My Tech Opinion

Shayne Johnston and Phil Edwards bring you My Tech Opinion, a program that takes a longer look at whats happening in the world of tech. Each episode Shayne and Phil take a brief look at the latest in tech news and then take a deeper look into a technology based topic. They will be joined at times by experts in the field to give their view on whats happening in their world. Episodes will appear weekly!

en-us41 Episodes

Episodes (41)

My head is in the clouds - Cloud Computing.

On this episode of My Tech Opinion, Phil and Shayne talk about Cloud Computing and what is it, whats available and what are the some of the pro’s and cons with the technology.

They also chatted about:

Telstra rolls out 5G on the Gold Coast

Some say why when there are no handsets, it’s a catch 22. Why did the industry launch 4K TV’s then when there was no content.

Could Amazon buy Coles?

This has been bubbling away since March

NBN Doubles Revenue in latest figures.

https://www.itnews.com.au/news/nbn-co-doubles-revenue-to-almost-2bn-500339

Feature Topic: Cloud Computing

https://www.ibm.com/cloud/learn/what-is-cloud-computing

https://www.newgenapps.com/blog/top-10-cloud-computing-examples-and-uses

https://azure.microsoft.com/en-au/overview/what-is-cloud-computing/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing

https://au.pcmag.com/networking-communications-software-products/29902/feature/what-is-cloud-computing

Pros and Cons of Cloud Computing

https://www.lifewire.com/cloud-computing-explained-2373125

Australian sites impacted by AWS outtage in 2016

https://www.smh.com.au/technology/amazon-web-services-outage-causes-australian-website-chaos-20160605-gpc41p.html

Government Cloud Strategy

https://www.cio.com.au/article/632907/government-unveils-public-cloud-push/

Cloud Computing Market Share

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/27/microsoft-gains-cloud-market-share-in-q1-but-aws-still-dominates.html

Cloud Computing Services

https://www.cmswire.com/information-management/iaas-vs-paas-vs-saas-cloud-computing-architectures-compared/

en-usAugust 26, 2018

This is right in Worf's wheelhouse - Enterprise Security

On this episode of My Tech Opinion, Phil and Shayne talk about Enterprise Security and we are joined by our special guest Steve Simpson from ES2.

They also chatted about:

Google caving in to operate in China
Apple worth a trillion dollars
Jean Luc Picard Returns
Android 9 (Pie)

Feature Topic: Enterprise Security with Steve Simpson.

en-usAugust 22, 2018

This calls for another SIP! - IP Telephony

On this episode of My Tech Opinion, Phil and Shayne talk about IP Telephony and how far you can go to get your best setup.

They also chatted about:

Fairfax and Nine Merge.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-26/what-the-fairfax-and-nine-merger-means-for-you/10039236

Disney and Fox shareholders unanimously approve takeover.

https://variety.com/2018/biz/news/21st-century-fox-disney-merger-shareholder-vote-1202888023/

Facebook revenue down…. Shares drop 20 percent.

https://www.itnews.com.au/news/facebook-refutes-push-into-public-cloud-499112

Feature Topic: IP Telephony

WHAT IS VOIP?

https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-voip-3426730

Pros and cons of voip:

https://www.ooma.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-voip-services/

https://www.springcom.com.au/sip-capped-plans/

https://www.springcom.com.au/traditional-vs-hosted-pbx/

Hardware

Asterisk

https://www.asterisk.org/

What hardware do you need for Asterisk?

http://wiki.merionet.ru/asterisk-calculator/?lang=ENG

Raspberry PBX

http://www.raspberry-asterisk.org/

FXS/FXO - https://www.devicedeal.com.au/ip-phones-voip/ip-pbx/

WHAT IS FXS/FXO - https://www.3cx.com/pbx/fxs-fxo/

“Fixed telephony” https://www.aussiebroadband.com.au/residential/residential-phone/voip/

http://siptalk.com.au/plans.php

http://engin.com.au/phone/voip-plans

https://www.mynetfone.com.au/Residential/Home-Phone/Plans#Plans

Sip Software:

https://www.voipsupply.com/blog/voip-insider/free-sip-softphone-roundup/

Power Outtage:

https://www.nbnco.com.au/residential/learn/what-happens-in-a-power-blackout.html

en-usAugust 13, 2018

My heart rate rises when I hit the track - Fitness Trackers

On this episode of My Tech Opinion, Phil and Shayne talk about fitness trackers, whats available on the market and how accurate they are.

They also chat about:

Phil’s NBN is here (for real this time)

New Macbook Pro’s

https://www.apple.com/au/macbook-pro/

Microsoft Surface Go

https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/p/surface-go/8v9dp4lnknsz?activetab=pivot%3Aoverviewtab

Feature Topic: Fitness Trackers

Hardware

Fitbits
Mobile
Smart Watches
Ear Buds
Dedicated Monitors (Heart)

Smart Watch Comparison

https://www.techradar.com/au/news/wearables/best-smart-watches-what-s-the-best-wearable-tech-for-you-1154074

Fitness Trackers - CES 2018

https://www.self.com/story/fitness-tech-innovations-from-ces-2018

How accurate are fitness wearables?

https://nudgecoach.com/blog/how-accurate-are-wearable-fitness-trackers

en-usAugust 06, 2018

Its a Fortnite since my last Call Of Duty and I want to FarCry - Effects of gaming on people, especially kids.

On this episode of My Tech Opinion, Phil and Shayne talked about Video games and their impact on people, especially kids.

In other news….

Phil’s NBN - This could have it’s own segment
I’ve been looking into coding but still trying to pick the right language & then framework.
Hacking has become so common that news.com.au has given it it’s own category: https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/hacking

Feature Topic: Video Games & Their Effect on Kids

en-usJuly 27, 2018

I'm trying to crack the code for a crack at a career in coding. - Developer careers discussion with Developer Steve

On this episode of My Tech Opinion, Phil and Shayne welcomed Developer Steve to the show to talk all things software development and careers in the industry.

Developer Steve can be found here:

Twitter: @developersteve
Web: https://developersteve.com/
Insta: @developersteve

They also talked about the latest major data breach incidents that have hit the news:

en-usJuly 18, 2018

Excuse me doctor, I would like my realities augmented! - Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality.

On episode 15 of My Tech Opinion, Phil and Shayne talk about Augmented, Virtual and Mixed Reality technologies.

In the news:

Telstra 8000 Job Cuts & Company Split

https://www.businessinsider.com.au/telstra-to-cut-8000-jobs-in-massive-restructure-2018-6

Amazon Prime Is Here - Allows access to US site

https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2018/06/amazon-prime-is-finally-in-australia-heres-what-youll-get/

Feature Topic: Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_reality

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixed_reality

http://www.abc.net.au/news/about/backstory/digital/2018-05-22/making-ar-space-discovery/9786402

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IllumiRoom

en-usJuly 08, 2018

DON'T CROSS THE STREAMS!!! - Online streaming/broadcasting

Episode 14 - Live Streaming/Broadcasting

On this episode, Phil and Shayne talk online live streaming/broadcasting.

AT&T Get the OK to buy Time Warner.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-12/at-t-cleared-by-judge-to-buy-time-warner-create-media-giant

Feature Topic.

What is Live Streaming?

According to Wikipedia, Live streaming refers to online streaming media simultaneously recorded and broadcast in real time to the viewer. It is often simply referred to as streaming.

Platforms

YouTube Live
FaceBook Live
TWICH
Daily Motion

Restreaming Services

Restream.io

Software

vMix
Wirecast
XSplit
Open Broadcaster Software (OBS)
DaCast

Purposes:

Podcasting
Radio
Sports
Church
Weddings

Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_streaming

https://www.epiphan.com/blog/streaming-upload-bandwidth/

https://restream.io/about?ref=header

en-usJune 24, 2018

Unpacking the best shopping tips to deliver to you! - Online Shopping

On this episode of My Tech Opinion, Phil and Shayne talk about Online shopping and what are some of your options in and outside of Australia.

NEWS:

Amazon will block Australian users from its US site.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/money/finance-news/2018/05/31/amazon-us-australia-gst/
What is the driver for this change:
https://www.ato.gov.au/General/New-legislation/In-detail/Indirect-taxes/GST/GST-on-low-value-imported-goods/
Information for consumers:
https://www.ato.gov.au/Business/International-tax-for-business/GST-on-low-value-imported-goods/Information-for-consumers/

FEATURE TOPIC - Online Shopping

Links of Note:
https://www.business.gov.au/info/run/finance-and-accounting/payments-and-invoicing/choosing-payment-methods

https://www.xero.com/au/resources/small-business-guides/invoicing/online-payment-services-get-you-paid-faster/

https://stripe.com/au

https://www.paypal.com/au/home

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/managing-your-money/banking/different-ways-to-pay

https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/online-shopping/shopping-online

https://shopmate.auspost.com.au/

https://www.alibaba.com/

http://australia.alibaba.com/index.html

https://shopmate.auspost.com.au/our-rates/customs-duties-and-taxes
https://www.choice.com.au/shopping/online-shopping/buying-online/articles/shopmate-and-us-freight-forwarding-services

My Tech Opinion

en-usJune 07, 2018

Podcasting killed the radio star! - Podcasting

On this episode of My Tech Opinion, Phil and Shayne are joined by Daniel Olivares from OzPodcasts.com.au to talk podcasting.

General Discussion

A Telstra representative made a warning about using “cheap sim cards” and Shayne, Daniel and Phil tried to put the discussion in some context and unpack it a little.

https://www.itnews.com.au/news/telstra-warns-users-off-cheap-sims-491236

Feature Topic

This weeks feature topic is Podcasting.

What do you need to podcast, how do you publish it and how do you promote it?

Online course on podcasting:

https://podschool.com.au/

Equipment:

https://www.omnicoreagency.com/best-podcast-equipment/

Hosting:

www.whooshkaa.com

https://www.stitcher.com/

https://www.libsyn.com/

Getting out there:

https://itunesconnect.apple.com/login

Facebook Groups (Australian based)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/australianpodcasters/

Directories:

www.ozpodcasts.com.au

en-usMay 30, 2018

Top Tech Travel Tips Told Totally To Travel Types! - Travelling with Technology

On this episode, Phil and Shayne talk about travelling with technology and some of the apps, tools and tips you should consider when heading overseas with your devices.

News:

We talked about Telstra's cable woes with emergency services.

https://www.itnews.com.au/news/telstra-fibre-cut-blamed-on-lightning-strike-490272

Feature Topic

Travel Tips!

Links:

https://www.finder.com.au/global-roaming

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/491-best-travel-apps.html#s2

http://travelinsider.qantas.com.au/travel-tips/must-have-travel-gadgets

https://www.smartertravel.com/2017/06/19/best-travel-gadgets/

https://www.itnews.com.au/news/telstra-fibre-cut-blamed-on-lightning-strike-490272

en-usMay 23, 2018

All your network belong to us! - Home Network Security

Welcome to Episode 10 of My Tech Opinion. This week Phil and Shayne have a look at Home Network Security and some of the things you should look out for or implement.

News:

Credit Card Companies are teaming up against PayPal

https://www.engadget.com/2018/04/20/visa-mastercard-checkout-paypal/

A hardware exploit has been found in the Nintendo Switch and it cant be fixed.

https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/23/unstoppable-exploit-in-nintendo-switch-opens-door-to-homebrew-and-piracy/

Feature Topic: Home Network Security

https://www.lifewire.com/wireless-home-network-security-tips-818355

https://www.csoonline.com/article/3159629/security/6-tips-to-protect-your-home-network.html#slide7

http://dodcio.defense.gov/Portals/0/Documents/Cyber/Slicksheet_BestPracticesForKeepingYourHomeNetworkSecure_Web_update.pdf

en-usMay 15, 2018

Are my parts private? - Social Media Privacy

On this episode, Shayne and Phil look at social media privacy and what settings you should update to maintain your privacy.

NEWS

Facebook CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg fronts US Congress

https://www.theage.com.au/technology/zuckerbergs-testimony-is-over-but-scrutiny-is-just-ramping-up-20180413-p4z9h2.html

Following up from our last episode, NBN have updated their roll out plan with HFC connections and more FTTC.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-19/nbn-lottery-did-you-win-and-get-fttc/9674884?section=technology

Amazon announce an expansion to their Echo product lines for AUS/NZ

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B079HLZQ95/ref=pc_gw_ech_rk_anc__h1?pf_rd_p=e6f31b34-083a-4a65-8c52-53aa48928ea4&pf_rd_r=PKZX86CRVAY1W0PP2YXH1

FEATURE TOPIC - SOCIAL MEDIA PRIVACY

https://www.cnet.com/au/news/facebook-data-policy-answers-to-your-privacy-questions-cambridge-analytica/

https://www.facebook.com/help/325807937506242

https://www.techlicious.com/tip/complete-guide-to-facebook-privacy-settings/

en-usMay 02, 2018

This is not Fake News - its Tech News - Technology Journalism

On this episode of My Tech Opinion, our feature topic is Tech Journalism.

Feature Topic and Guest:

Our special guest on this episode is freelance tech journalist - Adam Turner - www.adamturner.com.au

News:

Facebook CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg fronts US Congress

https://www.theage.com.au/technology/zuckerbergs-testimony-is-over-but-scrutiny-is-just-ramping-up-20180413-p4z9h2.html

NBN Announced this week that they are about to relaunch their NBN services

https://www.nbnco.com.au/corporate-information/media-centre/media-statements/HFC-relaunch-FTTC-expansion.html

en-usApril 17, 2018

Lets go back to my place to stream and chill! - Home video streaming.

Episode 7 Notes:

In this episode, Shayne and Phil talk (for a long time) about home video streaming and what is available in Australia as well as looking at some of the news from around the tech world.
NewsFirefox can sandbox Facebook so they don't track you around the web

https://blog.mozilla.org/firefox/facebook-container-extension/

Apple Education Event:

https://9to5mac.com/2018/03/27/apple-education-event-announced-roundup/

Feature Topic: Home Video Streaming

Australian options:

https://www.finder.com.au/internet-tv

https://www.choice.com.au/electronics-and-technology/home-entertainment/home-entertainment-networks/articles/streaming-tv-and-movie-services-compared

US Options

https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/best-on-demand-streaming-services/

https://www.cbs.com/all-access/

Smart DNS services

http://www.bestsmartdns.net/

en-usApril 06, 2018

Nerd eye for the Wi-Fi. - Home Wifi

On this weeks Episode, Phil and Shayne talk about home wifi and the scandal engulfing facebook!

News

Facebook data was misused in the lead up to the 2016 US presidential election
https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/16/17132172/facebook-cambridge-analytica-suspended-donald-trump-strategic-communication-laboratories

Cambridge Analytica suspends its CEO after comments about bribery and entrapment
https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/20/17144358/cambridge-analytica-ceo-suspended-alexander-nix-channel-4

Mark Zuckerberg apologises over scandal and promises changes to the facebook platform
https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/21/17150158/mark-zuckerberg-cnn-interview-cambridge-analytica

http://money.cnn.com/2018/03/21/technology/facebook-changes-data-scandal/index.html

FEATURE TOPIC - Home WiFi

https://www.lifewire.com/how-many-devices-can-share-a-wifi-network-818298

https://eu.dlink.com/uk/en/support/faq/routers/mydlink-routers/dir-868l/how-many-simultaneous-users-can-my-wifi-network-handle

Wifi Standards

https://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2014/12/30/802-11ac-vs-802-11n-wifi-whats-the-difference/#785a57fa3957

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_mesh_network

Limitations of WiFi

https://ipoint-tech.com/wireless-networking-wi-fi-advantages-and-disadvantages-to-wireless-networking/

en-usMarch 30, 2018

My house is turning into SkyNet.... Should I be worried? - Home Automation

On Episode 5 of My Tech Opinion, Phil and Shayne talk Home Automation as our feature topic.

In the news:

The designers of the new Sony Experia XZ2 throw some shade at Apple

http://www.news.com.au/technology/gadgets/mobile-phones/smartphone-war-is-heating-up-with-japanese-smartphone-giant-sony-taking-shot/news-story/96169ed433240dc81bc5cf701291484b

23,000 HTTPS certificates axed after CEO emails private keys

https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2018/03/23000-https-certificates-axed-after-ceo-e-mails-private-keys/

Spotify is about to list itself on the New York Stock Exchange

https://www.recode.net/2018/2/28/17064644/spotify-ipo-music-streaming-initial-public-offering-listing

Feature Topic: Home Automation

Article on the Pros and Cons

https://www.mythinkenergy.com/pros-cons-home-automation

Some of the systems available that work towards home automation in some capacity

Clipsal C-Bus
Apple Homekit
Google Mini/Home
Amazon Alexa

Others that work together:

Zigbee - Protocols

https://www.pocket-lint.com/smart-home/news/129857-what-is-zigbee-and-why-is-it-important-for-your-smart-home

Z-Wave

http://www.z-wave.com/shop-z-wave-smart-home-products

Some products for home automation

Lifx https://www.lifx.com.au/
Wemo http://www.belkin.com/au/Products/home-automation/c/wemo-home-automation/
Philips Hue https://www.philips.com.au/c-p/8718291547778/hue-personal-wireless-lighting
August Smart Lock - (Smart Locks are available from different vendors too.) http://august.com/
Nest - Thermostat, Protect, Camera https://nest.com/au/
Telstra Home https://www.telstra.com.au/smart-home/devices
Ring Doorbell https://ring.com/

en-usMarch 19, 2018

Take CTRL of your career, ESC to an ALT job! - IT Careers

On this episode of My Tech Opinion - Phil and Shayne talk to Jessica Reesby from Reesby IT Recruitment about careers in the industry and her thoughts about tech jobs.