This week Gareth and Matthew celebrate Christmas with you. They look at buying gaming presents for the young people or gamers in your family. Docking stations and power banks for presents. Details on what the rules are for power banks on Qantas and Jetstar can be found here, https://www.qantas.com/en-au/baggage/dangerous-goods/spare-batteries-and-powerbanks and Virgin flights can be found here, https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/travel-info/baggage/batteries/.

Sending letters to Santa with the help of Australia Post, https://auspost.com.au/about-us/supporting-communities/literacy-education/santa-mail and ringing Santa for free from any Pay Phone in Australia by dialing #464646 https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/call-santa-with-telstra-s-payphone--here-s-how-and-where-to-call

On the big night, you can track Santa's trip around the world with either Google https://santatracker.google.com/ or NORAD https://www.noradsanta.org/en/.

To find Christmas lights in your area you can check out https://www.christmaslightsearch.com.au/australia/.

We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year. We look forward to speaking to you again in 2026

Smart Homes, Wearables, AR Glasses, Smart Meters and EV Charges

Matthew and Gareth discussed the challenges of smart homes, including the complexity of setting up devices with different manufacturers and Wi-Fi settings. Matthew shared an experience of helping a customer with a completely smart home that was more complex than the owners could manage. They explored issues like the lack of instruction manuals, the reliance on Wi-Fi, and the potential for smart homes to become "dumb" during power outages. The conversation also touched on the need for multiple apps to control different aspects of a smart home and the limitations of unified smart home systems like Google Home.

Google Home Radio Playback Issues Matthew explained that Google Home devices have been experiencing issues with radio playback, where the system would stop working for a month before being partially fixed but now only plays for 30 minutes. He attributed this to Google's automated testing process, which relies on virtual computers rather than real-world testing, leading to untested updates that cause problems. Matthew emphasized that while smart home technology can be useful, he personally only has one smart device - a Kmart light globe - and advised that health-related wearables should always be discussed with a doctor before purchase, as medical software systems like Best Practice and Praxoft cannot directly use data from many wearables.

AR Glasses Capabilities and Concerns Matthew explained the capabilities of AR glasses, including their ability to display information in the user's field of view and record real-time video. He noted concerns about recording people without their knowledge and the potential for distraction while using the glasses. Gareth inquired about the glasses' ability to correct vision and their availability and cost in Australia. Matthew clarified that while some AR glasses can accommodate prescription lenses, they are not yet AI-enabled to automatically adjust for vision changes. He also mentioned that AR glasses are currently expensive but have a niche market of early adopters.

EVs, Smart Meters, and Charging Matthew and Gareth discussed smart meters, EV chargers, and electric vehicles. Matthew expressed skepticism about smart meters, citing potential cost increases and power company control. They explored the technical requirements and costs of EV chargers, with Matthew emphasizing the importance of charge speed. Matthew shared his preference for hybrid over fully electric vehicles due to range anxiety and charging convenience. Gareth mentioned Rolls-Royce's new electric car, which Matthew found unappealing due to its high price and charging limitations.

Matthew and Gareth discussed various security methods, including passwords, passkeys, and two-factor authentication. Matthew explained that while passwords are no longer sufficient, using a password manager can be risky due to potential security breaches. He advised against using passkeys, as they can be problematic if the device they are linked to is lost or damaged. Matthew also clarified that two-factor authentication is more secure than just a password, but it's important to choose the right method for each situation. Online Youth Protection Debate Gareth and Matthew discussed the challenges of protecting young people online, particularly in the context of social media and technology. They debated whether government intervention is necessary, with Matthew expressing skepticism about the role of schools and emphasizing the responsibility of parents in teaching digital literacy. Gareth highlighted the importance of digital literacy education in schools to protect youth online, while Matthew pointed out the difficulties in implementing effective age verification measures and the risks associated with sharing personal information. They also touched on the issue of bullying and its impact on young people, emphasizing the need for parental involvement and support. Government's Rushed Social Media Ban Matthew and Gareth discussed the social media ban implemented by the government, with Matthew expressing concerns about its rushed implementation and lack of proper planning. He argued that the ban could lead to security issues and hinder parents' and children's ability to learn about online safety. Gareth supported Matthew's position, emphasizing the need for a well-thought-out plan and the potential negative impact on businesses and users. They agreed that the ban, if implemented properly, could be beneficial, but currently, it is too far-reaching and lacks necessary infrastructure.