#### Issue 1713 - Friday 14th October, 2022

## In Today's Issue

- West Australian cops to hoard COVID tracking app data for 25 years
- Office 365 is now Microsoft 365, no more Office branding
- Lufthansa changes mind on AirTags, Netflix ads start Nov 3rd, Zuck faked his metaverse avatar with legs, California has e-ink licence plates for some reason, Apple is a bank now
- Todd Sampson's Mirror Mirror "documentary" is unsurprisingly full of shit
- Friday Forum Update
- Cheap Sennheiser headphones, Nintendo Switch puzzle game, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, Yamaha soundbar, Pixel 7 Pro Optus plan, SoundBlaster USB headset

## The News

### West Australian cops to hoard COVID tracking app data for 25 years

The data Western Australia's G2G Pass - the app you needed to pop your details in between April 2020 and April 2022 to enter the state so they can track filthy outsiders and their COVID - generated is being kept for 25 years. Apparently the data is being "transferred to the State Records Office, in accordance with records retention policies" because "G2G Pass data is "considered a state archive in accordance with the State Records Act 2000, which requires the information to be kept". But it's okay, the data is "able to be accessed by only six employees of the Western Australian Police Force staff – not by all police officers". This is pretty fucked. Just delete the data, there's nothing there of educational or historical value.

### Office 365 is now Microsoft 365, no more Office branding

Office is synonymous with Microsoft, almost as much as Windows or Xbox at this point. You say "Office" and everyone knows you mean Word, Excel, Powerpoint and a bunch of other apps depending on what you pay for. Despite having a brand recognition for their product that any other business would die for, Microsoft has decided call their collection of productivity apps Microsoft 365, leaving the Office branding behind - "Office.com, the Office mobile app, and the Office app for Windows will become the Microsoft 365 app, with a new icon, a new look, and even more features". Microsoft Office is now a legacy brand and all the cool new stuff will be part of Microsoft 365. RIP to a real one.

### Lufthansa changes mind on AirTags, Netflix ads start Nov 3rd, Zuck faked his metaverse avatar with legs, California has e-ink licence plates for some reason, Apple is a bank now

- Looks like Lufthansa isn't banning AirTags after all, with the airline backtracking on its interpretation of ICAO rules on "dangerous goods". Hooray for common sense! Strapping these things to your luggage is pretty much the best use for them.
- Netflix will begin offering a $6.99/m plan on November 3rd that streams in 720p, subsidised by ads. According to Netflix, "some movies and TV shows will not be available due to licensing restrictions, and downloads are not included"
- One of the big announcements at Meta's metaverse symposium a few days ago was Zuck showing off how the crappy floating torso avatars in Horizon now have legs. But it was faked, lol. I love seeing Meta eat shit day after day.
- California has approved e-ink based digital licence plates for all cars. Only one product, called Reviver, is certified for use in the state. I love a gadget but even I have no idea what the point of a digital licence plate is.
- Apple and Goldman Sachs are partnering up again to offer savings accounts in the USA alongside the Apple Card and Apple Pay buy now pay later. Gotta do something with that giant pile of cash I guess. Works well for Sony.

## Something I Saw On The Internet

### Todd Sampson's Mirror Mirror "documentary" is unsurprisingly full of shit

You may have heard of Ten's new two-part documentary, Mirror Mirror, hosted by former ad executive Todd Sampson. The Conversation has a good article outlining how a large chunk of it is scaremongering. Most of the claims - e.g: kids talking to strangers online is dangerous, kids using devices all day will give them ADHD, online friendships are not real friendships and that anonymity makes people more offensive and rude - have little to no evidence behind them. The research that has been done is mostly inconclusive, or actually comes to the opposite conclusion. You can absolutely disregard anything this professional bullshit artist says unless it's about advertising, which after all, is the art of bullshitting.

## Friday Forum Update

Here's five interesting discussions over on The Sizzle's paid subscriber forum for you to enjoy over the weekend. If you are not a paid subscriber but want to get involved, visit https://thesizzle.com.au/payme to get onboard.

- adamxweb got a new place and can't run Ethernet cables, what are their options?
- ash wants bias lighting around their dual monitor setup to reduce eye strain - got any tips?
- funcitonretrun is after a Google Maps alternative for Android that doesn't use Google
- nathanb90's beloved Apple HomePod (no longer sold, just the crappier mini version) has died and they want to get it repaired
- dalan has a specific 3D model in mind and wants someone to help them make it a reality

## Bargains

- Sennheiser HD 660 S Open Back Headphones - $499 from Minidisc
- The Gardens Between for Nintendo Switch - $8.99 on the eShop
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 1TB - $2399 from Samsung's eBay store
- Yamaha ATS-2090 (YAS-209) Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer - $299 from Amazon
- Free Google Pixel 7 Pro 128GB & $150 HN gift card if you go on a 24m $69/m Optus contract
- Sound BlasterX H6 7.1 USB gaming headset< - $69.69 from Creative/li>

## The End

📻 Flower - Blue Smiley

😎 The Sizzle is curated by Anthony "@decryption" Agius and emailed every weekday afternoon.

💬 Checked out the paid subscriber only forum? It's a tidy little place to discuss tech with like minded Aussies.

👋 Forums not your thing? The Sizzle has a Slack group you can procrastinate in and chat with other nerds bored at work.

💳 Paid subscriber looking to manage your billing info or change email address? Visit the customer portal.

📚 Browse The Sizzle Archive. A few issues are missing and it's not searchable, but it's better than nothing.

🫂 Friends of The Sizzle is a small group of businesses or organisations operated by Sizzle subscribers. Support your fellow Sizzler!

💔 Tired of my bullshit? Unsubscribe and I'll never speak to you again.

## Always Was, Always Will Be Aboriginal Land

The Sizzle is created on Wathaurong land and acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, recognising their continuing connection to land, water and community. I pay my respect to them and their cultures and to elders both past and present.