Alex Kidman

Multi-award-winning freelance Tech Journo, Co-host Vertical Hold podcast, Former editor at CNET, Gizmodo, PC Mag, Finder and many more. Retro gaming, Prince and Godzilla fan. Send coffee.

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npub1e9qetrkd7uvjmx2qhr8zwgqj08em6vqh6fxnj208qamxgvszml8qqscd5u

NIP-05 Address

alexkidman_at_aus.social@mostr.pub

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nprofile1qqsvjsv43mxlwxfdn9qt3n38yqf8nuaaxqtaynfe98nswanyxgpdlnsnfgp5t

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npub1e9qetrkd7uvjmx2qhr8zwgqj08em6vqh6fxnj208qamxgvszml8qqscd5u

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Last Notes

2024-08-16 10:48:12

Friday night #retrogaming time. Something light and easy, methinks.
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/112/971/301/728/802/553/original/638cc342019565de.jpg

2024-08-16 04:21:49

Google has said that it doesn't dominate search in Australia in the Senate today.
Hmm. Obviously that call needs some kind of verification. I know! Let's ask Google's AI -- it's bound to know the answer!
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/112/969/782/482/304/872/original/fd680c7e9560c776.jpg

2024-08-16 02:36:27

Updated my 8BitDo gaming controller review, as I realised I forgot one vital test.
The “What does it look like with Googly Eyes on” test. So important.
https://alexreviewstech.com/8bitdo-ultimate-2-4g-wireless-controller-review-great-controller-confusing-name/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/112/969/369/638/353/576/original/65a241596a95a399.jpg

2024-08-10 06:42:59

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@npub1gqn…kjud Never done city2Surf myself. Maybe one day.

2024-08-09 22:38:20

Another #parkrun done. On with the day.
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/112/934/457/972/628/495/original/f936de0b98f3a9c8.png

2024-08-06 20:07:35

RIP Google Chromecast. You will be missed (at least by me).
#Google #Chromecast #Streaming
https://alexreviewstech.com/rip-chromecast-you-will-be-missed-by-me/

2024-08-02 22:46:09

Overheard at -#Parkrun “If you need headphones, if you need music to run, you’re not really a runner”. Sigh. Some people are just like that, I guess. It’s about having a go, you berk. How you run (or walk) is up to you. (For the record they were getting into a car, so I couldn’t challenge them on this).

2024-07-29 06:44:33

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@npub1gqn…kjud Reminds me of something…

2024-07-29 05:25:57

Fresh review time, as I strap the premium-priced Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra to my wrist and hit the (reviewing) road!
#Samsung #GalaxyWatchUltra #Smartwatch
https://alexreviewstech.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-ultra-review-heavy-duty-watch-heavy-duty-price/

2024-07-19 21:51:47

My #parkrun tourism habit intensifies. Time to make my legs suffer, because this is a thing I do now.
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/112/815/366/643/146/288/original/2c7a9816832b09e4.png

2024-07-19 10:46:24

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@npub19xu…e8yd Sorry to hear this. Sounds like you gave her a long (for a cat) and well-loved life, though.

2024-07-17 05:59:11

I was very good. I reviewed the Sonos Roam 2 (text and video), and I didn’t once reference the B-52s.
In other news, I don’t even know WHO I AM ANY MORE.
https://alexreviewstech.com/sonos-roam-2-review-one-for-the-sonos-faithful/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/112/800/297/573/154/650/original/14887b0da878670c.jpg

2024-07-10 05:54:47

Anyone feeling generous enough to buy one of these for me? Because clearly I need one of these. https://ausretrogamer.com/stern-pinball-unveils-the-exciting-70th-anniversary-edition-of-godzilla/

2024-06-26 09:19:44

Purple Rain is 40 years old today.
Which means there’s as much time between it and now as there was between it and World War II. And not even the end of the war, either.
I’m going to need some time to take that in. Or I could, I don’t know, go crazy…

2024-06-25 07:50:37

Got my first fake scam MyGov tax return email of the year today. Won’t be the last. Remember (and share) - IF YOU GET A MYGOV EMAIL WITH A LINK IN IT, IT IS ALWAYS A SCAM.

2024-06-14 10:43:28

Neko is dreaming of all the crimes he will commit. #CatsOfMastodon
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/112/614/557/333/963/732/original/c107fc270ce382a8.png

2024-06-04 10:02:10

Tegan knows what you did and she IS judging you. #catsofmastodon
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/112/557/771/500/081/264/original/d57c2ec299d10789.png

2024-05-31 00:24:56

Another donation to my #TheMay50K (with thanks to Jen D-N), means another #cat photo for everyone to enjoy! Keep the donations coming!
(Neko is VERY interested in what is on the ceiling. Probably a bug. Maybe the crunchy kind.)
#running #Australia #CatsofMastodon
https://www.themay50k.org/fundraisers/alexkidman/the-may-50k-2024
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/112/532/853/047/202/260/original/053f058f33cfebbb.jpg

2024-05-26 02:12:28

It's retro game of the week time once again, and once again I'm playing Pinball -- in this case, Super Pinball: Behind The Mask for the SNES.
What lurks behind the mask is... not great.
#SNES #Nintendo #Retrogaming #Pinball
https://alexreviewstech.com/retro-game-of-the-week-super-pinball-behind-the-mask-snes/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/112/504/965/494/840/859/original/5486a64b67c0d47b.jpg

2024-05-22 06:13:40

Do I have an opinion on Microsoft's big push for Copilot+ PCs?
You bet I do.
At Gizmodo Au, I've dived into the details (that we know) and the problems (more than just the one...)
#Microsoft #Windows11 #CopilotPlus #AI
https://gizmodo.com.au/2024/05/copilot-pcs-future-of-windows/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/112/483/262/634/719/218/original/4986cf4eef2e6c50.jpg

2024-05-21 08:48:57

Wow. Now at 85% of my distance goal and 91.5% of my fundraising goal for #TheMay50k - would love for your donation to put me over the 100% level (hint, hint) #Running #multiplesclerosis https://www.themay50k.org/fundraisers/alexkidman/the-may-50k-2024

2024-05-14 04:36:48

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@npub1q0f…rdcz Time to bust out the Harry Belafonte. https://youtu.be/P-4xyg4PU-U?si=-PODyyUEu9iXDsAO

2024-05-06 23:08:47

It's day 7 of my 100km run to raise funds for MS research. 35km down, and I am, indeed, running up that hill.
Also that one, and several more.
Help out (and read the latest blog post) by DONATING TODAY!
#Running #Australia #MS #Ow
https://www.themay50k.org/fundraisers/alexkidman/the-may-50k-2024
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/112/396/659/402/066/711/original/2020fcff88a52e6a.jpeg

2024-05-04 02:51:01

It's May the 4th, so of course my #retrogaming game of the week has to be a Star Wars game.
But why just one? After all... there is another...
#starwars #maythe4thbewithyou #Nintendo #Famicom #retro
https://alexreviewstech.com/retro-game-of-the-week-star-wars-nes-star-wars-famicom/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/112/380/543/839/454/085/original/d62d21e219056cfa.jpg

2024-04-24 06:08:33

I will be... busy... in May.
That's not so much crystal ball gazing as it is the fact that I'll be running 100km in May to raise funds for MS research.
I do the running and sweating (and, if asked, provide terrible sweaty selfies to prove it) -- all I need is YOU to donate to help this vital cause. So please consider doing so (and feel free to repost and share as widely as you can)
https://www.themay50k.org/fundraisers/alexkidman/the-may-50k-2024

2024-04-19 03:12:38

It’s Friday, which means it’s retro game of the week time! Continuing my pinball theme this week, it’s the BEST video game pinball of all time. It can only be Dragon’s Fury/Devil’s Crush! #retrogaming #pinball https://alexreviewstech.com/retro-game-of-the-week-dragons-fury-devils-crush-mega-drive-pc-engine/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/112/295/694/459/959/041/original/a4f61e8c4c590394.png

2024-04-17 07:02:15

Roborock's new premium-priced robot vacuum cleaner promises better cleaning and... well... the ability to hunt your pets. No, really...
https://alexreviewstech.com/roborock-s8-maxv-ultra-australian-pricing-specifications-and-early-thoughts/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/112/285/275/353/949/860/original/563449dcdff20299.jpg

2024-04-07 21:48:33

MyGov scams proliferate because people don't know how to spot them. I got a scam (and spotted it), but I've used it to write a quick guide to help others avoid them. Might seem obvious to you... but these work because people fall for them, and I HATE that this happens.
#scam #scamemail #mygov #Australia
https://alexreviewstech.com/how-to-spot-a-fake-mygov-email/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/112/232/137/131/088/996/original/d118bfa88e7a0ea1.jpg

2024-04-07 04:16:10

Time once again for my Retro Game of the Week. This week, I'm going in hard with Mighty Bomb Jack. A mighty game... that's mighty hard.
#retrogaming #NES #Nintendo
https://alexreviewstech.com/retro-game-of-the-week-mighty-bomb-jack-famicom/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/112/227/998/834/507/956/original/96b8607879997b65.jpg

2024-03-24 04:29:33

It's retro game of the week time again -- and this week, it's the truly excellent Sega Master System version of Choplifter. A great game in its time that has aged fantastically well!
#retrogaming #sega #choplifter #retro #retrogameoftheweek
https://alexreviewstech.com/retro-game-of-the-week-choplifter-sega-master-system/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/112/148/779/430/343/923/original/fc6e8fc8ff6c0418.jpg

2024-03-11 05:20:51

Foxtel's new Hubbl set top box is an interesting device... but interesting doesn't always equate to 'must have' when it comes to streaming boxes. Here's my full (video and text) review:
#Foxtel #Hubbl #Australia #streaming
https://alexreviewstech.com/hubbl-set-top-box-review-not-quite-ready-for-prime-time/

2024-03-10 04:46:21

Another day, another Medicare SMS Scam. It's tempting to think everyone knows about these by now... but they wouldn't work as well as they do if that was true, sadly.
#Security #Scam #Australia #Medicare
https://alexreviewstech.com/medicare-scam-be-alert/

2024-02-27 02:16:48

The Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max is ridiculously powerful... but it should be for its asking price. Here's my review!
#Apple #MacBookPro
https://alexreviewstech.com/apple-macbook-pro-m3-max-review-very-powerful-very-expensive/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/112/001/036/939/686/723/original/27cdad07c0bcded0.jpg

2024-02-19 04:23:07

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@npub19xu…e8yd @npub1fnn…xfgm it does love cat hair. But it’s not hard to brush that away, mostly. Mind, the cats will always make more.

2024-02-19 04:10:18

New review time, as I put the D-Link Aquila Pro AI M30 AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Smart Mesh System through its paces. It looks like a stingray, but how does it perform?
#WiFi #Dlink #Mesh #Router #Australia
https://alexreviewstech.com/d-link-aquila-pro-ai-m30-ax3000-wi-fi-6-smart-mesh-system-review-good-value/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/111/956/182/644/080/429/original/022d29a6c8bc6626.jpg

2024-02-13 21:47:57

So there's now (no joke) a Dune expansion for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
You know, for all those times you've ever wanted to see a 747 eaten by a sand worm.

2024-02-08 22:24:00

The easiest way to keep your TV up to date isn't to buy a new smart TV -- it's to buy a smart set top box or dongle. But which one?
Here's my take on the Chromecast vs FireTV vs Apple TV vs Shield TV vs Fetch TV:
#TV #Streaming #Netflix #Google #Amazon #Apple
https://alexreviewstech.com/which-smart-tv-set-top-box-should-i-buy-google-chromecast-vs-amazon-fire-tv-vs-apple-tv-vs-nvidia-shield-vs-fetch-mini/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/111/898/198/116/805/150/original/e7845e6f6b345760.jpg

2024-01-30 21:35:58

Doom is a retro gaming classic that will run on just about anything... including, it turns out, bacteria.
Is introducing demons to bacteria in humanity's best interest, though? I'm not sure...
#retrogaming #doom #humanityisdoomed
https://alexreviewstech.com/you-can-play-doom-on-e-coli-bacteria-now-i-give-up/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/111/847/049/808/574/285/original/7d9244e8817e76b6.jpeg

2023-12-08 01:08:10

In which I get properly cranky about YouTube drop tests which aren't really "tests" -- they're just phone torture porn.
https://youtu.be/vxKYoOijPf8?si=-Ngyl4U0AtPRm1oL

2023-12-04 01:10:38

In which I head to the cinema to watch and review Godzilla Minus One. Spoiler: It's very good, go see it if you can. More spoilers: My review contains spoilers.
#Godzilla #GodzillaMinusOne
https://gizmodo.com.au/2023/12/godzilla-minus-one-australian-review/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/111/519/480/529/786/562/original/5083a329dce74a47.jpg

2023-11-30 22:43:22

Had a lot of fun chatting to David Smith from Kotaku Australia as we set the stage for the console battle not just for the generations, but OF the generations: PS5 Slim vs Atari 2600+ for this week's episode of Vertical Hold. Give it a listen!
#PS5 #Atari #Podcast
https://verticalhold.com.au/2023/12/01/ps5-slim-vs-atari-2600-should-political-parties-use-videogame-memes-vertical-hold-ep-457/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/111/501/914/396/598/132/original/8fbe6135a6af6d8a.jpg

2023-11-30 06:30:48

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@npub19xu…e8yd Four swipes vs one and maybe 1-2 characters? I find it so much quicker, but the reality is that it's nice to have something flexible that can accommodate multiple approaches. Whatever works for you, works for you, that kind of thing.

2023-11-30 04:14:05

There's a lot of OS functions that get under-utilised, mostly because people might not know they exist. Here's five of my everyday-use favourites for iPhone users.
(Note: You might know some of them. Or maybe all of them. That's fine and great too.)
#iPhone #Apple
https://gizmodo.com.au/2023/11/5-apple-ios-hidden-features-and-tricks-i-use-daily/

2023-11-20 08:31:24

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@npub1q0f…rdcz Classic rights are weird - but new Who is across (IIRC) Binge, Stan and Amazon Prime right now. Stan did have some classic for a while in anthology form. This is *precisely* why I buy physical media for Who.

2023-11-20 08:23:33

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@npub1q0f…rdcz Not surprising. They only have the new specials and not until Sunday. No classic who, no since 2005-era who (though it is on other streaming platforms). It’s a very specific deal.

2023-11-16 22:04:23

Updated my Apple/Emergency SOS story for Australian users, because it turns out that not everyone with a new iPhone will get the "extra" free year.
#Apple #iPhone #EmergencySOS
https://alexreviewstech.com/apples-holding-off-on-charging-for-satellite-sos-for-another-year/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/111/422/488/418/362/795/original/d9e609d49765bc55.jpg

2023-11-10 20:52:49

A foggy morning for #parkrun. Time to get into it.
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/111/388/233/150/176/755/original/7b2c10b624036c73.png

2023-11-04 10:31:02

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@npub1q0f…rdcz the other problem here is of course that while games were that price, essentials - food, power, etc - were considerably cheaper.

2023-11-03 08:16:17

This is Neko.
Neko has been doing crimes today.
He has no regrets and suggests that you should do crimes too.
Try not to be like Neko.
#CatsOfMastodon
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/111/345/620/633/717/940/original/f78ee491c6537972.jpg

2023-10-31 19:59:27

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@npub1q0f…rdcz I’ll get the BBQ sauce and bread rolls.

2023-10-30 05:15:55

Sigh. Usually when I unbox a product, I'm excited and keen, and the biggest problem is then getting it charged.
Except today. My copy of the Super Deluxe Edition of Diamonds & Pearls arrived... and it's rather lacking in the "Super" division, as is Warners Australia/Merch Fan (their agent, I think)'s response so far.
But hey, if you've ever wanted to hear me go from excited to disappointed within a span of seconds, this is the video for you!
https://youtu.be/1fFzfQE6OTQ?si=D1psIkf1F5gUZeco
#Prince #YouTube #DiamondsAndPearls
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/111/322/263/120/382/675/original/d9cd74a87c13d075.jpg

2023-10-27 04:58:10

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@npub19xu…e8yd Indeed. One oddity of my teenage youth in East London high schools was that they had BBC Micros, but they did NOT have Elite on them. Must have been the only place that didn't.

2023-10-27 04:54:06

It's friday, and that means it's time for my retro game of the week!
Plenty of games claim elite status, but there's only one game that is truly... Elite.
Of course, it's Elite, for the... NES?
Really?
Yep, it's a thing. A glorious thing. Find out why in this week's article!
#retrogaming #Elite #EliteDangerous #NES #retro
https://alexreviewstech.com/retro-game-of-the-week-elite-nes/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/111/305/190/282/760/671/original/9e295311ea56d6cd.jpg

2023-10-14 23:42:21

“I am, you are, we are Australian”
And what does that mean after yesterday? It means a country that is demonstrably majority self-centred, ignorant, racist and unwilling to even fucking entertain the idea of LISTENING to its First Nations people.
There’s no escaping those statements because they were proven yesterday rather emphatically.

2023-10-13 06:17:42

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@npub1q0f…rdcz It might have an issue qualifying as an action show though. That’s a very specific genre.

2023-10-13 06:08:15

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@npub1q0f…rdcz Eh. It’s maybe a contender for the final group of eight, but I wouldn’t put it in medal contention.

2023-10-07 04:58:57

New review time: Is the Apple Watch Series 9 still your best bet if you’re an iPhone user? #Apple #AppleWatch #WatchOS https://alexreviewstech.com/apple-watch-series-9-review-small-improvements-but-still-great/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/111/191/962/988/075/884/original/9569f78ef3922ae5.png

2023-10-01 05:14:54

I'm a decent enough writer... but when it comes to drawing, all bets are off.
Can a low-cost drawing tablet turn me into the next great master artist? There was only one way to find out -- grab the One by Wacom M with both hands and get to sketching and reviewing:
(Warning: Contains artwork by me. You have been warned...)
https://alexreviewstech.com/one-by-wacom-m-review-engage-creative-mode/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/111/158/051/871/718/763/original/860b2cadf970c235.jpg

2023-09-20 10:58:55

Tegan, reassuring me that she is a highly intelligent and elegant animal. #CatsOfMastodon
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/111/097/119/170/710/830/original/39030858cc7e9aec.png

2023-09-19 08:17:52

I don’t want anyone to panic, but Nyssa has control of the big red button. I suggest we give in to her demands for snacks and ear scritches IMMEDIATELY. #CatsOfMastodon
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/111/090/823/639/636/297/original/3860512412c2ae94.png

2023-08-29 07:16:18

I do like a smart wearable, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is rather nice... if a little familiar. Here's my full review:
#Samsung #GalaxyWatch6 #GalaxyWatch6Classic #WearOS
https://alexreviewstech.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-6-review-good-but-not-much-has-changed/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/110/971/674/044/852/672/original/70852af5dda046c4.jpg

2023-08-14 04:01:17

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@npub1mpw…4h3u Public transport absolutely should be part of the mix, and you're right. A lot of EV adoption is reframing usage and expectations (often with net positives -- I find longer drives in an EV way more comfortable as there's less vibration and charging stops mean I stop *properly* and get back on the road much more refreshed, for example).

2023-08-14 03:05:44

Survey just landed in my inbox stating that "34% of Australians are unable to install electric vehicle (EV) charging" at their homes.
It's an interesting figure... but one that I suspect will be spun entirely the wrong way by the anti-EV crowd. My expanded thoughts here:
#EV #Australia
https://alexreviewstech.com/how-many-australians-can-install-an-ev-charger-at-home-its-more-complex-than-you-might-think/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/110/885/753/478/244/964/original/ba99376ee3e204fc.jpg

2023-05-24 23:30:52

"Your call is very important to us".
When does this sentence get the Guinness World Record for the most commonly told lie? It feels like it's beyond time.

2023-05-08 00:22:35

Nice one! The Xbox Gaming Safety Toolkit offers a range of advice and setup tools for parents to help keep their kids safe and happy while gaming.
I do like a good online safety initiative. Here's my thoughts:
#Xbox #Gaming #safety
https://alexreviewstech.com/microsofts-xbox-gaming-safety-toolkit-offers-simple-tips-to-keep-your-kids-safe-online/
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/110/330/205/771/041/989/original/25bf29ab1a32e09a.jpg

2023-05-05 22:46:11

Another #Parkrun done. The hills are killers, but I may have beaten my personal best for the year (pending results). Pretty happy with that.
https://mediacdn.aus.social/media_attachments/files/110/318/500/389/943/002/original/302a4d12904fd5a2.png