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Skullcandy Dime Evo in-Ear Wireless Headphones Review


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Skullcandy Dime Evo in-Ear Wireless Headphones, 36 Hours Battery Life, Micro, Compatible with iPhone, Android and Bluetooth Devices – Realtree Edge Colors White

EU Identifies Amazon and Google as ‘Essential’ Tech Providers for Financial Sector


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TechBest – EU Identifies Essential Tech Providers

Quick Read

  • EU has designated 19 tech firms as essential for its finance sector.
  • Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft are included in this designation.
  • The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) is now in force.
  • It aims to safeguard the finance industry against tech failures and disruptions.
  • The UK is contemplating a similar regulatory framework.
Amazon, Google recognized as essential tech providers for finance sector

Understanding DORA and Its Consequences

The European Union’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) took effect in January 2025, focusing on strengthening the bloc’s financial sector against possible technological disruptions. According to DORA, three principal EU financial regulators will supervise tech firms categorized as critical.

Designated Key Tech Providers

Included among the 19 firms classified as critical are the European divisions of Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Microsoft, IBM, and others. This initiative is intended to diminish risks that may emerge from a significant tech provider suffering outages.

Responses from the Tech Giants

Leaders in the industry have reacted favorably to this classification. Google Cloud and LSEG have voiced their support, while Microsoft and Amazon Web Services pledged to comply with European cybersecurity regulations.

Concerns Regarding Financial Sector Resilience

Officials in Europe have heightened worries regarding the resilience of their financial systems, citing concerns such as geopolitical tensions and tech disruptions. This has led to regulatory measures aimed at ensuring stability.

UK’s Parallel Efforts

The UK is investigating a similar regulatory system but has not yet designated any companies. UK regulators have updated the finance ministry, with designations anticipated by the following year.

Summary

The EU’s choice to label certain tech companies as critical under DORA represents a significant advancement towards protecting its financial sector. This initiative highlights rising apprehensions over technological dependencies and intends to bolster the resilience of vital financial services.

Q&A

Q: What does DORA stand for?

A: DORA refers to the Digital Operational Resilience Act, an EU regulation to guarantee resilience in the financial sector against tech disruptions.

Q: Which companies are impacted by this designation?

A: Firms such as Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Microsoft, IBM, and others have been identified as critical providers.

Q: Why has the EU enacted these regulations?

A: The EU seeks to shield its financial sector from risks linked to reliance on external tech providers.

Q: How have the companies reacted?

A: Most firms have embraced the designation and are dedicated to adhering to the newly established rules.

Q: Is the UK introducing similar regulations?

A: Yes, the UK is evaluating a similar strategy, with expectations for designations by the next year.

Q: What risks could arise if a tech provider experiences an outage?

A: An outage could disrupt crucial banking services, jeopardizing financial stability across the EU.

QXQ 2025 New Wireless Earbuds Review


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QXQ 2025 New Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones HiFi Stereo with 4 ENC Mic, 40H Mini Ear Buds in-Ear Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Ultra Light Sport Earphones for TV Smart Phone Laptop Computer

Australian Roblox Users Required to Complete Compulsory Facial Age Verification


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New Age Verification for Australian Roblox Users

Quick Overview

  • Australian Roblox users will need facial age verification for chat from December 2023.
  • Verification utilizes facial biometric information, and estimated age dictates chat access.
  • There are six age categories established for the Roblox chat function.
  • The verification procedure is managed by Persona, with video data erased after verification.
  • Users can amend age estimation inaccuracies via government ID or with parental approval.
  • New protective measures will be introduced for children, including default private accounts for users under 16.
Facial age checks for Australian Roblox users

Compulsory Facial Age Verification for Roblox Users

Beginning December 2023, users in Australia of the widely used platform Roblox will be required to complete facial age verification in order to use the in-game chat feature. This action is in accordance with new social media age guidelines set by the federal government.

Implementation of Age Verification System

Roblox aims to debut this system first in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, with an anticipated global expansion starting in January 2024. The age verification process will be conducted through the Roblox mobile application, utilizing facial biometric data to estimate the user’s age and assess their chat permissions according to specified age segments.

Specified Age Categories

The organization has defined six specific age categories for its chat feature: under nines, ages 10 to 12, ages 13 to 15, ages 16 to 17, ages 18 to 20, and over 21. This classification helps guarantee safe and age-appropriate communication between users.

Details of the Verification Procedure

The verification procedure is carried out by Persona, a third-party service also utilized by Reddit in the UK to comply with age restriction regulations. It requires users to record a brief video, which is subsequently deleted after the verification process. If there are inaccuracies in age estimation, users may correct it using a government-issued ID or through parental consent.

Guaranteeing Precise Age Estimation

Roblox expresses confidence in the precision of Persona’s age estimation methodology, referencing a mean absolute error of 1.4 years for individuals under 18, as determined by evaluations conducted by the Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS) in the UK.

Future Adjustments and Safety Protocols

By early 2026, age verification requirements will also apply to Roblox Studio, the platform for creating worlds and experiences. Furthermore, creators will be prohibited from sharing social media links to minimize risky interactions, with few exceptions for verified users aged over 13.

Conforming to New Safety Regulations

These updates anticipate newly enacted laws that restrict social media access for users under 16, which will affect platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Nevertheless, Roblox is classified as a game, exempting it from a complete ban under these regulations.

Conclusion

Starting December 2023, Australian Roblox users will be mandated to complete facial age verification to access in-game chat. This initiative is designed to foster safer interactions for younger players and complies with the latest social media age restrictions. The implementation, facilitated by Persona, guarantees privacy and accuracy and allows for corrections of age estimation mistakes.

Q: What is the goal of Roblox’s facial age verification?

A: The aim of the verification is to ensure that interactions among users are safe and appropriate for their age by placing them into defined age categories based on estimated age.

Q: What is the process for age verification?

A: The procedure employs facial biometric data to estimate a user’s age. A brief video is made and deleted after verification. Users can resolve errors using government ID or parental permission.

Q: Will all Roblox users be affected by this verification?

A: Initially, it will impact Australian users looking to use the in-game chat. The system will later be extended to other locations, beginning with New Zealand and the Netherlands.

Q: What are the defined age categories for chat access?

A: The categories consist of under nines, ages 10 to 12, ages 13 to 15, ages 16 to 17, ages 18 to 20, and over 21, ensuring suitable communication among similar age groups.

Poounur Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones Review


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Poounur Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones, Noise Cancelling Earbuds with 75 Hours Playtime

REVIEW: Segway Max G3 electric scooter offers elegance and strength for urban travelers


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Brief Overview

  • Segway Max G3 is a premium e-scooter crafted for city commuting.
  • It boasts a robust 2000W motor and can travel up to 80km.
  • Features dual-hydraulic suspension for a comfortable ride across different terrains.
  • Comes with enhanced safety elements such as dual brakes and SegRide Stability Enhancement.
  • Showcases a high-end design with a durable frame that supports up to 130kg.
  • Available for sale in Australia, starting at A$1,999.

Design

The Segway Max G3 presents a stylish yet sturdy design aimed at dedicated commuters. Its professional black/grey/red color palette radiates elegance without being overly flashy. The reinforced frame accommodates up to 130kg, making it suitable for a wide range of users. An expansive deck guarantees comfortable foot placement, while the built-in handlebar controls enhance usability.

Deck

The Max G3 offers a notably wide deck for exceptional rider comfort, particularly during extended commutes. The open angle toward the rear wheel guard further boosts the ergonomic design, easily catering to larger foot sizes.

Suspension

With dual-hydraulic suspension, the Max G3 skillfully absorbs bumps from uneven terrain, ensuring a steady and smooth ride. The customizable suspension settings allow riders to tailor their experience to personal preferences and road conditions.

Wheels

Outfitted with 11-inch wheels, the Max G3 significantly enhances off-road performance and rider comfort. The self-sealing tires lower the chances of punctures, while the larger contact patch and diameter improve traction and braking efficiency.

Enhanced Brakes

The twin front and rear brakes provide superior stopping power, ensuring safety and reliability. The red-accented brake cables integrate seamlessly with the overall design aesthetic.

Controls

The Max G3 features a comprehensive D-pad control system, facilitating easy management of scooter functions, including indicators and lighting. The built-in spotlight boosts visibility in low-light conditions, adjustable to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers.

Display

The 2.4-inch color Smart TFT display ensures clarity of speed, battery levels, and riding modes. It also supports real-time updates and notifications, improving the connected riding experience.

Transportation

Although the Max G3 is a durable model, its size may present challenges for transport in smaller vehicles. The wide handlebars enhance riding comfort but need careful consideration for car storage.

Performance

The Max G3 excels in performance with its 2000W motor, reaching a top speed of 25km/h in just 2.4 seconds. Its remarkable torque enables tackling inclines of 30%, typical in Australian urban areas. The large battery provides a range of up to 80km, allowing flexibility for daily travel.

Features

SegRide Stability Enhancement

This feature guarantees exceptional grip and stability on loose or wet terrains, boosting rider safety.

Long Range and Rapid Charging

The Max G3’s 597Wh battery, paired with fast-charging functionality, promotes efficient usage and quick recharge times, enabling up to 80km of travel on one charge.

Advanced Suspension

The scooter’s front and back hydraulic suspension system offers car-like comfort over rough surfaces, setting a higher standard in e-scooter design.

Apple Find My / AirLock system

Compatibility with Apple Find My and Bluetooth locking enhances security and convenience, allowing for easy tracking and automatic locking/unlocking based on proximity.

Pricing and Availability

The Segway Max G3 retails for A$1,999 in Australia. It can be ordered directly from Segway Australia’s official website.

Conclusion

The Segway Max G3 raises the bar for electric scooters, merging elegance with power for urban commuters. Its sophisticated features, sturdy construction, and impressive capabilities make it a leading choice for those in search of a dependable and efficient commuting solution.

FAQ Session

Q: What features make the Segway Max G3 a good fit for city commuting?

A: Its powerful motor, extensive range, and advanced suspension make it optimal for easily navigating urban streets.

Q: How does the Max G3 prioritize rider safety?

A: The scooter is equipped with dual brakes, SegRide Stability Enhancement, and a reinforced frame, ensuring a secure ride.

Q: Is the Max G3 capable of handling rough terrains?

A: Absolutely, the dual-hydraulic suspension and larger wheels provide a smooth ride over bumpy surfaces.

Q: Is the Max G3 convenient to transport?

A: While offering exceptional performance, its size may necessitate larger vehicles for transportation.

Q: What is the battery performance like on the Max G3?

A: The Max G3 can achieve up to 80km range on a single charge, varying based on the riding mode selected.

Q: Where can I get the Segway Max G3 in Australia?

A: It is available for purchase through the official Segway Australia website.

havit Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones Review


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havit Active Noise Cancelling wireless headphones, Bluetooth 5.4 in Ear Headphones, 3D Bass Stereo wireless earbuds with 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic, 40H Bluetooth Earbuds with LED Display

Australia Gains from AI Enhancement with Introduction of Groq’s New Data Centre in Sydney


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Brief Overview

  • Groq unveils its inaugural AI infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific area with a new data hub in Sydney.
  • The collaboration with Equinix enables quicker and more economical AI inference.
  • Groq’s LPU technology offers remarkable speed enhancements compared to conventional GPUs.
  • A local data centre in Sydney decreases latency for AI applications within Australia.
  • Ensures data sovereignty for sectors such as finance, healthcare, and defence.

AI Infrastructure Growth in Australia

Groq, a frontrunner in AI inference, has revealed its first AI infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region by choosing Equinix’s data centre located in Sydney, Australia. This initiative signifies a crucial milestone in Groq’s global data centre network expansion, following its successful establishments in the U.S. and Europe.

This new facility aims to equip organisations and public sectors in Australia with swifter, more affordable, and scalable AI inference solutions, poised to elevate AI capabilities nationwide.

Collaboration with Equinix

Through the strategic alliance with Equinix, Groq plans to develop one of the largest high-speed AI inference infrastructure hubs in Australia. The 4.5MW facility in Sydney will provide compute power that is up to 5x faster and more cost-efficient than traditional GPUs and hyperscaler clouds.

Using Equinix Fabric, a software-based interconnection service, organisations within the Asia-Pacific region will gain secure, low-latency, high-speed connectivity, allowing for seamless access to GroqCloud for production AI tasks while maintaining control, compliance, and data sovereignty.

Transforming AI Inference with LPU Technology

Groq is transforming AI inference through its cutting-edge Language Processing Unit (LPU) technology. Unlike NVIDIA’s GPUs, which cater to training AI models, Groq’s LPUs are tailored for inference, resulting in exceptionally swift AI responses.

This transition enables Groq to offer AI solutions that provide immediate responses, improving user experiences and increasing engagement potential.

Influence on Local AI Development

With Groq’s hardware situated in Sydney, the network latency typically linked to offshore data centres is eradicated. This local establishment represents a significant advantage for developers in Australia, facilitating the development of real-time AI applications that were previously restricted by latency issues.

AI-driven customer service agents, real-time language translation, and developer tools offering instant code suggestions can now thrive in the Australian landscape.

The Sovereign AI Benefit

Housing high-performance AI hardware within Australia guarantees data sovereignty, an essential consideration for sectors handling sensitive information, such as finance, healthcare, and defence. These industries can now utilise advanced AI tools without the fear of compromising data security.

Conclusion

Groq’s establishment of a new AI data centre in Sydney indicates a notable progression in AI infrastructure for Australia. By collaborating with Equinix, Groq is delivering a quicker, cost-effective, and sovereign AI solution that assists local industries and fosters the creation of real-time applications.

Q&A Forum

Q: What distinguishes Groq’s AI infrastructure?

A: Groq’s AI infrastructure stands out due to its implementation of LPU technology, optimised for inference and providing faster, more efficient AI responses compared to traditional GPU-based frameworks.

Q: In what way does the Sydney data centre aid Australian enterprises?

A: The Sydney data centre mitigates latency and ensures data sovereignty, enabling Australian enterprises to craft real-time AI applications and securely handle sensitive data.

Q: Which industries will gain the most from Groq’s new facility?

A: Sectors like finance, healthcare, and defence that demand data sovereignty and high-speed AI processing will considerably benefit from Groq’s new establishment.

Q: How does Groq’s alliance with Equinix enhance its AI offerings?

A: The collaboration with Equinix offers secure, low-latency connectivity via Equinix Fabric, facilitating effortless access to GroqCloud for production AI tasks.

Suntory Oceania’s $30 Million IT Revamp Powers Carbon-Neutral Beverage Center


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Suntory Oceania’s $30 Million IT Revamp

Quick Overview

  • Suntory Oceania allocates $30 million towards IT to back a new $400 million carbon-neutral facility in Queensland.
  • This facility marks the most significant FMCG investment in Australia in the past ten years.
  • The IT overhaul incorporates SAP S/4 HANA for a connected ecosystem.
  • Swanbank Facility has the capacity to produce 20 million cases per year through cutting-edge automation.
  • Effortless integration of CRM and sales-force automation improves customer interactions.
  • Honored with the 2025 SAP Best Tech Award for Customer Experience.
  • Contributes to Suntory’s worldwide sustainability objectives through data transparency.

Technology Central to Manufacturing Excellence

Suntory Oceania’s new Swanbank Beverage Facility in Queensland boasts an annual production capability of 20 million drink cases, with future scalability considered. Its automation capabilities permit the production and storage of two complete pallets every minute, establishing it as one of the leading facilities in the area. The Digital & IT team coordinated 34 connections among SAP, Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), and operational technology systems. Moreover, automated shuttles link docks directly to production lines, removing manual delays and facilitating real-time visibility from order to shipping.

Suntory Oceania's $30 million IT revamp for carbon-neutral multi beverage facility

Effortless Customer Engagement

Suntory Oceania’s IT revamp has advanced not only its backend operations but also the way the company interacts with customers and partners. A new CRM platform acts as the definitive source across sales, support, and customer self-service, integrating smoothly with a telephony and sales-force automation system for its 200-member licensed sales team. The online store has been enhanced to feature an expanded alcoholic selection and real-time license verification, allowing for dynamic pricing and near-real-time integration with manufacturing and logistics.

A New Chapter for the Region’s Beverage Sector

The IT and operational overhaul positions Suntory Oceania as a driving force for the next wave of advanced manufacturing in Australia and New Zealand. The Swanbank facility’s carbon-neutral attributes align with Suntory’s global “Growing for Good” philosophy, bolstered by digital infrastructures that uphold sustainability targets through data clarity and real-time management. Suntory Oceania’s transformation signifies a redefined identity by merging technology, sustainability, and brand under a unified regional strategy.

A brief video showcasing the new facility can be accessed here.

Conclusion

Suntory Oceania’s $30 million IT revamp has effectively powered its $400 million carbon-neutral beverage hub in Queensland. By integrating state-of-the-art SAP solutions and establishing an agile, data-informed platform, the company has set new standards in manufacturing excellence, customer interaction, and sustainability. This transformation not only positions Suntory Oceania as a frontrunner in the beverage industry but also highlights the significance of digital transformation for resilience and growth within Australia’s manufacturing sector.

Q: What was the primary investment in Suntory Oceania’s revamp?

A: Suntory Oceania allocated $30 million towards IT infrastructure to support its $400 million carbon-neutral facility in Queensland.

Q: Which technology platform did Suntory Oceania adopt?

A: Suntory Oceania adopted SAP S/4 HANA to establish an integrated digital ecosystem for its operations.

Q: In what way does the new facility aid in sustainability?

A: The Swanbank facility is carbon-neutral, aligning with Suntory’s global “Growing for Good” philosophy and underpinned by data transparency and real-time oversight.

Q: What makes the Swanbank facility technologically advanced?

A: The Swanbank facility features automation capable of producing and storing two complete pallets every minute, along with automated shuttles and 34 synchronized interfaces for seamless operations.

Q: How has customer engagement evolved post-transformation?

A: Suntory Oceania’s new CRM platform unifies sales, support, and customer self-service, facilitating dynamic pricing and responsive adaptation to market shifts.

Q: What recognition did Suntory Oceania garner for their transformation?

A: Suntory Oceania, along with partners DXC Technology and Accenture, was awarded the 2025 SAP Best Tech Award for Customer Experience.

CMF Headphone Pro Review


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CMF Headphone Pro – Bluetooth Wireless Over Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling Ear Headset, Up to 100 Hours of Battery Life, Hi-Res LDAC, Bass&Treble Slider, Custom EQ&Spatial Audio, Dark Grey