Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
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Skullcandy Dime 3 in-Ear Wireless Earbuds, Bone/Orange
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Woolworths, a prominent figure in the Australian retail landscape, has reconfigured its security framework by differentiating between information security (infosec) and physical security roles. This strategic shift was prompted by the exit of Pieter van der Merwe, who served as Chief Security Officer (CSO) for more than three years. Van der Merwe’s departure enabled Woolworths to reevaluate and realign its security priorities, resulting in the establishment of a dedicated Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
Woolworths has appointed Elrich Engel to the position of CISO, a crucial advancement in the retailer’s technological transformation path. Engel brings valuable experience from strategic roles at Mandiant and previous CISO positions at AMP and Vodafone Australia, reflecting his eagerness about the upcoming challenges and possibilities on LinkedIn. Woolworths intends to capitalize on Engel’s skills as it evolves into a data-centric, AI-enhanced business model.
The choice to split infosec and physical security responsibilities emphasizes the increasing intricacy and specialized demands of cybersecurity. By reinstating the CISO role, Woolworths underscores the essential need for maintaining strong cyber defenses to guarantee secure shopping experiences for customers. Concurrently, the task of physical security has reverted to Woolworths’ resilience team, acknowledging the considerable responsibility for overseeing physical safety across its widespread operations in Australia and New Zealand.
Woolworths has methodically divided its infosec and physical security roles, appointing Elrich Engel as CISO to spearhead its cybersecurity initiatives. This strategic move follows the resignation of former CSO Pieter van der Merwe and aligns with the retailer’s overarching technological transformation goals. The decision emphasizes Woolworths’ dedication to enhancing both its digital and physical security frameworks.
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TOZO New NC9 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, 6 Mics ENC Clear Call, IPX8 Waterproof, in Ear Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones Stereo Bass Heasets 60H Playtime with LED Display 32 EQs via APP
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Angus Taylor has been a longtime supporter of minimal regulations concerning emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. He contends that excessive regulation could impede the innovation essential for economic progress. His guidance is expected to drive the Coalition toward encouraging AI tools that enhance productivity in industries such as agriculture and mining. Nonetheless, tackling ethical dilemmas related to AI remains a significant obstacle.
During his term as Energy Minister, Taylor demonstrated a commitment to a varied energy mix. He endorses technologies like green hydrogen and carbon capture as part of Australia’s strategy to achieve environmental objectives through engineering solutions rather than financial penalties. His stance indicates a continued backing for gas as a stabilizing fuel alongside renewables.
Taylor’s perspective on electric vehicles has shifted to emphasize infrastructure instead of direct subsidies. His initiatives promote the construction of charging stations via ARENA, aligning with a tech-centric progression to EVs. He underscores the importance of consumer choice and technological preparedness over governmental requirements.
As a representative of a regional constituency, Taylor places a high priority on enhancing digital connectivity outside major urban centers. His vision for the NBN stresses fiscal prudence and productivity for businesses, aiming to close the digital gap by encouraging private sector investment in neglected areas.
Taylor recognizes Australia’s gaming sector, supported by tax incentives and grants, as a vital area for growth. He perceives it as an essential component of the larger software development ecosystem, with skills transferable to various high-tech fields. His policies are expected to bolster the international competitiveness of Australian studios.
Taylor’s economic strategy seeks to mitigate cost-of-living challenges by promoting competition and supply. His energy policies include investigating nuclear technology for affordable energy, while his trade framework is designed to endorse free trade to ensure competitive technology prices.
Taylor’s leadership will be evaluated based on whether his tech-centric strategies can connect with both the tech community and the general public. His ability to develop a unified alternative to the current administration’s policies will be crucial in the upcoming election. His background in consulting and energy equips him as an effective debater for the Coalition.
Angus Taylor’s role as the new Opposition Leader emphasizes technology-oriented solutions for Australia’s energy and economic issues. His methodology highlights reduced regulation in technology, a varied energy strategy, and infrastructure development for emerging sectors, aiming to reconcile traditional industry demands with advancements in the digital realm.
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Google’s threat intelligence report emphasizes a notable transition from testing AI to its incorporation into cyber attacks. Threat actors are leveraging AI, especially Large Language Models (LLMs), to enhance established attack strategies rather than creating new ones.
AI is removing typical indicators of phishing attempts. Through LLMs, attackers can generate polished emails in various languages, complicating the identification of malicious efforts by users. This degree of customization raises alarm for IT teams.
Hackers are employing AI to write and troubleshoot code, often circumventing platform protections against malware production. This “simplification” of intricate tasks enables less experienced individuals to engage in advanced cybercrime.
AI excels at analyzing large datasets, helping attackers spot vulnerabilities more swiftly than manual approaches. This heightens the urgency for defenders to update systems promptly.
AI is also utilized defensively to recognize harmful behavior patterns. By examining network traffic, AI can detect breaches in mere seconds, providing a vital edge in combating data theft.
The report predicts an increase in AI-driven deepfake scams, like realistic audio messages or video conferences from CEOs urging immediate fund transfers. Ensuring safety demands improved technology and training, with an emphasis on verified procedures.
A multi-faceted security strategy is crucial. Activating multi-factor authentication and implementing “Zero Trust” architectures is advised. Regularly updating software is vital to defend against AI-enhanced threat detection.
The role of AI in cybercrime introduces novel challenges and compels the cybersecurity field to adapt quickly. Google’s findings highlight the necessity of vigilance in safeguarding digital environments.
Google’s report outlines the incorporation of AI into cyber attacks, enhancing their effectiveness. AI technologies improve phishing, social engineering, and the production of harmful code. Although AI is applied defensively to counter these threats, future scams might utilize advanced deepfake technologies. Implementing multi-factor authentication and “Zero Trust” architectures are crucial defensive measures.
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AMP, a prominent player in the financial services sector, has taken a notable technological stride by integrating over 400 AI agents across its operations. This initiative aligns with AMP’s larger vision to adopt innovative business models within the financial services landscape.
As indicated by CEO Alexis George, AI tools have become essential to the everyday functions of 95% of AMP staff. The organisation is proactively utilizing AI agents to improve operational productivity and foster innovation.
AMP is harnessing partnerships to reinforce its AI strategy. Although George has not disclosed all partners, UNSW Sydney stands out as a vital partner, concentrating on responsible AI and enhancing employee training regarding AI tools.
AMP disclosed a statutory net profit of $133 million for the fiscal year, down from $150 million the year before, primarily due to historical legal settlements and initiatives aimed at streamlining operations. Furthermore, AMP shares experienced a decline of roughly 29% at this reporting time.
AMP’s rollout of over 400 AI agents signifies a crucial advancement in its technological journey, aimed at reshaping its financial services practices. The firm’s dedication to AI is highlighted by substantial employee engagement and strategic academic collaborations, even as it navigates financial hurdles.
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Over the last year, the conversations surrounding AI and cybercrime were primarily theoretical. Recent insights from Google suggest we have now entered a stage of practical integration. Cybercriminals are leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) to refine their operations, focusing not on inventing new attack techniques but rather on enhancing existing ones for greater efficiency and reduced detection.
AI is transforming phishing by removing the typical red flags like poor grammar and awkward wording. LLMs empower non-native speakers to produce impeccable emails in any language, including localized versions of English, complicating the task for users trying to differentiate between genuine and fraudulent messages.
Cybercriminals are harnessing AI to generate and debug code. Although AI platforms have safeguards to prevent malware creation, attackers are finding ways to bypass these for dual-use applications. They can script for legitimate administrative functions, which can be adapted for malevolent purposes once they have gained system access.
Prior to executing attacks, thorough research is critical. AI excels in analyzing vast amounts of publicly available data, social media, and technical documents, allowing for the faster identification of vulnerabilities compared to traditional methods, effectively shortening the window for defenders to secure systems before they are exploited.
AI is also being used in a defensive context. Google is investing in AI to identify malicious patterns that might escape human detection. This proactive use of “AI for security” aims to provide an advantage for defenders, enabling quicker identification of intrusions than conventional techniques.
The findings indicate an increasing application of deepfake technology in scams, such as fraudulent CEO impersonation calls demanding urgent fund transfers. These scams are evolving to be more realistic and affordable, highlighting the importance of validated processes over mere visual assessments.
A layered security framework is essential. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) is critical, alongside adopting “Zero Trust” models that consider potential breaches and limit the movements of attackers within networks. Keeping software updated is also a key priority, as developers leverage AI to promptly address vulnerabilities.
The integration of AI into cybercrime marks a natural progression in the digital threat landscape. As threats evolve in complexity, the industry must adapt quickly. Google’s research underscores that productivity tools can also be misused maliciously. Awareness and alertness are vital for sustaining digital security.
The assimilation of AI into cyber assaults is progressing from theoretical phases to real-world applications, boosting the efficacy of established tactics. AI is eradicating usual phishing markers and assisting in the generation and debugging of harmful code. Simultaneously, AI is playing a pivotal role in defensive strategies, facilitating the rapid detection and response to threats. The future anticipates a rise in deepfake technology within scams. A strong, multi-layered security strategy stands as the best form of defense.
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The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is gearing up for a notable change as Joanne Harper, the director responsible for digital, data, and technology, reveals her retirement planned for May 2026. Harper has been essential in propelling ASIC’s transformation agenda, concentrating on advancements in technology and enhancements in cyber security.
Throughout her 13-year career at ASIC, Harper has taken on several vital positions, including chief information officer and senior executive leader of digital. Her guidance has been crucial in executing a data-driven, digitally enabled strategy that lays a solid groundwork for ASIC’s future endeavors.
ASIC has begun the process of hiring a new executive director who will advance Harper’s legacy and foster further progress. The position requires comprehensive management of digital, data, AI, cyber protection, and other significant transformation initiatives.
ASIC’s job posting highlights the importance of finding a leader who can harmonize its multifaceted tech portfolio, consolidating various digital tools and technologies into a unified, future-oriented strategy.
In the future, ASIC is eager to simplify its technology and data strategies. The incoming leader will be responsible for integrating various components of the commission’s tech framework, from analytics to large-scale program implementation, into a cohesive plan.
As Joanne Harper nears her retirement, ASIC is in search of an energetic new leader to steer its digital and technology initiatives. The emphasis will be on sustaining the transformation agenda while simplifying and consolidating the commission’s tech approach to confront upcoming challenges.
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At a recent event held at the White House, Pentagon Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael underscored the military’s goal to blend AI technologies within both unclassified and classified sectors. This initiative seeks to utilize AI’s capabilities in operational contexts, potentially revolutionizing decision-making on future tech-dominated battlegrounds.
The Pentagon’s plan encompasses the introduction of cutting-edge AI technologies across all classification tiers, igniting discussions on the ethical ramifications of military AI applications. Presently, numerous AI enterprises offer tools for unclassified military networks, mainly aimed at administrative tasks.
The prospect of AI mistakes in sensitive situations raises alarms regarding its application in classified realms. Errors could lead to dire consequences, leading AI providers to establish protective measures and protocols. Nonetheless, Pentagon representatives advocate for reduced limitations, contingent on adherence to legal standards.
OpenAI recently finalized a deal with the Pentagon to supply its services, including ChatGPT, on unclassified networks, benefiting over 3 million employees within the US Defense Department. Although OpenAI has agreed to ease certain user restrictions, talks with Anthropic have been more contentious, primarily due to ethical issues.
Anthropic, recognized for its chatbot Claude, has expressed hesitation in allowing its technology for autonomous weapon targeting or domestic surveillance. Despite these worries, Anthropic is dedicated to aiding national security endeavors by offering sophisticated AI capabilities.
The Pentagon’s drive for extensive AI integration on classified networks signifies the shifting role of technology within defence. As AI companies address ethical dilemmas and regulatory standards, the potential for AI to transform military operations is progressively becoming evident.
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Google has officially embarked on the next phase of its mobile OS with the debut of the first Android 17 Beta. This year signifies a prominent shift from the typical schedule we have become accustomed to during the past ten years.
The early launch of the initial beta verifies Google’s new approach to synchronize software releases more closely with hardware introductions. By advancing the timeline, the company intends to guarantee that new devices launched this year can come preloaded with the latest software.
The initial beta of Android 17 brings several internal enhancements focused on improving developer experiences and privacy for users. Although the visual alterations are minor at this point, the emphasis is squarely on honing the fundamental platform.
A key highlight is the expanded functionality of the Photo Picker, which now offers deeper integration with applications. This enables users to provide access to specific images and videos instead of their complete media collection, thereby protecting personal information.
New APIs for Health Connect also facilitate applications in accessing and sharing professional medical data with user approval. This represents a significant advancement for individuals who utilize their mobile devices to monitor complicated health information and fitness objectives.
Google is persisting in its initiative to enhance performance across diverse devices, including foldables and tablets. Android 17 incorporates updated tools for developers to create more adaptable layouts that respond to various screen dimensions.
Privacy is a major priority for this release, with new protections integrated into the system to oversee app interactions with background services. You will likely experience greater transparency regarding which applications utilize your device’s resources.
The timeline for Android 17 is more ambitious compared to what we observed with Android 15 or 16. After this first beta in February, we can look forward to a sequence of monthly updates that will enhance the overall experience and fix issues.
Google has stated that Platform Stability should be achieved by April. This is when the APIs and system behaviors are finalized, permitting developers to conduct their final compatibility tests.
The final General Availability release is presently slated for the conclusion of Q2 2026. This projects the official launch to around June, several months earlier than the conventional August or September timeframe.
If you are keen to participate, you will need a compatible Google Pixel device to download the beta today. The list encompasses most of the recent devices currently available in the Australian market.
The Android 17 Beta 1 is available for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, and Pixel 7a. It also accommodates the more recent Pixel 8 series and the latest Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
If you possess a Pixel Tablet, you’re in luck as the beta is available for Google’s premier large-screen device. Unfortunately, if you are using devices from other manufacturers like Samsung or Oppo, you will have to wait a bit longer.
Acquiring the beta on your device is relatively simple through the Android Beta Program. You just need to visit the official portal and register your eligible Pixel device using your Google account.
After registration, the update will appear on your phone just like a standard over-the-air system update. You can check for it manually by navigating to Settings, then System, and finally System Update.
It is crucial to remember that this is the very first beta, so it is designed mainly for developers and early adopters. You should expect some bugs, occasional application crashes, and possibly some effect on battery life.
One of the most common inquiries before joining a beta is whether data loss will occur. The positive news is that transitioning from a stable public build to the Android 17 Beta does not necessitate a factory reset.
Your applications, photos, and settings will stay intact during the installation. However, circumstances shift considerably if you subsequently decide to exit the beta program and revert to the stable version.
If you opt to withdraw from the beta later, you will need to erase your device to install the older stable software. For this reason, I always recommend conducting a full backup of your data before embarking on the process.
The change in the Android schedule is a tactical decision by Google to enhance its competitiveness in a crowded global marketplace. By finalizing the software sooner, they can deliver a more refined experience for the “Made by Google” hardware events.
This transition also benefits Australian consumers who often experience delays waiting for local retail availability of new features. A mid-year release means that the software matures by the time major hardware sales commence in the latter half of the year.
For app developers, Android 17 Beta 1 brings new opportunities to tap into the hardware capabilities of contemporary smartphones. There are improved tools for on-device AI processing, becoming a norm for top-tier phones.
The new SDK also features enhanced support for ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, which heightens spatial awareness for accessories. This could lead to improved find-my-device functionalities and smoother interactions with smart home technology.
Google is urging developers to begin testing their applications now to ensure they are prepared for the June launch. With the expedited timeline, there is less room for delays if an app requires significant structural adjustments.
Although it’s still in its early stages, Android 17 appears to be a robust enhancement of the platform rather than a comprehensive visual redesign. The emphasis on privacy and device performance is precisely what users desire in 2026.
If you have an extra Pixel device lying around, it’s definitely worthwhile to try out the beta to experience the new features firsthand. For your main device, you may wish to hold off for the second or third beta when performance stabilizes.
We will closely monitor the evolution of Android 17 in the upcoming months as Google integrates additional features. Stay tuned for further in-depth analyses as we approach that mid-year final launch.
The Android 17 Beta 1 signifies a major transformation in Google’s release strategy, synchronizing software upgrades with hardware launches for a seamless experience. The Australian market benefits from earlier access, with new features prioritizing privacy, performance, and improved developer tools. The final release is expected by mid-2026, ahead of the standard timetable.
