Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
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Denon PerL in-Ear True Wireless Earbuds with Personalised Sound
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Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Bora Purple
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Suncorp Group has been utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies like machine learning and robotic process automation (RPA) to streamline operational procedures. This evolution has been underpinned by governance structures and risk management strategies that have effectively dealt with prior AI initiatives.
Adam Spencer, Executive Manager of Enterprise and Strategic Risk, emphasized that the emergence of generative AI (GenAI) has prompted Suncorp to refine its AI governance and risk management strategies. The aim is to ensure safe and responsible AI deployment while facilitating quick technological advancements.
At present, Suncorp is focusing on lower-risk, internally directed GenAI applications. Spencer is of the opinion that beginning with these use cases will allow Suncorp to gain benefits and establish a robust foundation for future, more ambitious AI ventures.
Suncorp is putting the federal government’s AI ethics principles into practice to steer its internal discussions and risk assessment activities. These principles encompass various ethical aspects and are being developed into actionable obligations and risk management controls to ensure trustworthy, safe, and equitable AI operations.
Spencer pointed out that reliability, safety, and accuracy are fundamental risks that Suncorp aims to tackle in the first instance. Ensuring options for contestability and fairness in AI outcomes is also a priority, allowing customers to question AI-driven decisions if necessary.
Suncorp and IBM maintain a longstanding collaboration in formulating AI applications leveraging IBM’s Watson technologies. IBM has been actively involved in Suncorp’s initiatives to improve its AI governance and risk management frameworks.
Suncorp is enhancing its AI governance and risk management to align with its growing AI ambitions, initially concentrating on internal, lower-risk GenAI applications. By adopting and implementing the federal AI ethics principles, Suncorp is establishing a framework for safe and ethical AI usage. The partnership with IBM continues to be a pivotal component of these efforts.
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Bluetooth Headphones, Deep Bass Wireless Running Headphones w/16 Hrs Playtime, Bluetooth Earbuds in-Ear w/Earhooks, IPX7 Waterproof Sports Earphones with Microphone for Calls
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This week, Stanford Engineering alongside the Toyota Research Institute unveiled a groundbreaking video that displays two autonomous cars drifting in parallel. This accomplishment signifies the world’s first fully autonomous tandem drift, marking a notable advancement in artificial intelligence and vehicle safety.
The event was held on the skid pan at Thunderhill Raceway, situated 7 miles west of Willows, California, in the Sacramento Valley. Both the leading and trailing vehicles featured cutting-edge autonomous software, enabling them to execute the drift autonomously.
The initiation and management of the drift are achieved by continuously adjusting the steering and throttle inputs, all governed by AI. The lead vehicle is tasked with path planning while the following car closely trails, navigating around the lead. This intricate maneuver highlights AI’s skills in real-time vehicle management.
Trey Weber from Stanford Engineering describes their use of a neural network vehicle model, opting for data-driven learning instead of manually tuning the system. Chris Gerdes, a Mechanical Engineering Professor at Stanford University, remarks on their transition from skepticism regarding AI to acknowledging its crucial role in this success.
“We believe what we’ve accomplished here can be scaled to address larger challenges like automated driving in urban environments”
While drifting is typically viewed as an impressive showcase of driving prowess, the foundational technology could yield significant benefits for vehicle safety. By mastering extreme control techniques, researchers aim to bolster safety features in routine driving conditions. The integration of AI and computer vision with neural networks is already enabling autonomous navigation, making this accomplishment a substantial progression.
Stanford Engineering and the Toyota Research Institute have effectively showcased the world’s inaugural fully autonomous tandem drift. This groundbreaking achievement not only demonstrates AI’s potential in vehicle control but also opens avenues for improved vehicle safety in typical driving situations.
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Realme Buds Air 5 Pro Wireless Earbuds with 50 dB Active Noise Cancelling (Sunrise Beige)
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The European Central Bank (ECB) has carried out its first cyber risk stress test, highlighting crucial areas where euro zone banks must enhance their cyber security initiatives. This action was triggered by a noticeable spike in cyber-attacks, many of which may be influenced by geopolitical dynamics.
The ECB involved 109 banks in the stress test, requiring them to delineate their response and recovery strategies for a hypothetical successful cyber-attack. This encompassed outlining their emergency protocols and plans for resuming regular operations.
After evaluating the submissions, the ECB offered each bank tailored recommendations during its annual supervisory review. Notably, these suggestions did not alter the banks’ capital obligations.
The ECB’s essential suggestions for banks were:
ECB supervisor Anneli Tuominen noted that while banks maintain comprehensive response and recovery protocols, there remains substantial potential for advancement.
Of the 109 banks, 28 participated in a more intensive exercise that involved an actual recovery drill and an on-site evaluation. While the ECB has not revealed the identities of these banks or the specific vulnerabilities detected, this emphasizes the increased oversight on cyber security readiness.
The ECB reported a rise in cyber incidents during the latter half of the previous year, attributing this in part to escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly noting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The report additionally cautioned that many banks continue to operate with obsolete IT systems and an increasing dependency on third-party vendors.
Analogous cyber exercises have been carried out by financial regulators in other territories, such as the UK and Denmark. The ECB is set to decide by year-end whether to implement additional tests, representing a pivotal step in fortifying the cyber resilience of the banking sector.
The ECB’s inaugural cyber risk stress test has unveiled critical deficiencies within the cyber security frameworks of euro zone banks. Despite the presence of advanced response systems, banks must enhance their business continuity, backup strategies, and monitoring of third-party providers. The escalation of cyber incidents stemming from geopolitical unrest underscores the pressing need for improved cyber resilience in the financial industry.
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Radiant is a new energy enterprise initiated by Doug Bernauer, who previously worked at SpaceX. Bernauer envisions transforming nuclear energy to be more accessible, effective, and secure. The company specializes in modular, portable nuclear reactors that can be swiftly constructed and deployed even in harsh environments.
Radiant embraces a revolutionary approach characterized by its simplicity and adaptability. The reactors are compact, similar in size to shipping containers, and can be clustered to achieve greater energy production. As many as four reactors can be situated on a space equivalent to a tennis court, yielding as much as 4MW of electricity.
Conventional nuclear reactors require decades for construction and entail substantial costs. Conversely, Radiant’s reactors are engineered for swift production, with plans to manufacture dozens annually. This facilitates rapid deployment in areas needing dependable energy, whether underwater, in extreme temperatures, or on distant planets like Mars.
Radiant’s reactors operate on nuclear fission, a process where a neutron strikes a larger atom, splitting it into two smaller atoms and releasing energy. This energy is harnessed to produce electricity via a turbine or generator.
Unlike traditional reactors that depend on water for cooling, Radiant features a helium circulator and a graphite moderator. This innovative strategy enhances both safety and operational efficiency. The helium circulator has been prototyped, and a comprehensive core design is currently underway.
In 18 months, Radiant aims to transport its inaugural reactor to Idaho National Lab for extensive testing. Although this technology may not resolve Australia’s outdated coal-fired power station issues immediately, it offers a promising alternative that could eventually become a part of the national grid.
A notable aspect of Radiant’s reactors is their safety architecture. The digital twin demonstrated in their presentations underscores the system’s ability to safely terminate the reaction and, in extreme situations, release heat to the environment without the risk of a thermal runaway. However, navigating the regulatory framework will be vital for deployment in Australia and elsewhere.
Radiant aims to transform nuclear energy through its scalable, modular, and portable reactors. Founded by Doug Bernauer, an ex-SpaceX engineer, the company seeks to address the shortcomings of conventional nuclear power and renewable energy sources. With its distinct cooling method and safety measures, Radiant’s technology could serve as a practical solution for various energy demands, including Australia’s grid challenges.
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On Sunday afternoon, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced an extensive cabinet and ministerial reshuffle, marking the first major personnel shifts in two years. This reshuffle is intended to bolster Australia’s cyber security leadership and equip the country for the upcoming elections expected next year.
Tony Burke has been designated as the new minister for cyber security and Home Affairs. Burke will also manage immigration, multicultural affairs, and the arts while continuing as leader of the house. His appointment highlights the government’s commitment to enhancing Australia’s cyber security resilience in the face of rapidly changing technological environments.
MP Andrew Charlton has been appointed as special envoy for cyber security and digital resilience. This newly formed advisory position will see Charlton collaborating closely with Burke and Michelle Rowland, the communications minister. Prime Minister Albanese stressed the significance of this role in addressing technological complexities and capitalizing on positive opportunities while reducing risks.
Clare O’Neil, who formerly directed the cyber security portfolio during critical incidents such as the Optus data breach, has been reassigned to manage the housing and homelessness portfolio. In her previous role, O’Neil led a comprehensive update of the federal government’s cyber security strategy, which is currently underway.
In a related adjustment, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) will now be integrated into the Attorney-General’s department, connecting it more closely with the Australian Federal Police. This shift aims to enhance operations and foster better cooperation between these essential security bodies.
The recent cabinet reshuffle executed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signifies a considerable transformation in Australia’s cyber security and governmental framework. With Tony Burke leading cyber security and Home Affairs, and Andrew Charlton entering a new advisory capacity, the government aspires to boost its cyber resilience and prepare for forthcoming technological challenges. The shift of Clare O’Neil to the housing domain and the realignment of ASIO further illustrate the government’s strategic maneuvers leading up to the expected elections.
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Skullcandy Grind in-Ear Wireless Earbuds, 40 Hr Battery, Skull-iQ, Alexa Enabled, Microphone, Works with iPhone Android and Bluetooth Devices – Dark Blue/Green
