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Skullcandy Sesh ANC XT Wireless Earbuds Review


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Skullcandy Sesh ANC XT in-Ear Noise Canceling Wireless Earbuds, 48 Hr Battery, IP67 Waterproof, Microphone, Works with iPhone Android and Bluetooth Devices – True Black

Federal Court Moves CourtPath to Microsoft Azure Cloud


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Quick Overview

  • The Federal Court of Australia is migrating its CourtPath system to Microsoft Azure.
  • This change aims to incorporate cloud-based AI services into CourtPath.
  • The migration is part of a broader cloud transformation strategy at the Court.
  • Objectives include enhancing case management functionalities through 2026.
  • The transition will also set the stage for overhauling the Commonwealth Courts Portal.
  • An AI-driven record management solution is projected for late 2025.

Shifting CourtPath to the Cloud

The Federal Court of Australia is advancing technologically by shifting its CourtPath case and document management system to the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. This transition is a tactical move to upgrade the system with sophisticated AI functionalities available through Azure.

Federal Court transitions CourtPath to Azure cloud

Boosting Efficiency with Cloud Technologies

Initially designed to unify various digital tools within the court system, CourtPath offers a consolidated platform for the upload and retrieval of documents pertinent to legal cases. The ongoing transition to cloud infrastructure aims to enhance operational efficiency and incorporate new AI tools.

Wider Cloud Transformation Efforts

Chief Information and Digital Officer of the Federal Court of Australia, Nathan Price, has stated that the shift of CourtPath to the cloud is a primary objective for the remainder of 2025. This effort is part of a larger initiative to evaluate and migrate additional court systems to the cloud, thus capitalizing on the vast AI and cognitive services provided by Microsoft Azure.

Upcoming Developments and AI Integration

Besides current updates, there are plans to utilize the cloud transition as a basis for the redevelopment of the Commonwealth Courts Portal. This portal is vital for external stakeholders, including law firms, to engage with and monitor legal cases. Additionally, an AI-enabled record management solution is expected to be launched by late 2025, improving adherence to record-keeping regulations.

Conclusion

The transition of the CourtPath system of the Federal Court of Australia to Microsoft Azure represents a major milestone in updating its technological infrastructure. By embracing cloud-native AI services, the Court seeks to enhance efficiency and establish a foundation for future improvements in case management and document access.

Q: What is CourtPath?

A: CourtPath is an internal case management platform that facilitates the consolidated upload and access of documents related to legal proceedings within the Federal Court of Australia.

Q: Why is the Federal Court migrating CourtPath to Azure?

A: The migration to Azure is intended to integrate advanced cloud-based AI services to improve the capabilities and efficiency of the system.

Q: What future initiatives are planned after this transition?

A: After the transition, plans include the redevelopment of the Commonwealth Courts Portal and the introduction of an AI-enabled record management solution by late 2025.

Q: How will the AI integration benefit the CourtPath system?

A: AI integration will enhance the system’s case management features, increase efficiency, and ensure compliance with record-keeping standards.

CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Wireless Earbuds Review


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CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Wireless Earbuds, 48dB Hybrid ANC, Dirac Opteo Hi-Fi Sound, Ultra Bass 2.0, 6 HD Mics with Clear Voice 3.0, IP55 Waterproof, Bluetooth Earphones with Dual Connection, Light Green

Significant Service Interruption: AWS Outage Affects Snap, Canva, Ring, Telstra, Steam, and Others


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Quick Read

  • Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage leads to worldwide disruptions.
  • Impacted services comprise Snap, Canva, Ring, Telstra, Steam, and others.
  • Outage linked to the AWS US-EAST-1 region, affecting more than 35 services.
  • Notable increases in error rates and latencies reported.
  • AWS engineers are diligently working to fix the issue.

AWS Outage Disrupts Major Services Around the Globe

The recent significant outage of Amazon Web Services (AWS) has resulted in extensive disruption among various online services. This event underscores the substantial dependence on AWS as a foundation for internet infrastructure.

What Occurred?

On October 20th, AWS faced heightened error rates and latencies, significantly affecting the DynamoDB endpoint in the US-EAST-1 region. This led to more than 35 services being impacted, with users globally facing considerable service interruptions.

Services Affected

Per Downdetector, the outage has impacted a wide array of services. Some of the most prominent include:

  • Snapchat
  • Canva
  • Ring
  • Telstra
  • Steam
  • Amazon.com
  • Zoom
  • National Broadband Network (NBN)

The outage highlights the extensive influence AWS has on numerous sectors, ranging from gaming and social media to vital communication services.

Response and Recovery Efforts

AWS has acknowledged the problem on their AWS Health Dashboard and has indicated that engineers are actively engaged in addressing the situation. Ongoing efforts are aimed at pinpointing the root cause and restoring complete functionality to the impacted services.

Understanding Internet Infrastructure Resilience

This event serves as a reminder of the necessity for strong internet infrastructure. Although AWS usually guarantees a 99.999% uptime, outages can still happen, accentuating the need for ongoing enhancements in reliability and contingency preparedness.

Summary

The AWS outage has caused considerable disruptions across various platforms, impacting both users and service providers. As AWS endeavors to resolve the issues, this occurrence highlights the essential role of cloud services in the present digital environment.

Q&A

Q: What triggered the AWS outage?

A:

The outage arose from increased error rates and latencies in the AWS US-EAST-1 region, particularly affecting the DynamoDB endpoint.

Q: How many services were impacted by the AWS outage?

A:

More than 35 services, including key platforms like Snapchat, Canva, and Telstra, faced disruptions.

Q: What actions is AWS taking to address the issue?

A:

AWS engineers are actively focused on mitigating the issue and identifying its root cause to restore full service operations.

Q: How can users keep updated on AWS service status?

A:

Users can check the AWS Service Health Dashboard for the latest information on service status and recovery updates.

Q: Why is this outage important?

A:

The outage highlights the significant dependence on AWS for numerous online services, impacting a vast range of sectors worldwide.

AWS Downtime Disrupts Major Services Globally

ASIC’s Payroll Revamp Eases Employee Shift from ATO


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Quick Overview

  • ASIC is shifting from PeopleSoft to Aurion for payroll handling by the close of the year.
  • This shift enabled the return of 200 personnel from ATO to ASIC.
  • Aurion accommodates numerous enterprise agreements, assisting in smooth staff relocations.
  • ASIC committed $1.1 million to Aurion for payroll software and ongoing expenses through June 2027.
  • This change is part of a comprehensive upgrade of management systems, which includes a new ERP system.

Detailing the Payroll Transition

The Australian Securities Investments Commission (ASIC) is on course to finalize a crucial transition from the PeopleSoft payroll system to Aurion by year-end. This change signifies a major advancement in ASIC’s overall plan to enhance its management systems, including the launch of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system from Technology One.

ASIC's payroll overhaul enables staff return from ATO

Seamless Staff Transition

The initial stage of this transition, finalized in April, witnessed 200 employees revert to ASIC from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This change was prompted by the cancellation of the Modernising Business Registers program by the government, which led to business registers and related services being reassigned to ASIC in May 2024.

Advantages of Aurion’s Dual Agreement Capability

The transition was aided by Aurion’s capacity to manage dual enterprise agreements, accommodating staff under both ATO and ASIC contracts. This adaptability guaranteed a smooth relocation for personnel returning to ASIC.

Financial Commitment and Future Initiatives

ASIC has allocated $1.1 million to Aurion for the deployment of payroll software-as-a-service, with the agreement lasting until June 2027. The next phase, which will transfer current ASIC staff to the new system, is anticipated to be concluded by the end of the year.

Comprehensive Management Systems Update

This payroll transition is an integral part of ASIC’s wider efforts to modernize its management systems. The agency is also implementing a Technology One ERP system, moving away from the existing PeopleSoft Financial system. In addition, ASIC is focusing on the implementation of a new capital management system.

Overview

ASIC’s transition in payroll from PeopleSoft to Aurion signifies a pivotal advancement in updating its operational framework. This change not only supports the efficient transition of personnel from the ATO but also aligns with ASIC’s larger strategic goal of enhancing its management systems.

Q: What led ASIC to shift from PeopleSoft to Aurion?

A: The shift is part of ASIC’s comprehensive management systems enhancement, aimed at modernizing its operational framework.

Q: How many personnel were involved in the transition?

A: The first phase of the transition saw the return of 200 personnel from the ATO to ASIC.

Q: What function does Aurion serve in the transition?

A: Aurion’s payroll solution supports dual enterprise agreements, facilitating effortless staff transitions between ATO and ASIC.

Q: What is the financial scope of ASIC’s collaboration with Aurion?

A: ASIC committed $1.1 million to Aurion for payroll software implementation and recurring license fees until June 2027.

Q: When is the transition expected to be finalized?

A: The full transition to the Aurion payroll system is expected to be completed by year’s end.

Q: What other systems are under upgrade at ASIC?

A: In addition to the payroll transition, ASIC is implementing a Technology One ERP system and a new capital management system.

Google Pixel Buds 2a Review


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Google Pixel Buds 2a – Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation – Lightweight, Comfortable Fit – Water Resistant – Bluetooth Compatible – Hazel

Gozney Introduces Dome Gen 2 and XL, Enhancing Australian Backyard Pizza Adventure


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Quick Read

  • Gozney has introduced Dome Gen 2 and Dome XL Gen 2 in Australia.
  • Features notable enhancements in cooking space and technology.
  • Includes a state-of-the-art digital console for accurate temperature management.
  • Offers two sizes to meet diverse cooking requirements.
  • Hybrid-fuel ovens capable of utilizing wood, charcoal, and gas.
  • Constructed with commercial-quality insulation for resilience.
  • Accompanied by a selection of accessories to boost functionality.

Gozney Dome Gen 2 and Dome XL: A New Chapter in Outdoor Cooking

Gozney, a pioneer in the realm of outdoor pizza ovens, has revealed its newest products, the Dome Gen 2 and the larger Dome XL Gen 2, now accessible in Australia. Renowned for delivering restaurant-quality pizza to domestic kitchens, Gozney’s latest models are set to elevate backyard culinary experiences.

Gozney Dome (Gen 2)

The Gozney Dome Gen 2 provides an impressive 40% boost in cooking area compared to the previous version, enabling home cooks to bake two 10-inch pizzas or one 16-inch pizza at the same time. This additional space is perfect for family gatherings or intimate parties.

Gozney Dome XL (Gen 2)

The Dome XL Gen 2 is tailored for dedicated entertainers, featuring a remarkable 90% expansion in cooking area compared to the original Dome. With space for three 10-inch pizzas or an 18-inch pizza, it is capable of preparing entire meals, including steaks and veggies, all at once.

Features

Intelligent Cooking with Complete Control

The innovative digital console is a highlighted feature, supplying real-time temperature readings and regulation of the oven’s ambient air and stone floor. It includes a timer and connections for two meat probes, guaranteeing precise cooking.

Rolling Lateral Flame

Gozney’s signature lateral flame technology guarantees uniform heat distribution, ideal for achieving the perfect pizza crust.

One Oven, Three Fuels

The Dome series embraces hybrid-fuel cooking, giving users the option to choose among wood, charcoal, and gas. This versatility allows for a variety of culinary techniques with ease.

Constructed for Longevity

Featuring commercial-grade insulation and a serviceable component design, the Dome Gen 2 series is built for durability and flexibility, presenting a worthwhile investment for cooking aficionados.

Accessories and Setup

A diverse range of accessories complements the Gen 2 series, including the Dome Stand, Dome Mantel, Neapolitan Arch, and multiple peels and cutters, enhancing the overall cooking experience.

Price and Availability

The Gozney Dome Gen 2 is priced at A$2,999, while the Dome XL Gen 2 is listed at A$3,999. Both models can be ordered through the Gozney Australian website and select retailers.

Summary

Gozney’s Dome Gen 2 and Dome XL Gen 2 revolutionize the outdoor cooking scene in Australia with their advanced features, increased cooking capability, and adaptable fuel options. Ideal for both amateur and professional chefs, these ovens are designed for outstanding performance and longevity.

Q: What are the key differences between the Dome Gen 2 and Dome XL Gen 2?

A: The primary distinction is in cooking space. The Dome XL Gen 2 provides 90% more space compared to the original, while the Dome Gen 2 offers a 40% increase. This impacts the quantity of food that can be cooked at one time.

Q: In what manner does the digital console enhance cooking?

A: The digital console offers accurate temperature control and real-time displays, facilitating improved cooking outcomes. It also includes a timer and ports for meat probes to monitor multiple dishes.

Q: Am I able to use various fuels in the Dome ovens?

A: Absolutely, both models accommodate wood, charcoal, and gas, providing versatility for different cooking styles and preferences.

Q: Are the Dome ovens appropriate for professional usage?

A: While intended for home use, their construction quality and features make them suitable for semi-professional chefs seeking high-performance outdoor cooking appliances.

Q: Where can I find the Gozney Dome Gen 2 ovens for purchase?

A: They can be purchased through the Gozney Australian website and at select premium retailers throughout Australia.

October Update Disrupts Windows 11 Recovery Environment


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October Update Problems in Windows 11

Summary Overview

  • October update impacts the Windows 11 Recovery Environment (WinRE).
  • USB devices malfunction in WinRE, hindering navigation.
  • Problems affect Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and Windows Server 2025.
  • Microsoft is developing a solution for the WinRE problem.
  • http.sys driver issues causing troubles with website connections.
  • KIR mechanism automatically rectifies http.sys issues for many users.
  • Resolved smart card authentication errors in 32-bit apps.
  • Various Windows versions impacted by CSP authentication issues.

Windows 11 Recovery Environment Issues

After the October security update, Microsoft has uncovered a serious problem concerning the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) in Windows 11. The update, designated KB5066385, has caused a breakdown where USB devices, including keyboards and mice, are non-functional within WinRE, thereby making recovery options unreachable. This complication has been acknowledged to impact Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and Windows Server 2025. Microsoft has promised users a forthcoming resolution.

Effects on http.sys Kernel Mode Driver

The update has similarly introduced a regression affecting the http.sys kernel mode driver. This has led to failed connections to Internet Information Server (IIS) sites, with users facing ERR_CONNECTION_RESET errors. This problem applies to websites and applications operating on localhost. Microsoft has put into action a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) mechanism to automatically resolve this concern for most home users and unmanaged business devices. For managed environments, administrators can employ Group Policy to implement a KIR.

Challenges with Smart Card Authentication

Another concern stemming from the October update involves smart card authentication. Users have indicated that smart cards are not detected as cryptographic service providers (CSPs) in 32-bit applications, resulting in failures with document signing and challenges for certificate-based authentication. Microsoft has offered a workaround, which includes registry changes to set the DisableCapiOverrideForRSA key to 0, thereby fixing the issue. This concern affects multiple Windows versions, including Win10 22H2 and Server 2012.

Conclusion

The October update for Windows 11 has brought forth several notable issues, affecting the performance of the Windows Recovery Environment, http.sys driver, and smart card authentication in 32-bit applications. Microsoft is proactively working to rectify these issues, with some resolutions already implemented through automatic processes and manual adjustments.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the primary issue with the Windows 11 Recovery Environment?

A: The primary issue is that USB devices such as keyboards and mice do not function in WinRE, preventing users from navigating recovery options.

Q: Which Windows versions are impacted by the WinRE issue?

A: The affected versions include Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and Windows Server 2025.

Q: How is Microsoft resolving the http.sys kernel mode driver problem?

A: Microsoft is employing the Known Issue Rollback (KIR) mechanism to automatically fix the problem for most users, while Group Policy can be used for managed systems.

Q: What actions are needed to resolve the smart card authentication issue?

A: Users must edit the Windows Registry by changing the DisableCapiOverrideForRSA key to 0 to fix the problem.

Q: Are there any additional Windows versions affected by the smart card issue?

A: Yes, the problem also influences earlier Windows versions, including Win10 22H2 and Server 2012.