In Sunday's segment on Sky News Australia (Weekend Edition with Tim Gilbert) we took a TV exclusive tour of Telstra’s upgraded Blue Tick lab which is in a secret location. Telstra’s Blue Tick program is way more important than I first thought. They are able to simulate outdoor conditions to make sure phones work in Australia - most importantly - in fringe coverage areas. The way we hold a smartphone could prove the difference between making a call or having no signal at all. It’s just one of the many tests inside the lab. It could make the difference on highways or farms by kilometres. And that’s a safety issue.

One of my favourite Apple Watch bands is the Pride band. So it’s great to see in celebration of Pride month in June, Apple is releasing two new Pride Edition bands plus dynamic Pride watch faces in support of the global LGBTQ+ community and equality movement.

The 2022 Pride Edition Sport Loop displays a colour gradient with the word ‘pride’ woven directly into the band. Apple is also launching a new Shot on iPhone pride campaign on Instagram that captures the essence of artists and figures within the global LGBTQ+ community.

Australia’s Forcite Helmets has just released the MK1S. A smart helmet inspired by a bike accident the CEO was injured in. It’s taken two years of development and $10.1M of R&D investment. The helmet includes smart navigation technology, alerting riders of upcoming dangers. The LED display is designed to be non-distracting - no need to look down or at a head-up display.

There’s no bulky clip-on camera or headsets. An embedded camera records continuously - in HD. Following an accident, or even a dropped helmet, Forcite owners can send their helmet to have the shell replaced and the tech components salvaged.

Another great Australian tech success story.

In Sunday's segment on Sky News Australia (Weekend Edition with Tim Gilbert) we looked at fitness trackers and COVID-19. Sophisticated companion apps are showing key changes that might indicate a positive case BEFORE symptoms show.

RESPIRATORY RATE - Many WHOOP members have reported experiencing an increase in respiratory rate coinciding with symptoms of COVID-19.

BLOOD OXYGEN LEVEL - People with COVID-19 often have low blood oxygen levels, which may be a warning sign that you are in need of medical care.

Easiest trackers I’ve found for this data is WHOOP 4.0 and Withings Scanwatch. Apple Watch can record both but you must set up sleep tracking first to record breathing. Although not medical devices fitness trackers could provide invaluable information to a doctor looking for trends.