Microsoft Launches AI enabled Microsoft 365 Copilot to market

In a world where productivity is key, Microsoft has recently launched a new tool that is set to revolutionize the way businesses operate. Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot, an AI-powered virtual assistant that will help businesses achieve greater efficiency, productivity, and success.

“Today marks the next major step in the evolution of how we interact with computing, which will fundamentally change the way we work and unlock a new wave of productivity growth,” said Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, Microsoft. “With our new copilot for work, we’re giving people more agency and making technology more accessible through the most universal interface — natural language.” Source

Micrsoft 365 Copilot – Source

So, what is ChatGTP? ChatGTP is a language model developed by OpenAI, based on the GPT-3.5 architecture. It is an AI-powered virtual assistant that uses natural language processing to understand and respond to user queries in a conversational manner. With its ability to learn and adapt, ChatGTP can help businesses streamline their operations, automate mundane tasks, and enhance their overall productivity.

But how is this going to change productivity tools? With the integration of ChatGTP, Microsoft 365 Copilot can help businesses become more efficient by automating routine tasks and providing quick and accurate answers to user queries. This means that businesses can focus on more important tasks and reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks.

Embracing ChatGTP is great for your business within the Australian market as it will provide businesses with a competitive edge. By using ChatGTP, businesses can enhance their customer service by providing quick and accurate responses to customer queries. This will help improve customer satisfaction and retention, which is crucial for any business looking to succeed in the long run.

People should start taking notice of ChatGTP today as it is set to revolutionize the way businesses operate. By using ChatGTP, businesses can save time, increase efficiency, and enhance productivity. It is an investment that will pay off in the long run, and businesses that do not adopt this technology may be left behind.

One local example of how ChatGTP is being used in Australia is by a major airline company. The airline implemented ChatGTP to improve customer service by providing quick and accurate responses to customer queries. As a result, the airline saw a significant increase in customer satisfaction and retention. Whilst I was learning to use ChatGTP, I tried out a couple of prompts like, “Help me plan a holiday to Europe, flying out of Melbourne, to a coastal italian city”. I was amazed at how detailed the response was, aand can see how this is going to transform even a siloed industry such as travel.

Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot | Your Copilot for Work

In conclusion, Microsoft 365 Copilot is set to revolutionize the way businesses operate by providing an AI-powered virtual assistant that can automate routine tasks and enhance productivity. Embracing ChatGTP is great for businesses within the Australian market as it will provide a competitive edge and improve customer satisfaction. It is time for businesses to start taking notice of this technology and embrace it to enhance their operations and stay ahead of the game. To learn more about Microsoft 365 Copilot and ChatGTP, check out the Microsoft Youtube channel. – Press Release

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Microsoft enables Microsoft Teams SIP Gateway for supported legacy handsets

Microsoft Teams SIP Gateway, has been enabled for selected SIP phone models from Cisco, Poly, Yealink and AudioCodes to register with Microsoft Teams. Microsoft has made it east for customers to provision legacy handsets via the portal, and providing the ability to manage the devices via the MS Teams Admin Portal. It was great to test this with Telstra Calling for Office 365 on a legacy TIPT / Polycom VVX600 Handset running the latest firmware.

thumbnail image 1 captioned Cisco IP Phones with MPP firmware (6821, 7800 series, 8800 series), Polycom SIP phones (VVX series 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 etc.), Yealink (T20 series, T30 series, T40 series, T50 series), AudioCodes 400 HD series.
Supported SIP Devices on MS Teams SIP Gateway

Migrating to Microsoft Teams Calling is getting more seamless every day, and now with the SIP gateway it allows you to migrate while still leveraging your investment in legacy devices while you migrate to Microsoft Teams Calling.

Please refer to the following URL for supported handsets – Supported Handsets

  • Support existing legacy SIP phones
  • Teams users must have a Teams Phone licence
  • No additional cost from Microsoft
  • All legacy SIP endpoints can be managed in the Teams Admin Centre
  • Common area devices require a Common Area Phone license
  • Works with Microsoft Calling Plan, Direct Routing, or Operator Connect

    Note: For Cisco phones you will need to licence the MPP firmware from Cisco

Currently, SIP Gateway supports the following core Teams calling functionality

  • Inbound and outbound calls
  • Call transfer
  • Meeting dial-in and dial-out
  • Device-based “do not disturb”
  • Voicemail with message waiting indicator

How to get started?

Learn more about planning for and configuring SIP Gateway in your organisation.

  • Users must be licensed for Teams Phone (via any Office 365 E5, Microsoft 365 license that includes Teams Phone, or as a standalone license)
  • PSTN enablement (i.e., phone number assigned) via a Microsoft Teams Calling Plan, Direct Routing, or Operator Connect
  • Common area devices require a Common Area Phone license

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What to do in Melbourne this Weekend?

St Ali Coffee

Melbourne is a hub of activity and showcases some of the worlds best restaurants, bars, entertainment precincts from around the globe. But when you are new to Melbourne, or just visiting for a short-time, where do you start!

Below is a list of recommended foodie locations to check out,, shopping malls and laneways, rooftop bars and recommended sightseeing around Melbourne which I have personally experienced, and can highly recommend on your next trip.

COFFEE and CAFE’S

League of Honest Coffee – This is one of my favourite cafes in Melbourne! The big bowls of coffee are great and I love their PADRE roasted beans. Be sure to try their black coffee, or a nice latte. Their toasted ‘Avo on Toast’ is also one of the best I’ve had to date. Be sure to get here early though, because it gets super busy at lunch!
8 Exploration Lane, CBD, Melbourne, VIC
https://leagueofhonestcoffee.com.au/

Patricia Coffee Brewers – Rated as one of the best coffee shops in Melbourne. This is definitely a must try when visiting Melbourne. Patricia offers various styles of coffee to suit your taste, including the basic latte, long black and espresso, which keeps it nice and simple.
493-495 Little Bourke Street, CBD, Melbourne, VIC
http://www.patriciacoffee.com.au/

Market Lane Coffee –  They offer a great quality of coffee. Unlike many other coffee shops in Melbourne, you can directly see the roasting process of the coffee, as the beans are roasted directly in the café, and you can directly smell the coffee when entering the shop.
8 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
https://marketlane.com.au/

St Ali CoffeeSt Ali’s has made a name for itself in Melbourne for its high quality beans but after visiting their café in South Melbourne. The café is located in a warehouses that is down a laneway, and has that stereotypical grungy Melbourne character to it. St Ali serves some amazing coffee, and foot to match.
12-18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne, VIC
https://stali.com.au/

Things to Do

Holey Moley Mini Golf and Bar – Yes that’s right, Mini Golf course and bar that turns your traditional putt putt into a multi-sensory labyrinth of unique holes that’ll keep you on your toes across the craziest round of golf you’ve ever played. A great night out with friends and your older children, for serving Pizza’s, Drinks, Karaoke & 9-27 Hole Mini Golf.
590 Little Bourke Street, CBD, VIC
https://www.holeymoley.com.au/

National Gallery of Victoria – The National Gallery of Victoria is a one stop shop for local and international art in Victoria. Located on the periferie of Melbournes CBD, the NGV is most accessible when travels via public transport. The NGV is a free entry – with some paid exhibits inside, which range from local, and international artists, for ~3-4 months.
180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC
https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) A tour of the MCG & The National Sports Museum in Melbourne is highly recommended, even if you’re not a cricket or AFL fan. This is such an iconic site, and an institution for Australian Sport. The tour takes you through the various areas of the MCG, including places that you normally would not be able to access as a spectator. The tour guides are very informative and tell lots of great stories and give very interesting statistics. Lots of fun for Kids and Adults.
Yarra Park, Jolimont, Melbourne, VIC
https://www.mcg.org.au/

Queen Victoria Market – Queen Victoria Market is an authentic, bustling, inner-city market that has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for over 140 years. Home to over 600 small businesses, it’s a great place to discover fresh and specialty produce, hand-made and unique products, great coffee and food, souvenirs and clothing. Queen Victoria Market is also home to the Night Market on Wednesday nights, showcasing global street food, live music and entertainment, festival bars, specialty shopping and a great Melbourne night out.
Victoria Street | Corner of Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, VIC
https://qvm.com.au/

Melbourne Street Art Tour – Melbourne is world famous for its street art. Melbourne Street Tours is the 1st and only tour company in Australia run by artists. The tour provides an overview of the Melbourne underground street art scene, each tour is led by one of Melbourne’s elite street art. With local knowledge on just about everything, you will be shown the most memorable and amazing street art, backed up by personal knowledge and experience.
ACMI – Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC
https://melbournestreettours.com/

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Visit Melbourne’s inner-city oasis. Over 10,000 plant species from around the world are presented in a kaleidoscope of colour and texture. Sweeping lawns, tranquil lakes and majestic trees are home to an amazing range of wildlife.
Birdwood Ave, South Yarra VIC
https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/

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Satya Nadella’s Keynote Speech at Ignite Conference 2018

Microsoft Ignite is an annual conference for developers and IT professionals hosted by Microsoft. The first conference, then known as TechEd, happened in 1993 in Orlando, Florida, United States, and this year will be attended by over 30,000 delegates, partners and staff.

Below is an overview of the Keynote, and the topics that were covered as part of this years Ignite Update.

CEO Satya Nadella takes the Microsoft Ignite stage sharing the latest insights in his Keynote –

Intro: 10:00
Keynote – Satya Nadella – 14:30

– Welcome
– Intelligent Cloud
– That next generation of multi sense Multi-Device experiences

Customer Examples and Case Studies
– Ford – Business Transformation (Steam to Electricity)
– Tech Intensity – Empowering every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
– Royal Dutch Shell Oil – Adoption of AI and Machine Learning
– CBRE – Software Adoption through Azure to manage digital transformation outcomes
– Bueller, Switzerland – improving food safety through Azure AI and Computer Vision
– BMW – Azure AI capabilities from the Bot Framework to the cognitive services for voice for the dialogue management including Skype and Cortana
– H&M, Sweden – Azure and Dynamics 365 transforming retail operations
– Eli Lilly and Company – Healthcare – Productivity and Efficiency through Microsoft 365
– ZF, Germany – Training and Assistance for their First Line Workers through Dynamics 365 mixed reality, businesses applications and HoloLens

Accelerating Tech Intensity through Partnership
– SAP CEO – Bill McDermott and Adobe CEO – Shantanu Narayen – Open Data Initiative

Security and Trust
– Political Campaigns – Account Guard
– Johnson City, Tennessee – Windows Defender and Machine Learning Systems
– IOT Security using Azure Sphere
– Coca-Cola – Advanced Threat Protection, Identity Management, Multifactor Authentication with Microsoft 365
– AI for good / Azure for Humanitarian Action

Reference: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ignite

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Kebabs on Clarendon

Heading on down Clarendon Street en-route to a work function and came across Kebabs on Clarendon. Perfect opportunity to experience the rage that is Halal Snack Pack.

Sign: 3/10 – Impressive signage overall for the shop, but only a small sign in the window positioned for people walking by, promoting the HSP. Not sure you would see this from the road driving by, however extra point for lamination and presentation.

Greeting: 10/10 – very friendly team on board tonight, and welcomed with the usual “Hello Bud, What can I do for you? Would you like the Small or Large, and What kind of Meats? Would you like the Three Sauces? Any Drinks Today?”. I ordered the Large Combination HSP with the Holy Trinity & Can of Coke.

Chips: 9/10 – Chips were crisp and well salted to taste. All chips were hot, golden and crunchy, blending in well with the combination Cheese, Meats and Sauces.

Meat: 7/10 – Opted for a large combination Chicken and Lamb. Both Chicken and Lamb were tender, although there was probably more Lamb than Chicken. Meat had been pre cut, awaiting the grilling for extra crispness which was welcomed, however could have done with some larger shavings. Zero oil residue in the bottom of the pack.

Cheese: 7/10 – Topped with an adequate serving of Cheese to Meat/Chip/Sauce ratio, combining together the many great flavors.

Sauce: 7/10 – Ordered the Holy Trinity (Garlic, BBQ & Chilli). Chilli had a sweet kick to it, combining the BBQ & Garlic Sauces to ensure the correct balance.

Packaging: 10/10 – Standard Styro served on a Plastic Red Tray (Dine In), with Metal Knife and Fork. Adequate Serviettes provided.

Price: 8/10 (today) – $15 for a Large Halal Snack Pack, Can included for $18. Usually $18.50.

Overall 8/10 – For the experience. First HSP I’ve ever had, but certainly left a great first impression and solid serving for a main meal. I’ve spent more on Burgers and Kebabs before, leaving disappointed, so the HSP was great value and experience IMHO. Judging on the photos I have seen from other nearby venues, please pay Kebabs on Clarendon a visit, and take the time to enjoy the meal In-House…

 

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Camping Checklist – The Basics

Heading camping for the first time in over 20 years with some friends, and wondering what to take. A quick search online revealed some great check lists of practical things to take for myself and the family.  Feel free to download the attached list, or give me some feedback on great items that you include in your Camping Checklist –

The Basics (Word Doc or PDF) – Updated 18/11/16

The Basics

  • Tent
  • Ground Cover / Tarp
  • Sleeping Bags, Sheets & Blankets
  • Sleeping Mat or Air Mattresses
  • Pillows
  • Kids’ Favourite Items for Sleep Time
  • Air Pump / Bike Pump
  • Matt for Tent Entrance
  • Dustpan / Brush
  • Mallet

Clothing (Extras for the kids)

  • Pyjamas
  • Jackets, Hats & Gloves
  • Bathers & Beach / Pool Towel
  • Shoes & Boots
  • Jeans / Pants / Belts
  • Shorts
  • T-shirts
  • Socks / Extra Socks
  • Active Wear
  • Hats
  • Sweatshirt / Jacket
  • Underwear
  • Sleep Clothes
  • Rain Gear
  • Nappies / Pull-Ups

Helpful Equipment

  • Camp Chairs (Adults and Kids)
  • Foldable Trestle Table
  • Beach / Picnic Rug
  • Baby Wipes
  • First Aid Kit
  • Toiletries
  • Tissues
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels for Shower
  • Flashlights / Headlamps
  • Matches or Lighter
  • Spare Rope / Paracord
  • Insect Repellant / Wrist Bands
  • Laundry Bag
  • Shower Shoes / Thongs
  • Medication
  • Sunscreen / After Sun Cream
  • Chapstick
  • Radio / Bluetooth Speaker
  • Sunglasses
  • Phone Charger
  • Umbrella
  • Storage Tubs
  • Toolbox (Gaffa Tape, Basic Tools, Mutli-Knife, Cable Ties)
  • Camp Shovel

Camp Kitchen

  • Mugs, Plates, Cups & Utensils
  • Esky with ice or Ice Blocks
  • Tea / Coffee / Hot Chocolate
  • Bottled Water / Juice / Cordial / SoftDrink
  • Beer, Wine, Sprits
  • Food items for Meals
  • Crackers, Biscuits or Popcorn,
  • Marshmallows, Lollies & Chocolate
  • Tablecloth / Thumb tacks / Clips
  • Dish Washing Soap
  • Scrub Pads / Chux
  • Washing Bucket
  • Camp Stove & Gas Bottle
  • Pots, Pans & Cooking Utensils
  • Reusable Drink Bottles
  • Bar-B-Mate and Tongs
  • Can Opener / Bottle Opener
  • Containers for food storage
  • Paper Towel
  • Tea Towel / Hand Towel
  • Trash Bags
  • Folding Table
  • Cutting Board
  • Ziplock Bags
  • Napkins
  • Water Bucket

Fun & Games

  • Bubbles
  • Glow sticks
  • Cards and Board Games
  • Coloring Books & Crayons
  • Journal, Writing, Drawing Materials
  • Books for Bed Time
  • Bikes & Helmets
  • Bike Lock
  • Football / Cricket Set
  • Tennis Racquet & Balls’
  • Scooters / Skateboards
  • Backpack
  • Selfie Stick / Tripod

Picture Source: Nagambie Lakes Tourism 

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Vlogs and Podcasts

Below are some links to some Podcasts and Vlogs that I listen to. I used to listen to Podcasts exclusively on my daily commute, however finding that now I am spending more time listening to Audio-books in the car.

Thanks to Casey Neistat, and his high-def video storytelling, drones, DSLR’s, tech reviews and daily vlogging, I am watching far less TV, and more YouTube based  daily VLOGS via my AppleTV.

Picture Source: Casey Neistat

Podcast

WTF with Marc Maron Podcast

Modern Love

This American Life by This American Life

Tech

Geeks Life Podcast

Leo Laporto The Tech Guy Podcast 

Tech Vlogs

iJustine – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zb18eEvBNh0

TechCrunch – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28Qa9cXaBFw

Engadget – https://www.youtube.com/user/engadget

Amber Mac – http://ambermac.com/

VLOG – Lifestyle and Travel Vlog

Casey Neistat – https://www.youtube.com/user/caseyneistat –  Must Watch!

Lost Le Blanc – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt_NLJ4McJlCyYM-dSPRo7Q

Mari Johnson – https://www.youtube.com/user/missmarijohnson

Gary Vaynerchuck – https://www.youtube.com/user/GaryVaynerchuk

Erik Conovor – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXa3jSGn_ns

 

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My Setup 2016 – Synology DiskStation DS916

It has been around four to five years since I purchased the HP X510 Home Media Server, and have made several modifications to my home audio setup, since my initial posts. I will further review the Synology DiskStation DS916+ in a later post, however thought that I would share with you an update on my gear list as it stands.

2016 – Setup as follows:

Sonos – Zoned Audio

Kitchen– Play:1


Bedroom – Play:1

https://instagram.com/p/BFRNDAmt2-g/

Lougeroom – Sonos Play:Bar

https://instagram.com/p/BFRQ2epN22Q/

 

AppleTV 4 – 64GB

apple-tv-3

Samsung BD-F6500 BlueRay Player
samsung-bd-f6500-blueray-player

Foxtel IQ 3 Set Top Boxes

foxtel-iq-3-set-top-boxes

Telstra (NETGEAR) Netgear AC1900 Cable Data Gateway (C6300BD)
netgear-ac1900-cable-data-gateway

  •  Telstra Air® compatible
  • Cable 3.0 (HFC)
  • Ethernet WAN
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac certified®
  • 4-Port Gigabit Ethernet Desktop Switch
  • 2x USB
  • DLNA Certified®

Synology DiskStation – DS916+

synology-ds916plus

  • 4-Bay Network Attached Storage DS916+
  • 4 Western Digital 2 TB drives
  • Synology Media Server Operating System

The usual equipment:

Foxtel IQ 3 Set Top Boxes

Tivo HD Set Top Box (Retired)

Raspberry Pi2 – RetroPie Gaming Server

2 x 2TB Western Digital External HDD hidden behind the iMac

Apple TV 3 (Bedroom) and Apple TV 4 (LoungeRoom)

Telstra (NETGEAR) Netgear AC1900 Cable Data Gateway (C6300BD)

2 x Apple AirPort Express WiFi Access Point – Bedroom Extender, and Outdoor Speakers

The component backbones:

Samsung 46″ LCD television

Sonos PlayBar Soundbar for Television

iMac 24”

Sound (other than Sonos):

2 Outdoor Audio Speakers

My Internet Service Provider is through Telstra Australia.  It is a little more expensive, but I have Home Cable (Cable 3.x (HFC) and have a static IP address for the Synology, with 500 Gig available download per month @ 100G speeds. I was also hoping to cut the cable on my Foxtel Box, however as this is bundled in with my home internet connection, it has been a good set top box replacement for my Tivo that died some months back.

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Freeview FV Mobile App. Free-to-air TV wherever you may be.

Looking for a way to consume some more data on your mobile plan? Freeview have just launched a new app for IOS and Android, to all you to enjoy terrestrial-free, free-to-air TV. If you have a love for the decabled lifestyle, you can now also rip the plug out of the wall, and clear your roof of any overhanging terrestrial antennas.

With the launch of the FreeView app, you can now watch all 16 major digital TV channels, in real time, on your phone, phablet or tablet device of choice.
Given you have a decent mobile signal, and corresponding data plan, you can now get live streaming from over 16 free-to-air channels including: ABC, SBS, Seven, Channel 9, TEN, ONE, ABC2/ABC KIDS, ABC ME, ABC News 24, 7TWO, 7Mate, 7Flix, Racing.com, 9Gem, 9Go! and 9Life. More live channels will be added as they become available.

freeview-channels

If your viewing habits have changed over time, and you dont have a need for free-to-air television, there is no need to read on, however if you’ve got an iPhone and an Apple TV, you can mirror the Freeview FV app from your device to the AppleTV. Although the AppleTV currently provides access to most of these apps, from within the Freeview FV App you can also access the dedicated Catch-up services including ABC iView, SBS On Demand, PLUS7, 9Now and tenplay.

Freeview FV App includes:

Live Streaming
Catch-Up TV
TV Guide
Browse and Search
Reminders and Favourites
Recommendations

[Apple App Store / Google Play Store]

 

Source: Freeview

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SONOS releases White SUBWOOFER

SONOS has introduced a Premium White Gloss version of its SUBWOOFER to its product line-up of Play1, Play3 , Play5, PlayBar and Connect devices. Since the SONOS Play speaker devices have been released, there has always been White and Black options available, with the exception of the SUBWOOFER.

The SONOS Premium White Gloss version of the SUB is striking in its appearance, and would fit in well to many environments. The SONOS SUB claims to add dramatically deeper bass to any Sonos speaker (or amplified component), and zero cabinet buzz or rattle, is a versatile wireless product that can be placed anywhere standing up or lying flat.

The SONOS SUB is 389 x 402 x 158 mm, weights 16 kg, and connects to your home Wi-Fi network with any 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz broadcast-capable router for uninterrupted wireless streaming.
On the rear of the SONOS SUB is one 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port which provides the option to connect SUB to a wired home network.

The smaller PLAY:1, PLAY:3 speakers can be used for basic areas like kitchen bench tops, bookshelves, bedrooms and bathrooms, to the larger PLAY:5 and PLAYBAR speakers for Larger rooms and Home Theatre setups.

SONOS has a number of the key differences over other speaker systems, being their Wireless Mesh Networking System, enabling connectivity on a separate wireless channel. This means that your speakers don’t have to talk to the Wi-Fi router directly, increasing the range of your SONOS system, no matter how large your home or how many Wi-Fi devices you use. SONOS speakers also allow you to ZONE the speakers around your home, or group them together for gatherings to fill your home with sound.

why-sonos

The SONOS products are extremely high quality, and provide an attractive, easy to setup solution for residential homes and spaces. Although SONOS are positioned at a premium price point against similar products within the market, they make up for these CONS with the quality or speaker and complimentary sound.

PRODUCT FEATURES:
Amplifier

Two Class-D digital amplifiers perfectly tuned to match the two dedicated speaker drivers and the acoustic architecture.

Speakers

Two force-canceling speaker drivers positioned face-to-face for deeper, richer sound and zero cabinet buzz or rattle.

Dual acoustic ports

Dual acoustic ports carefully tuned to enhance SUB performance.

Frequency response

Frequency response: Plays down to 25 Hz.

Automatic equalization

Automatic equalization. Audio settings adjust to perfectly balance SUB and the paired Sonos speaker or component to optimize sound quality.

Controls

Adjustable volume controls let you customize your sound.

www.sonos.com.au 

 

Your style, our sound. Pre-order the white SUB today. (Link in bio)

A photo posted by Sonos (@sonos) on

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