In Sunday’s segment on Sky News Australia (Weekend Edition with Tim Gilbert) we took a look at home security as many Australians prepare to travel over Christmas for the first time since the pandemic began. But that means homes will be vulnerable to break-ins. There was a decrease in the number of reported crimes between 2019-2020 due to strict lockdown policies in Australia as a result of COVID-19.
2011 – 198,100
2020 – 116,700
So expect that to go up again as we leave our homes unattended. Preparation is crucial. Home security tech has never been cheaper and smarter. The trick is to have a system that prevents theft – not just record it happening.
Floodlight cameras will give you most impact. They make it clear to intruders they are being watched. UNIDEN has a number of totally wireless options and wired models like the dual lens app cam pano that covers 170 degrees. This camera will be released next year but stay tuned for a video review.
Smaller cameras can be placed anywhere. WYZE has a tiny camera that can do colour night vision at 2K. Plus it lights up the target. Crucial to ID criminals. Out of the box I’m very impressed by the Cam V3 Pro 2K. Keep an eye out for a review of this camera too.
Barking Dog alarms are good but must be realistic. Automate the lights in the yard and house – make it looked lived in. These are some of the ways you can use tech to protect your home while on holidays.
FREELY APP MAKES TRAVEL INSURANCE SIMPLE
Forget filling out long forms, there’s a new app to simply to whole process of travel insurance. Especially with COVID. This app is fantastic. FREELY has launched the world’s first end-to-end travel insurance and safety app. It takes a traditionally overcomplicated, counter-intuitive and difficult-to-navigate process and makes it dead simple.
Whether planned, or last-minute, travellers can add or remove specific cover even once their trip has begun. From skiing to hiring a car, decisions can be made, and insurance can be secured, all from the palm of your hand. Unlike most travel insurance providers, Freely provides users with cover for many pre-existing mental health conditions (including depression and anxiety) as a standard.
HOW TO GET AN ELUSIVE IPHONE 14 PRO FOR CHRISTMAS
It’s been hard to get since it came onto the market. We spoke a couple of months ago about the long wait for the Pro models and there’s no change. COVID lockdowns in China have impacted production at FoxConn where the phones are made.
If you order today .. you’ll probably get in in January. The same on Telco sites and consumer electronics stores. But if you are desperate – you will find the occasional phone pop up online. But you have to be quick. Order then go into store to pick up. So the key is browsing before taking drive to the physical store.
If you want to try the iPhone 14 – don’t forget you can return it within 14 days if you don’t like it and would prefer the 14 Pro or 14 Pro Max.
