SecurityBrief Australia - Technology news for CISOs & cybersecurity decision-makers

About Owen

Owen McCarthy mugshot photo
Owen McCarthy
Reviewer
Owen McCarthy has had a long love affair with all things technical since the dawn of the computer age. A child of the 1960’s, he agrees with legendary author, Douglas Adams, that digital watches were a pretty neat idea. By the 1980’s Owen was learning how to code using C and by the turn of the century, he was teaching HTML to enthusiastic youngsters. These days, Owen can be found pestering editors for new technology to review on an annoyingly regular basis. In his spare time, he rides motorcycles of the three-wheeled variety, studies theology, aqua-jogs, and works hard to honour his late wife’s request to live a joy-filled life.

Stories by Owen - Page 7

R500

Hands-on Review: The Logitech R500 laser presentation remote

Mon, 17th Dec 2018
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gaming
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digital transformation
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digital entertainment
The Logitech R500, priced at USD $69, offers effortless control of presentations with a 20m range. Compatible with multiple OS, it enhances delivery.
Img 0089

Hands-on Review: Anki Vector is a step up in the world of AI

Fri, 14th Dec 2018
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gaming
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smart home
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digital entertainment
See how he responds if you annoy him. You can tell him if he's been a good or bad robot and see how he reacts.
Thinkstockphotos 621243196

A hands-on guide to Christmas shopping by Santa's IT elf

Wed, 5th Dec 2018
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digital signage
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displays
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gadgets
Santa's IT elf has your Christmas shopping covered with top tech recommendations from FutureFive. Discover the best sound, gaming, wearables, and more!.
Chromecast

Hands-on Review: The Google Chromecast

Wed, 28th Nov 2018
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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google
Google's Chromecast, packaged in eco-friendly cardboard, turns old TVs into smart ones for under USD $70, offering a Google-centric media experience.
G1 pro 24

Hands-on Review: Logitech G1 Pro Gaming Headphones and Mouse

Mon, 19th Nov 2018
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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cybersecurity
Logitech's G1 Pro gaming mouse and headphones impress with precise control and crystal-clear sound, ideal for the serious gamer seeking top-tier performance.
Norton core grey and gold with ports

Hands-on Review: Norton Core keeps home IoT secure

Mon, 29th Oct 2018
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gaming
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endpoint protection
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iot
Norton Core: the fashionable, cyber-safe addition to every home. Provides parental controls and internet security in one.
Corsair

Hands-on Review: Corsair Carbide Spec-06 Mid-Tower gaming case

Wed, 19th Sep 2018
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gaming
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semiconductors
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digital entertainment
Even if you totally suck as a gamer, your friends will be too distracted by the quality of your tower to notice.
More reviews

Plantronics adds five new products across the BackBeat FIT and BackBeat GO lines

Tue, 18th Sep 2018
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digital entertainment
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headphones
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fitness
Those of you who need your tunes whether you're working out or waiting for the next flight will be pricking your ears with interest right now.
Blackview

Hands-on Review: The Blackview A20 smartphone - a surprising entry-level phone

Thu, 6th Sep 2018
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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reviews
Blackview, a new brand for many, offers the affordable A20 Android-based phone with surprising features at just $49.
Omen

Hands-on Review: HP Omen X PC 900-070a - a gamer's dream

Mon, 27th Aug 2018
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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hp
True to form, HP have done their best to impress me with the quality of their build and the features packed into this behemoth.
Untitled

Hands-on Review: Plantronics BackBeat GO 605 headphones

Mon, 30th Jul 2018
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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headphones
Plantronics' BackBeat Go 605 headphones hit the sweet spot with perfect comfort, sound, and cost. These headphones excel from Eva Cassidy to The Beatles.
Lenovo

Hands-on Review: The Lenovo Carbon X1 - rugged with style

Mon, 23rd Jul 2018
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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lenovo
The Lenovo Carbon X1 is aimed at the business user. More than that, it could also provide a  student or photographer on the move with a very well-equipped unit.
Motorola 1

Hands-on Review: Motorola moto g6 play & moto e5: Mobiles with power and pizzazz

Thu, 19th Jul 2018
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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motorola
Motorola's moto g6 and moto e5 impress with user-friendly features, sharp displays, and strong performance, offering real competition in the Android market.
Fallback

Hands-on Review: Fujifilm X-H1 Digital Camera

Wed, 4th Jul 2018
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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fujifilm
The Fujifilm X-H1 camera is a game-changer, packed with features that will captivate both amateurs and pros alike.
Dell latitude

Hands-on Review: A side-by-side look at Dell's Latitude 3390 and 3590

Tue, 19th Jun 2018
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gaming
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network infrastructure
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digital entertainment
Make sure you have your checklist of requirements with you because Dell seems to have covered all the bases with their range.
Nano

Hands-on Review: Nanoleaf Light Panels and Nanoleaf Rhythm

Wed, 23rd May 2018
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gaming
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smart home
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digital entertainment
Nanoleaf's Light Panels and Rhythm accessory offer a stunning, customisable lighting experience that's sensitive to sound, perfect for setting the mood.
Ted

Hands-on Review: HP AMP 120, print, talk and play

Wed, 23rd May 2018
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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wireless networks
HP's AMP 120 printer combines printing, Bluetooth speaker, and phone charging into one compact device, proving itself versatile for home offices.
Ipad

Hands-on Review: Apple iPad 9.7”, part two

Tue, 8th May 2018
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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apple
The Apple iPad 9.7” shines with its new A10 Fusion chip and augmented reality capabilities, transforming education with iWork tools and innovative apps.
Apple 1

Hands-on Review: Apple iPad 9.7”, part one

Mon, 7th May 2018
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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apple
New iPad impresses with swift setup, crystal-clear display, and enhanced Apple Pencil, promising a high-tech leap.
Reviewers

Hands-on Review: HP EliteBook 840 G5 performs on every level

Tue, 24th Apr 2018
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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hp
This is the first Windows-based laptop that I have ever considered as an equal to the Mac for graphics capabilities.