Tag: christmas

Take the hassle out of gifting with Telstra’s Gift Shop

Entertainment Devices

Posted on December 19, 2019

4 min read

by Luke Hopewell

Senior Specialist Writer - Telstra

With so many places to pick prezzies from this year, who’s to say you’ll gift your family and friends what they really want? If it’s gift ideas you’re after, we’re here to help. The Telstra Gift Shop is open and ready to take the hassle out of your Christmas shopping.

As we offer an extensive range of tech including headphones, speakers, smartwatches and drones (just to name a few), we’re curating them into perfect gift collections for your friends and loved ones.

And we’re not about to stop helping you find great gifts once the trees and tinsel have been taken down, either. The Telstra Gift Shop is our new year-round online gift destination. We keep it up to date regularly with the latest gear, so you’ll never be out of ideas again! Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day? We’ll have you covered!

Here’s a small selection of what’s on offer at the Telstra Gift Shop.

High tech gifts

Pro cameras, pro display, pro performance: the new iPhone 11 Pro is an essential upgrade. With an obsession over details, three cameras that feel like one and the highest quality video in a smartphone, it’s the best iPhone yet.

With Active Noise Cancellation for immersive sound, Transparency mode for hearing what’s happening around you, and a customisable fit for all-day comfort, AirPods Pro is magic like you’ve never heard.

Oppo Reno 5G smashes speed test at Australian launch

If you’ve got a real tech-head on your hands, you should be looking for the newest and coolest gifts. The Telstra Gift Store has a great range of gadgets available, including the nifty and beautiful OPPO Reno 5G with a pop-up selfie camera and fast 5G connectivity.

Gifts for the whole family

Netflix, Stan, Kayo, live TV – get it all in one box. Enjoy the best streaming apps, the latest movies, live sports, catchup TV and more. Plus search across apps with a single voice remote.

Good gifts run in our family, and now they can in yours too. For the best family gift ideas, our Telstra Gift Shop elves recommend the handy Telstra Locator to help find the things that are important to you when you need them.

Gifts for kids

Santa wouldn’t forget the little ones! If you’re looking for gifts for kids, why not check out a DJI Mavic Mini to get them flying, or even something from our brand new gaming lineup like Xbox All Access?

Gifts for music lovers

Get inspired with Solo Pro wireless headphones. To deliver sound how you want it, Solo Pro features two listening modes: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency. Beats’ Pure ANC gives you the space to create with fully immersive sound, while Transparency helps you stay aware of your surroundings. Every detail of Solo Pro has been carefully considered, right down to the intuitive way the headphones turn on and off via folding. The ergonomic design delivers exceptional comfort for extended wear and sleek style. And with up to 22 hours of battery life, you can keep the music going no matter where your day takes you.

If rhythm is what they crave, music gifts are the perfect choice for Christmas. Why not try something like the Samsung Galaxy Buds, or the stylish and portable Harman Kardon Onyx 6.

Health & fitness gifts

If you’ve got a gym junkie on your hands, you’re spoiled for choice at our Gift Shop. Fitness gadgets are all the rage. You could get the stylish new Galaxy Watch Active 2, or even the new Apple Watch Series 5.

No matter who you’re shopping for, the Telstra Gift Shop has your Christmas shopping needs sorted!

Tags: apps and devices, christmas,

The Author

Luke Hopewell

Senior Specialist Writer - Telstra

Luke Hopewell is an editor, tech expert and Senior Specialist Writer at Telstra Exchange. Luke joined Telstra in 2019 where he has had the privilege to help bring stories to life in a unique and human way. He was previously the head of editorial at Twitter Australia and the editor of cult tech site Gizmodo. For over a decade, Luke’s passion for technology has always driven him to seek out the latest gadgets and game-changers, and help others to understand how it all works. In another life he was a cyber security specialist where he sought to educate people about how to stay safe online. When he's not writing, he's getting outdoors and patting all the nice dogs he meets.

More free calls and data over Christmas for those in need

Network

Posted on December 18, 2019

3 min read

by Jackie Coates

Head of Telstra Foundation - Telstra

Christmas is a time for connections. Too often, we take the phone in our pocket, the laptop on our desk or tablet in our bag for granted as a means to reach out to those we love. We’re driven to connect every Australian to the ones they love, especially those in need. This year, we’re not only bringing back our free payphone calls over Christmas, but we’re expanding it for anyone who needs it.

Once again, we’re opening up our payphone network to provide free local, national and standard mobile calls from Telstra payphones around the country. On top of the free calls, we’re also making selected Telstra Air Wi-Fi access points free to anyone during this time.

Free calls and data over Christmas for those in need — Jana Kotatko, Telstra, and Major Brendan Nottle, The Salvation Army

In previous years, we had opened our payphones from December 24-26, but this year we’re extending the time Aussies can take advantage of the free calls. We’ll be opening our payphone network up from December 24 – 1 January 2020 inclusive.

Last year, over 120,000 calls were placed during the period. Meanwhile, over 23,000 users connected to our Telstra Air hotspots over the period, with 3.55 terabytes transferred in total. We’re proud to expand the window this year to ensure more people can connect than ever before.

We’re driven to ensure that those who are separated from their families by circumstance, or even those who want to reconnect for the first time in a long time are given every opportunity on our network. Christmas is a time where feelings of isolation and loneliness can be at their peak, so we want to bring families closer together with a simple phone call, text or video call.

“We know it’s some of the most vulnerable members of our community who’ll benefit most and we hope they can take this opportunity to reach out and reconnect with their loved ones over Christmas,” said Major Brendan Nottle, The Salvation Army.

“A simple phone call could make all the difference this Christmas and help reconnect Australians doing it tough with their loved ones or long-lost family or friends.”

We’ll be spreading the word about this offer far and wide in the lead-up to Christmas so we can be sure those in need know that a friendly voice is just one free call away.

Nothing beats the sound of hearing a loved one’s voice, especially at a time like Christmas when a focus on families coming together is really heightened. It’s an important opportunity for those in the community who might be feeling isolated at this time, and we hope that even more Australians take up the opportunity to connect with their loved ones this year.

Things you need to know:

_{Free calls around Australia to local, national and standard mobiles from Telstra payphones from 24 December 2019 – 1 January 2020 inclusive. Free calls exclude international calls and premium services (19x), Mobile Satellite, and 1234, 12456 directory services. Excludes Telstra rented payphones. Free Wi-Fi data at select Telstra Air payphones and Telstra Stores, in Australia only. Telstra Air available for Wi-Fi enabled devices only.}

_{Images: Herald Sun}

Tags: christmas, community, customers, Diversity and Inclusion, sustainability,

The Author

Jackie Coates

Head of Telstra Foundation - Telstra

A seasoned community investment leader, Jackie is passionate about enabling social innovation underpinned by digital. Self-described as “analogue at birth but digital by design”, Jackie advocates for the transformative power of tech to solve social problems. As head of the Telstra Foundation, Jackie manages a multi-million dollar community partner portfolio to improve social inclusion outcomes for young people in the areas of mental health; disability; digital making; cyber-safety; and remote, regional and Indigenous communities. Feminist, mother, geek, and grant-maker Jackie juggles many balls and tries hard not to drop the glass ones! Find out more at telstrafoundation.com

Our 12 faves of Christmas streaming on Telstra TV

Entertainment

Posted on December 13, 2019

7 min read

by Ryan Dunn

from the Telstra TV team - Telstra Media

The Christmas countdown has officially begun! With only twelve days left until Christmas, we share our twelve festive favourites to stream this holiday season on Telstra TV.

1. Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (Telstra TV Box Office, Foxtel Now)

Perfect for the whole family is the fiendishly funny story of everyone’s favourite Christmas curmudgeon – DR. SEUSS’ THE GRINCH, streaming fresh from the cinema on Telstra TV Box Office and Foxtel Now. While the Whos of Whoville prepare to celebrate the best Christmas yet, grumpy old Grinch (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch) just wants to be left in peace. Along with his trusty dog Max, he decides to put an end to the festivities once and for all – with a plot to impersonate Santa and ruin Christmas.

2. Holiday in the Wild (Netflix)

Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a heartwarming romcom – and this year Netflix is delivering the goods and then some with HOLIDAY IN THE WILD, available to stream now. Just when she’s coming to terms with her son leaving for college, Kate (played by Sex and the City’s Kristin Davis) is blindsided by her husband suddenly leaving her. Heading off on their “second honeymoon” to Africa by herself, she meets a handsome pilot (Rob Lowe). When the pair rescue an infant elephant, Kate decides to spend Christmas at the elephant sanctuary where together they nurse the young orphan back to health.

3. Christmas episodes of your favourite sitcoms (Stan)

Stan have taken the work out of finding every Christmas episode of your favourite TV sitcoms in their hand-picked Christmas collection. In the lead up to this Christmas, laugh along with some festively funny episodes of television’s most-loved comedy gems including Friends, Will & Grace, Family Guy, Parks and Recreation, The Golden Girls, The Nanny, Absolutely Fabulous, Frasier, The Office and more – streaming right now, only on Stan.

4. Domain Test Series: Australia v New Zealand (Kayo, Foxtel Now)

For many sports fans, Christmas means Cricket – and with Kayo and Fox Cricket’s all-day coverage, you can catch the DOMAIN TEST SERIES live and catch up on key moments you might have missed or want to revisit. The First Test is streaming this weekend – and after your Christmas Day backyard bash with the neighbours, stream the Boxing Day Test on 26 December against our other neighbours, New Zealand. Start your 14 day free trial of Kayo today*.

_{*14 day free trial on Basic and Premium plans for new Kayo customers only. Standard subscription rate will apply after trial period.}

5. Woolworths Carols in the Domain (7plus)

Get your song books out and your vocal cords warmed up for the 37th Annual CAROLS IN THE DOMAIN, streaming live on 7plus from 8.00pm (AEDT) on Saturday 21 December. Hosted by Sunrise presenters David Koch and Natalie Barr, Australia’s largest Christmas concert will beam all your favourite Christmas songs from Sydney’s Domain directly into your living room – performed by some of Australia’s biggest stars and fan favourites including The Wiggles, Lucy Durack, Adam Brand, Paulini, Shannon Noll, Vanessa Amorosi and The Salvation Army Choir. And let’s not forget, a very special visit from Santa Claus himself!

6. Christmas Playlists (Spotify)

And if it’s Christmas music you’re in the mood for, there’s no better destination than Spotify on Telstra TV. Spotify’s curated playlists offer countless hours of streaming music to get you into the Christmas spirit, no matter what the occasion. Wrapping presents on your living room floor? Check out Christmas Is Coming. A pre-Chrissy catch-up with mates? Crank up the Christmas Party. And the perfect soundtrack to Christmas Day lunch with the family? There’s nothing better than Christmas Favourites. Plus try your first 3 months of Spotify Premium for free*. To get started, download the Spotify app today from the App Store on your Telstra TV.

_{* Spotify® Premium 3 Month Free Trial Offer: Monthly
subscription fee applies after. Terms and conditions apply. Only open to users
who haven’t already tried Premium.}

7. Buttons: A Christmas Tale (Telstra TV Box Office)

Hollywood legends Angela Lansbury and Dick Van Dyke star in this new release family film with plenty of old-school charm – BUTTONS: A CHRISTMAS TALE, available now on Telstra TV Box Office. Set in the early 1900s, this heartwarming musical is narrated by Kate Winslet and Robert Redford and centres on Emily (played by Noelle Parker), an orphan who is visited by her guardian angel Rose (Lansbury) when she falls ill on Christmas Eve. To help her through the difficult time, Rose tells her the story of Annabelle (Alivia Clark) – another orphan who overcame an unbearable situation when she was forced to work in a textile mill sewing buttons.

8. The Knight Before Christmas (Netflix)

New to Netflix this holiday season is the time-traveling romantic comedy, THE KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS. Vanessa Hudgens stars as Brooke, an unlucky-in-love science teacher who has given up on dating until she meets Sir Cole (Josh Whitehouse), a chivalrous knight from the middle-ages who has been magically transported into the present day. Helping him make sense of the strange new world around him, Brooke and the medieval gent grow close. And as he works towards finding his way back home, Cole begins to wonder if he wouldn’t rather stay in the present.

9. Home Alone (Telstra TV Box Office, Foxtel Now)

No Christmas watch-list would be complete without the perennial favourite, HOME ALONE – available to stream on Telstra TV Box Office and Foxtel Now. Macaulay Culkin plays eight year old Kevin McCallister, left behind to fend for himself when his entire extended family leave in a hurry for their Christmas vacation. Initially enjoying the freedom of having the whole house to himself, he’s interrupted when two blundering burglars (played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) turn up to rob the place. Showing incredible ingenuity, Kevin sets a series of elaborate booby-traps – sabotaging their efforts to hilarious effect.

10. Love Actually (Telstra TV Box Office, Amazon Prime Video, Stan)

Another crowd-pleaser consistently topping the most-watched lists every Christmas is the ode to holiday romance, LOVE ACTUALLY – available now on Telstra TV Box Office, Amazon Prime Video and Stan. With an incredible ensemble cast including Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Laura Linney and Bill Nighy, this ambitious anthology film packs ten separate relationship stories into one exceedingly watchable package. From new loves and young love, to unrequited love, love triangles and workplace affairs, Love Actually explores the highs and lows of romance experienced by a diverse group of Londoners in the lead up to Christmas.

11. Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show (Amazon Prime Video)

Join country superstar singer/songwriter Kacey Musgraves in her adorably funny holiday variety show, THE KACEY MUSGRAVES CHRISTMAS SHOW, streaming now on Amazon Prime Video. With special guests including Camila Cabello, Kendall Jenner, James Corden, Lana Del Rey, Fred Armisen, Zooey Deschanel and Australia’s Troye Sivan, Kacey performs duets of her own songs and Christmas classics with her celebrity guests – sprinkled with comedy sketches and banter throughout to bring on the festive cheer.

12. It’s a Wonderful Life (Stan)

Regarded by Rotten Tomatoes as the number one Christmas film of all time is IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, available to stream now on Stan. Set in the small town of Bedford Falls, the film follows George Bailey (played by James Stewart), a bank worker who is struggling financially and considering ending it all when a hapless angel named Clarence Oddbody (Henry Travers) comes down to earth to show him what life might have been like for those around him if he had never been born. Reflecting on the positive impact of his life’s many selfless acts, George realises that he certainly has had a “wonderful life”.

Find out more about the new Telstra TV* and discover more of what you love.

_{Exclusive to Telstra broadband customers. Requires a compatible TV with HDMI port. A minimum internet speed of 3.5mbps is recommended. Antenna required to access free to air channels in your area. Subscription and data charges apply. Search not available across all apps.}

Tags: christmas, Telstra TV,

The Author

Ryan Dunn

from the Telstra TV team - Telstra Media

Ryan is a marketing and design specialist with over 12 years of experience in producing content for media organisations, marketing agencies and retail businesses. Prior to joining the Telstra TV team, Ryan was the Graphic Design and Copywriting Specialist for BigPond Movies. A self-professed streaming junkie, Ryan is an avid binge watcher of crime dramas (particularly Nordic Noir), offbeat comedies and thrillers with a twist.

Gifts for on the go

Entertainment Devices

Posted on December 9, 2019

4 min read

by Luke Hopewell

Senior Specialist Writer - Telstra

It’s nearly Christmas time, and we’re counting up the best stocking stuffers for your friends and family. Here are the best gifts for keeping your gadgets charged, your devices connected and your sound on point!

Telstra Locator

You tag it, we’ll help locate it. If you’ve got someone in your life that’s always misplacing their keys (have you tried the fridge?), their Telstra TV remote (is it between the couch cushions?) or even their tablet, the Telstra Locator is for them.

With a Telstra Locator Subscription, finding lost items can be easy. Simply attach a Telstra Locator Tag to your things and use the Telstra Locator App to help find them. Ring your tag when it’s near and use the map when it’s far away. The app can even help you search for a linked compatible smartphone or tablet.

The Locator connects to Australia’s largest finding network and has taken out a prestigious Red Dot Design Award for its sleek looks and practical application. It even helped find a lost dog who’d run away from home during a thunderstorm, making it the perfect gift for anyone on two or four legs.

HTC 5G Hub

Our first ever 5G mobile broadband device is the HTC 5G Hub, a mobile media hotspot that can deliver blazing fast speeds through our mobile network and supports up to 20 Wi-Fi devices. It has the smarts of a smartphone inside and even has a 5-inch display that gives you all the information you need at a glance.

The 5G Hub is equally at home in your living room as it is accompanying you on your commute or during the workday. Straight out of the box, you’ll see just how much thought has gone into the 5G Hub’s design. Standing upright, it’s a sleek and compact media hotspot that’s simple to use – there’s just one physical button to power it on and off, with everything else controlled from that bright, clear 5-inch screen.

Its sleek design is accompanied by fast networking, allowing for smooth video streaming and low-latency for gaming via the 1Gbps Ethernet connection and fast Wi-Fi. Telstra currently offers 5G in select areas and is progressively rolling it out to other areas. In non-5G coverage areas, you’ll automatically switch to our 4GX/4G or 3G. Check coverage at telstra.com/coverage.

Harman Kardon Neo speaker

Take the music with you with this portable, waterproof speaker, and enjoy up to 10 hours of wireless Bluetooth streaming.

Harman Kardon Neo delivers impeccable sound in a palm-sized, portable package. Compact, sleek and IPX7 waterproof, this ultra-portable speaker can play continuously for up to 10 hours, while its echo-cancelling speakerphone ensures crystal-clear phone calls. The Harman Kardon Neo is easily transportable by its sturdy strap. On your desk or in the backyard, the Harman Kardon Neo fits beautifully anywhere.

Telstra Evoke Plus

With a huge 6.1-inch display, 13-megapixel rear camera and the latest Android P operating system, the Evoke Plus packs a real punch in your pocket.

With fast Category 6 LTE speeds, 2GB of RAM and expandable memory, you won’t be lost for speed or performance on our prepaid plans.

It also bears our Blue Tick, meaning it’s great for enhanced coverage in rural and regional areas.

Telstra Essentials Pro

If you’re looking for a great first phone for your little one, the Telstra Essentials Pro is perfect.

With a large 5.45-inch HD+ screen, an 8-megapixel rear-facing screen and Blue Tick coverage, you can be sure they’ll always be in touch.

Samsung Wireless Charger Duo Pad

The Wireless Charger Duo Pad doubles your wireless charging fun, with space for not one but two devices to rejoice at once. You can easily charge two phones, a phone or your Galaxy Watch or whatever configuration your heart desires!

And it charges more than just Samsung products, too. The Wireless Charger Duo Pad will charge anything that is compatible with the Qi wireless power standard, meaning you can keep all sorts of gadgets juiced up and ready to go, without the need for unnecessary cables.

Tags: apps and devices, christmas, IoT,

The Author

Luke Hopewell

Senior Specialist Writer - Telstra

Gifts that won’t break the budget

Entertainment Devices

Posted on December 6, 2019

2 min read

by Luke Hopewell

Senior Specialist Writer - Telstra

Looking for some stocking-stuffers to finish your Christmas shopping that won’t break the bank? Try these tech gifts for some Christmas cheer.

Plantronics RIG 800 HD Headset

Your squad deserves to hear your call outs this Christmas, and you don’t have to break the bank to get there! The Plantronics RIG 800 HD headset gives you high-resolution surround-ready gaming headset for Xbox One. Its precisely-tuned 50 mm drivers deliver game changing sound, and a lightweight exoskeleton ear cup system offers comfort and stability.

You won’t be disturbed while using them either thanks to the noise-isolating acoustic chambers that provide high-resolution audio and low-distortion. The easy-to-reach RIG game audio dial for fingertip master volume control means you’ll get the right levels without having to break your game play, and a removable noise canceling mic allows for flip to mute function for focused game play.

It’s versatile too thanks to the bundled 3.5 mm cable for compatibility with PCs, consoles and personal electronic devices.

iFrogz Little rockerz Novelty Headphones

Who said that sound couldn’t be fun for kids? The iFrogz Little Rockerz Wireless On-Ear headphones let your child look like a princess or a T-Rex while enjoying listening to nursery rhymes, music, or audio books.

It has full Bluetooth connectivity for enjoying wireless audio playback from a paired compatible device and packs on-ear controls enable simple music management. Soft, comfortable ear pads provide optimum listening comfort, while the maximum volume output is limited to 85dB, making it safe for little ones to use. It’s suitable for ages 3 years old and up and will go down a treat with their style statement.

EFM Cayman “Our Home” Case Armour

These amazing cases don’t just protect your gear: they tell an important story.

The EFM Cayman ‘Our Home’ Case Armour is a collaboration with Cultural Ambassador and Indigenous Creative Chief John Smith Gumbula and Bur’an Australia.

EFM Eco Case Armour

The new EFM Eco Case Armour combines eco-friendly materials and recycled D3O impact protection material to give you a super tough, durable and earth-friendly phone case. The EFM Eco Case Armour is not only slim and tough, it comes with its own unique earth-friendly packaging. It’s also compatible with Wireless Charging, Power Sharing and is drop-tested to 2.4 metres for real protection when it matters.

Tags: apps and devices, christmas,

The Author

Luke Hopewell

Senior Specialist Writer - Telstra