Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
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ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless Moonlight White Gaming Earphones – Low-Latency, Hybrid ANC, Bluetooth, Fast Charging, Up To 27 Hours Battery, IPX4 Water Resistance, Wireless Charging Case
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The D-Link DWR-933M 4G+ LTE Cat6 Wi-Fi 6 Mobile Hotspot has officially made its debut in Australia, ensuring uninterrupted internet access whether you’re on a road trip, working remotely, or in need of a dependable backup. Compact, lightweight, and loaded with cutting-edge features, this device is crafted to keep Australians connected wherever they go.
At its essence, the DWR-933M is powered by LTE Cat6 technology, enabling download speeds of up to 300Mbps. This translates to quicker access to data, enhanced streaming, and faster file downloads, even when you’re away from conventional broadband options.
Utilizing the state-of-the-art Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard, this mobile hotspot provides speeds of up to 600Mbps across dual-band frequencies (2.4GHz and 5GHz). Wi-Fi 6 is recognized for its increased capacity, reduced latency, and better energy efficiency, making it perfect for environments with multiple devices like family vacations or corporate meetings.
Despite its small size, the DWR-933M excels by accommodating up to 64 wireless connections simultaneously. Whether you’re juggling many smart devices or sharing with colleagues, it can handle heavy usage without issue.
The integrated 3000mAh lithium-ion battery allows for up to 12 hours of typical use, guaranteeing a full day of connectivity on one charge. Whether you’re at an airport or working from a café, this device ensures you stay online without searching for an outlet.
The era of micro-USB mess is over. The DWR-933M is equipped with a USB-C port, allowing for quicker and more convenient charging through modern cables and power banks.
Setting up the hotspot is straightforward. Just insert a Nano SIM card—no adapter is necessary—and configure the device using the free D-Link Mobile Connect App on Android and iOS, or through any web browser. Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is available for quick pairing with compatible devices.
A 1.77-inch TFT display provides users with real-time information about connection status, battery life, signal quality, and other crucial details at a glance.
With WPA2 encryption, the DWR-933M guarantees the protection of your data while connected to public or unsecured networks. This is vital for digital nomads, business travellers, and families.
The D-Link DWR-933M can now be found across Australia and New Zealand for A$99.95. Purchase it directly from dlink.com.au.
The D-Link DWR-933M 4G+ LTE Cat6 Wi-Fi 6 Mobile Hotspot combines portability, speed, and security into a compact device. Tailored for Australians on the move, it’s the perfect companion for travellers, remote workers, and anyone requiring a dependable internet connection beyond fixed networks. With the ability to support up to 64 devices, rapid 4G+ speeds, and cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6 technology, it offers incredible value for under $100.
The DWR-933M is distinctive due to its support for Wi-Fi 6, which delivers faster speeds and enhanced performance in high-device scenarios. It also supports 4G+ LTE Cat6 for fast downloads, features a USB-C port, and can connect as many as 64 devices at once.
Yes, any Nano SIM card with an active data plan from your chosen carrier can be inserted. It generally supports most Australian mobile networks like Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone.
The integrated 3000mAh battery can last up to 12 hours under standard usage conditions. Battery longevity might differ based on the number of connected devices and the quality of the signal.
No, it is designed to be user-friendly. You can either utilize the D-Link Mobile Connect App for iOS and Android or configure it via a web browser. It also allows one-touch WPS for swift pairing.
With LTE Cat6, you can achieve download speeds of up to 300Mbps and Wi-Fi speeds reaching 600Mbps under optimal conditions. Actual speeds will vary based on your mobile carrier, location, and network traffic.
While it is not intended to completely replace a fixed broadband service, it offers a robust temporary or backup option. It’s particularly beneficial for mobile workers, travel, or in residences with limited broadband availability.
This device is currently available for A$99.95 and can be bought directly from dlink.com.au.
Yes, as long as you have a compatible SIM card for local data access. It is unlocked and works with various global LTE bands used in many countries, making it an excellent travel ally.
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The ongoing legal confrontation involving Apple and Epic Games, the developer behind the popular game Fortnite, continues to resonate throughout the tech landscape. Central to this conflict is Apple’s stringent control over the App Store environment, especially regarding its in-app purchase policies and commissions. In the most recent update, Apple has filed an appeal with the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals to temporarily suspend a recent judgment that would compel the company to allow third-party payment options and marketplaces within its App Store.
Apple claims that the court order dated April 30, if enacted right away, would inflict irreparable damage by undermining the company’s capacity to effectively manage its digital storefront. The tech giant asserts that the ruling infringes on its rights to govern its platform and will negatively impact product security, user experience, and crucial revenue streams.
Apple is particularly disputing two significant provisions:
Apple argues that enforcing these changes would compel it to grant developers access to its ecosystem without appropriate remuneration, which it views as a judicial overreach.
US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, the presiding judge in this case, indicated that Apple had actively sought to evade a previous injunction from 2021 aimed at fostering competition and transparency in the App Store. That ruling granted developers the ability to guide users toward alternative, potentially less expensive payment options outside Apple’s ecosystem.
Judge Gonzalez Rogers stated that Apple misrepresented its compliance efforts to the court and engaged in practices that stifled competition. She found that Apple’s application of the 27% fee and its limitations on external links constituted a direct violation of the prior injunction. The judge additionally referred Apple and a leading executive to federal prosecutors for a possible criminal contempt inquiry.
Epic Games welcomed the ruling, describing Apple’s appeal as a “final attempt to impede competition.” The company contends that since the injunction was enforced, there has been significant growth in developer creativity, with an increasing number of apps providing competitive pricing and improved payment options for consumers.
The resolution of this appeal has the potential to redefine the digital app marketplace, especially as Apple encounters heightened scrutiny globally. In Australia, the ACCC’s Digital Platforms Inquiry is similarly investigating the market power of app marketplaces such as the App Store and Google Play. Developers have long voiced complaints regarding elevated commission fees (ranging from 15% to 30%) and limited payment options.
If Apple’s appeal is unsuccessful, it may have to grant greater leeway to developers, leading to the emergence of third-party app stores and alternative payment systems — a shift that could significantly lower expenses for app creators and consumers alike.
Apple is attempting to postpone a US court ruling that requires it to enable external payment options and marketplaces within its App Store. This initiative is part of an extensive antitrust conflict with Epic Games, which accuses Apple of monopolistic conduct. The recent court ruling found Apple in contempt of an earlier order, potentially leading to a criminal referral for non-compliance. The ultimate resolution could have substantial global implications on the operations of app stores and how developers monetize their services.
Apple asserts that immediate enforcement of the court’s ruling would result in irreparable harm to its operations by undermining its authority over the App Store and its revenue model.
The court instructed Apple to discontinue the 27% fee on external purchases and to permit developers to incorporate links in their apps that guide users to alternative payment pathways outside the App Store.
Apple was determined to have intentionally flouted a 2021 injunction, which was designed to grant developers increased freedom in payment processing, misleading the court regarding its compliance efforts.
In addition to possible financial consequences and a loss of control over its ecosystem, Apple and a senior executive could face a criminal contempt inquiry for disregarding the court order.
Epic Games has condemned Apple’s appeal as an effort to maintain monopolistic control and extract unjust fees, claiming that the ruling has already provided better options for developers and consumers.
If similar rulings are implemented or mirrored in Australia, local developers may benefit from lower fees and enhanced flexibility in how they monetize apps on iOS platforms.
Yes, regulatory bodies in the EU, Australia, South Korea, and other regions are actively examining or drafting legislation against Apple’s App Store practices due to antitrust concerns.
Possibly, yes. If Apple is compelled to ease its restrictions, third-party app stores could arise, offering users and developers a broader array of choices and competitive options.
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Technics AZ100 True Wireless Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Earbuds with Magnetic Fluid Driver, Voice Focus AI, 3 Device Multipoint Connectivity, LDAC Compatible, Silver (EAH-AZ100E-S)
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During a pivotal Senate Commerce Committee session, leading artificial intelligence executives from OpenAI, Microsoft, and AMD called on US lawmakers to emphasize infrastructure funding and relax AI chip export constraints. Their collective stance: America’s advantage in the AI arena is diminishing due to the increasing technological challenges posed by China.
The relatively new AI startup DeepSeek from Hangzhou, China, surprised global observers last year with its efficient and affordable AI model. Its performance metrics were competitive with those of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Meta’s LLaMA models but at considerably lower costs. This development raised alarms within Western tech networks, as fears grew that China might seize control of the global AI market.
Huawei, already under heavy scrutiny in Western nations, intensified the situation by introducing a cutting-edge AI chip. Reports indicate that Huawei is gearing up for widespread distribution of these chips to domestic clients, confronting Western manufacturers like AMD and Nvidia directly.
Microsoft’s President, Brad Smith, asserted, “The decisive factor that will determine whether the US or China emerges victorious in this competition is which technology gains the most extensive acceptance globally.” He pointed out that international adoption hinges on the US’s ability to export its AI innovations without hindrance.
Smith underscored security issues, noting that Microsoft has prohibited staff from utilizing DeepSeek due to concerns over data protection and misinformation risks. Drawing comparisons to the Huawei 5G episode, he cautioned that the first country to embed AI technologies into global frameworks would be challenging to displace.
Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, reiterated that while the US currently tops the AI innovation landscape, it needs to reinforce that leadership with essential infrastructure investments. “Data centres, energy sources, and high-performance computing setups are vital to AI,” Altman remarked.
AI systems such as ChatGPT necessitate vast computational resources, with data centres demanding considerable electricity and sophisticated cooling mechanisms. Altman emphasized that without modernized infrastructure, the US risks hindering its own innovation pipeline.
Another crucial aspect brought up by Microsoft’s Smith was the pressing need for workforce development. He urged for increased financing for AI education and vocational training, particularly in the fields of electrical and data engineering, crucial for supporting next-generation AI infrastructure.
With Australia and other countries also investing in AI skills enhancement, there’s a worldwide acknowledgment that human resources are as vital as technology in establishing technological superiority.
Export limitations on AI chips, especially those produced by Nvidia and AMD, have induced considerable debate. The departing regulations from the Biden administration aimed to curtail exports to China, fearing military implications of AI. However, these were criticized for being overly broad and risking the competitiveness of US firms on an international scale.
Senator Ted Cruz and other Republican officials indicated a change in direction, with intentions to amend these regulations to allow for more lenient licensing. Industry figures like Lisa Su (CEO of AMD) and Altman applauded this shift, asserting that overly tight regulations could obstruct the worldwide dissemination of American AI innovations.
As AI increasingly becomes a foundation of technological and economic supremacy, the US tech sector is sounding warnings over escalating competition from China. Leaders from OpenAI, Microsoft, and AMD are advocating for a holistic strategy encompassing infrastructure enhancements, educational investments, and relaxed export guidelines. With Chinese entities such as DeepSeek and Huawei making notable progress, preserving global dominance in AI will require more than mere innovation—it will necessitate bold policy and investment moves.
China is swiftly progressing in the AI arena through firms like DeepSeek and Huawei, which are developing competitive models and chips at reduced prices. These advancements pose a risk to US supremacy in the global AI technology landscape, potentially affording China a tactical advantage.
Executives propose greater numbers of data centres, improved power systems, and high-performance computing facilities to accommodate increasing AI workloads. These elements are pivotal for efficiently powering and scaling AI applications.
The Trump administration intends to relax certain regulations established during the Biden era that restricted AI chip exports aimed at China. The objective is to enable US companies to remain competitive globally while ensuring national security measures are upheld.
As a key ally of the US, Australia could potentially gain from greater partnerships and technology collaboration if the US sustains its position as a top AI exporter. Conversely, if China takes the lead, it could alter global AI standards and supply chains, impacting Australian tech strategies and security protocols.
Industry leaders emphasize the need to train more engineers, electricians, and AI professionals to establish and maintain the infrastructure required for AI innovations. A talented workforce is essential for scaling AI initiatives successfully.
The broader the usage of a nation’s AI chips and models, the more clout that nation possesses over international AI regulations, ethics, and data governance. This establishes why the US regards exports as a critical strategic issue.
Chaired by Senator Ted Cruz, the Committee is evaluating regulations that may be obstructing AI progression. It is looking into means to support the growth of the tech industry through policy modifications, funding allocations, and deregulation.
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Skullcandy Method 360 ANC Wireless Earbuds, Sound by Bose, Bluetooth Headphones, Premium Noise Cancelling, Up to 40 Hours Battery Life, Sweat and Water Resistant with Microphone – Black
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Sennheiser Wireless Earbuds, Momentum Sport, Graphite, High Performance Driver, 24 Hours Playtime, Hybrid Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Outcoming Sound Capture, Bluetooth 5.2, IP55, Sports Earphones
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As the cyber threat landscape evolves, the requirement for proficient cyber security experts in Australia is increasing swiftly. SA Power Networks, the foremost electricity distributor in South Australia, has taken action to confront this issue by launching its first Cyber Security Kickstart program. This initiative is targeted at individuals with no previous experience in cyber security, offering transformative career prospects while enhancing the state’s cyber resilience.
AustCyber’s 2023 report indicates that Australia will require an extra 30,000 cyber security professionals by 2026 to satisfy demand. This program by SA Power Networks is a timely solution to this urgent challenge.
The Cyber Security Kickstart is a comprehensive two-year initiative where participants will spend three days a week integrated with SA Power Networks’ cybersecurity team, acquiring experience in various domains such as advisory, security operations, and digital identity management. The remaining two days focus on formal training delivered by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
SA Power Networks has collaborated with the ACS to ensure participants receive superior, tailored training that corresponds with the organization’s internal team structure. ACS is renowned for providing nationally recognized courses and certifications, equipping participants with a solid foundation for a durable career in cyber security.
The program welcomes applications from non-IT graduates and individuals seeking to switch their careers to cyber security. This includes those from varied professional backgrounds who may not have previously had opportunities in technology-related education or positions. It’s crafted to be inclusive, helping to expand the talent pool in Australia’s cyber sector.
The initial cohort will consist of four candidates—two starting in July 2024 and another two in early 2026. In the future, SA Power Networks intends to onboard up to eight participants each year, expanding the initiative in response to internal needs as well as industry demands.
The Kickstart initiative aligns with SA Power Networks’ broader technology and resilience strategy. Nathan Morelli, Head of Cyber Security and IT Resilience, emphasized that maintaining a secure and reliable electricity supply necessitates investment in skilled personnel. By nurturing the cyber defenders of tomorrow today, the company is reinforcing its own capabilities while aiding in the creation of a safer digital environment for South Australia.
“We perceived this as a chance to leverage our brand and reputation to foster the growth of cyber security talent in South Australia, while also affording our team the chance to mentor and cultivate talent,” Morelli stated. This community-driven approach could serve as a model for other Australian infrastructure entities aiming to bridge the cyber skills gap.
SA Power Networks’ Cyber Security Kickstart program represents a proactive and well-timed investment in the future of Australia’s digital resilience. By providing a practical and fully-supported pathway into cyber security for individuals from non-technical backgrounds, this initiative not only strengthens internal capacity but also enhances the overall ecosystem of skilled cyber professionals in South Australia. With strategic educational partnerships and a long-term vision, this program establishes a robust framework for workforce development in critical infrastructure sectors.
The initiative is designed for individuals with no previous cyber security experience, including non-IT graduates and professionals aiming to transition into the technology field.
Participants dedicate three days a week to hands-on work with SA Power Networks’ cybersecurity team and two days to a structured educational program offered by the Australian Computer Society.
The initiative spans two years, providing sufficient time for participants to cultivate both technical abilities and practical experience.
The first intake will consist of four participants—two starting in mid-2024 and another two in early 2026. The organization anticipates expanding this number to as many as eight participants each year.
Participants will acquire experience in cyber advisory, security operations, and digital identity management within SA Power Networks.
The ACS was chosen for its capacity to tailor training to the specific needs of SA Power Networks and its reputation for delivering high-quality education in the fields of cyber security and IT.
The initiative seeks to expand the local cyber security talent pool, contribute to a more secure infrastructure, and create valuable career opportunities for residents of South Australia.
For ongoing updates, please visit the official TechBest website at techbest.com.au.
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HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 3, Headphones 42 Hours Battery, Lightweight and Compact, Bluetooth 5.4, IP54, Wireless Earphones Compatible with iOS and Android, Black
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Super Retail Group (SRG) has launched a substantial digital transformation project aimed at replacing its outdated payroll system with a new Human Resources Information Management (HRIM) platform. This initiative seeks to enhance operations across the vast retail network which includes Supercheap Auto, Macpac, BCF, and Rebel Sport.
The existing payroll system utilized by SRG has reached obsolescence, necessitating a prompt shift to a contemporary, scalable solution. The anticipated HRIM system is set to enhance employee management, compliance, and payroll precision across the company’s workforce of over 15,000. This system is expected to introduce automation, self-service functionalities for employees, and integration with modern workforce analytics platforms.
Experts in the industry indicate that contemporary HR systems can greatly lower administrative burdens while enhancing employee satisfaction through improved onboarding, leave management, and performance tracking systems.
The HR and payroll transformation is encompassed within a wider $29 million capital expenditure strategy. This funding will also cover operational costs associated with the establishment of a new automated distribution center in Truganina, situated in the outer west of Melbourne.
While the specific costs for the HRIM system implementation have not been revealed, similar enterprise-level projects typically range from $3 million to $10 million, contingent on scale and integration complexities. Major vendors such as SAP, Workday, and Oracle often compete for such projects.
Highlighted in SRG’s FY23 earnings reports, the Truganina distribution center is set to transform the group’s supply chain logistics. The center is currently being outfitted with advanced automation and inventory management systems to replace two outdated facilities.
The migration to the new distribution center is planned to occur in staged phases through FY26, aiming to minimize disruptions to current logistics processes. Once fully operational, the Truganina site will accelerate delivery speeds, cut operational expenditures, and enhance stock availability at all retail locations.
SRG’s technology-driven initiatives reflect a broader movement in the Australian retail industry, where companies are progressively investing in digital capabilities to maintain a competitive edge. By automating warehouse activities and updating HR functions, retailers are harnessing technology to enhance efficiency and customer service.
As consumer expectations shift and e-commerce competition increases, the capacity to swiftly respond to market changes is more vital than ever. SRG’s dual focus on logistics and HR technology positions it strongly to tackle these challenges directly.
Super Retail Group is strategically advancing into the future by updating its antiquated payroll system and launching a sophisticated HRIM platform. Concurrently, it is progressing with its $29 million investment strategy, which also contributes to the development of a modern distribution center in Truganina, Victoria. These efforts are designed to enhance both internal operations and customer experiences, positioning SRG as an innovative leader in the Australian retail market.
The company has not publicly revealed the current system’s name, but it has acknowledged that it is no longer viable and fails to meet the organization’s operational requirements.
A Human Resources Information Management (HRIM) system is a software tool that centralizes the management of employee data, payroll, recruitment, benefits, performance, and other HR-related functions.
The initiative is anticipated to evolve over the next 12 months, with a full rollout expected by mid-to-late 2025.
The new center is part of the broader $29 million investment plan aimed at replacing two outdated facilities and significantly enhancing logistics and supply chain efficiencies.
Employees will benefit from improved access to payslips, simplified leave request processes, better onboarding tools, and enhanced communication with HR via a self-service platform.
SRG operates Supercheap Auto, BCF (Boating, Camping, Fishing), Macpac, and Rebel Sport.
The center will be phased in gradually and is projected to be fully functional by the end of FY26.
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