Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
JVC Nearphones HA-NP50T-G, True Wireless Earbuds, Open Ear Design, Active Noise Reduction, Multi-Point, IPX4, Microphone Muting, 38 Hours Runtime, BT 5.3, (Sage Green)
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
.jpg&h=420&w=748&c=0&s=0)
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has finalised a spectrum license renewal fee of $7.32 billion for Telstra, Optus, TPG, and NBN Co. This ruling follows the rejection of extensive lobbying efforts by the telecom sector to reduce expenses. The final figure is slightly less than the initial $7.34 billion proposed in December, showcasing ACMA’s dedication to maintaining fair market pricing for public assets.
This decision comes after a lengthy consultation phase, during which telecom companies advocated for lower fees, cautioning that elevated costs could threaten future investments in mobile infrastructure. Telstra, specifically, contended that these fees might compel them to make challenging fiscal choices, potentially hindering service growth and quality. Nonetheless, ACMA insisted that the established price properly represents the market value, ultimately serving the interests of Australian taxpayers.
The ACMA’s pricing methodology included insights from economists DotEcon from the UK and Ian Martin Advisory, based locally. The regulator highlighted that the established pricing should not necessarily lead to increased costs for consumers, as overall expenses for operators regarding this spectrum could be lower than current expenditures. The revised pricing strategy intends to reconcile the need for sustained investment with fair public value.
The updated pricing influences multiple spectrum bands, such as 700MHz, 850MHz, 1800MHz, 2GHz, 2.3GHz, 2.5GHz, and 3.4GHz. Some bands underwent price increases, particularly the 1800MHz and 2GHz bands, while others slightly decreased. The renewal application period is set to commence on 18 June, beginning with the 850MHz and 1800MHz bands.
The ACMA’s choice to establish the spectrum renewal fee at $7.32 billion highlights its dedication to guaranteeing fair market value for public spectrum usage. Despite opposition from the industry, the regulator’s strategy aims to balance taxpayer interests with the ongoing need for investment in telecommunications infrastructure.
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
Microsoft-owned GitHub, a collaboration and code hosting platform, has verified a security breach reportedly executed by the hacking group TeamPCP. This incident involved the infiltration of an employee’s device via a harmful Microsoft Visual Studio Code extension, resulting in the compromise of about 3800 private code repositories.
The insecure extension, known as nrwl.angular-console, has over 2.2 million downloads and was compromised on March 18, 2026. GitHub has indicated that the current data exfiltration pertains solely to its internal code repositories and confirmed no evidence of impact on customer data stored externally.
GitHub is thoroughly probing the incident and aims to release a detailed report. They are in partnership with Microsoft to evaluate the consequences of the harmful extension. GitHub has promised that customers will be informed through official channels should any impact on their information come to light.
TeamPCP is a prominent threat entity recognized for executing software supply chain attacks. Their operations have targeted a variety of developer utilities and open-source platforms, such as npm and PyPI. They have notably been associated with the CanisterWorm attack, which employed an innovative command-and-control strategy that is resistant to usual takedown approaches.
The recent breach of GitHub by TeamPCP emphasizes ongoing weaknesses in software supply chains. Although the immediate consequences are restricted to internal repositories, the event highlights the necessity for heightened awareness and stronger security protocols within the tech sector.
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
The Mini Shai-Hulud worm, defined by its Dune saga theme, has garnered attention for assaulting Microsoft’s Azure package, particularly the Durable Task Framework. Recognized by cybersecurity provider Aikido, the worm disseminates via the PyPI repository versions 1.4.1, 1.4.2, and 1.4.3, incorporating a Linux-specific payload.
This worm can not only erase disk data using the harmful rm -rf /* command but also seeks out a multitude of credentials. It focuses on widely used password managers like 1Password and Bitwarden, and scans credential files for major cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.
Mini Shai-Hulud spreads through AWS and Kubernetes, with a goal of compromising non-Windows environments. Additionally, the worm employs an advanced resilience method utilizing GitHub’s search API, guaranteeing ongoing operations even if the main command and control infrastructure is breached.
Although not exclusively attributed, the operation exhibits characteristics of the notorious TeamPCP group, recognized for utilizing Dune-themed language. The design and tactical approaches of the worm reflect earlier assaults linked to this entourage.
The Mini Shai-Hulud worm highlights the advancing dangers in the software supply chain, targeting Microsoft’s Azure packages with credential theft and destructive maneuvers. With innovative propagation and resilience methodologies, the worm emphasizes the importance of proactive cybersecurity efforts across open-source frameworks.
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
The 16th installment of Vivid Sydney is here, transforming Sydney Harbour and its central business district into a vibrant arena of light and creativity. Moving away from conventional themes, the 2026 event invites artists to delve into limitless expressions in Light, Minds, Music, and Food.
This year’s festival dazzles with an inclusive agenda where over 80% of the events are complimentary. The 6.5km Light Walk takes prominence, showcasing 43 installations and public artworks. Technology leaders like Kia and Samsung are back, introducing state-of-the-art experiences. Kia’s Refraction merges light with automotive design, while Samsung’s Sky Portal Studio provides an engaging digital space.
The skies above Cockle Bay will light up with the festival’s largest drone performance, named Star Bound. Sponsored by IREN, this aerial event features 22 shows, marking a historic drone launch. In addition, Darling Harbour’s Laser Lightfall provides nightly laser displays.
Across the Light Walk, global artists showcase their imaginative works. Chris Levine’s Molecule of Light is prominent, while Yann Nguema’s Opera Mundi decorates the sails of the Sydney Opera House. The festival honors creativity through Your Connected City, a crowdsourced light showcase spanning 24 CBD buildings, and emphasizes First Nations talent with Brian Robinson’s digital art projections.
Vivid Music highlights a range of talent at locations such as Tumbalong Park and the Sydney Opera House. Featured artists include Mitski and Jeff Mills, while Carriageworks presents Lil’ Kim. Vivid Food returns with an enlarged Fire Kitchen and international culinary icons like Yotam Ottolenghi.
With Uber as the official partner, transportation is made easy with designated pick-up and drop-off areas. Lilly Australia celebrates its 150th Anniversary with a health-oriented panel, while Foodbank NSW and ACT promote awareness through the Foodbank Truck Packer installation. The festival provides both complimentary and ticketed experiences, which can be booked online.
Vivid Sydney 2026 sets a new precedent by eliminating creative boundaries to present a festival overflowing with artistic and technological brilliance. With an emphasis on accessibility and global talent, the celebration promises an extraordinary showcase of creativity throughout Sydney’s landmark locations.
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
The US government has unveiled a substantial investment in the quantum computing industry, totaling US$2 billion distributed among nine companies. IBM emerges as a major recipient, obtaining US$1 billion to launch a new initiative called Anderon, focused on producing quantum chips. This effort emphasizes the US’s goal to excel in this innovative sector and combat China’s expanding capabilities.
Beyond IBM, GlobalFoundries is set to receive US$375 million to create a domestic factory for quantum machine components. Additionally, companies like D-Wave, Rigetti Computing, and Infleqtion have each secured around US$100 million to tackle the technical issues involved in developing more advanced quantum systems. This financing is sourced from the CHIPS and Science Act, underscoring the strategic value of quantum technology.
Quantum computing is attracting heightened interest due to its potential to transform areas such as drug development, financial analysis, and cryptographic security. While significant progress has been made, challenges including high error rates persist. The US investment seeks to address these challenges, promoting the growth of the domestic industry and generating well-paying jobs.
The US’s US$2 billion commitment to quantum computing signifies its resolve to lead in this groundbreaking technology. By backing essential players like IBM and GlobalFoundries, the US endeavors to reinforce its supply chains and technological prowess, while countering international rivals like China.
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
At the core of this initiative is the KPMG Digital Gateway, a worldwide platform based on Microsoft Azure. This technology integrates proprietary tools, tax insights, and client information into a unified operational framework. With the introduction of Claude Cowork and Managed Agents, professionals can create AI functionalities in real time, promoting advanced collaboration in a secure setting. This integration is poised to revolutionize how consulting tasks are executed, consolidating processes that previously required multiple applications into a single interface.
For tax experts, navigating the constantly evolving global regulations represents a continuous challenge. Traditionally, creating AI workflows to accommodate these changes could take weeks. However, with Anthropic’s AI integrated into Digital Gateway, these procedures are now completed in mere minutes. This transition underscores a new chapter in utilizing data and technology for client service delivery.
KPMG’s strategic collaboration with Anthropic also positions the company as a frontrunner in applying AI in the private equity industry. This partnership aims to assist portfolio companies in adopting AI agents responsibly, uncovering productivity enhancements. In the U.S., KPMG plans to incorporate Claude into targeted offerings for private equity clients and jointly develop new Claude-powered solutions for portfolio companies. Importantly, the KPMG Blaze platform will integrate Claude Code to accelerate IT modernization and software development procedures.
Implementing AI across a global workforce requires rigorous data security and governance protocols, particularly in regulated industries. KPMG and Anthropic are integrating cybersecurity, risk management, and AI assurance into every system’s framework. These initiatives guarantee that human judgment and oversight remain essential components of AI-driven decision-making, underpinned by the KPMG Trusted AI framework.
This partnership signifies a notable progression toward autonomous agents in enterprise AI, surpassing basic chat prompts. Corporate clients are already witnessing a transformation in their advisory teams’ operations. By amalgamating Anthropic’s models, workflows are redefined, enabling human employees to concentrate on critical judgments rather than manual data management. This shift is reforming the consultant’s role, highlighting the synergy between technology and human strategy to drive business success.
KPMG’s alliance with Anthropic to deploy Claude AI models throughout its global workforce represents a significant advancement in AI integration within professional services. By concentrating on tax compliance and private equity, KPMG seeks to improve efficiency and productivity. The initiative emphasizes security and human oversight, ensuring responsible AI utilization. This strategic initiative not only modernizes workflows but also redefines the future of consulting by infusing cutting-edge technology into daily operations.
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
Initial apprehensions regarding Anthropic’s Mythos AI model potentially worsening hacking occurrences have been significantly overstated, as experts in the cybersecurity domain alleviate early anxieties. Although the model showcases a technological advancement, its influence on hacking abilities seems less severe than first feared.
After its launch, Mythos was recognized for uncovering thousands of software vulnerabilities, leading governments around the globe to evaluate associated risks. Nevertheless, cybersecurity authorities, including Isaac Evans from Semgrep, noted a gap between the concerns of policymakers and the reality of the model’s capabilities in actual use cases.
Professionals who have evaluated Mythos in regulated environments have reported notable progress in vulnerability identification. Still, the cybersecurity sector at large approaches with caution, pointing out that uncovering vulnerabilities is easier than effectively handling them.
Anthropic has launched Project Glasswing, inviting selected companies to evaluate their defenses against Mythos. This initiative has generated considerable attention, increasing Anthropic’s profile and instigating discussions regarding the influence of AI in cybersecurity.
As conversations continue about Mythos and comparable AI models like OpenAI’s GPT-5.5, the core challenge will be managing the aftermath of vulnerability identification, since cyber threats evolve separately from advancements in AI.
The initial alarm over the Mythos AI model’s capacity to amplify hacking activities appears unfounded. Experts stress the necessity of concentrating on broader implications of AI in cybersecurity, rather than just its vulnerability detection skills.
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
Polestar, the Swedish electric performance vehicle manufacturer, is poised to transform the in-car experience by integrating Google Gemini into its models. This important improvement changes how drivers engage with their vehicles, shifting from fixed voice commands to more natural, human-oriented conversations.
Conventional in-car voice assistants have frequently been restricted by the requirement for specific commands. Google Gemini alters this dynamic by offering contextual understanding and multi-turn discussions. Drivers can now interact with their vehicles through more organic conversations, posing follow-up inquiries without needing to restart their questions.
The sophisticated language model facilitates effective multitasking. Drivers can present several requests within a single sentence, like locating a shop and communicating with a family member at the same time. This hands-free method bolsters both safety and efficiency.
Gemini Live facilitates ongoing, fluid conversations initiated by a simple voice command. This function empowers drivers to brainstorm, strategize, and organize while driving, effectively turning the vehicle into an extension of their smart home and office.
With its sophisticated translation features, Gemini can convert messages in real time. This capability promotes communication among various languages, aiding international travelers and multicultural families.
Polestar owners in Australia can anticipate a straightforward upgrade experience. A notification will show up on the central display, allowing users to opt in. The update, being solely a software modification, requires no extra hardware.
Polestar’s integration of Google Gemini establishes a new standard in the automotive sector, expanding the horizons of vehicle connectivity and intelligent interaction. It highlights Polestar’s dedication to leading advancements in automotive technology.
“Google Gemini signifies a significant evolution for Polestar drivers… This is merely the outset. With Gemini, we embark on a new era of possibilities focused on enhancing user experiences.” Hans Bleckert, Connected Car Manager, Polestar.
The update will be accessible for Polestar models 2, 3, and 4, excluding the limited Polestar 1. It will be provided as a complimentary upgrade to the current infotainment system, with no additional subscription fees. The Polestar 2 begins at around A$62,900, while the Polestar 3 starts from A$132,900.
As AI continues to progress, vehicles will increasingly become predictive. This rollout serves as a foundation for deeper integration, potentially affecting vehicle diagnostics and range management in subsequent updates. The present update revitalizes existing Polestar models, demonstrating how software can continuously improve physical products.
Polestar’s integration of Google Gemini into its vehicles signifies a significant change in how drivers engage with their cars. By encouraging natural dialogues, facilitating multitasking, and removing language barriers, Polestar is establishing a new benchmark in automotive technology. This update not only enriches the driving experience but also underscores the potential for future developments in vehicle intelligence.
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
At the forefront of AI advancements at Google I/O 2026 is Gemini 3.5 Flash, a model combining state-of-the-art intelligence with impressive speed. It outperforms the prior 3.1 Pro model, delivering enhanced coding capabilities and efficiency at a lower price point. This development is now available across Google products, signaling a new chapter for developers and enterprises.
For content creators, the Gemini Omni Flash marks a significant achievement, uniting text, image, and video within a single framework. Australian creators can now generate cinematic videos from intricate prompts through Google Flow and YouTube Shorts.
Gemini Spark, an AI agent crafted to oversee digital tasks, stands out. It autonomously manages activities without frequent prompts, integrating with Google tools and soon with external applications. Mac users will have a specialized app complete with voice functionality.
Daily Brief provides customized morning summaries, consolidating information from emails, calendars, and task lists. At the same time, an upgraded Google Flow agent assists with creative initiatives, ranging from video effects to text layering.
Google Search experiences a groundbreaking transformation, incorporating agentic features to deliver personalized experiences. The new system moves beyond traditional links, presenting interactive visuals and layouts to address complex inquiries. New Information Agents tirelessly provide relevant updates, while Ask YouTube enriches video content discovery.
Docs Live emerges as a collaborative co-writer, utilizing voice input to swiftly draft documents. Google bolsters its safety framework with Content Credentials, ensuring the authenticity of content, a move supported by industry frontrunners like OpenAI and Eleven Labs.
Google Pics, an independent app, provides improved control over image design, while SynthID technology enhances content tracking.
Developers benefit from substantial advantages with Google Antigravity 2.0. This standalone application fosters an agent-first environment, facilitating complex engineering tasks effortlessly. The Google AI Ultra plan, priced at A$100 monthly, offers enhanced feature access, improving developer workflows.
Google’s smart eyewear initiative unveils audio and display glasses, promoting ambient computing through voice and visual support. The Gemini for Science project links advanced reasoning systems with life science databases, propelling scientific advancements.
With over 900 million active users, these platforms illustrate significant growth, placing Google at the leading edge of AI innovation.
Did you miss the live presentation? Watch the complete keynote video to witness these innovations in action.
At Google I/O 2026, the launch of sophisticated AI models such as Gemini 3.5 Flash and new agentic search functionalities signifies a fundamental change in technology. These innovations are expected to boost user engagement, productivity, and content creation, while smart eyewear and scientific projects reflect Google’s dedication to future technological developments.
