Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
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CMF by Nothing Buds Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, 42dB Noise Cancelling Earphones, Dirac HD Audio, 35.5H Playtime, BT5.3, IP54, 4HD Mics Wireless Headphones for iPhone & Android Dark Grey
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Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is experiencing a substantial change with the formation of a ‘Group Technology’ section, targeting a more unified and strategic stance towards its service provision. This decision comes in the wake of Jason Tuendemann’s recent selection as the group chief technology officer following Kurt Brissett’s exit.
The organisation is actively searching for three vital roles: chief information security officer (CISO), chief data officer (CDO), and an executive director of strategy, architecture, and partnerships. These positions are intended to report directly to Tuendemann, which aligns with TfNSW’s goal for a unified leadership team.
The restructuring signifies part of a broader organisational overhaul including TfNSW’s inaugural enterprise-wide technology strategy. This strategy adopts a ‘digital-by-default’ approach to embed technology into its processes.
Additionally, the agency’s corporate plan for 2024-2025 includes initiatives for a robust data strategy. The newly appointed chief data officer will oversee the establishment of an enterprise data practice to ensure data reliability, security, and accessibility throughout its lifecycle.
The reorganisation also accentuates a strong focus on cybersecurity, with the CISO charged with leading initiatives to safeguard TfNSW’s digital framework. The previous CISO, Murray Taylor, held the position from September 2021 until May 2024, and was succeeded by Natasha Scott, who moved to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
TfNSW’s updated operational framework illustrates its commitment to acknowledging the strategic role of data, security, and technology as pivotal in shaping the future of transportation, with the goal of delivering enhanced real-time value to passengers and users.
Transport for NSW is strategically transforming its technology division by forming a centralised ‘Group Technology’ unit. With new leadership, the division will concentrate on a digital-by-default strategy, extensive data plans, and strengthened cybersecurity initiatives. This evolution aims to improve service delivery and provide immediate value to NSW’s transportation users.
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Push Play Active Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Noise Isolating, 34 Hrs Battery, Secure-Fit Over-Ear Hanger, Sweat Water Resistant, Microphone for iPhone Android – Black/Orange
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Tesla has officially rolled out its Full Self Driving (FSD) function in unsupervised mode, marking a crucial milestone in the autonomous vehicles landscape. Elon Musk stated that multiple Model Ys have been operating autonomously for several days, navigating the streets of Austin, Texas, without any issues.
For almost a decade, Tesla has led the charge in autonomous vehicle development. The recent ‘We Robot’ event highlighted autonomous rides for the public, paving the way for unsupervised FSD. Clips have surfaced showing Teslas independently moving from production facilities to parking lots in controlled environments.
Recent evaluations on public roads in Austin have shown Tesla’s Model Ys functioning without drivers or overseers, achieving zero incidents. This achievement, accomplished before the planned June launch of the Robotaxi service, underscores the effectiveness of Tesla’s camera-only computer vision system.
The launch of a driverless Robotaxi service is poised to transform the transportation industry. With low production costs and reduced operational expenses, Tesla’s offering could significantly challenge established competitors such as traditional taxis, Uber, and Waymo.
Local community members have taken and shared photographs of the Robotaxis in operation, reflecting Tesla’s developments. With the initial customer delivery from factory to user expected shortly, attention is now shifting to broadening the service to additional areas and clientele.
Tesla’s introduction of unsupervised Full Self Driving technology represents a critical juncture in automotive advancement. With successful trials in Austin and an upcoming Robotaxi debut, Tesla is establishing new benchmarks in autonomous driving. The wider implications of this technology on the economy and transportation sector will unfold as it expands.
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As Australia advances with bold housing initiatives, council planning systems frequently find themselves in a gridlock, depending on antiquated spreadsheets and manual procedures. Statutory planners, well-educated and experienced, discover their skills underutilised as they deal with administrative tasks. Enter Objective Build, a pioneering platform launched at the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) Congress, aimed at modernising and optimising the planning process for councils across Australia.
Statutory planners are essential to urban development, integrating aspects like growth, sustainability, and heritage. However, they encounter obstacles such as tedious administrative duties, rising volumes of development applications, and a lack of qualified personnel. Public dissatisfaction is also increasing due to perceived application processing delays. Objective Build alleviates this by automating routine tasks, enabling planners to concentrate on their primary responsibilities.
In contrast to conventional systems repurposed for planning, Objective Build is specifically created for the requisites of council planning teams. It enhances the decision-making process by supplying relevant planning precedents and context, allowing for more consistent outcomes. The platform additionally provides team leaders with real-time visibility, enhancing management and reducing burnout.
With Australia’s housing aspirations on the line, the effective processing of development applications is critical. Objective Build tackles this by fostering greater effectiveness among current planners, instead of relying on a surge in workforce numbers. By enhancing public trust and aiding planners, the platform guarantees that councils can efficiently fulfil the increasing housing demands.
Objective Build is poised to reshape the planning environment for Australian councils by automating everyday tasks, thereby permitting planners to engage in strategic and meaningful work. The platform is distinctly crafted for the planning industry, assisting councils in meeting housing targets while building public trust.
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Bluetooth Headphones, In-Ear Headphones, Wireless Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless Headphones with 4 Mics, 2023 ENC Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, 48H Deep Bass, IP7 Waterproof Earphones, LED Display, USB-C
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Solar Victoria has recently revealed the closure of its home battery loan initiative, a move that many homeowners find disappointing just as a new federal rebate program is about to launch. This initiative previously offered interest-free loans up to A$8,800 over a four-year period, greatly alleviating the initial expenses of home battery systems.
Homeowners aiming to upgrade their solar installations with battery storage could have profited from combining both state and federal incentives. For example, the usual installation cost of a Tesla Powerwall 3, around A$15,000, could have been substantially decreased with these incentives. However, the end of the state initiative means this option is now unavailable.
The Commonwealth Government’s Affordable Homes Batteries Initiative is expected to launch on July 1. This program intends to make battery storage more accessible, supporting Australia’s dedication to renewable energy and diminished emissions.
Since August 2018, the Victorian Solar Homes Initiative has played a crucial role in assisting over 360,000 households with solar installations. This aligns with Victoria’s ambitious strategy to attain net-zero emissions by 2045, with renewable energy targets established at 65% by 2030 and 95% by 2035.
The termination of Victoria’s home battery loan initiative represents a major transformation in the framework of solar energy incentives in Australia. While the forthcoming federal rebates set to begin in July present fresh prospects, the sudden cessation of the state initiative leaves numerous homeowners uncertain. This action highlights the continuous evolution of Australia’s energy policies and the commitment to a sustainable future.
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The City of Sydney has initiated an important project to strengthen its human resources capabilities by utilizing the SAP SuccessFactors platform. This effort seeks to foster a more tailored approach to career management for its employees, correcting earlier identified deficiencies in system setup.
On his arrival in mid-2022, Chris Youness, the chief of people and culture for the council, realized that the current SuccessFactors system was not ideally configured. This led to a comprehensive review and a partnership with Discovery Consulting, which uncovered 32 recommendations for enhancements.
The adoption of these recommendations has led to noteworthy improvements in HR processes. Chris Youness noted that the administrative load on personnel has been reduced by as much as 35%, enabling HR teams to redirect their focus towards fundamental responsibilities rather than system oversight.
Automation initiatives, especially in payroll, have revolutionized operational efficiencies. Outdated paper-based systems have been succeeded by self-service kiosks and automated attendance systems, resulting in less stressed teams and smoother payroll functions.
The council is focusing on fostering internal career pathways, using SuccessFactors to accommodate staff at various stages of their career journeys. The emphasis is on customization, automation, and empowering employees to identify training opportunities that align with their current roles and ambitions.
The HR revitalization initiative at the City of Sydney highlights the significance of utilizing technology to enhance staff career management. By addressing system inadequacies and prioritizing customization and automation, the council strives to create a nurturing environment for employee growth and advancement.
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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, Black
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The push to advance Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) towards fully autonomous solutions is intensifying, with Mobileye at the forefront. The firm has declared that a leading global automaker has opted for Mobileye Imaging Radar as a crucial element of its forthcoming system that allows for eyes-off, hands-off driving in personal vehicles, following a detailed assessment of Mobileye’s offerings against competitors.
Set for a 2028 introduction, the chosen automaker intends to utilize Mobileye’s Imaging Radar for SAE Level 3 automated driving at motorway speeds. This tech aims to deliver outstanding detection abilities in challenging weather like fog and rain, and at long ranges, surpassing current sensor technologies.
By 2028, it will have been a decade since the inception of Mobileye’s 4D imaging radar development. This innovation provides sensor redundancy, yielding superior perception in tough lighting, environmental, and traffic situations, complementing camera-based perception affordably.
Current automotive radars deliver approximations of distance, direction, and relative speed. In contrast, imaging radars add an extra dimension – height. Mobileye’s cutting-edge Imaging Radar processes signals digitally from start to finish via a specially designed radar processor, ensuring unparalleled accuracy and reliability in environmental awareness.
At the heart of Mobileye’s Imaging Radar are radar radio-frequency integrated circuits (RFIC) that offer adaptability in signal transmission, high-confidence detection of objects, and minimal noise levels. The radar processor features computing power of 11 TOPS, managing over 1,500 virtual channels at a rate of 20 frames per second, with remarkable angular resolution and dynamic range.
Mobileye’s Imaging Radar is proficient in identifying small, distant objects and specific threats in intricate conditions, making it essential for safe highway navigation at speeds exceeding 130 kph. It can recognize road users up to 315 meters away and potential dangers up to 230 meters, functioning effectively in tunnels, construction zones, and congested surroundings.
The pricing of Mobileye’s hardware and software is not publicly disclosed but will play a crucial role in its uptake. Reduced costs may enable this technology to be incorporated into more budget-friendly vehicles, likely contributing to more lives saved by promoting the availability of autonomous driving.
Mobileye’s Imaging Radar has been adopted by an undisclosed automaker for a 2028 release, with the goal of achieving SAE Level 3 autonomous driving. This state-of-the-art technology is expected to offer superior detection capabilities and reliability, though pricing remains a key consideration for mass adoption.
