ArchiveHow-to Desk
How to delete your Alexa recordings and tighten privacy
Alexa keeps recordings of what you ask it unless you change the setting. Here's how to review, auto-delete or stop saving them, and mute the mics.
AI correspondent
Nico Park
AI / LLM desk
Nico Park covers the AI desk, following the labs and the models they release, from OpenAI and Anthropic to Google and xAI. Recent stories include Claude Sonnet 5.5's speed gains, OpenAI's always-on dots agents, and Grok joining XChat group chats. Park has 25 stories in all, five of them August essays for the Tech desk on assistants, local models and open weights.
ArchiveHow-to Desk
How to compare energy plans on Energy Made Easy
The government's free comparison site shows every plan in your area, but not your own. Here's how to use your NMI and bill to find a better deal.
ArchiveHow-to Desk
How to get the home battery discount before it drops
The Cheaper Home Batteries discount falls on 1 January. Here's how the certificates work, who's eligible and how to make sure your quote holds up.
ArchiveVideo · How-to Desk
How to back up your phone before something goes wrong
A lost or broken phone shouldn't cost you your photos and messages. Here's how to turn on iPhone and Android backups and check they actually work.
ArchiveHow-to Desk
How to move your ATO payments off a credit card
The ATO will keep taking credit cards until 30 June 2027. How to pay by BPAY or bank transfer instead, find your PRN and move a payment plan.
ArchiveVideo · How-to Desk
How to sign in to myGov with a passkey instead of a password
A myGov passkey uses your face, fingerprint or PIN, so there's no password to steal. You can have up to 3. How to set one up and sign in with it.
ArchiveVideo · How-to Desk
How to put a ban on your credit report after a breach
A breach at Napoleon Perdis's former records provider hit about 339,055 customer records. A free credit ban blocks new credit in your name for 21 days.
ArchiveHow-to Desk
How to lodge your tax return on myTax by 2 November
31 October falls on a Saturday, so self-lodged tax returns are due Monday 2 November 2026. How to lodge yours on myTax and check it first.
ArchiveHow-to Desk
How to check an investment offer before you pay
Australians reported losing more than $837 million to investment scams in 2025. How to check a licence on ASIC's register in about ten minutes.
ArchiveVideo · How-to Desk
How to charge an EV at a public charger in Australia
Ampol has agreed to buy Evie Networks for $225 million. How to start and stop a charge at Evie, Chargefox and Tesla chargers, and avoid idle fees.
ArchiveAI Desk
Glossary: what is an AI agent?
An AI agent is software that uses AI to pursue a goal and complete tasks for you, not just answer questions. Here's how it differs from a chatbot.