Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
Belkin SoundForm True Wireless Earbud Headphones (Bluetooth Earphones for iPhone, Samsung, Google, Touch Control, Portable Charging Case, 24 Hours Playtime, Noise Isolation, Sweatproof) – White
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
WD has formally embarked on a new journey, debuting a strategy to address the escalating data needs generated by AI advancements. During its Innovation Day 2026, the company showcased its aspirations for 100TB hard drives, merging capacity with state-of-the-art performance and efficiency technologies.
The transition to 100TB storage is significant. WD’s 40TB UltraSMR ePMR HDD is currently undergoing testing with hyperscale clients, with expected global production by late 2026. The dual-track approach utilizing ePMR and HAMR technologies provides infrastructure compatibility, targeting 60TB on ePMR and 100TB on HAMR by 2029.
Conventional HDDs fall short compared to SSDs in speed. WD aims to change this with High Bandwidth Drive and Dual Pivot technologies. These advances double data throughput by allowing simultaneous read/write operations and enhance IO performance without compromising capacity.
AI tasks often produce substantial amounts of “cold” data. To address power limitations, WD’s new HDDs lower energy consumption by 20%, making them ideal for extensive data storage requirements. These drives are anticipated to be certified by 2027.
The rebranding to “WD” signifies a stronger emphasis on storage solutions for AI and cloud domains, now accounting for 90% of its revenue. This strategic shift reinforces WD’s role in the data economy.
WD is extending its outreach by launching a platform with open API functionalities in 2027. This will enable medium-sized companies to efficiently manage large datasets, democratizing access to sophisticated storage solutions.
For further details, visit WD’s website.
WD is transforming data storage with initiatives for 100TB hard drives, emphasizing performance, efficiency, and market adaptability to fulfill the increasing needs of AI and cloud computing segments.
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
The esteemed IT research organization Gartner is experiencing a drop in demand for its consulting services as companies reduce spending amid economic uncertainties. This market shift has compelled Gartner to predict its annual revenue and earnings to be lower than Wall Street’s expectations, significantly impacting its financial outlook.
Following the revelation, Gartner’s stock plummeted by over 22%. This notable decline indicates investor concerns regarding the company’s capability to handle current economic challenges and sustain its consulting division in a competitive landscape.
The rising use of automation and internal AI solutions by companies has further contributed to the waning demand for external advisory services. These technologies allow organizations to conduct planning and performance evaluations internally, lessening the dependence on firms like Gartner.
Gartner has estimated a total revenue of US$6.46 billion (A$9.22 billion) for 2026, which is below analysts’ projections of US$6.71 billion. Furthermore, the company forecasts a yearly adjusted earnings of US$12.30 per share, which falls short of the expected US$13.53.
The firm’s largest segment, the Insights division, is anticipated to generate US$5.19 billion in annual revenue, slightly miss the estimated US$5.3 billion. The consulting sector, which provides strategic execution and advisory services, saw its fourth-quarter revenues decline by approximately 13% to US$133.6 million compared to the previous year.
Despite these hurdles, Gartner announced quarterly revenue of US$1.75 billion, in line with analysts’ predictions. Adjusted earnings for the quarter ending December 31 reached US$3.94 per share, exceeding forecasts of US$3.51.
Gartner’s outlook reflects widespread economic challenges and the implications of technological progress on conventional consulting models. As organizations increasingly adopt automation, the demand for external consulting services encounters significant challenges. Gartner’s strategic response to these developments will be vital for maintaining its position in the market.
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Earbuds, Mercury
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
Kinglucky ClipFree Open-Ear Headphones, Jewelry-Inspired Ear-Cuff Design, Stylish & Comfortable Clip-On Fit, Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Earbuds for Women, Long Battery Life, Great for Gifting, Rose Gold
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
Aptkdoe Bluetooth Headphones Sports Headphones Wireless Bluetooth 5.3 with ENC Microphone, 75 Hours HiFi Stereo Bluetooth Headphones in Ear, IPX7 Waterproof Earphones with Ear Hooks for iOS Android,
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
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
