Synology DiskStation DS925+ review: Centralised home backup

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Most know that backing up computer data is important, but how many do it? It’s not until disaster strikes and a phone or a PC is lost, causing you to lose a lifetime of photos or important documents that we reevaluate our need to back up data.

One potential solution is the Synology DiskStation DS925+, a network-attached storage (NAS) that lets you back up multiple devices in a central location.

Table of contents

• Why use a NAS?
• Features
• Specifications and price
• Using the DiskStation DS925+
• Who is the Synology DiskStation DS925+ NAS for?

Why use a NAS?

Disaster can strike at any time and can come in many forms. You could lose your data from:

• Theft
• Fire
• Equipment failure (e.g. hard drive failure)
• Data corruption
• Malware or ransomware
• Accidental deletion

In theory, if you have a copy, especially at an offsite location, you can use it to restore any lost data.

Your data backup options include:

• USB (thumb) drives: a plug-in, low-cost, highly portable device.
• External Hard drives: a plug-in, larger capacity hard drive.
• Shared or NAS storage (shared storage): on-site network attached storage for local copies across multiple devices.
• Cloud Storage: subscription-based storage with backup and security (requires an internet connection).

Synology DiskStation DS925+ features

The Synology DiskStation DS925+ is a configurable storage platform for home offices and small businesses. It is a small computer designed to work without a keyboard, mouse, and screen for a specific purpose.

Image: Angus Jones.

The purpose is to share data on a network so multiple users can access it. The shared data on this device can be used in some ways, with the primary functions being a shared drive and a place to back up data. You can also consider this a private cloud, where all the data stays on your premises, so you have total control and security. No data is in the public domain.

The DiskStation comes with a complete package of software that allows you to:

• Automate backups of connected PC/Macs
• Store, share, and find photos on a media organisation hub
• Share drive including secure remote access
• Collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentation slides in real time
• Private video surveillance in the form of a Network Video Recorder
• Store your music collection
• Media server to stream video and music to your TV or stereo
• Shared Calendar
• Email server
• Web server
• Private group chats
• Backup Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace

Screenshot: Angus Jones.

The DS925+ comes with four hard drive bays but no installed drives. You decide how many drives you want and what capacity. A five-bay DX525 expansion unit allows up to nine drives at 20TB each, giving you a massive 180TB total storage. Drives will be configured for redundancy so that you will need a minimum of two drives at 4TB. Redundancy means one of your drives could fail, and you will not lose your data. The enclosure supports installing 3.5” SATA HDD or 2.5” SATA SSD drives.

Five-bay DX525 expansion unit. Image: Synology.

Synology raised a few eyebrows when it announced that the officially compatible storage drives for its 2025 NAS models would primarily be its own branded drives. Keep that in mind if you have existing drives from other brands, as they may not work as intended with the DiskStation DS925+. You can also check the current list of verified storage drives on Synology’s website.

Two M.2 NVMe slots allow you to install solid-state drives (no spinning disks) into the enclosure, which will cache data to speed up the transfer of data. This option would only be used for very serious users who are driving their NAS hard. Connectivity is via two 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports, which can be configured for redundancy, providing fast network transfer speeds.

Powering the NAS is an AMD Ryzen V1500B quad-core CPU with 4GB of included memory expandable up to 32GB.

Synology DS925+ specifications and price

CPU and memory	AMD Ryzen V1500B quad-core CPU with 4GB of included memory, expandable to 32 GB
Storage	4 bays supporting up to 20TB each
Dimensions	17 x 20 x 22 cm
Networking technology	2 x 2.5-gigabit Ethernet ports
Price (RRP)	From $1,100
Official website	Synology
Warranty	3 years

Using the DiskStation DS925+

Setting up a NAS is not as simple as turning on a new PC. The first step is to install your hard drives into the hard drive caddies. The 4.5-inch drives click in, so don’t stress.

Next, connect the NAS to power and your network, and power it on. The setup and any future interaction with the NAS will be via a browser or an app on your smartphone. Once you start the software installation, you must load an OS because the installed hard drives are blank. This painless process includes deciding the type of redundancy or RAID you want.

Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) is a method of improving performance and ensuring that you will not lose any data if one of your disks in the NAS fails. If a disk does fail, you remove it, insert a new blank drive, and it will automatically rebuild itself. I recommend you select Synology’s own SHR variant of RAID for simplicity.

Synology raid configuration. Screenshot: Angus Jones.

The next step is to install software applications and customise your NAS, similar to setting up a new PC. Once you log into the NAS via a PC browser connected to the same network, you will have a home screen within your browser window. On that screen, you will see a Control Panel icon and a Package Center icon.

The Control Center allows you to change settings on your NAS regarding file sharing, connectivity, and system settings, such as power settings. For example, you can set your drives to hibernate if not used for 10 minutes, saving power.

Access your DS925+ with a browser or smartphone. Image: Synology.

File sharing is activated by default, and your PC’s file explorer will see the NAS on your network and allow you to treat it as a new file store. You can download the Synology Drive Client to your PC, Mac, iPhone, or Android phone.

The Package Center is where all the magic happens, including the downloading of Synology’s or third-party apps. I use Active Backup for Business, Synology Photos, Hyper Backup, and Antivirus Essential in my setup.

Active Backup lets you download a Windows-based app on your attached PC, which you can use to set up a backup regime. Photos lets you store, catalogue, and search all your photos. I have around 50,000 photos stored on my NAS. A smartphone app also helps with the transfer of files to your NAS and viewing your library. Hyper Backup allows me to backup the NAS to another drive, so I have an additional copy of my data, which I store in a fireproof box. The Antivirus is self-explanatory.

Synology PC backup control panel. Screenshot: Angus Jones.

There are many other apps. I suggest you do your research to see if these apps will add value to you based on your needs. If you are technical, you will love the power of possibilities.

For reference, this is my second Synology NAS. I followed the instructions to migrate to this new NAS by taking my old hard drives out of my old NAS and inserting them in the new one, which extensively sped up the migration process.

Did I need to upgrade? This new box is significantly faster on all fronts, but do I notice the difference? Not really, as the backups, etc, all happen in the background, so I don’t notice the difference.

Who is the Synology DiskStation DS925+ NAS for?

A NAS is for people who want total control over their data and do not want to store data in a public cloud or pay monthly fees. Suppose you have lots of data to back up, including many photos, and the economics of having your reliable storage stack up. A NAS provides a systemic solution with redundancy versus a drawer full of unorganised external hard drives.

Once set up, the Synology DiskStation DS925+ NAS does its thing and requires little maintenance. You have peace of mind that your PC data and photos are safely stored on your own premises.

Synology DiskStation DS925+

Performance

8

Features

9

Ease of use

7

Design

8

Value for money

8

Positives

So much more than a backup solution if you are prepared to tinker

Flexible capacity and redundancy

Expandable home file sharing and backup solution

Negatives

Synology forces you to use its hard drives

8

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Acer’s latest Swift OLED laptop improves anti-glare technology

Acer has kickstarted its Computex 2025 campaign with several new laptops across its Swift, Aspire, and Predator ranges coming to Australia later this year.

Hot off the heels of the Acer Swift 16 AI from earlier this year, new Swift Edge and Swift Go laptops are on their way. Considered the flagship of the bunch, the Acer Swift Edge 14 AI starts at $3,999, packing an OLED screen, up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and 32GB of RAM. Acer says the upcoming laptop weighs less than a kilogram and lasts up to 21 hours on a single charge.

I too like to use my laptop in the dark on my kitchen bench. Image: Acer.

An interesting tidbit on the Edge 14 AI’s spec sheet is the mention of Corning Gorilla Matte Pro material. Acer claims it’s the first laptop to use the screen technology designed to significantly reduce glare. Like similar anti-glare treatment used on Samsung’s OLED TVs, the technology should mean easier-to-read screens when exposed to sunlight. You’ll be able to see for yourself when the laptop launches in June.

Next up are the new Swift Go 16 AI and Swift Go 14 AI laptops. Starting at $1,799 in Australia, both laptops also use OLED technology, albeit without the anti-glare material. They include up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 chipset with 32GB of RAM, and 2TB of SSD storage. Acer says the 16-inch model is due out by the end of the year, while the 14-inch version should arrive during spring.

Thin builds are a theme of the Swift Go range. Image: Acer.

Also coming to Acer’s lineup are various Aspire AI configurations. Available in 14 and 16-inch sizes, these laptops include up to an AMD Ryzen AI 7 chip or Snapdragon X processor. You can also spec them up with OLED screens (AMD models only), 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. Acer’s Aspire laptops start at $1,399 and will launch this spring.

For gamers, The Acer Predator Triton 14 AI wields up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 chip and an RTX 5070 GPU. It also includes up to 32GB of RAM, 2TB of storage, and a 120Hz OLED screen. Acer hasn’t confirmed an Australian price yet, so expect to see more details closer to its spring launch window.

Acer’s gaming laptop also doubles as a multimedia editing machine. Image: Acer.

After the gaming laptop arrives, Acer will then launch the Predator X27 X monitor in summer. It’s a 4K 27-inch 240Hz QD-OLED display, which is a lot of fancy words to say it’ll make gaming look nice and smooth.

Keep an eye on Acer’s website for all of its Computex devices.

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Vodafone calls on ACCC to investigate Telstra’s network claims

Vodafone has accused Telstra of “misleading customers” regarding its network coverage. As part of the allegations, Vodafone has written to the ACCC to investigate claims that Telstra overstated its network coverage by up to 40% over a 15-year period.

The explosive claims come after Vodafone recently doubled its network coverage in Australia as part of a network-sharing deal with Optus. Screenshots provided by Vodafone to the ACCC suggest that Telstra updated its website to remove mention of “3 million square kilometres”, a figure that was based on the use of an external antenna.

An ACCC investigation is supported by consumer advocacy groups like ACCAN, whose CEO Carol Bennett said in a media release that “misleading and deceptive conduct has no place in any market, let alone a market for an essential service.”

ABC News has the full rundown on the developing situation.

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How LG AI is making your home life intuitive, personalised, better

CES 2025 already feels like a distant memory, but LG’s product line-up certainly remains fresh, thanks to the recent launch of AV products with the company’s unique take on AI.

Yes, it’s Artificial Intelligence, but with a difference. LG describes the advanced features in many of its products as “Affectionate Intelligence”.

This affection is built around LG’s webOS 25 smart TV platform. It’s an intuitive operating system that harnesses AI to monitor your viewing behaviour in a way that’s not intrusive, but rather supportive. LG webOS will use affectionate AI to recommend content, based not just on what you’ve already watched, but also on what you are asking about, using the TV’s intuitive voice commands.

WebOS isn’t just about operating a TV, it’s about enabling a whole family of products that don’t just work for you, they also work with you. Think of it as a more empathetic and less intrusive form of intelligent operation. And LG says Affectionate Intelligence is coming to almost its full range of products, from TVs to vacuum cleaners, smart fridges to washing machines. It’s a potentially more future-proofed experience, amplified – and simplified – by AI.

Smart TVs and soundbars with LG AI

Select OLED TV models offer a suite of AI-powered picture, sound and user enhancements

LG’s TV experience is powered by webOS, no matter what tier of TV suits your lifestyle. And webOS is powered by LG’s Affectionate Intelligence, a system that aims to be more intuitive and less intrusive than other AI platforms. Forget juggling multiple apps – webOS lets you control your home and lifestyle from a central hub. Over time, webOS will become more familiar, more intuitive, and more attentive to your needs. Whether it’s gaming, entertainment, or even your home office, webOS has a role to play in your digital lifestyle.

As for TV tech itself, when it comes to visual quality and clarity, just packing more pixels into a display doesn’t go nearly far enough. While Affectionate AI helps you at the everyday human level, there’s also the hardcore tech side of things to think about. The Alpha 11 processor, in select LG TVs, also harnesses AI smarts to further enhance specific objects within the picture, by scanning the scene and matching it to known genres or program types.

LG calls this AI Object Recognition, and the idea is that it offers an even more precise level of adjustment, optimising detail and texture for a more lifelike picture.

Naturally, OLED TV is what catches the eye first in the LG section of your local retailer, but it’s the power behind that beautiful screen that will really elevate your viewing experience.

Powered by the alpha-series of CPUs, LG’s next-gen TVs offer a tranche of visual and audio upgrades, including AI Sound/Pro, AI Picture/Pro, AI Voice ID, AI Picture Wizard, AI Sound Wizard, AI Search, AI Chatbot, AI Magic Remote, and AI Voice Remastering. LG has even partnered with Microsoft to bring Copilot to your next TV.

This is a big list of capabilities, and so you’d be forgiven for wondering how such a broad spectrum of tech is co-ordinated. Again, that’s the role of LG’s webOS 25. It’s a versatile operative system within your TV that exploits enhanced AI with better voice recognition, speech synthesis, and predictive features.

And because it’s LG, you can be confident that this advanced data processing is protected by industry-leading security. It’s built into the very core of LG’s TV, and protects all shared or stored consumer data.

If we’re talking specific hardware, the LG OLED TVs get Alpha 11 AI Processor 4K Gen 2 (G5), Alpha 9 AI Processor 4K Gen 2 (C5) and Alpha 8 AI Processor 4K (B5). The QNED series brings amazing value and performance thanks to the α8 AI Processor 4K Gen 2.

WOW Orchestra synchronises audio from select LG TVs and soundbar models for boosted effect

LG’s new soundbars also benefit from new TV smarts, especially when it comes to LG’s WOW Orchestra. This uses the speakers on both the TV and a (compatible) LG soundbar at the same time, for a more expanded soundstage, with new levels of depth and power. Naturally, with WOW Orchestra enabled, you can use your LG TV remote not just to adjust volume, but also see the soundbar menu on your TV, where you can select modes and check connection status.

Of course, LG goes further than this with AI Room Calibration. This feature analyses your room, from size to acoustic characteristics, and adjusts the settings of your LG soundbar accordingly. It’s intended as a more nuanced adjustment than what you might be used to.

LG AI-powered smart fridges and air conditioners

LG has big plans for your AI-powered home. It’s not just about automating tasks or learning, over time, when you’re likely to do a big wash. LG’s push toward Affectionate Intelligence aims to anticipate what you need based on a more emotional or empathetic analysis of your habits.

What the company hopes to achieve is an awareness of emotional needs, habits, and a contextual awareness of what the user needs. Think of it as not just reactive, but rather proactive assistance in your everyday task. Can LG achieve this? All we know is that their AI push seems to be going in the right direction.

Let’s start with LG’s AI-powered refrigerators. They clearly aim to take smart storage management to the next level. Equipped with internet cameras and other sensors, AI can use food recognition to let you know when you’re out of eggs. Or tomatoes. Or whatever else you prefer, as the whole point of LG’s Affectionate AI push is to give you appliances that learn your preferences.

This functionality will appear in LG’s new air conditioners as well. Traditional thermostats are fine but often not optimal – they can click over from cooling to drying when you’re still feeling a bit hot under the collar.

Equip an AC with Affectionate Intelligence and it can optimise cooling and heating temperatures, air speed and direction based on your personal preference, whether that’s to keep things a little cooler or warmer than average – it’s your aircon after all!

Washing machines, robovacs, and other appliances

Robot vacuums are of course an area just ripe for an AI revolution, and many owners already treat their little robot with plenty of affection – so why not have the AI return that energy?

AI in select LG washing machines chooses the optimal cycle to reduce fabric damage and help clothes last longer

LG’s next-gen robovacs can take advantage of advances in mapping tech (both hardware and software) and use intelligent suction control for different surfaces.

Affectionate Intelligence is set to enhance domestic life in other ways too, with your appliances getting increasingly more confident at predicting your needs and working with you to make home life even more relaxed and comfortable. AI in washing machines will know when you tend to do your biggest loads and change settings accordingly, and ovens and dishwashers will incorporate predictive maintenance too.

It’s all based on user habits and user needs, according to LG. And the company is banking on “affection” being the watch word for the year ahead, whether that’s in the ambient lighting around your amazing transparent TV, or something simple but essential like your robovac knowing when it’s quiet time, and saving the daily dust-up for later.

Read more LG articles on GadgetGuy

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New Asus router keeps your outdoor appliances connected

Plenty of routers promise reliably fast speeds for your home, but what if you need that connectivity outdoors? Made for that exact purpose, the aptly named Asus ZenWiFi BD4 Outdoor router uses Wi-Fi 7 technology combined with outdoor durability to connect devices outside the home.

Its main appeal stems from an IP65 rating, meaning the ZenWiFi BD4 Outdoor is both dustproof and water-resistant. So, it won’t matter if the router catches a bit of rain, it should still power through, on top of its rated operating temperature range between -30°C and 60°C. As a result, it’s suited to outdoor settings to help provide Wi-Fi to smart cameras and internet-connected outdoor appliances.

ASUS ZenWiFi BD4 Outdoor Dual-Band WiFi 7 Mesh, 3600 Mbps, 2450 sq. ft., Dual 2.5G Ports, IP65, PoE Powered, Wall and Pole Mount, Security and Parental Controls Included, Smart Home Master SSIDs

• Dual-band WiFi 7 speeds up to 3600 Mbps with MLO and 4K-QAM.
• WiFi 7 powering AiMesh technology boosts coverage up to 2530 ft², with easy extendibility and seamless connectivity for compatible ASUS routers, indoors and outdoors.
• Built for durability with ESD and surge protection, an IP65 certified water-resistant and dustproof enclosure, and a wide operating range from -30°C to 60°C, making it ideal for outdoor environments.
• Supports both Power over Ethernet and AC power for streamlined installation options, with two 2.5G PoE-in ports featuring auto WAN detection.
• Versatile mounting options provide easy deployment in various outdoor scenarios, whether wall-mounted, pole-mounted, or placed on a flat surface.

$ 299.00

Buy on Amazon

On the cheaper end of the scale, the $299 ZenWiFi BD4 Outdoor sticks with a dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) setup. Its total wireless throughput reaches 3,600Mbps, with the option of wired connectivity thanks to two 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports. Asus’ outdoor router also works with the brand’s AiMesh routers, including the recent RT-BE92U, ZenWiFi BQ16, and ExpertWiFi EBM68 models.

If that sounds like what you need, the ZenWiFi BD4 Outdoor comes to Australia in July. There’s an online listing with more details, and Amazon already has its pre-orders live.

GadgetGuy occasionally uses affiliate links and may receive a small commission from purchased products.

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Huawei takes on Apple Watch Ultra with cheaper “Pro” wearable

Smartwatches may be a crowded space, but there’s always room for good price competition. That’s the aim of Huawei, launching its Watch Fit 4 and Watch Fit 4 Pro wearables in Australia, taking on the top end of town.

It’s easy to baulk at the premium entries when you see the $1,399 Apple Watch Ultra and the $1,299 Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra. Both are great watches, albeit limited to those who can afford them. At $469 locally, the Huawei Watch Fit 4 Pro is cheaper than both competitors’ mid-range wearables, while the $299 non-pro version is even less punishing on wallets.

Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, the Watch Fit 4 Pro is Huawei’s more durable smartwatch. It lasts up to 10 days on a single charge, using a 1.82-inch AMOLED display that cranks up to 3,000 nits of brightness.

Huawei’s standard Watch Fit 4 (left) next to the Watch Fit 4 Pro (right). Images: Huawei.

As you’d expect of modern wearables, the watch includes more than a hundred workout types, GPS and heart-rate tracking, and the ability to automatically detect when you’re working out. Huawei positions the Watch Fit 4 Pro as a golfer’s companion too, supporting local and overseas course data while tracking the distance of your shots.

There are a few differences between the Pro and non-pro versions of Huawei’s watch, from both a design and features perspective. For starters, the Pro’s bezel uses a titanium alloy, while the base model is entirely made from an aluminium alloy. Huawei’s standard model is also dimmer (2,000 nits) and doesn’t support diving like the Pro. Other Pro-exclusive features per the spec sheet include temperature, ECG, and depth sensors.

Pre-orders are open now for both watches, including a launch offer from JB Hi-Fi. Pre-ordering the standard Fit 4 comes with a $50 gift card from JB, while the Pro model includes a $100 gift card.

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Backbone Pro controller is coming to Australia, no timeline yet

Mobile gaming peripheral brand Backbone recently launched its fanciest Backbone Pro model overseas, leaving local gamers wondering when it would come to Australia.

An upgraded version of the critically acclaimed Backbone One, the Backbone Pro gains Bluetooth wireless connectivity and full-sized control sticks as part of its design overhaul. It means you can pair the Pro with any Bluetooth-enabled gaming device, making it more than just a mobile controller. Theoretically, you could use the Pro to stream Xbox games on an LG TV without any other hardware.

The good news is that it’s definitely coming to Australia. GadgetGuy received confirmation from Backbone’s local distributor that the new accessory will come to Australia, although no timeline is set in stone yet. Backbone’s official announcement blog mentioned a global rollout beginning in “summer”, which would be our winter.

Bluetooth connectivity means consoles and TVs come into play. Image: Backbone.

Price would be the only sticking point. The Backbone Pro retails for US$169.99 overseas, roughly converting to more than $260 locally. That’s in the realm of PlayStation’s DualSense Edge and Xbox’s Elite Wireless controllers, which is a big ask. By comparison, Australian budget tech brand Laser launched a Bluetooth-enabled gamepad late last year for $89: the GTEK Wireless Gaming Controller Pro.

However, the Backbone Pro wouldn’t replace the Backbone One series entirely, which routinely goes on sale for well under $150. If you take mobile gaming seriously and want larger thumbsticks and more customisation, that’s the space occupied by the Pro model.

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Sony WH-1000XM6 improves noise cancellation, foldable design

Following recent leaks, Sony has officially announced the WH-1000XM6 wireless noise-cancelling headphones, the latest in the brand’s flagship series.

The sequel to 2022’s WH-1000XM5 headphones, the WH-1000XM6 reportedly steps up the noise-cancelling performance. This comes from the headphones’ new QN3 processor, which Sony claims is seven times faster than the chip found in the XM5s. The XM6 also has 12 built-in microphones, up from eight, that monitor your surroundings in real-time to help block out external noise.

Sony prices the WH-1000XM6 at $699.95 in Australia, putting the headphones on par with last year’s Sonos Ace, and slightly above the $649 Bose QuietComfort Ultra. It’s an increasingly crowded premium over-ear headphone market, with each brand gearing up to improve noise-cancelling and sound quality.

Sony also claims increased audio quality, but didn’t provide much detail beyond its work with a team of Grammy-winning engineers. The company mainly focused on the improvements to noise cancellation. Sony did mention the WH-1000XM6 taps into LDAC technology, supporting High-Resolution Audio and High-Resolution Audio Wireless.

At a software level, the new headphones have what Sony calls a “Scene-based Listening” mode. It’s a new feature that automatically adjusts noise cancellation levels based on your surroundings and activities.

With up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge, the XM6 also supports USB charging while listening, prolonging its use. Importantly, the headphones support both wireless and wired connectivity.

Image: Sony.

Sony has also returned to a foldable design with the XM6s, which the XM5 model controversially omitted. The soft-fit vegan leather headband is wider, while the earpads use a stretchable material, aiming to be comfortable for all-day use. In addition to the auto-sensing features, the XM6 includes a mix of tactile and touch-based controls on the ear.

Available to pre-order directly from Sony today, the WH-1000XM6 launches in Australia this June in three colours: Black, Platinum Silver and Midnight Blue.

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Netflix plans to show AI-generated ads to subscribers

Netflix plans to show AI-generated ads to subscribers on its cheapest tier, according to the streamer’s advertising boss.

According to a report by Media Play News, Amy Reinhard, Netflix’s president of advertising, told advertisers that AI-generated interactive midroll and pause ads would launch in 2026. Netflix is targeting the growing customer base on the Standard with ads tier, reportedly totalling 94 million global subscribers.

Netflix killed its cheapest Basic tier in Australia earlier this year, moving users to the $7.99 ad-supported tier in its place. It means that lots of people are likely to see the new ads next year. It’s not yet known to what extent AI is involved; previous generative AI advertising efforts, like Coca-Cola’s Christmas ad, have drawn criticism for lacking creativity, along with the technology’s ethical baggage.

As Netflix’s 10th anniversary in Australia shows, the streaming platform has a sizable influence. Perhaps its foray into AI-based advertising is just a sign of things to come.

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HBO backflips on its bizarre Max streaming branding

Warner Bros Discovery is rebranding its Max streaming platform back to HBO Max. Max only launched in Australia recently, with the rebrand happening globally.

Warner Bros Discovery dropped the HBO branding a couple of years ago, which proved to be a confusing move. Most of the streaming platform’s flagship content stemmed from HBO programming like Game of Thrones and The Last of Us. The Verge‘s Wes Davis even labelled the name change “an all-time bad rebrand”.

Mumbrella published some quotes from Warner Bros Discovery’s press release about the re-rebrand, which included this gem: “[returning the HBO branding] is also a testament to WBD’s willingness to keep boldly iterating its strategy and approach…” In other words, they got it wrong but wouldn’t dare admit it.

Expect to see the HBO Max rebrand take effect during Australia’s winter.

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First look at Motorola’s slick mid-range Edge 60 Fusion

Motorola just launched its latest phone, the Edge 60 Fusion, targeting the mid-range market with a bunch of premium features.

I recently unboxed the new phone to see what the fuss was all about; it looks like a pretty decent package for $699. A neat touch from Motorola is the inclusion of a colour-matched rear case, which looks particularly striking on the blue-tinged Amazonite model.

Considering camera quality is one of the biggest purchasing factors, Motorola looks to have made some big moves here. The Edge 60 Fusion has a new 50MP Sony sensor with optical image stabilisation that uses AI to help capture the perfect image.

Mid-range phones occupy a highly competitive space in the market, so I’m keen to see how the Edge 60 Fusion fares in our testing. Stay tuned for our full review soon.

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Retro Polaroid Flip combines old school and modern photography

Kicking it old school with a new twist, the Polaroid Flip seeks to bring back analogue photography with some modern comforts.

Having recently launched in Australia, Polaroid describes the $399 point-and-shoot camera as its most powerful yet. If the Fujifilm we recently reviewed is too rich for your blood, the Polaroid Flip could be an approachable way to get back into photography.

Using Polaroid i-Type and 600 film formats, the camera even has Bluetooth connectivity, letting you use your phone to tweak manual settings. Straight out of the camera (or ‘SOOC’) though, the Flip adopts a four-lens system that automatically chooses the best focal length. Powering this is a sonar-based autofocus technology and a built-in flash that works from 4.5 metres away.

Designed with a retro look and feel, the Flip comes in two different colours. Image: Polaroid.

Polaroid’s “Scene Analysis” tech sounds helpful; it lets you know when there’s a risk of getting the exposure wrong. Part of the charm of instant film cameras is imperfection, although it’s nice to have the information on hand. Whether you heed the advice or not is entirely up to you, after all.

Out in stores now including JB Hi-Fi and Myer, the Polaroid Flip has some upcoming hands-on events too. Starting on 27 May, Walkens House of Film in Melbourne will have a Polaroid-themed pop-up with plenty of photo opportunities and demos to try.

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App Store to get accessibility labels in big future update

It will soon be easier to see which apps support accessibility features on the App Store, as part of several big accessibility updates coming to Apple’s devices this year.

Called “Accessibility Nutrition Labels”, App Store listings will include a new section highlighting an app’s supported features. Like similar tags listed by Xbox on its digital store, the Accessibility Nutrition Labels aim to provide users with important information before downloading an app.

It addresses a common issue encountered by people with accessibility needs, who buy or download software, only to find out afterwards it’s incompatible with an accessibility feature they use. To solve this, Apple’s upcoming labels highlight which features an app supports, like VoiceOver, Voice Controls, and captions.

Images: Apple.

For Mac users, a computer version of the Magnifier app is also coming this year. It lets users magnify objects via a Mac’s camera, including external USB cameras and iPhones, to view them on a larger screen. Magnifier doubles as a way to transform text from a physical object, like a book, to a customisable digital format to help with legibility.

This latter feature is part of Accessibility Reader, coming to most of Apple’s devices. Accessibility Reader lets users tweak their reading experience at a granular level, like text size, colour, and contrast. It also supports reading text aloud, with Accessibility Reader accessible from any app.

Accessibility Reader provides a more customisable reading experience. Image: Apple.

Apple used the example of reading restaurant menus, which often have tiny text. Via the Magnifier app, users can then access Accessibility Reader to read a fully customisable digital version on an iPhone, for example.

Other future accessibility features range from Live Captions coming to Apple Watch, to enhanced zoom and VoiceOver functionality on Apple Vision Pro. Apple hasn’t confirmed exactly when the new features will drop. For now, more details are available on Apple’s news announcement post.

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