Current

Current http://www.current.com.au/ en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss info@current.com.au (The Editor) Spotify not available to all music fans, so go with cheap shot JB Now http://www.current.com.au/2012/05/22/article/Spotify-not-available-to-all-music-fans-so-go-with-cheap-shot-JB-Now/RSMCIIZHQB.html http://www.current.com.au/2012/05/22/article/Spotify-not-available-to-all-music-fans-so-go-with-cheap-shot-JB-Now/RSMCIIZHQB.html Current.com.au Correspondent UnderCurrent's loves listening to the music of bands such as Nickelback, Creed and One Direction, so we were thrilled to learn that Spotify has finally launched in Australia today. UnderCurrent is a private internet snoop, however, so we don't have a Facebook account, which is a big problem in this region: <img alt="" height="311" src="/image/Spotify1.bmp" width="651" /> Of course, UnderCurrent could just tune in to JB Now, which is apparently cheaper, according to this not-at-all catty tweet: <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/JBHiFi/status/204716441516244995" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="268" src="/image/Spotify2.bmp" width="531" /></a> Tue, 22 May 2012 09:29:29 +1000 For a few dollars more, you can get less than you paid for at GAME http://www.current.com.au/2012/05/16/article/For-a-few-dollars-more-you-can-get-less-than-you-paid-for-at-GAME/HMODPXMJGD.html http://www.current.com.au/2012/05/16/article/For-a-few-dollars-more-you-can-get-less-than-you-paid-for-at-GAME/HMODPXMJGD.html Current.com.au Correspondent By Claire Reilly At UnderCurrent, we’re always keeping our eyes open for good bargains. So although Game going into administration is sad news for the Australian retail landscape, it does mean there are some great bargains to be found. The <a href="http://www.game.com.au/preownedconsoles" target="_blank">retailer’s website</a> is advertising a pre-owned console sale, with huge reductions off the recommended retail price of consoles and hardware – more than 50 per cent off in some cases. For example an Xbox Kinect accessory which would normally retail for $199.95 at the store is selling for only $79. It’s a similar story for the Xbox itself which has a web-only price of $449 at Game, but a pre-owned price of $289. Bargain! <img alt="" height="142" src="/image/GAME Preowned Sale.bmp" width="300" /> <img alt="" height="104" src="/image/Xbox Game Preowned.bmp" width="300" /> Game's competitive pre-owned console pricing. But hang on a minute, I’m sure this won’t be good news for everybody. One reader of Current.com.au <a href="http://www.current.com.au/2012/05/16/article/What-a-joke-Customers-cry-foul-over-GAME-store-credit-scheme/ESKOZVQWET.html" target="_blank">contacted us today</a> to say that he’d traded in his Xbox, his Kinect and several games just last week, only to be given a $70 store credit. $70? That’s not even enough to buy back his Kinect. It’s alright though. He also reported that thanks to tight restrictions put in place by Game’s administrators, PricewaterhouseCoopers, he was told that he will need to spend four times the value of his $70 voucher in order to redeem it. That means adding $210 of his own cash in order to be able to use his credit voucher. So that brings him up to $280. Great! But he’s still $9 short if he wants to buy back the original Xbox he dropped in last week. Wed, 16 May 2012 10:13:17 +1000 Betta to make friends than e-nemies http://www.current.com.au/2012/05/16/article/Betta-to-make-friends-than-e-nemies/LTEVSLNUXJ.html http://www.current.com.au/2012/05/16/article/Betta-to-make-friends-than-e-nemies/LTEVSLNUXJ.html Current.com.au Correspondent UnderCurrent was very pleased to read this morning that Betta Electrical is having a strong year, with a number of fine developments, including a rebranding project, more members and a reduction in fees. We were also happy to see that Betta's members have embraced online retailing, so much so that a close relationship has been forged. Here's BSR Group CEO Graeme Cunningham: “We’ve made a friend in online retailing, not an enemy,” he said. “Online has been strongly embraced by our stores because the benefit of these sales and the profit goes back to the stores in the region where the online sale originates.” Cunnigham should be wary of making too many friends online, however, as the tagline of The Social Network rightly stated: "You don't get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies". Wed, 16 May 2012 10:13:20 +1000 Aussie iPunters rejoice: you can now bet on Apple's share price http://www.current.com.au/2012/05/15/article/Aussie-iPunters-rejoice-you-can-now-bet-on-Apples-share-price/OLOGMIWFNO.html http://www.current.com.au/2012/05/15/article/Aussie-iPunters-rejoice-you-can-now-bet-on-Apples-share-price/OLOGMIWFNO.html Current.com.au Correspondent One of UnderCurrent's favourite pastimes is sports betting - perhaps second only to technology. Imagine how happy we were then to learn that corporate bookmaker Sportsbet.com.au has framed a market on Apple Inc.'s trading performance over the next 18 months. Fellow iPunters have two options to choose from, with Sportsbet framing markets concerning Apple's share price at the end of 2013. For value, you can bet on which $50 bracket the price will be, with more than $750 per share the $3.25 favourite. For a two-horse race, technogamblers can opt for an overs/unders bet on whether the share price willŒreach $1,000 by 2013. Currently, Sportsbet is offering $2.50 on the share price breaking this barrier by 31 December 2013. Here are the current markets: Apple share price at the end of 2013: $3.25ŒŒ More than $750 $4.00ŒŒ $700.01 to $750.00; $650.01 to $700.00 $5.50ŒŒ $600.01 to $650.00; $550.01 to $600.00 $6.00ŒŒ $500.01 to $550.00 $10ŒŒŒŒŒ $450.00 to $500.00 $15ŒŒŒŒŒ Under $450 Will Apple reach $1,000 share price by end of the 2013? $1.50ŒŒ No $2.50ŒŒ Yes Apple Inc. closed at $558.22 on the Nasdaq on 14 May 2012 (US). Œ Tue, 15 May 2012 14:21:00 +1000 Toshiba ups the ante with sci-fi inspired ambient dance anthem http://www.current.com.au/2012/05/10/article/Toshiba-ups-the-ante-with-sci-fi-inspired-ambient-dance-anthem/GKAUZAHKJR.html http://www.current.com.au/2012/05/10/article/Toshiba-ups-the-ante-with-sci-fi-inspired-ambient-dance-anthem/GKAUZAHKJR.html Current.com.au Correspondent UnderCurrent has this week been enjoying company songs, with <a href="http://www.current.com.au/2012/05/08/article/Sing-along-to-Panasonics-company-song/UOWBAAAYNC.html" target="_blank">Panasonic</a> and <a href="http://www.current.com.au/2012/05/09/article/Samsungs-theme-song-is-great-for-Korean-Karaoke/KEOGXFLOJJ.html" target="_blank">Samsung</a> both amusing with their grandiose musical visions of the future. Today's instalment is even better - Japanese company Toshiba don't just have a company song, it has a company film. With a ambient dance track that recalls <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET1-6Bef9xU" target="_blank">Chicane's work</a> from the early Naughties and stock footage from sci-fi films interspersed with product shots - plus a truly bizarre cameo by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamiroquai" target="_blank">Jamiroquai</a> - this Toshiba music video would not be out of place at some of the more trendy discotheques. Thu, 10 May 2012 12:59:36 +1000 Samsung's theme song is great for Korean Karaoke http://www.current.com.au/2012/05/09/article/Samsungs-theme-song-is-great-for-Korean-Karaoke/KEOGXFLOJJ.html http://www.current.com.au/2012/05/09/article/Samsungs-theme-song-is-great-for-Korean-Karaoke/KEOGXFLOJJ.html Current.com.au Correspondent UnderCurrent loves a good round of Korean Karaoke, almost as much as the latest gadget or sophisticated home appliance. That's why, even though Samsung's company song lacks the star power of the one-time Mrs Andrew Lloyd Webber (<a href="http://www.current.com.au/2012/05/08/article/Sing-along-to-Panasonics-company-song/UOWBAAAYNC.html" target="_blank">see Panasonic's song from yesterday</a>), it does include an impressive music video complete with the lyrics on screen to sing along. So grab a microphone and enjoy Samsung's official themesong, "We'll Be Your Wings To Fly"... UnderCurrent appreciates the use of Australian landmarks in this clip. Wed, 09 May 2012 14:26:00 +1000 Sing along to Panasonic's company song http://www.current.com.au/2012/05/08/article/Sing-along-to-Panasonics-company-song/UOWBAAAYNC.html http://www.current.com.au/2012/05/08/article/Sing-along-to-Panasonics-company-song/UOWBAAAYNC.html Current.com.au Correspondent During UnderCurrent's travels to the Far East, we've constantly heard stories about Japanese and Korean brands having 'company songs', rousing ballads sung by employees and, UnderCurrent assumes, loyal consumers. After much trawling, UnderCurrent is today pleased and somewhat bemused to present the first in our series of company songs. Please sit back and enjoy opera star Sarah Brightman belting out Panasonic's memorably titled EcoIdeas ForŒA Better World (Shall Be Done)... UnderCurrent considers itself a bit of a chart geek, so it with some authority that we predict this song will not match the heights of Brightman's Australian #1 single Amigos Para Siempre. <a href="http://panasonic.net/shallbedone/" target="_blank">Read the lyrics of this masterpeice here</a> Tue, 08 May 2012 12:56:04 +1000 Has Harvey Norman flown over the cuckoo's nest? http://www.current.com.au/2012/05/02/article/Has-Harvey-Norman-flown-over-the-cuckoos-nest/ILWKYFUQCG.html http://www.current.com.au/2012/05/02/article/Has-Harvey-Norman-flown-over-the-cuckoos-nest/ILWKYFUQCG.html Current.com.au Correspondent You certainly can’t blame Gerry Harvey for keeping all his eggs in one basket. The head of the Harvey Norman retail chain has branched out into online sales, direct importing of console games and daily deals that bring consumers much-need products at low, low prices. And what does every discerning Australian consumer need? A chicken coop! <img alt="" height="223" src="/image/Big Buys Chicken Coop.bmp" width="300" /> I bet you’re tired of chicken coops that only hold one lousy chicken. Well fear not, this palatial coop will hold 2 to 3 chickens! <img alt="" height="278" src="/image/Big Buys Coop 1.bmp" width="300" /> Sick of spending your hard-earned monthly chicken budget on exorbitant cooping costs? The top-of-the-lineŒmodel doesn’t sell for the arbitrarily chosen outlandish figure of $299! It’s half price at just $148! <img alt="" height="173" src="/image/Big Buys Coop 2.bmp" width="300" /> But many people keep 2 to 3 chickens for more than just looks. What about my precious eggs? Harvey Norman Big Buys has taken out the guess work by “providing easy egg collection and cleaning access”. And, thanks to the new design, Mr and Mrs Chicken (with a potential third Baby Chick) will be able to use both a rear and front door to receive guests. The <a href="http://www.harveynormanbigbuys.com.au/BuyDetailsPage.aspx?itemNo=DXH001" target="_blank">deal is only on available until midday</a>, so hopefully you get a chance to take up the offer. Otherwise, just like a consumer electronics retailer selling farming wares,Œyou and your 2 to 3 un-cooped chickens will look very foolish indeed. <img alt="" height="216" src="/image/Big Buys Coop Main page.bmp" width="300" /> Œ Wed, 02 May 2012 11:33:16 +1000 Forget DubStep: Asko has DishStep http://www.current.com.au/2012/04/30/article/Forget-DubStep-Asko-has-DishStep/BDCYSVBYCO.html http://www.current.com.au/2012/04/30/article/Forget-DubStep-Asko-has-DishStep/BDCYSVBYCO.html Current.com.au Correspondent UnderCurrent is a big fan of this newfangled style of music called dubstep. Apparently an American kid named Skrillex is the best singer of dubstep, though he may have some competition from Swedish appliance company Asko, which has released this dubstep-infused guide to its latest dishwashing range. Judging by the low standards of modern music, we can't help but feel that all this video needs is some exposure and we'll soon see it on one of those music video channels that are popular with the kids these days... And here's a Skrillex video for comparison: Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:02:00 +1000 Cashbacks beginnen zu Hause fur Nespresso http://www.current.com.au/2012/04/26/article/Cashbacks-beginnen-zu-Hause-fur-Nespresso/EOFXFELMON.html http://www.current.com.au/2012/04/26/article/Cashbacks-beginnen-zu-Hause-fur-Nespresso/EOFXFELMON.html Current.com.au Correspondent Das UnderCürrent was best pleased earlier this week to see that Nespresso is a big lover of cashbacks for Mother's Day the world over. In its native Switzerland, even the amount is the same, with consumers receiving CF 50 (Swiss Francs) back on the Pixie Machine at department stores in Zürich. <img alt="" height="300" src="/image/photo (2)(1).JPG" width="400" /> And for all the Mother's Day promotions closer to home, including Nespresso Australia, <a href="http://www.current.com.au/2012/04/17/article/UPDATED-All-the-Mothers-Day-promotions-all-in-one-place/DGYGDBTYHO.html" target="_blank">check out this complete guide</a>. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:00:35 +1000 UPDATED: A journey through time-saving appliances http://www.current.com.au/2012/04/23/article/UPDATED-A-journey-through-time-saving-appliances/RLNZEJFDST.html http://www.current.com.au/2012/04/23/article/UPDATED-A-journey-through-time-saving-appliances/RLNZEJFDST.html Current.com.au Correspondent By Claire Reilly Here at Undercurrent, we love appliances. But if there’s anything we love more than appliances, it’s the kind of retro appliances that make you wonder what life was like back in the day before pyrolytic ovens, smart fridges, ionic hairdryer technology and dishwasher safe plastic. Undercurrent had the good fortune to come across a treasure trove of antique appliances when doing some sleuthing into the topic recently. Here’s our top four picks in the category of, “Wow - the 80s called and they want their time-saving electrical goods back!” 4. Breville <img alt="" height="356" src="/image/Breville Salon Styler.jpg" width="300" /> Why go down to the salon to gossip with the ladies when you can get your hair set in the privacy of your own home? With this Breville contraption, keeping up the Joneses has never looked so fashionable! *Twin set not included. 3. Sunbeam <img alt="" height="509" src="/image/Sunbeam Retro Blender.jpg" width="300" /> To be fair, this Sunbeam blender actually looks like it has quite a lot of functions on it. But the company has certainly upgraded the aesthetic of its small kitchen appliances...for the better. 2. Pioneer <img alt="" height="563" src="/image/Pioneer Disco Robo.jpg" width="300" /> If your old man is too square to let you go down to the discotheque, never fear. With Pioneer’s fantastic “Disco Robo” you can create your own party at home! Now with the super-specific benefits that only 109 decibels of sound can bring. I can't wait to play some Spandau Ballet! 1. Hotpoint <img alt="" height="511" src="/image/Hotpoint Vertical Grill.jpg" width="300" /> Considering the recent bad news about Hotpoint going into administration, we had a touch of nostalgia with this one - the Hotpoint Vertical Grill. Thanks to reader Paul who wrote in to tell us that this was not actually a extravagantly-named toaster, but rather a forerunner to the kind of grills produced now in the George Foreman range. "You put in sausages, steaks, or maybe burgers, and they would grill with all the fat dripping off the meat onto a drip tray underneath, which was then removed for cleaning," said Paul.Œ"I should know, we have one and use it every now and then. It was originally a wedding present for my partners parents back in the early 1960's, and it still looks as good as new. We also have a 1930's chrome waffle maker that still works brilliantly, and is also used on the odd occassion for a Sunday Brunch." Paul may just win the prize for best retro appliance collection. Do you have a great appliance that you think we need to see? Leave a comment below, or send us an email at <a href="mailto:info@current.com.au">info@current.com.au</a> Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:55:29 +1000 Introducing a new cooking brand: Ele Trolux http://www.current.com.au/2012/04/19/article/Introducing-a-new-cooking-brand-Ele-Trolux/HESPQRAYZI.html http://www.current.com.au/2012/04/19/article/Introducing-a-new-cooking-brand-Ele-Trolux/HESPQRAYZI.html Current.com.au Correspondent Il UnderCurrento, the Italian second counsin of UnderCurrent, thinks that if you're only going to get one thing right at a major international trade fair, it should be your brand name. Unfortunately for Electrolux, the lack of one letter from its EuroCucina stand's marque left the hosts not C-ing straight... <img alt="" height="519" src="/image/Electro.jpg" width="346" /> And up close and personal: <img alt="" height="346" src="/image/Electro2.jpg" width="519" /> UPDATO: Il UnderCurrento is pleased to report that this has been rectified. Prego: <img alt="" height="480" src="/image/photo(3).JPG" style="width: 511px; height: 372px" width="640" /> Thu, 19 Apr 2012 06:56:41 +1000 Olympus celebrates its pedigree http://www.current.com.au/2012/04/16/article/Olympus-celebrates-its-pedigree/AGGRJLXMSR.html http://www.current.com.au/2012/04/16/article/Olympus-celebrates-its-pedigree/AGGRJLXMSR.html Current.com.au Correspondent Olympus has gleefully announced the tenth anniversary of its arrival in the Australian market, thanking one and all for their continuing support of the digital imaging brand. “Ten years in Australia is a great celebration for Olympus,” said Olympus Imaging Australia MD, Marc Radatt. “We are pleased to be a mainstay in the digital imaging industry, and I’d like to thank our customers and retailers for their support and passion for the Olympus brand. “Olympus prides itself on constantly charting new technological frontiers, to give consumers and professionals alike exciting new camera products to capture their world.” In its own celebration of sorts, Undercurrent thought it fit to share this retro Olympus ad from the UK, celebrating the company’s Trip range of cameras. Originally produced in 1965, the final Trip series camera was released in 2000. It’s nice to know that the 'professional endorsement of a consumer product' angle is one that has been used successfully for so long. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:24:25 +1000 Panasonic treats the hipsters to home theatre heaven with retro iPad interfaces http://www.current.com.au/2012/04/11/article/Panasonic-treats-the-hipsters-to-home-theatre-heaven-with-retro-iPad-interfaces/HBXGIYYHWG.html http://www.current.com.au/2012/04/11/article/Panasonic-treats-the-hipsters-to-home-theatre-heaven-with-retro-iPad-interfaces/HBXGIYYHWG.html Current.com.au Correspondent UnderCurrent is a hipster at heart, which is best described as someone who "fetishises the authetic", according to Time Out New York scribe Christian Lorentzen. Of course, all the synthesisers, Leica cameras and Nintendo GameBoys in the world alone doesn't qualify one for this esteemed subculture, you also need the perfect mix of modern technology with your retro gadget to truly be up wih the zeitgeist. Luckily, Panasonic is helping out consumers of its new home theatres systems achieve their hipster dreams by including some outstanding retro interfaces on its iPad app. Buy the home theatre, install this app on your iPad and you too will feel supremely cool while watching The Princess Bride... <img alt="" height="300" src="/image/photo 1.PNG" width="400" /> I'm livin' in the 70s... <img alt="" height="300" src="/image/photo 2.PNG" width="400" /> She's still preoccupied with 1985... <img alt="" height="300" src="/image/photo 3.PNG" width="400" /> Tonight I'm gonna party like it's 1999... Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:11:39 +1000 One Direction - too cool for an iPhone? Certainly too cool for Nokia http://www.current.com.au/2012/04/12/article/One-Direction---too-cool-for-an-iPhone-Certainly-too-cool-for-Nokia/TEICOLZDRQ.html http://www.current.com.au/2012/04/12/article/One-Direction---too-cool-for-an-iPhone-Certainly-too-cool-for-Nokia/TEICOLZDRQ.html Current.com.au Correspondent They may be the coolest young lads on the planet - and definitely right now in Australia - so cool in fact that using a hip handset like an iPhone or a Galaxy SII is just so passe. That's right: Niall, Harry, Liam, Zayn and Louis love nothing more than rockin' a Nokia... Or do they? UnderCurrent did a bit of investigating today and learned that Niall, Zayn, LouisŒand Liam actually use BlackBerrys, while Harry indeed uses an iPhone. So, money well spent Nokia? <img alt="" height="169" src="/image/1DNew Picture (1).bmp" width="494" /> <img alt="" height="156" src="/image/1DNew Picture (2).bmp" width="510" /><img alt="" height="178" src="/image/1DNew Picture (3).bmp" width="500" /><img alt="" height="165" src="/image/1DNew Picture (4).bmp" width="512" /><img alt="" height="146" src="/image/1DNew Picture.bmp" width="503" /> Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:39:46 +1000 Betta puts on a new face(book page) http://www.current.com.au/2012/04/10/article/Betta-puts-on-a-new-facebook-page/UPDLXRPTSN.html http://www.current.com.au/2012/04/10/article/Betta-puts-on-a-new-facebook-page/UPDLXRPTSN.html Current.com.au Correspondent Nine months after launching its dedicated e-commerce venture, Betta Electrical has joined the social media revolution with a new <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BettaAU" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. The page has 250 ‘likes’, though it is only early days (for Betta at least) with the company officially going online at the start of last month. Since then, the retailer has posted its company history on the Facebook timeline, as well as a range of shots from the company’s “new look in-store”. However, Betta still has a way to go – the company currently has a stronger Facebook presence for its individual stores, including the Ingham Betta Electrical which outstrips the national page in the number of likes. <img alt="" height="300" src="/image/Betta Instore 1.jpg" width="300" /> The new store livery includes a range of eye-catching (and Donna Summer-themed) displays. <img alt="" height="244" src="/image/Betta Instore 2.jpg" width="300" /> Betta now offers the option of invoices sent via email. <img alt="" height="316" src="/image/Betta Instore 3.jpg" width="300" /> More bright colours in-store. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:40:48 +1000