Elder Scrolls Online 2026: Transformative Seasons, Challenge Modes, Overhauls, and Beyond

Vanessa May on January 8, 2026


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Quick Read

  • ESO transitions to a complimentary Seasonal content format, available to all base-game owners.
  • Seasons last three months and bring new themes, areas, and gameplay enhancements.
  • Challenge Difficulty and PvP advancement offer players new hurdles.
  • New reward systems: Tamriel Tomes and the Gold Coast Bazaar.
  • Significant revisions for Dragonknight, Werewolf, and Two-Handed skill lines.
  • The inaugural Season, Dawn and Dusk, kicks off on April 2, 2026.

Understanding ESO Seasons: A Fresh Approach to Tamriel

Central to ESO’s evolution is the launch of Seasons, a concept designed to revitalize the content delivery method. Each Season spans about three months, centering on a unique theme that shapes all content released in that timeframe. Unlike prior expansions, these Seasons are freely available to all base-game players, removing payment barriers and staggered content launches.

Season Zero: Dawn and Dusk

April 2, 2026, heralds the start of Season Zero, named Dawn and Dusk. This debut Season will commence simultaneously on PC and consoles, granting players free access to all new content, assuming they possess the base game.

The Night Market Event Zone

Season Zero unveils the Night Market, a temporary Event Zone situated in Fargrave. Running for seven weeks, this zone enables players to align with one of three factions, undertake new quests, and gain in-game rewards, including fresh housing options.

Challenge Difficulty: Enhancing Overland Content

For those looking for a more challenging experience, ESO will introduce Challenge Difficulty later in Season Zero. This optional feature heightens the difficulty of overland gameplay, rewarding players with superior loot and presenting a new challenge beyond the usual dungeons and trials.

PvP Progression with the Vengeance System

The innovative Vengeance PvP system enriches player-versus-player content by launching a progression track tailored for PvP fans. This system delivers new rewards, rank advancement, and exclusive passive abilities for committed PvP players.

Dragonknight Rework: Enhanced Fire and Fury

Season Zero introduces considerable enhancements to the Dragonknight class, aiming to modernize its fundamental skills while preserving its fiery essence. This update encompasses visual and mechanical upgrades, alongside a refresh of the Two-Handed weapon skill line and Werewolf models.

Tamriel Tomes: A Reward System for the Seasons

ESO’s fresh reward mechanism, Tamriel Tomes, provides players with seasonal rewards via both free and optional paid avenues. This system motivates players to engage with new content each Season without confining gameplay behind payment barriers.

The Gold Coast Bazaar: A New Store for Rewards

Alongside Tamriel Tomes is the Gold Coast Bazaar, a reward shop that grants players agency in what they unlock. This store aims to enhance player control and clarity in acquiring rewards.

Quality-of-Life Enhancements

ESO’s newly formed internal team is dedicated to enhancing player experiences with improvements such as free skill respecs, quicker riding training, and larger housing limits. Although subtle, these changes significantly boost daily gameplay.

Looking Forward: Future 2026 Seasons

ZeniMax has hinted at forthcoming 2026 content, which includes a Thieves Guild questline, the return of Sheogorath, new trials, and solo dungeons. This roadmap indicates a continuously evolving ESO instead of isolated yearly updates.

The Importance of ESO’s Seasonal Transition

The move to Seasons signifies a major shift for ESO, emphasizing community-centric updates, synchronized launch dates, and open content access. This strategy promises a more integrated and progressive experience for all players.

Summary

The Elder Scrolls Online’s newly formatted Seasonal model unveils a groundbreaking method for content delivery, ensuring it is free and reachable for all players. With substantial gameplay enhancements, new reward systems, and improved PvP and PvE experiences, ESO is set for a thrilling future.

Q: What is the new Seasonal model in ESO?

A: The Seasonal model provides content every three months with a unique theme, freely accessible to all base-game owners.

Q: What modifications are in store for Dragonknights?

A: Dragonknights will undergo a rework of core abilities, visual improvements, and enhanced mechanics, focusing on themes of fire and defense.

Q: How does Challenge Difficulty operate?

A: Challenge Difficulty enables players to opt into more challenging overland experiences for improved rewards, presenting a new challenge apart from dungeons and trials.

Q: What is the Vengeance PvP system?

A: The Vengeance system offers a progression track, new rewards, and passive abilities for PvP-focused participants, improving long-term PvP involvement.

Q: What are Tamriel Tomes?

A: Tamriel Tomes represent a Seasonal reward track offering both free and optional paid rewards, motivating players to interact with new content.

Q: What quality-of-life improvements are coming to ESO?

A: Updates involve free skill respecs, quicker riding training, and expanded housing limits, designed to enhance everyday gameplay.

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Two US Cyber Specialists Acknowledge Responsibility in ALPHV Blackcat Partnership Scandal

Vanessa May on January 1, 2026


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Cybersecurity Controversy: US Experts Admit Guilt

Brief Overview

  • Two American cybersecurity experts confess to working with the ransomware collective ALPHV Blackcat.
  • Ryan Goldberg and Kevin Martin could face a maximum of 20 years in prison for their extortion conspiracy.
  • The individuals previously held positions at esteemed cybersecurity firms DigitalMint and Sygnia.
  • This case reveals significant vulnerabilities in the digital security sector.
  • The identity of a third co-conspirator is still unknown.

US Cybersecurity Experts Linked to Ransomware Controversy

Two American cybersecurity experts, Ryan Goldberg and Kevin Martin, have admitted guilt in their collaboration with the ALPHV Blackcat group. The US Justice Department reported that the pair confessed to conspiring to disrupt commerce through extortion. Their connections to this infamous ransomware organization have rocked the cybersecurity landscape.

Cybersecurity experts guilty of collaborating with ALPHV Blackcat

Background of the Accused

Ryan Goldberg, age 40, and Kevin Martin, age 36, were prominent names in the cybersecurity domain. Goldberg had previously been with Sygnia, while Martin served at DigitalMint. Both firms have distanced themselves from their former employees’ actions, stressing that the illegal acts occurred without their awareness or participation.

The Connection to ALPHV Blackcat

The ALPHV Blackcat group earned infamy for targeting several US firms. Goldberg and Martin, together with an unnamed third co-conspirator, leveraged their expertise to assist the gang in encrypting corporate networks to extract millions in cryptocurrency. The group’s activities ceased following a significant cyberattack on UnitedHealth Group last year, after which they disappeared.

Implications for the Industry

This case highlights the vulnerabilities present in the cybersecurity industry, where insiders may exploit their roles to collaborate with cybercriminals. It also underlines the necessity for rigorous vetting and surveillance procedures for cybersecurity professionals.

Conclusion

Two American cybersecurity experts have confessed to conspiring with ALPHV Blackcat, a well-known ransomware organization, to extort US companies. With their sentencing set for March, this case raises alarms about insider threats in the cybersecurity sector.

Inquiries and Responses

Q: What charges have Goldberg and Martin confessed to?

A: They have confessed to conspiring to disrupt commerce through extortion.

Q: What potential sentences do they face?

A: They confront a possibility of up to 20 years in prison.

Q: Which companies did Goldberg and Martin work for in the past?

A: Goldberg was associated with Sygnia, and Martin worked for DigitalMint.

Q: What is ALPHV Blackcat renowned for?

A: ALPHV Blackcat is recognized for utilizing ransomware to extort cryptocurrency from American firms.

Q: How did the companies react to the scandal?

A: Both Sygnia and DigitalMint condemned their former employees’ actions and cooperated with the inquiry.

Q: Is the third co-conspirator known?

A: No, the identity or condition of the third alleged co-conspirator is still unknown.

Q: What lessons can the industry take from this case?

A: The situation emphasizes the necessity for solid security measures and monitoring to stave off insider threats within cybersecurity firms.

Suncorp Adopts Multi-Agent AI to Transform Business Operations

Vanessa May on December 29, 2025


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Suncorp Harnesses Multi-Agent AI for Business Change

Suncorp employs multi-agent AI for business change

Overview

  • Suncorp Group is embracing a multi-agent AI approach to enhance its operational activities.
  • This AI strategy is aimed at developing a library of reusable elements to extend technology across brands.
  • The project seeks to boost customer service and streamline claims processing.
  • Suncorp utilizes Databricks’ technology suite for its multi-agent AI framework.
  • AI has already saved Suncorp significant work hours and enhanced case summary creation.

Suncorp’s AI Initiative

Suncorp Group, known for its prominent brands like AAMI, Gio Insurance, and API, is adopting a multi-agent strategy for its artificial intelligence (AI). By developing a library of reusable components, Suncorp intends to spread AI technology across its various brands, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Collaboration with Databricks

At the recent Databricks 2025 Sydney event, Suncorp’s chief machine learning engineer, Touraj Varaee, highlighted the company’s AI progress. Suncorp is taking advantage of Databricks’ product suite, including the Lakehouse for data management and Unity Catalog for governance, to underpin its multi-agent AI framework.

Productivity and Innovation

The introduction of AI technologies has already provided significant advantages for Suncorp. The claims department has used AI to automatically generate over a million words in case summaries, saving more than 15,000 hours of labor for customer service personnel. This achievement emphasizes AI’s integral role in Suncorp’s operational framework.

Conclusion

Suncorp Group is at the forefront of a multi-agent AI strategy, utilizing Databricks technology to improve efficiency and scalability across its brands. This initiative has already resulted in considerable enhancements in customer service and claims processing, showcasing AI’s potential to transform business activities.

Q: What is Suncorp’s main objective with its AI initiative?

A: Suncorp aims to improve business operations through a multi-agent AI strategy, concentrating on developing a scalable library of reusable components to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction across its brands.

Q: What advantages has AI provided Suncorp to date?

A: AI has conserved thousands of work hours for Suncorp and enhanced case summary generation efficiency, highlighting considerable operational gains.

Q: Which technology is Suncorp utilizing for its AI strategy?

A: Suncorp is leveraging Databricks’ suite, including the Lakehouse for data management and Unity Catalog for governance, to support its multi-agent AI structure.

Q: How does Suncorp intend to expand its AI applications?

A: Suncorp plans to establish a set of reusable components and services, enabling a cohesive and integrated method for deploying AI agents across different business scenarios.

“Transform E-Scooter Safety: Dynamic Speed Regulations Using Computer Vision”

Vanessa May on December 20, 2025


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  • Electric scooters are becoming increasingly favored as green transportation alternatives.
  • The existing speed limit of 25km/h in Australia may not be ideal for every setting.
  • Geo-fencing restrictions highlight the necessity for improved safety protocols.
  • Utilizing computer vision and AI can make scooters adjust their speeds in accordance with their environment.
  • Integration of dashcams and Sentry Modes could significantly bolster safety.
  • Upgrading hardware is essential for the adoption of sophisticated systems.
  • Local data processing must be considered to alleviate privacy issues.

Reevaluating Speed Regulations for E-Scooters

Electric scooters have revolutionized city transport, offering an environmentally friendly and convenient substitute for cars on short journeys. Nevertheless, Australia’s current law, setting a 25km/h speed ceiling, may not cater to various transportation contexts.

The Shortcomings of Existing Geo-Fencing

Numerous rental scooter companies apply GPS-based geo-fencing to limit speed in designated zones. However, the unreliability of GPS in urban environments and static mapping fail to account for immediate traffic and environmental fluctuations.

Integrating Computer Vision for Immediate Risk Evaluation

By embedding computer vision and AI in scooters, surroundings can be analyzed in real-time. This capability allows scooters to modify their speeds dynamically, improving safety by reacting to present situations.

Adaptive E-Scooter Technology for Safety

A Flexible Strategy for Safety

Establishing a “safety bubble” around riders, the AI-driven system modifies speeds based on nearby individuals, alleviating the necessity for riders to make dangerous decisions in congested areas.

Adapting the Tesla Dashcam and Sentry Mode Concept

The addition of dashcams to scooters could improve safety and accountability, delivering critical footage during incidents. A “Sentry Mode” would also notify owners of potential tampering.

The Hardware Essentials for Intelligent Scooters

The application of these technologies demands substantial hardware enhancements, including high-resolution cameras and robust processors akin to those utilized in drones and advanced driver-assistance systems.

“The incorporation of vision-centered safety mechanisms represents the subsequent rational progression for micro-mobility to receive wider societal acceptance.”

Marcus Zorn, Lead Engineer, Urban Mobility Systems.

Effects on Australian Regulations and Pricing

For these developments to be successful, Australia needs to shift towards regulations based on performance. Enhanced models featuring computer vision may incur higher costs but will offer increased safety and efficiency.

Tackling Privacy and Data Issues

Privacy continues to be a concern with scooters equipped with computer vision. Processing information locally on the scooter can alleviate privacy challenges, ensuring that only relevant data is utilized for safety measures.

Aiming for a Smarter Tomorrow

The evolving landscape of transportation is not solely electric but also intelligent and responsive to actual conditions. Adopting AI and computer vision can render micro-mobility safer and more attractive to Australians.

For additional details, visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/transport-strategy/active-transport

Overview

Dynamic speed regulations leveraging computer vision can transform e-scooter safety in Australia. By customizing speed according to real-time conditions rather than fixed limits, these innovations promise safer and more effective urban transportation.

Q: How do existing speed limits impact e-scooter safety?

A: Static speed limits of 25km/h may not adequately fit all contexts, potentially endangering safety in both busy and vacant areas.

Q: What are the weaknesses of geo-fencing technology?

A: Geo-fencing depends on GPS, which may be inaccurate in urban regions and fails to adapt to instantaneous changes such as traffic congestion.

Q: How does computer vision enhance e-scooter safety?

A: Computer vision enables scooters to adjust speed dynamically by evaluating real-time environmental factors, boosting safety for all road users.

Q: What hardware is necessary for smart e-scooters?

A: Smart e-scooters require high-definition cameras and advanced processors for real-time information analysis, similar to technologies found in drones and vehicles.

Q: How can privacy concerns be resolved with computer vision?

A: By processing data locally on the scooter, privacy issues can be addressed, ensuring information is used solely for safety-related reasons.

Q: What effect will this technology have on Australian regulations?

A: A transition to performance-based regulations is essential, permitting smart scooters to operate under different rules from basic models.

NSW Health Practitioners Frequently Avoid Cybersecurity Protocols

Vanessa May on December 19, 2025


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Quick Read

  • NSW healthcare practitioners often overlook cybersecurity protocols for convenience.
  • Data breaches are most common in the Australian healthcare sector.
  • Audit shows obsolete and ineffective cybersecurity strategies in local health districts.
  • Clinical priorities frequently take precedence over cybersecurity adherence.
  • NSW Health intends to launch a cybersecurity “capability enhancement” program.
NSW Health practitioners frequently avoid cybersecurity controls

Clinical Urgency Versus Cybersecurity

An audit has revealed that healthcare practitioners within NSW’s local health districts often evade cybersecurity protocols, placing prompt patient care above data protection. This behavior includes storing sensitive information on personal devices and staying logged in on communal computers, which creates considerable security vulnerabilities.

Current State of Cybersecurity in NSW Health

The audit, which scrutinized four of NSW’s 15 local health districts, discovered a deficiency in effective cybersecurity strategies and response plans. Disaster recovery and business continuity plans do not adequately address cybersecurity threats, with existing frameworks criticized for being outdated and insufficient.

Challenges in Compliance and Technology

In spite of regulations forbidding the storage of patient information on personal devices, practitioners frequently disregard these guidelines. This is partly due to the high-stress setting where clinical urgency often outstrips cybersecurity adherence. The dependence on outdated technologies and intricate passwords adds further complexity to compliance efforts.

Resource Allocation and Monitoring

NSW Health districts indicate minimal personnel assigned to cybersecurity tasks, with financial limitations affecting their capacity to bolster security measures. The audit points out that neither eHealth NSW nor the districts achieve benchmark spending in this domain, resulting in inadequate oversight of critical systems.

Initiatives for Improvement

In response, NSW Health has set up a taskforce aimed at improving cybersecurity capabilities and ensuring compliance with both state and federal regulations. This encompasses protecting essential infrastructure systems identified as “crown jewels” within the healthcare sector.

Summary

The audit highlights an urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures within NSW Health to safeguard sensitive patient information while accommodating the demands of clinical urgency. With a taskforce now established, there is a strategic shift towards reinforcing security protocols and compliance across local health districts.

Q: Why do practitioners bypass cybersecurity protocols?

A: Practitioners often prioritize clinical urgency and patient care, prompting them to circumvent security protocols for convenience.

Q: What are the primary findings of the audit concerning cybersecurity strategies?

A: The audit indicated that current cybersecurity strategies are outdated and ineffective, lacking consideration for cyber threats in disaster recovery.

Q: How is NSW Health tackling these cybersecurity challenges?

A: NSW Health has formed a taskforce to implement reforms and improve compliance with cybersecurity regulations.

Q: What are “crown jewels” in the context of NSW Health?

A: “Crown jewels” refer to vital systems within NSW Health that need stringent security monitoring to avert cyber attacks.

Q: Is funding an obstacle for cybersecurity in NSW Health?

A: Yes, the audit suggests that funding limitations impact local health districts’ ability to meet cybersecurity expenditure benchmarks.

Q: What role does eHealth NSW play in this scenario?

A: eHealth NSW offers support but lacks coordination and oversight, which contributes to confusion at the local health district level.

Google Sans Flex Released as Open Source: Explore the Upcoming Phase in Google’s Renowned Typeface Development

Vanessa May on December 19, 2025


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Google Sans Flex: A New Chapter in Typography

Google Sans Flex Open-Sourced: Explore the Innovative Typeface Evolution

Quick Overview

  • Google Sans Flex is now available as open-source, providing a refined typography solution for designers and developers alike.
  • This font was crafted to seamlessly adjust across various platforms, from smartwatch screens to 4K displays.
  • Variable font technology facilitates smooth transitions, improving design versatility.
  • It accommodates global languages and scripts, positioning it as a comprehensive solution.
  • Developers in Australia gain access to a high-quality, free font integration option.

The Beginnings

The inception of Google Sans Flex traces back to Google Sans, a geometric sans-serif derivative of the Product Sans logo typeface. Tailored to operate across different screen sizes, it preserved Google’s approachable character. As Google’s ecosystem expanded, the demand for a more adaptable font emerged, culminating in the development of Google Sans Flex, a single adaptable font file suitable for various applications.

Advancing Beyond Fixed Design

Conventional typography depends on distinct files for various styles, whereas Google Sans Flex adopts variable font technology. This innovation allows for precise tuning of weight, width, and optical sizing, dynamically adapting to varying contexts.

“Our goal was to develop a typeface responsive to its surroundings, whether that involves changes in screen brightness or specific layout demands in a mobile application.”Dave Crossland, Lead Program Manager, Google Fonts.

The Technical Superiority of Variable Axes

Google Sans Flex excels through its variable axes, adjusting proportions for improved readability at different scales. Its optical sizing axis modifies spacing and stroke thickness for optimal visibility, enhancing user interaction and easing the burden on developers.

A Universal Solution for a Global Audience

With support for a multitude of languages and scripts, Google Sans Flex was designed with international users in mind. By making the font open-source, Google empowers creators around the globe, particularly those in developing regions, to access high-caliber typography at no cost.

Integration with Material Design

As a fundamental element of the Material You design framework, Google Sans Flex enhances the Android user interface by adjusting to user preferences, delivering a personalized and dynamic experience. It transcends mere text; it contributes to the overall character of the interface.

“Typography serves as a key building block within our design system, and utilizing variable technology enabled us to expand the horizons of expression and adaptability.”Christian Robertson, Typography Lead, Google.

Influence on the Australian Developer Community

For Australian startups and digital agencies, Google Sans Flex represents a considerable advantage. Distributed under the SIL Open Font License, this high-quality font can be utilized in applications and websites at no charge, supporting both personal and commercial initiatives.

Getting Started with Google Sans Flex

Accessible via the Google Fonts library, Google Sans Flex is straightforward to implement. By loading a single file, developers can utilize the complete range of styles, enhancing performance and minimizing page load times. Designers using software like Figma or Adobe Creative Cloud can test the variable axes directly.

The Future of Open-Source Typography

Google’s open-source strategy illustrates a shift toward transparency and shared resources in technology. As more designers embrace Google Sans Flex, anticipate a new trend of responsive, typographically rich web designs that showcase the adaptability of the modern digital landscape.

Cost and Availability

Google Sans Flex is offered at no cost, with no licensing fees applicable for personal or commercial projects. It is globally accessible, enabling even small Australian design studios to compete with exceptional typography. Access the font files and user guides through Google Fonts or GitHub.

For further details, visit Google Fonts.

Conclusion

The open-source launch of Google Sans Flex signifies a major development in typography, delivering a versatile and high-quality option for a worldwide audience. Its adaptability and free integration render it a transformative tool, particularly for Australian developers and designers.

Q: What is Google Sans Flex?

A: Google Sans Flex is a versatile, open-source variable font designed by Google, providing multiple weights and widths within a single file.

Q: How does Google Sans Flex benefit Australian developers?

A: Australian developers can incorporate this high-quality, no-cost font into their projects, enjoying its versatility and performance benefits.

Q: What sets Google Sans Flex apart from traditional fonts?

A: Unlike standard fonts that necessitate separate files for distinct styles, Google Sans Flex employs variable font technology for seamless transitions and precise modifications.

Q: How can I obtain Google Sans Flex?

A: You can find Google Sans Flex through the Google Fonts library or GitHub, available for free for both personal and commercial purposes.

Google Improves TPUs for Better PyTorch Performance

Vanessa May on December 18, 2025


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Quick Read

  • Google upgrades TPUs to enhance PyTorch performance, posing a challenge to Nvidia’s AI market leadership.
  • The “TorchTPU” project aims for comprehensive compatibility with PyTorch, facilitating developer adoption.
  • Google might release some of its software as open source to encourage TPU usage.
  • Google partners with Meta to hasten TPU progress.
  • Google’s TPU initiatives are part of larger strategies in AI infrastructure sales.

Google’s Strategic TPU Improvement

Google is undertaking a major initiative to upgrade its Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) for enhanced performance with PyTorch, the foremost AI software framework globally. This strategic action aims to counter Nvidia’s dominance in the AI computing sector.

Google aims to enhance TPUs for improved PyTorch performance

TorchTPU Project

The initiative, internally referred to as “TorchTPU,” is aimed at dismantling obstacles that have restrained TPU adoption by ensuring compatibility and user-friendliness with PyTorch. This step is essential as it resonates with the current technological setups of numerous users.

Open-Sourcing and Strategic Relevance

Google is pondering the idea of open-sourcing elements of its software to jumpstart TPU acceptance. The organization has made TorchTPU a key focus, allocating considerable resources in response to the rising demand from firms seeking alternatives to Nvidia’s GPUs.

Collaboration with Meta

To fast-track development, Google is partnering with Meta Platforms, the developer of PyTorch. This alliance could provide Meta with greater access to TPUs, potentially broadening its AI infrastructure beyond Nvidia’s GPUs.

TPU Customer Growth

Initially, Google’s TPUs were designated for internal operations. However, in 2022, their cloud service branch began handling TPU sales, significantly increasing supply for external customers as AI interest surged.

Addressing Framework Issues

The differences between PyTorch and Google’s Jax framework have created challenges for developers. The TorchTPU project proposes to narrow this divide, decreasing costs and effort for companies shifting away from Nvidia’s ecosystem.

Meta’s Strategic Goals

Meta’s collaboration with Google is motivated by its need to reduce inference expenses and enhance its negotiating leverage by diversifying its AI infrastructure to lessen dependency on Nvidia.

Conclusion

Google’s enhancement of TPUs, particularly through the TorchTPU project, aims to boost compatibility with PyTorch and contest Nvidia’s dominance in the AI market. In partnership with Meta, Google is set to broaden its TPU customer outreach and utilize its AI infrastructure.

Q: What is the main objective of Google’s TorchTPU project?

A: The primary objective is to improve TPUs for better compatibility with PyTorch, making it easier for developers to adopt.

Q: How does Google intend to promote TPU acceptance?

A: Google is considering open-sourcing portions of its software and working with Meta to enhance TPU uptake.

Q: What motivates Meta to join forces with Google on TPUs?

A: Meta seeks to reduce inference costs and expand its AI infrastructure beyond Nvidia’s GPUs.

Q: What changes has Google made to its TPU allocation strategy?

A: Since 2022, Google has increased TPU supplies for external clients, propelled by rising interest in AI.

Q: What issues does the TorchTPU project aim to solve?

A: It aims to alleviate the compatibility issues between PyTorch and Google’s Jax framework, lowering transition costs for developers.

ACMA Reaches Agreement with Leading Online Retailers to Stop “Questionable” Mobile Sales

Vanessa May on December 12, 2025


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ACMA’s Latest Strategy to Prevent Unsafe Mobile Sales

ACMA’s Latest Strategy to Prevent Unsafe Mobile Sales

Quick Overview

  • ACMA initiates a voluntary program to curb unsafe mobile sales.
  • Program focuses on illegal devices, including grey market phones.
  • Notable participants like eBay and Gumtree have engaged in the effort.
  • Emphasis on improving emergency call reliability in Australia.
  • Discussion surrounding public access to a register of compliant devices.

ACMA’s Effort Against Unsafe Devices

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has rolled out a voluntary program designed to halt the distribution of unsafe mobile phones and illegal radio gear on online platforms. This action follows rising concerns regarding the reliability of emergency call services, especially after recent incidents linked to failures in triple zero calls.

ACMA secures commitments from leading online retailers to prevent "dodgy" mobile sales

Details of the Safety Commitment

The safety commitment encompasses a wide array of radio communication devices, such as CB radios, illegal jamming devices, mobile phone boosters, and cellular signal repeaters. It notably addresses grey market mobile phones, which have recently faced scrutiny for their failure to provide dependable emergency services in specific scenarios.

Industry Response and Engagement

Several prominent online retailers, including eBay, Gumtree, Temu, and Shein, have already pledged their support for the program. They are responsible for identifying and eliminating illegal or unsafe devices from their offerings. ACMA’s vice chair, Adam Suckling, underscored that safeguarding public safety from such devices is a collective obligation.

Concerns Regarding Emergency Call Reliability

The push for this program gained traction after Telstra and Optus barred 71 Samsung handset models known for emergency call reliability problems. These handsets frequently failed to ‘camp on’ to alternate networks during outages, obstructing their capability to make emergency calls. While many of the affected models can receive updates, some remain incapable of functioning on Australian networks.

Discourse on Compliance Registers

The program stands in contrast to the Australian Telecommunications Alliance’s (ATA) proposal, which supports a public register of compliant devices. While ACMA’s commitment is voluntary, the ATA has urged for a publicly accessible list to allow consumers to effortlessly verify device compliance.

Conclusion

The ACMA’s new program represents a proactive measure towards limiting the sale of unsafe mobile devices in Australia. By collaborating with leading online retailers, ACMA intends to bolster the reliability of emergency services and shield consumers from potentially hazardous technology. The ongoing discussion regarding public access to device compliance information underscores the difficulties in achieving a balance between transparency and safety in the technology sector.

Q: Which devices are included in ACMA’s program?

A: The program focuses on illegal radio devices, including grey market phones, CB radios, jamming devices, and mobile phone boosters.

Q: Which retailers have committed to the initiative?

A: Retailers such as eBay, Gumtree, Temu, and Shein have participated in the program.

Q: What impact does ACMA’s commitment have on emergency call reliability?

A: It aims to eliminate devices that obstruct emergency call functionality, especially during network disruptions.

Q: What is the issue surrounding the compliance register?

A: The debate revolves around whether ACMA should create a public register of compliant devices to facilitate consumer verification.

TPG Telecom Discovers Potential New Fatality Linked to Samsung Phone

Vanessa May on December 9, 2025


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Brief Overview

  • TPG Telecom has reported a possible new death associated with a Samsung phone’s emergency call limitations.
  • This event transpired in September in Wentworth Falls, NSW.
  • Firmware problems hinder certain Samsung models from accessing TPG’s 3G network for emergency calls.
  • TPG Telecom and Samsung are collaborating to resolve the matter through software updates.
  • The company initiated VoLTE trials for emergency calls on its 4G network in 2020.
  • TPG Telecom is continuing its investigation into the September event.

Another Sad Case Associated with Samsung Phones

TPG Telecom indicates potential new fatality related to Samsung device

TPG Telecom has notified the Australian government of yet another potential death tied to a Samsung phone’s failure to make emergency calls. This incident took place in September at Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains, NSW. The CEO of the company, Iñaki Berroeta, brought the situation to a parliamentary inquiry regarding triple zero emergency calls.

Issues with Emergency Calling Configuration

The issue originates from a firmware configuration affecting 71 Samsung phone models. These devices have difficulty connecting to TPG Telecom’s Vodafone-branded 3G network if their home network is not available. Consequently, they may be unable to complete emergency calls when other providers, such as Telstra and Optus, are also inaccessible.

Actions to Address the Concern

Samsung has been actively working to resolve the issue by issuing software updates for 60 of the affected devices. These updates are designed to allow the phones to connect to TPG Telecom’s 4G network for dependable emergency calling. TPG Telecom has been testing and broadening its VoLTE functionalities to accommodate these calls since 2020, fully implementing eVoLTE in 2021.

Details of the Incident in September

The incident in September involved a customer who reportedly could not connect to emergency services through triple zero but managed to do so via a 1800 relay service after five minutes. The individual may have died, but TPG Telecom is still confirming the specifics with emergency services.

Conclusion

TPG Telecom is tackling a critical issue with certain Samsung handsets that affects their capability to make emergency calls. This issue may have played a role in yet another fatality, emphasizing the need for strong emergency communication systems. Both TPG Telecom and Samsung are diligently working to resolve these problems through updates and network improvements.

Q: What is the primary issue with Samsung phones?

A: Certain Samsung models are experiencing a firmware issue that prevents them from connecting to TPG Telecom’s 3G network for emergency calls when their home network is unavailable.

Q: How is TPG Telecom addressing the matter?

A: TPG Telecom, in partnership with Samsung, is delivering software updates to the impacted models and has enhanced its 4G network’s emergency calling features.

Q: What transpired during the September incident?

A: A customer in Wentworth Falls was initially unable to contact emergency services via triple zero but was able to do so after five minutes using a 1800 relay service.

Q: Why was TPG Telecom not informed sooner about the September incident?

A: The reasons for the delayed notification to TPG Telecom remain unclear, as stated by CEO Iñaki Berroeta during the inquiry.

Q: What measures have been implemented to avert future incidents?

A: TPG Telecom has been testing and rolling out VoLTE for emergency calls, while Samsung has issued software updates to the affected models to ensure reliable emergency communication.