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Geeky gadget gift ideas for Christmas!

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Exciting times for the all the “techheads” out there as the silly season approaches, many are embracing the trend of gaming.

The festive season has arrived! And online orders, video games and streaming services continue to thrive in a pandemic world.

With Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X shortages set to continue, there are still plenty of options available. So let’s consider what’s on offer from top tier tech through to those fun little secret Santa gifts.

Content creator and tech reviewer Emily Dalton (1upEmily) jumps in to provide some ideas on ticker gaming this week!

LEGO MEETS NINTENDO

A recent partnership between a couple of toy giants saw the creation of one of this years hottest toys, The Super Mario LEGO collection! A clever take on the adventure game characters merged with the imaginative play that LEGO offers.

The Mario and Luigi starter sets are your first stop. The characters come complete with their iconic sounds and colours in charming LEGO brick bodies.

One of the most impressive things about the series is the integrated lights and sounds that change depending on where the toys are placed and what they jump on.

LIGHT UP YOUR HOME SETUP!

Working from home gave some the opportunity to understand just how unprepared our home office spaces were for a comfortable and well lit experience.

For gamers, getting the perfect set up is part of the process. Decent lighting and themed backgrounds are a must for streamers and content creators looking to stand out and the Nanoleaf breed of lighting options are as fun as they are stylish!

STOCKING FILLERS AND SECRET SANTA

Most workplaces will try to inject at a bit of festive fun into the team, no matter how many employees actually want to participate there’s usually a kris kringle of some sort.

Rushed and ill-prepared gifts are never fun to receive. But! there are some great little pieces out there that won’t break the bank.

Fun ideas that might help put a smile on that one colleagues face, you know the one who you’ve matched with but have no idea what to get them.

FOR THE BIG KIDS AND COLLECTORS

A good game room celebrates the beloved characters and video games that originate from. Posters are quite common but there are some incredibly detailed statues and artwork available.

From big names in anime through to the gaming characters we all know and love. Collectors are always on the lookout for the next limited edition piece to decorate their home and office so keep an eye open if you’re happy to splash out.

Hopefully some ideas have been generated from our geeky gift guide and be sure to tune in and check out more from Ticker gaming and of course be sure to see what Emily Dalton and Team Retro are up to right here!

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Apple’s upcoming product rumours and expectations

Apple to unveil new iPhone SE 4, possibly named iPhone 16E, along with other products this Wednesday.

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Apple to unveil new iPhone SE 4, possibly named iPhone 16E, along with other products this week.

In Short

Apple will launch its first major product of 2025 this Wednesday, likely the iPhone SE 4. Other products such as a refreshed MacBook Air and an iPad with upgraded chips may also be announced, while some anticipated releases are delayed.

CEO Tim Cook announced the event via Twitter last week. Industry speculation suggests that the new product could be the iPhone SE 4, possibly rebranded as the iPhone 16E.

Apple

Expectations include a 6.1-inch OLED display, USB-C charging, a 48MP rear camera, and Face ID. This model will reportedly feature Apple’s first in-house 5G modem.

Cook referred to the new release as “the newest member of the family,” fuelling speculation about its naming. Other products may be announced, including a refreshed MacBook Air with an M4 chip, and an iPad 11th generation featuring the A17 Pro chip.

An iPad Air with the M3 chip and a new Magic Keyboard is also possible, although these may launch later in the spring.

However, some anticipated products will not debut this week. AirTag 2 is expected in mid-2025 with enhanced features, and a new smart home hub, known as ‘HomePad’, may release later than initially planned.

Additionally, the M4 Ultra Mac Studio and Mac Pro are not expected until the WWDC this summer. For updated information and products, readers can explore items such as MagSafe wallets and wireless charging stands available on Amazon.

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Meta initiates layoffs, prioritizing AI focus, efficiency

Meta begins layoffs targeting low performers, aiming to trim 5% of workforce for AI investment amidst industry-wide efficiency drive.

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Meta begins layoffs targeting low performers, aiming to trim 5% of workforce for AI investment amidst industry-wide efficiency drive.

In Short

Meta is laying off about 4,000 employees, or 5% of its workforce, as part of a shift towards AI and greater efficiency. This move, part of a broader trend in Big Tech, has raised employee fears about job security and a culture of fear under CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Meta has initiated significant layoffs, impacting thousands as the company pivots towards AI investment and efficiency.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg aims to eliminate around 5% of the workforce, equating to nearly 4,000 employees. This decision aligns with a broader trend among Big Tech firms to streamline operations after extensive hiring during the pandemic.

Reports indicate employee anxiety regarding these changes, with some claiming a culture of fear under Zuckerberg’s leadership. Concerns include the potential reputational damage for employees laid off under performance-based criteria.

Affected workers in the US will receive severance packages, including 16 weeks of pay plus additional compensation based on service length. Nonetheless, some employees fear that innocent parties could face cuts to meet corporate quotas, hindering workplace morale.

The layoff strategy will target employees receiving low performance ratings, with management instructed to identify up to 15% eligible for cuts. Notifications will occur across different time zones to affected employees via email, with access to company systems revoked shortly thereafter.

European employees in specific countries will follow local regulations, which may alter the process.

As part of restructuring, Meta is consolidating teams, particularly merging Facebook and Messenger groups. The Reality Labs division is being realigned with the main business to reverse previous organizational changes.

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Breakthrough app detects sleep issues in the blink of an eye

OptAlert launches free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues, utilising AI to screen for obstructive sleep apnea with high accuracy.

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Optalert launches free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues, utilising AI to screen for obstructive sleep apnea with high accuracy.

In Short

Australian company Optalert has launched a free iPhone app, Owl Eye, that detects sleep issues by analysing users’ blink patterns and screening for obstructive sleep apnea with 96.6% accuracy. The app is currently available in Australia and New Zealand, with plans for wider release.

Australian company Optalert has introduced a free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues.

The app differs from traditional sleep trackers by assessing users while awake, requiring only ten minutes to complete.

It focuses primarily on screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and is backed by data from leading Australian sleep laboratories.

An AI-based algorithm, developed from this data, classifies individuals with a remarkable 96.6% accuracy regarding OSA.

Optalert is currently pursuing regulatory certification to operate as a medical device across various regions, including the US, Europe, and China.

The app functions by analysing users’ blink patterns during a concentration task facilitated by the iPhone’s camera, disregarding video content to ensure privacy.

This technology helps identify impairment due to insufficient oxygen during sleep.

Those receiving a positive result can seek further diagnosis and treatment for their sleep issues.

The app, named Owl Eye, is currently available on the Apple App Store in Australia and New Zealand, with plans to expand its reach shortly.

Paul Zubrinich, Chief Marketing Officer of Optalert provides his involvement with the app and shares insights on the technology behind Owl Eye.

In the broader context of sleep technology, the trend indicates increasing accessibility to personal health data previously confined to clinical settings, promising advancements in sleep health.

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