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.

This week Gareth and Matthew look into the use of technology police and other emergency services use to help keep us safe. They are joined by David Elliott who has served in NSW parliament as Minister for Transport, Minister for Veterans, Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for Counter Terrorism, Minister for Corrections and Minister for Emergency Services between 2015 and 2023. Sources for the articles shown. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/nov/12/asio-accuses-chinese-hackers-of-seeking-access-to-australias-criticial-infrastructure

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/oct/11/is-london-in-the-grip-of-a-wave-its-not-so-simple

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/ministerial-media-releases/further-$268.2-million-responding-to-nsw-bushfire-inquiry-recommendations

https://www.itnews.com.au/news/nsw-lockdown-on-drone-use-around-prisons-515532

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/01/dutch-netherlands-police-birds-unauthorized-drones

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-17/khayat-brothers-jailed-over-failed-etihad-plane-bomb-plot/11805518

https://statescoop.com/new-gun-detection-system-uses-wi-fi-to-sense-concealed-weapons/ Matthew also looks into the issue mobile phone coverage and the safety and life threatening issues that have arisen since the 3G mobile phone shut down in November 2024

This week Matthew and Gareth look into using your technology to save you money rather than costing you money. There are websites and services to help you save money as well as checking your bills for ways to save money.

motormouth.com.au is both a website and app for you to find cheap petrol in your area, or anywhere in the country.

Energymadeeasy.gov.au is a free government to check for the cheapest energy prices for you based on your previous bills.

Finder.com.au a website with commercial agreements with a lot of businesses to help you find a range of different prices for services you need.

Productreview.com.au should be used in conjunction with all compare websites to check customer reviews on the companies you’re shown.

Ozbargain.com.au find cheap services and products not usually promoted by businesses in easy to find locations.

On this episode Matthew and Gareth take the time to explain in simple English, using real examples, USB advancements, Wifi changes, 2 Factor Authentication, Cloud systems like iCloud, Australian Free To Air changes affecting older TV's, VPN's and what major computer parts do.

Matthew explained the evolution of USB connectors, noting that USB-C is now widely used but can be confusing due to different standards like Thunderbolt 3, which allows faster data transfer and more power through the same connector. Gareth asked about using a USB-C cable with Apple devices, and Matthew clarified that while the iPhone Pro Max supports USB 3 speeds, other Apple devices use USB 2, making cables compatible but with varying speeds and power capabilities.

USB and Wi-Fi Technology Evolution Matthew explained the differences between USB cable versions, noting that USB 4 cables are backward compatible with USB 2 devices but offer faster speeds and more power. He advised Gareth to look for cables labeled USB 3 or USB 4 for compatibility with various devices. They also discussed the evolution of Wi-Fi standards, with Matthew explaining that different versions like 802.11b, 802.11a, and Wi-Fi 5 represent distinct technologies with varying capabilities. NBN Fiber and Wi-Fi Updates Matthew explained that most NBN connections can now support fiber-to-the-home, which would require changing the modem to achieve full speed benefits. He clarified that while higher Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 7 and 8 offer faster speeds, Wi-Fi 6 is sufficient for most home internet usage, as most users don't require the high speeds these newer standards provide. Matthew also discussed two-factor authentication, explaining that it adds an extra layer of security beyond just passwords and usernames.

Two-Factor Authentication Challenges Matthew and Gareth discussed two-factor authentication methods, highlighting the challenges and security implications. Matthew explained that while two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, it can be cumbersome, especially when switching devices or losing the primary device. Gareth raised concerns about the process of transferring authentication apps to new phones, emphasizing the need for careful setup or professional assistance. They agreed to address this topic in future sessions, and Gareth also planned to explore cloud-based data transfer options for new phones.

Cloud Storage and Digital TV Basics Matthew explained the basics of cloud storage, emphasizing that it involves using the internet to store data on websites like iCloud or Google Photos. He advised against relying solely on cloud storage and recommended backing up data on USB hard drives for control and security. Matthew also discussed the transition from MPEG-2 to MPEG-4 in digital TV broadcasting, noting that older TVs may struggle to receive certain channels, prompting the need for new TVs or set-top boxes. Finally, Matthew defined an IP address as an internet equivalent of a street address and explained how it can be used to track internet activity.

Understanding VPNs and Computer Components Matthew explained how VPNs can help hide a user's IP address and location, but noted that law enforcement can still track users through VPNs by accessing logs kept by VPN providers. He also discussed the Darknet and Tor browser, which can further obscure a user's online activities. The conversation concluded with Matthew providing a basic overview of computer components, explaining the roles of the CPU, RAM, and storage devices in a computer system.

Smartphone Evolution: From Bricks to Foldables

Gareth and Matthew discussed the history of smartphones. They explored the rapid technological advancements in smartphones over the past 20 years, highlighting the transition from basic models to foldable devices. Matthew explained the demise of Windows phones due to a lack of developer support compared to Android and Apple.

Smartphone Evolution and Preferences

Gareth and Matthew discussed the evolution of mobile phones, highlighting the advancements from basic models to modern smartphones with minimal physical buttons. They noted the dominance of Apple's iOS system and the saturation of the Android market. Matthew suggested that the choice of smartphone often depends on personal preference and familiarity with ecosystems. They also touched on the desire for smartphones to perform multiple functions beyond making calls, such as taking photos and playing games.

Phone Technology and Camera Quality

Matthew advised people to stick with their current phone brand if they are satisfied, whether it's Apple or Android, as switching can lead to changes in email programs and settings. He explained that larger phone screens are becoming more popular due to increased content viewing, such as watching movies and playing games. Matthew also discussed the evolution of phone cameras, noting that while smartphone cameras have improved significantly, they still cannot match the quality of dedicated cameras. He emphasized the importance of researching camera quality when considering a new phone.

Samsung Phone Network Ban Discussion

Matthew explained that Samsung phones from 2017, including the Galaxy J5, Galaxy A7, and Galaxy S7 Edge, will be blocked from using Optus and Telstra networks in November due to their inability to dial emergency numbers on Vodafone networks. He emphasized that affected users should have received text messages from their providers about replacing their phones. Matthew also discussed the limitations of mobile phone technology, noting that while each new generation offers increased speed, signal strength and distance have decreased, leading to spotty reception in some areas. He suggested that the federal government may need to build more towers to address these issues.

Affected mobiles can be found here.

SM-A720F

Galaxy A7 (2017)

SM-A520F

Galaxy A5 2017

SM-J120ZN

Galaxy J1 2016

SM-J320ZN

Galaxy J3 2016

SM-J530Y

Galaxy J5 (2017)

SM-N920I

Galaxy Note 5

SM-G920I

Galaxy S6

SM-G925I

Galaxy S6 edge

SM-G928I

Galaxy S6 Edge+

SM-G930F

Galaxy S7

SM-G935F

Galaxy S7 Edge

Apple vs Android Phone Features

Matthew and Gareth discussed the differences between Apple and Android phones, focusing on app installation and flexibility. Matthew explained that while Apple phones offer simplicity and security. Matthew advised against upgrading to iOS 26, citing ongoing issues, and recommended keeping older phones working as long as possible unless there are significant problems.

iOS Version Update Advice

Matthew advised Gareth to stick with iOS 18.7.1 for now, as the latest version, iOS 26, has not been fully tested and may have issues. He explained that Apple has changed its numbering system to appear more advanced than Android, which is currently on version 16. Gareth asked about the security implications of not updating to iOS 26, and Matthew clarified that while iOS 18 updates typically fix problems, iOS 26 introduces significant changes that may require multiple updates to address.

#nerdandnormal #mobilephone #android #ios

Gareth and Matthew discussed the end of Windows 10 support and upcoming computer sales.

Looking at CPUs, comparing AMD Ryzen and Intel models. The AMD Ryzen3 and Intel i3 models for basic computing needs.

There is a huge importance of entering a computer store with knowledge to navigate the technical language and avoid being sold products based on commission or profit.

If you can’t get a computer built by a local technician, try and avoid HP computers. Lenovo and Dell offers the best after sale support.

For a basic computer for email and internet use you should get an AMD Ryzen 3 or Intel i3 processor, 8 – 16 GB of RAM and at least 512 storage.

For gaming, an AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 with at least 32 GB of RAM at least 2TB SSD and an Nvidia Geforce RTX 50 series video card with at least 8GB of memory