Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
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Sony LinkBuds Fit – Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Earbuds – All Day Comfort, IPX4, Hi-Res Audio, Ambient Sound Mode, 21Hrs Battery Life, Multipoint Connection, iOS & Android – White
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Unveiled at the AWS re:Invent 2024 Partner Awards Gala, the Geographic and Global AWS Partner Awards commend partners who have excelled in fostering innovation and delivering customer-centric solutions on AWS. Versent earned the distinguished recognition of Industry Partner of the Year – Energy and Utilities, attributed to its pivotal role in transforming Woodside Energy Limited’s operations with advanced AWS solutions.
Versent’s collaboration with Woodside Energy Limited epitomizes cloud transformation. By transitioning Woodside’s operations to the cloud, Versent facilitated substantial operational efficiency gains, refined maintenance workflows, and maximized production potential. Utilizing AWS’s advanced technologies, this partnership has transformed Woodside’s handling of operational data, fostering innovation and operational excellence.
“We take immense pride in the accomplishments achieved through our collaboration with Woodside and AWS. Together, we embarked on a transformative path to transition Woodside’s operations to the cloud, markedly enhancing maintenance efficiency and maximising production capabilities.” – Cam Robertson, GM Versent
The AWS Partner Awards honor partners at geographic and global levels, following a thorough selection procedure. Submissions were evaluated by Canalys, a third-party agency, with an emphasis on customer success use cases. Additionally, categories based on quantitative data assessed AWS partner performance metrics for an unbiased and precise evaluation. Finalists consisted of the top three AWS partners in each category, making Versent’s victory a notable achievement.
Established in Australia, Versent is a technology consultancy recognized for reshaping businesses through innovative solutions. With a dedicated team of over 650 professionals, Versent specializes in Cloud, Identity and Security, Data, Digital, and Managed Services. Their pursuit of excellence and unwavering focus on client outcomes have positioned them as a trusted ally for premier global organizations.
Versent’s recognition as the 2024 AWS Industry Partner of the Year for Energy and Utilities emphasizes its devotion to client success and creativity. Through its partnership with Woodside Energy Limited, Versent has demonstrated the transformative capabilities of AWS technologies in enhancing operational effectiveness and safety. This accolade underscores the company’s proficiency in cloud transformation and its commitment to delivering significant results for clients.
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Raycon Everyday Earbuds (2024 Edition) – Bluetooth True Wireless in-Ear Buds with 32 Hours Playtime, Multpoint Technology, Extreme Comfort, and Active Noise Cancellation (Carbon Black)
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NSW Police has made a crucial advancement in its battle against the surge of cybercrime, scams, and identity theft. By finalizing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ID Support NSW, the collaboration seeks to provide faster and more effective responses to incidents involving compromised personal information. This initiative is timely as data breaches and fraudulent activities grow more intricate.
The agreement comes after a significant inquiry by NSW Police that uncovered around 14,000 stolen identity documents tied to a suspected fraud operation. This troubling finding exposed the vulnerabilities individuals encounter in a digital-centric world. By partnering with ID Support NSW, the police pinpointed 959 individuals likely affected by the scheme, showcasing the sizable benefits of enhanced data-sharing capacities.
Founded three years ago, ID Support NSW functions as a centralized recovery entity for individuals whose personal information has been compromised. The organization collaborates with various state agencies and IDCARE, a nationwide identity and cyber support service, to replace stolen documents and mitigate risks. By streamlining support, ID Support ensures that victims receive prompt assistance in protecting their identities from additional exploitation.
Detective Superintendent Matt Craft from the State Crime Command’s cybercrime unit praised the partnership as a vital progression in countering cyber threats. “It boosts our capability to educate the community and provide essential assistance to those impacted by cybercrime,” Craft declared, stressing the necessity of utilizing available resources to keep ahead of cybercriminals. Additionally, Digital NSW Deputy Secretary Laura Christie emphasized how the MoU enhances both teams’ capacities to effectively respond to incidents and support victims.
This collaboration mirrors a wider movement of governmental entities uniting to address the growing obstacles in cybersecurity. With cybercrime costing Australians billions each year, initiatives like this MoU are crucial for securing sensitive information and fostering public trust. As technology advances, strategies must evolve to counter malicious activities.
The newly established MoU between NSW Police and ID Support NSW signifies a proactive strategy to tackle identity theft and cybercrime. By enhancing data-sharing capabilities and offering streamlined assistance to victims, this partnership establishes a hopeful precedent for coordinated efforts in defending Australians against digital threats. Strengthened collaboration between law enforcement and recovery services is vital in a time marked by rising cyber challenges.
The main goal of the MoU is to enhance data-sharing and streamline responses to identity theft, data breaches, and cybercrime. This seeks to provide quicker and more effective support to victims while strengthening preventative actions.
ID Support NSW serves as a centralized recovery service, assisting victims in replacing compromised identity documents and minimizing the risks of further misuse of stolen credentials. It partners with organizations like IDCARE to deliver comprehensive support.
The collaboration was launched after the finding of 14,000 stolen identity documents during an investigation, highlighting the urgent need for better coordination in tackling identity theft and fraud.
Primary beneficiaries include victims of identity theft, fraud, and cybercrime. The partnership also bolsters law enforcement’s capability to tackle cybercriminals and protect the public.
The collaboration establishes a benchmark for coordinated efforts to face cyber threats, building public trust and enhancing the overall cybersecurity landscape of the state.
Public education is essential as it empowers individuals to identify and react to cyber threats. The collaboration aims to increase awareness about identity theft and effective practices for protecting personal data.
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NBN Co has disclosed that the expense of installing lead-ins for 285,000 properties transitioning from copper or fibre-to-the-curb (FTTC) to complete fibre during FY24 was between 27% and 29% higher than initially estimated. These lead-ins serve as the final connection between the local fibre network (LFN) and individual residences.
Financial records indicate that the cost for lead-ins from fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) to fibre (FTTP) exceeded estimates by 29%, while FTTC to FTTP lead-ins were 27% above forecasts. While specific dollar amounts remain unavailable, the overspend raises concerns about the precision of earlier financial predictions.
The variances in budget originate from a four-year framework referred to as IOP23, which received approval in the middle to late 2022. The projections from this plan may be outdated due to the rapid shift in market conditions and unforeseen logistical complications.
Although NBN Co has not provided clear justifications for the cost hikes, potential factors may include escalating material expenses, labour shortages, and unexpected installation challenges. These difficulties mirror broader economic trends affecting infrastructure projects throughout the country.
In spite of the budget overruns, NBN Co successfully realized significant savings of $70 million by converting underperforming copper lines to fibre where possible. This strategy not only diminished remediation costs but also enhanced customer satisfaction through superior connection quality.
Furthermore, the organization exceeded its projected number of premises eligible for fibre enhancements, showcasing substantial progress in evolving towards a more resilient network.
The report also unveiled mixed financial results across various network segments. While NBN Co spent less than anticipated on the hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) footprint and transit network by postponing capacity investments, it exceeded spending on fixed wireless enhancements. The company deployed over double the planned wireless cells, with an average expenditure per upgraded site reaching $356,765.
NBN Co stated that this accelerated work will lead to decreased expenses in coming years, as the infrastructure is now established to manage increasing demand.
Connection and assurance expenses have also risen in FY24, with the average first-time connection cost per premises climbing to $886. This increase is linked to a program allowing technicians to resolve more intricate installation issues during a single visit. While this strategy raised upfront costs, it is expected to boost long-term efficiency and improve customer experiences.
NBN Co in Australia continues to navigate financial and logistical challenges in its fibre deployment, with installation expenses exceeding forecasts by 27-29%. Although these overruns trigger concerns, the company has made substantial savings and advancement in other domains, such as copper-to-fibre conversions. As NBN Co adjusts to shifting demands and economic fluctuations, refining its forecasting and project management will be essential for its ongoing success.
The expense overruns are likely a result of increasing material prices, labour inadequacies, and unforeseen installation complications. Additionally, the financial forecasts from the IOP23 plan may no longer be relevant given the present economic climate.
While these cost overruns do not directly correlate to increased charges for customers, they could affect NBN Co’s future pricing and investment plans. On a positive note, the network improvements are designed to offer faster and more reliable internet services.
By converting underperforming copper lines to fibre, NBN Co lowered remediation expenses and enhanced service quality for impacted customers. This initiative supports the company’s objective of shifting to a fibre-centric network.
Certainly, the rise indicates an enhanced service delivery model where technicians can tackle complex challenges in a single trip. This method improves long-term efficiency and client satisfaction.
NBN Co is reassessing its spending methods and postponing certain investments to control expenses. The company is also capitalizing on expedited projects to lower future spending.
Fixed wireless enhancements cater to the rising demand for dependable internet access in rural areas. By deploying additional wireless cells, NBN Co is expanding coverage and enhancing service quality for underserved regions.
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Jabra Elite 4 Active in-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds – True Wireless Earbuds with Secure Active Fit, 4 Built-in Microphones, Active Noise Cancellation and Adjustable HearThrough Technology – Black
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The latest software update from Tesla, version 2024.45.32, introduces a new ‘Trailer Profiles’ feature that significantly enhances the towing experience for vehicle owners. This functionality allows users to set up and manage profiles for as many as 20 trailers, which is useful for both personal and business towing demands. Users can enter specific details like trailer type—be it open or enclosed—and manually track their mileage. This information is crucial for monitoring essential parts such as brakes and tyres to ensure safe and efficient operation.
The Trailer Profiles feature aims to enhance energy efficiency by considering the specific type of trailer being towed. Whether an open flatbed or a covered caravan, the system utilises this data to provide more accurate energy consumption estimates, thereby boosting the overall effectiveness of Tesla’s electric vehicles.
As trailers do not have an odometer, tracking mileage has always posed a challenge. Tesla overcomes this hurdle by allowing owners to enter mileage data manually for each trailer. This functionality is particularly useful for scheduling maintenance, like tyre replacements or brake servicing.
While the Trailer Profiles feature is a notable advancement, it comes with certain limitations. Users must manually switch between profiles and enter details, which may prove tedious for those who frequently use different trailers. The automatic detection of trailers via Tesla Vision technology, which integrates the vehicle’s cameras, is not yet included but could be a valuable upgrade in the future.
Tesla has the opportunity to expand this feature by incorporating predefined categories for trailers, such as horse, bike, and utility trailers. Furthermore, linking this feature with the Tesla mobile application or website for easier management and data extraction would significantly enhance user experience.
This feature holds great value for a diverse group of users. For personal use, it serves those who often tow caravans or utility trailers. In commercial contexts, where different trailers are towed on a daily basis, the ability to create multiple profiles improves both efficiency and safety.
Tesla’s ‘Trailer Profiles’ feature signifies a considerable advancement for both towing aficionados and industry professionals. By enabling the creation of up to 20 profiles, tracking of mileage, and optimisation of energy use according to trailer type, this feature enhances the functionality of Tesla’s sophisticated vehicles. Although it presently requires manual inputs, the prospect of future enhancements like Tesla Vision integration stands to further elevate EV towing capabilities.
The ‘Trailer Profiles’ feature allows Tesla owners to establish and manage profiles for various trailers, monitor mileage, and calculate energy consumption based on trailer type.
Users can save and maintain up to 20 Saved User Configurations (SUCs) for different trailers.
No, currently automatic trailer detection through Tesla Vision is unavailable. Manual entry and profile switching are required.
Yes, it is highly advantageous for commercial operations where vehicles may frequently tow diverse trailers.
Integration with the Tesla mobile app or website for enhanced management and data export is a possibility in future updates, though it is not available yet.
Yes, the mileage tracking capability assists in monitoring when maintenance is needed for items such as tyres and brakes.
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A Chainalysis report reveals that cryptocurrency hacks reached AU$3.5 billion in 2024, indicating a 21% jump from the prior year. This significant rise in losses exposes persistent vulnerabilities within digital asset platforms, particularly in the decentralised finance (DeFi) arena.
Due to their open-source structures and intricate coding, DeFi platforms have become appealing targets for hackers. In 2024, these platforms represented the majority of the stolen funds, raising urgent concerns about their long-term security and resilience.
The report highlights the considerable role North Korean hacking groups play in cryptocurrency theft. These groups are associated with state-sponsored cybercrime activities, utilizing stolen cryptocurrency to finance unlawful operations, including nuclear arms programs. Their advanced methods and ability to take advantage of weaknesses in crypto platforms contribute to their disturbing success rates.
There has been a notable increase in the adoption of cryptocurrencies in Australia, both as investment options and means of transaction. Yet, the uptick in hacking incidents presents a significant threat to investor trust. As local exchanges and platforms expand, they become more appealing targets for cybercriminals.
The Australian government is taking steps to regulate the crypto sector, although the speed of implementation frequently falls behind the swiftly changing threats. It is crucial to bolster cybersecurity practices and create solid frameworks for risk management to protect the nation’s digital economy.
While no system can guarantee complete safety, individuals and businesses can adopt various measures to reduce the likelihood of being affected by crypto hacks:
The remarkable AU$3.5 billion in crypto hack losses in 2024 is a significant alert for investors and the industry worldwide. With DeFi platforms and state-backed hacking groups fueling the rise in incidents, the urgency for enhanced security measures and regulatory scrutiny is more pressing than ever. As Australia continues to adopt cryptocurrencies, the protection of digital assets must be a priority for all involved parties.
DeFi platforms utilize open-source code, making them transparent but also revealing potential vulnerabilities. Furthermore, their decentralised characteristics often imply a lack of regulatory oversight found in traditional financial organisations, appealing to cybercriminals.
North Korean hacking groups are known to be involved in a substantial number of cryptocurrency thefts. They employ advanced techniques to exploit platform weaknesses and finance unlawful activities, including developing nuclear arms.
Australian investors should focus on security by using cold wallets, activating two-factor authentication, and rigorously investigating platforms prior to use. Keeping abreast of the latest cybersecurity trends is also essential.
While the Australian government has begun implementing regulations for the crypto sector, challenges persist due to the rapid pace of technological progress. More comprehensive regulatory frameworks are necessary to address emerging threats and safeguard investors.
Indicators include irregular account activity, unauthorized transactions, or phishing attempts masquerading as official messages. It is important to monitor your accounts closely and respond promptly if any suspicious activity is detected.
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Japan Airlines (JAL) reported a cyber incident on Thursday morning at 7:24 a.m., causing disruptions to both internal and external systems. This incident resulted in notable interruptions, such as the halt of same-day ticket sales and delays in several domestic and international flights. The underlying cause was traced back to a malfunctioning router, which the airline’s IT team addressed swiftly.
Despite the interruptions, JAL confirmed that customer information remained secure, and the incident was not connected to any computer viruses. By the end of the day, services were normalized, and ticket sales resumed.
While JAL experienced disruptions, its competitor ANA Holdings reported no problems with its systems. This emphasizes the differing levels of risk among airlines within the same sector. The incident also occurs amidst rising concerns regarding cybersecurity within the aviation industry, where interconnected systems are more frequently targeted by malicious entities.
Separately, American Airlines encountered a technical issue with network hardware earlier this week. This glitch led to an hour-long grounding of all flights on Christmas Eve, affecting numerous passengers. Such occurrences highlight the essential nature of strong IT frameworks for the seamless operation of airlines.
The aviation industry has emerged as an attractive target for cybercriminals due to its dependence on complex, interconnected IT systems. Disruptions can have far-reaching impacts, affecting everything from flight operations to passenger information. Airlines are making significant investments in cybersecurity protocols to reduce risks, yet the increasing sophistication of cyber attacks necessitates that these defenses are continuously improved.
Experts advocate for regular system evaluations, comprehensive incident response planning, and staff training to help recognize and address potential threats. As airlines shift to digital advancements to elevate customer experiences, securing these systems becomes more crucial than ever.
Japan Airlines has effectively reinstated its systems following a cyber incident that disrupted its flights and ticket sales. The occurrence underscores the susceptibility of airlines to both technical and cyber challenges, highlighting the significance of robust IT systems. While JAL successfully avoided data breaches and virus impacts, the situation serves as a crucial reminder for the aviation industry to strengthen its cybersecurity strategies.
The disruption was caused by a malfunctioning router, which impacted both internal and external systems. The IT team resolved the issue the same day.
No, JAL confirmed that no customer data was leaked as a result of the incident.
Same-day ticket sales were temporarily halted, and several domestic and international flights faced delays. Services resumed once the issue was resolved.
While not a regular occurrence, cyber incidents and technical glitches can happen in the aviation sector due to its reliance on sophisticated IT systems. Such events underscore the necessity for continual investment in cybersecurity.
In contrast to JAL’s cyber incident, American Airlines faced a technical issue related to network hardware. Nonetheless, both events caused considerable disruptions, highlighting the vulnerability of airline IT infrastructures.
Airlines can conduct routine system audits, improve incident response strategies, invest in cutting-edge cybersecurity technology, and provide employee training to mitigate risks.
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Defunc True Wireless Earbuds True Basic IPX4 Waterproof in-Ear Headphones 5.0 Bluetooth Stereo Headphones Built-in Microphone, Long Playtime & Charging Case (Black)
