Phil Tann
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prymal81.bsky.social
Phil Tann
@prymal81.bsky.social
Editor, device reviewer & general Geek for Ausdroid, Freelance Writer, Motorsport fan, Husband & Dad
imagematrix.tech/grapheneos-f...

I've been using @grapheneos.org for about a month now and haven't seen any significant issues with changing to a more secure OS.

It has, however, made me think about the apps I have installed on all my devices and reduced them.

#security #AOSP
GrapheneOS for Enhanced Security and Privacy on your Pixel - Image Matrix Tech
Say hello to GrapheneOS, a special version of Android designed from the ground up with security and privacy as its top priorities. It's developed by a
imagematrix.tech
August 5, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Sometimes when you start writing, it just flows. I really enjoyed writing this one and am really happy with how it finished up.

imagematrix.tech/matter-why-i...
Matter: Why it still Matters (and how far we’ve come) - Image Matrix Tech
In early 2022, as the smart home industry buzzed with anticipation, I spent some time and looked pretty closely at Matter – then still largely a
imagematrix.tech
June 15, 2025 at 8:47 AM
ASUS unveils ZenWiFi BD4 outdoor: Bringing Wi-Fi 7 to Australian backyards

ASUS this week announced the forthcoming availability of its ZenWiFi BD4 Outdoor, a rugged and powerful router designed to extend seamless Wi-Fi 7 connectivity to any outdoor environment. The new device aims to provide…
ASUS unveils ZenWiFi BD4 outdoor: Bringing Wi-Fi 7 to Australian backyards
ASUS this week announced the forthcoming availability of its ZenWiFi BD4 Outdoor, a rugged and powerful router designed to extend seamless Wi-Fi 7 connectivity to any outdoor environment. The new device aims to provide users with ultrafast, stable, and secure internet access for outdoor cameras, IoT devices, remote work setups on the patio, or streaming entertainment in any weather.
www.philtann.com
May 16, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Apple unleashes groundbreaking accessibility features coming this year!

Apple has just dropped some incredible news, announcing a powerful suite of accessibility features slated to arrive later this year. Prepare to be amazed by innovations designed to empower users in exciting new ways across the…
Apple unleashes groundbreaking accessibility features coming this year!
Apple has just dropped some incredible news, announcing a powerful suite of accessibility features slated to arrive later this year. Prepare to be amazed by innovations designed to empower users in exciting new ways across the entire Apple ecosystem! Leading the charge is the revolutionary Accessibility Nutrition Labels hitting the App Store! Finally, users will have detailed insights into an app's accessibility features…
www.philtann.com
May 14, 2025 at 5:30 AM
Protectli launches the Vault Pro VP2430: A networking powerhouse!

Protectli has just dropped a game-changer, the Vault Pro VP2430. Building on the solid foundation of the VP2410 and VP2420, this new device takes performance, thermal management, and networking capabilities to a whole new level.…
Protectli launches the Vault Pro VP2430: A networking powerhouse!
Protectli has just dropped a game-changer, the Vault Pro VP2430. Building on the solid foundation of the VP2410 and VP2420, this new device takes performance, thermal management, and networking capabilities to a whole new level. Remember how I supercharged my network with pfSense, as detailed in the article Build Your Own Router: pfSense Basic Install and Getting Online? Well, the VP2430 is here to amplify that experience.
www.philtann.com
May 9, 2025 at 8:36 AM
D-Link launches 4G+ LTE Wi-Fi 6 mobile hotspot

D-Link Australia has released its latest connectivity solution, the DWR-933M 4G+ LTE Cat6 Wi-Fi 6 Mobile Hotspot. This compact and powerful device allows users to maintain internet connectivity on the move by sharing fast 4G+ internet access with up…
D-Link launches 4G+ LTE Wi-Fi 6 mobile hotspot
D-Link Australia has released its latest connectivity solution, the DWR-933M 4G+ LTE Cat6 Wi-Fi 6 Mobile Hotspot. This compact and powerful device allows users to maintain internet connectivity on the move by sharing fast 4G+ internet access with up to 64 devices simultaneously. Designed for mobile professionals, travellers, and outdoor enthusiasts, the DWR-933M provides secure connectivity for devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
www.philtann.com
May 9, 2025 at 1:14 AM
Gemini now accessible to kids under 13 through Family Link

In a move aimed at expanding access to artificial intelligence for younger users while prioritising safety, Google has announced that its Gemini AI model will now be available to children under the age of 13 who have accounts managed…
Gemini now accessible to kids under 13 through Family Link
In a move aimed at expanding access to artificial intelligence for younger users while prioritising safety, Google has announced that its Gemini AI model will now be available to children under the age of 13 who have accounts managed through Family Link. This significant update, rolling out gradually, allows children to explore the capabilities of Gemini for various purposes, including homework assistance, creative writing, and general inquiries, all under the watchful eye of their parents.
www.philtann.com
May 9, 2025 at 12:55 AM
eero expands Wi-Fi 7 range in Australia with the launch of eero 7 and eero Pro 7

Amazon’s eero has unveiled two new additions to its Wi-Fi 7 lineup in Australia, introducing the eero 7 and eero Pro 7 to meet growing demand for faster and more reliable home internet. The new devices build on the…
eero expands Wi-Fi 7 range in Australia with the launch of eero 7 and eero Pro 7
Amazon’s eero has unveiled two new additions to its Wi-Fi 7 lineup in Australia, introducing the eero 7 and eero Pro 7 to meet growing demand for faster and more reliable home internet. The new devices build on the foundation laid by the flagship eero Max 7, delivering cutting-edge wireless performance powered by the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology and eero’s proprietary networking innovations.
www.philtann.com
May 6, 2025 at 12:50 PM
LASER launches revolutionary safe power banks

Long-standing Australian consumer electronics company LASER, a familiar name in homes across the nation for four decades, has announced the launch of its groundbreaking new range of power banks under its Chargecore sub-brand. This marks a significant…
LASER launches revolutionary safe power banks
Long-standing Australian consumer electronics company LASER, a familiar name in homes across the nation for four decades, has announced the launch of its groundbreaking new range of power banks under its Chargecore sub-brand. This marks a significant step forward in portable power solutions as it introduces Australia's first power banks featuring advanced LiFePO₄ (lithium iron phosphate) battery technology. The new "SafeCharge Max" range promises a safer, longer-lasting, and more environmentally conscious way to power today's demanding devices.
www.philtann.com
May 1, 2025 at 6:38 AM
Diablo IV Season 8: Belial’s Return

Blizzard Entertainment has officially launched Season 8 of Diablo IV, titled “Belial’s Return,” which became available globally on April 29, 2025. In this latest season, players are drawn into a dark, twisted narrative featuring Belial's return, the infamous…
Diablo IV Season 8: Belial’s Return
Blizzard Entertainment has officially launched Season 8 of Diablo IV, titled “Belial’s Return,” which became available globally on April 29, 2025. In this latest season, players are drawn into a dark, twisted narrative featuring Belial's return, the infamous Lord of Lies. Known for his cunning and manipulation, Belial brings a wave of deception to Sanctuary, setting the stage for a battle against monsters, but against misinformation and illusion itself.
www.philtann.com
April 30, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Google Wallet now available for kids phones

Google has announced that Google Wallet is now accessible for children using supported Android devices. It offers tap-to-pay functionality and digital pass storage under parental supervision. The update allows kids to securely use tap-to-pay in stores…
Google Wallet now available for kids phones
Google has announced that Google Wallet is now accessible for children using supported Android devices. It offers tap-to-pay functionality and digital pass storage under parental supervision. The update allows kids to securely use tap-to-pay in stores and store items such as event tickets, library cards, and gift cards in their Google Wallet. The rollout includes new safety features designed to give parents full control over their child’s Wallet experience through the Google Family Link app.
www.philtann.com
April 29, 2025 at 1:15 PM
YouTubers come and go at an alarming rate some days. You can tell those who are doing it for passion, and to share knowledge rather than just for the money.

If you like tech and aren't, I recommend following and subscribing to @jeffgeerling.com @raidowl.bsky.social @craftcomputing.bsky.social
April 25, 2025 at 5:15 AM
Diablo IV 2025 roadmap revealed: New bosses, features, and major updates ahead

Blizzard Entertainment has released its official 2025 roadmap for Diablo IV, setting the tone for a year of dark expansion under the banner “The Age of Hatred Persists.” With the looming threat of Belial, the Lord of…
Diablo IV 2025 roadmap revealed: New bosses, features, and major updates ahead
Blizzard Entertainment has released its official 2025 roadmap for Diablo IV, setting the tone for a year of dark expansion under the banner “The Age of Hatred Persists.” With the looming threat of Belial, the Lord of Lies, returning to Sanctuary, players can expect a year packed with fresh content, gameplay updates, and quality-of-life improvements leading into the game’s next major expansion in late 2026.
www.philtann.com
April 9, 2025 at 2:26 AM
Twitter’s alleged data breach: An overview

Recent reports indicate that X (formerly Twitter) has experienced a significant data breach, potentially involving the profiles of approximately 2.87 billion users. This incident, if confirmed, would represent one of the largest data exposures in social…
Twitter’s alleged data breach: An overview
Recent reports indicate that X (formerly Twitter) has experienced a significant data breach, potentially involving the profiles of approximately 2.87 billion users. This incident, if confirmed, would represent one of the largest data exposures in social media history. The breach reportedly encompasses around 400GB of data, including user IDs, screen names, profile descriptions, location settings, follower counts, and tweet timestamps. Notably, sensitive information such as email addresses and phone numbers are not included in the leaked dataset.
www.philtann.com
April 4, 2025 at 3:07 AM
Reposted by Phil Tann
One cost associated with producing networking gear are also MAC addresses. Luckily, they're not that expensive - $3375 for 16 million of them.

standards-support.ieee.org/hc/en-us/art...
MA-L Qty/Price
How many MAC addresses can I get when I buy a MAC Address Large (MA-L) and how much is it?   The MA-L is ~16 million addresses   Registration Fees Product Fees One Time Fees   Publ...
standards-support.ieee.org
April 1, 2025 at 11:39 AM
NETGEAR Unveils Orbi 870 series mesh system with Wi-Fi 7

NETGEAR has introduced the Orbi 870 Series Mesh System, the latest addition to its growing Wi-Fi 7 mesh networking solutions lineup. Designed to deliver ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and increased network capacity, the Orbi 870 supports…
NETGEAR Unveils Orbi 870 series mesh system with Wi-Fi 7
NETGEAR has introduced the Orbi 870 Series Mesh System, the latest addition to its growing Wi-Fi 7 mesh networking solutions lineup. Designed to deliver ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and increased network capacity, the Orbi 870 supports modern, high-demand smart homes with multiple connected devices. With tri-band Wi-Fi 7 speeds of up to 21 Gbps, the Orbi 870 ensures uninterrupted 4K and 8K streaming, high-speed gaming, and remote work without lag or congestion.
www.philtann.com
April 1, 2025 at 7:07 AM
D-Link attacks the multi-gigabit enterprise market with a cost effective solution

Last week, D-Link Australia has introduced the DMS-3130-30PS, a 30-port stackable multi-gigabit PoE++ Layer 3 switch designed to provide businesses with an affordable path to enhanced network performance. The switch…
D-Link attacks the multi-gigabit enterprise market with a cost effective solution
Last week, D-Link Australia has introduced the DMS-3130-30PS, a 30-port stackable multi-gigabit PoE++ Layer 3 switch designed to provide businesses with an affordable path to enhanced network performance. The switch bridges the gap between 1Gb and 10Gb infrastructures, allowing enterprises to upgrade their networks without the expense of a full 10Gb deployment. Graeme Reardon, Managing Director at D-Link Australia, highlighted the switch’s strategic balance between performance and cost-effectiveness.
www.philtann.com
March 28, 2025 at 11:25 AM
FUJIFILM Australia unveils GFX100RF: The lightest fixed-lens camera in the GFX system

FUJIFILM Australia has officially announced the launch of the FUJIFILM GFX100RF, the first fixed-lens digital camera in the renowned GFX System. Combining a 102MP large format sensor with an impressively…
FUJIFILM Australia unveils GFX100RF: The lightest fixed-lens camera in the GFX system
FUJIFILM Australia has officially announced the launch of the FUJIFILM GFX100RF, the first fixed-lens digital camera in the renowned GFX System. Combining a 102MP large format sensor with an impressively lightweight design, the GFX100RF weighs just 735g, making it the lightest model in the GFX lineup. This new camera is set to redefine high-quality photography by offering exceptional resolution, advanced autofocus, and innovative design features, all within a compact, travel-friendly body.
www.philtann.com
March 24, 2025 at 2:03 AM
Plex Announces Major Changes: Remote Streaming Now Requires Subscription, ‘Watch Together’ Phased Out

Plex has announced significant updates to its media streaming service, affecting how users access their personal media libraries and interact with key features. The changes, set to take effect on…
Plex Announces Major Changes: Remote Streaming Now Requires Subscription, ‘Watch Together’ Phased Out
Plex has announced significant updates to its media streaming service, affecting how users access their personal media libraries and interact with key features. The changes, set to take effect on April 29, 2025, include requiring a subscription for remote streaming and discontinuing the ‘Watch Together’ feature on most devices. Previously free for all users, remote access to a personal Plex Media Server from outside a home network will now require a paid subscription.
www.philtann.com
March 21, 2025 at 6:19 AM
Razer unveils the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini White Edition – A compact powerhouse for gamers

Razer has introduced the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini White Edition, a sleek and high-performance gaming keyboard designed for esports professionals and enthusiasts. Featuring Razer's Analog Optical Switches Gen-2, the…
Razer unveils the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini White Edition – A compact powerhouse for gamers
Razer has introduced the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini White Edition, a sleek and high-performance gaming keyboard designed for esports professionals and enthusiasts. Featuring Razer's Analog Optical Switches Gen-2, the keyboard offers lightning-fast actuation and astounding precision, setting a new benchmark for gaming peripherals. The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini White Edition includes quick onboard adjustment modes, allowing gamers to fine-tune actuation points and enable Rapid Trigger Mode on the fly.
www.philtann.com
March 20, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Razer and World partner to combat AI bots in gaming

As AI technology continues to shape the gaming landscape, Razer and World have announced a strategic partnership aimed at ensuring fair play by verifying human players. The collaboration introduces ‘Razer ID verified by World ID’, a secure…
Razer and World partner to combat AI bots in gaming
As AI technology continues to shape the gaming landscape, Razer and World have announced a strategic partnership aimed at ensuring fair play by verifying human players. The collaboration introduces ‘Razer ID verified by World ID’, a secure authentication system that distinguishes real gamers from AI bots, enhancing trust and security across digital gaming platforms. The integration of World ID, a digital proof-of-human technology co-founded by Sam Altman and Alex Blania, will provide Razer ID users with an extra layer of verification, preserving privacy while confirming their authenticity.
www.philtann.com
March 18, 2025 at 4:02 AM
An unexpected ED trip with Alex

So the last few days have been tough! I got home Saturday morning to Jo telling me Alex wasn't well. He then emerged from the bathroom looking a bit washed out, curled up on the couch and went to sleep at about 9 am. A bit of motherly investigation concluded he's…
An unexpected ED trip with Alex
So the last few days have been tough! I got home Saturday morning to Jo telling me Alex wasn't well. He then emerged from the bathroom looking a bit washed out, curled up on the couch and went to sleep at about 9 am. A bit of motherly investigation concluded he's got an ear infection on the cochlear side, which really isn't good...
www.philtann.com
March 10, 2025 at 10:41 AM
March of the goblins returns to Diablo IV

Diablo IV is set to ignite a frenzy of loot-hunting with the return of the "March of the Goblins" event, but this time, with a significant and permanent expansion to the game's creature roster. From March 4th to March 11th, players will experience a…
March of the goblins returns to Diablo IV
Diablo IV is set to ignite a frenzy of loot-hunting with the return of the "March of the Goblins" event, but this time, with a significant and permanent expansion to the game's creature roster. From March 4th to March 11th, players will experience a dramatic surge in Treasure Goblin encounters throughout Sanctuary, providing ample opportunities to amass wealth and powerful items.
www.philtann.com
March 2, 2025 at 2:02 PM
The Razer Blade 18 (2025) is here and it’s a beast

Razer has officially unveiled its most powerful gaming laptop yet, the Razer Blade 18 (2025), now available for pre-order alongside the newly redesigned Blade 16. Designed to deliver desktop-level performance in a portable package, the Blade 18…
The Razer Blade 18 (2025) is here and it’s a beast
Razer has officially unveiled its most powerful gaming laptop yet, the Razer Blade 18 (2025), now available for pre-order alongside the newly redesigned Blade 16. Designed to deliver desktop-level performance in a portable package, the Blade 18 sets a new benchmark in gaming and content creation with cutting-edge technology, superior display options, and advanced cooling solutions. The Razer Blade 18 boasts the world’s first 18-inch dual-mode display, allowing users to seamlessly switch between UHD+ 240Hz for ultra-detailed visuals and FHD+ 440Hz for maximum speed.
www.philtann.com
February 25, 2025 at 3:38 PM