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HOME Page Highlights:

Monthly MAIN Meetings:

2024 MAIN Meetings

November 2024: Alex discussed Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Elite processor for smartphones, Apple's new M4 Macs, and the AMD Chip video.

October 2024: Highlights of this month included, iPhones, Hearing Aids, plus a video of AR Glasses, and much more.

September 2024: Alex discussed the new Pixel 9, and i Phone 16, and also interviewed Erik Kaiser, designer of the Crush - recorder/transcriber.

August 2024: Alex showed us Crush, Erik Kaiser's new memory devise, and more, plus we looked at Steve's new Reno 12 and his Watch X.

July 2024: Alex discussed the latest advances from Apple, Microsoft, Google, Samsung, plus his recent video with Copilot presenter.

June 2024: Alex showed, the powerful AMD Ryzan 9950 chip, an AI head transplant machine, Apple’s new releases, plus ChatGPT 40.

May 2024: Alex’s topics included, the new, Samsung 85 inch QN 900D Smart TV, iPad Air, Claude AI, Google AI, and more.

April 2024: The Lenovo ThinkPad, Copilot AI, Intel Core processors, LG OLED TVs, and Samsung products were discussed by Alex.

March 2024: This month, Alex reviewed, security cameras, Robotic lawnmowers and various AI topics.

February 2024: Alex discussed highlights of his visit to the Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

January 2024: A happy welcome for you, however there was no Main meeting held this month.


2023 MAIN Meetings

December 2023: It was “Party Time” for members, after an update on Norton's new security products via Zoom

November 2023: As a Zoom event only, Alex presented a range of products at our November’s Main Meeting.

October 2023: Alex reviewed the latest iPhone 15 range, plus Windows 11, and Pixel 8 smartphones at this meeting.

September 2023: With so many releases of new devices, applications and reports this month, Alex was kept very busy presenting them all.

August 2023: This month, Alex reviewed tablets, smartwatches and foldable smartphones from Samsung, plus Apple OS updates and lots more.

July 2023: Google's Pixel Tablet was among the many items Alex discussed at our July Main meeting via Zoom from Canberra.

June 2023: An interview with Chris Smith from TNT Radio plus the Apple WWDC23 conference were featured this month.

May 2023: Among the many items Alex discussed at our May Main meeting included the rapid adoption of AI “Artificial Intelligence”.

April 2023: April’s Main meeting began with Alex showing the Samsung 2023 range of TVs, each displaying some new, advanced WOW! features.

March 2023: Alex presented an in-depth review of the recently released ASUS ZenBook Fold 17, a 17-inch folding Windows 11 Tablet.

February 2023: Alex reviewed the new Galaxy S23, S23+ smartphones, plus the S23 Ultra with an impressive 200 megapixel camera, and lots more.


2022 MAIN Meetings

December 2022: Alex showed smart watches, robot pets and discussed the very fast processors being developed by Qualcomm.

November 2022: Alex was at our club for this month’s main meeting, and with a Zoom forum for those at home.

October 2022: Alex presented this month's meeting from Hong Kong, with an interesting range of topics.

September 2022: Steve South conducted this month’s meeting, while Alex provoded a video of Apples 2022 iPhones, Watches and AirPods.

August 2022: Alex presented the latest Apple MacBook Air with new M2 chip, plus Google's Pixel 6A, with advanced processor.

July 2022: This month Dean Williams, a Norton 360 expert from NortonLifeLock was on-hand to show us the new 360 Advance.

June 2022: Alex showed us iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watch and Home Pod, fresh from the Worldwide Developer Conference.

May 2022: Matthew Tumminello, Dynabook's ANZ Product Marketing Manager told us all about the amazing 2022 Dynabook.

April 2022: We viewed the latest from Ancestry and My Heritage, DuckDuckGo's new privacy browser and ZapBatt, a new Lithium Titanate battery.

March 2022: Both live & via Zoom we previewed the latest Dynabooks, Samsung and Apple releases.

February 2022: We looked at the new Samsung offerings plus the Telstra 5G modeum and Chrome's new OS.

January 2022: Alex vists the CES in Los Vagus.


2021 MAIN Meetings

November 2021: The new Mac Pro, the new ASUS Creator range and Intel’s 50th anniversary were feaured.

October 2021: This month was all about new CPUs, the M1 Pro from Apple and Googles new Tensor chip.

September 2021: Alex showed the new Apple iPhones and Tablets, plus new features of Apple's OS 15.

August 2021: Tonight, Alex had a whole lot of gadgets to show us starting with Snap Camera for Zoom.

July 2021: This month Alex took us on a tour of Windows 11.

June 2021: A first glimpse of Windows 11 and a review of the Apple Developers conference.

May 2021: Alex showed the new Apple watch and how the new ECG or heart rate monitor worked.

April 2021: We discussed the latest released of the iMac and iPad with the new M1 chip.

March 2021: This month Alex looked at the new M1 Mac and the M1 Mac Mini plus lots more.

February 2021: Samsung Robotics - Cheap phones & plans - NBN Starlink and more


2020 MAIN Meetings

November 2020: We saw the new iPhone 12 and the Apple event held on November 10th

October 2020: EZVIZ smart home security and Realme Phones come along

September 2020: Brett Levy CEO of Kazoik explains this unique Australian auction site.

August 2020: Ron Eo show us the latest Acronis True Image 2021

July 2020: Payton Towler demonstrated TechSmith Corporation's Camtasia Video Editor.

June 2020: Alex spoke about the Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC)

May 2020: This month we had our second Zoom meeting with twenty-one members joining in

April 2020: Derek Austin discussed “PERSONAL PRODUCTIVITY 2030”

March 2020: Was cancelled due to corona virus lockdown

February 2020: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip phone

January 2020: HTC 5G Hub and RAZA folding phone

2019 MAIN Meetings

November 2019: Norton Lifelock Systems

October 2019: Nokia from HMD

September 2019: Lazer

August 2019: Happy Tel and Acer

July 2019: Synology Network Access Systems (NAS)

June 2019: Whistleout

May 2019: Optus Their new 5G network

April 2019: Huawei The P30 and the Matebook X

March 2019: Shopback and Microsoft Shop on Powerpoint 3D

February 2019: AGM and Folding phones

January 2019 : EFTPOS

2018 MAIN Meetings

November 2018 : Google

October 2018 : Telstra Locator service

September 2018 : OPPO and The Vodafone Foundation

August 2018: Norton

July 2018: Microsoft

June 2018: Trend Micro

May 2018: NBN Co

April 2018: AMD, Seagate, Brother and Blue Microphones with Renato Catalan

March 2018: Matt Jones from OVO

February 2018: Our AGM and we had a look at the new speakers from Google and Apple

January 2018: Our first meeting of the year saw Jazoodle Accounting software and Fuji Xerox

2017 MAIN Meetings

November 2017: Symantec

October 2017: The Microsoft Store returned to look at Edge and Virtual Realily

September 2017: The Microsoft Store paid a welcome return

August 2017: We had two guests. Armourcard and Malwarebytes.

July 2017: Mr Michael Tyler, the NBNco Community Affairs Manager give us the latest on the roll out.

June 2017: Mr Richard Chan, from Samsung Australia, showed us their SSD (solid state drive) range

May 2017: Our presenter from Armourcard had to cancel so Alex stepped in with some great discussions.

April 2017 : As our main meeting fell on ANZAC Day there was no meeting this month

March 2017 AGM Finalised and Alex showed us some great software apps for Windows and Apple

February 2017: Norton Security

January 2017: Trend Micro and Boost Mobile

2016 MAIN Meetings

November 2016: Microsoft

October 2016: Jabra and ASUS

September 2016: Presto and Amaysim

August 2016: Huawei and Vaya

July 2016: Trend Micro

June 2016: Symantic WiFi Privacy, 4G Phone Plans, Macrium Reflect and other goodes

May 2016: GoCatch and Vividwireless

April 2016: Intel

March 2016: Samsung, VR, iPad Pro and ULED TVs

February 2016: Our AGM and Microsoft presenting Windows 10

2015 MAIN Meetings

November 2015: Symantec

October 2015: iPhone 6s Plus, Apple Watch, Samsung Gear S2 Watch and the new Microsoft Surface Book

September 2015: Presto and Amaysimm

August 2015: Acronis Backup Software and Morphis maker of range of batteries and portable storage

July 2015: AppCompear, an App to compare or find applications, and Parrot with their new range Drones

June 2015: As promised last month, Lenovo paid a personal visit to show us their great range of products.

May 2015: Tonight Alex was at the Lenovo Tech World Conference in Beijing

April 2015: MacBook, The Samsung 7 Hard Drive, New Moblie phone deals and Windows 10

March 2015: Parallels

February 2015: The 2014 AGM

January 2015: Boost Moblie phone

2014 MAIN Meetings

November 2014 AVG

October 2014 iMac, Ollie, and other goodes

September 2014 Google and Our 30th Anniversary

August 2014 Power PDF

July 2014 Dragon Dictate 13

June 2014 Livescribe

May 2014 Telstra Bundles and Wi Fi Nation

April 2014 Microsoft present Windows 8.1

March 2014 Toshiba

February 2014 Kensington

January 2014 WIndows 8.1

2013 Main Meetings

November 2013 -Dell - XPS, Venue, Alienware  and Pocket Cloud

October 2013 - Windows 8.1 and Leap Motion Controler

September 2013 - Solid State Drives & the iPhone 5s

August 2013 - Norton

July 2013 - Huawei

June 2013 - Vodafone 4G

May 2013 -Pandora Internet Radio

April 2013 - Tom Tom

March 2013 - Nuance

Febuary 2013 - Outlook.com

January 2013 - Samsung and CES

2012 MAIN MEETINGS

November 2012 - Nuance, Anti Virus, The iPad Mini and much more

October 2012 - iWorld: Assessories and toys for smart phones

September 2012 - iPhone & Windows 8

August 2012 - Trend Micro.

July 2012 - Nuance - Dragon Dictate

June 2012 - Mr Mobile

May 2012 - Telstra 4G Network

April 2012 - Windows 8

March 2012 - HTC

February 2012 - ASUS

January 2012 - 3D Printing

2011 MAIN MEETINGS

November 2011 - My Net Phone

October 2011 - Western Digital

September 2011 - Built Conference for Windows 8

August 2011 - Windows Live Messenger

July 2011- Amaysim

June 2011 - Windows Live Hotmail

May 2011 - Bing - Microsoft's search engine

April 2011 - Short Meeting for Anzac Day

March 2011 - Intel

February 2011 - A.R. Drone

January 2011 - Mac Air and iPad

2010 MAIN MEETINGS

November 2010 - HTC

October 2010 - AVG and Choice Magazine

September 2010 - Acronis

August 2010 - Toshiba

July 2010 - Samsung

June 2010 - Simms Group - Power Mat

May 2010 - Log Me In

April 2010 - My Net Phone

March 2010 - Software and Gadgets

February 2010 - Acronis

2009 & 2008 MAIN MEETINGS

November 2009 - Norton Security Software

October 2009 - Windows 7

September 2009 - Ubuntu

August 2009 and earlier - Plus some 2008 main meetings




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Communication Highlights:


July 2023 Main Meeting

Google's Pixel Tablet was among the many items Alex discussed at our July Main meeting via Zoom from Canberra. Also reviewed by Alex, were a range of Apple TVs, and an “accessible” Apple watch with built-in sensors to help the wearer, answer calls, control an onscreen pointer, and launch a menu of actions, all through hand gestures.

Two Google tablets


Google PixelVision Pro
More news on the Apple Vision Pro headset: The Apple Vision Pro is Apple's first official mixed reality headset. And you can see our first impressions in our Apple Vision Pro hands-on review. While the headset may look like a contender for the best VR headset on the market, it is not designed to keep you immersed in a virtual world. Features such as EyeSight and Digital Persona ensure that not only are you still engaged with the physical world, but the physical world remains able to engage with you.


Two Google tablets
Developments at Telstra: Telstra will partner with Elon Musk’s Starlink to provide phone and broadband services to rural Australia using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Telstra will be able to provide home phone service and Starlink broadband services to Aussies as a bundle offer, as well as local tech support and the option of professional installation.
This agreement also provides connectivity options for our business customers, with a higher bandwidth business option available in areas without fixed and mobile connectivity. The business offer will be available to purchase from Telstra both locally and in select countries overseas. Telstra said it planned to offer the new services before year’s end.

Google's Chrome Browser Ver.34 Reviewed

Google Chrome is today’s most popular browser in the world, managing in early 2014 to capture little over 42% of world’s non-mobile browser usage, easily beating all of its competitors in the likes of Internet Explorer (18%), Mozila Firefox (15%), Safari (6%) and Opera (2%).

This complete domination was achieved not only by smart utilization of the WebKit rendering engine that enabled Chrome to be imbued with incredible speed, stability and ability to be run on old computers that had slow hardware, but also streamlining of user interface and introduction of advanced features that enabled all users to easily take advantage of numerous Google cloud services (cloud hosted bookmarks, profile info, full integration into Google infrastructure, including Gmail, YouTube and more). But, even though all these features were present, Chrome was very distinct in constantly trying to maintain its simplistic interface and feature set.

So what can you expect if you decide to start using Chrome browser today? You can expect incredible speed that was built on one of the world’s fastest JavaScript processing speed, fully-supported ability to customize your browser via 3rd party extension marketplace, instant syncing of your browsing sessions between desktop and mobile, and free access to up to 15 GB of online storage with Google Drive (sizes may change depending on current promotions).
Source: filehorse.com

Google's Chrome Browser Ver.5 Reviewed

Following on from the success of their Search Engine and Gmail application, Google released their Chrome version.1 browser less than two years ago. Developing quickly, version.5 was only released in May. Like their search engine, Chrome is uncluttered, leaving a large viewing window, but still packs more features and greater speed than other popular browsers.

The first surprise is Chrome's minimal interface, featuring a thin toolbar but no menu or status bars. And where the website address box also serves as Google's powerful search engine entry box. At the top left of the toolbar are webpage tabs, any number of which can be set to load at startup. Tabs that are used often can be "pinned" and miniaturised to save space as shown. You can easily rearrange the tabs by dragging, even bringing them down onto the page if you wish. Clicking the "+" button (not shown) or short-cut Ctrl+N opens a new window displaying "thumb-nails" of the eight most recently visited sites plus browsing history going as far back as you want. A back, forward, reload, home and bookmark button complete the basic controls.

On the other end of the toolbar, are two icons with drop-down menus. One is the "current page control" enabling common tasks like Cut, Paste, Print and the nifty Find box extension - short-cut Ctrl+F - as shown. Other tasks including "Create application short-cuts", zooming and Developer needs are also listed here. The spanner icon on the right allows you to "Customise and control Google Chrome" using a wide variety of choices. This is where you can open an "incognito window" plus hide or show a bookmarks bar - short-cut "toggle" Ctrl+B - as seen here. You can also check browsing history, manage bookmarks, downloads and more. Clicking the "Options" feature presents another range of choices including setting default "home" and other "startup" pages, adding passwords, etc.

There are also plenty of add-ons available to further customize Chrome if you wish, such as selecting from a multitude of to suit your personality. I have installed one - a Gmail Checker that is currently indicating I have one new message. Clicking on this button now takes me directly to my Gmail account for a quick response.

As an added bonus, Chrome version.5 is already compatible with the latest proposed W3C web standards and was the first browser to pass the demanding Acid3 test with a score of 100! Don't be left behind - download, install and try Chrome now - you'll be glad you did! jl

What is a portable app?

Portableapps A portable app is a computer program that you can carry around with you on a portable device and use on any Windows computer. When your USB flash drive, portable hard drive, iPod or other portable device is plugged in, you have access to your software and personal data just as you would on your own PC. And when you unplug the device, none of your personal data is left behind.

  • No Special Hardware - Use any USB flash drive, portable hard drive, iPod/MP3 player, etc.
  • No Additional Software - Just download, run the portable installer and go.
  • No Kidding - It's that easy. Click image to LEARN MORE...
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Digital Photography


Infinity backgrounds

Photograph small items like a Professional

Sample MouseSometimes you may want to photograph small objects without showing distracting backgrounds, glaring highlights or harsh shadows. Now with the aid of "instant" backgrounds made quickly from common home office items, you can easily produce high quality pictures without the expense of special studio equipment.

For demonstration purposes, this wireless mouse was photographed on an instant background using natural lighting from a single window. An even better image could have been produced had the camera been set on a tripod and adjusted using a variety of advanced capture settings.

The instant infinity background was constructed using six sheets (for stability) of standard white copy paper and four paper-clips. Instant background detailsAll sheets are clipped together with two clips attached about one third up from the bottom. Another two clips are attached near the top of the sheets. By carefully sliding the top clips together with the rear three sheets down towards the bottom, a self supporting curvature is formed as illustrated.

Simply by positioning this or a coloured background with consideration to the light source and camera aspect, an infinite variety of subtle highlights or shadows can be achieved.

An even simpler 3D background can be made using just 1 sheet of paper, and 1 paper-clip.Simple 3d background In portrait view, from a spot (about 20 minutes past the hour) tear to the centre of the sheet. Next, overlap the torn edges anything up to 90 degrees and use a paper-clip to hold. The over-lapped section now forms the base of your instant self supporting corner background. This provides even greater scope for extending your mastery of small item photography.

While lighting is beyond the scope of this article, I must mention having successfully photographed many small items outdoors by shooting within fully shaded areas while using these simple backgrounds. As always, the naturally diffused light from early morning and late afternoon sun normally produce the best results.
John Lucke


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Genealogy

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