When it comes to understanding the many options for smart speakers, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. As such, we’ve taken the time to do a comparison for you.

By definition, smart speakers are an internet-enabled speaker that is controlled by spoken commands, and is capable of streaming audio content, relaying information, communicating with other devices and more. At their best, these products can make a big difference in the day to day lives of their owners, and can resemble somewhat of a virtual assistant.

While 16% of all Americans now own a smart speaker, a whopping 85% comparatively own a smartphone. As the very first smart speaker only debuted in 2014 (Amazon’s Alexa system), the concept of them is still relatively new to the global market. However, as we increasingly rely on technology to help us navigate our day to day lives, the in-built artificial intelligence of smart speakers are becoming more valuable in the average home. If you’re toying with the idea of having one in your abode, it can be difficult to understand the differences between the growing pool of products. 

Comparing The Big Brands Of Smart Speakers 

The simple fact of the matter is that as our homes become smarter, the demand for a reliable digital assistant is also steadily increasing. This is something that the world’s biggest tech producers are all too aware of, with many releasing their own forms of smart speakers, each with a unique virtual assistant residing in them. If you’re unsure of how they differ, we’ve compiled a quick comparison of some of the world’s most popular smart speakers. 

Google – The most comprehensive and humanlike in its capabilities and responses, Google smart speakers like Google Nest work well in homes with existing Google products such as Pixel phones and Chromecast line. A highlight of Google-based smart speakers is that they allow you to send content to Google Chromecast with just your voice. It’s also very good at controlling first and third-party smart devices over a Wi-Fi network, though responses are typically considered to be a little slower than Alexa and Siri. 

Amazon – Regarded as the godfather of smart speakers, the Amazon Echo was actually the first of it’s kind to hit the market way back in 2014. As the only major virtual assistant that isn’t tied to an existing product or software line like Android or iOS, this arguably allows Amazon a little more freedom to partner with whoever it wants, which is why Alexa is more commonly found in external or third party products. Alexa has more robust third-party support, with thousands of ‘skills’ that can be enabled to perform specific tasks. 

Apple – While no conversation about the world’s biggest tech giants would ever be complete without mentioning Apple, in comparison to Google and Amazon, the brand only produces one form of smart speaker: the Apple Homepod. While not considered to be as ‘smart’ as Amazon or Google produced smart speakers, it does come widely recommended for homeowners who also have a variety of Apple products, particularly AppleTV. What it does have is great rave reviews about it’s sound quality, and is sure to get further tweaks in the years to come. 

Technology certainly is a wonderful thing, there’s simply no doubt about it. However, in order for it to stay relevant, beneficial and glitch free, the dark side of it is the constant updates that the humble consumer is required to keep up with. Thankfully, if you’re having issues with a device and are out of options, the good news is that help is only a phone call away. 

Talk Technology With The Professionals 

SOS Phone Repairs are specialists in high-quality, cost-effective phone repairs, tablet repairs, and PC repairs, all backed with a six month warranty. Founded in 2015 in Coffs Harbour and now with over sixteen outlets located all over Australia, our primary driving factors remain the same: people and phones. 

Whether it’s to get a few more years out of your trusted iPhone, to fix one up to sell, or to repurpose an old one as a gift, repairing a smartphone might just be easier and cheaper than you think. However, if you’re in the market for a new smartphone, SOS Phone Repairs also stocks a wide variety of refurbished handsets at a fraction of the cost of a brand new one. While each has been carefully restored to perform at their best, all refurbished smartphones purchased through SOS also come with a twelve month warranty, and can be purchased at any of our sixteen store locations.  

If you are on the hunt for a quote, diagnostic, or even just some good old fashioned, friendly advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch or give us a call today at SOS Phone Repairs. 

With the brand new Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro now available in Australia, are these new generations of smart phones really worthy of all the hype?

Like the Nexus line before it, Google’s very own line of Pixel smartphones represent the company’s vision for the optimal Android user experience. Needless to say, the Pixel is built to advertise Android at its very best. In turn, Android is becoming increasingly designed to create the best possible Pixel.

While regarded as one of the most innovative technology giants in the world today, Google isn’t generally recognised for its offerings in regards to the already crowded smartphone market place. With this arena already dominated by the likes of Apple and Samsung, what could the new Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro products have to offer that the competition already doesn’t?

Reviewing The Latest Google Pixel 6 

Many smartphone users are unaware that it was the big wigs at Google that actually developed the Android operating system that is now widely used in many forms of technology. In the early days of Android, its competitors and users alike bemoaned the complexity of the platform. It lacked the elegant simplicity and accessibility of Apple’s ground-breaking iOS system, so Google worked hard to catch up and possibly even surpass its rival. In truth, the two platforms have far more in common today than features that divide them. 

As such, the latest Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro embody this perhaps more than any other device offered by the tech giant. It’s predecessor, the Google Pixel 5, was arguably the smartphone for users that hate using smartphones, as it still provided technology and innovation without sacrificing reliability and usability. It might not have featured all of the bells and whistles of more expensive competitors, but the image quality from the rear dual camera unit, water resistance, wireless charging and attractive price tag still made it a worthy alternative. With the arrival of the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro to Australian shores, that’s set to change. 

With the Google Pixel 6 coming in at $999 AUD and the Google Pixel 6 Pro slightly more expensive at $1,299 AUD, both models are marketed as “the best of Google, built around you”. It would seem that the company has finally started to lean into what sets it apart from the rest of the pack, as opposed to trying to replicate other popular smartphone models, particularly considering the inclusion of it’s very own chip system dubbed Tensor. According to Google, the AI based chip system has provided the tech giant with the means to power forward with new and exciting ways of harnessing technology. 

“With Google Tensor, we’re unlocking amazing new experiences that require state of the art ML –  including motion mode, face unblur, speech enhancement mode for videos and applying HDRnet to videos. Google Tensor allows us to push the limits of helpfulness in a smartphone, taking it from a one-size-fits-all piece of hardware into a device that’s intelligent enough to respect and accommodate the different ways we use our phones.”

The Google Pixel 6’s display is a 6.4-inch FHD+ panel, with support for up to 90Hz refresh rates. Unlike the pricier but larger Google Pixel 6 Pro, you don’t get the full dynamic refresh rate support for as low as 10Hz to preserve battery life, but users do get that faster refresh rate for smoother scrolling and gameplay enhancements in supported titles.

Apart from the new chip systems, one of the most exciting inclusions in the new generation of Pixels is what can only be referred to as the camera shelf. There’s a 50MP primary wide sensor joined by a 12MP ultrawide sensor. Google’s claim here is that you’ll get substantially improved low light performance from the Pixel 6 compared to previous generations, and that’s a big claim considering just how good prior Pixel generations have been in this specific area. However, the thoughtful inclusion of the shelf provides somewhere for your hands to grip when taking photos, reducing your odds of the dreaded screen smash that can arise from accidentally dropping your phone. 

So is shelling out for the new Google Pixel 6 or Google Pixel 6 Pro worth it? Well, that all depends on your own individual circumstances, but if you’re new to the smart phone arena or perhaps want all the perks without spending any more than you have to, then investing in a Pixel may be your winner. However, before you start shopping, it’s always worth consulting with the tech professionals to ensure that you select a gadget that’s right for you – but where do you find them?

Talk Tech With The Professionals 

SOS Phone Repairs are specialists in high-quality, cost-effective phone repairs, tablet repairs, and PC repairs, all backed with a six month warranty. Founded in 2015 in Coffs Harbour and now with over sixteen outlets located all over Australia, our primary driving factors remain the same: people and phones. 

Whether it’s to get a few more years out of your trusted iPhone, to fix one up to sell, or to repurpose an old one as a gift, repairing a smartphone might just be easier and cheaper than you think. However, if you’re in the market for a new smartphone, SOS Phone Repairs also stocks a wide variety of refurbished handsets at a fraction of the cost of a brand new one. 

While each has been carefully restored to perform at their best, all refurbished smartphones purchased through SOS also come with a twelve month warranty, and can be purchased at any of our sixteen store locations. Even if you’re not on the hunt for a new phone, it’s always worth bringing your existing one in for a free health check to ensure it’s performing at its best.

If you are on the hunt for a quote, diagnostic, or even just some good old fashioned, friendly advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch or give us a call today at SOS Phone Repairs.

If you’re guilty of leaving your silly season shopping to the last minute, thankfully there’s a wide range of Christmas tech gifts that are sure to be a hit. 

Technology advancements have given us a wide variety of devices that are capable of some truly magical things if we know how to use them properly. Thanks to larger screens and more powerful processors, one such example is that your phone can now also double as a mobile workstation, calendar and even a pocket organiser, letting you tackle tasks when you’re out and about.

While nobody is expecting you to fork out for a sack of new smartphones for Christmas tech gifts this year, the good news is that there are quite a few other options to consider if you aren’t quite sure on what type of present would be actually used and appreciated by someone you love. 

Our Last Minute Christmas Tech Gifts Guide 

For most people, December is arguably the busiest month of the year. School’s out, work deadlines kick in, and large family gatherings are on the cards for a number of us. As such, it’s easy to forget about what presents to purchase to be unwrapped on Christmas Day, particularly something that will be both cherished and utilised instead of gathering dust. Thankfully, Christmas tech gifts are a way to do so, especially if you’re stuck for ideas. 

Apple Watch Series 7 – Marketed as the most durable Apple Watch ever built, the latest release has undergone a full redesign to present close to a 20% increase on the screen size of its predecessor, while still allowing all the favourite features that we’ve come to know, love and expect from the tech giant. 

GoPro Hero 10 – The GoPro brand forever changed the way consumers view adventure photography, and it’s tenth generation sticks to the device’s tried and true formula while still delivering a world class user experience. Its frame rates are higher, its interface is smoother, its transfers are faster and its photos and videos look a touch more polished than earlier models. 

Ray Ban Stories – Fans of Iron Man will be aware of Tony Stark’s “smart glasses”, but might be surprised to learn that similar technology is already on the market. Ray Ban Stories are a new generation of smart glasses, integrating with your phone to take photos, access audio, and even scroll through social media while on the move. 

AirPods – In addition to playing audio without wires and chords, Apple AirPods contain a microphone that also filters noise, along with built-in accelerometers and optical sensors capable of detecting taps. While the concept was an immediate hit with consumers, there’s also a wide range of similar alternatives to consider as budget friendly Christmas tech gifts.

Amazon Echo Smart Speaker – Amazon Alexa, also known simply as Alexa, is a virtual assistant technology developed by Amazon, first used in the Amazon Echo smart speaker. The latest release of the Echo allows users to do anything from streaming music, issue search queries for real time answers sourced from Google, and even order a pizza. 

FitBit Inspire 2 – A Fitbit is a piece of technology that people can wear around their wrist to measure their daily steps, heart rate, and more. Popular with fitness junkies, the technology is also widely embraced by those who just want to keep a better eye on their overall health, with the latest model offering improvements on battery life and insights measured. 

Apple AirTag – One of the newer additions to products available as Christmas tech gifts include the latest release from Apple, the AirTag. Designed to act as a tracking device or even a key finder, it’s a great budget friendly option if there’s a member of your household who’s notorious for losing their personal possessions. 

Technology certainly is a wonderful thing, there’s simply no doubt about it. However, in order for it to stay relevant, beneficial and glitch free, the dark side of it is the constant updates that the humble consumer is required to keep up with. Thankfully, if you’re having issues with a device and are out of options, the good news is that help is only a phone call away. 

Talk Technology With The Professionals 

SOS Phone Repairs are specialists in high-quality, cost-effective phone repairs, tablet repairs, and PC repairs, all backed with a six month warranty. Founded in 2015 in Coffs Harbour and now with over sixteen outlets located all over Australia, our primary driving factors remain the same: people and phones. 

Whether it’s to get a few more years out of your trusted iPhone, to fix one up to sell, or to repurpose an old one as a gift, repairing a smartphone might just be easier and cheaper than you think. However, if you’re in the market for a new smartphone, SOS Phone Repairs also stocks a wide variety of refurbished handsets at a fraction of the cost of a brand new one. While each has been carefully restored to perform at their best, all refurbished smartphones purchased through SOS also come with a twelve month warranty, and can be purchased at any of our sixteen store locations.  

If you are on the hunt for a quote, diagnostic, or even just some good old fashioned, friendly advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch or give us a call today at SOS Phone Repairs. 

 

Whether it’s the software rollouts, games or gadget drops, here’s your SOS Phone Repairs monthly update on what’s happening with the latest December tech news.

Technology sure is a wonderful thing, but in order for it to stay relevant, beneficial and glitch free, the dark side of it is the constant updates that the humble consumer is required to keep up with. Thankfully, there always seems to be a new way to streamline a process, eliminate a semi redundant task or even just a means to procrastinate thanks to technology – even the humble QR code has managed to change the way we work, play and essentially live. 

As a result, there always seems to be an onslaught of new product drops, software updates and even fresh games to hit the market that are regularly released so that we can make the most of this digital world – so what’s on offer this month when it comes to the latest December tech news?

A Quick Recap Of December Tech News  

With the end of the year rapidly approaching and the annual silly season of Christmas shopping well and truly underway, tech giants around the world have been dropping new games, software and devices left right and centre. However, it’s also the perfect time of the year for whispers to circulate as to what we can expect in the next twelve months ahead. For the savvy digital consumer who traditionally pays attention to these types of updates, we’ve deemed the below to be the most noteworthy in regards to December tech news. 

Fortnite Chapter 3 – Fortnite is a free online game that has an almost cult-like following around the world. With new worlds to explore, weapons to collect and manoeuvres to try, the surprise drop of Fortnite Battle Royale 3 on December 7 was met with delight and excitement for players who weren’t expecting any updates before the end of the year. 

Apple Repair Policy Updates – In another surprise announcement, Apple have declared a major shake-up linked to their repairs policy, with users now able to roll up their sleeves and attempt to fix their own products. Previously, repairs conducted by an external operator risked Apple users having their device’s warranty voided. 

GoPro Hero 10 – The GoPro brand forever changed the way consumers view adventure photography, and the new tenth generation sticks to the device’s tried and true formula while still delivering a world class user experience. Its frame rates are higher, its interface is smoother, its transfers are faster and its photos and videos look a touch more polished than earlier models.

Microsoft Ditches Passwords – In an effort to put more roadblocks up for potential hackers, Microsoft has announced it will be permanently ditching passwords to sign in across all of its platforms. The tech company revealed this week it would be bolstering support for passwordless logins through verification codes to access  Microsoft accounts such as Outlook and OneDrive. 

Apple Hints At New iMac – For all those fans who just can’t get enough of the brand, Apple is reportedly working on the next-generation iMacs, with the new moniker that is likely to be slapped on them rumoured to be the “iMac Pro”. While no set date has been announced as of yet, the latest offering is set to be released in the first half of 2022. 

Talk December Tech News With The Professionals

SOS Phone Repairs are specialists in high-quality, cost-effective phone repairs, tablet repairs, and PC repairs, all backed with a six month warranty. Founded in 2015 in Coffs Harbour and now with over sixteen outlets located all over Australia, our primary driving factors remain the same: people and phones. 

Whether it’s to get a few more years out of your trusted iPhone, to fix one up to sell, or to repurpose an old one as a gift, repairing a smartphone might just be easier and cheaper than you think. However, if you’re in the market for a new smartphone, SOS Phone Repairs also stocks a wide variety of refurbished handsets at a fraction of the cost of a brand new one. While each has been carefully restored to perform at their best, all refurbished smartphones purchased through SOS also come with a twelve month warranty, and can be purchased at any of our sixteen store locations.  

If you are on the hunt for a quote, diagnostic, or even just some good old fashioned, friendly advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch or give us a call today at SOS Phone Repairs.