Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
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soundcore Liberty 5 by Anker, Noise-Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, 2x Stronger Voice Reduction, Real-Time Adaptive Noise Cancellation, Fast Charging, Dolby Audio, 6-Mic AI Clear Calls
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The government of the US Virgin Islands has filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms, the parent entity of Facebook and Instagram, claiming it has gained financially from scam advertisements while failing to adequately protect children on its platforms. The complaint alleges that Meta deliberately exposes users to deceptive material to enhance engagement and profit.
As outlined in court filings, Meta is expected to generate around US$16 billion (AU$23.9 billion) in 2024 from advertisements related to scams, illegal gambling, and prohibited products, according to a Reuters report. The lawsuit alleges that Meta’s algorithms only prevent advertisers suspected of scams when there is a 95% chance of wrongdoing.
In light of these disclosures, US senators have urged the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and take necessary action. The lawsuit seeks sanctions against Meta for infringing upon consumer protection laws.
Meta spokesperson Andy Stone has rejected the allegations contained in the lawsuit, stating that the company is actively pursuing the elimination of scams on its platforms. He claims that reports of scams have decreased by half over the last 18 months. Stone further denied assertions regarding the safety of young users on Meta’s platforms, emphasizing a dedication to child protection.
In a related matter, internal documents from Meta reportedly permitted AI chatbots to have inappropriate discussions with minors. Subsequently, Meta has updated these protocols to eliminate any allowances for romantic interaction with children.
The US Virgin Islands has initiated legal action against Meta, alleging that the company has profited from fraudulent advertisements and has not sufficiently safeguarded children on its platforms. While Meta denies these allegations, the lawsuit has prompted demands for regulatory scrutiny and has brought to light ongoing issues surrounding online safety and advertising ethics.
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A message on the subreddit r/nbn has stirred interest, proposing a covert 50Gbps NBN Enterprise Ethernet trial. The poster, using the alias Future_Muffin_8248, shared a screenshot displaying an alleged 46,059 Mbps download speed utilizing an unpublished Nokia ONT and UniFi configuration. Upon investigation, this assertion seems questionable.
The reported speed test indicates a notable difference between download (~46,000 Mbps) and upload (~4,800 Mbps) speeds. NBN’s Enterprise Ethernet provides symmetrical speeds, which makes such a disparity a definite warning sign.
The speed assessment was performed on an Aussie Broadband server, currently capable of a maximum of 10Gbps for business clients. Public Speedtest servers typically operate at 10Gbps or 40Gbps, rendering the 46Gbps claim physically improbable.
The assertion involves UniFi equipment, which is now optimized for up to 25Gbps. Attaining 50Gbps would necessitate specialized hardware not offered in the current market.
Although NBN Co has experimented with advanced 50G-PON and 100G-PON technologies, these experiments are not available for public or consumer application. The blend of asymmetrical speeds, server limitations, and non-compliant hardware strongly suggests that this assertion is a “Speedtest Spoof.” Remain alert, and be aware that unmatched upload and download speeds typically indicate a false claim.
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Samsung Galaxy Buds Live R180 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Noise Cancelling – Black
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In a notable development in the energy landscape, Octopus Energy from Britain has revealed the separation of its technology division, Kraken, into an independent firm, valued at an impressive US$8.65 billion (AU$12.91 billion). This action follows a fruitful funding initiative led by D1 Capital Partners.
Kraken delivers state-of-the-art energy software solutions to prominent utilities and energy firms internationally, including EDF, National Grid US, Tokyo Gas, and Australia’s own Origin Energy. Its AI-empowered operating system is currently responsible for overseeing over 70 million customer accounts, underlining its extensive influence in the energy sector.
Current and new investors, including Origin Energy, are poised to acquire around US$1 billion in Kraken’s shares, with Origin dedicating US$140 million (AU$210 million). This funding represents a crucial advancement toward Kraken’s separation from Octopus Energy, which will still hold a 13.7% interest.
The demerger has triggered conversations regarding a potential Initial Public Offering (IPO) for Kraken within the next two years, as indicated by The Financial Times. While Reuters could not substantiate this, the possibility of a Kraken IPO introduces an intriguing aspect to its future.
Origin Energy, utilizing Kraken to enhance its retail operations, will sustain a 22.7% stake in Kraken after the deal closes. Furthermore, Origin has decided to forfeit exclusivity on Kraken’s services in Australia, procuring an additional 1.5% equity stake in exchange. This strategic alteration may foster increased competition and improve service offerings across Australia’s energy landscape.
Kraken’s transition to an independent organization signifies a considerable transformation in the energy sector, with notable investments and strategic adjustments setting the stage for potential growth and development. Origin Energy’s proactive stance demonstrates its dedication to embracing innovative technology to transform its business framework and potentially reshape the Australian energy scene.
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Murray Irrigation recently encountered a major data breach when confidential details regarding its landholders were unintentionally revealed via its ArcGIS Online platform. This event has sparked worries about data security protocols within the organization, which operates under a license from the NSW government.
The breach included 10 categories of data being made publicly available, such as personal details, water account balances, landholding information, and “customer flags.” While the organization has indicated that not all of its clients were influenced, they did not clarify the exact number of affected individuals.
Murray Irrigation has acted promptly to rectify the breach, securing the system to avert further exposure. The organization has additionally announced intentions for a comprehensive external inquiry to identify the root cause of the incident and implement strategies to prevent future incidents.
This breach underscores the vital necessity of robust data security measures, particularly for organizations managing sensitive information. As digital platforms become essential to operations, guaranteeing the integrity and confidentiality of data must remain a foremost concern.
The situation involving Murray Irrigation acts as a stark reminder of the risks that digital systems can present. Although the organization has taken measures to contain the breach, the scenario emphasizes the importance of continual vigilance and enhancements in data security practices.
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sajawass Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones, Noise Cancelling Earbuds with 75 Hours Playtime, LED Power Display, IPX7 Waterproof Earbuds in-Ear Headphones for Sports/Training
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Tesla’s FSD (Full Self-Driving) v14.x is undergoing its most extensive evaluation to date. Tesla owner David Moss is embarking on a cross-country drive across the United States without human assistance. His endeavor is more than just a journey; it marks a pivotal moment in the realm of self-driving.
This expedition acts as a demonstration for Tesla’s future Robotaxi service, slated for launch in early 2026. Successfully completing this drive could be transformative, highlighting the software’s capability to traverse various roads and conditions.
Beginning in Hollywood, California, David’s journey extends approximately 4,500 kilometers to a beach along the Atlantic Ocean. The voyage is projected to last 45 to 50 hours, factoring in charging pauses.
The journey commenced at the Tesla Diner in Los Angeles, where David activated the FSD software. The initial phase through the heavy traffic of Los Angeles set the groundwork for the challenges to come.
The vehicle showcased its durability by maintaining lane precision amid the high temperatures and heat distortion of the Mojave Desert.
Upon entering Arizona, the vehicle navigated intricate interchanges effortlessly, reflecting the software’s advancements.
The FSD system adeptly managed steep inclines and twisting roads, displaying enhanced regenerative braking and decision-making abilities.
While moving through Texas, the system skillfully handled high-speed restrictions and large semi-trucks, providing a more comfortable driving experience.
The upgraded vision encoder excelled in low-light situations, identifying road hazards and responding to human signals.
As the journey approached its conclusion, the vehicle sustained its performance, leading to a flawless arrival at the Atlantic Ocean.
With the Full Self-Driving Capability now available in Australia, the successful completion of this expedition could signify the dawn of autonomous long-distance travel in the country. The technology stands on the cusp of revolutionizing our approach to road travel.
David Moss’s expedition using Tesla’s FSD v14 represents a significant advancement toward achieving complete autonomous driving. The journey not only underscores the software’s potential but also lays the groundwork for future innovations in autonomous travel, including in Australia.
The expedition provides a crucial evaluation of Tesla’s FSD capabilities, essential for the imminent Robotaxi service.
The system dealt with complex interchanges, high-speed traffic, night journeys, and real-time detours, demonstrating its resilience.
It lays the foundation for autonomous driving in Australia, offering a preview of the future of road travel without human involvement.
Notable advancements encompass improved lane management, immediate obstacle detection, and enhanced night vision functionalities.
The journey spanned roughly 4,500 kilometers and was estimated to last 45 to 50 hours, inclusive of charging intermissions.
The success of this mission suggests that fully autonomous, long-distance travel is imminent, potentially transforming road transport.
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Skullcandy Method 360 ANC Wireless Earbuds, Sound by Bose, Bluetooth Headphones, Premium Noise Cancelling, Up to 40 Hrs Battery, Sweat and Water Resistant, Microphone for iPhone Android – Plasma
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Suncorp Group, known for its prominent brands like AAMI, Gio Insurance, and API, is adopting a multi-agent strategy for its artificial intelligence (AI). By developing a library of reusable components, Suncorp intends to spread AI technology across its various brands, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.
At the recent Databricks 2025 Sydney event, Suncorp’s chief machine learning engineer, Touraj Varaee, highlighted the company’s AI progress. Suncorp is taking advantage of Databricks’ product suite, including the Lakehouse for data management and Unity Catalog for governance, to underpin its multi-agent AI framework.
The introduction of AI technologies has already provided significant advantages for Suncorp. The claims department has used AI to automatically generate over a million words in case summaries, saving more than 15,000 hours of labor for customer service personnel. This achievement emphasizes AI’s integral role in Suncorp’s operational framework.
Suncorp Group is at the forefront of a multi-agent AI strategy, utilizing Databricks technology to improve efficiency and scalability across its brands. This initiative has already resulted in considerable enhancements in customer service and claims processing, showcasing AI’s potential to transform business activities.
