Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
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Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed – True Wireless Gaming Earbuds Chroma RGB (HyperSpeed Wireless, Active Noice Cancellation, Chroma RGB, Bluetooth 5.3) Black
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Starting his journey as the chief technology officer of Digital Victoria in 2022, Luke Halliday has officially announced his resignation. Entrusted with the modernization of government services and guiding IT transformation, Halliday’s efforts have been crucial in reshaping the digital framework of Victoria.
In 2023, with the formation of the Department of Government Services (DGS), Halliday’s responsibilities expanded. This newly created department took over many of Digital Victoria’s responsibilities, with Halliday playing a crucial role in building its IT infrastructure. His contributions included team integrations from Service Victoria and developing the state’s ICT strategy.
As the search for Halliday’s replacement proceeds, Dovid Clarke, Victoria’s whole-of-government chief information security officer, will temporarily occupy the CTO role. This leadership transition represents a significant moment for the DGS as it continues to build on Halliday’s foundational work.
Having transitioned to the private sector, Halliday leaves behind a legacy of creativity and unification. Reflecting on his time, he stated on LinkedIn, “This has been one of the most fulfilling segments of my career for what we achieved and learned. Government work is frequently misjudged. It’s not simple, nor purposely drawn out. It’s immensely intricate. Nonetheless, within departments, I observed individuals dedicating themselves daily to improving outcomes.”
Luke Halliday’s exit signifies the conclusion of a transformative phase in Victoria’s technology governance. His leadership in modernizing and integrating digital services has set a new benchmark for the state’s ICT strategy, and his transition to the private sector underscores the evolving landscape of technology leadership.
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Jabra Evolve2 Buds – True Wireless Earbuds – Active Noise Cancelling Teams Cert – MultiSensor Voice for Crystal Clear Calls – USB C Stability Booster – Headphones with Mic IP57 Rating 8hr Battery Life
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Tesla has officially rolled out its long-awaited fully autonomous Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. This launch represents a major achievement for the Tesla AI team, which has been developing this technology for ten years. Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, took to social media to convey his congratulations to both the software and hardware teams for this milestone.
Initial users of the Robotaxi have shared their feedback online, emphasizing the smooth app interface and distinctive rider experiences. A user named Zack posted a video demonstrating the app’s tipping feature, playfully showcasing a Cyber-themed Hedgehog instead of a typical tip-processing unit, reflecting Tesla’s commitment to enhancing user experience.
The starting service area for Tesla’s Robotaxi is somewhat restricted, encompassing about half of what Waymo services in Austin. Nevertheless, Tesla is anticipated to quickly expand this coverage as the service gains momentum and collects additional data.
The newly launched Robotaxi mobile app is accessible for early access passengers, offering an intuitive interface for ride bookings. Tesla has implemented a discreet branding strategy for the Robotaxis, featuring the logo in a subtle manner, as all bookings occur via the app.
Within the Early Access Program, rides are charged at a standard rate of $4.20, although the final pricing structure, which may take into account factors like distance and duration, has not yet been announced. This pricing approach positions Tesla favorably in the autonomous ride-hailing sector.
The launch of Tesla’s fully autonomous Robotaxi marks a revolutionary advancement in the transportation sector. By harnessing cutting-edge AI and a user-centric mobile app, Tesla aims to transform urban mobility. With intentions to broaden service areas and fine-tune pricing models, Tesla is focused on making autonomous transportation available to a larger population.
Tesla’s Robotaxi deploys sophisticated in-house developed AI along with a specially designed chip, resulting in a completely autonomous experience that eliminates the need for a driver.
Passengers can arrange for a Tesla Robotaxi through the dedicated Robotaxi mobile app, which provides an accessible interface for booking and managing rides.
The initial service coverage is currently confined to a section of Austin, Texas, but further expansion is anticipated as Tesla gathers more data and enhances its service offerings.
During the Early Access Program, rides incur a standard fee of $4.20, though the ultimate pricing model has yet to be finalized.
Indeed, the Tesla Robotaxi includes a rear-screen welcome for riders, and the app features a whimsical tipping option with a Cyber-themed Hedgehog graphic for user interaction.
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Services Australia is preparing to relaunch its M365 SharePoint-based intranet in mid-July, with the goal of reinstating it as the central point for operational information within the agency. The redesign aims to tackle challenges of fragmented access to internal information and redundancy, positioning the intranet as the “principal source of truth” for staff.
Jillian Harding, Director of executive communication and events, noted at the SharePoint Intranet Festival that internal research indicated the intranet competes with platforms like Viva Engage. The agency faces a systemic issue of information overload and redundancy, which the redesign aims to alleviate.
The redesign prioritises the personalisation of the intranet experience and the targeting of content to distinct user groups. Harding expressed optimism that these changes will lessen the necessity for localised information management across the agency, enabling business units to publish and target content more efficiently.
Michael Papacharalambous, assistant director of the intranet project, stressed the careful and iterative process undertaken during the redesign. Feedback from alpha testing was varied yet invaluable, underscoring the importance of customisation to cater to the specific needs of the agency’s 20,000 service delivery personnel.
The beta stage is scheduled for June, involving a larger user group to trial the new functionalities. Although a mid-July launch is the target, timing may be adjusted due to the end-of-financial-year workload. Anticipated future improvements may include Microsoft Copilot integration and long-term technical advances from Microsoft, such as an enhanced calendar app and dark mode for greater accessibility.
The intranet overhaul by Services Australia aims to centralise operational information, minimise overload, and boost personalisation for various user groups. Through addressing feedback and implementing necessary customisations, the agency seeks to significantly enhance the user experience.
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Skullcandy Mod True Wireless in-Ear Headphones – True Black
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The Queensland government has revealed that Adam Smith will serve as its interim Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Smith takes over after the retirement of Rob Champion, who held the position for seven years. A representative from the Department of Customer Services, Open Data, and Small and Family Business confirmed the news to TechBest.
Rob Champion leaves behind a prominent legacy, having played a key role in developing a solid cyber security framework for Queensland. In his parting message on LinkedIn, Champion appreciated the chance to serve and recognized the combined efforts of his team and partners. He noted that Queensland is well-prepared to confront ongoing cyber security issues.
Champion’s journey with the Queensland government began in 1991, during which he occupied various crucial roles across sectors. He notably held the position of executive director of the cyber security unit for over four years and worked on whole-of-government digital projects at CITEC. His talent also took him to the UK, where he collaborated with Harvey Nichols, a high-end department store.
Thanks to Champion’s strategic foresight and leadership, Queensland is ready to effectively navigate the changing cyber security environment. With Adam Smith assuming the interim CISO position, the state is focused on continuing to enhance its cyber defenses and collaboration among security stakeholders.
The transition in leadership within Queensland’s cyber security division signifies a new beginning, with Adam Smith stepping into the interim CISO position. Rob Champion’s departure marks the end of an important chapter filled with considerable contributions to the state’s cyber preparedness. Queensland is dedicated to improving its initiatives to combat cyber threats under Smith’s interim guidance.
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Lexibook HPBT05D Disney Stitch Wireless Stereo Earbuds, High Sound Quality, Built-in Microphone, Touch Control, Charging Box, Volume Limited to 85dB, Blue, One Size
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Today signifies a pivotal moment for Tesla as it officially rolls out its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. This landmark occasion provides the public with the opportunity to ride in Tesla’s self-driving vehicles on public streets.
A handpicked group of individuals has received Early Access to the service. This group consists of 15 individuals, many of whom participated in the early stages of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta. These early users are expected to contribute invaluable feedback as the service progresses.
Early users are not just paying for their Robotaxi rides but are also responsible for their travel costs to Austin. This investment highlights the excitement surrounding Tesla’s launch.
Tesla has contacted invitees to gather their cloud profile preferences, ensuring a customised experience. Preferences regarding climate control and music choices will eventually sync with the Robotaxi rides.
Presently, Tesla is employing a dedicated Robotaxi App for the service. Nonetheless, there are plans to merge this with the current Tesla app, creating a unified experience for all users in the Tesla ecosystem.
For the initial phase, the Robotaxi service functions within a designated geofenced area in Austin. This controlled setting will aid Tesla in managing the fleet and ensuring a smooth introduction before broader expansion.
The service operates from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM, every day of the week. Tesla indicates that these hours could be adjusted, particularly during severe weather conditions.
A Tesla employee will be seated in the front passenger position during initial rides to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. This initiative will also manage vehicle charging needs until the arrival of Tesla’s Cybercab wireless charging.
Riders are encouraged to document and share their Robotaxi experiences, contributing to the clarity and enthusiasm surrounding the service’s launch.
This launch is merely the start of Tesla’s ambitious vision for its Robotaxi network. With successful operations, Tesla seeks to extend the service throughout the US by the end of 2025, with global expansions expected in 2026.
The launch of Tesla’s Robotaxi service in Austin signifies a new chapter in autonomous driving. With an emphasis on safety, rider feedback, and gradual expansion, Tesla is positioned to transform urban transportation.
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Microsoft is set to carry out a considerable workforce reorganization, cutting down thousands of jobs chiefly within its sales division. This strategy is a component of its larger framework to escalate investments in artificial intelligence (AI). The tech titan, with a workforce tally of 228,000 as of June the previous year, intends to bolster its competitive position by more thoroughly embedding AI within its operations and services.
As sectors globally increasingly weave AI into their offerings, Microsoft is reaffirming its commitment to AI investments. With a proposed capital expenditure of US$80 billion ($123 billion) for the ongoing fiscal year, most of these resources will concentrate on the growth of data centres. This development is crucial for alleviating capacity constraints, enabling Microsoft to fulfill the rising demand for AI offerings.
Although the downsizing primarily targets the sales department, the repercussions are likely to extend to additional divisions as well. The timing of these job cuts coincides with the end of Microsoft’s fiscal year, although the precise timing remains adaptable.
Microsoft’s strategic transition reflects a larger trend within the industry. Recently, Amazon’s CEO Andy Jassy emphasized that the application of generative AI and automated agents could result in a decrease in its corporate workforce in the coming years. This highlights a significant shift towards AI-enhanced efficiencies throughout the technology sector.
In an effort to solidify its role as a frontrunner in AI, Microsoft is reorganizing its workforce, with substantial job cuts within the sales division. This initiative aligns with considerable investments in AI and expansions of data centres, mirroring a broader trend in the industry toward AI integration.
