Name: Aussie Broadband Review
Brand: Aussie Broadband
Price: 100.00 AUD

Telstra and Optus End Agreements with Google for Search Services

Nicholas Webb on July 2, 2024

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Telstra and Optus Terminate Google Search Contracts

Telstra and Optus unwind Google search agreements

Quick Read

Telstra and Optus have ended their agreements with Google.
These agreements involved pre-installing Google’s search services on Android devices.
The investigation that resulted in this change was started by the ACCC.
The objective of the decision is to improve consumer options and boost market competition.
Google Search holds a leading 98% market share in Australia.
The ACCC’s inquiry into digital platforms is set to publish its ninth report in March 2025.

Termination Background

Telstra and Optus have chosen not to renew or form new contracts with Google for pre-installing its search services on Android devices. This choice follows an inquiry by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The previous agreements expired at the end of last month.

The ACCC’s Role

The ACCC began the investigation as a part of its continuous digital platform services inquiry. The ACCC stated that Telstra and Optus had been engaging in these agreements with Google since at least 2017. The commission contended that these arrangements restricted the capacity for competing search engines to be pre-installed and promoted on Android devices, ultimately impacting consumer choice and innovation.

Implications for Consumers

The ACCC has agreed to enforceable commitments from both Telstra and Optus. These commitments are anticipated to give Australian consumers a wider range of options concerning digital platforms and services they utilize. Furthermore, it seeks to promote increased competition within these markets.

“Engaging in practices like forming agreements to guarantee exclusivity can restrict consumer options or hinder innovation,” stated ACCC commissioner Liza Carver.

Market Dynamics

Even after this change, Google Search continues to dominate the Australian market, maintaining a steady 98% market share from September 2021 to February 2024. Alternative search engines, such as Microsoft’s Bing, have only a minimal presence. This dominance has led to concerns among regulators about the suppression of competition and innovation.

The Broad Digital Platforms Investigation

The ACCC’s investigation into digital platforms has explored different facets of the technology behind social media platforms and their possible negative effects. To date, multiple reports have been generated on these topics. The ninth report from this investigation is anticipated to be published in March 2025 and may offer additional recommendations to promote fair competition in digital markets.

For additional information on similar reports from the ACCC, check out TechBest’s piece on data transparency for major platforms: Data Transparency for Major Platforms.

Summary

Telstra and Optus have decided to end their long-term agreements with Google to pre-install its search services on Android devices. This change comes after an ACCC investigation aimed at promoting more consumer choices and competition within the market. While Google still leads the Australian search engine market, this shift could offer opportunities for competing search engines to establish themselves. The ACCC will carry on with its digital platforms inquiry, with the next significant report scheduled for March 2025.

Q&A Session

Why did Telstra and Optus end their agreements with Google?

A:

The discontinuation came after an ACCC investigation revealed that these agreements restricted consumer choice and hindered competition by stopping competing search engines from being pre-installed on Android devices.

Q: How will this affect consumers in Australia?

A:

This decision aims to give consumers more options for the search engines they can use on their devices, which could lead to increased competition and innovation in the market.

How prevalent is Google Search in Australia?

A:

As of February 2024, Google Search commands a remarkable 98% market share in Australia, showcasing its substantial dominance over other search engines such as Bing.

Q: What is the digital platforms inquiry conducted by the ACCC?

A:

The ACCC’s inquiry into digital platforms explores different facets of technology utilized by social media channels and other online services, zeroing in on topics such as market competition and consumer protection. The inquiry is set to publish its ninth report in March 2025.

What might be the potential long-term consequences of this action?

A:

If successful, this initiative could create a more competitive market, allowing alternative search engines to flourish and provide enhanced services and innovations to consumers.

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UE Boom Durable Outdoor Speakers Receive USB-C Update and Environmentally Conscious Redesign

Nicholas Webb on June 29, 2024

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UE Boom’s Rugged Outdoor Speakers Now Feature USB-C and an Eco-Friendly Design Overhaul

UE Boom Rugged Outdoor Speakers Get USB-C Upgrade and Eco-Friendly Makeover

Quick Read

UE Boom speakers are now equipped with USB-C ports to facilitate faster and more efficient charging.
The newest models incorporate environmentally friendly materials.
The UE BOOM app has a Megaphone feature that enables users to project their voice using the speaker.
Possible misuse of the Megaphone feature in public areas.

USB-C Upgrade

Ultimate Ears (UE) has enhanced its well-liked Boom outdoor speakers by equipping them with USB-C ports, improving the charging experience. This contemporary connector takes the place of the outdated Micro-USB, offering quicker charging times and increased convenience for users. The USB-C connector is recognized for its reversible design, simplifying the process of plugging it in, even in dim lighting.

Eco-Friendly Makeover

To minimize environmental impact, UE has used eco-friendly materials in the design of its latest Boom speakers. These materials consist of recycled plastics and sustainable fabrics, reflecting global trends in eco-friendly technology products. This strategy aims to attract environmentally aware consumers.

New Megaphone Feature

The new Megaphone feature in the UE BOOM app converts compatible speakers into voice amplifiers. By tapping a button in the app and speaking into their phone, users can project their voice through the speaker. While perfect for gatherings and outdoor events, this feature may also be misused in public areas, potentially causing disturbances.

Availability and Compatibility

The latest features are accessible on all speakers that are compatible with the UE BOOM app. This pertains to both current models via a software upgrade and newly launched speakers that have these features already installed.

Summary

Ultimate Ears has substantially upgraded their Boom series of durable outdoor speakers by integrating USB-C charging ports and utilizing sustainable materials. Furthermore, the addition of the Megaphone feature through the UE BOOM app offers a distinct method to amplify your voice, despite possible drawbacks in public environments.

Q&A Section

What is the primary benefit of transitioning to USB-C for UE Boom speakers?

The main benefit is quicker and more efficient charging, coupled with the ease of a reversible plug.

What sustainable materials are incorporated in the latest UE Boom speakers?

The latest models include recycled plastics and eco-friendly fabrics.

Q: Can you explain how the Megaphone feature functions?

Users have the option to enable the Megaphone feature by tapping a button within the UE BOOM app and speaking into their phone, after which their voice is broadcasted through the speaker.

Q: Are there any issues associated with the Megaphone feature?

A: Yes, there is a possibility of improper use in public areas, which might cause disruptions.

Q: Can the Megaphone feature be used on all UE Boom speakers?

The feature is accessible on all speakers compatible with the UE BOOM app, available via a software update for existing models and pre-installed on new ones.

Q: Is the USB-C upgrade available for previous versions of UE Boom speakers?

A: No, older models won’t get a hardware upgrade to USB-C, but they can still take advantage of software updates such as the Megaphone feature.

Question: In what ways does the shift towards sustainable materials correspond with contemporary trends?

The adoption of recycled and sustainable materials is in line with global trends favoring environmental sustainability and attracts eco-conscious consumers.

To stay informed about the latest tech products and innovations, check out TechBest.

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Hackers Infiltrate Microsoft: Customer Emails Exposed

Nicholas Webb on June 29, 2024

Microsoft Security Incident: User Emails Exposed

Quick Read

Russian hackers breached Microsoft’s systems and gained access to customer emails.
Microsoft revealed that the breach took place approximately six months ago.
The breach has resulted in heightened regulatory examination of Microsoft’s security measures.
A purported Chinese hacking group had earlier broken into Microsoft, aiming at emails from the US government.
Microsoft is actively informing impacted customers and distributing compromised emails.
The company is revamping its security procedures in response to the breaches.

Microsoft informs customers that hackers spied on emails

Summary of the Security Violation

Earlier this year, Russian hackers who breached Microsoft’s systems not only monitored employee inboxes but also exfiltrated emails from customers. This incident, revealed roughly six months after it first took place, has subjected Microsoft to heightened regulatory inspection.

Regulatory Scrutiny

The extensive nature of the breach has led regulators to worry about the safety of Microsoft’s software and systems in relation to foreign threats. This event comes after a different breach attributed to a purported Chinese hacking group last year, which resulted in the compromise of thousands of US government emails.

Information About the Breach

The Russian authorities have yet to address the hacking accusations, but Microsoft has reported that the hackers aimed at cybersecurity researchers examining the group’s actions. Microsoft has been alerting clients whose emails were breached by the Midnight Blizzard threat actor.

Customer Notifications

Microsoft is still providing updates on compromised emails to the affected customers. While it hasn’t revealed the total number of impacted customers or the amount of stolen emails, the company remains dedicated to maintaining transparency as the investigation goes on.

Ongoing Security Concerns

In January, Microsoft disclosed that Midnight Blizzard had infiltrated a minor portion of its corporate email accounts. Despite ongoing efforts to fortify its systems, the hackers persisted in their intrusion attempts, raising concerns among security experts and customers.

Microsoft’s Response

Due to the ongoing security violations, including the Chinese cyberattack from the previous year, there was a Congressional hearing in which Microsoft President Brad Smith announced that the company is revamping its security protocols to avert future breaches.

Summary

The latest breaches at Microsoft by hackers from Russia and China have revealed major weaknesses in the company’s security framework. As Microsoft undergoes regulatory investigation and strives to improve its security measures, impacted customers are being informed and provided with access to their affected emails. This incident highlights the escalating necessity for strong cybersecurity practices as the world becomes more digital.

Can you explain the details of the incident involving the Microsoft security breach?

Russian hackers breached Microsoft’s systems, gaining access to employee and customer emails. The incident was revealed approximately six months after it took place.

How many customers were impacted by the breach?

Microsoft has yet to reveal the specific number of customers affected or the amount of emails stolen, but they are in the process of informing those affected.

Q: Can you explain what Midnight Blizzard is?

The Russian hacking group known as Midnight Blizzard is behind the breach of Microsoft’s systems, leading to the compromise of customer emails.

Q: Has Microsoft responded to the breach in any way?

A: Yes, Microsoft is in the process of revamping its security procedures and has been informing impacted customers about the breached emails.

Q: What additional data breaches has Microsoft encountered lately?

Furthermore, an alleged Chinese hacking group infiltrated Microsoft last year, compromising thousands of US government emails, in addition to the Russian cyberattack.

Q: What effect has this breach had on Microsoft’s reputation?

The breach has subjected Microsoft to heightened regulatory examination and sparked concerns among its security peers and customers regarding the susceptibility of its systems.

The ATO to Obtain Daily Medicare Information for Improved Levy Exemption Monitoring

Nicholas Webb on June 28, 2024

Quick Read

The ATO will transition from receiving data biannually to daily data ingestion from Services Australia beginning next month.
The goal of the initiative is to speed up the processing of Medicare levy exemption claims.
This modification is a component of the “specified benefits and entitlements data-matching initiative” that was first introduced in 2016-17.
During the 2021-22 period, data-matching verified 99% of Medicare Exemption Statements (MES).
The ATO expects to handle approximately 180,000 MES checks each year.
Ingesting data on a daily basis will tackle inefficiencies arising from exemption claims made at various times during the financial year.

Transitioning to Daily Data Ingestion

Starting next month, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will change from receiving data from Services Australia twice a year to a daily basis. This move is intended to speed up the processing of returns involving claims for Medicare levy and surcharge exemptions. The data is vital for the ATO’s discrepancy detection models, which analysts use to confirm the validity of exemption claims.

Qualifications and Requests for Exemptions

Individuals who were not eligible for Medicare for the entire financial year may request an exemption from the Medicare levy, as stated on the Services Australia website. This exemption applies to certain citizens, permanent residents, New Zealanders, and specific visa holders, particularly those who have not applied for permanent residency or are not covered by Medicare under their country’s reciprocal healthcare agreement.

Benefits of Collecting Data Daily

An ATO representative informed TechBest that gathering data daily would enhance client services by allowing more prompt processing of Medicare levy exemption claims. The ATO originally introduced the “specified benefits and entitlements data-matching program” in the 2016-17 financial year. As an example, during the 2021-22 period, 133,151 individuals had an MES, with 99% being verified through data-matching.

Expected Growth in Data Volume

The ATO anticipates a significant increase in the number of checks to be conducted—approximately 180,000 each year—highlighting the growing importance of daily access to MES data. The projected data population has increased due to the rise in temporary residents and their awareness of their eligibility for an MES.

Enhancing Data Precision and Processing Efficiency

Modifying the discrepancy detection models to receive daily MES data will also address inefficiencies arising from exemption claims made at varying times during the financial year. For instance, a claim for the 2022-23 financial year can be submitted within the 2023-24 and 2024-25 financial years. The ATO has revised its collection process to enhance the timeliness of information for validation, consequently reducing the need to reach out to taxpayers.

Additional Data-Matching Initiatives by the ATO

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website identifies 26 active data-matching programs with different purposes, data ingestion intervals, data retention durations, data sources, and timeframes for the external records. For example, a recently renewed initiative focuses on landlords who fail to declare or underreport rental income and operates on a biannual basis. The majority of the ATO’s discrepancy detection systems involve data-sharing agreements with other government agencies, but some also include private sector collaborators such as Tyro Payments, Westpac, and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA).

Summary

The Australian Taxation Office’s initiative to transition to daily data collection from Services Australia intends to greatly improve the accuracy and efficiency of processing Medicare levy exemption claims. This adjustment is part of a larger strategy that includes various data-matching programs aimed at ensuring compliance and simplifying tax-related procedures.

Q&A

Why is the ATO transitioning to daily data ingestion?

The ATO seeks to enhance both the speed and precision of processing Medicare levy exemption claims by accessing more current information.

Who is eligible to request an exemption from the Medicare levy?

Individuals who are not eligible for Medicare for the entire financial year may include certain citizens, permanent residents, New Zealanders, and holders of specific visas.

How successful was the former twice-yearly system?

In the 2021-22 period, 99% of Medicare Exemption Statements (MES) were confirmed through biannual data-matching. Nonetheless, the anticipated implementation of daily data collection could improve efficiency even more.

Q: What is the expected annual number of MES checks that the ATO plans to process?

The ATO expects to handle approximately 180,000 MES checks annually.

What other data-matching programs are operated by the ATO?

The ATO runs 26 active data-matching programs that involve diverse use cases, ingestion frequencies, and third-party data providers. These programs target landlords who underreport their rental income and include collaborations with financial institutions to match credit and debit card data.

This article, styled like a magazine piece, offers a comprehensive examination of the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) new effort to shift from biannual to daily data intake from Services Australia. It features a Quick Read segment that highlights the main points for readers and adheres to search engine optimisation best practices, including suitable headings and well-organized content.

Aussie Broadband Review: Above Average Service With Occasional Connectivity Problems

Nicholas Webb on June 25, 2024

Comprehensive In-Depth Review of Aussie Broadband

Aussie Broadband: 4.0 / 5.0 Stars
Average Price: $100 – 300 Monthly

Introduction

Aussie Broadband is acclaimed within the Australian ISP market for its commitment to customer satisfaction and service quality. This extended review delves into customer experiences to offer a detailed evaluation of the provider’s services.

Aussie Broadband Pros and Cons

Pros:

Excellent Customer Service: “Exceptional customer service, always ready to help”.
Consistent and Reliable Service: “Reliable service with minimal disruptions”.
No Lock-In Contracts: Customers appreciate the flexibility to change plans or providers without penalties, enhancing customer satisfaction and convenience.
Transparent Pricing: Aussie Broadband is noted for its straightforward pricing with no hidden fees, which helps customers manage their budgets effectively.
Environmentally Conscious: The company has initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint, appealing to environmentally aware consumers.

Cons:

Higher Price Points: “Prices are higher than some other services, but you get what you pay for”.
Occasional Service Interruptions: “Experienced a few dropouts, though they were quickly addressed”.
Limited International Reach: Some users have reported slower speeds when accessing international content, which can be a drawback for users who frequently stream or download from overseas servers.
Installation Delays: A few customers have experienced delays in the initial setup, particularly in regions where infrastructure work is required.
Variability in Peak Performance: During peak hours, some customers have reported a noticeable drop in performance, which can be frustrating for users with high-demand usage patterns during these times.

Aussie Broadband History

Aussie Broadband began as a regional telecommunications project in 2008, emerging from the merger of Wideband Networks and Westvic Broadband, both established in the early 2000s. The company, known for its focus on customer service and technical excellence, quickly expanded beyond its regional roots. By the time the National Broadband Network (NBN) rolled out, Aussie Broadband was well-positioned to grow, becoming a major ISP nationally. It is praised for its transparent business practices and has received accolades for its services and workplace culture. The company went public in 2020, listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

Service Offerings

Aussie Broadband caters to a wide audience with a variety of NBN plans. Customers appreciate the transparent pricing and the absence of long-term contracts, which adds flexibility and control over their internet services. For instance, one customer highlighted, “The plan options are clear and fit well with what I need without any hidden costs”, reflecting the straightforward and customer-friendly approach of their service offerings.

Customer Service

Customer service at Aussie Broadband is frequently lauded for being prompt and effective. Reviews often cite experiences where issues were resolved quickly by knowledgeable and courteous staff. A notable customer comment: “Customer service was prompt and solved my issue on the first call”, underscores the provider’s strength in support and customer care.

Performance and Reliability

While Aussie Broadband is generally praised for its reliable service, some customers have noted occasional performance issues during peak times. However, the provider’s proactive approach in upgrading its network infrastructure in response to such feedback is well documented. “Generally good speeds but some evening slowdowns”, indicates typical user experiences.

User Experience

The process of setting up and managing Aussie Broadband services is often described as seamless. Customers find the installation process easy, supported by helpful guides and a responsive customer service team. “Setup was quick and easy with helpful guides from the support team”, exemplifies the positive user experience.

Value for Money

Though priced higher than some competitors, Aussie Broadband is perceived as providing good value due to the quality of its services and support. “It’s worth paying a bit more for reliable service and exceptional support”, suggests that many customers see the expense as justified by the benefits they receive.

Conclusion

Aussie Broadband stands out as a top choice for Australian consumers who value dependable internet service and outstanding customer support. The provider continues to invest in network improvements and customer service, ensuring a high level of satisfaction among its users.

Appendices and Additional Resources

For more detailed information on Aussie Broadband’s offerings, additional customer testimonials, and technical support insights, prospective customers can visit their official website or check other consumer review platforms.

Sennheiser 450bt Headphones Review: Good But Could Have Been Better

Nicholas Webb on May 24, 2024

Sennheiser 450bt Headphones deliver good sound quality, but aren’t comfortable enough as they lack spacious earcups for a wide audience. These noise-cancelling headphones do a good job of reducing ambient noise, but not as well as their big brother, the Sennheiser PXC 550-II.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

Sennheiser 450bt Headphones: $216 at Amazon.com.au →

VIEW AT AMAZON ►

Does The Job

Good ANC headphones can usually cost a lot, but the Sennheiser 450bt does the job for just $216. Battery life is good enough for many round trips, but with ANC it’s no easy task. Still, the 450bt is an affordable noise-cancelling headset. Let’s see if the price can tolerate its shortcomings.

PRO: Sound Quality & Battery Life

The Sennheiser 450bt Headphones offer great sound quality with a well-balanced bass production and a clear sound reproduction.
If you are a fan of road trips and traveling, the Sennheiser 450bt Headphones will be an excellent choice for you. The Sennheiser 450bt Headphones offer up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge.

PRO: Portable Design & Reliable Connection

With Bluetooth 5, the Sennheiser 450bt Headphones can seamlessly pair for a reliable wireless connection with your devices.
Portable design makes it easier to carry the headphones around.

CON: No Fast Charging & Poor Microphone

When the battery runs out, you can easily charge it using the included USB-C cable. But there is no fast charging, so it should take 2 hours to fully charge the headphones.
The build-in mic performance is sufficient for voice calls, but it may not meet the expectations of users who demand high sound quality for voice recording, online games, etc.

CON: Limited Controls & Uncomfortable Fit

Limited controls with only basic functions like play/pause and volume control available.
The oval earcups are ergonomically shaped, but average to above-average ears unfortunately seem to not sit comfortably. Some users report that the Sennheiser 450bt headphones are more on-ear than over-ear.

TECHBEST DEAL FINDER SUMMARY

Where to buy the Sennheiser 450bt Headphones in Australia

Overall, the Sennheiser HD 450BT are very impressive, especially in terms of sound. Its balanced profile should satisfy both audiophiles and bass hunters.

Battery life and connectivity are both great, and the ANC works reasonably well, but you’ll find that these headphones don’t completely block out all external noise.

If you are a gamer or a content creator and value comfort and mic quality you might want to look for alternatives but if you need a good pair for your travels the Sennheiser 450bt Headphones should be a solid choice with the exception of no fast charging.

BEST VALUE LINK

Please use the above link if you intend to make a purchase. You’ll get the lowest price, and help support our Australia-based staff of writers, editors, and photographers.

► $216 at Amazon.com.au – free 2-day delivery for Prime members

If you enjoyed reading our Sennheiser 450bt Headphones review, please consider sharing our content on your preferred social media platforms. TechBest provides the latest gadget reviews, deals, and news from our Australia editorial desk.

Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Review: A Performance-Focused Upgrade

Nicholas Webb on April 17, 2024

The Garmin Fenix 6, if not the best multisport smartwatch money can buy, offers performance and adventure tracking, offering GPS-based mapping for just about any outdoor activity imaginable. However, it has its drawbacks. It comes with a hefty price tag that puts most people off.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

SELECTED FOR YOU: The Best Wireless Earbuds For Runners In Australia 2023 ►

Garmin Fenix 6 Pro: $648 at Amazon.com.au →

VIEW AT AMAZON ►

Train Harder And Race Smarter

Garmin’s Fenix 6 series launch made me feel both excited and confused. Excited because of the sports features updates which makes the watches more impressive. On the other hand, confused because there are 19 new watches to choose from, with some of them not even including previous model features.

For simplicity’s sake, it’s best to think of the new Fenix 6 series Pro watches as successors to the Fenix 5 Plus series.

PRO: Design

Durability – The Fenix 6 Pro is built with a durable stainless steel bezel. This is a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, and a silicone or nylon strap that can withstand the toughest outdoor conditions.
GPS and Navigation – With GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems, the Fenix 6 Pro provides accurate location tracking and navigation. It also comes with preloaded topographic maps, ski maps, and golf course maps.

PRO: Features & Battery Life

Fitness and Health – The Fenix 6 Pro has a wide range of fitness tracking features. Heart rate monitoring, VO2 max, training load, recovery time, and sleep tracking are the main ones. It also has a Pulse Ox sensor for altitude acclimation and a Body Battery feature that tells you when to rest or when to push yourself.
Battery Life – The Fenix 6 Pro has an impressive battery life of up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, up to 10 hours in GPS mode with music, and up to 36 hours in GPS mode without music.

CON: Size & Price

Size and Weight: The Fenix 6 Pro is a bulky and heavy watch.
Price: The Fenix 6 Pro is one of the most expensive GPS smartwatches on the market.

CON: UI & Ecosystem

User Interface: The Fenix 6 Pro has a complex and overwhelming user interface.
Limited App Ecosystem: The Fenix 6 Pro runs on Garmin’s proprietary operating system, which has a limited number of third-party apps compared to other smartwatches.

TECHBEST DEAL FINDER SUMMARY

Where to buy the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro in Australia

Overall, the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro is a high-end GPS smartwatch that is designed for outdoor adventurers and fitness enthusiasts who demand the best features and durability. While it comes with a hefty price tag, its impressive battery life, accurate GPS and fitness tracking, and rugged design make it a worthwhile investment for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.

BEST VALUE LINK

Please use the above link if you intend to make a purchase. You’ll get the lowest price, and help support our Australia-based staff of writers, editors, and photographers.

► $648 at Amazon.com.au – free 2-day delivery for Prime members

If you enjoyed reading our Garmin Fenix 6 Pro review, please consider sharing our content on your preferred social media platforms. TechBest provides the latest gadget reviews, deals, and news from our Australia editorial desk.

JBL Live Pro 2 Earbuds Review: Great Value For Money

Nicholas Webb on June 23, 2023

The JBL Live Pro 2 is the next-gen of the previous JBL Live Pro+. It is overall a great upgrade but still suffers from some of the problems that hampered its predecessor.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

JBL Live Pro 2 Earbuds: $165 at Amazon.com.au →

VIEW AT AMAZON ►

Value-For-Money

The JBL Live Pro 2 are a great pair of true all-round wireless earbuds that offer great sound, a comfortable fit for all-day listening, and exceptional noise cancellation. At just $165, it’s great value. You’ll have to pay twice as much to beat the noise cancellation offered here.

PRO: Great Quality

ANC – The noise cancellation is particularly good, and it’s also highly adaptable, making it perfect for busy, noisy environments and travelling.
Sound quality – Powerful accurate audio for their price point. Great balanced performance across the whole range. Additionally, if you like bass you will sure love the JBL Live Pro 2 Earbuds.

PRO: Great Battery

Long Battery Life – JBL Live Pro 2 Earbuds offer 7 hours of continues playback with an additional 21 hours from the charging case.
Fast Charging – With just 10 minutes of charging you can enjoy 1 hour of playback.

CON: Missing Design Features

Limited Touch Controls – JBL Live Pro 2 Earbuds come with basic controls allowing you to control playback, activate and deactivate the ANC and answer calls. If you are looking for more advanced touch-controls these earbuds don’t have them.
No wireless charging capabilities. You will have to rely on a USB-C cable to charge your JBL Live Pro 2 Earbuds.

CON: Call Quality

Mediocre Call Quality – The build in microphone does not provide the best quality and calls can be muffled.

TECHBEST DEAL FINDER SUMMARY

Where to buy the JBL Live Pro 2 Earbuds in Australia

Audio quality is still strong, with as much bass as ever, noise cancellation works well, and better battery life puts the Live Pro 2 above most of its similarly priced rivals. Some rivals, such as the 1MORE EVO, offer the advantage of high-res codec support, but the complaint of limited touch control customisation carries over from the previous model.

But the JBL Live 2 Pro’s wealth of useful features, engaging and customisable sound, and effective ANC more than justify the asking price, making it an affordable alternative to Apple’s AirPods Pro. An excellent choice if that’s what you’re looking for.

BEST VALUE LINK

Please use the above link if you intend to make a purchase. You’ll get the lowest price, and help support our Australia-based staff of writers, editors, and photographers.

► $165 at Amazon.com.au – free 2-day delivery for Prime members

If you enjoyed reading our JBL Live Pro 2 Earbuds review, please consider sharing our content on your preferred social media platforms. TechBest provides the latest gadget reviews, deals, and news from our Australia editorial desk.

Beats Studio 3 Headphones Review: Great Headphones, Not The Best ANC & EQ

Nicholas Webb on June 22, 2023

While the ANC (Active Noise Canceling) market has been dominated by Bose and Sony, the Apple-owned Beats brand has a few good ANC headsets too. But is Beats Studio 3 one of them?

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

Beats Studio 3 Headphones: $379 at Amazon.com.au →

VIEW AT AMAZON ►

The flagship comes in many colours

Beats Studio 3 headphones are the best full-size wireless headphones from Beats and have been the brand’s flagship over-ear headphones since their launch in 2017.

The Beats Studio 3 Wireless are made from soft, matte plastic and soft ear cups. This makes them extremely comfortable. Additionally, they are not as much of a fingerprint magnets as you might think.

The Beats Studio 3 come in many colour options and their price ranges between $379 and $499 depending on the colour. They weight 260g and can be easily folded to take less space when you are traveling.

PRO: Technological Advancements and Battery

Quick and easy Bluetooth pairing – Beats Studio 3 have a smooth pairing process when it comes to Bluetooth connectivity. For the Apple lovers out there they also include Apple’s W1 chip which makes it seamless to connect to your Apple devices.
Quick charging capabilities – With just a 10 minute charge, you can enjoy approximately three hours of playback.
Battery – With the ANC enabled you can enjoy 22 hours of sessions whereas battery life extends to 40 hours with ANC disabled.

PRO: Design

Multiple color options, modern and visually appealing design, and comfortable fit.

CON: Not Competitive Enough

Alternative options at same price range offer better ANC capabilities.
Limited EQ customization and sound profile emphasizes bass. If you prefer balanced profiles this headset might not be for you.

CON: Price & Durability

Many people have been reporting headband cracking or the ear cups deteriorating over time. This raises build quality concerns.
Relatively high price compared to alternatives. Alternatives in the same price range might have superior qualities and more features.

TECHBEST DEAL FINDER SUMMARY

Where to buy the Bose Beats Studio 3 Headphones in Australia

If you don’t mind too much about EQ customization and bass focus you will love the Beats Studio 3. It looks great, it’s comfortable, it sounds great, and it has active noise cancellation to take the pressure off city life.

Add in long battery life and the Apple W1 chip, and you have a pair of headphones that are extremely portable, especially if you have an iPhone.

If ANC is something you really value, you might have to reconsider your options.
The best option for top ANC would be the Sony WH-1000XM5 but for a much higher price at $660. If your budget is limited and you prefer something closer to the price of Beats Studio 3 but with a very good ANC then Bose QC45 would be your best alternative for just $339.

BEST VALUE LINK

Please use the above link if you intend to make a purchase. You’ll get the lowest price, and help support our Australia-based staff of writers, editors, and photographers.

► $379 at Amazon.com.au – free 2-day delivery for Prime members

If you enjoyed reading our Beats Studio 3 Headphones review, please consider sharing our content on your preferred social media platforms. TechBest provides the latest gadget reviews, deals, and news from our Australia editorial desk.

Fitbit Versa 3 Review: Is It A Smartwatch Or A Fitness Tracker?

Nicholas Webb on June 20, 2023

With built-in GPS and a few design changes, the Fitbit Versa 3 is a great wearable. However, like previous models, and with a very limited range of productivity apps, it’s more of a fitness tracker than a smartwatch.

This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.

SELECTED FOR YOU: The Best Wireless Earbuds For Runners In Australia 2023 ►

Fitbit Versa 3: $284.50 at Amazon.com.au →

VIEW AT AMAZON ►

The verdict

Fitbit’s Versa lineup is at least, reliable. Fitbit has finally added integrated GPS that can track – in real time – the pace and distance of your walks, runs, bike rides or hikes if you choose to leave your phone at home. Although Fitbit has upgraded a few things, many features are locked behind the Fitbit Premium subscription plan which is disappointing.

Fitbit Versa 3 is available in 4 colours (Black, Green, Midnight/Soft Gold, Pink Clay/Soft Gold) ranging between 284.50 and $296 at the time of writing this review.

PRO: Health & Fitness Tracking, Smartwatch Features

Health and fitness tracking – Get valuable information regarding your health throughout the day. Fitbit Versa 3 offers a variety of tracking features such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, built-in GPS, SpO2 (oxygen saturation) monitoring, and activity tracking.
Smartwatch features – In addition to health & fitness tracking, Fitbit Versa 3 can also function as a smart watch. It accommodates things like receiving text and call notifications, control music and make payments using Fitbit Pay. It also allows for various other alerts though apps.
Built-in GPS – Versa 3 has integrated GPS that can track – in real time – the pace and distance of your walks, runs, bike rides or hikes if you choose to leave your phone at home. This is a great feature especially if you are an outdoorsy person.

PRO: Design Upgrades

Water proof – Fitbit Versa 3 is a great choice if you love swimming or water sports. It can resist water up to 50 meters so you don’t need to worry about it when taking a bath.
Battery – The Versa 3 offers very good battery that can last for up to 6 days.

CON: Limited apps and features

Limited ecosystem – While the Versa 3 offers a variety of app options, its ecosystem is not as extensive as its competitors Apple for example. This means you will find fewer options when looking for apps.
Limited features – many features are locked behind the Fitbit Premium subscription plan and it doesn’t support Spotify offline-play.

CON: Design Flaws

Poorly designed side button.
Integrated only with Alexa.
Performance lag – Laggy touch screen.

TECHBEST DEAL FINDER SUMMARY

Where to buy the Fitbit Versa 3 in Australia

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly fitness tracker – smartwatch hybrid, the Versa 3 is a good option. For $284.50 it offers a good variety of health & fitness trackers as well as smartwatch features. On the contrary, it lacks performance and app variety with a limited ecosystem.

For most people, this would be a better choice than the previous model, but costs $100 more.

If you are an Apple user, and / or love listening to your Spotify music offline, reconsider your choices. With just $50 more you could be getting an Apple Watch SE.

BEST VALUE LINK

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► $284.50 at Amazon.com.au – free 2-day delivery for Prime members

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