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      The Best Pet Cameras So You Can Keep an Eye on Your Fur Baby

      pubsub.dcentralisedmedia.com / LifehackerAustralia · Friday, 19 February, 2021 - 00:15 · 3 minutes

    If the idea of leaving your fur baby at home alone gives you separation anxiety , it might be time to invest in a pet camera. Not only do they allow you to see their cute little faces all day every day, but they’re also a great way to ensure they’re not tearing your furniture to shreds every time you leave the house.

    Pet cameras are specifically designed to keep watch over your furry friends. They can dispense treats, allow you to interact with your dog or cat via two-way audio and even video chat, meaning you minimise those usual pet-teething problems like separation anxiety and boredom.

    Whether you have a new puppy, an older cat, or even a different fury pet (this is Australia after all), there’s a pet camera out there to suit your needs and budget. Ahead, we take you through some of the best pet cameras and their price tags.

    Before we get started it’s also worth noting that like any other smart home device that connects to Wi-Fi, you should always be mindful that there’s a chance it could be hacked and compromise your privacy. So made sure you have the correct privacy measures in place.

    Pet Cameras for under $50

    Reolink Pet Camera

    As far as basic pet cameras go, this Reolink Pet Camera is affordable and does what it says on the lid. You can easily control the camera to rotate 355° horizontally and 50° vertically to scan every corner in the room for your furry friend. It also has night vision capabilities, motion sensor alerts, multi-channel and account sharing and works with google assist.

    Reolink Pet Camera, $42.99

    Faleemi HD Camera

    Faleemi HD 720P Pan & Tilt IP Camera is a simple to use and can be remotely controlled from your computer, tablet or Smartphone. It features crystal clear picture quality, capturing video in full HD 720P and includes a built-in microphone and speaker to allow for two-way audio capabilities.

    Faleemi HD Camera, $49.90

    Pet Cameras for under $150

    Victure 1080P FHD Pet Camera

    The Victure 1080P FHD Pet Camera connects to both iOS and Android and can detect motion and sound, has two-way audio, send alerts and offers panoramic viewing at the touch of a button so you can keep track of your fury babies with ease.

    Victure 1080P FHD Pet Camera, $98.40

    EZVIZ C6TC WiFi Indoor Security Camera

    While the EZVIZ C6TC WiFi Indoor Security Camera isn’t exactly a ‘pet camera’ per se, it’s more than capable of acting like one. It offers 1080P HD resolution, 355°horizontal rotation and 100°vertical rotation with full control via your phone. It also has motion detection, night vision and two-way audio so you can communicate with your little furry babies.

    EZVIZ C6TC WiFi Indoor Security Camera, $146.89

    Pet Cameras Under $300

    CANARY Indoor Security Camera

    Designed for Total peace of mind, you’ll never feel far from home or your pet with the CANARY Indoor Security Camera. See and hear what’s happening day or night in HD with a 147 Degree wide-angle lens. It’s also got automatic night vision, and motion detection so you can monitor everything your pet is up to… including destroying the furniture.

    CANARY Indoor Security Camera, $228.36

    Furbo Dog Camera

    The Alexa-enabled Furbo Dog Camera is one of the most popular pet cameras on the market. It’s specifically designed for dogs (sorry kitties) and includes real-time barking alerts, treat tossing capabilities, two-way audio and night vision. It’s also a pretty sleek looking device so you can happily display it in your lounge room or main area.

    The Furbo Dog Camera, $269

    Pet Cameras under $500

    Petcube Play 2

    Petcube’s Play 2 is a Wi-Fi enabled camera that features 1080p HD video, 160º wide-angle view, and night vision. You can talk to your pet from anywhere with convenient two-way audio and get real-time notifications for sound and motion alerts (read: know when they’re up to mischief). The PetCube Play 2 also features a laser pointer and built-in Alexa assistant so you can play music, hear the news, control your smart-home devices, or entertain your pet while you’re out of the house. PetCube also has their Bites 2 version that’s super similar offers a treat dispenser instead of a laser.

    PetCube Play 2, $457.39

    The post The Best Pet Cameras So You Can Keep an Eye on Your Fur Baby appeared first on Lifehacker Australia .

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      Beginner Tennis Equipment if You’re Feeling Ballsy Thanks To the Aus Open

      pubsub.dcentralisedmedia.com / LifehackerAustralia · Friday, 19 February, 2021 - 00:15 · 2 minutes

    I don’t know about you, but every year when the Australian Open rolls around I get the sudden urge to take up tennis. However, since I’ve never stepped onto a tennis court in my life, it’s hard to know where to start and what beginner tennis equipment to buy.

    The equipment required for tennis seems pretty basic — a racquet and a ball. However, it’s important that you get the right style and fit for both. When it comes to racquets, the better you get at tennis the more technical and advanced your racquet needs to be. But generally speaking, for a beginner, a lightweight racquet with a bigger head size is best. This will make returning serve easier and be a little more forgiving if you’re not a future Federer.

    As for balls, there are actually different balls for different skill levels — professional, championship and practice balls. Each ball kind of does what it says on the lid, the pro balls are used in professional tennis games, they’re high quality, don’t fray easily and usually the most expensive. Championship balls are the next step down in pressure, quality and price. And practice balls are just that, practise balls — or in this case, beginner balls.

    Other things you should consider investing in if you’re going to take up tennis is a good pair of sunglasses or a visor/hat, grips, dampeners, a tennis bag/racquet cover, and a lightweight, cotton tennis outfit.

    Below, we rounded up some beginning tennis equipment so you can ace your future grand slam career… or you know, a spot of recreational tennis this weekend.

    The best beginner tennis equipment

    Best beginner tennis racquets:

    Wilson Adult Recreational Tennis Racket, $33.40 – $161.42

    HEAD Ti. Reward Tennis Racket, $55.63

    Wilson Roger Federer 26 Tennis Racket, $39.95

    oppum Adult Carbon Fiber Tennis Racket, $59.55

    Best tennis balls for beginners:

    HEAD Radical Tennis Balls, Triple Pack (12 Balls), $23.79

    Slazenger Advantage Grasscourt 4 Ball Can, $11.99

    Wilson Prime All Court Tennis Balls 4 pack (12 balls), $35.90

    Dunlop Tour Brillance Tennis Balls, $23.32

    The best tennis bags/ racquet covers:

    Wilson Universal Tennis Racquet Cover, $14.99

    Athletico 3 Racquet Tennis Bag, $53.85

    Wilson Match III Tennis Bag, $49.95

    HEAD Tennis Racquet Cover Bag, $25.12

    The post Beginner Tennis Equipment if You’re Feeling Ballsy Thanks To the Aus Open appeared first on Lifehacker Australia .

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      5 Monitor Stands for Every Working Setup

      pubsub.dcentralisedmedia.com / LifehackerAustralia · Thursday, 18 February, 2021 - 22:55 · 5 minutes

    Positioning your monitor higher up can make for a more comfortable working environment, along with saving space on your desk. Plus, being able to properly and fully adjust your monitor’s position can make a world of difference to your ongoing health. Here are the main things to consider when choosing a monitor stand.

    If you buy a a monitor it always comes with a stand of some kind, but you’re frequently stuck with a single position and single height point. If you’re very lucky, you might be able to mildly tilt your monitor to reduce neck strain or onscreen glare, but that’s often it when it comes to adjustments.

    Now, if you do have a monitor with a fully adjustable arm for height and tilt considerations, then all you need to do is read up your product manual and adjust it on your desk when you’re working from home.

    If your monitor doesn’t allow for that, you’ll need to get yourself a stand or a monitor arm to elevate and properly place your screen at an optimal viewing angle. Here’s what you should consider when buying:

    • Monitor stand or monitor arm? The choice largely rests on how and where you’re actually placing your monitor, with most stands acting as simple risers – meaning that they’re easy to install or move around but lack flexibility – while monitor arms typically work off desk or wall clamps, which means more installation work but a wider range of position possibilities once they’re in place.
    • Clamp or VESA? If you opt for a monitor arm, you’re generally better off with a VESA-compliant arm, but that presumes that your monitor also has VESA mounting ports. If it doesn’t you may need to look into a clamp style arrangement, or simply use a riser-style stand instead.
    • Height adjustment, angle adjustment or both? Most people think of a monitor stand as being just a matter of raising your monitor upwards, but it’s also possible to adjust tilt with many monitor arms. This can make for even more comfortable viewing, especially if your working from home arrangement involves areas that get sun glare throughout the day.
    • How many monitors do you need? If you’re used to working in a multi-monitor environment, you may need to look for multiple mounts, or a monitor stand that can clamp onto more than one screen. You’re going to lose a lot of the benefit of a monitor stand arrangement if you have to look down on your second or third monitors.

    What about setup? While there’s a degree of personalisation depending on your monitor size, desk arrangement and needs, there’s some simple rules to follow to minimise the ergonomic impact of staring at a monitor all day:

    • Chair first: Make sure you’re adjusting your viewing position relative to the normal position of your work chair. If it’s a fixed chair that’s set, but if you have a gas lift capable model you may want to adjust it to your normal working position. There’s no point adjusting your monitor view if it’s not relative to the way you typically sit to work.
    • Work to your eye line: This isn’t a makeup tip, but a good rule of thumb for raising and placing your primary monitor. If your eyeline is sitting towards the top third of the screen, then you’re typically in the zone for best ergonomics. If you look over the top of your monitor it’s probably too low, but if you’re looking at the middle from your normal eyeline position, it’s too high.
    • Primary monitor first: Adjust your secondary monitors to the same viewpoint as your primary monitors. While you may have to turn slightly to view them – preferably by turning your chair rather than twisting your neck – there’s no point in having one high monitor and then a much lower one if you use them all the time.

    Monitor Stand and Arm options

    North Bayou F160 Dual Monitor Full Motion Desk Mount $109.99
    If your home working environment involves a multi-monitor setups, it makes sense to have the maximum adjustment possibilities to raise both monitors at once. The North Bayou F160 uses a gas spring mount for its two arms which can take up to 6.5kgs per arm, and it’s workable for displays between 17″ and 27″ in size.

    FITUEYES Clear Computer Monitor Riser $33.99
    If you’re just after a little raise in your monitor profile but don’t want a stand that makes a large visual impression because your work from home space is also your living space, the FITUEYES riser could be a good match. It’s a tempered glass riser-style mount with adjustable legs, so you’re not fixed to a single position. The claim is that it can take up to 25kg on the glass, which is more than enough for any monitor, or even most all-in-one computer styles.

    Kensington 52785 Monitor Stand $27.30
    Kensington’s simple monitor stand uses snap-in risers to enable optimal viewing angles for monitors up to 21 inches in size, although you might be able to enable a larger display if it’s got a smaller base in play.

    FITUEYES DT204201WB 2 Tiers Monitor Stand $36.99
    You don’t get adjustability with the FITUEYES DT204201WB, so it’s essentially just adding 14cm of height to your monitor experience. However, where other risers tend to leave blank space underneath, this one includes a distinct shelf, which means you can make the most of your desk space while using it, especially if you need somewhere to store paperwork or other gadgets and cables.

    WELL WENG Bamboo Dual Monitor Riser MR1-TP $49.99
    Making the most of your desk space is also a trick that the Well Weng MR1-TP should handle well, with a central shelf that places dual monitors on either side and enough space underneath the primary riser for a small laptop or desktop unit. For those of an environmental bent, the bamboo build could be an attractive point too.

    Editor’s note: Descriptions and features are as taken from manufacturer/seller claims on Amazon.

    The post 5 Monitor Stands for Every Working Setup appeared first on Lifehacker Australia .

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      Stop Turning Your Cables Into a Rat’s Nest and Get a Wireless Charger

      pubsub.dcentralisedmedia.com / LifehackerAustralia · Thursday, 18 February, 2021 - 06:00 · 5 minutes

    A wireless charger is a simple gadget that once you own, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Sure, they aren’t some groundbreaking piece of technology, but the amount of convience that can bring to your life can’t be understated.

    If you’re working from home, a wireless charger is a helpful way to streamline the amount of cables on your desk with the added ease of being able to pick up your phone straight away, without having to unplug it from anything.

    We’ve put together a list of wireless chargers that are worth considering if you want to stop your cables from looking like a ratking.

    Wireless charging speeds

    Just note that the speed at which you’ll be able to recharge your phone will be determined by what type you own. Most compatible Android phones get around 1oW when charging, while iPhones are capped at 7.5W. Other Qi-compatible phones will only achieve a 5W charge.

    Also, as a general rule of thumb, make sure you’ve taken off your phone case before charging. While most of these charging stations will work with cases up to 3mm thick, anything in-between your phone and your pad raises the chance of a slower recharge. You also won’t get any charge from metal cases, credit card holders and pop-sockets/grips.


    Anker PowerWave Pad ($29.99)

    anker-pad-wcharger.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=65&w=1280

    Anker have pretty much staked their claim as the go to brand when it comes to wireless charging, and with good reason. Their wireless pads are consistently good, and come at an affordable price.

    The PowerWave pad is a solid wireless phone charger that will get you a 10W charge for a Samsung Galaxy (S10, S9+, S9, S8, S8+, S7 edge, S7, S6 edge+), and a 7.5W charge for an iPhone (XS Max, XS, XR, X, 8, 8+).

    The PowerWave is slimline and understated, so it won’t add to your desk or countertop clutter. The top surface also has a TPU coating, which will stop your phone from sliding off.

    Anker PowerWave Stand ($33.99)

    anker-stand-charger.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=80&w=1280&nrs=30

    This charger isn’t too different from the Anker pad, bar the obvious difference of how your phone is displayed. The PowerWave Stand will let you sit your phone in either portrait or landscape mode, so you can continue to browse the internet or watch videos.

    Compared to the PowerWave pad, however, the PowerWave stand doesn’t perform as well with iPhones or other Qi-enabled devices. It only achieves a 5W charge, so prepare for a slow recharge time. That’s something to be mindful of if you aren’t a Samsung user — which will charge at 10W.

    Belkin Boost Up Charging Pad 10W ($49)

    belkin-boost-charger-e1596524307697.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=80&w=1280&nr=20 Image: Belkin

    Belkin’s Boost Up charging pad sits on the more expensive end of the wireless phone charger spectrum, but the price is worth it. This is one of the sturdiest charging pads on the market and is built to give you the fastest recharge speeds possible.

    This Belkin wireless charging pad will give you a 9W recharge for a Samsung Galaxy (S10, S10+, S9+, S9) and a 7.5W recharge for an iPhone (XS Max, XS, XR, X, 8, 8+). It also comes with a Quick Charge 3.0-compatible wall charger, so you can get the best recharge possible right out of the box.

    Nanami Charging Stand ($26.99)

    nanami-charger.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=65&w=1280 Image: Nanami

    If you want a wireless charger that stands out, Nanami’s charging stand has a sleek, futuristic-looking design. You also have choice when it comes to colour, either black or silver. The stand will let your phone sit at an angle that will allow you to comfortably browse, and, if you’re using an iPhone, will still let you use face ID.

    If you’re after a fast charge, you’ll get a 10W recharge on Samsung Galaxy (S20, S20+, S10, S10+, S9, S9+, S8, S8+) and Galaxy Note (10+, 10, 9, 8). You’ll get a 7.5W charge for iPhones (11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, XS Max, XS, XR, X, 8+, 8). However, if you want to achieve a fast charge, you’ll need to pick up a QC 2.0.3.0 adapter separately.

    CHOETECH Fast Wireless Charging Pad ($22.99)

    choetech-charger-red.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=80&w=1280&nr=20 Image: CHOETECH

    If, for whatever reason, you just hate the idea of owning a circular charging pad, this CHOETECH charger will give you the squareness you desire. It’s also very affordable, especially when you consider its range of features.

    This biggest appeal of this pad is the range of products its fast charging mode is compatible with. With this wireless phone charger, you’ll hit a 10W recharge for Samsung Galaxy (S10, S10e, S10+, S9, S9+, S8, S8+, S7, S7 Edge, S6 Edge+) and Galaxy Note (9, 8). For iPhones (11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, XS Max, XS, XR, X, 8+, 8), and even AirPods 2, you’ll get a 7.5W charge.

    This charger also has a slight leg up on the others listed here, as it will let you charge through cases that are up to 5mm thick. And if you really want a wireless phone charger that really stands out, this CHOETECH pad comes in multiple colours: white, black and red.

    DOSHIN 3-in-1 Wireless Charger ($47.98)

    doshine-wireless-charger.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=80&w=1280&nrs=40 Image: Amazon

    Maybe you own more than one smart device and want to eliminate the annoying procedure of having to swap out one device to charge another. DOSHIN’s 3-in-1 charger is a good option if you want to get some simultaneous charging going. It also looks simple and sleek, with plenty of space to charge a smartphone, smart watch and wireless earbuds at the same time. This pad comes with an adjustable stand for your phone, so you can still have a good view of the screen.

    This wireless charger is compatible with Apple products, like the iPhone (11, 11 Pro Max, XS Max, X, XR, 8, 8+), Airpods Pro, Apple Watch (SE, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2). If you’re a Samsung person, it is compatible with the Galaxy (S20, S20+, S10, S10+, S10E, S9, S9+, S8, S8+), the Galaxy Note (10, 10+, 9, 8) and the Galaxy buds. To achieve fast charging, you will need a QC 2.0 or 3.0 adapter.

    mophie Charge Stream Desk Stand ($65.98)

    mophie-charger.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=65&w=1280 Image: mophie

    A more unique design, compared to the other chargers listed here, mophie’s Charge Stream desk stand has been optimised for a fast charge. You’ll get 10W for compatible Samsung device, 7.5W for iPhones and 5W for any other Qi-compatible smartphones when using this wireless charger.

    This charging pad is modular, so you can either use it as a stand or you can remove the pad to let it sit flat on your desk. The stand itself is adjustable, so you can change its height to suit whatever phone you’re placing onto it. That’s pretty handy if you live in a household where everyone uses a different type of phone.

    The post Stop Turning Your Cables Into a Rat’s Nest and Get a Wireless Charger appeared first on Lifehacker Australia .

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      25 Camping Tables That’ll Complete Your Outdoor Set up

      pubsub.dcentralisedmedia.com / LifehackerAustralia · Thursday, 18 February, 2021 - 05:22 · 2 minutes

    If you’re an avid camper, you’ll know how important it is to have a good quality set up. You need everything from tents, swags, sleeping bags, and pillows right through to esky , chairs and camping tables to make your outdoor adventure one for the books.

    Depending on your camping style (tent, rooftop camper, caravan etc.), finding the right camping equipment can be a little tricky, especially when it comes to bigger items like camping tables. A good camping table should be sturdy, portable and store easily, as well as being functional for your camping needs e.g. a four-seater or six-seater, cupholders (for the booze) or even come with a sink.

    These days you can also find camping tables made from a variety of materials like aluminium, canvas and timber, so you can find one that’s also easy on the eyes and will last you a few years.

    Ahead, we’ve rounded up a bunch of high quality, compact camping tables that can be delivered straight to your door.

    The best folding camping tables:

    Coleman Deluxe Utility Table, $49.50

    Outry Lightweight Folding Camping Table, $53.71

    Coleman Pack-Away Table for 4, $218.11

    REDCAMP Folding Camping Table, $71.87

    Weisshorn Folding Camping Table, $79.95

    The best camping table and chairs sets:

    Haobase Folding Camping Table with 4 Chairs, $109

    ALPHA CAMP 3-Piece Folding Bench and Table Set, $171.91

    Goofly Outdoor Foldable Camping Picnic Table with 2 Chairs, $99.99

    Sunkorto 2-Person Folding Picnic Table with 2 Stools, $86.61

    ONIVA- a Picnic Table 4-Seater, $150.23

    The best small camping tables:

    AIMEZO Folding Camping Table, $28

    Sfee Folding Camping Table, $46.70

    Naturehike Folding Camping Table, $200

    PORTAL Outdoor Folding Portable Picnic Camping Table, $115

    Techsea Folding Beach Camping Table, $53.18

    The best aluminium camping tables:

    Trekology Portable Aluminum Camping Table, $39.99

    Triwonder Ultralight Aluminum Folding Camping Table, $97.17

    AIMEZO Aluminum Folding Collapsible Camping Table, $28

    Adventure Kings Aluminium Roll Up Camping Table, $59.95

    Kazmi IMS Shelf 4 Camp Table, $152.91

    The best kitchen camping tables:

    Coleman Pack-Away Kitchen Table, $150.96

    Outdoor Camping Kitchen Cooking Table, $150.99

    GCI Outdoor Master Cook Portable Folding Camp, $233.61

    KingCamp Portable Bamboo Kitchen Table, $811.34

    You can find collapsable camping sinks to go with the above tables here . Happy camping!

    The post 25 Camping Tables That’ll Complete Your Outdoor Set up appeared first on Lifehacker Australia .

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      Nab a Mobile Plan for under $30 per Month with These New Deals

      pubsub.dcentralisedmedia.com / LifehackerAustralia · Thursday, 18 February, 2021 - 05:10 · 2 minutes

    If you’re looking for a new phone plan, it makes sense to try and bag a bargain. After all, there’s always a telco or five slinging some sort of deal. If you can help it, why pay full price? With that in mind, here are five of our favourite mobile deals you can get in Australia right now.

    Telstra phone plans

    Telstra is offering a $480 discount on the newly released Galaxy S21 Ultra, which works out to be a $20 per month saving on a 24-month plan. Plans start at $112 per month with 40GB, but Telstra is also offering a $50 per month discount on its 180GB plan for your first 12 months. This means you’ll pay $122 per month for your first year, and then $172 per month thereafter. Of course, since the plans are contract-free you can always drop down to a more affordable Telstra plan after the discount runs out. This offer runs until February 21.

    gomo phone plans

    How does only paying $60 for six months of mobile service sound? If you sign up with gomo before February 21 (and activate your SIM before February 28) you’ll get your first month for just $10. You’ll pay $25 per month for your second two months, and then you’ll get your next three months free. Better yet, you’ll have 18GB each month to play with, and since the plan is prepaid, you can leave at any time.

    gomo is a new MVNO owned by Optus and powered by the Optus 4G network.

    amaysim phone plans

    amaysim is currently offering bonus data and a discount on your first three prepaid renewals. Instead of paying $30 for 30GB, you can get 35GB for $15. amaysim’s prepaid plans have a 28-day expiry. If you want to stick with amaysim after your first three recharges, you’ll go back to paying $30 for 30GB, but you can always love ’em and leave ’em.

    amaysim is powered by the Optus network.

    iiNet phone plans

    Most of us associate iiNet with broadband, but the telco also offers mobile plans powered by the Vodafone network. It’s currently offering 50% off the entire range, but the standout offer is the 14GB plan. Instead of paying $24.99 per month, you’ll pay just $12.50 per month for your first six months. Spending this little on a phone plan typically only gets you a couple of gigs, so having 14GB to play with is a nice bonus.

    Once again, this plan is contract-free, so you’re free to bail whenevs.

    Vodafone phone plans

    If you’re looking for a big data SIM-only plan, Vodafone is hard to beat: $35 per month will get you 50GB. Just be aware that this pricing will only last for your first year with Vodafone, after which you’ll pay $40 per month. Since the plan is contract-free, there’s no issue with leaving when the discount runs out, however. Better yet, you’ll also get three months of free access to Amazon Prime – valued at $6.99 per month.

    If you’re between 18 and 25, and you can save a further 10% off plan fees for your first year, bringing it down to $31.50 per month.

    Alex Choros is Managing Editor at WhistleOut , Australia’s phone and internet comparison website.

    The post Nab a Mobile Plan for under $30 per Month with These New Deals appeared first on Lifehacker Australia .

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      Start Your Smart Home With This $89 Echo Dot and Fire Stick Bundle Deal

      pubsub.dcentralisedmedia.com / LifehackerAustralia · Thursday, 18 February, 2021 - 04:00 · 2 minutes

    If you’ve been sitting on the fence when it comes to dipping your toe into the smart home pool, Amazon is currently running a deal that makes for a great starter kit . The online retailer is currently offering the third generation Echo Dot and Fire TV Stick Lite for $89, making it the perfect excuse to bring to your home into the 21st century.

    Both the Echo Dot and Fire Stick usually retail for $59 each, but you can save yourself $29 by picking them up through this bundle . This deal is only available for the third generation Echo Dot.

    Getting this Amazon smart home bundle is pretty simple. After you add the Echo Dot and Fire Stick to your cart, all you need to do is use the promo code ECHOFIRETV89 at checkout. Once you have them, both smart devices are pretty simple to individually set up and having them together gives you an extra option of connectivity by pairing them.

    The Echo Dot comes with Alexa, Amazon’s virtual assistant, which is just a request away from filling you in on today’s news or setting reminders for any upcoming important events. You can also pair the Echo Dot with other smart devices that are in your home, allowing you to control them through it.

    You’re also able to use your Echo to play music through streaming services like Amazon Music, Apple Music or Spotify. The Fire TV Stick Lite also has this feature, but with the added bonus of being able to play it through your TV, so you can make use of your fancy hi-fi system.

    The main feature of the Fire Stick is that it will let you stream services like Prime Video, Disney+, Stan and Netflix onto your TV. You can also stream the apps for free-to-air channels, like 7plus, ABC iview, 9Now, SBS On Demand, 10 play and more.

    Separately, both products are solid options when it comes to entry-level smart devices. When paired together, you’re able to play off their strengths to create a good smart home starter kit.

    The post Start Your Smart Home With This $89 Echo Dot and Fire Stick Bundle Deal appeared first on Lifehacker Australia .

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      Looking for a Jigsaw Challenge? These 6 Puzzles Are Perfect for You

      pubsub.dcentralisedmedia.com / LifehackerAustralia · Thursday, 18 February, 2021 - 03:50 · 3 minutes

    If that regular old jigsaw puzzle is no longer cutting it, you’re in luck – there are plenty of options for those seeking a seriously mind-warping challenge.

    There’s been a bit of a boom in the take-up of jigsaw puzzles as of late. A whole lot of enforced lockdowns and isolation leaves people with plenty of leisure time, and a puzzle can be a great way to flex your brain muscles even when you’re stuck indoors.

    But there’s only so many times you can steal the kids’ 12-piece Paw Patrol set and make it entertaining. That number is basically one, by the way, and you probably need to be drunk or high as well.

    Adult brains need adult puzzles, and there’s plenty of very basic, 500-1000 piece puzzles covering everything from classic art to Captain America to choose from.

    But if you fancy something that’ll really get your grey matter straining, there’s a whole other category of deliberately brain-melting puzzles to throw your neurons at. We’ve selected a few below for your pleasure – or pain, depending on how good you are at sorting them out.

    Also, remember when you’re done – if you get that far – that they’re astonishingly re-giftable items . Just because you’ve delved into a puzzle and solved its mysteries doesn’t mean that your friends or family can’t get equal enjoyment from it once it’s been properly mixed up again.

    Editor’s note: Due to the coronavirus pandemic at the time of writing, local availability is quite limited, so you may have to include extra shipping costs and wait times on many puzzle products.

    Here are a few to get you started:

    Paul Lamond Games World’s Most Difficult Jigsaw Puzzle The Sweet Shop $21.63
    I’m not sure if there is a governing body that can declare a given puzzle the world’s “most difficult”. But we are rather smitten with this puzzle, which features many, many good girls and boys smiling at the camera. It’s also double-sided, with the same image on the reverse side. Just don’t get lost in the tricky spots.

    The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in The Universe $28.15

    There’s nothing that says you can’t learn a little while doing a puzzle, and this particular one will bolster your scientific know-how while you figure out how it all connects together. Thankfully while it’s describing atoms, the actual pieces aren’t quite that small.

    The New York Times Hardest Crosswords Volume 1 $15.80
    Not all puzzles need physical elements. If you prefer more of a lexical challenge, this collection of 50 crosswords from The New York Times will give you plenty to muse, ponder, study and marvel at. Just add a pencil and your brain, and you’re set.

    Difficult Donuts Jigsaw Puzzle $23.35
    It’s not just Homer Simpson who’s obsessed with donuts, right? You certainly will be if you choose to tackle this sweetly difficult puzzle.

    Ravensburger The Fantasy Bookshop $28.25
    Complex puzzles often use recurring motifs to add to the challenge, and in the case of this Ravensburger jigsaw puzzle, it’s in the form of a charming and genuinely odd bookshop stuffed with more books than you could read in a lifetime.

    Beverly Micro Pure White Hell Jigsaw Puzzle $57.04
    You know how with most jigsaw puzzles you concentrate on building up levels of detail in order to reveal the significant whole picture? This jigsaw puzzle is the exact opposite of that, and I’m pretty sure that the use of Hell here isn’t coincidental. Good luck, because you’re going to need it to get through this one.

    Editor’s note: Descriptions and features are as taken from manufacturer/seller claims on Amazon.

    The post Looking for a Jigsaw Challenge? These 6 Puzzles Are Perfect for You appeared first on Lifehacker Australia .

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      Grab This Budget Dash Cam Because Everyone Is a Terrible Driver but You

      pubsub.dcentralisedmedia.com / LifehackerAustralia · Thursday, 18 February, 2021 - 02:01 · 2 minutes

    Over the last decade we’ve seen the use of dash cams become a more commonplace in cars. If you don’t know someone who owns one, chances are you’ve watched one or two Dash Cams Australia videos on YouTube.

    If you don’t already own a dash cam, or the one you’re currently using is getting a bit long in the tooth, Uniden’s iGO CAM 65R is currently being sold for $154.95, down from $279.95.

    As far as dash cams go the iGO CAM 65R isn’t a bad beginners choice, especially at this discounted price – you’ll save an impressive $125 off the RRP.

    It comes with a front camera that can record in 3K video resolution (2304 x 1296p), along with a reverse camera that can record in Full HD. It has a wide 150-degree field of view with a 2.4″ LCD colour display screen, and GPS geotagging available for footage.

    The iGO CAM has an inbuilt sensor that can detect sudden vibration – like if someone accidentally backs into your car while parked at the shops – which will trigger the camera to activate and record for a short period of time. It also has speed and red light camera warnings pre-programmed into it.

    Are there any other dash cam deals?

    This Uniden dash cam isn’t the only deal available today – although, in terms of savings, you’ll save the most money with it.

    Garmin’s Dash Cam 56 is currently on sale for $214.63, down from $279. It can record high-quality 1440 HD video, with a wide 140-degree field of view. Garmin’s Clarity HDR also helps maintain detail in low-light situations, and you can sync and control up to four dash cams via the GarminDrive app.

    It also includes a voice command feature, which comes in handy if you need to start or stop recording while driving.

    Amazon Australia is also offering a $30 discount on a range of Vantrue dash cams, including the S1 dual cam ($239.99, down from $269.99), the N2 Pro High End cam ($239.99, down from $299.99) and N4 Three Channel cam ($369.99, down from $399.99).

    Don’t forget to buy a microSD

    If this is your first time buying a dash cam, you’ll need a microSD to actually record footage. If you’re already sorted for a cam, it also doesn’t hurt to have a spare microSD on hand for a quick swap over if the one you’re using becomes full.

    SanDisk’s High Endurance 128GB microSD is a reliable card, and currently on sale for $28.99, down from $59. SanDisk’s High Endurance range has proven itself to be a goto card for dash cams. With this card , you can record up to 10,000 hours of video in Full HD, with a read/write speed of 100MB/s and 40MB/s, respectively.

    The post Grab This Budget Dash Cam Because Everyone Is a Terrible Driver but You appeared first on Lifehacker Australia .