It’s that time of the year again tech-lovers. Today Apple have just released their iPhone 14 & 14 Max, and Apple Watch Series 8.

Let’s take a look at the latest specs, the new iPhone features especially have us super excited.

iPhone 14 & 14 Plus

Say goodbye to politely asking the bartender or the barista if they have a spare iPhone cord, or don’t mind popping your phone on charge for 30 minutes. This newest iPhone model has the longest lasting battery power yet, with up to 20 hours for iPhone 14’s and up to 26 hours for the iPhone Plus.

It’s also more durable, with a ceramic shield that’s tougher than any previous smartphone glass, and made with aerospace grade aluminium. The camera has also taken a level up with a faster and larger aperture, improving low light exposure by 49%. Say hello to nailing those perfect starry night sky shots.

But more excitingly than this (in our opinion anyway) is the SOS satellite emergency communication. This feature means your iPhone 14 can connect to satellite’s on clear nights to communicate with emergency services, even when you’re out of cell and wifi service. It can take as little as 15 seconds to send a message in clear view of the horizon and sky, or over a minute if you’re under foliage. It’s also set up that you can then respond with simple prompts to best answer your emergency situation. Pretty cool if you ask us.

The last spec we’ll touch properly on is the crash recognition, where your iPhone 14 is built to feel, hear and measure a crash by noticing sudden shifts in speeds, changes in cabin pressure (i.e. from airbags releasing), abrupt changes in direction, and loud sounds. If it thinks you’re in a crash situation, it will automatically call emergency services unless you opt for it not to. If you also have an Apple Watch, it will actually do this from your watch as it is likely to be closer to your body.

Way to go Apple, it looks like you’ve put a heavy emphasis on saving lives this latest upgrade and we are absolutely here for it.

They’ve also got a fun new Lock Screen where your favourite widgets are visible, and you can now even choose your font. Plus there’s that cool Dynamic Island where your front camera is, that is fully customisable and consolidates notifications, alerts and activities into one place.

While we’re on appearance too, if you’re looking for a reason to buy the iPhone 14 Plus – there is 21% more retina screen. We’ll just let that sink in.

Upgrades at a glace:

• Longer battery (up to 20 hours for iPhone 14’s and up to 26 hours for the iPhone plus)
• 21% bigger retina screen for iPhone 14 Plus
• More durable
• 49% better low-light photos with bigger and faster aperture
• Emergency SOS Satellite Communication that contacts emergency services even when you’re out of wifi or cellular reach
• Crash recognition that contacts emergency services without you reaching for it

Image source: Apple

Apple Watch Series 8

The new Apple Watch boasts the same two size options and design features as the previous models, with round edges and slim boarders, but with an option for an always on retina display. No more raising your wrist to check the time if you don’t want it!

Our favourite spec is one for our ladies, though. The series 8 introduces a temperature sensor that tracks your temperature even when you’re sleeping, so you can see changes over time. When combining this with heart rate and other cycle information you input into the watch, it makes it a lot easier and more accurate to track menstrual cycles and have a better understanding of potential ovulation for planning families. That’s pretty impressive.

The sleep tracker has taken a level up too, not simply tracking when you’re asleep, but how much time you’ve spent in REM, core and deep sleep, as well as when you might have woken up.

It can also measure your blood oxygen levels, take an ECG, and has the same built in crash recognition we mentioned with the iPhone 14.

Looks like we’ll all be living an extra few years, thanks Apple!

Wait, we’ve just realised we’re still writing this article and not lining up in store to get our hands on these two epic drops…. BRB

 

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. 

If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, SOS Phone Repairs stocks a wide variety of refurbished phones 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. 

 

How Best to Dry Out Your Wet Phone

We’ve all been there, especially our adventurous friends. Whether you’ve managed to spill a glass of water on it, dropped it in the boat or at the beach trying to nail that selfie, or simply got caught in the rain (hopefully with a Pina Colada…), we recommend doing these steps as soon as possible to prevent water damage in your phone.

1. Remove it from water ASAP

Seems like a simple first step but it does need to be said! Every second counts here, the sooner you can remove it from water and dry it, the higher chance it has of being repaired. The longer it’s left in water, the more chance that water has to seep into the phone.

 

2. Remove any cables that are plugged in

Water and electricity are not friends. If it’s on charge first switch it off at the power, then remove the cable ASAP, as the electricity can cause a short within the phone and create irrevocable damage.

 

3. Switch it off and dry the phone as best you can

We know switching off the phone seems counter productive, and it sparks all those ‘but it seems to be fine now, what if I can’t turn it back on?’ questions in your mind, but trust us on this one. If the phone is trying to operate while there is water inside, the heat created from your device can cause internal corrosion or damage in the mainboard.

When you dry it, the best thing to use is a lint-free cloth to absorb as much water as possible without any fragments of the cloth going into the phone, especially around any of the inlets (charging point and speakers). Please don’t try and dry it in the sun, use a hair dryer or (dare we even say it) pop it in the microwave (honestly, we’ve seen it all).

It’s also a myth that putting it in rice will help the phone – while some professionals suggest it may absorb some liquid, it can also introduce unhelpful elements, such as dust and starch.

We know how tempting it is to switch your phone back on and see if it’s working, but please try and leave it switched off for 24-48 hours so it can properly dry out. Impatience here could cost you a new smartphone.

 

4. Bring it in to an SOS Phone Repairer

Book it in (not on your water damaged phone) to your local SOS Phone Repairer. We can actually professionally dry the phone out for you for free, which is very helpful if you don’t have time to wait 1-2 day period.

Once we’ve dried it for you we can assess the damage and go from there. The quicker you can action all of the above steps, the higher chance we have of saving your phone.

 

What if I just got water in my speakers?

Repeat the above steps, and perhaps stand your phone up with the speakers resting on a lint-free cloth to see if any water drips out.

 

What if it just got a little bit wet and seems to be working fine?

That’s great that it’s working, but there could be residual water in the phone you can’t see. It’s a good idea to get it professionally dried anyway.

Hey, maybe even buy a life proof case while you’re at it?

 

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. 

If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, SOS Phone Repairs stocks a wide variety of refurbished phones 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. 

SOS Phone Repairs Airlie Beach: the only phone repairers you’ll need to know

Look out sailors, phone repairs in Airlie Beach have never been so efficient and high quality.

In an internationally renowned sailing hub, we were surprised to learn that there wasn’t a phone repair shop in the main coastal town of Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays. SOS Phone Repairs Owner, Codi Hanson, moved to this sunshine drenched seaside town earlier this year and within two weeks had already repaired 3 water damaged phones, 1 smashed screen and handed out countless screen protectors.

We get it, the adventurous lifestyle this transient town brings means there’s also a lot water drenched and smashed phones. But hey, that’s where we come in.

With the store set to open by the end of August, we’re all hands on deck with the fit out, the storefront located right in the middle of Airlie Beach centre on the main street.

Founded in 2015, SOS Phone Repairs quickly built a reputation for high quality tech repairs with customer service to match. It is now the fastest growing repair company in Australia, with Airlie Beach just one of 21 locations Australia-wide. At SOS Phone Repairs we pride ourselves on our people focused approach to service, as we believe it’s what a lot of phone repair companies are lacking.

We love tech, love people, and pride ourselves on finding solutions to suit anyone’s budget and needs.

Our main core value is not to simply fix phones, it’s to make people happy. Fixing phones just an easy way to do it.

Keep your eye out on our socials @sosphonerepairs for the official launch date, but in the meantime here’s a little question and answers about the store:

Will you only repair phones?

Nope, we’ll repair most tech. From smart watches, to macs, pcs, tablets and phone repairs, there’s not a lot we can’t do. If you’ve got another tech issue you’re experiencing just give us a call and we’ll be happy to assess it for you and give you advice.

How long do phone repairs take?

If you call up to book in we can typically do most phone repairs in 30 minutes.

I’ve had my phone screen repaired before and experienced a lot of issues, do you offer warranty?

Great question, and unfortunately one we hear a lot of. All of our repairs are done by highly qualified and trusted technicians, and we also offer lifetime warranty on all iPhone screen repairs. That’s how confident we are in the service we’re providing.

I not only break my phone, but I often drop it in the ocean (like, a lot). Do you sell refurbished phones?

Another question we hear a lot! Yes, we absolutely sell refurbished phones. We actually love doing this as refurbished phones are a great way of recycling and keeping phones out of landfill. Repairing damaged phones and selling high quality refurbished phones is our way of giving back to the environment.

We are doing everything we can to minimise E-Waste, and in 2020 we were fortunate enough to service over 48,000 phones across our then 19 locations. That’s nearly 10 tonnes of phones kept out of landfill.

Will you repair water damaged phones?

We’ll do our absolute best. It’s not always possible, but if you bring it in we can have a look at it for you. We also professionally dry out phones for free.

Hopefully we have answered your main questions or concerns, but if not just jump on the phone and give us a call! In the meantime, have a look at what we repair and be sure to pop in and say hi next time you’re in the main street. We’ve heard there’s a lot of dog owners so be sure to bring your furry ones in store, too!

SOS Phone Repairs Airlie Beach will be located at: 267 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach QLD 4802

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. 

If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, SOS Phone Repairs stocks a wide variety of refurbished phones 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. 

Need a new phone? Here are our top 4 reasons to buy refurbished phones instead of new:

1. It reduces waste
2. It’s cheaper
3. 12 month warranty
4. It creates a demand for recycling

We’re living in a rapidly evolving technology world where there is constantly demand to have the latest smartphone, tablet, laptop or gaming console. While the advancements technology is making is incredible, it is also a huge draw on energy resources and materials, and the unfortunate reality is a short lifespan on many devices with a lot of it ending up in landfill.

Buying refurbished phones and other devices not only reduces the demand on those resources, therefore saving the environment, but it also reduces waste. And the best part? It saves your bank account, too.

Here’s 4 reasons you should make the switch to refurbished for your next phone:

Buy Refurbished Phones to Reduce Waste

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approximately 11 million smartphones are discarded each month, attributing the largest fraction of electronic waste (e-waste). Studies show our e-waste increases by 4% every year, from an already shocking figure of 57.4 million tonnes 2021. To give you a comparison, that’s heavier than the Great Wall of China, and it’s set to reach 74 million tones by 2030.

When you buy refurbished phones you’re doing your bit to give those smartphones a second life and keep them out of landfill.

Do It For Your Bank Account

Trying to save for that Euro summer trip but also want the newest smartphone to capture it all in the highest definition? We get it. It’s a struggle and the newest smartphones are far from cheap.

Trust us when we say we’re here for the reels of Sail Croatia and hiking Cinque Terre in Italy, as much as it makes us want to unfollow you. The good news is, when you buy refurbished phones you can get the newest devices at a fraction of the price. Who doesn’t want to save hundreds of dollars better spent on a bottle of wine in front of the Eiffel Tower or at the Portobello Markets in London?

You’ll Get 12 Month Warranty

One of the main concerns when buying second-hand anything is quality, and we get that. When you buy refurbished phones from any of our SOS store locations we give you a 12 month warranty on the device. If you experience any issues with it as a result of it being refurbished, simply bring it back to the store you bought it from and we’ll have a look at it for you.

Buying refurbished phones in comparison to second-hand phones (for example off of Marketplace or eBay) gives you the added peace of mind that it’s been repaired by a quality trained technician, who knows exactly what they’re doing. SOS only buy from trusted and renowned suppliers that we know we can count on to provide high quality products.

Lastly,  refurbished phones have been fully reset to factory settings, and are unlocked and ready to go. There’s nothing worse than buying a phone of Marketplace, only to get home and realise it’s locked to a different network and your sim won’t work. Or opening the phone to find photos stored from it’s previous owner – we’re here for the doggo shots at the beach, just not with our new iPhone, please.

Buying Refurbished Creates a Demand For Recycling

It’s estimated that currently only around 20% (even less according to some statistics) of those 11 million smartphones are recycled. Simply put, the more people create a demand for buying refurbished phones, the more demand there is for recycling.

Let’s just say we created enough demand for an extra 10% to be recycled, that’s 1.1 million right? According to the Director of SCYCLE (a global programme focused on the development of sustainable production) “embedded in 1 million cell phones, for example, are 24 kg of gold, 16,000 kg of copper, 350 kg of silver, and 14 kg of palladium — resources that could be recovered and returned to the production cycle.” If we’re not recycling them however, these materials need to be mined instead, harming the environment.

If we’re talking carbon emissions, every tonne of recycled e-waste avoids 2 tonnes of carbon emissions.

It’s a bit of a no-brainer if you ask us. When you buy refurbished phones it doesn’t cost the earth or your bank account, and that’s a huge yes from us.

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. 

If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, SOS Phone Repairs stocks a wide variety of refurbished phones 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. 

Although once considered a buzzword tied to the rapid rise of cryptocurrency, blockchain technology is now expanding into a wide range of fields and sectors. 

Dubbed an “a peer-to-peer electronic cash system”, Bitcoin is a digital currency that came roaring to life all the way back in January 2009. The concept was originally set out in a whitepaper by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto, whose real identity still remains a mystery even today. 

Known as the godfather of all cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin relied on blockchain technology to break free of the traditional limitations of how online trading once worked. In the world of crypto, transactions are stored and recorded in a publicly distributed ledger known as a blockchain. 

As all of the computers running the blockchain have the same list of blocks and transactions, and in turn can transparently see these new blocks being filled with new bitcoin transactions, it’s simply not possible for anyone to ever cheat the system. In turn, this all important feature has seen blockchain technology be embraced in all sorts of surprising sectors. 

How Blockchain Technology Is Revolutionising Cyberspace

In simple terms, a blockchain collects information and data in groups, which are otherwise known as blocks. As new data comes in, it is entered into a fresh block. Once the block is filled with data, it is chained onto the previous block, which makes the data chained together in chronological order.

While many different types of information can be stored on a blockchain, the most common use so far has been as a ledger for transactions. It’s for this reason that the very phrase is most commonly linked to cryptocurrencies – but that’s starting to change. 

Blockchain is used in a decentralised manner, which means that no single person or group has control. Instead, all users collectively retain control, making them a very popular alternative to traditional bricks and mortar banks. In addition, decentralised blockchains are immutable, or that the data and information entered is irreversible. 

Needless to say, the future of blockchain technology is looking very bright. Contracts, transactions, and the records of them are among the defining structures in our economic, legal, and political systems – so imagine the possibilities if there was no way to tamper with them. 

While blockchain technology is already disrupting how the world uses financial institutes, this is usually considered relevant for individuals. In reality, a growing number of businesses are relying on blockchains for database management for their day to day operations, such as global giants like Walmart and AIG. 

In addition, sensitive information found in legal and real estate contracts are also starting to move towards blockchain storage. Although this may take a while to kick off in Australia, it is a practice already on the rise in the United States and parts of Europe. Given the heightened risk of a cyber attack in these nations thanks to the ongoing war in Ukraine, it should come as no surprise that online security is a topic that weighs heavily on the minds of many in these parts of the world. 

On a lighter note, it’s worth observing that the online gaming industry has already embraced blockchain technology, especially with the arrival of NFTs. A non-fungible token is a financial security consisting of digital data stored in a blockchain, a form of distributed ledger. The ownership of an NFT is recorded in the blockchain, and can be transferred by the owner, allowing NFTs to be sold and traded. As a popular way to buy and sell digital art, they’ve also boomed in popularity as a tool to store online gaming avatars, weaponry and much more. 

According to industry experts, the online gaming world is well overdue for a global shake up – and blockchain could be just the catalyst the sector needs. Blockchain technology is well on it’s way to restructure the industry, turn the tables on the monopolistic console market, create a multiverse, and make games more immersive and boundary-blurring than ever. In the online gaming industry, blockchain could become the norm for player experience, the transactions of digital items, and the back-end infrastructure of games themselves. 

Regardless of why the perks of blockchain technology may apply to you, buying, selling and storing items in a blockchain requires careful thought. Often done so via the help of apps, it’s important to ensure that your smartphone software is up to date, and can handle the increased data usage. 

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. 

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. 

Set to launch in September, the latest Apple iPhone update via iOS 16 is set to be a game changer – but what are a few of the most prominent new features?

Since its initial release in 2007, the iPhone’s features have certainly come a long way. Improvements have been made to keep up with consumer demand, such as larger screen sizes, waterproofing, the ability to install third party apps, and many more accessibility features.

While a lot has certainly changed, one thing has remained the same – all Apple products are powered by its own in house operating system, iOS. While minor updates are regularly issued in line with developer tweaks, iPhone users usually receive the annual iOS upgrade during the “Apple Month” of September. 

At Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2022, The company announced numerous software and hardware updates, including a sneak peak of what to expect from iOS 16. While the latest Apple iPhone update is currently restricted to developers, what are some of the key upgrades that consumers can look forward to?

Unpacking The New Features Of iOS 16

Following the beta testing period, Apple is expected to officially release iOS 16 in September 2022, or just prior to the launch of the next iPhone lineup. While loyal Apple customers will have to wait until then to actually use the new features of the operating system, executives have offered a preview on what to expect. 

Edit And Delete Texts – While many of us are guilty of accidentally sending a text to the wrong person or wishing we had said something differently, the latest Apple iPhone update will allow users to do just that. With iOS 16, users will be able to edit or recall a text up to fifteen minutes after sending it, recover recently deleted messages for up to thirty days, and mark conversations as unread to come back to them later.

Introducing Safety Check – In an effort to combat the dangers of domestic violence, Apple’s Safety Check is a new feature intended to be helpful for people in abusive relationships, and allows users to activate an emergency reset. In addition to reviewing who has access to location information as well as passwords, messages and other apps on an iPhone, the concept is to provide a way for users to “lock out” their abuser from accessing their personal data.

Health App Upgrades – While many Apple users love the built in Health app, iOS 16 will also add a new section called Medications. Designed to allow users to conveniently build and manage a medications list, create schedules and reminders, and log and track their medications, vitamins, or supplements with custom visuals, interactive charts will also help users understand when they’ve taken their medications.

Personalised Lock Screen – Have you ever thought that the iPhone lock screen could do so much more than display the time? With iOS 16, the latest Apple iPhone update aims to tackle just that.  Users will be able to change the look of the date and time with expressive type styles and colour choices, and add new widgets such as upcoming calendar events, the weather, battery levels, alarms, time zones and more.

Visual Lookup Enhancements – With the introduction of Visual Lookup to iOS 15, users could use information in their photos to track down information about them on the internet, such as identifying plant species, dog breeds and even local landmarks. Now, iOS 16 takes Visual Lookup one step further by tapping and holding on the subject of an image to lift it from the background, and place it in apps like Messages. 

When September arrives, anyone with an iPhone 8 and newer will be able to update to iOS 16. Unfortunately, this also means that if you have an iPhone 7 or older, then you’re out of luck. Thankfully, for those in need of an iPhone upgrade but don’t want to spend a small fortune on a new handset, the team at SOS Phone Repairs offers a solution. 

Talk Tech Upgrades 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. 

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. 

From Apple to Microsoft and even new laws out of Europe, get up to speed with the latest tech news with Codi, one of the SOS Phone Repairs founders.  

Whether we like it or not, the way we work, eat, and play has changed – and technology has a lot to do with it. When implemented well, technology can make all kinds of tasks faster and easier for those who have to perform them. 

The introduction of laptop computers, smartphones, tablets, voice assistant technology, digital whiteboard, wireless connectivity and all kinds of contactless capabilities has facilitated – and even forced – a noticeable shift in the very nature of how we go about our days.

However, the flipside to such advancements is that the technology used to power our devices is constantly changing, and will often require updates in order to keep them in tip top shape. To stay up to date with the latest advancements and tech news, SOS Phone Repairs founder Codi has collected a few of the more noteworthy updates so that you don’t have to. 

Five Updates On Tech News From Around The World 

Even despite what’s going on in the wide world, for the global tech giants, the show must go on. With the release of new games, software and devices still happening left, right and centre, the latest updates are always worth paying attention to. 

For the savvy digital consumer who traditionally follows these types of updates, the good news is that there’s been plenty happening on the technology front. 

Apple iOS 16 Soft Launch – At Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2022, The company announced numerous software and hardware updates, including a sneak peak at the latest iPhone Operating System, or iOS. However, consumers will have to wait a little longer for its release in September, as it’s currently only accessible to developers to weed out the bugs. 

iPhones Introduce Safety Check – At WWDC, Apple also announced a significant new update set to be rolled out with iOS 16. Apple’s Safety Check is a new feature intended to be helpful for people in abusive relationships, and allows users to review and reset who has access to location information as well as passwords, messages and other apps on an iPhone.

Internet Explorer Retires – After a twenty seven year tenure, Microsoft has retired its original browsing system, Internet Explorer. In a submission to an Australian competition regulator’s review of the web browser market, Microsoft said its decision to abandon Internet Explorer was largely due to the fact web developers were less likely to make their sites compatible with it. 

EU Confirms Changes To Chargers – In tech news from the other side of the world, the European Union will require all new smartphones and tablets sold within its borders to have a common charging port by 2024 – and laptops by 2026 – under a new provisional agreement, pushing technology companies such as Apple to fall in line with other smartphone makers.

Sony Speculates On Camera Technology – Sony Semiconductor Solutions (SSS) President and CEO Terushi Shimizu recently stated that Sony believes that smartphone camera image quality is on a tempo to eclipse that of digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras within a few years. Shimizu cited the developments in Sony technology as the reason for his hypothesis. 

Although we live in an increasingly digital age, technology has also brought with it an extra set of distractions on top of whatever happens to pop up during our day to day lives. If you’re looking to improve your selfie game, want to learn more about your smart phone’s camera, or even need some help in choosing the right type of device based on your needs, it’s always worth speaking to the professionals. 

 

Talk 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. 

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. 

When it comes to personal information security, many people think they’ve got it covered – but what if datafication changes how we protect ourselves online?

Like it or not, the arrival of the internet has changed life as we know it. With Web 3.0, or the third generation of the internet, in the process of being rolled out, capabilities like Semantic Web, AI, and machine learning all have the potential to revolutionise the digital landscape.

Although it may sound like something out of The Matrix, these new age forms of technology embrace datafication, which is more or less the process of turning people into numbers. In addition, it’s probably already happening to you, and you don’t even know it. 

How To Combat Datafication With Privacy 

The relationships between collective and individual, between group and person, and between public and private, are fundamental to shaping our societies. However, the very nature of these relationships have changed, and are increasingly being played out in terms of data – its production, flow, reuse and commodification. In simple terms, datafication is the term we apply to this process. 

Across the world, a wide variety of regulatory, scientific and societal frameworks have been introduced to govern and modulate these processes. As an example, there are influential privacy laws or data protection regulations, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that shape who can collect which information, for which purposes, and who has a say in this. 

If data has now become a form of information that has value, how do brands and businesses embrace datafication on a day to day basis? While data has long been used as one of the pillars of customer relationship management, like everything else, it’s gone digital. Have you ever wondered why you get hounded across cyberspace by a product or service that you might have only looked at once before? 

There’s a reason why almost every website you visit wants you to accept their “cookies”, as these are one of many ways that brands collect your personal information, and weaponise it to coax you into a sale. Cross platform campaigns use cookies, or the data pulled from a website that tracks your online behaviour, to market to you on other platforms such as social media.

In fact, Netflix is a prime example of the datafication process. While the platform provides services in more than forty countries and thirty three million streaming members, the core function of how the streaming service works is by recommending films and television series to its users based on what they’ve already consumed. 

While banks and insurance companies have long used data to form risk profiles, and is unavoidable if you want to get approved, the good news is that there are other ways to approach personal information security and datafication when going about your business online.

If you’ve ever felt like someone’s watching you when using the internet, there’s a high chance that they probably are. While internet tracking isn’t exactly a new concept, the good news is that many smartphones, laptops and tablets offer protections and a chance to “opt out” of the datafication process.

Some of the most common ways users can be tracked are through IP addresses, cursor tracking software, cross-tracking (information from several different devices under one owner), accounts that are visited frequently via devices, and your internet search history. Many devices now have a “do not track” function in the settings, so don’t be afraid to turn this on and limit how much information you’re sharing.

In addition, pay attention to what you’re allowing access to. On mobile devices, disable location services when they are unneeded and not in use. When using a computer, go into your internet browser and comb through the sites that may have permission to track you. Although it may come as a surprise, don’t forget about your smart TV either, and opt-out of apps and services that you may not want monitoring your activity. Above all, when visiting a new website, simply click “no” when you’re asked for permission to collect cookies.

One easy way to tackle personal information security is to make sure that the software on your devices is all up to date. If your tech is sluggish or isn’t performing at it’s best, it might be worth further investigation to determine if a repair or upgrade is necessary. 

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. 

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 news Apple has its own built in plant identification app, and budding botanists can use the Visual Lookup function launched with iOS 15.

Thanks to science, we know that gardening is good for us. There’s a certain kind of magic associated with quite literally reaping what you sow, and knowing that your direct actions help plants come to life. 

While other surprising health benefits associated with gardening include cardiovascular health, improving self esteem, reducing stress and anxiety, providing a bonding family activity, boosting Vitamin D levels and access to healthy food, it should come as no surprise that the number of people who identify as hobby gardeners are on the rise. 

Although smartphone users have a wide range of plant identification apps to choose from, they’re not generally deemed to be the most reliable. Now, that’s all changed thanks to Apple’s new Visual Lookup feature available with iOS 15. 

How To Use The Visual Lookup Tool For Plants 

Since its initial release all the way back in 2007, the iPhone’s features have certainly come a long way. Significant improvements have been made to keep up with the expectations of long-time Apple fans, such as larger screen sizes, waterproofing, the ability to install third party apps, and many more accessibility features. 

As a result, iOS – otherwise known as the iPhone Operating System – receives regular updates to ensure that Apple remains at the forefront of innovation, and its worldwide team of loyal users receive software refreshes, updates and new features even without purchasing a new device. 

Released in September 2021, iOS 15 has one particularly noteworthy feature that gardening enthusiasts are sure to celebrate: Visual Lookup. Although not limited to plants alone, users can now simply take an image of a flower or shrub that they like, and use this revolutionary plant identification app to identify it for research purposes, or even a future purchase. 

Much like many other iPhone features such as Siri, Apple clearly isn’t afraid to embrace artificial intelligence to streamline some of the basic functions of our day to day lives. Instead of spending hours researching, Visual Lookup has the power to immediately identify all kinds of things, but sourcing plants has so far proved to be one of its most popular topics. 

To use Visual Lookup to identify plants, dog breeds, landmarks and more, install the latest version of iOS 15 to get started. Once your Apple device is up to date, all you need to do to make the most of this nifty function is the following – 

1. Select any photo in your gallery. In apps such as Notes, Mail or Messages, touch and hold an image to select it.
2. Tap the Info button. If using Safari, tap Look Up in the options menu.
3. Tap the icon that appears in the photo, or below the photo. As an example, users might see a paw print icon for pets and animals, or a leaf icon for plants and flowers.
4. Tap to learn more after Visual Look Up provides results from Siri Knowledge and the web. If the Info button doesn’t have a star, Visual Look Up isn’t available yet for that photo.

Visual Lookup requires a device with an A12 Bionic chip or newer, which means that this feature is exclusive to the iPhone XR and XS or later, the iPad 8th generation or later, the iPad Air 3rd generation or later, the iPad mini 5th generation or later and the 2018 iPad Pro or later.

To keep your current smartphone in tip top shape and ready for more exciting features like Visual Lookup, it’s important to ensure that your device is up to date. However, if your device isn’t performing at its best, it might be worth having a chat with the professionals. 

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. 

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. 

While artificial intelligence is already changing how we go about our day to day lives, what are the key AI technology trends to watch in the years to come?

If you believe how AI technology is depicted in films such as The Matrix or Ex Machina, artificial intelligence should be treated with caution. Like it or not, the third generation of the internet is coming, and for some – Web 3.0 is already here. 

New capabilities such as Semantic Web and machine learning all have the potential to greatly increase application in new areas, but advancements in artificial intelligence are set to bring some of the biggest leaps into the future.

How AI Technology Is Shaping The Future 

In its simplest form, artificial intelligence is intelligence demonstrated by machines, as opposed to the natural intelligence displayed by animals including humans. Typically rolled out to complete tasks that are usually done by humans as they require human intelligence and discernment, whether users realise it or not, AI technology is already powering many processes in our day to day lives. 

In fact, common examples of AI technology at work today include robots used for manufacturing, self-driving cars, automated financial investing and even virtual assistants commonly deployed as a substitute for human customer service agents. When appropriately used, AI ultimately helps to drive down cost and time it takes to perform a task. 

As time goes on, the capabilities of artificial intelligence continue to advance. While the next decade is set to welcome significant advancements such as 6G mobile network coverage, service robots, increased blockchain usage and even autonomous cars, what role does AI have to play in the years to come?

Enhanced Cyber Security – AI technology in cybersecurity does cover things that its current automation systems can handle, like the routine storage and securing of data. However, it also goes one step further and assists with highly advanced tasks such as powering intelligent analytics to detect potential threats or patterns pointing to nefarious intentions.

 

Overcome Skills Shortages – Like many other countries, Australia is struggling with an ongoing skills shortage. As AI technology continues to advance, machines and robots may help to bridge the gap. Despite already being used in many factories and manufacturing settings, these types of machines may yet have a bigger part to play. 

 

Transport Integration – Human error is one of the biggest dangers out there on the open road, but AI is set to help minimise the risks. AI will become more ingrained in transportation and road safety, with AI-enabled cameras and sensors built into both commercial and personal vehicles to prevent distracted, drowsy, impaired and even drunk driving.

 

Streamline Healthcare – As a means to help alleviate the pressure that many hospitals and clinics face right around the world, AI technology may help with tasks that range from simple to complex, taking care of records, therapeutic drug and device design, reading radiology images, making clinical diagnoses and treatment plans, and even talking with patients.

 

Ethics And Regulations – One of the key trends to monitor for the future of AI is how countries regulate its usage, and what types of AI are deemed both ethical and appropriate. In fact, the European Union is already ahead of the pack, and has gone as far as prohibiting certain types of AI technology for use outside of the military. 

If you’re curious about using AI on a day to day basis, all you need to do is experiment with your smartphone. As an example, Siri is Apple’s personal assistant for iOS, macOS, tvOS and watchOS devices that uses voice recognition and is powered by artificial intelligence. 

To keep Siri or her relevant counterparts in tip top shape and ready for further advancements, it’s important to ensure your smartphone is up to date. However, if your device isn’t performing at its best, it might be worth having a chat with the professionals. 

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. 

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.