Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
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CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds with HiFi Sound, 50dB Intelligent Active Noise Cancellation, 6 HD Microphones and Spatial Audio Effect, 2025 – Orange
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The National Australia Bank (NAB) has successfully transformed its workforce structure, emphasizing in-house employees over contractors. At the close of FY25, 71% of the technology and enterprise operations team consists of NAB employees, a notable change from 2018 when contractors accounted for 70% of the workforce. This adjustment underscores the bank’s dedication to lessening external reliance and bolstering internal strengths.
NAB has achieved significant milestones in migrating its applications to the cloud. Currently, 90% of its applications have been transitioned, an increase from 85% just half a year ago. This initiative is part of NAB’s overall plan to enhance operational efficiency and scalability through cloud solutions.
AI is increasingly embedded in NAB’s operations. The bank now has more than 4,500 engineers utilizing generative AI for software development, up from 2,500 six months ago. Additionally, 15,000 employees are leveraging AI to optimize routine tasks, and 1,400 frontline staff are using AI-driven tools to improve customer service.
The forthcoming appointment of Pete Steel as Group Executive for Digital, Data, and AI is anticipated to further drive NAB’s AI initiatives. Steel’s expertise will aid the bank’s strategic objectives regarding customer experience, employee efficiency, software development, and operational productivity.
In spite of technological advancements, NAB reported a statutory net profit of $6.76 billion for FY25, a slight decrease from $6.96 billion in FY24. The bank remains committed to aligning technology investments with its long-term strategic vision.
NAB’s technological evolution illustrates a strategic pivot towards insourcing and significant AI adoption. The bank’s initiatives in cloud migration, AI integration, and diminishing contractor reliance reflect its commitment to modernization and operational excellence.
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Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX Next Gen IP57 ANC Earbuds, Gold Tone
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The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has accused Microsoft of misleading 2.7 million Australians. The allegation focuses on the pricing structures for Microsoft’s M365 offerings, particularly regarding the integration of the AI tool, Copilot, into these subscriptions.
In light of the allegations, Microsoft has enacted measures to address potential fallout. Recently, the company has made offers for refunds to Australian clients, which may amount to millions of dollars. In an official statement, Microsoft expressed regret for not being more transparent about the existence of a non-AI subscription option.
The corporation has reached out to subscribers via email, outlining more affordable alternatives without AI and providing refunds to those qualified for switching to the original version of the M365 subscription.
The ACCC claimed that Microsoft did not disclose the availability of a classic subscription plan devoid of Copilot. Since late October last year, customers on auto-renewing subscriptions reportedly were informed that their only choice to maintain M365 access was to accept increased charges for Copilot or cancel the service entirely.
This tactic allegedly led to an annual cost increase of $50 for the M365 Personal edition, raising the annual total to $159. The ACCC contends that this approach was intended to reduce the rate of customers opting out of AI integration while elevating prices.
It remains uncertain how many customers qualify for the refund or how many will take advantage of the offer. Nevertheless, based on subscription costs, Microsoft might need to refund as much as $175 million if a notable number of customers decide to revert to the unbundled plan.
Microsoft Australia is under examination from the ACCC due to claims of deceptive subscription pricing concerning its M365 offerings. The company is criticized for concealing a non-AI subscription alternative, which led to automatic price increases for consumers. In response, Microsoft has proposed refunds to impacted customers, which could have substantial financial ramifications.
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SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds3 Wireless Open Type Earbuds, Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Immersive 360 Hi-Fi Sound, Long Battery Life, IP57 Waterproof, Silver 2024 [Version
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Victoria has initiated a revolutionary quantum diamond foundry, signifying a crucial step in the domain of quantum technology. This state-of-the-art facility emphasizes incorporating lab-grown diamonds into computer circuits, significantly boosting computing power. These diamond-based innovations promise the development of smaller, portable quantum devices that operate effortlessly at room temperatures.
The creation of this foundry has been reinforced by major financial support from the State Government. A preliminary A$8 million investment was succeeded by an extra A$10 million, along with assistance from the Made in Victoria: Industry R&D Infrastructure Fund. Additionally, the National Reconstruction Fund contributed A$13 million, enhancing local manufacturing capabilities and ensuring the ethical production of these advanced diamonds domestically.
Quantum technology is prepared to transform computing and sensing, surpassing the capabilities of conventional systems. This advanced technology is set to fast-track discoveries in medical remedies and drug creation. The local fabrication of quantum diamond devices will not only enhance Victoria’s expertise but also generate a skilled workforce, positioning Victoria at the forefront of diamond quantum technologies. Forecasts from CSIRO indicate that Australia’s quantum technology sector could reach a valuation of A$6 billion, providing jobs for 19,400 people by 2045.
A significant obstacle in quantum technology has been the requirement for cooling quantum systems. Quantum Brilliance is leading efforts to overcome this limitation, aiming to establish quantum computing as a mainstream technology. The foundry’s debut signals a transition from prototype research to commercial production, satisfying future demands across diverse sectors.
“The Albanese Labor Government is delighted to support a Future Made in Australia – where innovation aligns with sovereign capability. With investment from the NRF, Quantum Brilliance’s new quantum diamond foundry in Victoria is a global pioneer, providing a compelling example of how public funding can unleash private creativity and stimulate economic expansion. Australia boasts a distinguished history of excellence in quantum technology research. Through this investment, we are actualizing our National Quantum Strategy’s objectives by empowering the local quantum sector to flourish.”
– Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science.
Dr. Marcus Doherty, CTO of Quantum Brilliance, emphasized the foundry’s capacity to unveil diamond-based quantum technologies. By producing high-quality quantum diamonds at scale, the facility aims to speed up the design and manufacturing of quantum diamond devices. This advancement intends to build a resilient local supply chain, potentially catering to global quantum hardware producers.
The inauguration of Victoria’s quantum diamond foundry signifies a key leap in quantum technology, powered by extensive government investment and strategic collaborations within the industry. This facility is set to propel Australia into a leading role in global quantum research and development, with potential uses across various sectors.
It stands as the world’s inaugural commercial facility weaving lab-grown diamonds into computer circuits, boosting quantum computing capabilities.
The State Government has invested A$31 million, with further backing from the National Reconstruction Fund and the Made in Victoria Fund.
Quantum technology holds the potential to transform medical treatments, pharmaceutical development, and a variety of computing and sensing functions.
Australia’s quantum sector might be valued at A$6 billion by 2045 and create approximately 19,400 jobs, boosting economic development.
The primary challenge has been the cooling needs for quantum systems, which the new foundry seeks to address.
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The eSafety Commissioner of Australia has enlarged the ambit of its trailblazing teen social media ban to now include Reddit and the live streaming service Kick. This action signifies a proactive approach to assure that platforms primarily facilitating online socialization are subjected to age limitations.
Starting December 10, social media firms that do not enforce adequate measures to prevent those under 16 from accessing their platforms may incur fines up to $49.5 million. This substantial fine emphasizes Australia’s dedication to protecting younger internet users.
The eSafety Commissioner has indicated that the inventory of age-restricted platforms will be regularly refreshed. As technology progresses and new platforms arise, the criteria for what constitutes an age-restricted platform may alter, requiring continuous assessments by technology companies.
Certain widely used platforms such as Discord, GitHub, LEGO Play, Roblox, Steam and Steam Chat, Google Classroom, Messenger, WhatsApp, and YouTube Kids are not presently designated as age-restricted. Nevertheless, this classification may shift as their main functions change.
Australia’s historic decision to broaden its teen social media ban to cover Reddit and Kick marks a crucial advancement in online safety. With significant penalties for non-compliance and a flexible stance on the list of restricted platforms, the initiative intends to adjust to the rapid progression of digital technology.
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Google Pixel Buds 2a – Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation – Lightweight, Comfortable Fit – Water Resistant – Bluetooth Compatible – Iris
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As of 2025, state-sponsored threat actors from China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea have effectively leveraged Google’s Gemini AI to improve their cyber-attack methodologies. In spite of Google’s persistent efforts to identify and curb misuse, these actors have found ways to bypass the AI’s security protocols.
Google’s Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) published a document named AI Threat Tracker: Advances in Threat Actor Usage of AI Tools. This report emphasizes how adversaries have transitioned from utilizing AI for productivity to more malicious applications. It continues findings from January 2025, offering insights on how these actors exploit AI resources such as Gemini.
Even with Google’s protective measures, threat actors have adeptly bypassed Gemini’s safeguards through social engineering techniques. One significant scenario involved a Chinese actor posing as a capture-the-flag competitor to gain exploitation guidance from Gemini. Other groups have employed similar strategies to create bespoke malware and execute phishing schemes.
Emerging malware like PROMPTFLUX and PROMPTSTEAL illustrates the potential maturation of cyber threats. PROMPTFLUX alters its code in real-time to avoid detection, while PROMPTSTEAL dynamically crafts commands for data theft. These advancements showcase continuous experimentation in AI-enhanced malware development.
The exploitation of Google’s Gemini AI by state-sponsored groups highlights the changing landscape of cyber threats. While Google is persistently improving its security defenses, the adaptability of these actors presents ongoing challenges. The rise of AI-driven malware adds complexity to the cybersecurity field, emphasizing the need for sustained vigilance and innovation in defense strategies.
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Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancelling, Heart Rate Sensor, Hearing Aid, Bluetooth Headphones, Space Audio Sound, USB-C Charging Case, Dustproof and Sweatproof and Water
