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Global Gaming Powerhouses Assemble in Melbourne to Uncover Australia’s Upcoming Major Success

Nicholas Webb on July 15, 2025

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Quick Overview

Play Now Melbourne 2025 is planned for October 9 at W Melbourne.
Supported by VicScreen and Screen Australia, the event connects local creators with global publishers.
Highlighted participants include Akupara Games, Devolver Digital, and Massive Monster.
New entries for 2025 feature Alt Ventures and Silver Lining Interactive.
$42 million worth of projects were displayed in 2024.
There’s no cost for Australian developers to join; expressions of interest are due by July 24, 2025.

Play Now Melbourne 2025: A Leading Gaming Event

VicScreen has announced an exciting roster of international games publishers for the third annual Play Now Melbourne, Australia’s premier global games market. This gathering is quickly becoming the essential venue for local developers to connect with prominent industry figures.

Star-Studded Lineup and Fresh Faces

Among the notable participants are Akupara Games, Devolver Digital, Massive Monster, and UltraPlayers. These confirmations present a golden opportunity for Australian game developers to showcase their projects to influential leaders. Newcomers for 2025, such as Alt Ventures, Silver Lining Interactive, TheOneGames, Outersloth, and Wholesome Games Presents will also be making their debut, highlighting the event’s growing prestige on a global scale.

Linking Local Talent with Global Opportunities

Organized by VicScreen with backing from Screen Australia, Play Now Melbourne serves as a vital link between homegrown talent and international publishers, investors, and platform holders. It provides a distinctive setting for Australian developers to pitch and market their games to a worldwide audience.

Global gaming publishers gather in Melbourne for Play Now event — VicScreen x Play Now Melbourne 2024

Major Growth and Achievement

Since its launch in 2023, Play Now Melbourne has experienced extraordinary growth. In 2024, more than $42 million worth of projects were showcased, a noteworthy rise from $24 million the year before. The event’s international reputation is demonstrated by the quality of publishers, investors, and platform holders expected to engage with independent Australian game developers this year.

Looking Ahead and Participation

Play Now Melbourne 2025 is set for Thursday, October 9, at the W Melbourne, as part of the wider Melbourne International Games Week (MIGW). Expressions of interest are now open for Australian game developers aiming for funding, publishing agreements, or market support for their projects. Importantly, attendance is free, but developers should move quickly as the expression of interest deadline is Thursday, July 24, 2025.

For further details, visit https://vicscreen.vic.gov.au/playnow/

Overview

Play Now Melbourne 2025 is set to be a pivotal event, maintaining its tradition of linking Australian game developers with major players in the global gaming industry. With significant increases in both participation and project value, the event highlights the creativity and potential of Australia’s gaming sector.

Q: What is Play Now Melbourne?

A: Play Now Melbourne is an international games market event that connects Australian game developers with global publishers and investors.

Q: Who are some prominent attendees for 2025?

A: Prominent attendees include Akupara Games, Devolver Digital, and newcomers such as Alt Ventures and Silver Lining Interactive.

Q: When and where will the event take place?

A: The event is scheduled for October 9, 2025, at the W Melbourne, as part of the Melbourne International Games Week.

Q: How can developers take part in the event?

A: Developers can take part by submitting an expression of interest by July 24, 2025, at no cost.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Review

Matthew Miller on July 15, 2025

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), Adaptive Noise Cancelling, 360 Audio, in-Ear Headphones with Hi-Fi Sound, Buds3 Pro White

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 – Wireless Earphones – Midnight Opus Review

Matthew Miller on July 15, 2025

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 – Wireless Earphones – Midnight Opus

NSW Police Looks for Head for Crucial Network Enhancement

Nicholas Webb on July 15, 2025

NSW Police Looking for a Leader to Oversee Essential Network Improvement

NSW Police Network Revamp: Searching for Leadership for a Major Enhancement

NSW Police looking for leadership for essential network revamp

Quick Overview

NSW Police Force is in search of a delivery director for its network infrastructure overhaul.
The initiative is supported by a $50 million financial boost from the state budget.
The position offers compensation of up to $237,462 for qualified IT program leaders.
The program encompasses updates to network security, telephony, and call center integration.
This is part of a broader $125.8 million funding initiative for IT enhancements and cyber safety.

Strategic Guidance for Network Enhancement

The NSW Police Force is actively seeking a delivery director to lead a comprehensive transformation of its network infrastructure. This newly established position will provide strategic direction and manage the “end-to-end” execution of a critical multi-phased network program aimed at improving the force’s essential communication and networking functions.

Substantial Investment and Role Details

With a significant $50 million investment from the state budget, the program offers an attractive salary package of up to $237,462. It is looking for someone with a robust background in managing large-scale, intricate IT programs within government or critical infrastructure environments.

Facilitating Digital Evolution

This essential network program is a vital element of the NSWPF’s digital transformation. It enables crucial upgrades to outdated systems and fosters the integration of modern technologies to boost operational resilience, officer connectivity, and uninterrupted statewide communication.

Thorough Network Improvements

As indicated in the job listing, the program will be divided into intricate streams, covering network security, telephony, AV/AVL systems, and call center integration. Importantly, the latter will prioritize enhancing networking capabilities essential for emergency services and public assistance lines like 000, the Police Assistance Line, and Crime Stoppers.

Wider Financial Package and Cyber Safety

This essential network program is part of a larger $125.8 million funding allocation from the state government’s 2025-26 budget. This funding set includes $45.2 million for the upgrade and modernization of the payroll platform that serves over 21,000 NSW Police Force staff. Additionally, $24.6 million is designated for a “cyber safety enhancement initiative” to strengthen the Force’s cyber threat detection and response capabilities.

Conclusion

The NSW Police Force is on a transformative path to improve its network infrastructure, backed by significant governmental funds. The pursuit of an effective leader underscores a dedicated effort to enhance operational capacities and drive digital transformation. With a focus on increasing public trust and fostering officer connectivity, this initiative marks a pivotal move towards updating the Force’s technological framework.

Q: What is the main objective of the NSW Police network enhancement?

A: The primary aim is to improve the essential communications and networking capabilities of the NSW Police Force as part of its digital evolution.

Q: How much funding has been allocated for the network enhancement?

A: The network enhancement falls within a $50 million allocation from the state budget, as part of a broader $125.8 million package for IT upgrades.

Q: What specific areas will the network program cover?

A: It will focus on network security, telephony, AV/AVL systems, and call center integration, targeting essential services like 000 and public assistance lines.

Q: What qualifications are necessary for the delivery director position?

A: Candidates are required to have experience in managing large-scale, intricate IT programs within government or critical infrastructure sectors.

Q: What additional initiatives are included in the broader funding allocation?

A: The allocation involves $45.2 million for payroll platform upgrades and $24.6 million for bolstering cyber safety capabilities.

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Puts TeamViewer Tensor to the Ultimate Test with Its Simulator

Nicholas Webb on July 14, 2025

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team utilizes TeamViewer Tensor for their driver simulator.
This simulator is essential for both race preparation and immediate problem resolution during race weekends.
TeamViewer Tensor supports the remote management of testing tools and provides real-time data access.
The challenges of global connectivity are addressed by TeamViewer’s sophisticated features.
TeamViewer’s partnership with Mercedes fosters ongoing product enhancements.

Technological Advantage of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team

In the intense arena of Formula One, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team relentlessly explores technological advancements to secure a competitive advantage. Central to this initiative is their significant employment of TeamViewer Tensor within their driver simulator. This collaboration, rooted in reliability and efficacy, is vital for both pre-race strategies and real-time modifications during race weekends.

Simulator: A Core Element of Pre-Race Preparation

The simulator serves not merely as a tool but as a vital element for drivers such as rookie Kimi Antonelli and experienced George Russell. It enables them to acclimate to new circuits, assess various car configurations, and relay feedback to engineers. By imitating real-life conditions like tyre degradation and weather variations, the team can devise optimal strategies ahead of track time.

Immediate Problem Solving During Race Weekends

Throughout race weekends, the simulator proves to be indispensable. It permits the team to undertake real-time modifications, adjust car settings, and inform strategic choices. This functionality guarantees a steady flow of information and operational insights, crucial for sustaining competitive performance throughout the racing season.

Facilitating Global Connectivity and Efficiency

With competitions spanning 21 nations, sustaining connectivity poses a considerable challenge. TeamViewer Tensor delivers solutions through its high data rate and customizable color settings, ensuring efficient operations despite differing network infrastructures. This technology empowers the team to remotely oversee their systems, promoting uninterrupted collaboration and problem resolution.

Ongoing Enhancement Through Partnership

The alliance between Mercedes and TeamViewer is dynamic. The team regularly collaborates with TeamViewer’s developers to expand the possibilities, ensuring the technology adapts to their stringent requirements. This partnership has resulted in improvements that keep the team leading in racing innovation.

Conclusion

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team’s implementation of TeamViewer Tensor exemplifies the significance of advanced technology in contemporary Formula One racing. From pre-race preparations to solutions for global connectivity, this partnership underscores the essential role of technology in preserving a competitive edge.

Questions & Answers

Q: What makes the simulator crucial for the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team?

A:

The simulator is vital for pre-race preparations, allowing drivers and engineers to evaluate various setups and strategies. It also plays a significant role in resolving problems in real-time during race weekends.

Q: In what way does TeamViewer Tensor improve the team’s operations?

A:

TeamViewer Tensor facilitates remote management of testing equipment and guarantees real-time access to critical data, enabling smooth operations across various sites.

Q: What connectivity obstacles does the team encounter globally?

A:

Competing in 21 countries brings about challenges with network infrastructure. TeamViewer Tensor’s advanced capabilities assist in overcoming these difficulties, ensuring constant connectivity and performance.

Q: How does the partnership between Mercedes and TeamViewer benefit the team?

A:

This collaboration leads to a continuous stream of product enhancements, ensuring that the technology evolves to satisfy the team’s specific and rigorous demands, thereby maintaining their competitive advantage.

Nothing Ear (Stick) – Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Review

Matthew Miller on July 14, 2025

Nothing Ear (Stick) – Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Long-Lasting Battery, Ergonomic Design and Feather-Light

Victoria Police Utilizes AI to Revolutionize Community Crime Reports

David Leane on July 14, 2025

Victoria Police Adopts AI to Improve Crime Reporting

Victoria Police employs AI to enhance the efficiency of non-urgent crime reporting.
AI creates summaries in a style that is recognizable to frontline personnel.
Overhauled online tools are designed to decrease form abandonment rates.
Upcoming enhancements may feature chatbots for improved user engagement.
AI application saves numerous hours of labor each year.

Victoria Police implements AI to improve community crime reporting

(L-R) Naomi Wilson (Salesforce) and Inspector Matt Henderson (Vic Police).

AI Utilization in Crime Reporting Platforms

Victoria Police has made a notable advancement by incorporating generative AI into its non-urgent crime reporting mechanisms. This innovation reshapes how information is summarized, aligning with the conventions that frontline officers are used to.

The Contribution of AI in Optimizing Processes

Launched in 2018, the police assistance line (PAL) and online reporting (OLR) systems were established to ease the burden on 000 Vic and police stations by managing nearly 800,000 non-urgent reports each year. Currently, around 150,000 reports are processed through these avenues, with an impressive 80% handled by an outsourced contact center managed by Serco.

Enhancing User Experience and Minimizing Abandonment

The initial online platform, once state-of-the-art, was primarily tailored to police requirements. Nonetheless, it encountered difficulties, including a significant abandonment rate, with just 10% of visits leading to completed forms. To remedy this, Victoria Police, in partnership with DXC and Serco, refreshed the platform by clarifying legal language and integrating features such as a progress bar to motivate users to finalize their reports.

Future Objectives and Improvements

Victoria Police plans to transition more crime reporting online, lessening dependence on telephone channels. Planned upgrades may feature a conversational chatbot to aid users, possibly offering multilingual support and minimizing report abandonment. This proactive strategy is part of a wider initiative to streamline staffing resources and enhance community interaction.

Conclusion

Victoria Police’s incorporation of AI into crime reporting systems not only boosts efficiency but also greatly elevates user experience. Through minimizing labor hours and optimizing processes, this initiative represents a significant leap in law enforcement technology. Anticipated enhancements, including chatbots, are set to further refine the system, making it more accessible and user-centric.

Q: What function does AI serve in Victoria Police’s crime reporting system?

A:

AI is utilized to produce summaries of non-urgent crime reports in a format that frontline personnel are familiar with, streamlining the process and conserving labor hours.

Q: In what ways has the online reporting tool been improved?

A:

The tool has been updated by eliminating complex legal language, adding a progress bar, and enabling users to save and return to their reports, thus reducing abandonment rates.

Q: What are the anticipated developments for the crime reporting tool?

A:

Future enhancements may consist of a conversational chatbot to assist users, cater to multiple languages, and help avoid report abandonment.

Q: How significant are the labor savings resulting from AI implementation?

A:

Implementing AI saves around 8000 hours of labor each year by decreasing the time necessary to handle each crime report.

Q: How is the current distribution of reporting channels organized?

A:

At present, 80% of non-urgent crime reports are received via telephone, with 20% submitted online. The aim is to boost online reporting.

Q: What obstacles did the earlier online platform encounter?

A:

The earlier platform suffered from a high abandonment rate and was heavily focused on police needs, which dissuaded users from completing their reports.

Lives in Danger as Australia’s Transportation Department Postpones FSD Implementation

Vanessa May on July 14, 2025

Tesla FSD Rollout Stalled by Australian Bureaucracy

Summary

The rollout of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) in Australia is hindered by bureaucratic processes.
Postponements in the FSD launch are said to be affecting road safety in light of increasing fatalities.
Tesla’s FSD is functioning in multiple nations with established safety records.
The Department of Transport has raised concerns regarding driver inattention during FSD operation.
Australian road fatalities have hit a 15-year peak, underscoring the urgency for innovative safety measures.

Tesla’s FSD Rollout Stalled

A recent freedom of information request has uncovered substantial delays in the implementation of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology in Australia, due to bureaucratic obstacles. Reports indicate that the Department of Transport and Main Roads in Queensland is delaying approval over concerns regarding driver inattention and legal liability, even though global statistics suggest that Tesla’s FSD is safer than traditional driving.

Tesla's FSD Rollout Stalled by Australian Bureaucracy

Evaluating Bureaucratic Concerns

The Department of Transport has voiced worries regarding the likelihood of drivers becoming overly dependent on the FSD technology. They stressed the importance of drivers staying vigilant and accountable for any incidents while utilizing the system. This position has contributed to the postponement in the rollout of a system that has the potential to lower road accidents.

Global Success of Tesla’s FSD

Tesla’s FSD technology has seen successful implementation across numerous countries, including the United States, Canada, and China. Its comprehensive safety features, like driver monitoring through interior cameras, have shown a decline in accidents. The procrastination in Australia contrasts sharply with these successful global implementations.

Consequences for Road Safety in Australia

With traffic fatalities in Australia having surged to a 15-year high, the hesitation to adopt Tesla’s FSD technology is perceived as a lost chance to improve road safety. The system’s capability to avert accidents through advanced technological means could play a crucial role in decreasing fatalities on Australian roadways.

Conclusion

The holdup in Tesla’s FSD rollout in Australia, driven by bureaucratic apprehensions, is raising safety concerns as the country faces increasing road deaths. While the Department of Transport cites driver complacency as a potential hazard, international evidence supports the safety advantages of Tesla’s technology. Urgent regulatory alignment and action are vital to harnessing innovative solutions for enhancing road safety.

Q&A

Q: What does Tesla’s FSD system entail?

A: Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system is a sophisticated driver-assistance system designed to handle driving tasks such as navigation, lane changes, and traffic signal management.

Q: What is causing the delay of FSD deployment by the Australian Transport Department?

A: The delay results from worries about driver inattention and legal liability, as the department aims to ensure drivers stay alert and accountable when using the system.

Q: How has Tesla’s FSD been received internationally?

A: Tesla’s FSD has shown safety enhancements in nations like the US, Canada, and China, where it has been successfully implemented with fewer reported accidents.

Q: What advantages could deploying FSD in Australia provide?

A: Launching FSD in Australia could markedly boost road safety by lowering the number of accidents, given that the technology offers advanced driving assistance and monitoring capabilities.

Motorola Moto Buds+ Stone Review

Matthew Miller on July 14, 2025

Motorola Moto Buds+ Stone, Sound by Bose, Buds Plus, Wireless Headphones, Active Noise Cancellation, Dolby Head Tracking™ Compatible, Dolby Atmos, Water-Repellent Design, Triple Microphones

Microsoft Secures More than AU$770 Million in AI Savings

Matthew Miller on July 14, 2025

Microsoft’s AI Investment Strategy

Brief Overview

Microsoft has saved more than AU$770 million through AI in its call centres.
AI technologies enhance productivity across multiple sectors including sales and software development.
The company is conducting strategic layoffs to reduce expenses while investing in AI infrastructure.
35% of new product coding is generated by AI, accelerating time to market.
Microsoft intends to allocate US$80 billion towards expanding data centres for AI services.

Significant Savings via AI in Call Centres

Microsoft has realized remarkable cost efficiencies, surpassing AU$770 million, by employing artificial intelligence (AI) within its call centre services. By harnessing AI, the technology powerhouse has optimized processes and elevated efficiency, greatly reducing operational costs.

Microsoft achieves over AU$770 million in AI-related savings

Targeted Workforce Modifications

In an effort to efficiently manage expenses in light of hefty AI investments, Microsoft has recently revealed plans to reduce its workforce, impacting around 4% of its personnel. In May, roughly 6,000 employees were let go as part of these tactical moves.

Enhancing Productivity with AI

AI solutions are proving essential throughout Microsoft’s various departments, boosting productivity in areas such as sales, customer service, and software development. By automating engagements with smaller customers, these tools have begun yielding significant revenue for the organization.

Speeding Up Product Development

AI is also vital in product engineering, with 35% of new product coding being generated by AI. This implementation has notably cut down launch times, providing a competitive advantage in the rapid-moving tech sector.

Commitment to AI Infrastructure

Microsoft has set aside an astonishing US$80 billion for capital expenditures this fiscal year, primarily aimed at expanding data centres. This investment seeks to resolve capacity limitations and cater to the rising demand for AI services.

Conclusion

Microsoft’s strategic adoption of AI has led to considerable cost reductions while also increasing productivity and speeding up product development. As the company undertakes workforce modifications, it continues to heavily invest in AI infrastructure, solidifying its standing as a frontrunner in the tech landscape.