Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
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Sony WF-C700N Wireless, Bluetooth, Noise Cancelling Earbuds (Small, Lightweight Earbuds with Multi-Point Connection, IPX4 Rating, up to 20 HR Battery, Quick Charge, iOS & Android) Sage Green
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The mining sector has consistently been a high-demand area in Australia and globally, yet the increasing intricacy of regulations, necessary third-party approvals, and environmental issues are heightening its challenges. Operators today must focus on maintaining profitability while conforming to rigorous health, safety, and environmental regulations, all while adapting to market changes.
As they prepare for 2024, decarbonisation has emerged as a vital issue. This essential transition introduces additional complexities into mining operations (MineOps). Mining firms are now required to tackle these obstacles while also addressing operational inefficiencies often stemming from outdated or isolated business functions.
Numerous mine operators continue to depend on manual processes, physical forms, and a variety of disjointed systems, generating inefficiencies that are unsustainable. These antiquated operational methods are draining time and resources from the industry, impeding companies from swiftly responding to new regulatory and market developments.
Justin Grose, Appian’s Account Director for Resources & Energy, notes that antiquated, fragmented MineOps processes can be avoided. He underscores how Appian’s sophisticated data fabric capabilities can furnish a cohesive and immediate overview of mining operations, guaranteeing that crucial information is available when needed.
Appian’s data fabric solution provides a comprehensive overview of mining operations by combining data from multiple sources into a singular, centralised platform. This enables mine operators to make data-driven decisions in real time, minimising the risk of data loss or mismanagement that may occur during data transitions between systems.
With Appian’s platform, information can be seamlessly surfaced, distributed, retrieved, or updated across various departments, eliminating the need for “swivel-chairing” between disparate systems or managing cumbersome physical forms and manual data entry.
Beyond its data fabric features, Appian’s platform incorporates private artificial intelligence (AI) to provide enhanced insights into operations. The “private” element is crucial to ensuring sensitive business data remains confidential and distinct from public AI platforms. This system bolsters decision-making abilities while maintaining stringent security measures.
By automating business processes and leveraging AI, mining companies can more effectively fulfil their operational responsibilities. This encompasses quicker compliance with evolving regulations, customer expectations, and Environmental, Sustainability, and Governance (ESG) reporting requirements.
Traditionally, implementing new systems that satisfy the criteria of regulators, investors, and internal stakeholders has been a drawn-out and cumbersome endeavor. Multi-year implementations have been commonplace, resulting in bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
Appian is altering this landscape with its eight-week implementation promise. This enables mining firms to launch a minimum viable product (MVP) within just two months, facilitating faster cost savings and return on investment compared to conventional systems.
Appian’s low-code platform strategy promotes swift deployment and adaptability. Even if a mining operation utilises legacy systems, Appian can deploy AI robots to gather the essential data and integrate it into the new platform.
Appian’s platform is designed for rapidity and productivity. Utilizing a drag-and-drop interface that connects various system components allows mining operators to quickly construct new applications, akin to assembling a Lego project.
This modular strategy fosters quicker project execution and increased agility, empowering mining operations to promptly adapt to industry shifts or regulatory requirements. The system yields deeper insights into the organisation’s data, allowing operators to extract additional value from their information.
The mining sector is under mounting pressure to modernise its operations to align with environmental, safety, and regulatory demands, all while remaining competitive in a swiftly changing market. Appian’s data fabric and low-code platform provide a revolutionary solution for MineOps, granting real-time access to crucial business data, automating processes, and incorporating secure AI for improved decision-making.
With an eight-week implementation guarantee, Appian ensures that mine operators can rapidly respond to new challenges, streamline operations, and address the increasing need for speed, precision, and efficiency.
The mining industry is encountering heightened regulatory pressures, especially concerning environmental, health, and safety standards. Moreover, the urgency for decarbonisation and changing market demands add layers of complexity to operations. Outdated systems and manual procedures further exacerbate these issues.
Appian’s data fabric delivers a unified, comprehensive perspective of mining operations by consolidating information from diverse sources. This facilitates real-time decision-making and eradicates the inefficiencies linked to operating multiple disconnected systems.
Private AI guarantees that sensitive operational data remains confidential and is shielded from public platforms. It provides more profound insights into processes, enabling mining operators to enhance their operations while maintaining strict oversight of data access.
Appian guarantees an eight-week implementation for a minimum viable product (MVP). This allows mining companies to swiftly adopt the platform and enjoy financial savings and operational efficiencies significantly sooner than with traditional solutions.
Low-code refers to a software development approach requiring minimal coding, allowing users to swiftly create and deploy applications through a visual, drag-and-drop interface. This accelerates the implementation process and enhances the flexibility to customise operations.
Appian’s platform provides real-time data access, which facilitates simplified Environmental, Sustainability, and Governance (ESG) reporting. This ensures that mining companies can efficiently and accurately fulfil regulatory requirements and furnish detailed reports to stakeholders.
Yes, Appian’s platform can integrate with legacy systems by deploying AI robots to retrieve data from these older systems and incorporate it into the Appian environment. This promotes a seamless transition without necessitating a full upgrade of existing infrastructure.
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YATWIN Bluetooth Headphones Sport in Ear, Bluetooth 5.0 Sports Headphones with 16 Hours HiFi Sound IPX7 Waterproof Earbuds, Magnetic Ultralight Earphones with Noise Cancelling MEMS Microphone for
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Skullcandy Smokin’ Buds in-Ear Wireless Headphones, 20 Hours Battery Life, 50% Sustainable Plastic, Micro, Compatible with iPhone, Android and Bluetooth Devices – Black
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United Airlines has embarked on an exciting partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX-owned Starlink to bring high-speed, satellite-based in-flight internet services. This collaboration aims to enhance the travel experience by providing internet access that rivals ground connectivity.
The airline intends to implement the service across its entire fleet, comprising over 1,000 aircraft. The testing phase is set to kick off in early 2025, while the inaugural passenger flights equipped with Starlink internet are expected later that same year. United Airlines has affirmed that the service will incur no charges for passengers, a considerable incentive for travelers.
Starlink is a satellite internet service run by SpaceX, the aerospace firm founded by Elon Musk. It is engineered to deliver high-speed broadband to regions lacking adequate connectivity, utilizing a network of thousands of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This technology has found applications in rural and underserved areas, and now, Starlink is branching into commercial aviation. The service is recognized for its low latency and rapid internet speeds, crucial attributes for long-haul flights where seamless online interactions are expected.
The alliance between United Airlines and Starlink is poised to transform in-flight internet, tackling one of the most frequent grievances among air travelers: slow and spotty Wi-Fi. Conventional in-flight connectivity depends on ground-based towers or geostationary satellites, both of which present limitations such as high latency and unreliable coverage. Starlink’s LEO satellites aspire to resolve these challenges by providing quicker speeds and steadier service, regardless of the flight’s route.
By offering the service at no cost, United Airlines is setting itself apart from rivals that typically charge for Wi-Fi access. This could potentially establish a new benchmark in the aviation sector where complimentary internet access becomes standard rather than an exception.
This collaboration isn’t Starlink’s first venture into the aviation field. The satellite internet provider has already formed agreements with Hawaiian Airlines and the regional airline JSX. These partnerships signify Starlink’s ambitious plan to broaden its reach from home and rural internet solutions into commercial aviation.
The aviation sector represents a logical next step for Starlink, considering the rising need for dependable internet access during flights. Whether for business, entertainment streaming, or connecting with loved ones, high-speed internet is evolving from a luxury to a critical requirement on numerous flights.
Although the partnership has been unveiled, United Airlines passengers will need to wait a bit before experiencing Starlink’s high-speed internet. Testing will commence in early 2025, with the initial passenger flights outfitted with Starlink anticipated later that year. United’s strategy to deploy the service across its entire fleet signifies a long-term commitment to enhancing passenger experience and embracing technological advancements within the aviation sector.
United Airlines’ alliance with Starlink signifies a major milestone in the advancement of in-flight internet connectivity. With Starlink’s satellite technology, passengers can look forward to faster, more dependable internet access at no cost. The partnership also underscores Starlink’s ongoing ambition to extend its services beyond rural communities and into the commercial aviation arena, positioning it as a significant contender in the market for airborne internet solutions. Testing is slated to begin in 2025, with a comprehensive roll-out anticipated across United’s fleet in the following years.
Testing of Starlink’s in-flight internet service on United Airlines will start in early 2025, with the first passenger flights featuring the service expected later that year.
No, United Airlines has confirmed that Starlink’s in-flight internet service will be free for passengers.
Unlike conventional in-flight Wi-Fi, which often depends on ground towers or geostationary satellites, Starlink utilizes low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This allows for enhanced speeds, reduced latency, and more consistent connectivity, even over remote areas and oceans.
United Airlines plans to equip over 1,000 aircraft with Starlink’s high-speed internet service in the coming years.
Besides United Airlines, Starlink has collaborated with Hawaiian Airlines and regional carrier JSX to deliver high-speed in-flight internet services.
Although specific speeds for in-flight usage have yet to be announced, Starlink’s satellite internet service can provide speeds of up to 100 Mbps or more to individual users in other scenarios, making it considerably faster than most conventional in-flight Wi-Fi options.
Yes, United Airlines plans to outfit its entire fleet, which includes over 1,000 aircraft, with Starlink’s internet service over the upcoming years.
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Technics AZ40M2 True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation, Multipoint Connection, Mic, and up to 5.5 Hours Play Time, Silver(EAH-AZ40M2ES)
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2022 Wireless Earbuds, Tribit Qualcomm QCC3040 Bluetooth 5.2, 4 Mics CVC 8.0 Call Noise Reduction 50H Playtime Clear Calls Volume Control True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds Headphones, FlyBuds C1 Black
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JBL Wave Flex True Wireless Stereo Earbuds, Beige
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JBL Wave Flex True Wireless Stereo Earbuds, White
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In an unexpected turn of events, Waymo—the self-driving vehicle sector of Alphabet (the parent company of Google)—has broadened its alliance with Uber. The companies have revealed that Uber will take charge of Waymo’s driverless car services exclusively in Austin, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia. This move prompts discussions about the trajectory of autonomous vehicle technology, its economic implications, and the possible friction between Uber and its human drivers.
Waymo has been instrumental in the self-driving car sector since its inception in 2009 as part of Google. The company has made substantial investments in autonomous vehicle technology, currently operational in Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Nonetheless, the recent verdict to allow Uber to manage operations in Austin and Atlanta exclusively has raised some eyebrows.
With this agreement, Uber will handle the daily operations of Waymo’s autonomous vehicles in these two new cities. Considering the significant potential of driverless ride-hailing services, especially in populous urban areas, this decision implies that Waymo might be forgoing a considerable revenue avenue—thus the expression “giving away the golden goose.”
With a collective populace of about 1.48 million, Austin and Atlanta present highly lucrative markets for autonomous vehicles. Both cities boast tech-savvy inhabitants and rapidly developing infrastructure, making them prime candidates for deploying autonomous vehicle technology.
However, what distinguishes this expansion from Waymo’s other territories is that Uber will be the sole operator. This situation leads to inquiries about why Waymo would relinquish direct oversight of such promising new markets. The rationale may be rooted in the economics of scaling and managing autonomous vehicle services.
Waymo has consistently encountered hurdles when it comes to extending its services beyond its original testing grounds. The technology that powers autonomous vehicles is intricate; it relies on a blend of lidar, radar, cameras, and computational power to operate safely. Moreover, the vehicles must navigate using highly precise HD maps, necessitating extensive scanning of every new area.
Additionally, the Jaguar I-Pace, which Waymo utilizes, carries a hefty cost of around USD $70,000 before incorporating the bespoke hardware essential for autonomous operation. The overall expenses tied to the development and upkeep of these vehicles, coupled with the necessary network infrastructure, complicate achieving the economies of scale required to reduce ride prices for users.
In cities like Austin and Atlanta, where the demand for ride-hailing is notable, Waymo may determine that transferring operations to Uber allows for cost-sharing while still retaining a foothold in these vital markets.
While Uber has previously attempted to create its own autonomous vehicle technology, it has not fared as well as companies like Waymo. By collaborating with Waymo, Uber acquires access to advanced technology without the substantial investment in research and development. However, this also places Uber in a precarious situation regarding its human drivers.
If autonomous vehicles begin to take on a greater share of rides, Uber’s human drivers might find themselves sidelined. The reduced necessity to pay drivers could lower costs for Uber in the long term, yet it might also incite backlash from drivers who depend on the platform for their income. Some drivers have already expressed concerns about Uber’s foray into autonomous vehicles, fearing job insecurity.
As Uber and Waymo currently appear to benefit from each other’s capabilities, the long-term scenario may not be as favorable. Should Uber continue to broaden its autonomous vehicle usage, it could eventually find itself directly competing with Waymo, as both firms strive for supremacy in the driverless ride-hailing sphere.
This collaboration might also give rise to heightened competitive friction between the two entities. Waymo’s technological edge is significant, but Uber’s extensive ride-hailing platform provides unmatched access to customers. Ultimately, one company may seek to acquire the other, or the relationship could become strained, resulting in a split or possible bankruptcy for one of the players.
Waymo’s foray into Austin and Atlanta alongside Uber signifies a major transition in the autonomous vehicle sector. By allowing Uber to take exclusive control of its driverless car services in these two locations, Waymo could be attempting to alleviate the steep costs associated with scaling its operations. Nevertheless, this choice also brings up worries regarding the future of Uber’s human drivers and potential long-term rivalries between the two firms.
Waymo probably partnered with Uber to divide the hefty costs of scaling its autonomous vehicle services. By capitalizing on Uber’s existing framework and customer reach, Waymo can concentrate on tech innovation while Uber manages operations in these new locales.
This partnership may spark tensions between Uber and its human drivers. As autonomous vehicles start handling more rides, the availability of rides for human drivers could diminish, potentially affecting their earnings. Some drivers have already raised alarms about this development.
Austin and Atlanta are fast-growing tech hubs with a joint population of about 1.48 million individuals. These cities offer lucrative prospects for ride-hailing ventures, making them prime targets for autonomous vehicle expansion.
The Jaguar I-Pace utilized by Waymo costs approximately USD $70,000 before any added hardware is integrated. Apart from vehicle expenses, there are costs linked to network infrastructure, HD mapping, and ongoing software development, all of which render scaling operations expensive.
Uber has endeavored to create autonomous vehicle technology previously but encountered both technical and financial challenges. By aligning with Waymo, Uber can tap into state-of-the-art technology without the significant commitment to research and development.
Indeed, there exists the possibility of sustained competitive tension. While the collaboration is mutually beneficial at present, both Uber and Waymo could find themselves vying for control in the driverless ride-hailing market as the technology gains broader acceptance.
