Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
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Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro by Anker, Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, 7-Sensor and Real-Time Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Clear Calls with 6 Mics and AI (White)
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CommBank iQ, collaborating with Quantium, is employing AI to transform its fundamental banking data analysis. Despite early obstacles stemming from security, governance, and risk issues, new AI tools have introduced a groundbreaking method for data engagement. This strategic pivot was announced by former CEO Makenna Ralston at the Snowflake Summit in San Francisco.
CommBank iQ’s goal to fully incorporate AI into its data processes encountered challenges involving the management of sensitive banking information. Although the benefits of AI were evident, existing compliance frameworks posed difficulties in applying AI tools directly to the central datasets. Consequently, AI was employed in a supporting role for strategy and communications.
The launch of Snowflake’s advanced AI tools, CoWork and CoCo, has enabled CommBank iQ to directly access its core data. These tools support sophisticated data inquiries and the development of machine learning models, significantly enhancing workflow efficiency and scalability.
CommBank iQ is piloting Snowflake’s CoWork tool in New South Wales to offer immediate insights into tourism patterns. This initiative has equipped clients with prompt answers to their questions, thereby improving decision-making and providing actionable insights.
CommBank iQ is progressing towards the implementation of virtual analysts, digital team members designed to manage routine analytical functions. This transition aims to allow human analysts to focus on more strategic tasks, promoting an integrated model of AI and human teamwork.
CommBank iQ’s adoption of AI has signified a major leap forward in its data analysis capabilities. By overcoming initial obstacles, the company now employs sophisticated AI tools to streamline workflows and improve client interactions, with exciting developments such as virtual analysts on the horizon.
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Fresh from its successful merger with G&C Mutual Bank, Unity Bank has implemented a notable restructuring of its IT leadership. In a decisive action, the bank has removed the role of Chief Information Officer (CIO), delegating IT management to Chief Operating Officer (COO) Akhilesh Mehta.
The restructuring introduces a new Head of IT Operations and Security who will report directly to Mehta. Although this individual has not been publicly disclosed, this appointment demonstrates Unity Bank’s dedication to integrating and securing its IT framework after the merger.
The previous CIO, Fergus Stevens, was instrumental during the merger, supervising the integration of systems and vendors with an internal team and numerous service partners. His contributions ensured that the bank met full APRA CPS 230 compliance ahead of schedule, providing uninterrupted services for 60,000 members throughout.
Despite the leadership alterations, Unity Bank’s dedication to delivering a seamless digital banking experience and a strong cybersecurity framework is unwavering. The bank has effectively unified its brands, including Reliance Bank, to function as a single cohesive entity known as Unity Bank.
Unity Bank and G&C Mutual Bank carry distinct histories characterized by ongoing mergers and consolidations of regional credit unions. Unity Bank originated from the Waterside Workers of Australia Credit Union in 1970 and has evolved through various mergers. G&C Mutual Bank traces its origins back to 1959, initially as the Public Works Dept Staff Co-operative.
The recent merger with G&C Mutual Bank has prompted considerable changes in Unity Bank’s IT leadership framework, maintaining an emphasis on digital banking and cybersecurity. The discontinuation of the CIO role marks a strategic adjustment while the bank continues to deliver exceptional member services.
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Google has introduced an advanced feature that enables users to log into their accounts through a selfie video. This innovative approach provides a practical alternative for account recovery, especially when conventional methods like passwords or device access prove inadequate.
To activate this feature, users film a short video demonstrating guided head movements, capturing a variety of angles. Google archives these videos and utilizes them to verify live videos during subsequent sign-in attempts.
Though the feature offers improved security, it also raises privacy concerns related to the gathering of biometric data. Google assures users that their videos are stored with permission and can be erased at any point. The videos are utilized exclusively for sign-in purposes unless users decide to allow additional usage.
The selfie video sign-in feature will be accessible to qualifying Google Account users beginning Friday Australian time. Historically, companies have depended on devices, phone numbers, and two-factor authentication for account recovery. This new feature represents a move towards more sophisticated biometric solutions.
Google’s recent advancement in user authentication via selfie videos aims to merge ease of use with security. Despite potential privacy issues, the feature provides a strong alternative for account recovery and sign-in, establishing a new benchmark in the realm of digital security.
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The recent roundtable organized by Flipkart Commerce Cloud in Sydney brought together top technology executives to explore AI’s transformative capabilities in retail. The gathering highlighted intelligent discovery via conversational AI as a key factor in improving customer experiences and optimizing operations.
Composable architecture stood out as a crucial element for achieving operational nimbleness. This framework enables retailers to swiftly respond to market fluctuations by incorporating modular and adaptable solutions, thereby improving service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Unified retail media and dynamic pricing were underscored as tactics for creating new revenue paths. By utilizing data-driven insights, retailers can refine pricing tactics and advertising to align better with consumer preferences and boost profitability.
The Flipkart roundtable in Sydney offered significant insights into the future direction of retail, underscoring the importance of AI and composable architecture in fostering innovation and operational efficacy. These methodologies are essential for enabling retailers to remain competitive in a progressively digital environment.
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Euroa, located in Victoria, is poised to become a key player in the electric vehicle (EV) transition as Tesla aims to enhance its Supercharger station. First set up in 2016, the Supercharger has experienced a significant increase in use, leading Tesla to pursue expansion and upgrade approvals.
Strategically positioned along the Hume Highway between Wodonga and Melbourne, Euroa serves as a perfect location for EV drivers to recharge. The Supercharger not only assists travelers but also aids local businesses as visitors frequent nearby facilities during their charging breaks.
The proposal involves raising the number of charging points from six to ten and upgrading to the latest V4 technology. This plan will also incorporate the installation of CCTV for enhanced security. Crucially, the upgrade is designed to serve all compatible EV brands, enhancing accessibility.
The Strathbogie Shire Council has opened up the proposal for community feedback, inviting input from locals to influence the future of EV infrastructure in Euroa. The consultation window is from 22 July to 11 August 2026.
Residents can access the proposal and submit their feedback via the council’s website and through the Plugshare platform.
Tesla’s plan to expand and upgrade the Euroa Supercharger marks a significant advancement in improving EV infrastructure across regional Victoria. With rising demand and its strategic location along a key highway, the expansion is expected to provide advantages to both EV users and the local populace.
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The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts in Australia has initiated a notable project aimed at updating its enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The department has secured a $38.8 million agreement with Accenture to replace its current SAP ECC6 platform, which is approaching its end-of-life in 2027. Accenture will take on the roles of systems integrator and software reseller, implementing cloud-based ERP solutions using Workday for finance, HR, and payroll, in addition to ServiceNow for service management and workflow functions.
The ERP transformation will be carried out in two stages, enabling the department to incrementally roll out new functionalities while ensuring organizational readiness. The initial phase will concentrate on mirroring the existing system’s features. However, the department is also considering the integration of advanced functionalities unique to Workday and ServiceNow, such as workflow automation, analytics, and AI capabilities, as organizational requirements evolve.
This strategic initiative goes beyond merely substituting an obsolete system; it aims to future-proof the department’s operational capabilities. As the department evaluates the new system’s features, aspects such as business needs, security, governance, and cost-effectiveness will be paramount. The synergy between Accenture and the department’s internal team is vital to ensure the new system adheres to departmental guidelines and requirements.
The partnership between the Department of Infrastructure and Accenture signifies a pivotal stride towards modernising its ERP system. Through the implementation of Workday and ServiceNow, the department aspires to boost its operational efficacy and service management functions. The staged implementation strategy and the potential incorporation of cutting-edge technologies highlight the department’s dedication to sustaining a resilient and future-ready ERP framework.
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Overseeing video security across various business sites can present logistical difficulties. Introducing Synology’s Surveillance365, a cloud-based Video Surveillance as a Service platform crafted to ease multi-site security implementation. Whether for retail outlets in Melbourne or offices across the country, Surveillance365 removes the necessity for physical NVRs, providing cohesive coverage through a combined cloud solution.
Synology guarantees quick camera setup, requiring just two minutes from unpacking to live monitoring. The cloud-centric management eliminates the need for local server configurations, allowing cameras to be integrated directly into your account effortlessly. The free Standard Plan enables visibility across multiple cameras without recurring charges.
Broadcasting high-definition camera footage can overload office internet connections. Surveillance365 utilizes edge-centric storage and AI analytics, capturing footage locally and performing detection algorithms directly on the camera hardware. This methodology guarantees immediate alerts and optimal bandwidth efficiency, further improved by an optional Low Bandwidth Mode.
As security networks expand, overseeing permissions and compliance becomes essential. Surveillance365 ensures adherence to NDAA and TAA regulations, providing sophisticated administrative tools via its Business Plan for detailed permission profiles and user activity tracking.
Security remains a top priority, and Surveillance365 employs multi-factor authentication and client-side encryption to safeguard access. The C2 Encryption Key guarantees that only permitted users can view streams. Optional cloud backup using C2 OneStorage supports extensive retention periods, addressing compliance requirements.
Now available worldwide, Surveillance365’s Standard Plan incurs no extra charges when using compatible cameras. The Business Plan subscription grants access to advanced features, with cloud storage expansion available as necessary. For further details, visit Synology.
Synology’s Surveillance365 transforms multi-site security by doing away with physical NVRs, providing a versatile cloud-based solution. With quick deployment, intelligent edge recording, and thorough governance features, it meets the requirements of various businesses, ensuring secure and effective surveillance management.
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The NSW Long Service Corporation (LSC) has adopted technology by implementing new digital platforms aimed at facilitating the management of a mobile long service leave scheme. This initiative focuses on community service workers and their employers throughout New South Wales, leveraging Appian software to create self-service portals that improve user engagement and scheme administration effectiveness.
Community service workers frequently encounter short-term contracts and diverse employers, rendering conventional long service leave unfeasible. The portable scheme enables these workers to accumulate long service leave based on their cumulative experience in the industry, ensuring fairness and flexibility. Under this arrangement, workers are entitled to about 6.1 weeks of leave after seven years of established service, funded by an employer levy.
The platform, constructed on the Appian Platform, merges NSW government shared services, providing a uniform customer experience. It reduces manual administrative tasks by enhancing worker matching, facilitating guided self-service, and boosting transparency in employer-worker dynamics. Appian Process HQ additionally assists in monitoring adoption, compliance, and performance, with prospects for further features being considered.
Executive Director Lauren Nagel highlighted the platform’s significance in streamlining processes for both workers and employers. With specialized self-service portals and MyServiceNSW account integration, users can perform identity verifications, receive alerts, and administer payments online, ensuring secure and efficient interactions with the LSC.
Deloitte was instrumental in the quick development and implementation of these platforms, aiding the LSC in adhering to tight deadlines and ensuring the smooth introduction of the portable long service leave scheme. This partnership underscores the effectiveness of merging technological expertise with strategic planning to address sector-specific requirements.
Through the introduction of these digital platforms, the NSW Long Service Corporation has made significant progress in meeting the distinct needs of community service workers. By utilizing Appian software, these tools enhance accessibility, optimize administration, and ensure equitable distribution of long service leave, embodying a contemporary approach to workforce management.
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Origin Energy, the prominent energy provider in Australia, has recently revealed a possible cybersecurity issue that might have compromised the data of its 4.7 million clients. The ongoing investigation brings to light the considerable dangers tied to data security in large enterprises.
Following news of the potential breach, Origin Energy’s communication approach has been criticized. Clients were not promptly informed through email or SMS, leading many to seek updates on social media platforms. The company’s official communication on channels like X and Facebook was restricted to responding in comments rather than posting directly, with no official updates on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, or YouTube.
The specifics of the breach are still under wraps as the investigation progresses. Reports from ABC have indicated contact with individuals alleging to be responsible for the hack, who shared screenshots from Origin’s internal systems as evidence. Origin Energy asserts that there have been no breaches of credit card or bank information, though personal data could be jeopardized.
The Australian Government has established stringent penalties for privacy breaches, with fines reaching A$50 million or 30% of company revenue during the incident. These regulations aim to push companies to prioritize cybersecurity measures. Should Origin Energy be deemed negligent, the financial fallout could be significant.
Clients should take proactive measures to safeguard themselves. Be cautious of dubious communications claiming to be from Origin Energy, change passwords used on multiple platforms, and activate two-factor authentication on essential accounts. A temporary credit freeze with agencies such as Equifax, Experian, and Illion is advisable to thwart unauthorized credit activities.
This situation highlights the persistent threat of corporate data breaches. It is essential for businesses to regard data security as critical infrastructure. Origin Energy promises to keep clients updated as more information arises. Consumers should maintain vigilance and confirm any communications from the company.
Origin Energy is examining a potential data breach that might have jeopardized customer data. The company has faced criticism for its communication tactics. Stringent penalties from the Australian Government for breaches stress the necessity of robust cybersecurity, and clients are encouraged to actively secure their personal data.
For further information, visit Origin Energy.
