Due out soon after its China launch, the flagship Oppo Find X9 phones look similar on the surface, but pack some big internal changes.
GadgetGuy's Tech Ticker Last updated 1:47pm AEST
Tineco's steam-powered wet-dry vacuum has the goods
It used to be that if you wanted clean floors, you'd need to vacuum and then mop separately. Both time-consuming tasks meant hours of weekly upkeep for tidy floors. Fortunately, technology advances mean you can do both at the same time. In the case of the Tineco Floor One S9 Artist Steam, you also benefit from high-powered steam cleaning.
It's one of the best wet-dry vacuums on the market, and I enjoyed giving it a go in my studio apartment over the past few weeks. The Floor One S9 Artist Steam's titular steam technology reduces the need for harsh cleaning chemicals while still lifting crusted-on stains off the floor.
You can see Tineco's flagship wet-dry vac in action via GadgetGuy's YouTube channel, where it effortlessly cleaned up a variety of messes. It's available in Australia now for $1,499 from Tineco's website and home appliance retailers.
New scam-fighting technology adds another way to stay safe online
Australians lost $2.03 billion to scams last year, according to the National Anti-Scam Centre. You don't need me to tell you that's an obscene amount of money.
So many of these losses come from dodgy text messages and emails that trick vulnerable people into handing over sensitive data. Because scams have become increasingly harder to detect, companies like Norton employ various technologies to detect them before they do any harm.
As we pointed out when we reviewed Norton's 360 Platinum subscription recently, the company's software detects fake websites, monitors social media, and keeps an eye on your bank accounts.
There are a few clever ways it does this, including the ability to upload screenshots to the Norton Genie app. It uses AI to determine whether something is a scam, stopping you from making any cybersecurity mistakes. You can see how it works via GadgetGuy's latest YouTube video.
Amazon's new security devices could help find lost pets
Of all the things Amazon announced at its big smart home reveal last week — 4K Ring cameras, stylish new smart speakers and displays, and affordable home security additions — I didn't expect pet-finding technology to be on the list. Called "Search Party", the upcoming Ring feature will help track runaway dogs.
Due out in the US in November, Search Party relies on the network of Ring devices to locate a lost pet's position. Like Apple's Find My and Google's Find Hub, it works by tapping into neighbouring Ring devices.
If your outdoor camera detects what looks like a missing pet reported via the Ring app, you'll get a notification. From there, you can choose to share the footage and contact the owner for a happy reunion. Search Party will just be for dogs at first, with other pets to follow.
Check out GadgetGuy's latest YouTube video for more on Amazon's full smart home range coming soon.
Network 10 channels to stream for free on LG TVs with new deal

LG and Paramount have signed a deal to air a range of Network 10 programming directly through LG TVs without the need for an aerial.
Starting later in October, channels including 10, 10 Drama, 10 Comedy, and Nickelodeon will be available to stream for free via LG Channels, the TV company's integrated streaming platform.
Separate from Network 10's on-demand streaming app, the channels will air as a linear feed, like it would via a terrestrial aerial. In other words, programs air at their specified times, inclusive of ad breaks. It's hoped that linear TV removes decision paralysis when picking what to watch, letting you just watch TV the old-fashioned way.
It's especially good news for residents impacted by Opticomm's decision to shut down free-to-air TV access in some communities. If similar partnerships continue to pop up, Australians may be even less reliant on terrestrial TV than in previous years.
Cheaper Rode Wireless Micro mics get colourful refresh

The rise of content creation has seen a lot of conventional broadcast wisdom thrown out the window. Microphones should be subtle and never plainly visible, right? Not on social media, especially if the new Rode Wireless Micro colours have anything to do with it.
Originally available in black and white, the Wireless Micro connects to devices via an included USB-C dongle or Bluetooth. Now, the Australian-made mic has a bit of extra personality, coming in red, orange, and blue colours. It's not quite as many colours as the Wireless Go 3 range, but the new additions stand out much more than the original black finish.
These new colours quickly follow Rode's major price drop in September, which saw the Rode Wireless Micro drop from $260 to its current permanent price of $170. With hot competition from the likes of DJI, the revised price makes Rode much closer to its peers. The new colours are available now directly from Rode.
Jabra's video bar makes everyone feel involved in meetings
With all the glitz and glamour of consumer technology, it can be easy to overlook some of the cool stuff that's happening with workplace technology. Recently, I saw the Jabra PanaCast 40 VBS in action at Integrate, Sydney's big AV expo, and I think it'll drastically improve video meetings.
Designed for small meeting rooms, the PanaCast 40 VBS looks like a soundbar with a set of built-in cameras. Which, to be fair, it is, albeit with more smarts on the inside. Its two cameras seamlessly stitch together an image spanning 180 degrees, easily viewing everyone in a meeting room.
Jabra's device cleverly avoids the impersonal and detached nature of videoconferencing meet-ups by recognising up to four people at a time and creating close-ups for each person via a 4x digital zoom. Internal beamforming microphones then identify who's speaking, ensuring they're heard over any background noise.
It's smart technology that I think could make a positive difference in shared offices.