STACK #239 September 2024
This month we round up the hot new phones hitting JB and demystify generative AI tech, such as Google's Gemini. September is the season for spring cleaning, and we've compiled a handy guide to the new innovations in vacuum tech. And with footy finals kicking off, get match ready and upsize your TV for a more immersive experience. 25 on supported Galaxy devices, xy AI features provided by a third party. atures. Image simulated.
TECH
September brings both spring and a host of new smartphones packing the latest AI-powered tech. From Samsung Galaxy AI to Google’s Gemini, generative AI is the current buzz phrase in phone tech and its making smartphones even smarter. This month we demystify this amazing tech that can generate text and images with a simple prompt, translate supported languages in real time, summarise documents, transcribe voice recordings, and more.
How does it work, and how will it change the way that you use your phone? Our deep dive into AI has all the info you need to take advantage of this intelligent personal assistant, along with all the cool AI-powered features to look out for. Flip and foldable phones are also trending, with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 models leading the charge, and Google bringing its first foldable phone to the Australian market, the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold. These are just some of the latest phones that we’ve rounded up this month, along with recent models – including some quirky and affordable alternatives to the big brands – to suit every budget.
Tech Tips and Editor's Pick
6 Tech tips and editor's pick 8-14 Smartphone generative AI explained 16 Tough phones and DIY repairs 17 Flip phones and fun features 18-19 Google Pixel 9 series and all the hot new phones 20-22 Smartphones for every budget 24 Smartphone accessories 26-34 The best tech for spring cleaning 36-38 Supersize the footy finals with a massive 4K TV 40 Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 review 42 Audio-Technica AT-SP3X Bookshelf Speakers review 44 What's new in tech this month
MOVIES & TV
46 Intro/Take 5/Filmmaker’s Signature/On the radar/ In development/Bob J’s Film Buff Bafflers 48 Merch of the Month/Charts/This month 10 years ago/Socials 49 Cinema: The Substance and Megalopolis 52 The Bikeriders interview with Jodie Comer and Austin Butler 54 Bad Boys: Ride or Die - the boys are back in town 56 The Crown: Season 6 - a royal send-off 58 John Krasinski’s IF - blending worlds 60 Bob J: Ridley Scott’s Black Rain 35 years later 62 New from Imprint Films 64 Out this month 65 New to 4K 66 The latest anime and board games
MUSIC
68 My first album/ STACK Exchange 70 Missy Higgins is back 72 Keith Urban/Dave Gilmour 75 Bring Me the Horizon 76 Jamie xx/Eminem 77 Vital Vinyl – Ten top cuts from the ‘90s 80-81 What new albums are heading to JB this month 82 Rock ‘n' roll stories with Stuart Coupe
GAMING
4 Astro Bot Q+A 6 The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom preview 8 EA Sports FC 25 preview 10 NBA 2K25 Q+A 12 Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Q+A 14 Funko Fusion Q+A 16 Out this month/Fast Forward/ Wham, bam, game exam!
WELCOME
September brings both spring and a host of new smartphones packing the latest AI-powered tech. From Samsung Galaxy AI to Google’s Gemini, generative AI is the current buzz phrase in phone tech and its making smartphones even smarter.
SMARTER PHONES ARE HERE!
The rise of generative AI and its integration into new smartphones has revolutionised how we use our devices, including easy responses to emails, document summarisation, image and text generation, and more. Let’s take a closer look at this amazing new tech. Words Scott Hocking
What is generative AI?
Generative AI differs from other AI models in that it can create new content in real time, such as wallpapers, images, and text. It can also alter backgrounds in photos, concisely summarise key points from lengthy documents, transcribe voice recordings, and eliminate switching between apps when sharing photos or searching online.
