Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
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JBL Tour Pro 3, A Next-gen Smart Charging Case for a Seamless Listening Experience, Use The Smart Charging Case for Everywhere Entertainment, Legendary JBL Pro Sound with Hybrid Dual-Driver, Black
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Google’s Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) has recently published a report accusing IPIDEA of enabling a global proxy network purportedly used by state-sponsored attackers. The report alleges that this network is being manipulated to channel harmful traffic through applications incorporating IPIDEA’s software development kit (SDK) on devices running Android and Windows.
IPIDEA has categorically rejected these accusations, emphasizing that its offerings are entirely legitimate and compliant with worldwide regulations. The company highlights that users who integrate the IPIDEA SDK receive a notification indicating that their devices may function as a network exit node, which could result in heightened traffic and reveal their public IP address.
IPIDEA, associated with Jiangsu Aidi Information Technology, provides access to a large number of proxies in Australia and New Zealand. The firm asserts that its network is trusted by prominent companies for diverse legitimate purposes, including web scraping, market analysis, and data collection. IPIDEA offers free trials of its services to potential clients.
IPIDEA has established a know-your-customer (KYC) system, which integrates ID verification and facial recognition utilizing Alipay and WeChat databases. The firm also ensures compliance with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by keeping auditable records of its network usage. Nevertheless, IPIDEA acknowledges that some resellers may not completely apply its KYC protocols.
The GTIG report has associated IPIDEA with botnets such as Kimwolf and BadBox 2.0. However, IPIDEA refutes any association with managing or benefiting from such networks. The organization has conveyed its readiness to partner with Google for a compliance review to resolve these matters.
IPIDEA has faced accusations from Google’s Threat Intelligence Group regarding its role in harmful proxy operations. The company rebuts these claims, underscoring its adherence to international regulations and proactive measures for security. In spite of the controversy, IPIDEA upholds that its services are legitimate and widely utilized for benign purposes.
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JBL Wave Buds 2, JBL Pure Bass Sound, Active Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient, 4 mics for Crisp, Clear Calls, Water and dust Resistant, Black
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Recently, Services Australia has been assigned the responsibility of recording the business rules of its longstanding Income Security Integrated System (ISIS) after a federal audit uncovered notable overpayments due to an unresolved IT system flaw. This flaw, which emerged in 2010, led to $19.8 million in overpayments regarding aged pension benefits.
The audit pointed out that the flaw went unchecked for a decade because of the system’s highly automated environment. Employees were advised to place their trust in the system’s calculations, receiving limited training on manual verification techniques. This reliance on automated processes without adequate oversight resulted in the prolonged problem.
Considering the age and intricacy of the mainframe-based ISIS, the documentation concerning the business rules was found insufficient. In 2024, Services Australia recognized the lack of such documentation, which is vital for precise pension computations and risk evaluations.
The federal auditor suggested documenting the existing business rules within ISIS, a proposal that Services Australia has consented to execute. This move is crucial for guaranteeing accurate and uniform processing of aged pension claims.
A decade prior, a substitute for the ISIS system was contemplated. Although segments of the system were updated via the welfare payments infrastructure transformation (WPIT), completed in mid-2022, ISIS continues to function. The intricacy of replacing such a deeply embedded system presents persistent challenges.
Services Australia is embarking on a significant effort to document the business rules of its aging ISIS system. This initiative follows the discovery of a major overpayment issue stemming from reliance on automated calculations. While some modernisation efforts have occurred, the core system is still operational, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive documentation and oversight.
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pocobob SP Sports Headphones with Ear Hooks, Bluetooth 5.0 in-Ear, Microphone, Touch, IPX7 Waterproof, 30h Battery, USB-C – Wireless Earbuds for Fitness, Jogging, Training & Outdoor (Beige)
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Woolworths Group has strategically selected Jon Alferness, a digital commerce specialist, to serve as a non-executive board member. This strategy aims to fill the technology leadership void left by Tracey Fellows, the previous chief executive of Microsoft Australia.
With two decades of expertise in digital product management, Alferness has occupied key positions at leading technology firms including Pinterest, Google, Lyft, and Varo Bank. His recent role as Walmart’s chief product officer and governance board member of a San Francisco food insecurity non-profit aligns closely with the aims of Woolworths.
Scott Perkins, chairman of Woolworths Group, highlighted Alferness’ mission to guide the organization toward a digitally-oriented future in consumer food marketing. His skills in digital, media, and ecommerce will be pivotal to Woolworths’ ongoing strategic evolution.
The exit of Tracey Fellows creates a significant experience deficit that Alferness is set to address. Fellows’ prominent career featured critical roles at Microsoft Australia, Australia Post, and REA Group. Her contributions established a high benchmark for the new director.
Alferness’ appointment will undergo confirmation at Woolworths Group’s annual general meeting in 2026, marking an essential milestone in the company’s strategic digital evolution.
Woolworths Group is fortifying its board through the hiring of Jon Alferness, introducing vital digital knowledge. As the corporation adapts to a shifting market, Alferness’ experience with leading tech companies will be crucial in steering through the transforming environment of digital consumer engagement.
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Samsung Galaxy Buds Core True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Secure Fit with Wingtip, Easy Pairing, Auto Switch, Touch Control, Black (UAE Version)
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CMF by Nothing Buds Wireless Earbuds Light Grey, with 42dB ANC, Transparency Mode, Ultra Bass Technology 2.0, HD Audio by Dirac, IP54 Dust and Water Resistance and Dual Device Connection
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The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has faced a considerable upsurge in its VMware licensing expenses, with a new three-year contract totaling $12.2 million. This constitutes a significant jump from the earlier $4.9 million contract arranged through Kirra Services. The rising costs align with wider trends affecting federal bodies in Australia, triggered by modifications in VMware’s commercial and licensing framework.
The transition of VMware to a subscription-based licensing framework has been a crucial element in the rising costs. After its acquisition by Broadcom, VMware declared that it would phase out perpetual licenses, entirely embracing subscription services. This alteration has left numerous organisations, including BOM, dealing with elevated expenses despite constant consumption trends.
Although several Australian organisations have contemplated alternative virtualisation solutions, the shift away from VMware is frequently intricate. The software is deeply woven into numerous IT frameworks, rendering migration complex and potentially disruptive. This intricacy serves as a deterrent for organisations like BOM, which may find it impractical to transition before the expiration of their current licenses.
The Bureau of Meteorology is not the sole entity experiencing these rising costs. The Australian Defence Department has similarly reported a notable increase in its VMware licensing expenditures, escalating from $82 million to $178 million. Despite attempts to streamline consumption, the move to a subscription model has considerably increased expenses.
Government entities in Australia, including the Bureau of Meteorology, are enduring climbing VMware licensing costs due to a shift to subscription models. This transition, instigated by VMware’s acquisition by Broadcom, has resulted in significant financial repercussions for organisations that heavily depend on virtualisation software. The difficulties of shifting to alternative solutions leave many entities absorbing these increased costs.
