Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
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QCY MeloBuds N70 Aadptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 6.0 with 6 Mics Clear Call, LDAC Hi-Res Audio, 50H Playtime, Wireless Charging, IPX5 Waterproof
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The Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA), Australia’s foremost veterans’ support agency, has initiated a new technological venture by commencing a proof-of-concept trial for a chatbot named “CLIKChat.” Composed of 300 employees from the claims benefits sector, this initiative seeks to assess whether the tool can enhance customer interaction efficiency.
Utilizing OpenAI’s ChatGPT 4.1 Mini model, CLIKChat is crafted to simplify the access to DVA records and policy details. Nevertheless, it is important to note that it does not retrieve personal information or veteran records, nor does it render decisions or offer recommendations. Instead, it acts as a digital assistance tool, ensuring claims teams can swiftly explore publicly accessible information with increased precision.
CLIKChat is exclusively intended for internal use. Access to the tool is restricted to staff members who have undergone necessary AI training, though specifics regarding the training program are not revealed. The tool remains unavailable to the public or DVA clients, emphasizing its function as a support system for internal processes.
Commencing in May and beginning its trial in October, the development of CLIKChat adheres to national AI policies and frameworks, specifically the Policy for the responsible use of AI in government. This ensures that the application of AI remains ethical and effective within governmental functions.
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has created a similar AI tool named Parlihelper, which summarises Senate estimates sessions. Moreover, other governmental entities, such as the National Archives, are investigating AI applications to assist with vital tasks, reflecting a wider trend towards AI incorporation in public services.
The DVA’s trial of the CLIKChat AI tool signifies a notable advancement in utilizing technology to improve operational effectiveness. By complying with national guidelines and focusing on internal enhancements without jeopardizing personal information, the initiative highlights a careful yet forward-thinking stance towards AI adoption within governmental systems.
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Donner Bluetooth Headphones with Noise Cancellation, in-Ear Headphones Wireless with 12 mm Audio Driver, Intense Bass, Noise Cancelling Headphones with 4 Microphones, 32 Hours Battery, Bluetooth 5.2,
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Microsoft has been flooded with refund requests for its Copilot AI add-on to the Microsoft 365 (M365) suite. Following the announcement of a refund initiative, the company experienced unexpectedly long customer support wait times. Microsoft claims it has been working to resolve this influx, which has now decreased.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has charged Microsoft with misleading 2.7 million Australian users concerning the pricing available for its M365 plans. The core issue centers on whether Microsoft hid a less expensive “classic” subscription option without Copilot, directing customers toward pricier plans that included the AI feature.
Despite Microsoft’s apology and refund offer, several customers are reporting challenges when attempting to downgrade to the classic version without AI, asserting that a clear option to do so is absent in their account settings. Moreover, some have been advised to contact Microsoft during US business hours for assistance with their problems.
The ACCC has indicated that its legal pursuit against Microsoft continues independently of the company’s refund strategy. The regulator is seeking penalties, injunctions, and court declarations, striving for effective remedy for consumers.
Microsoft is currently tackling major hurdles regarding refund requests for its M365 Copilot AI add-on. With legal pressures from the ACCC and dissatisfaction among customers, the tech giant is managing a complex situation that highlights the importance of transparency in subscription services. The resolution of these developments may have significant implications for Microsoft’s business activities in Australia.
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Amazfit Up Headphones OWS Open Ear Wireless Earbuds with Bluetooth 5.3, Easy Touch Control, IPX 4 Water Resistant, AI Background Noise Reduction, Earphones Compatible with Android & iOS
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Elon Musk, famous for his bold declarations, recently stated at the 2025 Tesla Shareholder Meeting that Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology might soon permit drivers to “text and drive” safely in the near future. This announcement has ignited considerable discussion and regulatory examination, particularly in countries like Australia, where mobile phone use while driving is heavily regulated.
Australia’s traffic safety laws are strict, making handheld mobile phone use while driving illegal throughout the nation. This encompasses all forms of texting, scrolling through social media, or even holding the device while stopped at lights. The legal consequences of Tesla’s upcoming FSD features are substantial, as this technology challenges established laws meant to maintain road safety.
In Australia, drivers with valid licenses must follow rigorous regulations that ban most mobile phone usage. Violating these rules can lead to significant fines and demerit points that vary across states. For example, in New South Wales, fines can be as high as A$562 in school zones, along with five demerit points. Repeat offenders face potential license revocation and increased insurance costs, highlighting the necessity of these protective measures.
To address unlawful mobile phone usage, Australian states such as NSW, VIC, and QLD utilize AI-powered detection systems to observe drivers. These technologies capture and analyze images for violations, resulting in infringement notices being sent by mail. This automated enforcement supports immediate fines enforced by law enforcement, thereby improving road safety.
Should Tesla move forward with its FSD feature, the company might have to accept liability for accidents that happen while the software is in use. Tesla already provides its own insurance offerings in select areas, possibly leveraging data to assess fault. However, third-party insurance providers may reject claims against Tesla unless there is an official admission of liability, leaving drivers at risk of lacking coverage during incidents.
Tesla’s ambitious initiative to integrate a texting capability via its Full Self-Driving technology faces major regulatory and legal barriers in Australia. While the innovation promises improved safety, it contradicts existing laws meant to minimize distractions while driving. As this discussion progresses, Tesla and regulatory agencies will need to navigate these intricacies to ensure the safety of drivers and compliance with legal standards.
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Microsoft has unveiled the creation of a new team committed to developing artificial intelligence (AI) that transcends human capabilities in specific areas. This bold endeavor, named the MAI Superintelligence Team, will initially hone in on medical diagnostics, intending to transform this vital sector.
Under the guidance of Mustafa Suleyman, the head of AI at Microsoft, the company intends to allocate a significant financial investment to this venture. While specifics on recruitment strategies have not been revealed, Suleyman has indicated that Microsoft AI will continue to draw talent from leading laboratories, strengthening its team with existing researchers and appointing Karen Simonyan as the chief scientist.
In contrast to some competitors, Microsoft’s strategy does not aim to develop “infinitely capable generalist” AI. Suleyman has voiced doubts about the controllability of autonomous, self-enhancing machines. Instead, the emphasis is on “humanist superintelligence,” dedicated to solving specific, tangible issues that benefit humanity.
The MAI Superintelligence Team will be dedicated to creating specialized AI models that can reach superhuman levels of performance in specific fields without introducing existential threats. Examples include AI that tackles battery storage challenges or innovates new molecules, similar to DeepMind’s AlphaFold, which forecasts protein structures.
Microsoft envisions reaching medical superintelligence within two to three years. This progression could greatly enhance life expectancy by facilitating the early detection of preventable diseases, potentially granting individuals worldwide more healthy years. However, major advancements are still required to make this ambition a reality.
Microsoft’s launch of the MAI Superintelligence Team signifies a pivotal move toward crafting AI that exceeds human competence in particular fields. By adopting a humanistic approach, the initiative aims to tackle real-world issues without the dangers linked to generalist AI. With prospective advancements in medical diagnostics, this effort could transform healthcare, improving both longevity and quality of life.
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CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds with HiFi Sound, 50dB Intelligent Active Noise Cancellation, 6 HD Microphones and Spatial Audio Effect, 2025 – Orange
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The National Australia Bank (NAB) has successfully transformed its workforce structure, emphasizing in-house employees over contractors. At the close of FY25, 71% of the technology and enterprise operations team consists of NAB employees, a notable change from 2018 when contractors accounted for 70% of the workforce. This adjustment underscores the bank’s dedication to lessening external reliance and bolstering internal strengths.
NAB has achieved significant milestones in migrating its applications to the cloud. Currently, 90% of its applications have been transitioned, an increase from 85% just half a year ago. This initiative is part of NAB’s overall plan to enhance operational efficiency and scalability through cloud solutions.
AI is increasingly embedded in NAB’s operations. The bank now has more than 4,500 engineers utilizing generative AI for software development, up from 2,500 six months ago. Additionally, 15,000 employees are leveraging AI to optimize routine tasks, and 1,400 frontline staff are using AI-driven tools to improve customer service.
The forthcoming appointment of Pete Steel as Group Executive for Digital, Data, and AI is anticipated to further drive NAB’s AI initiatives. Steel’s expertise will aid the bank’s strategic objectives regarding customer experience, employee efficiency, software development, and operational productivity.
In spite of technological advancements, NAB reported a statutory net profit of $6.76 billion for FY25, a slight decrease from $6.96 billion in FY24. The bank remains committed to aligning technology investments with its long-term strategic vision.
NAB’s technological evolution illustrates a strategic pivot towards insourcing and significant AI adoption. The bank’s initiatives in cloud migration, AI integration, and diminishing contractor reliance reflect its commitment to modernization and operational excellence.
