Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
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HUAWEI FreeArc Open-Ear Earbuds, Secure Fit and Comfort, IP57 Water Resistance, Dynamic Bass, 28 Hours Playtime, Sports Earphones, Headset for Running Workout Driving, iOS & Android, Bluetooth, Black
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The latest findings from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reveal a notable uptick in indirect carbon emissions among prominent AI-focused technology firms. Between 2020 and 2023, corporations like Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta noted an average growth of 150% in their indirect emissions, attributed to their significant utilization of energy-intensive data centres. Indirect emissions refer to those produced from purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling utilized by these firms.
Amazon showed the most pronounced rise in operational carbon emissions, witnessing an increase of 182% in 2023 compared to three years prior. Microsoft followed with a 155% increase, Meta at 145%, and Alphabet at 138%. Despite these statistics, firms are taking action to lessen their environmental footprint. Amazon is investing in fresh carbon-neutral energy initiatives, including nuclear and renewable energy, to run its operations in a more sustainable manner.
Microsoft has also made progress in boosting its energy efficiency, doubling the rate of its power savings last year. The company is moving towards chip-level liquid cooling systems to replace outdated cooling technologies, aiming to diminish energy usage in its data centres.
The ITU report cautions about the rising power demand driven by advancements in AI, with data centres’ energy consumption climbing four times faster than the total increase in electricity usage. This escalation stresses the current energy framework and underscores the need for sustainable energy alternatives.
Although many tech companies have established bold emissions goals, the report indicates that these aspirations have not yet resulted in significant reductions in emissions. As investments in AI grow, emissions from leading AI operations could escalate to as high as 102.6 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, highlighting the urgent need for more efficient sustainability strategies.
The swift advancement of AI technologies is leading to a considerable rise in indirect emissions among significant technology companies. As these firms broaden their operations, energy demands for data centres are increasing significantly. Despite ongoing initiatives to adopt sustainable practices, making meaningful cuts in carbon emissions continues to pose a challenge.
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Lion has introduced an advanced computer vision solution called ‘Lion Pub Crawl’ to improve the productivity and precision of its sales processes in bars. The application, created using SAP’s low-code/no-code Business Technology Platform (BTP) and AWS Rekognition, automates the tracking of the number of taps serving Lion’s beers at different locations, ensuring adherence to contract specifications.
The app tackles the issue faced by Lion’s sales team, who used to manually track and log beer tap information, a task that was subject to mistakes and inefficiencies. By automating this process, the app not only accelerates data capture but also lowers the chances of inaccuracies, thus improving operational precision.
Furthermore, the Lion Pub Crawl app aids in identifying “favourite venues” for hosting company events. This feature supports internal operations by ensuring that Lion staff can easily find and secure venues that match company preferences, streamlining logistical aspects.
The creation of this app showcases the potential of integrating various technologies to produce innovative outcomes. The initiative began during an SAP BTP hackathon and received a Kirin global innovation award. The partnership between SAP’s ecosystem and AWS Rekognition greatly expedited the development timeline.
Lion’s aspirations extend beyond internal efficiencies; the app is set to elevate consumer interaction by guiding patrons to venues that feature their preferred Lion beers. This approach is anticipated to increase foot traffic and encourage consumers to discover a wider variety of Lion’s beer selections.
Lion’s latest app, ‘Lion Pub Crawl’, signifies a major leap forward in how the company oversees its pub operations and engages its clientele. By harnessing state-of-the-art technology, Lion not only refines its internal operations but also strengthens its market presence and customer relations.
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Telstra has broadened its satellite messaging services to encompass iPhones, enabling users in some of Australia’s most isolated regions to send and receive text messages through satellite technology. Initially launched with the Samsung S25, this service, backed by Starlink, is now also compatible with iPhone models 13 to 16.
Telstra isn’t halting its efforts with just iPhones and Samsung devices. The company is actively pursuing the rollout of this functionality to Google Pixel phones and other popular devices in Australia. This initiative reflects Telstra’s enduring commitment to improving connectivity in rural and remote areas.
When your compatible device is beyond the reach of Telstra’s mobile network, it will automatically try to connect to a satellite. Users must be outdoors with an unobstructed view of the sky, where a satellite icon will appear on their device to indicate connection via Starlink. The service is available across mainland Australia and Tasmania, with certain exceptions in designated areas, such as the Australian Radio Quiet Zone in Western Australia and off-shore remote regions.
To use this service, customers are required to have a Telstra Upfront Mobile plan. While this might seem complex, most current Telstra plans fit within this group, covering individual and small-business plans. However, medium, large, and governmental organizations might face additional charges. Notably, only post-paid plans are currently supported, leaving pre-paid users without service access.
Telstra’s introduction of satellite messaging for iPhones marks a meaningful advancement in enhancing communication in Australia’s remote areas. With intentions to expand the service to additional devices, Telstra is well-positioned to improve connectivity where it’s most crucial. Although specific plans and conditions are necessary, this service presents a hopeful remedy for those in zones with inadequate mobile network coverage.
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Azure Landing Zones act as the organized base for cloud ecosystems, similar to the vital infrastructure of a newly constructed house. They guarantee that fundamental components like standards and compliance are uniformly upheld, enabling teams to customize as necessary while ensuring operational effectiveness.
Early cloud adoption often emphasizes rapidity, but without adequate governance, it can result in elevated risks and operational inefficiencies. Azure Landing Zones tackle these issues by providing a reliable platform model that aligns with business goals.
By adopting a structured Landing Zone strategy, organizations can realize a quicker market entry, improved cost management, and heightened security posture. These zones also enable scalability and adaptability, permitting businesses to broaden their cloud capabilities without starting anew.
The total cost of a poorly structured cloud environment can be substantial. Azure Landing Zones offer the framework for scalable and sustainable cloud operations, minimizing friction and allowing teams to prioritize innovation.
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach for developing Landing Zones, the process generally includes initial planning, employing reference architectures, deploying infrastructure as code, and aligning operations. Organizations can either build in-house or utilize pre-designed solutions and expert collaborations.
Azure Landing Zones are vital for attaining cloud success by ensuring uniform governance, security, and scalability. They allow organizations to align their cloud strategies with broader business objectives, simplifying complexity and supporting sustainable growth.
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Tesla has revealed a remarkable accomplishment in its production timeline, reaching the milestone of 8 million vehicles. This achievement was realized at the Gigafactory located in Berlin, Germany, showcasing the company’s swift manufacturing ability.
Since the launch of its first Roadster in 2008, Tesla has experienced significant growth. The road to 8 million vehicles included several important milestones:
The increase in production is clear as Tesla has shortened the duration between each million vehicles manufactured. Notably, the interval from 5 million to 8 million vehicles was achieved in under two years. This fast pace is expected to persist as Tesla broadens its range of products, including the potential launch of the Cybercab and advanced Full Self-Driving (FSD) technologies.
Tesla’s global presence is strengthened by its Gigafactories, each playing a vital role in its production abilities:
The overall installed production capacity currently reaches 2,350,000 vehicles. Tesla is targeting to sell between 1.8 and 2 million vehicles this year.
Tesla’s milestone of producing 8 million vehicles signifies a substantial achievement in its history, demonstrating its rapid development and the effectiveness of its global Gigafactories. With forthcoming innovations on the horizon, Tesla is poised to maintain its path of production growth.
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Pieter van der Merwe, the chief security officer of Woolworths, is preparing to join Optus later this year, coinciding with a significant transformation in the telecom firm’s security strategy. This was revealed by Optus CEO Stephen Rue, underscoring a strategic reorientation in the company’s security management.
The recruitment of Pieter van der Merwe is regarded as critical for Optus. Rue noted that van der Merwe’s vast experience in steering security initiatives for large-scale operations, serving millions of customers, is highly valuable. His proficiency in privacy, data security, compliance, and governance aligns seamlessly with the strategic directives and consumer advocacy objectives of Optus.
Before his tenure at Woolworths, van der Merwe was the chief information security officer at the retailer, solidifying his expertise in the domain.
Optus is revamping its security framework by combining information and physical security under a single executive. In the past, these responsibilities were managed by Ben Davies, who led national and cyber security, reporting through CIO Mark Potter. The restructuring will now have these functions report directly to CEO Stephen Rue, creating a more efficient security management system.
With this transition, Ben Davies will be transitioning to a different role within Optus, allowing for van der Merwe’s stewardship. This change is anticipated to elevate the company’s commitment to security, ensuring that both information and physical security are overseen in an integrated manner.
In conclusion, Pieter van der Merwe’s transfer from Woolworths to Optus marks a significant change in Optus’ security management. By merging security functions and having them report directly to the CEO, Optus seeks to enhance its security framework and align more closely with its strategic goals. This transformation reflects the telco’s dedication to improving customer trust and confidence through strong security protocols.
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In a remarkable shift for Tesla within the Australian market, the introduction of the updated Model Y has driven sales to extraordinary levels. In spite of earlier reports that hinted at a drop in Tesla’s performance, the calculated halt in deliveries to enhance production capabilities has proven beneficial. The Gigafactory in Shanghai, which caters to the Asia-Pacific market, has recommenced shipments, resulting in a sales explosion.
With 3,580 units sold, the Model Y has solidified its position as Tesla’s top-selling model in Australia, representing nearly 87% of the brand’s overall sales for May. This achievement reflects a remarkable 122.5% rise compared to May 2024. The allure of the refreshed Model Y, designated as ‘Juniper’, has tapped into a backlog of demand, with numerous customers eagerly anticipating its launch since the order process opened in January.
The success of the Model Y led it to become the fourth best-selling vehicle in Australia for May, highlighting its strong competition within the SUV category. Overall, Tesla’s total sales in Australia for the year thus far reached 10,391 vehicles, though this is a decline from the 19,026 vehicles sold during the same timeframe in 2024. This dip is primarily due to the five-month halt in Model Y deliveries.
Australia’s wider electric vehicle market is also experiencing an uptick, as the total sales of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in May matched Tesla’s numbers. In the same vein, Polestar, another electric vehicle manufacturer, reported sales of 243 vehicles, demonstrating a 66.44% increase from May 2024. This trend indicates a rising acceptance and enthusiasm for electric vehicles among Australian consumers.
Tesla has introduced a promotion that allows the transfer of Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) features to new vehicles contracted before the close of the financial year. This initiative could incentivize current owners to consider upgrades. With FSD priced at A$10,100 and EAP at A$5,000, the transfer option alleviates the financial strain for owners looking to upgrade.
Tesla’s refreshed Model Y has rejuvenated the company’s sales in Australia, emerging as a leading player in the SUV market. The successful launch of Model Y in May and Tesla’s offer for FSD and EAP transfers emphasize the brand’s strategic efforts to sustain its leadership in the challenging electric vehicle arena. The Australian electric vehicle market shows encouraging growth, with both Tesla and Polestar experiencing increased sales.
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Total Logistics Solutions (TLS), a leading transport and logistics company in Australia, has successfully integrated the Scania 25 P electric truck into its fleet. This development represents a major milestone in the company’s pursuit of sustainable logistics across its operations in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia.
The Scania 25 P, featuring a 10-pallet capacity, is tailored for urban and regional transport. Powered by a 300kWh battery, it offers a range of approximately 250 km, though actual performance may vary depending on configuration and improvements in battery technology.
The vehicle can be charged using a CCS Type 2 DC fast charger at speeds up to 130 kW, providing compatibility with Australia’s growing charging station network. It performs robustly with an output of around 230 kW (310 hp), reaching a peak output of 295 kW and delivering a torque of 2200 Nm.
Safety is a top priority in the Scania 25 P, which includes Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and side curtain airbags for rollover protection. Furthermore, the truck is connected to Scania’s digital services, which include fleet management and over-the-air software updates to potentially boost operational efficiency and driver assistance.
TLS CEO Jason McHenry expressed enthusiasm regarding the addition of the Scania BEV to their fleet, which complements the existing Euro 6 Scania V8 trucks that have successfully decreased fuel consumption and emissions by roughly 10%. The vibrant livery on the truck, showcasing the TLS Electric Vehicle logo and the tagline ‘A Greener Tomorrow’, highlights the company’s commitment to a sustainable future.
The launch of the Scania 25 P electric truck signifies an important development for Total Logistics Solutions, reinforcing its dedication to minimizing carbon emissions and adopting innovative technologies. This progress is in line with the increasing movement towards sustainable transport solutions in Australia.
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In the fast-changing threat environment of today, companies in Australia are facing difficulties with disjointed information security approaches. The vast array of tools and a critical shortage of skilled workers make it increasingly challenging for organizations to create an effective extended detection and response (XDR) platform.
Numerous organizations in Australia have poured resources into multiple isolated solutions covering endpoints, cloud, network, and identity, resulting in data silos and restricted visibility throughout their environments. This disunity causes alert fatigue, as security teams manage a multitude of alerts without sufficient context to distinguish genuine threats from irrelevant noise.
The Logicalis 2025 CIO Report reveals that a considerable number of CIOs across the Asia-Pacific region find it hard to locate and retain the suitable talent required to operate modern security technologies. Even with the appropriate platform, the absence of skilled personnel can result in XDR falling short of expectations. The report additionally highlights that 60% of CIOs perceive a disconnect between security initiatives and business results.
Lisa Fortey, the Country General Manager for Logicalis in Australia, stresses the necessity for an integrated XDR solution. Logicalis has crafted its Managed XDR (MXDR) solution to effectively address these issues. By utilizing industry-leading tools such as Microsoft Sentinel and Defender, Logicalis offers a highly integrated and automated platform.
Logicalis’ MXDR solution alleviates alert fatigue through smart correlation and contextual enhancement. Skilled analysts and threat hunters in their global 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC) concentrate on critical threats, delivering clear business reporting that translates technical data into risk-based insights for CIOs.
The intricacy of integrating various security tools, the lack of qualified professionals, and the necessity to align security strategies with business outcomes present major hurdles for organizations. A managed XDR solution, such as the one offered by Logicalis, can help mitigate these challenges and tackle the issues businesses encounter today.
