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Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Earbuds, Mercury Review


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Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Earbuds, Mercury

Beyond Bank’s Chief Information Officer Leaves


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Beyond Bank’s Leadership Shift: Introducing the CTO Position in Place of CIO

Quick Read

  • Stevie-Ann Dovico, the CIO of Beyond Bank, leaves after two years of service.
  • A new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) will assume the CIO’s responsibilities.
  • Wendy Den Hartog will temporarily lead the technology team.
  • The search for the CTO position will include candidates from both inside and outside the organization.
  • Dovico is commended for her role in enhancing technology and cybersecurity efforts.
  • Beyond Bank stood as a finalist in the 2026 awards for its enterprise knowledge projects.
Transition of Beyond Bank's CIO to a different role

Stevie-Ann Dovico (Credit: LinkedIn)

Leadership Adjustments at Beyond Bank

Beyond Bank is undergoing a notable leadership change as Stevie-Ann Dovico, who held the Chief Information Officer (CIO) position, resigns after a fruitful two-year period. Her exit signifies a realignment in the bank’s strategic approach, entailing the creation of a new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) position to supplant the traditional CIO role.

The New Position: Chief Technology Officer

CEO David Marshall declared that the hiring process for the CTO role is currently active, with applicants being considered from both the existing workforce and outside. Meanwhile, Chief Operating Officer Wendy Den Hartog will temporarily manage the technology sector.

Dovico’s Influence and Legacy

Dovico’s period at Beyond Bank resulted in notable enhancements in the organization’s technology strategy. Her leadership was crucial in advancing the bank’s technology infrastructure and optimizing its data usage strategies. With her direction, Beyond Bank fortified its cybersecurity capabilities and aided essential service provision teams.

Recognizing Accomplishments

Dovico’s achievements were acknowledged as she was honored as the finance technology leader of the year at the 2025 TechBest Benchmark Awards. Beyond Bank itself was recognized as a finalist in the 2026 awards for its innovative contributions towards an enterprise knowledge and change management system.

Conclusion

The exit of Stevie-Ann Dovico from her CIO role at Beyond Bank signifies a strategic transformation with the introduction of a CTO position. Her leadership facilitated considerable technological advancements and recognition throughout her service. The bank is now concentrating on appointing a CTO to sustain this momentum.

Q&A

Q: Why is Beyond Bank substituting the CIO role with a CTO?

A: Transitioning to a CTO role represents a strategic pivot towards boosting technology and innovation at Beyond Bank, in line with contemporary industry practices.

Q: Who will guide the technology department during this change?

A: Chief Operating Officer Wendy Den Hartog will temporarily oversee until a new CTO is in place.

Q: What are some significant contributions of Stevie-Ann Dovico?

A: Dovico substantially enhanced Beyond Bank’s technology framework, data approaches, and cybersecurity efforts.

Q: How has Beyond Bank received recognition for its technological progress?

A: Beyond Bank was highlighted as a finalist in the TechBest Benchmark Awards for its enterprise knowledge and change management platform.

Q: What is the process for recruiting the new CTO?

A: Beyond Bank is pursuing both internal and external candidates to identify the right individual for the CTO role.

Kinglucky ClipFree Open-Ear Headphones Review


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DTA Excludes Key Government Technology Buyers from Vendor Conversations


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Government Technology Acquisitions: A Plea for Inclusion and Openness

Government Technology Acquisitions: A Plea for Inclusion and Openness

DTA omits government's largest tech purchasers from vendor discussions

Brief Overview

  • Significant government technology purchasers excluded from vendor discussions.
  • Contracts have resulted in $1.6 billion in cost avoidance but are under scrutiny.
  • Demands for the reinstatement of purchaser input in talks for improved terms.
  • Challenges regarding complexity and clarity in existing contracts.
  • Suggestions for enhancements and incorporation of emerging technologies.

Exclusion of Major Technology Purchasers

The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) has conducted negotiations for whole-of-government technology contracts without input from large federal bodies, such as the Defence and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This exclusion has sparked worries about the efficacy of these contracts, with some agencies believing they might secure superior deals independently.

Cost Avoidance Versus Actual Savings

Although the DTA claims an estimated $1.6 billion in cost avoidance over a five-year span, the real savings are challenging to measure. The lack of transparency and the absence of key stakeholders in negotiations have been pointed out as major concerns.

Advocacy for Clarity and Transparency

Agencies have voiced their need for more straightforward and transparent contracts. The prevailing complexity complicates the assessment of deal value for purchasers. The report advises that negotiations should encompass the entire lifecycle of technology, including continuous support and upgrades.

Improvements and Future Perspectives

The report proposes several enhancements, such as incorporating new vendors like Google and Adobe into contracts and including emerging technologies. It also recommends introducing standardized cybersecurity clauses and clarifying sovereign hosting requirements.

Conclusion

The DTA’s current strategy regarding government technology contracts has faced backlash for sidelining major purchasers from negotiations, prompting calls for increased inclusion and transparency. While cost avoidance has been recorded, the real value of these contracts remains uncertain. The report delineates several recommendations for enhancement, seeking to improve the effectiveness and transparency of future initiatives.

Q&A

Q: Why are significant government technology purchasers excluded from negotiations?

A: The DTA replaced the engagement of major purchasers with a senior executive service sponsoring committee, effectively cutting these stakeholders out of the negotiation process.

Q: What is the estimated cost avoidance achieved through these contracts?

A: The DTA estimates a $1.6 billion cost avoidance over five years, although actual savings are tougher to pinpoint.

Q: What enhancements are suggested for the current contracts?

A: Suggested improvements include simplifying contracts, including additional vendors, addressing technology lifecycles, and instituting standardized security measures.

Q: How can clarity in these contracts be enhanced?

A: Enhancing clarity could involve increased stakeholder involvement in negotiations, clearer pricing frameworks, and improved tracking of technology application and savings.

Q: Are there intentions to incorporate new vendors into upcoming contracts?

A: Yes, the report advocates exploring new contracts with vendors like Google and Adobe, which have agreements at the state level but not at the federal level.

Q: How does the report propose addressing emerging technologies?

A: The report advises revising existing contracts to include emerging technologies that were not accessible at the time the agreements were originally forged.

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Blacktown City Council Leads AI Initiative to Enhance Development Applications Process


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Blacktown City Council AI Pilot Enhances Development Applications

Blacktown City Council AI Pilot Enhances Development Applications

Blacktown City Council AI pilot for development applications

Quick Overview

  • Blacktown City Council is experimenting with AI to expedite development applications.
  • The AI application, DAISY, addresses local planning concerns for residents.
  • DAISY processes over 450 inquiries weekly, supporting more than 60 applications.
  • Developed by Gadali and hosted on Microsoft’s Azure platform.
  • Backed by a $190,000 grant from the NSW government.

Getting to Know DAISY

Sydney’s Blacktown City Council is leading a trailblazing project utilizing artificial intelligence to streamline the development application process, particularly for individual residents. The AI tool, known as DAISY, was created to simplify and speed up the often intricate planning application procedure.

DAISY’s Role in Development Applications

DAISY is designed to help residents with inquiries related to property planning regulations, the type of application needed, and essential documentation. It targets low-density residential developments, such as home modifications or secondary dwellings, and utilizes local and state planning directives for direction.

AI in Action: Initial Use and Feedback

Since its initial availability in January, DAISY has been actively interacting with the community, answering over 450 inquiries weekly and facilitating more than 60 development applications. While the feedback thus far is encouraging, Blacktown City Council is concentrating on initial data to evaluate DAISY’s effect.

Development and Collaboration

The AI tool is the result of cooperation between Sydney-based Gadali and Enterprise AI/Adaptovate. Gadali played a critical role in connecting DAISY with various data sources, such as flood mapping and the NSW Planning Portal. The AI operates securely on Microsoft’s Azure cloud, ensuring that no data is used for training third-party models.

Financing and Future Opportunities

The initiative received a $190,000 grant from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure’s Artificial Intelligence in NSW Planning – Council Early Adopter Grant Program. As the trial unfolds, the council remains hopeful about DAISY’s ability to revolutionize local planning processes.

Conclusion

Blacktown City Council’s AI endeavor with DAISY signifies a noteworthy advancement in modernizing development applications. Although still in its nascent stages, the project exhibits potential for minimizing delays and simplifying procedures for residents.

Q&A

Q: What is DAISY’s goal?

A: DAISY is created to assist residents with questions regarding development applications, concentrating on planning regulations and necessary documents for local projects.

Q: How does DAISY function?

A: DAISY leverages information from local and state planning regulations to offer general guidance for low-density residential developments.

Q: What are the preliminary findings of the DAISY trial?

A: Initial results are positive, with DAISY answering over 450 inquiries per week and supporting more than 60 development applications.

Q: Who is behind DAISY’s development?

A: DAISY was created by Sydney technology consulting company Gadali in collaboration with Enterprise AI/Adaptovate.

Q: How is DAISY financed?

A: The initiative is financed by a $190,000 grant from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure’s AI grant program.

Q: Is DAISY’s information secure?

A: Indeed, DAISY operates on Microsoft’s Azure cloud, and no data is utilized for training third-party models.

Edifier TWS330 NB Wireless Earbuds Review


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Edifier TWS330 NB Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation Bluetooth 5.0 Earphones Earbuds – Microphone, AI Call Noise Technology, Touch Control, 20hr Playback, Dust/Water Resistance

“Wireless Bluetooth 5.3 Sports Headphones with 4 ENC Mic Review”


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AI Goals for 2026: Critical Focus Areas for All Organizations


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AI Goals for 2026: Core Priorities for All Organisations

Brief Overview

  • 2026 is a crucial year for AI implementation emphasizing quantifiable business returns.
  • Articulate specific business aims to optimize AI ROI.
  • Enhance data integrity and management to bolster AI projects.
  • Advance AI governance, security, and ethical frameworks as drivers of growth.
  • Create pathways from AI experiments to widespread production.
  • Implement AI agents judiciously with a clear purpose and established guidelines.

The Drive to Implement AI in 2026

AI is swiftly emerging as the core of competitive business strategies. With 2026 identified as the year of implementation, leaders must move from pilot projects to scaling AI efforts with transparency, governance, and quantifiable business impact.

AI Objectives for 2026: What Every Organisation Should Focus On

Begin With Clear, Quantifiable Business Goals

Before initiating any AI venture, organisations should precisely identify the business challenges they intend to address, anticipated results, and performance indicators. In 2026, the emphasis has transitioned from questioning the application of AI to recognizing where AI can promptly yield ROI.

2026 Steps

  • Set quantifiable, business-driven objectives to guide all AI endeavors.
  • Establish ROI benchmarks upfront to avoid exceeding budgets.

Enhance Data Quality and Governance Foundations

The efficacy of AI models significantly depends on the quality of the underlying data. Without reliable, unbiased, and readily accessible data, AI solutions cannot function effectively.

2026 Steps

  • Evaluate the current data landscape: completeness, bias, timeliness, and access safeguards.
  • Ensure that sensitive information is managed under clear privacy, security, and compliance guidelines.
  • Confirm that your data workflows are scalable, secure, and transparent.

Advance AI Governance, Security, and Ethics

AI governance is transitioning from mere compliance to a vital catalyst for expansion. Frameworks addressing fairness, transparency, explainability, and human oversight are essential for responsibly scaling AI.

2026 Steps

  • Update responsible AI policies and ensure thorough understanding across all teams.
  • Catalog AI use cases, model specifications, and risk evaluations.
  • Clarify disclosure responsibilities for customer-facing AI applications.
  • Bolster intellectual property strategies for AI-generated assets or innovations.
  • Activate safeguards specifically designed to address AI-related threats.
  • Apply role-based access restrictions for AI systems and model results.

Create a Transition Path from Pilot to Production

Choosing appropriate use cases is critical to avoid falling into “pilot purgatory.” Clearly defined business objectives and implementation pathways are essential for progress.

2026 Steps

  • Establish entry and exit parameters for pilot projects.
  • Implement ongoing monitoring of model performance deterioration, data drift, and movement in business KPIs.
  • Develop a repeatable deployment model incorporating MLOps and monitoring from the outset.

Expand AI Agents with Clarity and Boundaries

Expanding AI agents that manage workflows and make decisions signals the next frontier. Achieving success in 2026 will rely on deploying the appropriate agents with established limits and oversight.

2026 Steps

  • Concentrate on repetitive, multi-step workflows where agents can enhance efficiency.
  • Create approval checkpoints for crucial decisions and actions that affect customers.
  • Monitor outcomes, reasoning sequences of agents, tool utilization, and decision pathways.
  • Set up fail-safes, escalation procedures, and default safety measures.
  • Assess agent responses to ambiguous requests or manipulative actions.

Conclusion

2026 signifies a critical juncture for AI integration. Organisations must concentrate on intentional approaches to scaling AI workflows, preparing for market advancements, and establishing robust governance. Effective AI deployment is about the quality and strategic coherence of AI efforts, not just the volume.

Q&A Segment

Q: Why is 2026 a notable year for AI implementation?

A: 2026 represents the shift from pilot projects to scalable AI operations with an emphasis on transparency, governance, and quantifiable business impact.

Q: What should be the main focus when initiating AI projects?

A: Organisations should establish clear business goals, anticipated results, and performance indicators to ground AI initiatives in measurable value.

Q: How can organisations ensure high data quality for AI?

A: By evaluating data environments for completeness, bias, timeliness, and accessibility, and ensuring they are governed under established frameworks.

Q: What is the significance of AI governance in 2026?

A: Governance acts as a driver of growth, ensuring that AI is scaled responsibly within frameworks that address fairness, transparency, and explainability.

Q: How can organisations transition from AI pilots to full production?

A: By establishing criteria for pilot entry and exit as well as continuous monitoring and a consistent deployment structure.

Q: What strategies are advisable for expanding AI agents?

A: Focus on deploying the right AI agents with intent, distinct boundaries, oversight, and monitoring to ensure effective scaling.

Q: What is the main takeaway for AI adoption in 2026?

A: Intentionality is paramount, emphasizing strategic alignment and sustainable AI deployment over merely increasing AI utilization.

JBL Tune Beam 2 Wireless Bluetooth In-Ear Headphones Review


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JBL Tune Beam 2 Wireless Bluetooth in-Ear Headphones with Noise Cancelling, 48 Hours Playback Time, IP54 Water and Dust Proof, Multipoint Connection, Ergonomic Design, Ghost Black