Name: Sonictrek Quietmix ANC Headphones
Brand: Sonictrek
Price: 199.99 aud

Services Australia Announces New Access to Veterans’ Services via myGov App

David Leane on June 28, 2024

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!

Veteran Services Now Available on the myGov App, Announces Services Australia

Services Australia has recently enhanced the myGov app to include veteran services, thanks to a substantial funding increase in the federal budget. This addition aims to provide veterans with a more streamlined and efficient way to access crucial services.

Improved Digital Access for Veterans

In collaboration with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), around 300,000 former military personnel can now access their veteran cards digitally via myGov’s digital wallet. These cards enable access to funded treatments for medical and mental health conditions, injuries, and other support services.

Comprehensive Service Management

The integration includes more than just digital wallets. DVA’s MyService platform, enabling veterans to apply for and manage pensions as well as submit health claims, is now accessible through myGov. This consolidated platform ensures veterans can manage all their service needs in one place.

Simplified Digital Wallet

Veteran cards—both white and gold—will be displayed alongside other essential services such as Medicare, Centrelink, and international COVID-19 vaccination certificates within the myGov app. This integrated approach simplifies the access and management of various government services.

Official Statements and Funding Details

During a recent doorstop interview, Minister for Veteran Affairs Matt Keogh described the integration as a “significant change” and noted that 250,000 veteran cardholders have already linked MyService to myGov.

The recent federal budget has allocated $580 million over four years for maintaining and developing myGov, which translates to about $145 million annually. This funding aims to provide ongoing stability and development for a key component of national service delivery infrastructure.

National Digital ID Initiative

Additionally, $288.1 million has been allocated for the rollout of a national digital ID. Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten highlighted the progress made recently but did not provide a specific timeline for when digital IDs would be integrated into myGov.

Summary

The recent updates to the myGov app mark a major advancement in providing streamlined digital services for veterans. The integration of veteran services into the app, supported by substantial federal funding, aims to simplify access to vital healthcare and pension management for former military personnel. Future developments may include the addition of a national digital ID, further increasing the app’s utility.

Q&A Session

1. What is the purpose of integrating veteran services into myGov?

The integration aims to provide veterans with easier and more efficient access to essential services such as healthcare, pension management, and support for injuries and mental health conditions.

2. How many veterans will benefit from this integration?

Approximately 300,000 former military personnel stand to benefit from this integration.

3. What services are available through the new integration?

Veterans can access their veteran cards digitally through myGov’s digital wallet and use DVA’s MyService platform to apply for and manage pensions and submit health claims.

4. How does this integration simplify service access for veterans?

By consolidating multiple services into a single platform, veterans can manage their healthcare and pension needs more efficiently without needing to navigate multiple websites or applications.

5. What other services are available through the myGov app?

Besides veteran services, myGov also provides access to Medicare, Centrelink, and international COVID-19 vaccination certificates.

6. What is the significance of the $580 million funding?

This funding ensures ongoing development and maintenance of the myGov platform, ensuring it remains a stable and essential element of national service delivery infrastructure.

7. What is the national digital ID initiative?

The national digital ID initiative aims to create a unified digital identity system that simplifies access to various government services. A funding of $288.1 million has been allocated for this rollout.

8. When will the national digital ID be integrated into myGov?

While significant progress has been made, there is currently no specific timeline for when the national digital ID will be integrated into myGov.

For more information on these updates and other tech news, visit [TechBest](https://techbest.com.au).

Sonictrek Quietmix ANC Headphones Review – Solid Noise Canceling At Half The Price Of Bose

David Leane on June 20, 2024

Where value is concerned, Sonictrek offer a best in class experience at half the price of competent competitors. The latest Quietmix model includes added battery life, comfort, and – of course – outstanding active noise canceling tech that eliminates sounds whilst enjoying your favourite content. That’s why Sonictrek earn our Editor’s Choice in value over ear ANC.

Sonictrek Quietmix Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones: $199.99 at Mifo.com.au →

Also found for $249.99 at Sonictrek.com.au

VIEW AT MIFO ►

Introduction

The Sonictrek QuietMix headphones are designed for audio enthusiasts looking for quality noise cancellation without the premium price tag. Competing with brands like Bose and Sony, these headphones aim to deliver superior sound and noise-cancelling capabilities.

Design and Build Quality

Constructed with a mix of high-quality plastics and metals, the headphones boast durability and a sleek look. They feature plush ear pads designed for extended wear, providing comfort even during long listening sessions. While available in limited colors, their design is modern and appealing to a broad audience.

Active Noise Cancellation Technology

The Sonictrek QuietMix utilizes SmartQ noise cancellation technology to significantly reduce ambient noise. This feature allows for an immersive listening experience, particularly in noisy environments like airplanes or busy offices. Comparatively, they perform well against other headphones in the same price range, though some high-end models may offer more advanced noise cancellation.

Sound Quality

These headphones offer a balanced sound profile, with clear highs, detailed mids, and robust bass. They handle a variety of music genres well, making them versatile for different listeners’ tastes. The sound quality is comparable to more expensive models, providing a rich auditory experience.

Battery Life and Charging

With up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge with active noise cancellation enabled, the QuietMix headphones are ideal for long flights or commutes. They support fast charging, offering several hours of playtime after just a few minutes of charging, which is convenient for travelers.

Connectivity and Controls

Bluetooth connectivity is robust, with a stable connection up to 30 feet from the paired device. The on-headphone controls are intuitive, allowing for easy management of volume, tracks, and calls without needing to reach for your device. Compatibility is broad, supporting a wide range of smartphones, tablets, and computers.

User Experience

Feedback from users is generally positive, with many appreciating the combination of effective noise cancellation, sound quality, and affordability. Some users have noted the bulkiness of the headphones as a downside, but this is often overlooked due to the headphones’ overall performance and comfort.

Value Proposition

When compared to high-end models, the QuietMix headphones offer a compelling value. They deliver many of the same features and quality as more expensive headphones at a fraction of the price. This makes them an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers who do not want to compromise on quality.

Conclusion

The Sonictrek QuietMix headphones are recommended for anyone looking for effective noise cancellation and high-quality audio without breaking the bank. They are particularly suited for travelers and office workers who can benefit from their noise-cancelling capabilities.

FAQs

How does the noise cancellation compare to Bose or Sony?
- While not as advanced as the leading models from Bose or Sony, the QuietMix’s noise cancellation is highly effective for the price.
Can the headphones be used without battery power?
- Yes, they can still function without battery power, but active noise cancellation and Bluetooth connectivity require battery power.
Are they suitable for making calls?
- Yes, they come equipped with a built-in microphone that allows for clear call quality.

VIEW AT MIFO ►

Garmin Forerunner 245 GPS Running Watch Review: Designed for Life and Style

David Leane on February 24, 2023

The Garmin Forerunner 245 GPS Running Watch is a feature-packed GPS running watch designed for runners. This allows the users to track their performance and improve their training and so much more. We’ll dive into the various aspects of this running watch to help you decide if it’s the right watch for you.

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

Garmin Forerunner 245 GPS Running Watch, Black: $599.85 at Amazon.com.au →

VIEW AT AMAZON ►

Garmin Forerunner 245 GPS Running Watch Review — The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music, GPS running watch has a sleek and stylish design, with a circular watch face and a comfortable silicone strap

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music, GPS Running Watch: Design and Features

This smartwatch by Gamin has a sleek and stylish design, with a circular watch face and a comfortable silicone strap. The watch is lightweight and doesn’t feel bulky on the wrist, making it ideal for long runs. The display on the watch is easy to read, even in the sun’s brightness, as well as being water-resistant up to 50 meters. The Garmin Forerunner 245 comes with a range of features designed to help runners track and improve their performance. This watch includes built-in GPS, which accurately tracks distance, pace, and location. The watch also comes with a wrist-bassed heart rate monitor. The Garmin Forerunner 245 can store up to 500 songs and connects to Bluetooth headphones while supporting Spotify.

Connectivity and Battery Life:

The Garmin Forerunner 245 offers a range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ANT+. The connectivity options allow the user to connect to sensors and other devices. While having the watch connected to your smartphone you will be able to receive notifications including texts, emails, and more. The Gamin Forerunner has a battery life of up to 7 days in the smartwatch mode and up to 6 hours in GPS mode with music. While this isn’t the longest battery life on the market, it’s still sufficient for most runners’ needs.

PRO: Features

Battery Life: Up to 7 days in smartwatch mode.
Tracking: This watch can accurately track the distance, pace and location.
Wrist-based Heart Rate Monitor: This monitor provides accurate heart rate data.

PRO: Connectivity

Notifications: You can get smartphone notifications on the watch.
Spotify: Spotify is one of the supported music streaming services.
Storing Music: This smartwatch allows the user to download up to 500 songs.

CON: Price

Price: The price of the watch is high but it comes with lots of features that other watches don’t have.
Battery: Only 6 hours with GPS and music running.
Basic Screen: The screen that is on the watch is just a classic LCD screen.

TECHBEST DEAL FINDER SUMMARY

Where to buy the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music, GPS Running Watch in Australia

Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music, GPS Running Watch is an excellent choice for runners who want a feature-packed watch. While it’s not the cheapest running watch on the market, it’s accurate tracking, music storage, and connectivity features make it a great investment for serious runners who want to improve their training and performance.

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.

► $599.85 at Amazon.com.au – free 2-day delivery for Prime members

If you enjoyed reading our product 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.

Bose Smart Soundbar 700 Review: Premium Sound Quality with Built-in Alexa Voice Control

David Leane on February 20, 2023

Even being a little pricey, the Bose Smart Soundbar 700 still beats the competitors. This soundbar has a sleek and stylish look that delivers an exceptional audio performance with advanced features. As well as compatible with just about any tv, laptop, tablet or smartphone, this soundbar is user-friendly.

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

Bose Smart Soundbar 700: $854.05 at Amazon.com.au →

VIEW AT AMAZON ►

The Bose Smart Soundbar 700 has a slim and elegant design, featuring a tempered glass top and a metal grille.

Bose Smart Soundbar 700 Review: Design and Sound Quality

The Bose Smart Soundbar 700 has a sleek design that has a length of 0.97 Meters, making it suitable for most TV setups. The design features a tempered glass top and a metal grill that covers the front and sides of the soundbar, making the soundbar feel sturdy and well-constructed. This soundbar delivers exceptional audio performance, with a clear and balanced sound. The soundbar features a custom eight-microphone array that picks up voice commands accurately in noisy environments. It also supports Dolby Digital and DTS sound formats to ensure the consumer has an immersive audio performance.

Advanced Features and Connectivity

The Bose Smart Soundbar 700 is equipped with advanced smart features making it easy to use and control. Bose had an app called “Bose Music” that allows the user to control the soundbar and access a range of features within the app. The soundbar paired with the app allows the user to have personalized presets and the ability to connect to multiple devices at once. Bose includes a universal remote to control your TV and other devices, eliminating the need for multiple remotes. This sound bar offers a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, optical audio input, and Ethernet. It also supports voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

PRO: User-Friendly

Easy setup: This is a plug-and-go device
Wide range of connectivity: Having such a wide range of connectivity the user won’t have a problem connecting to the device
Includes voice assistants: The device uses Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

PRO: Features

Eight-microphone array: This allows the device to accurately pick up on voice commands in a noisy environment
App controlled: Bose has a mobile app that allows users to use this soundbar and create presets and completely controls the soundbar using the app
Standard warranty: Bose includes a 1-year warranty

CON: Pricey

Lacking sub-bass
Heavy: This product weighs in at 4.76 kg
Relatively pricey

Bose Smart Soundbar 700 Review: Very user-friendly and easy to use

TECHBEST DEAL FINDER SUMMARY

Where to buy the Bose Smart Soundbar 700 in Australia

Overall, the Bose Smart Soundbar 700 is an excellent choice for those looking for a premium soundbar that delivers a great audio performance and comes packed with advanced features. While the soundbar is a bit pricey the soundbar’s build quality, design, and smart features make it worth the investment for tech enthusiasts alike.

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.

► $854.05 at Amazon.com.au – free 2-day delivery for Prime members

If you enjoyed reading our Bose Smart Soundbar 700 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 Flip 6 Review: Bigger Sound, Longer Battery, Similar Design Flaws

David Leane on November 21, 2022

The latest addition to JBL’s iconic Flip speaker series include a number of enhancements that increase enjoyability of the product. Unfortunately, some lingering design flaws from older models (and a few new ones) hamper an otherwise excellent waterproof Bluetooth speaker.

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

JBL Flip 6 Review: $169.00 at Amazon.com.au →

VIEW AT AMAZON ►

The Flip 6 adds fun to the party, but also frustration

If you can put up with minor design flaws, the Flip 6 may be the speaker for you. While expensive, the Flip will do the job for parties or social gatherings.

PRO: JBL deliver a product that works straight out of the box

The Flip 6 turns on and pairs easily. Thankfully JBL have included multi-point Bluetooth and extended 13 hour battery life (9 hours real world use) in their latest model
Devices will need to be in pairing mode in order to find the Flip 6, but should not have issues after connecting
Up to 2 devices can connect simultaneously though only one device can transmit at a time

PRO: Big sound and bass for raucous parties

The sound profile of the Flip 6 is loud and distortion free and medium volume levels
Rumbling bass is a lot of fun, and using multiple speakers amplifies the effect
There may be some distortion when listening to podcasts, as bass can drown out vocals

CON: Odd design decisions lead to some annoyances

The Flip 6 has a cylindric shape, and rolls around too easily
Small rubberized feet are inbuilt, but ultimately ineffective in stabilising the wireless speaker
Fabric begins to fray around the edges, as the tapered design begins wearing down the material after several uses

JBL Flip 6 review Australia — The JBL Flip 6 rolls around too easily, and speaker fabric begins to wear around the edges after a just few uses

CON: Expensive for a Bluetooth speaker, there are be better values in Australia

Though the Flip 6 provides a good experience, it is expensive compared to competitor products
Bluetooth speakers have come down in price, and added new features such as power bank capabilities and smart speaker tech
Don’t expect all the bells and whistles from JBL on the Flip 6

TECHBEST DEAL FINDER SUMMARY

Where to buy the JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth speaker in Australia

The sixth installment of the Flip series Bluetooth speaker has powerful sound, and works well for a beach day or backyard barbecue. Australian buyers need be aware, some design flaws call into question durability. JBL are not an Australian company, and so support is handled overseas for Aussie customers. If you are ready to consider a nearly $200 price point for a wireless speaker, JBL may be a good choice.

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.

► $160.00 at Amazon.com.au – free 2-day delivery

If you enjoyed reading our JBL Flip 6 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.