirms Find X2 flagship to be unveiled Q1 2020

Mon, 16th Dec 2019
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oppo
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tablets
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technology gifts
OPPO confirms the Find X2 flagship will debut in Q1 2020, featuring Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865 and next-gen gaming, sound, and 5G innovations.
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Hands-on Review: Sennheiser Momentum Wireless Headphones

Wed, 11th Dec 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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headphones
I'm estimating I have doubled my coolness factor by wearing them, because they have to be one of the best-looking headsets I've seen.
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Hands-on Review: Corsair K57 RGB Wireless Gaming Keyboard

Mon, 9th Dec 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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corsair
Corsair's K57 RGB Wireless Gaming Keyboard brings the mechanical touch to wireless gaming, with robust features and notable performance, priced at USD $230.
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Hands-on Review: The ASUS ROG Theta 7.1 headset

Mon, 9th Dec 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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rog
ASUS ROG's Theta 7.1 headset delivers unparalleled comfort and sound quality, setting a new benchmark in gaming audio technology.
Oppo

Hands-on Review: OPPO A5 2020

Mon, 9th Dec 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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oppo
Priced at under $350, like me you'll be kicking yourself for spending more than twice that for a whole lot less phone.
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Hands-on Review: The Nokia 7.2 smartphone

Mon, 2nd Dec 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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nokia
Nokia's latest Android 9 phone offers top-of-the-line software updates and security, along with impressive camera capabilities.
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Hands-on Review: Ring Door View Cam

Fri, 29th Nov 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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wireless networks
Their products can also be integrated into your Smart Home Hub such as Alexa. For a very reasonable price you can have added security for your home.
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Hands-on Review: Konka Curved Wide 32” gaming monitor

Mon, 25th Nov 2019
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gaming
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digital signage
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digital entertainment
the Konka KD32908CG is a solution that is reasonably priced, stylish looking, easy to set up and expand upon. .
Oppo

Hands-on Review: OPPO ENCO Q1 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Thu, 14th Nov 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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headphones
OPPO's ENCO Q1 headphones offer stellar sound quality and noise reduction for NZD $199. Testers praise their design and comfort for both calls and music.
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Hands-on Review: The OPPO Reno 2Z

Wed, 13th Nov 2019
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gaming
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digital signage
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digital entertainment
The OPPO Reno 2Z amazes with durability and style. Priced under USD $700, it boasts a stunning camera, a 6.5” AMOLED screen, and dual-SIM capacity.
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Hands (and body)-on review: The Dyson Pure Cool Me

Tue, 12th Nov 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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healthtech
The Dyson Pure Cool Me, retailing at NZD $549, offers allergen-sensitive individuals a personal, innovative, and quiet cooling solution. Here's the review.
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Hands-on Review: The wireless headset with uncompromising sound quality

Tue, 29th Oct 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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headphones
Corsair's VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless headset astounds with its exceptional build and unrivalled audio quality, making every note and gaming moment a revelation.
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Hands-on Review: The 10.2' Apple iPad (Seventh Generation)

Fri, 18th Oct 2019
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gaming
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semiconductors
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devops
Apple's 10.2 iPad (7th Gen) impresses with its versatility and performance, proving to be a powerful tool for both professionals and students alike.
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Hands-on Review: The Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ is sleek and sexy

Thu, 3rd Oct 2019
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gaming
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digital signage
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digital entertainment
To quote my favourite Jedi master, while not yet complete is my journey to the Android side, much closer to turning I am. Want one I do.
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Mercy Ships: Bringing hope and healing to developing nations

Mon, 30th Sep 2019
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healthtech
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software development
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nfp
Mercy Ships, known for medical aid in developing nations, now seeks IT volunteers to support their floating hospital, Africa Mercy, in West Africa.
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Hands-on Review: The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5

Mon, 2nd Sep 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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speakers
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 impresses with its stylish design and rich sound, offering portability and eight hours of playtime for music enthusiasts.
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Sneak peek: The Dyson Pure Cool Me

Thu, 29th Aug 2019
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reviews
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dyson 360 eye
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technology gifts
Amid the allergy season, Dyson introduces the Pure Cool Me, a personal air purifier designed to combat pollutants with advanced Core Flow technology.
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Logitech showcases the best parts of being a tech junkie

Wed, 14th Aug 2019
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logitech
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jaybird
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astro
Logitech's latest showcase dazzles tech enthusiasts with cutting-edge gadgets from Astro, Jaybird, Ultimate Ears, and its own iconic product lines.