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21 Aug 2025   
  
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Wiise celebrates top ANZ partners at third annual awards
Wiise celebrated its top ANZ partners at the third annual awards, honouring excellence across 11 categories including innovation and customer service. 
© 2025 ITBrief Tue 2:45pm 

CTERA named hybrid cloud storage leader in 2025 global awards
CTERA named hybrid cloud storage leader in 2025, earning top industry awards for security innovation and global file system excellence. 
© 2025 ITBrief Fri 2:05pm 

Fix weak Wi-Fi signals at home with this plug-in booster, now $20
In the age of uber-fast internet, spotty Wi-Fi connections can be super frustrating, especially at home. Thankfully, there’s an affordable fix you can try: TP-Link’s AC1200 Wi-Fi Extender is only $20 right now at Amazon, a 33% discount on its original $30 price. That’s the lowest price it’s ever been, making this the best time to grab one. A Wi-Fi extender (also known as a Wi-Fi booster) catches the Wi-Fi signal in an area and re-broadcasts it, expanding your overall Wi-Fi coverage and providing a stronger signal to devices that are far from your main router or located in hard-to-reach Wi-Fi dead zones. This one by TP-Link covers up to 1,600 square feet and supports up to 32 connected devices, which is ideal for smart homes with lots of wireless gadgets. The TP-Link AC1200 is easy to set up: simply plug it into an outlet, connect to it with your PC, and configure it to join your Wi-Fi network. It’s compatible with pretty much any Wi-Fi router model, so the whole process should be a snap. For best performance, the Wi-Fi extender should be placed halfway between your router and the Wi-Fi dead zone (i.e., the area where you want improved coverage). It also has an Ethernet port, which you can use to connect a device like your PC or gaming console for a more “direct” connection to your network, ensuring a more reliable connection. Why buy a whole new router or an entire mesh network system when you can try this cheap solution first? Grab the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Extender for just $20 right now before this limited-time deal expires! Save 33% on this device that boosts Wi-Fi coverage in your homeBuy now at Amazon 
© 2025 PC World Thu, 14 Aug 3:05am 

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Take the upgrade leap with an iPhone 15 Pro Max for $329 off
TL;DR: Get a Grade A refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB (unlocked) for just $769.99 — that’s $329 less than new — and enjoy titanium durability, a 5x telephoto zoom, and blazing A17 Pro performance. If you’ve been eyeing the iPhone Pro Max model but holding back because of the price tag, consider this your green light. For just $769.99, you can get a premium Grade A refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB (unlocked) — a $1,099 flagship for hundreds less. The titanium build is both stronger and lighter than stainless steel, giving you durability without the hand fatigue. That’s good news if you plan on spending time capturing far-off subjects with the new 5x Telephoto camera, exclusive to this model. The A17 Pro chip delivers console-level graphics for mobile gaming while keeping everyday tasks buttery smooth. For creators, the upgraded USB-C connector with USB 3 speeds means you can transfer large ProRes videos or RAW photos up to 20x faster. This Grade A refurb arrives in near-mint condition, so it looks and feels close to new, with minimal to no visible wear. You’re getting top-tier Apple innovation, long-term iOS support, and cutting-edge hardware — just without the full retail price. Get this premium refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max for $769.99 (MSRP: $1,099) while stock lasts. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB – Unlocked (Premium Refurbished)See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. 
© 2025 PC World Wed, 13 Aug 8:05pm 

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Exclusive: Cloudera bets on AI and hybrid cloud as demand shifts
Cloudera thrives on AI and hybrid cloud growth, aiding clients in regulated sectors while balancing innovation and cost across global markets. 
© 2025 ITBrief Tue 1:05pm 

HP’s new Omen gaming PCs are head-turners worthy of your attention
Gaming desktops are great, but they are, essentially, boxes. Maybe that’s why PC sellers are getting so obsessed with filling them full of tiny screens and flashing lights—there are only so many ways to spice them up. But two new members of HP’s Omen series turned my head at a press event. One is adding some genuine cooling innovation, and the other is being a little more low-key in a very cool way. Omen Max 45L: It’s got a little AIO hat The Omen 45L isn’t actually a brand new design, as it’s been available for most of this calendar year. But this was the first time I’d seen what HP is calling the “Omen Cryo Chamber”—a dedicated area above the primary PC component compartment, specifically made for an all-in-one cooler. The one installed in the demo unit (and presumably any pre-built you buy) was 360mm, but any standard cooler with the usual radiator-and-fans combo should work. The pump and heat spreader is connected to the coolant lines through a narrow channel between the compartments. Michael Crider/Foundry This separated AIO space keeps the main chamber cooler and allows better ventilation for the cooler itself. HP claims this maximized air flow can lower full-load temperatures by up to 7.5 degrees Celsius. I asked, and yes, you can replace or upgrade the AIO with any standard model, again, up to 360mm. HP That’s not the only trick in the Omen Max 45L’s playbook, though. Hiding under a shroud at the other end of the case is a new, exclusive 1,200-watt modular power supply. It’s connected to the motherboard via USB-C, allowing for real-time monitoring, custom fan curves, and “built-in cleaning mode.” Occasionally, the fan’s rotor will be reversed, helping to clear out any accumulated dust. I doubt it’ll be enough to completely overcome the need for manual cleaning, but it’s an undeniably cool trick. Michael Crider/Foundry The updated Omen Max 45L maxes out the configurable parts to an AMD Ryzen 9950X3D and a GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card, about as good as it gets for pre-built machines on the consumer level. HP isn’t talking prices at the moment, so just assume “a hell of a lot” if you want those top-tier components. Omen 35L Stealth: Hold the RGB The Omen 35L—a smaller mid-range gaming desktop—also isn’t new. But the “Stealth Edition,” which eschews the usual tempered glass panel and RGB adornments in favor of a flat black look, is a new variant. With only the “Omen” branding on the front, it looks a little more business-like. Not that it’s lacking for power. Even without the 45L’s impressive AIO chamber, the 35L gets access to the same parts, including that interesting 1,200-watt power supply. You get the same options in the flashy standard model or the Stealth Edition. Michael Crider/Foundry HP representatives told me they like how the all-black, no-RGB design doesn’t immediately scream “gamer,” so it’s a good option if you want a machine that looks a little more professional while still having plenty of gaming and media chops. Since I build my PCs to look like tiny refrigerators, I can dig it. The Omen 35L Stealth Edition will start at $1,500 when it gets refreshed in October, the same price as the flashier RGB version. HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 headset: Now with a macro pad! Whereas the Omen brand gets HP’s gaming PCs and laptops, the HyperX brand gets the accessories. I’m already a fan of HyperX headsets for their absolutely incredible battery life, but the Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless really scratches my desktop nerd itch with its base station. Michael Crider/Foundry In lieu of the usual wireless dongle, this premium headset comes with a big, finger-friendly volume knob and six light-up, programmable control buttons. It’s basically giving you a sort of mini-Stream Deck, albeit without the tiny screens. The knob itself is massive, easy to find without looking, and the center button defaults to a mic mute. The headset itself is no slouch either, boasting huge 53mm drivers, a removable boom mic, simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless options (so you can hear audio from your phone and PC at the same time, for example), and a sturdy metal frame. HP claims 250 hours of battery life (125 in Bluetooth mode), and there’s a 3.5mm cable connection for anything that needs direct wired audio. HP Just be prepared to pay for all that functionality. When it launches later this month, the Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless will cost $300. That’s not unreasonable compared to other flagship headsets, especially with that base station in the box… but that’s still a lot of dosh. 
© 2025 PC World Fri 5:05am 

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