Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
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Aimzone Clip-on Wireless Earbuds, Open Ear Wireless Headphones, Earbud & in-Ear Headphones, Wireless Sport Ear Buds, BT 5.3, Clip-on Earphones, iOS/Android (White)
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NBN Co has revealed a three-year partnership with RMIT University to create the R-NEX Lab, a research facility dedicated to advancing digital twin technologies. This effort aims to bolster scenario planning and options analysis, in addition to assisting AI and robotics initiatives.
Since 2019, NBN Co has been investigating digital twin technology and developing proof-of-concept models to evaluate future network configurations. The organization aims to harness digital twins for immediate insights into network performance and service quality.
The partnership with RMIT University aims to elevate the predictive abilities of digital twins. By simulating the anticipated performance of the NBN network, the company plans to improve customer experiences, strengthen network resilience, and more efficiently manage potential service interruptions.
Guy Scott, the CTO of NBN Co, remarked that digital twin technology will play a pivotal role in validating network predictions, designing costs, and making lifecycle choices. The initiative seeks to alleviate network traffic, outages, and the effects of extreme weather, thus enhancing service delivery.
This partnership not only grants NBN Co access to state-of-the-art research but also establishes avenues for RMIT students to connect with the company, promoting innovation and professional skill acquisition in the digital infrastructure field.
The collaboration between NBN Co and RMIT University marks a significant step towards advancing its digital twin technology, concentrating on predictive capabilities to enhance network functionality and customer satisfaction. The partnership further provides research and career prospects for RMIT students.
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Following the initiation of the “Affordable Home Batteries” policy on July 1, Australian families have swiftly embraced home battery storage options. The initiative, designed to make energy storage more economical, has achieved over 163,000 installations in merely six months. This achievement has led to the government extending the rebates until 2030, enabling more Australians to take advantage of lower energy expenses and emissions.
Escalating electricity costs have been a persistent concern for Australian families. Although rooftop solar panels have aided in reducing daytime energy consumption, the evening peak still poses challenges. Batteries tackle this issue by storing surplus solar energy produced during the day for usage when electricity prices surge.
The widespread adoption of home batteries constitutes a major advantage for the national grid. With over 160,000 distributed batteries, the grid benefits from a decentralized generation model, leveling out demand variations and lessening dependence on costly gas peaker plants. Virtual Power Stations (VPPs) boost grid stability even further, enabling energy retailers to utilize these batteries during critical periods, while providing homeowners extra financial incentives.
The policy extension coincides with progress in battery technology. Contemporary Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries are both safer and more durable. Firms like Sigenergy and Tesla are at the forefront, offering AI-driven, integrated inverter and battery setups that deliver smart functionalities such as storm monitoring, ensuring backup power during severe weather events.
Even with the rebate, the installation of a home battery remains a substantial investment, with typical setups priced between A$10,000 and A$14,000 prior to incentives. However, the extension of the policy provides the industry with certainty, fostering growth and potential cost cuts through economies of scale. Homeowners can also synchronize battery installations with other electrification projects, such as EV charging stations.
This initiative represents a tactical move towards fulfilling Australia’s 2030 emissions reduction ambitions. By transitioning energy consumption to renewable sources, Australian households can significantly diminish their carbon footprint. The convergence of policy, consumer needs, and technological improvements suggests an optimistic outlook for sustainable energy in Australia.
The “Affordable Home Batteries” initiative has swiftly boosted the installation of residential battery systems across Australia, providing both economic and ecological advantages for households while enhancing national grid stability. With rebates extended to 2030, a greater number of Australians will have the chance to adopt this technology, aiding the nation’s goals for emissions reduction.
The government’s “Affordable Home Batteries” initiative offers rebates that drastically reduce the upfront costs of battery systems, making them more approachable and economically attractive.
Home batteries serve as decentralized power sources, alleviating peak demand on the grid, moderating demand swings, and minimizing reliance on gas peaker plants.
Absolutely, advancements in battery technology, especially LFP batteries, provide improved safety, longevity, and smart capabilities, rendering them a reliable option for home energy storage.
The rebate substantially decreases the initial investment required for a home battery system, shortening the payback timeframe and making it a more financially feasible choice.
Homeowners should analyze their energy consumption patterns, potential savings, and how a battery system can complement other electrification initiatives, such as solar installations and EV chargers.
For more information, please visit the government website at https://www.energy.gov.au/rebates.
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Baseus H1i Bowie Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Low Latency 0.038S, Wireless Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones, Black
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Defence has re-engaged Unisys to deliver IT support services under an $84 million agreement, replacing the current provider, Fujitsu, commencing in March next year. This strategic decision aligns with Defence’s broader goal to modernise its information and communication technology (ICT) strategies and integrate technical expertise within the organisation.
The national deskside support (NDS) agreement encompasses IT support for Defence staff across Australia. A spokesperson from Defence emphasized the organisation’s strategic objective of swiftly resolving technical issues, which enhances its capacity to handle ICT projects internally and adapt to strategic alterations effectively.
The existing NDS contract with Fujitsu, initially valued at $99 million and extended to 2025, has seen multiple revisions, with the latest valuation reaching $306 million. Fujitsu’s contract will temporarily overlap with Unisys’ for the next three to four months during the transition phase.
The new contract with Unisys will be effective until March 2028, with the option for an additional four-year extension. Unisys is returning to this role after previously providing IT support to Defence before transferring the contract to Fujitsu amid a reorganisation of Defence’s support frameworks.
Unisys has successfully obtained an $84 million contract to deliver IT support services to Defence, succeeding Fujitsu. This initiative is part of Defence’s strategy to modernise its ICT operations and develop technical capabilities in-house. Set to commence in March next year, the contract will last until 2028 with potential extensions, marking Unisys’ return to a familiar position within Defence’s IT support framework.
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Bluetooth Sports Headphones, Wireless Earbud ENC Noise Cancelling Mic, 48 Hours in-Ear Headphones Wireless Bluetooth 5.4, HiFi Stereo, IP7 Waterproof Comfort Fit, Earphones for Android and iOS, USB-C
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The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) in Victoria is on an active quest to find a new Executive Director of Information Services, succeeding Tiffany Wong. Wong, who held this position since January 2022, left in October for a CIO role at BDO Australia. This role, often known as the Chief Information Officer (CIO), is essential for managing the department’s digital transformation, data strategies, and cybersecurity projects.
The new CIO is expected to lead a 100-member team within the information services division, directing the strategic path for DEECA’s digital and cybersecurity initiatives. Currently, Martin Gallagher, the Director of Project Delivery and Change, has taken on the interim CIO responsibilities. This role holds significant importance as it reports directly to Sally Fensling, the Deputy Secretary of Corporate Services.
The hunt for a new CIO occurs amidst a time of substantial change for DEECA. The department has recently appointed a new secretary, Kate Houghton, signaling a new leadership era. This follows a major restructuring that resulted in the loss of 350 jobs across different divisions, such as Agriculture Victoria and Solar Victoria, as part of cost-cutting initiatives.
The DEECA in Victoria is currently navigating leadership shifts and organizational restructuring, leading to the necessity of finding a new Executive Director of Information Services. This role is critical in steering the department’s digital and cybersecurity frameworks through these changes.
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YouTube has made a notable advancement in evolving the payment methods for content creators by partnering with PayPal to roll out stablecoin payouts. Creators in the YouTube Partner Program in the US can now receive their earnings in PayPal USD (PYUSD), a shift that may revolutionise the economic landscape for digital creators on a global scale.
Introduced in 2023, PYUSD is PayPal’s own stablecoin, completely backed by US dollar deposits and cash equivalents, ensuring dependability and stability. Unlike fluctuating cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, PYUSD provides a stable digital substitute for the US dollar, allowing seamless transactions online with the benefits of blockchain technology.
YouTube’s collaboration with PayPal leverages established payout frameworks, allowing YouTube to issue payments in conventional US Dollars. PayPal then converts these funds to PYUSD for creators who choose to participate, streamlining processes while capitalising on the advantages of blockchain settlements.
The main advantages for creators involve efficiency and reduced costs. Conventional international wire transfers tend to be sluggish and costly. In contrast, blockchain transactions can be completed swiftly, significantly lowering intermediary fees. May Zabaneh, PayPal’s Head of Crypto, highlighted the rapid settlements and decreased fees this system provides, tackling prevalent challenges encountered by digital professionals.
While presently restricted to the US, the impact on Australian creators is considerable. A significant obstacle for local YouTubers is the friction in currency conversion. Payments made in USD typically yield unfavorable exchange rates and substantial transaction costs when transformed to AUD. A global expansion of this initiative could enable Australian creators to retain earnings in USD or convert them more effectively, circumventing traditional banking difficulties.
Since its inception, PYUSD has reached a market capitalization of nearly A$6 billion, functioning on both Ethereum and Solana blockchains. The latter provides enhanced speed and lower costs for transactions, making PYUSD more attractive for international dealings.
The partnership between YouTube and PayPal enhances an existing collaboration with Google’s AdSense platform, showcasing a tangible application of Web3 technologies. By incorporating stablecoins like PYUSD, YouTube endorses the use of digital assets in mainstream financial exchanges, suggesting a change in how leading tech companies view global payments.
YouTube’s partnership with PayPal to provide stablecoin payouts represents a major evolution in payment methods for content creators. With the launch of PayPal’s PYUSD stablecoin, creators enjoy faster and more cost-efficient transactions. While it is currently available only in the US, potential global expansion could significantly aid Australian creators by enhancing currency conversion processes and lowering banking costs.
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Sudio A3 All-Day Wireless Earbuds – 25H Playtime, Bluetooth 5.4, Sweat & Splashproof, Balanced Sound, Clear Calls with Enhanced Mics, USB-C Charging, Made from Recycled Plastics (Black)
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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has rolled out a voluntary program designed to halt the distribution of unsafe mobile phones and illegal radio gear on online platforms. This action follows rising concerns regarding the reliability of emergency call services, especially after recent incidents linked to failures in triple zero calls.
The safety commitment encompasses a wide array of radio communication devices, such as CB radios, illegal jamming devices, mobile phone boosters, and cellular signal repeaters. It notably addresses grey market mobile phones, which have recently faced scrutiny for their failure to provide dependable emergency services in specific scenarios.
Several prominent online retailers, including eBay, Gumtree, Temu, and Shein, have already pledged their support for the program. They are responsible for identifying and eliminating illegal or unsafe devices from their offerings. ACMA’s vice chair, Adam Suckling, underscored that safeguarding public safety from such devices is a collective obligation.
The push for this program gained traction after Telstra and Optus barred 71 Samsung handset models known for emergency call reliability problems. These handsets frequently failed to ‘camp on’ to alternate networks during outages, obstructing their capability to make emergency calls. While many of the affected models can receive updates, some remain incapable of functioning on Australian networks.
The program stands in contrast to the Australian Telecommunications Alliance’s (ATA) proposal, which supports a public register of compliant devices. While ACMA’s commitment is voluntary, the ATA has urged for a publicly accessible list to allow consumers to effortlessly verify device compliance.
The ACMA’s new program represents a proactive measure towards limiting the sale of unsafe mobile devices in Australia. By collaborating with leading online retailers, ACMA intends to bolster the reliability of emergency services and shield consumers from potentially hazardous technology. The ongoing discussion regarding public access to device compliance information underscores the difficulties in achieving a balance between transparency and safety in the technology sector.
