I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the Indie Showcase is consistently one of the best parts of PAX Aus. Plenty of big brands and major attractions line the halls of Melbourne’s huge gaming convention, but the games from independent creators are the event’s heart and soul. And there’s already one game I’m eyeing off ahead of October.
PAX Aus recently announced the winners of the Indie Showcase for 2026, where various video games and tabletop games will receive prime position on the show floor. One of them is Cozy Game Restoration from Melbourne-based studio Parasol Corp.
As it says on the tin, the game is about restoring old video game cartridges and discs into pristine condition. Like the popular PowerWash Simulator games, the appeal is in meticulously removing built-up grime and decay to see the sparkling beauty underneath.
While Cozy Game Restoration doesn’t feature officially licenced games (with some indie exceptions), each cart looks as if it could’ve been a real game back in the day. Retro game collecting is ridiculously expensive these days, so enjoying the digital equivalent might prove a far cheaper endeavour.
PAX Aus 2026 Indie Showcase winners
Alongside Cozy Game Restoration, here is the full list of Indie Showcase winners for PAX Aus 2026:
Digital
Cozy Game Restoration by Parasol Corp
Key Fairy by Owl Machine
Finch & Archie by Octarine Arts
The Last Exterminator by Ironworks Games
Mission Delta by Polarity Games
A Real Life Party by Silakka
Tabletop
Thrive by Avant-Card Games
Aqueducks by Corkscrew Games
Deathbed by Devil Juice
Drago’s Dreamland by Emily Dallwitz
Caught in the Rain by The Ravensridge Emporium
Wireburn by Wireburnthegame
More details about each of the winners are on the PAX Aus website. This year’s event runs between 9 and 11 October at the MCEC, where all manner of gamers will converge for their annual pilgrimage. Three-day passes and Saturday passes have already sold out, with Friday and Sunday still available.
We’re just a few days out from Father’s Day 2026, so if you’re still fumbling around trying to find the perfect gadget for dad, these suggestions will help you get out of a bind.
I’ve tested loads of gadgets, and these are some of the tech-related gifts I reckon your dad will love. Some are practical, others are fun, and there’s a good mix of both throughout. Best of all, they’re easy to get your hands on in time for a last-minute Father’s Day gift.
Quad Lock Bike Alarm and Finder ($79.99)
If your dad is a keen cyclist and/or dentist (they eventually become cyclists), then this small, easy-to-set-up bike alarm and finder is a must-have. I’ve got one for all my bikes, and it gives great peace of mind.
You can pop it under a bottle cage or under the saddle, and if someone tries to move or steal the bike, it’ll let out a loud 93dBA alarm. It also syncs to Apple Find My, so if the bike is stolen, you have a better chance of tracking it down and getting it back.
Quad Lock Traverse Backpack ($279.99)
Image: Quad Lock.
Speaking of Quad Lock, I also really love this backpack. Ideal for the adventuring dad, it’s comfortable to wear on a bicycle or motorbike, and it’s also good for travel. I’ve taken mine to the US, Singapore, China, Taiwan and Japan this year and found it comfortable and capacious.
Trek Air Rush Electric Pump ($139.99)
A friend gave me this electric pump earlier in the year, and if you have a dad who cycles, or frequently needs to pump up the tyres of their mower or wheelbarrow or even sports balls, then this is such a great gift.
It fits in a pocket or small saddle bag, and it has enough battery to fully pump up two tyres if needing to change a tyre, or get four tyres from 40PSI to 70PSI very quickly and easily. I haven’t gone on a ride without it since.
GravaStar Supernova Bluetooth Speaker ($227.39)
This might not be the Bluetooth speaker you’d buy for an audiophile dad, but this speaker just looks so cool that any sci-fi or gamer dads will get a kick out of it. Because it also doubles as a lamp (and a really awesome lamp at that), it’s great for dads who want to listen to music in the kitchen and then take it out to the shed at night to do a little tinkering.
Corsair Galleon 100 SD keyboard ($599)
Image: Corsair.
Dad would have to be pretty dedicated to his craft to be worthy of such a spectacular keyboard. But if your dad is a budding streamer, editor, or kind of guy who lives for a good shortcut, macro or bit of optimisation, then he’ll love the Corsair Galleon 100 SD mechanical keyboard. It’s half keyboard/half Stream Deck, and a complete joy to use.
Crkd Gibson Guitar (from $224)
If your dad is a Millennial or Gen X-er, then I bet you he has at least one story about how he was an incredible, world-class Guitar Hero player. I know this because I am basically a Millennial dad.
I love this Crkd Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller, because it allows you to relive the glory days of Guitar Hero in Fortnite Festival and the upcoming Stage Tour video games. You can also get other models of the guitar, but this is the one I have and love.
Lego Ferrari F2004 & Michael Schumacher ($149.99)
Dads who are into F1 all have a story about getting to watch the great Michael Schumacher drive his Ferrari like he was living poetry. In a time before Drive To Survive, even people who didn’t watch F1 all knew who Michael Schumacher was.
This Lego set is such a wonderful one to build. I’ve been building mine with my two-year-old, and while she’s perhaps not the most helpful building buddy, it has been a really wonderful bonding experience, with memories that I’m going to treasure. Maybe that’s something the dad in your life would enjoy, too?
Lego Star Wars BB-8 Astromech Droid ($149.99)
If Star Wars is more dad’s speed, then this BB-8 Astromech Droid is a great build. There’s something about the challenge of trying to build Lego into a sphere that I just really enjoy. Plus BB-8 is so cute!
8BitDo Pro 3 Controller ($99)
This is the gift for gamer dads who need a turbo controller to either speed up actions in games, or cheekily pop a rubber band around the trigger and play time-sink games AFK (like the popular Star Wars Droid Tycoon in Fortnite).
Outside the turbo functionality, it’s also just an excellent controller, with Hall effect joysticks. It’s reminiscent of old school Nintendo controllers, compatible with all generations of the Nintendo Switch, PC, and a wide variety of Apple and mobile devices.
Cricut Explore 5 Essential Bundle ($449)
Image: Alice Clarke.
For the DIY dad who likes to make his own stickers, cards, and customised T-shirts, the Cricut Explore 5 is a great tool to help him make those items more easily. It cuts paper, vinyl, iron-on transfers, bonded fabric and 60 other materials to make everything from customised whiskey glasses to the most fabulous drag accessories you’ve ever seen.
Ergonomic computer accessories (from $44.95)
If you are old enough to read this gift guide, it means that your dad is old enough to need more ergonomic accessories for his computer. His back hurts, his wrist hurts, and he’s tired. Here are some of my picks to make your dad more comfortable:
Everyone loves a pretty smart light, and Nanoleaf makes the prettiest ones that are the easiest to customise. There are thousands of ways dad can combine all the different shaped parts to make a unique design to make his space his own.
Dads may gravitate towards the harshest, coolest overhead lights imaginable, but you can show him that it’s possible to live in a space that isn’t lit like an FBI interrogation room in a low-budget action movie.
KEF has released the LS LUXE in Australia, an active wireless speaker system that the British audio brand has built as much around how it looks as how it sounds. It sells for $6,375 a pair, with matching S-LUXE floor stands another $1,230.
The LS LUXE was designed with Ross Lovegrove, the industrial designer behind KEF’s Muon and Muo speakers. KEF describes the partnership as spanning more than two decades. The result is a compact two-way speaker with a sculpted cabinet, offered in three finishes, and clearly aimed at people who would rather not put a black box in the living room.
When I unpacked them, I was impressed with the luxurious finish, and love the organic curves, symmetry and shape, especially the ribbed rear of the units that surrounds the connectors.
HDMI eARC, optical, coaxial, 3.5mm analogue, Ethernet, interspeaker link
Dimensions
298 x 223 x 336mm (H x W x D)
Weight
20kg per pair
Power consumption
200W in use, under 2W standby
Finishes
Eclipse Black, Dusk Titanium, Mineral White
What is new inside
Each speaker carries KEF’s 12th-generation Uni-Q array, a 6.5-inch coaxial driver that places a 25mm vented aluminium dome tweeter in the centre of a 165mm aluminium mid-bass cone. Putting both drivers on the same axis is KEF’s answer to a speaker sounding different depending on where you sit in the room.
Behind the tweeter sits Metamaterial Absorption Technology. This is a maze-like structure that soaks up the sound radiating backwards off the dome instead of letting it reflect back through the driver. It has been in KEF’s higher-end models for a few years now and is a large part of why they sound as clean as they do.
KEF LS Luxe units on stands. Credit: KEF
The genuinely new part is Velocity Control Technology, or VECO, which KEF lists as patent pending. It monitors how the driver is actually moving in real time and corrects the drive signal accordingly, which should mean tighter bass and less distortion when you push the volume. KEF pairs it with what it calls Current-Drive amplification. Each speaker gets 280 watts for the low frequencies and 100 watts for the highs.
Handling the digital side is KEF’s Music Integrity Engine, the DSP suite that manages the crossover and keeps the tonal balance consistent as volume changes.
Streaming, TV and what plugs in
LS LUXE runs on KEF’s W2 wireless platform, meaning there are lots of connectivity options for those who don’t have a favourite amp or turntable. The speakers support hi-res files up to 24-bit/384kHz. Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, AirPlay and Google Cast are compatible, along with direct access to TIDAL, Qobuz, Amazon Music and Deezer through the KEF Connect app. As an iOS user, I would have liked to see Apple Music included too. Bluetooth 5.3 covers anything that does not stream over the network.
The physical inputs are what make this more than a wireless music system. HDMI eARC lets it take over from a television’s speakers with a single cable and the TV remote, and there is optical, coaxial and a 3.5mm analogue input for a turntable running its own phono stage. Ethernet and a link between the two speakers are also on the back panel.
Setup and finishes
Setup, room optimisation and EQ are all handled in the KEF Connect app, which walks through positioning and lets you adjust for a speaker sitting close to a wall or tucked into a corner. The three finishes are Eclipse Black, Dusk Titanium and Mineral White. The S-LUXE floor stands come in Slate Grey and are sold separately.
A stereo pair in Dusk Titanium. Credit: KEF
Price and availability in Australia
LS LUXE has been available in Australia since 30 July through au.kef.com and authorised KEF retailers, priced at $6,375 a pair. The S-LUXE floor stands add $1,230, taking the pair with stands to $7,605. At the time of writing, KEF Australia lists the Dusk Titanium finish as shipping from early September.
We have a pair of LS LUXE in for review and will report back on how they sound, how the HDMI eARC connection behaves in daily use, and whether the design and finish earn the asking price.
As you start planning your end-of-year holidays and trips away, it’s important to think about home security. How will you keep an eye on things while away? That question has been answered for you: we’re giving away a four-pack of Ring Solar Spotlight cameras!
With Retinal 2K video quality, a built-in spotlight, and solar-powered operation, these cameras give you peace of mind, no matter where you are in the world.
Smart features are central to Ring’s range of security devices, and the Solar Spotlight cameras are no different. Capable of detecting motion, the cameras automatically turn on the spotlights to provide clear visibility at all hours, while warning potential intruders. You also receive live updates on your phone, keeping you on top of any goings-on.
Each Ring Solar Spotlight camera has a wide field of view, capturing plenty of details outside your home. They’re easy to install and mount, let you communicate with visitors, and provide continuous operation with the included solar panels.
It’s never been easier to set up a reliable smart home security system. And, if you enter this giveaway, you might not even have to pay for it.
How to win a 4-pack of Ring Solar Spotlight cameras
Thanks to Ring, GadgetGuy is giving away one four-pack of Ring Solar Spotlight cameras valued at $1,099. For your chance to win, all you need to do is follow the instructions below.
First, enter your details in the form below. You also have the option of entering via multiple social media accounts; the more entry methods you use, the better your chances of winning!
Can’t see the entry form widget? No worries, simply visit the entry page and fill in the details directly.
Australian residents aged 18 and above can enter now until 3:00 PM AEST on 15 September 2026. More details, including the full terms and conditions, are listed on the entry form.
This is a great prize from Ring, especially as it gets closer to summer getaway season. Of course, home security should be top-of-mind all year round, so these cameras will get plenty of use 12 months a year.
Once you’ve entered the giveaway, share this page with anyone who you think would benefit from a home security upgrade. Good luck!
A couple of years ago, Sonos wowed us with its debut headphones. Before then, it was well-known for making high-quality Wi-Fi speakers suited to kitting out an entire home. Overnight, Sonos brought both of those categories to the fore, announcing the Beam Ultra soundbar and Ace Ultra headphones.
An upgraded version of the Beam from a few years ago, the Beam Ultra gains extra audio drivers without adding much bulk. Now equipped with nine drivers as part of a 7.1.2 system, the Sonos Beam Ultra natively supports Dolby Atmos, with two of the drivers dedicated to up-firing audio.
Sonos describes the new soundbar as having “warmer bass”, plus clearer dialogue courtesy of a redesigned centre channel. Designed for 65-inch TVs, the mid-sized Beam Ultra is a bit wider than the previous model (750mm versus 651mm), but it still weighs less than 3kg. It is a bit pricier, though, at $1,099 in Australia, compared to the Beam’s $799 price tag.
However, the Sonos Ace Ultra costs the same as its predecessor’s $699 launch price. From the outside, it looks similar, but most of the changes are underneath. It uses a new audio driver and gets an ANC upgrade based on 10 microphones, up from the first Ace’s eight mics. This system supports adaptive ANC, meaning it adjusts the noise cancellation in real-time based on your surroundings.
Sonos also estimates a longer battery life, 35 hours versus 30, while the Bluetooth connectivity steps up to version 6.0. Helpfully, the Sonos Ace Ultra’s ear cushions and battery can be replaced, joining a growing trend by headphone makers to engineer more sustainable devices. There’s more customisation, too, with 3- and 8-band EQ customisation, in addition to adaptive EQ.
Image: Sonos.
Arguably the biggest feature for those embedded in Sonos’ ecosystem comes from “Headphone Engine 2”. It’s what Sonos calls the hardware that drives the headphones’ enhanced connectivity. Launching in an early access phase, a major feature lets you send what’s playing on your Sonos speakers to the headphones, and vice versa, via a single button press.
Another layer to this is the announcement of “Sonos 27”, the brand’s latest operating system. It’s the latest attempt by Sonos to rework its software platform, following a messy app rollout in 2024 that upset many users.
One part of the software enables more custom AI voice assistant integration, including pairing with external AI services, like ChatGPT. Sonos 27, which will also be the name of the revamped app, is set to support the aforementioned headphone-and-speaker linking feature, as well as position-based speaker optimisation.
For example, the app could detect that, based on a speaker’s location, it’s meant to be a rear speaker as part of a broader surround sound system. If a Sonos speaker’s position moves, the software will change how it functions accordingly.
All of Sonos’ major new hardware and software updates arrive this month. Both the Sonos Ace Ultra and Beam Ultra are now up for pre-order, ready to launch in Australia on 29 September. Meanwhile, the new Sonos 27 platform starts rolling out from 8 September onwards.
The BLUETTI FridgePower has launched in Australia, offering a slim, wall-mountable backup power option built specifically to keep fridges, Wi-Fi routers and other essential appliances running through blackouts. Thanks to a 10 millisecond automatic UPS switchover, the unit steps in before sensitive devices even notice the grid has dropped out, addressing a gap left by bulkier portable power stations that struggle to fit compact Australian kitchens.
BLUETTI is offering a special discount for our readers when your purchase from the Australian BLUETTI website.
Traditional portable power stations are blocky and occupy significant floor space. The FridgePower features an ultra-slim 75mm (2.95-inch) profile, allowing it to wedge into narrow kitchen gaps, sit atop the fridge, or be mounted directly to the wall. It also unobtrusively blends into tight spaces in camper trailers, caravan storage compartments, or 4WD canopy setups where every millimetre counts.
Automatic UPS backup 24/7
FridgePower includes a 10ms UPS switchover, keeping fridges, Wi-Fi routers, CPAP machines, and other essentials uninterrupted from sudden outages. With a 2016Wh battery, it can sustain a home refrigerator (consuming around 2kWh/day) for approximately 21.6 hours. For prolonged blackouts, adding three BC200 expansion batteries (2016Wh each) increases total capacity to 8064Wh, for up to four days of refrigeration backup. A grid power bypass feature offers extra protection if the unit sits idle.
Power beyond fridges
Its 1800W continuous output and 3600W surge make FridgePower capable of powering large appliances like sump pumps, microwaves, and travel kettles. With industry-leading efficiency and only 4W self-consumption, it runs low-draw appliances like TVs, Starlink terminals, and laptops for long road trips. Operating quietly at around 30dB, it can be used in bedrooms, offices, rooftop tents, and compact caravans.
Smart energy control anytime
Through the BLUETTI app, users can monitor real-time power usage, receive Extreme Weather Alerts, and switch between four smart UPS modes: Standard, PV Priority, Time-of-Use (TOU), and Customised. Essential metrics can also sync to the optional Display 1 for quick monitoring, while voice and automation support integrate with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Home Assistant.
Who is FridgePower for?
With its thin-slab design, 10ms UPS protection, and powerful output, the FridgePower is a quiet, emission-free alternative to gas generators for home backup, 4×4 touring, and off-grid setups.
Homeowners: Those living in regional or coastal areas prone to grid instability, severe summer heatwaves, or storm-related blackouts who need plug-and-play backup for fridges and freezers.
Apartment, rental, and small-home residents: People with compact kitchens who lack space for traditional home battery systems and prefer a sleek unit that blends into modern interiors.
Caravan, RV, and 4WD owners: Touring enthusiasts who require a space-saving, reliable power source to keep fridges cold and devices charged on remote trips.
Families with critical care needs: Households using CPAP machines or storing temperature-sensitive food or medications like insulin.
Price and availability
The FridgePower is available on BLUETTI’s official Australianwebsite starting 2 September, with special introductory bundle pricing and full local warranty support:
Off-grid power kit with solar and alternator charging
These special offers are valid until 7 October and can be combined with GadgetGuy’s 6% discount using code GGFP6, providing the perfect backup solution for winter storm preparation or week-long trips to the Outback.
Established in 2013, BLUETTI has evolved into a pioneer in the clean energy sector. Driven by robust in-house R&D and sustainable innovation, the brand empowers millions across 120+ countries to stay safe and prepared. Its portfolio of portable power stations and home battery backup solutions ensures reliable power for emergency preparedness, RV travel, and off-grid lifestyles.
PCs come in all shapes and sizes, with engineers able to squeeze more into smaller designs. HP took that a step further when it launched the HP EliteBoard G1a, a desktop PC housed entirely within a keyboard.
What’s most interesting about this PC is who it’s aimed at. Laptops are already highly portable, plus they have a built-in screen. So, the HP EliteBoard G1a is for workspaces where you want a fixed machine that takes up as little space as possible.
With an AMD Ryzen AI chipset inside, it’s a powerful little machine that only needs one USB-C cable to extend to two 4K monitors. Compared to the chunky PC towers of old, the EliteBoard barely takes up any desk space. It’s even small enough to be locked away in a drawer at the end of a workday.
