Table of contents for Issue 1 in tech.drive.play

The automotive world in 2025 is a fascinating mix of tradition and innovation, where roaring combustion engines share the spotlight with cutting-edge electrics. Four standout machines embody this era’s extremes: the BMW M4 Competition, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 3LT, Toyota GR Supra, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Each brings its unique flair, power, and technology to the table, challenging the definition of what a performance car can be. Let’s dive into what makes each of these machines special - how they perform, where they excel, and whether they live up to their respective legacies or push the envelope into new territory. From the racetrack to the road, this is a battle between the past, present, and future of performance motoring. Buckle up, things are about to get exciting. On one end, we…

The Fortuner Crusade: A “Goldilocks” 4WD? The Fortuner sits at an interesting crossroads. It’s based on the Hilux platform, but it comes with a fully enclosed SUV body and seating for seven. In theory, that means you get Hilux-like toughness under the skin, with the bonus of extra seats for the kids. However, the Fortuner is by no means the only seven-seater on the scene. It’s up against some stiff competition - Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and Isuzu MU-X spring to mind - many of which have done a bit more updating lately. Toyota’s Fortuner Crusade is the top-spec model in the range, sitting at around the mid-$60k mark (before on-roads). For that coin, you score some creature comforts like: • Leather-accented, heated front seats (though you can’t pick…

Drones aren’t just high-tech playthings anymore; they’re airborne cameras, content-creation powerhouses, and—if we’re honest—sometimes a bit of a neighbourhood menace. DJI has long held the crown in this space, offering a dizzying array of devices to suit everyone from absolute newcomers to professional videographers. Three of their latest contenders are the DJI Flip, DJI Air 3S, and DJI Neo. But which one truly flies high, and which might leave you buzzing off with buyer’s remorse? Let’s have a proper look. DJI Air 3S – The Aerial Ace Editor’s Choice | Price: Around AU$1,699 | Weight: ~720 g The DJI Air 3S is the high-flyer that pros rave about and serious enthusiasts dream of. With a dual-camera system, it’s all about cinematic flair and top-notch performance, ready to handle anything from…

The world of hypercars moves in generational leaps. Every decade or so, the heavy hitters come out swinging - Ferrari, McLaren, and Porsche unveiling their latest and greatest to see who reigns supreme in the eyes of the speed-hungry faithful. Here we are again, a decade on from the LaFerrari, P1, and 918 Spyder, with three fresh machines that promise to push boundaries and attract fans like flies to honey. Meet the Ferrari F80, the McLaren W1, and the all-electric enigma that is the Porsche Mission X. It’s the Holy Trinity, mark two…sort of. Ferrari F80: Brutal Aerodynamics and a V6 That’ll Melt Your Brain Let’s start with the poster-child for brute-force design. If you remember the LaFerrari as having a hint of sleekness, the F80 trades much of that…

HP has delivered some stellar gaming laptops over the years, and its latest ultraportable, the Omen Transcend 14, is here to entice those seeking a more polished, lightweight gaming machine. It’s clearly aimed at competing with brands like Razer, ASUS ROG, and MSI. But does it hit the sweet spot or fall short of the mark? Let’s break it down. First Impressions: Features and Design The Omen Transcend 14 is a sharp-looking device. Its sandblasted black aluminium chassis exudes sophistication, and while I still miss the quirky logo from HP’s older models, the understated design is appealing. The four-zone RGB keyboard, complete with translucent surrounds and WASD-specific lighting, enhances the gaming vibe without screaming “gamer” at a meeting. Display The 14-inch OLED display (2,880 x 1,800) is the star here.…

Handheld gaming has roared back onto the scene, with PC gamers now getting plenty of portable options. Two of the biggest names duking it out right now are Valve’s revamped Steam Deck—complete with a shiny new OLED display—and Lenovo’s fresh entry, the Legion Go. Each promises a portable PC gaming experience, but they go about it in rather different ways. If you’re pondering which one might suit your lifestyle (or backpack), here’s a detailed look at the pros, cons and quirks of both devices. A New Spin on a Familiar Favourite: Steam Deck OLED Valve’s original Steam Deck made waves for its ability to run an impressive catalogue of PC titles via SteamOS, all wrapped up in a console-like interface. Now, Valve has brought out an updated model with an…

Nvidia’s 50 Series, codenamed “Blackwell,” is kicking up a storm in the graphics world. With a razor-sharp focus on AI-driven performance, these GPUs look ready to reshape how we play, create, and even daydream about our gaming rigs. Let’s have a closer look at what’s under the bonnet—and whether the hype is justified. A More AI-Centric Design From the get-go, Nvidia has made it clear that AI is the beating heart of the 50 Series. Traditional shading pipelines now share space with neural networks—think “neural texture compression” and “neural material shading.” These features aim to replace certain brute-force rendering tasks with more nimble AI routines. In plain Aussie speak, that means less wasted grunt on repetitive calculations and more horsepower for the visuals that matter. If the idea of your…

The automotive industry is shifting gears at an unprecedented pace, and 2025 is shaping up to be a bumper year for cutting-edge technology. From turbocharged electric vehicles (EVs) to cars so smart they might just outwit us, the innovations coming to your driveway will redefine how we hit the road. Whether you’re a tech aficionado, a sustainability warrior, or just someone who loves a good drive, there’s something here for you. Buckle up as we explore the top car innovations for 2025. 1. Electric Vehicles: Smarter, Faster, and More Efficient Electric vehicles have evolved from futuristic concept to driveway reality, and 2025 will make them even more irresistible. Forget range anxiety and lengthy charging times—this is the year EVs truly step on the accelerator. What’s Driving the EV Revolution? Longer…

There’s a new act in the LandCruiser saga, and it’s one that may raise a few eyebrows. Toyota, ever the reliable stalwart of the Aussie outback, has packed a punchy four-cylinder diesel under the 70 Series’ timeless bonnet—binning half of its iconic cylinders in the process. While purists may be sharpening their pitchforks at the news, you’d be surprised how well this rig holds its own. In fact, Toyota may well have delivered a modern spin on a classic that’s better than anyone expected. The Look: Still Old-School, Just a Bit Fresher Toyota hasn’t thrown out the vintage charm that gives the 70 Series its cult following. The front end now comes with a retro-inspired grille that proudly spells “TOYOTA” in block lettering, harking back to LandCruiser icons of old.…

Among Australia’s bustling crowd of luxury midsize SUVs, the Genesis GV70 has often been overshadowed by rivals from Germany and Japan. While BMW’s X3, Mercedes-Benz’s GLC, and Lexus’s NX might be the first names on many shopping lists, Genesis has quietly refined the GV70 and rolled out a series of updates designed to turn more heads, and possibly get more bums in seats. So, should you give Korea’s dark horse a second look? A Subtle Facelift With Sharper Pricing Although the GV70 might not be the first SUV you’d think of in this segment, Genesis is pushing hard to change that perception. Prices now start from $78,500 before on-roads for the base Advanced variant, which is all-wheel drive as standard. Up at the other end, the top-spec Signature Sport tips…

If you’ve spent any time lugging around hefty filmmaking gear, you’ll know it can feel as though you’ve done a three-hour arm workout by midday—especially if you’re shooting weddings, corporate gigs, or documentaries that stretch on for hours. This is exactly where DJI’s RS4 Mini steps up, delivering pro-level stabilisation in a form factor so compact it’s almost comical. Yet, the best part is that the Mini has inherited plenty of goodies from DJI’s more advanced gimbals, making it far more than just a lightweight curiosity. A Lightweight Evolution Hot on the heels of the well-received RS3 Mini, the RS4 Mini refines its predecessor’s promise: to strike a balance between portability and power. Though DJI doesn’t publish a specific payload figure, real-world tests suggest it handles more robust camera and…

Lamborghini has never been the shy wallflower at a car show. The legendary Italian marque, renowned for its outrageous design and performance, has traditionally roared ahead on the back of naturally aspirated, petrol-guzzling V12s. But recently, the Raging Bull has been moseying towards a new paddock—one that embraces the buzz (literally) of electrification. With the introduction of hybrid systems to their supercars, Lamborghini is showing the world that you can meld raw mechanical fury with forward-thinking technology without losing an ounce of that famous Italian flair. A Brief Nod to the Past It’s worth remembering that Lamborghini’s cars have always been a bit theatrical—doors that scissor skywards, body lines sharper than a crocheting needle, and exhaust notes that scare pigeons off city monuments. From the Miura in the 1960s to…