Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
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Beats Flex Wireless Earphones – Apple W1 Headphone Chip, Magnetic Earbuds, Class 1 Bluetooth, 12 Hours of Listening Time – Blue (Latest Model)
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A recent worldwide outage impacted users of Cisco small-to-medium business (SME) switches, forcing devices to reboot every 10 to 30 minutes. The problem was linked to a modification in the response behavior of Cloudflare’s DNS server.
Administrators facing the issue found that turning off DNS resolution or SNTP synchronization on the affected switches stopped the rebooting problem. This issue was mainly seen in devices using Cloudflare’s DNS at 1.1.1.1, identified as the source of the problem.
Cloudflare handled the situation by releasing an incident report on January 9, confirming that they rolled back the software update to restore the conventional record ordering. The update had changed the order of CNAME and non-CNAME records, leading to conflicts with specific DNS client implementations.
The issue affected models within the CBS, C1200, and SG series of Cisco switches. While acknowledging the situation, Cisco has yet to release updated firmware for the devices impacted.
The unforeseen reboot loops in Cisco SME switches were associated with a Cloudflare DNS update. The shift in DNS response resulted in global disturbances, prompting Cloudflare to reverse the update. Administrators successfully mitigated the issue by disabling DNS resolution or SNTP synchronization, awaiting a firmware update from Cisco.
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Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE – Black
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The AI sector in China is experiencing a notable increase in activity and funding, with companies like MiniMax and Zhipu AI achieving significant launches on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This signifies a rising trust in China’s capability to innovate and rival American technology.
In spite of progress, China’s technological sector confronts challenges, especially in the area of chip manufacturing. The shortage of cutting-edge equipment, like lithography machines, is a major impediment. Although a prototype for an extreme-ultraviolet lithography machine has been crafted, its actual deployment remains doubtful.
Chinese technology leaders recognize that the US maintains a considerable advantage in computing infrastructure, attributed to substantial investments. This disparity poses obstacles for Chinese firms, who must strive for innovation using limited resources, frequently through inventive alternatives like algorithm-hardware integration.
The eagerness of Chinese businesspeople to undertake high-risk projects is a promising development, cultivating an atmosphere conducive to innovation. This entrepreneurial drive, historically characterized in Silicon Valley, is increasingly surfacing in China, aided by government measures aimed at fostering technological advancement.
China is making significant progress in reducing its technological distance from the US, propelled by bold initiatives and innovation within the AI landscape. Nonetheless, challenges such as insufficient chip manufacturing capabilities and investment imbalances persist. The entrepreneurial zeal of Chinese innovators, with government support, is essential for tackling these challenges.
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The Tesla store in Adelaide recently launched the Generation 2 version of the Optimus humanoid robot. With a height of 173cm, it merges stylish design with cutting-edge engineering, highlighting Tesla’s advancements in robotics. Although this version is not the final model, it provides insight into Tesla’s potential future developments.
Optimus features a friendly appearance with its sleek faceplate and fabric shoulders, in stark contrast to the usual industrial design of manufacturing robots. The humanoid shape indicates a future where such technology could integrate seamlessly into homes and workplaces, revolutionizing everyday tasks.
With its distinctive design and sturdy construction, the Cybertruck remains a key draw at the Adelaide store. While it isn’t currently for sale in Australia, it offers a glimpse into potential shifts in the automotive industry. Its presence highlights Tesla’s daring vision for vehicle design.
The Powerwall 3, now offered in Australia, stands at the forefront of residential energy storage solutions. Equipped with an integrated solar inverter, it streamlines installation and boosts efficiency. Australia’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program is further propelling the acceptance of energy storage technologies, backed by substantial government support.
“The Cheaper Home Batteries Program has been an exceptional success. This initiative has reduced the installation costs for solar-connected batteries.” Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Australian Government.
In addition to its innovative products, Tesla’s Adelaide showroom features the well-received Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. With competitive pricing and a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty starting in 2026, these models strengthen Tesla’s standing in the Australian market.
A visit to the Adelaide store illustrates Tesla’s growth into a comprehensive robotics and energy company, moving us closer to a sustainable future.
For further details, visit Tesla Australia
Tesla’s Adelaide location highlights the technology of the future with its Optimus robot, Cybertruck, and Powerwall 3. As Tesla broadens its suite of offerings, it continues to redefine the realms of robotics, automotive, and energy solutions in Australia.
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JBL Headset Button True Wireless Vibe Flex Blue IP54 Black
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The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) has voiced apprehensions regarding the enforcement of permanent exclusions on IT vendors and service providers due to unethical practices. Such measures could unintentionally inhibit government agencies from gaining access to important emerging technologies or capabilities in the future.
This cautious position arises as the Australian Parliament considers a federal exclusion regime designed to prevent suppliers involved in unethical conduct from competing for government contracts. This initiative is partially a reaction to the PwC scandal, where the consultancy faced exclusion from government engagements due to the improper use of confidential Treasury data.
The DTA advocates for responses to unethical behavior that are reasonable and based on substantiated evidence. It warns that widespread bans could impede access to technological progress or skilled personnel. With a market often relying on a limited number of firms for unique or specialized services, permanent exclusions can disrupt essential operations and increase both costs and risks.
The DTA stresses the necessity of having clear definitions, strong oversight, and specified criteria for the reinstatement of vendors within any exclusion framework. Permanent or indefinite bans, absent periodic assessments, could restrict the government’s access to new solutions, especially in fast-changing tech industries. Clear guidelines regarding the duration and extent of exclusions, accompanied by frequent reviews, are crucial for sustaining both integrity and diversity in the market.
The DTA points to the recently lifted 12-year exclusion of IBM by the Queensland government as an instance where a singular debarment created challenges for departments and agencies. While the ban aimed to address accountability issues, it stifled competition in the large-scale IT services sector and led to a reduction in the local workforce. Even after the resolution, the ongoing effects of the ban revealed the long-term implications for government procurement and the wider tech industry.
The DTA warns against the implementation of permanent bans for IT vendors due to possible risks and unforeseen effects. It supports proportionate, evidence-driven methods to address unethical conduct and highlights the importance of transparent terms and periodic evaluations in exclusion frameworks. The IBM case in Queensland exemplifies the potential adverse effects of such bans.
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Soundcore AeroFit 2 AI Assistant Open-Ear Headphones by Anker, Pressure-Free Fit, 2X Richer Bass, Real-Time Translation Earbuds, Hi-Res, 35H Playtime, IP55
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In a noteworthy action, China has reportedly requested its tech companies to cease orders for Nvidia’s H200 chips. This request aligns with a larger goal to enhance domestic production of artificial intelligence (AI) chips and diminish dependence on US technologies. As the US enforces stricter export regulations on advanced semiconductors, the semiconductor sector finds itself central to the escalating trade tensions between the US and China.
The semiconductor sector has emerged as a critical front in the ongoing trade disputes between the US and China. Both nations are competing for technological leadership, with semiconductors being a pivotal component in AI and other cutting-edge technologies. China’s directive to halt orders is meant to avoid a rush in stockpiling US chips, signaling the strategic significance Beijing attributes to advancing its own technological capabilities.
Nvidia, caught amid these geopolitical frictions, remains hopeful about the desire for its H200 chips in China. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang perceives the robust purchase requests as a favorable indicator, despite the absence of official declarations from Beijing. The H200 chip, which precedes Nvidia’s “Blackwell” series, continues to be a desirable item in the Chinese market.
The US government’s consent for Nvidia to export H200 chips to China, conditional upon a 25% revenue-sharing tax, indicated a notable shift in policy. However, the timeline for processing export licenses remains undefined, intensifying the uncertainty faced by tech companies that depend on these advanced semiconductors.
China’s appeal for technology firms to halt orders of Nvidia’s H200 chips highlights the strategic significance of semiconductors in the ongoing trade conflict with the US. While Nvidia stays optimistic about its market outlook in China, the overarching ramifications of these tensions continue to influence global supply chains and technological progress.
China’s request is part of an approach to strengthen its domestic semiconductor industry and lessen dependence on US-made chips.
The H200 chip is a high-end semiconductor utilized in AI applications and serves as a precursor to Nvidia’s advanced “Blackwell” chips.
US export restrictions create challenges on the sale of advanced semiconductors, necessitating Nvidia to navigate intricate licensing procedures.
These tensions underscore the strategic relevance of semiconductors and affect global supply chains and technological advancements.
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The inclusion of PayPal and Stripe in Microsoft’s Copilot AI ecosystem enables users to make transactions using their existing accounts. This fresh Copilot Checkout experience aims to make online shopping easier by embedding a checkout button directly within AI interactions.
“By integrating PayPal’s reliable payment platform into Copilot, we’re simplifying the process for consumers to transition from discovery to purchase seamlessly.”
Alex Chriss, President and CEO, PayPal.
For users in Australia, systems like PayPal login and Stripe-supported card entry will be available within the Copilot sidebar, guaranteeing secure transactions.
Microsoft’s alliances with PayPal and Stripe cater to distinct aspects of the e-commerce landscape. PayPal serves as a trusted platform for consumers, while Stripe facilitates backend transactions for enterprises. This dual strategy ensures expansive support for Copilot’s AI-enhanced payments.
“AI is transforming commerce, and as every technology transition requires, new infrastructure is essential. Stripe is developing that infrastructure, and Microsoft is utilizing it by enabling commerce within Copilot.”
Kevin Miller, Head of Payments, Stripe.
Prioritizing security, the new “Agentic Commerce Protocol” incorporates a “Shared Payment Token” to safeguard your financial data during transactions, ensuring that the AI does not access sensitive information directly.
Copilot Checkout revolutionizes AI shopping by keeping transactions within the AI interface. This fluid experience promotes increased purchases by removing the need for manual credit card entry, evidenced by Microsoft’s data showing a 53% rise in purchases within 30 minutes of utilizing Copilot.
Copilot Checkout is initially available in the US, with Australian access on the horizon. This feature comes at no extra charge for both free and Pro versions of Copilot. Microsoft Copilot Pro, available for A$33 monthly in Australia, provides extra features such as enhanced performance.
With the integration of PayPal and Stripe, Microsoft strengthens its position against competitors like Google and OpenAI, who are also venturing into AI-driven commerce. The success of Copilot will hinge on retailer engagement, especially amongst those using Stripe or Shopify.
Users already with PayPal should link their accounts to Copilot when prompted. It’s also an opportune moment to reassess security settings, including enabling Two-Factor Authentication. As AI commerce develops through 2026, users can anticipate a smoother transition from browsing to buying.
The integration of PayPal and Stripe into Copilot by Microsoft signifies a pivotal advancement in AI-driven commerce. By optimizing the checkout process and ensuring secure transactions, Microsoft aspires to improve user experience and encourage greater online sales. The anticipated launch in Australia is forthcoming, with competitive ramifications for the expansive AI market.
