Vanessa May, Author at Techbest - Top Tech Reviews In Australia - Page 3 of 26

ALDI Introduces Cost-Effective Solar and Battery Solutions, Enhancing Access to Renewable Energy

Vanessa May on September 11, 2025


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ALDI’s Solar Initiative: Advancing Affordable Green Energy

Quick Overview

  • ALDI Australia is enhancing its solar initiative by offering budget-friendly solar and battery solutions.
  • Collaboration with Tempo facilitates access to these solutions for residents along the eastern coastline.
  • Two primary options presented: A$6,999 for a 10kWh battery and A$8,499 for a 20kWh battery.
  • Included features are high-quality parts, blackout security, and a convenient mobile application.
  • Installations are set to begin in November 2025.
ALDI offers affordable solar and battery options, improving access to renewable energy in Australia.

ALDI’s Solar Goals for Australia

ALDI Australia is making significant strides in the renewable energy landscape by broadening its ALDI Solar initiative. This program, a partnership with the well-known Tempo, seeks to enhance the availability of solar energy for Australians living on the eastern coastline. The initiative provides streamlined solar and battery solutions that reflect ALDI’s dedication to providing remarkable value beyond its grocery offerings.

Offered Solutions

The ALDI Solar initiative presents two thorough packages designed to meet varying household energy requirements. The A$6,999 option includes a 6.6kW solar panel system, a 5.5kW hybrid inverter, and a 10kWh battery. For those in need of increased energy storage, the A$8,499 option offers the same solar system and inverter but upgrades the battery capacity to 20kWh.

Essential Features of ALDI Solar Packages

High-Quality Components

Each package includes premium components, such as N-type TOPCon solar panels and Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, ensuring durability and effectiveness.

Emergency Backup

During a power failure, the emergency power circuit of the systems keeps vital appliances functional, providing reassurance to homeowners.

Setup and Monitoring

A detailed online platform aids customers in monitoring their installation journey. Moreover, the ALDI Solar app grants real-time information on energy production, usage, and battery health.

Quality Assurance and Guarantee

ALDI provides long-term assurance with a 10-year warranty for both the battery and inverter. The solar panels also come with a 25-year performance guarantee, demonstrating ALDI’s confidence in its products.

Conclusion

ALDI’s venture into solar energy solutions marks a crucial development for renewable energy accessibility in Australia. By providing affordable, top-quality solar packages, ALDI is assisting Australians in reducing their energy expenses while positively impacting the environment. With installations scheduled to start in November 2025, the initiative is set to make a meaningful difference.

Questions & Answers

Q: Who is collaborating with ALDI for the solar initiative?

A: ALDI has teamed up with Tempo, a well-established Australian-owned firm, to realize their solar solutions.

Q: What distinguishes the two solar packages?

A: The key difference is the battery capacity; the A$6,999 package comes with a 10kWh battery, whereas the A$8,499 package features a 20kWh battery.

Q: Are these solar packages accessible nationwide?

A: At present, the packages are available in select postcodes throughout Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, and the ACT.

Q: How can customers keep track of their solar system’s performance?

A: Customers can utilize the ALDI Solar app to receive live updates on energy production, consumption, and battery health.

Q: What type of warranty accompanies the solar packages?

A: The initiative includes a 10-year warranty for the battery and inverter, along with a 25-year performance guarantee on the solar panels.

Apple’s Elegant iPhone Air Might Be a Design Success

Vanessa May on September 11, 2025


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Apple Reveals Its Sleekest iPhone Ever: The iPhone Air

Quick Overview

  • Apple debuts the iPhone Air, its sleekest device to date.
  • The iPhone Air boasts a 5.6-mm thickness and promises “all-day battery life”.
  • The updated iPhone range comprises Air, 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max.
  • Market responses are mixed due to worries over AI progress and pricing concerns.
  • The iPhone Air is equipped with the A19 Pro chip and new bespoke communication components.
  • Even though it’s entering the AI field later than others, Apple aims to impress with innovative design and capabilities.

Apple’s Newest Breakthrough: The iPhone Air

Apple CEO Tim Cook embodied the vision of Steve Jobs as he presented the iPhone Air, representing the most significant update in Apple’s offerings over the last eight years. The announcement, made at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters, underscored the company’s dedication to design and usability.

Slim iPhone Air could represent a design success for Apple

Design and Specifications

The iPhone Air’s aesthetics reflect Apple’s ongoing commitment to innovation. With its slender 5.6-mm body, it surpasses Samsung’s S25 Edge in thinness. The new layout accommodates components the size of postage stamps, reinforcing Apple’s assertion of “all-day battery life”.

Varied Market Responses

While many were fascinated by the iPhone Air’s design and technological upgrades, reactions in the market varied. Apprehensions regarding AI features and price stability amid tariffs have made some investors cautious. Nevertheless, the rollout of the A19 Pro chip and specialized chips for AI applications may narrow the gap in AI capabilities.

Consumer and Expert Views

Consumers and technology fans reacted positively, with the Air’s titanium casing and ceramic shield glass receiving commendations. Gaurav Chaudhary, a leading tech YouTuber, remarked on the excitement during the unveiling. Analysts predict that the iPhone Air’s distinctive features will inspire upgrades and boost sales during the holiday season.

Conclusion

The iPhone Air has established a new benchmark for Apple’s design and innovation. In spite of some market hesitancy, the device’s advanced functionalities and stylish design are expected to draw a broad range of consumers. Apple maintains a vital presence in the tech sector, with its most recent release reinforcing its reputation for quality and design superiority.

Q: What stands out as the most significant feature of the iPhone Air?

A: The most significant feature is its sleek profile, measuring only 5.6 mm, which makes it the thinnest iPhone ever.

Q: How does the battery life of the iPhone Air compare?

A: Apple asserts that the iPhone Air delivers “all-day battery life”, owing to its compact yet efficient circuitry.

Q: What primary worries exist concerning the iPhone Air?

A: Concerns revolve around Apple’s delay in AI development and possible pricing challenges resulting from tariffs.

Q: Where does the iPhone Air stand within Apple’s general product lineup?

A: The iPhone Air is situated in the middle of the lineup, balancing cost-effectiveness with advanced features.

Q: How did the tech community respond to the iPhone Air?

A: The tech community, including analysts and YouTubers, applauded its design and capabilities, though some raised concerns regarding its single-camera configuration.

Q: Is eSIM technology available on the iPhone Air?

A: Yes, it includes eSIM technology, although its implementation may differ by region due to regulatory limitations.

Grant Thornton Optimizes 60TB of Microsoft 365 Data with Veeam

Vanessa May on September 10, 2025


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Grant Thornton Australia Boosts Data Resilience with Veeam

Quick Overview

  • In the past year, Grant Thornton Australia has merged 60TB of data using Veeam.
  • This initiative aims to improve data resilience and tackle cyber threats.
  • Implementation includes Microsoft 365, Salesforce CRM, and Azure-based Veeam Data Cloud Vault.
  • Emphasis on minimizing hardware usage and enhancing ransomware defenses.
  • Plans ahead involve integrating artificial intelligence technologies.

Boosting Data Resilience

During the Gartner Symposium 2025 on the Gold Coast, Mark Holmes, head of IT operations at Grant Thornton Australia, revealed the company’s strategic transition to Veeam’s Data Cloud. Over the last year, Grant Thornton has optimized its backup and disaster recovery operations, consolidating 60 terabytes of data, aiming to strengthen data resilience against escalating cyber threats.

Grant Thornton merges 60TB of Microsoft 365 data with Veeam

Strategic Goals

Holmes, who joined the organization a year prior, underscored the significance of data resilience and ransomware protection. The IT department, which supports 1,700 staff and oversees 3,500 mailboxes, originally launched Veeam Data Cloud for Microsoft 365. Within six months, they successfully backed up 60 terabytes of data, a figure anticipated to increase.

Expanding Backup Scope

In addition to Microsoft 365, the team broadened backup coverage to encompass Grant Thornton’s Salesforce CRM and the Microsoft identity and access management stack, Entra. More than 15,000 identity objects have been secured, further protecting the organization’s digital assets.

Cloud Strategy and Ransomware Defense

Aligned with Grant Thornton’s IT strategy to lessen hardware reliance, the firm committed to Veeam’s Azure-based cloud storage solution, Data Cloud Vault. This plan offers robust ransomware defense, ensuring that systems are recoverable in disaster situations.

Future Aspirations: Welcoming AI

Grant Thornton’s investment in backup technology paves the way for embracing artificial intelligence technologies, especially agentic AI. Holmes aims to maintain a strong Microsoft 365 environment as the firm readies itself for future technological advancements.

Conclusion

Grant Thornton Australia has markedly enhanced its data management capabilities by merging 60TB of data using Veeam solutions. The company’s strategic emphasis on cloud-based backup, ransomware protection, and prospective AI integration highlights its dedication to data resilience and innovation.

Q&A

Q: Why did Grant Thornton Australia select Veeam?

A: Veeam was selected for its strong backup and disaster recovery features, which enhance data resilience and provide effective ransomware protection.

Q: Which systems are included in this backup strategy?

A: The strategy includes Microsoft 365, Salesforce CRM, and the Microsoft identity and access management stack, Entra.

Q: How does the cloud strategy benefit Grant Thornton?

A: The cloud strategy diminishes hardware dependence, provides scalable storage options, and improves defenses against cyber threats.

Q: What are Grant Thornton’s future technological objectives?

A: The firm intends to integrate artificial intelligence technologies, focusing on agentic AI to enhance operational efficiencies.

Extensive npm Supply Chain Compromise Disclosed in Complex Phishing Scheme

Vanessa May on September 9, 2025


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Quick Overview

  • A major phishing scheme on npm has jeopardized JavaScript packages with 2.7 billion downloads every week.
  • The fraudulent emails appeared to come from “support@npmjs.help,” tricking developers into updating their 2FA credentials.
  • Security firm Aikido discovered that the harmful code could capture cryptocurrency and web3 transactions in web browsers.
  • This breach follows a similar incident involving the Nx package in August, revealing thousands of corporate secrets.

Phishing Attack Affects npm Developers

Recently, a complex phishing attack has focused on npm developers, marking one of the largest compromises in the supply chain to date. This attack featured deceptive emails that appeared to be sent by “support@npmjs.help,” prompting developers to refresh their two-factor authentication credentials. Tragically, one developer, Josh “qix” Junon, was deceived by this scheme, leading to the compromise of at least 18 well-known npm packages, which are downloaded approximately 2.7 billion times each week.

Phishing attack results in vast npm supply chain breach

Example of npmjs.help phishing message

Marsup

Consequences of the Malicious Code

Security provider Aikido examined the malicious code and disclosed that it could function on a website’s client, covertly seizing crypto and web3 actions within browsers. The code alters wallet interactions and rewrites payment destinations, channeling funds and authorizations to accounts controlled by the attacker without any noticeable indications for the user. Although clean-up measures are in place, other developers continue to be vulnerable to attacks from the perpetrator.

Prior Attacks and Continuing Risks

This event comes in the wake of an attack on the Nx package in late August, known as “s1ngularity,” which took advantage of a flawed workflow to inject executable code into pull request titles. The npm security vendor Socket stated that artificial intelligence command line tools were exploited for local file system scans during this attack, resulting in the leakage and public disclosure of thousands of corporate secrets from over 1700 users on GitHub.

Conclusion

The npm supply chain breach highlights the necessity for developers to stay alert against phishing schemes and various cybersecurity threats. This event, along with earlier breaches, underscores the fragility of widely-used software tools and the potential for malicious individuals to misuse them for significant advantages.

Questions & Answers

Q: What exactly is npm?

A: npm refers to Node Package Manager, a repository that consists of over 2 million reusable code items utilized in JavaScript development.

Q: How did the phishing attack happen?

A: Developers received phishing emails from “support@npmjs.help” crafted to appear legitimate, requesting them to refresh their two-factor authentication credentials.

Q: What was the primary effect of the breach?

A: The breach led to the compromise of at least 18 popular npm packages, impacting approximately 2.7 billion weekly downloads.

Q: What is the functionality of the malicious code?

A: The code seizes crypto and web3 activities, modifies wallet interactions, and reroutes funds to accounts controlled by the attacker without user knowledge.

Q: Are developers still facing risks?

A: Yes, despite cleanup actions, other developers might still be targeted by the unidentified threat actor.

Q: What was the s1ngularity attack?

A: The s1ngularity attack involved exploiting a vulnerable process in the Nx package, resulting in the exposure of thousands of corporate secrets on GitHub.

Community Connect: Empowering Communities to Work Together with Local Law Enforcement

Vanessa May on September 8, 2025


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Community Connect: Empowering Communities to Work with Local Law Enforcement

Quick Overview

  • Community Connect integrates local surveillance cameras with police departments to enhance public safety.
  • Genetec’s program has demonstrated substantial crime reduction in cities like Detroit.
  • It operates as an opt-in system promoting cooperation rather than a purchasable service.
  • Community Connect fosters collective initiatives aimed at shared objectives such as safety and economic development.

Introduction

With the rise of security camera usage throughout Australia, local councils and businesses provide crucial video evidence that can assist police in investigations. Nevertheless, limited resources often prevent police from making the most of this footage. This is where Community Connect, an initiative by Genetec, steps in to fill that gap and bolster community safety.

Genetec’s Initiative: Community Connect

Understanding the difficulties police face in obtaining and utilizing security footage, Genetec launched Community Connect. Stephan Kaiser, General Manager for AutoVu at Genetec, states, “We aimed to establish a straightforward method for communities to provide their security resources to the police.” This platform empowers community stakeholders to work alongside law enforcement, sharing their security resources and video data.

Community Connect enables communities to collaborate with local law enforcement

Effect on Crime Rates

Community Connect has showcased remarkable success internationally. In Detroit, a city notorious for high violent crime rates, active involvement in the program has resulted in significant crime reductions. Similarly, an international airport in Canada experienced a near-total decline in vehicle thefts due to its engagement.

The Opt-In Framework

Community Connect is not a product available for sale. It is an opt-in framework crafted to encourage collaboration between communities and police forces, with the goal of lowering crime rates and enhancing police response times. This cooperative method permits communities to contribute actively to their safety enhancement.

Potential for Community Change

By interlinking video streams from cameras set up by the community directly to police command centres, Community Connect plays a significant role in deterring potential criminals. In Detroit, areas engaged in the program display a green light, indicating their direct link to law enforcement, which has proven to be an efficient deterrent.

Summary

Community Connect by Genetec is an initiative aimed at enhancing public safety through increased collaboration between communities and local law enforcement. This opt-in framework not only contributes to crime reduction but also promotes community involvement in preserving safety and pursuing common objectives.

FAQs

Q: What is Community Connect?

A: Community Connect is an opt-in framework by Genetec that enables communities to share security resources and video footage with local law enforcement, improving public safety and minimizing crime rates.

Q: How does Community Connect function?

A: It connects video streams from community cameras directly to police command stations, facilitating quicker responses and deterring potential wrongdoers.

Q: In which locations has Community Connect been successful?

A: It has proven effective in cities such as Detroit and at an international airport in Canada, where crime rates have markedly decreased.

Q: Is Community Connect a marketable product?

A: No, it is a cooperative framework that communities can choose to join, rather than something available for purchase.

Q: What advantages come from participating in Community Connect?

A: Communities that participate can see reduced crime rates, heightened safety, and expedited police response, while also contributing to broader community aspirations.

NSW Education Engages Deloitte for Implementation of Human Capital Management Program

Vanessa May on September 8, 2025


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NSW Education Collaborates with Deloitte for HR Transformation

NSW Education Collaborates with Deloitte for HR Transformation

Quick Read

  • NSW Education grants Deloitte a $69 million agreement for a brand-new HR platform.
  • The rollout will feature recruitment, onboarding, and fundamental HR services.
  • Deloitte’s engagement lasts until June 2028, concentrating on data migration and change management.
  • The project aims to upgrade and simplify HR systems for NSW Education.
  • Integration with SAP cloud suite is included in the larger move to S/4HANA.

Program Overview

NSW Education partners with Deloitte for HCM program execution

The NSW Department of Education has formed a notable partnership with Deloitte, committing $69 million towards the implementation of a new human resources platform over the next three years. This effort is part of a larger initiative to modernise and improve the department’s HR systems.

Last year, the department successfully completed the initial phase of its human capital management (HCM) initiative, moving education support services staff from an obsolete SAP system to SAP SuccessFactors.

Next Phase of Implementation

The forthcoming phases of the program will concentrate on establishing recruitment and onboarding processes for schools, alongside crucial HR services. Deloitte’s responsibilities will include data migration and change management, with the contract projected to conclude in June 2028.

This initiative is part of the department’s plan to streamline the HR technology ecosystem, aiming to offer a consistent and integrated experience for users.

ERP Transition

The selection of Deloitte follows the department’s collaboration with global systems integrator Infosys to shift its SAP ECC6 enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform to S/4HANA by the end of 2027. The HCM segment will connect with both internal and external applications via the SAP cloud integration suite.

A Complex History

NSW Department of Education has encountered notable obstacles in its efforts to revamp its HCM systems. Starting in 2006, the Learning Management and Business Reform (LMBR) program aimed to substitute legacy systems with a comprehensive SAP-based enterprise suite, encompassing finance, student administration, and HR and payroll.

Despite initial advancements, the program faced setbacks and budget overruns, mainly due to the intricacies of teacher leave entitlements, which necessitated customisation of the SAP solution. The LMBR rollout was completed in 2018, four years later than planned, at a total investment of $750 million.

Summary

The NSW Department of Education’s collaboration with Deloitte marks a crucial step towards modernising its HR systems. By embracing new technologies and integrating them with current platforms, the department seeks to boost efficiency and provide a fluid user experience for staff and educators throughout New South Wales.

Q: What is the objective of the NSW Department of Education’s new HR platform?

A: The objective is to modernise, streamline, and revolutionise the department’s HR systems, ensuring an integrated and uniform user experience.

Q: What is the value of the contract with Deloitte?

A: The agreement with Deloitte amounts to $69 million over three years.

Q: When does the contract with Deloitte end?

A: Deloitte’s agreement is scheduled to expire in June 2028.

Q: What difficulties did the department confront with the previous LMBR program?

A: The LMBR program encountered significant delays and budget overruns, mainly due to the complexities of teacher leave entitlements and the necessity for customisation.

Q: What is Infosys’s role in the department’s ERP transition?

A: Infosys is supporting the transition of the department’s SAP ECC6 ERP platform to S/4HANA by the conclusion of 2027.

Q: How will the new HR system connect with existing applications?

A: The HCM component will connect with both internal and external applications through the SAP cloud integration suite.

Elder Scrolls Online: Melbourne Welcomes Thrilling Player Night This October

Vanessa May on September 6, 2025


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Quick Overview

  • ESO: Players Night taking place in Melbourne on Wednesday, October 8.
  • Exclusive entry to ACMI’s Game Worlds Exhibition.
  • Engage with the ESO community, creators, and hear insights from Rich Lambert.
  • Tickets priced at $59, obtainable on the ACMI website.

Melbourne to Host Thrilling ESO Player Night

Gamers in Melbourne, prepare your weapons and polish your gear. The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is coming to Australia for a unique one-night event.

On Wednesday, October 8, Bethesda APAC and ACMI are collaborating to present ESO: Players Night, a special after-hours experience where fans can immerse themselves in the realm of Tamriel like never before.

What to Expect on the Night

ESO: Players Night is more than just mingling with fellow adventurers. It’s a grand celebration of the game that has brought Tamriel to life for over a decade. Here’s what awaits you:

  • Exclusive Entry to ACMI’s Game Worlds Exhibition: Discover the creation of Tamriel, from its foundational lore to its vast online world.
  • An Evening of Experiences: Engage in themed activities, exciting photo opportunities, captivating decorations, and the renowned ESO soundtrack serenading the venues.
  • Connect with the Community & Creators: Meet fellow gamers, local creators, and the minds behind the game.
  • Insights from Rich Lambert, Studio Game Director at ZeniMax Online Studios: Gain exclusive behind-the-scenes knowledge about developing and expanding ESO.

Tickets Now Available

Don’t lose out on this unique gathering. It will take place from 7:00pm to 10:30pm in ACMI’s Lightwell Space. Tickets are priced at $59 and can be purchased now via the ACMI website. Act fast; spots are limited and reservations are required.

Whether you’re an Elder Scrolls enthusiast or embarking on your first adventure, ESO: Players Night is an opportunity to celebrate the world of Tamriel with the community that cherishes it most.

Secure your ticket, rally your group, and prepare for an evening of adventure in Melbourne.

Recap

ESO: Players Night on October 8 in Melbourne presents fans with exclusive access to the Game Worlds Exhibition at ACMI, engaging activities, and a chance to interact with the community and game developers. Featuring insights from Rich Lambert, this is an unmissable event for Elder Scrolls aficionados.

Q: When is ESO: Players Night in Melbourne?

A: The event is set for Wednesday, October 8.

Q: Where can I purchase tickets for the event?

A: Tickets can be bought from the ACMI website, priced at $59.

Q: What unique activities are planned for the evening?

A: Attendees can experience exclusive access to the Game Worlds Exhibition, participate in themed activities, enjoy photo ops, and hear from Rich Lambert.

Q: Who will be presenting at the event?

A: Rich Lambert, Studio Game Director at ZeniMax Online Studios, will share behind-the-scenes insights.

Q: How long has ESO been in existence?

A: The Elder Scrolls Online has been enlivening Tamriel for more than 10 years.

Dreame Unveils Groundbreaking Robot Vacuum Idea for Multi-Level Residences

Vanessa May on September 6, 2025


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Quick Read

  • Dreame reveals a concept for the pioneering stair-climbing robot vacuum at IFA.
  • The Cyber X boasts a QuadTrack system for effortless stair traversal.
  • Cyber10 Ultra features a robotic arm for improved cleaning accessibility.
  • Matrix10 Ultra adapts mop pads for various surface types.
  • V20 Pro and V30 cordless vacuums provide solutions for hair tangling.
  • The Australian launch for the Matrix10 Ultra and additional models is planned for 2025 and 2026.

Groundbreaking Cleaning Solutions for Multi-Level Residences

Dreame reveals stair-climbing robot vacuum for multi-level residences

Owners of multi-level homes have traditionally struggled with the option of buying several robot vacuums or manually shifting one unit from floor to floor. Dreame seeks to transform this experience with the debut of their stair-climbing robot vacuum concept, presented at the latest IFA event. This development aims to simplify and enhance cleaning for multi-story homes.

Cyber X: Effortless Stair Navigation

The Cyber X features the innovative QuadTrack system, allowing it to ascend stairs up to 25 cm high at a speed of 0.2 m/s. This intelligent elevator-like mechanism autonomously carries the vacuum between floors, removing the necessity for manual assistance. Equipped with a smart 3DAdapt Vision System, the Cyber X can confidently map and navigate stairs, ensuring smooth functionality on various surfaces.

Cyber10 Ultra: Enhanced Cleaning Features

The Cyber10 Ultra elevates robot vacuums with its CyberDex Bionic Ecosystem. It comes with a Hyper-Flex Arm, imitating human movement and extending up to 33 cm to access challenging areas. This vacuum intelligently organizes items and manages different cleaning tools to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Matrix10 Ultra: Customized Cleaning for Every Surface

Dreame’s Matrix10 Ultra personalizes its cleaning strategy through a Multi-Mop Switching Dock and Three-Solution Compartment. This advanced technology selects the ideal mop pad for each zone, from rigorous scrubbing in kitchens to gentle treatment for wooden floors, guaranteeing top-tier cleaning performance.

V20 Pro and V30: Cutting-Edge Cordless Innovations

The V20 Pro and V30 cordless vacuums feature the GapFree AI Robotic Arm, which precisely extends to clean edges and corners without leaving any gaps. They also integrate TangleCut Dual Scraper technology to eliminate hair tangling, ensuring a seamless cleaning experience.

Pricing and Availability in Australia

The Dreame Matrix10 Ultra is expected to launch in Australia later this month. The Aqua Series and Z Series smart cordless vacuums are set to arrive in mid-October 2025, with the Cyber10 Ultra following in the first quarter of 2026. For further information, visit the Dreame Website.

Summary

Dreame is establishing new benchmarks in the robot vacuum sector with its inventive solutions for multi-level homes. The Cyber X and Cyber10 Ultra incorporate advanced functionalities for managing stairs and accessing difficult spaces, while the Matrix10 Ultra and V-series vacuums provide customized cleaning for diverse surfaces. These innovations promise to ease home cleaning for Australians, with availability anticipated for 2025 and beyond.

Q: What distinguishes the QuadTrack system?

A:

The QuadTrack system enables the robot vacuum to ascend stairs independently, functioning as a smart elevator that moves the vacuum among floors without human aid.

Q: In what way does the CyberDex Hyper-Flex Arm improve cleaning?

A:

The CyberDex Hyper-Flex Arm extends up to 33 cm, mimicking human motions to clean tight spaces and manipulate objects, thereby ensuring extensive cleaning coverage.

Q: What benefits does the Multi-Mop Switching Dock in the Matrix10 Ultra provide?

A:

The Multi-Mop Switching Dock allows the vacuum to automatically choose the most suitable mop pad for various surfaces, ensuring each area gets the most appropriate cleaning attention.

Q: How do the V20 Pro and V30 vacuums manage hair tangles?

A:

These vacuums utilize TangleCut Dual Scraper technology, which reduces hair into small pieces as it enters the vacuum, preventing clogs and minimizing maintenance requirements.

Q: When will these new Dreame products launch in Australia?

A:

The Matrix10 Ultra is expected to be available later this month, with other models like the Cyber10 Ultra scheduled for introduction in early 2026.

Researchers Create AI-Powered “PromptLock” Ransomware

Vanessa May on September 5, 2025


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Quick Read

  • “PromptLock” ransomware is an academic model, not an actual danger.
  • Created by NYU Tandon researchers to investigate AI-driven ransomware functions.
  • Model can independently carry out entire ransomware operations.
  • AI systems generate distinctive attack codes, posing challenges to conventional security frameworks.
  • Study conducted ethically to underscore emerging risks from AI.

AI-Driven Ransomware: Academic Investigation Reveals Possible Threats

Academic researchers created AI-driven ransomware prototype

The “PromptLock” ransomware, revealed by cybersecurity firm ESET, is not a malicious tool but an academic research prototype created by the New York University Tandon School of Engineering. Initially thought to be a genuine threat, the prototype functions as a proof-of-concept to investigate AI-driven ransomware abilities.

Analyzing the Prototype

The NYU Tandon research group’s investigation, called “Ransomware 3.0,” illustrates how extensive language models can independently perform ransomware campaigns across various platforms, such as personal computers, enterprise servers, and industrial control systems. The study simulates all stages of an attack, ranging from system mapping to generating ransom notes, employing AI to formulate tailored attack scripts for each target.

Technical Overview

The prototype utilizes AI models to create distinctive attack codes, complicating detection by traditional security systems. Tests indicated that AI could detect 63 to 96 percent of sensitive files, varying by the environment. These scripts, functional across platforms including Windows, Linux, and Raspberry Pi, demonstrate the capability of AI to circumvent current security protocols.

Costs and Accessibility

Employing around 23,000 AI tokens for each attack, the expense totals approximately US$0.70 ($1.07). Nonetheless, open-source AI models can negate these costs, allowing less experienced individuals to perform complex attacks that formerly required considerable resources and expertise.

Ethical Considerations and Suggestions

Executed within ethical boundaries, the study aims to educate the cyber security community regarding the hazards of AI-driven attacks. Md Raz, the primary author of the research, stresses the necessity of acknowledging AI-enabled threats. The team advocates monitoring file access behaviors, regulating AI service interactions, and crafting detection techniques specifically for AI-created threats to tackle possible dangers.

Conclusion

The “PromptLock” prototype showcases the shifting dynamics of ransomware, propelled by AI technologies. While not an immediate threat, the research emphasizes the urgency for enhanced security approaches tailored to AI-generative attacks. The study acts as a call to action for the industry to gear up for future challenges posed by AI-fueled cyber threats.

Q&A: Deciphering AI-Driven Ransomware Prototypes

Q: What is the “PromptLock” ransomware?

A: “PromptLock” is an academic research model developed by NYU Tandon to evaluate AI-driven ransomware capabilities, rather than a real-world threat.

Q: How does the prototype function?

A: It employs AI models to autonomously carry out ransomware campaigns, producing unique attack codes for each target to evade conventional security systems.

Q: What are the ramifications of this research?

A: The study illustrates the potential of AI to augment ransomware capabilities, prompting the need for new security measures to counter AI-generated attacks.

Q: How can organizations safeguard against AI-driven ransomware?

A: By tracking file access patterns, managing AI service connections, and developing detection systems specifically designed for AI-driven activities.

Q: Why was the prototype initially misconstrued as a real threat?

A: Its advanced nature led experts to regard it as authentic malware, revealing the misleading potential of AI-driven cyber threats.

Q: What significance does cost hold in AI-driven ransomware?

A: While the prototype incurs costs, open-source AI models could eliminate these, rendering advanced ransomware attacks attainable to less skilled operatives.

Macquarie Bank Strengthens AI Readiness with Introduction of ‘Knowledge Platform’

Vanessa May on September 1, 2025


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The AI Transformation at Macquarie Bank: Launch of the ‘Knowledge Platform’

Quick Overview

  • Macquarie Bank launches a unified ‘Knowledge Platform’ to enhance its AI capabilities.
  • Developed on Google Cloud, it blends structured and unstructured data.
  • The platform facilitates the creation of agentic AI applications utilizing Google’s Agentspace.
  • The bank employs AI-driven tools such as NotebookLM for summarizing data and conducting searches.
  • Training initiatives target over 2,500 employees in AI and prompt engineering.
  • Macquarie envisions a marketplace for external AI agents to drive productivity.

Creating a Unified Knowledge Repository

Macquarie Bank advances AI strategy with 'Knowledge Platform'

Macquarie Bank has announced the launch of a unified ‘Knowledge Platform’ intended to consolidate rigorously governed enterprise data and code resources, promoting the creation of sophisticated AI applications. Established on the solid framework of Google Cloud, the platform efficiently merges structured data with unstructured information from diverse sources including PDFs, SharePoint documents, and Confluence files.

Google’s Agentspace: The AI Ecosystem

Data is carefully organized and directed through a pipeline into the platform, eventually contributing to Google’s Agentspace. This setup is pivotal for Macquarie Bank’s ambitious vision of constructing an ecosystem of agentic AI applications. Ashwin Sinha, the bank’s chief data officer, emphasized the platform’s vital role in maintaining the precision and uniformity of AI models.

Boosting Productivity with AI Solutions

Within Agentspace, Macquarie Bank has implemented NotebookLM, a Google-powered AI assistant that helps with note summarization. The platform also offers comprehensive search functionalities across the bank’s data assets, which are currently linked to numerous data sources with plans for further growth. This effort aligns with the bank’s strategy to build an extensive ecosystem of AI agents, many of which are currently in pilot testing.

Creating a Varied Portfolio of AI Agents

Sinha noted that the AI agents vary from personal assistants that streamline individual tasks to enterprise agents tailored specifically for the Banking and Financial Services sector. Additionally, tools such as GitHub Copilot are under consideration to boost software development efficiency by creating integrated development environment (IDE) agents.

A Year Focused on AI Research and Training

During the past year, Macquarie Bank has engaged in an explorative journey with AI technologies. This initiative included extensive training for more than 2,500 employees and the top 150 leaders in prompt engineering. These efforts have generated a multitude of innovative concepts, resonating with the bank’s perspective on AI as a transformative and versatile technology.

Conclusion

Macquarie Bank is leading the way in embedding AI into its operations with the debut of its ‘Knowledge Platform’. By utilizing Google Cloud and AI-driven tools, the bank aims to elevate productivity, spur innovation, and enhance customer experiences. With thorough training and a strategic mindset, Macquarie is preparing for a future where AI is integral to its business activities.

Q: What is the ‘Knowledge Platform’?

A: It is a centralized system created by Macquarie Bank on Google Cloud to manage and utilize enterprise data for AI applications.

Q: How does the ‘Knowledge Platform’ function?

A: The platform consolidates both structured and unstructured data, which is then processed through a curated pipeline and used in Google’s Agentspace for AI development.

Q: What function does Google’s Agentspace serve?

A: It acts as the environment where Macquarie Bank creates and deploys its agentic AI application ecosystem.

Q: What advantages do AI agents provide for Macquarie Bank?

A: AI agents can automate processes, enhance productivity, and improve decision-making, particularly in the Banking and Financial Services sector.

Q: How has Macquarie Bank equipped its workforce for AI?

A: The bank has trained over 2,500 employees and leaders in AI technologies and prompt engineering, cultivating a culture of innovation and exploration.

Q: What future ambitions does Macquarie Bank have for AI?

A: The bank intends to broaden its AI capabilities, incorporate additional data sources, and potentially establish a marketplace for third-party AI agents.