Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
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Samsung Galaxy Buds Live R180 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Noise Cancelling – Black
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In a notable development in the energy landscape, Octopus Energy from Britain has revealed the separation of its technology division, Kraken, into an independent firm, valued at an impressive US$8.65 billion (AU$12.91 billion). This action follows a fruitful funding initiative led by D1 Capital Partners.
Kraken delivers state-of-the-art energy software solutions to prominent utilities and energy firms internationally, including EDF, National Grid US, Tokyo Gas, and Australia’s own Origin Energy. Its AI-empowered operating system is currently responsible for overseeing over 70 million customer accounts, underlining its extensive influence in the energy sector.
Current and new investors, including Origin Energy, are poised to acquire around US$1 billion in Kraken’s shares, with Origin dedicating US$140 million (AU$210 million). This funding represents a crucial advancement toward Kraken’s separation from Octopus Energy, which will still hold a 13.7% interest.
The demerger has triggered conversations regarding a potential Initial Public Offering (IPO) for Kraken within the next two years, as indicated by The Financial Times. While Reuters could not substantiate this, the possibility of a Kraken IPO introduces an intriguing aspect to its future.
Origin Energy, utilizing Kraken to enhance its retail operations, will sustain a 22.7% stake in Kraken after the deal closes. Furthermore, Origin has decided to forfeit exclusivity on Kraken’s services in Australia, procuring an additional 1.5% equity stake in exchange. This strategic alteration may foster increased competition and improve service offerings across Australia’s energy landscape.
Kraken’s transition to an independent organization signifies a considerable transformation in the energy sector, with notable investments and strategic adjustments setting the stage for potential growth and development. Origin Energy’s proactive stance demonstrates its dedication to embracing innovative technology to transform its business framework and potentially reshape the Australian energy scene.
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Murray Irrigation recently encountered a major data breach when confidential details regarding its landholders were unintentionally revealed via its ArcGIS Online platform. This event has sparked worries about data security protocols within the organization, which operates under a license from the NSW government.
The breach included 10 categories of data being made publicly available, such as personal details, water account balances, landholding information, and “customer flags.” While the organization has indicated that not all of its clients were influenced, they did not clarify the exact number of affected individuals.
Murray Irrigation has acted promptly to rectify the breach, securing the system to avert further exposure. The organization has additionally announced intentions for a comprehensive external inquiry to identify the root cause of the incident and implement strategies to prevent future incidents.
This breach underscores the vital necessity of robust data security measures, particularly for organizations managing sensitive information. As digital platforms become essential to operations, guaranteeing the integrity and confidentiality of data must remain a foremost concern.
The situation involving Murray Irrigation acts as a stark reminder of the risks that digital systems can present. Although the organization has taken measures to contain the breach, the scenario emphasizes the importance of continual vigilance and enhancements in data security practices.
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sajawass Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones, Noise Cancelling Earbuds with 75 Hours Playtime, LED Power Display, IPX7 Waterproof Earbuds in-Ear Headphones for Sports/Training
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Tesla’s FSD (Full Self-Driving) v14.x is undergoing its most extensive evaluation to date. Tesla owner David Moss is embarking on a cross-country drive across the United States without human assistance. His endeavor is more than just a journey; it marks a pivotal moment in the realm of self-driving.
This expedition acts as a demonstration for Tesla’s future Robotaxi service, slated for launch in early 2026. Successfully completing this drive could be transformative, highlighting the software’s capability to traverse various roads and conditions.
Beginning in Hollywood, California, David’s journey extends approximately 4,500 kilometers to a beach along the Atlantic Ocean. The voyage is projected to last 45 to 50 hours, factoring in charging pauses.
The journey commenced at the Tesla Diner in Los Angeles, where David activated the FSD software. The initial phase through the heavy traffic of Los Angeles set the groundwork for the challenges to come.
The vehicle showcased its durability by maintaining lane precision amid the high temperatures and heat distortion of the Mojave Desert.
Upon entering Arizona, the vehicle navigated intricate interchanges effortlessly, reflecting the software’s advancements.
The FSD system adeptly managed steep inclines and twisting roads, displaying enhanced regenerative braking and decision-making abilities.
While moving through Texas, the system skillfully handled high-speed restrictions and large semi-trucks, providing a more comfortable driving experience.
The upgraded vision encoder excelled in low-light situations, identifying road hazards and responding to human signals.
As the journey approached its conclusion, the vehicle sustained its performance, leading to a flawless arrival at the Atlantic Ocean.
With the Full Self-Driving Capability now available in Australia, the successful completion of this expedition could signify the dawn of autonomous long-distance travel in the country. The technology stands on the cusp of revolutionizing our approach to road travel.
David Moss’s expedition using Tesla’s FSD v14 represents a significant advancement toward achieving complete autonomous driving. The journey not only underscores the software’s potential but also lays the groundwork for future innovations in autonomous travel, including in Australia.
The expedition provides a crucial evaluation of Tesla’s FSD capabilities, essential for the imminent Robotaxi service.
The system dealt with complex interchanges, high-speed traffic, night journeys, and real-time detours, demonstrating its resilience.
It lays the foundation for autonomous driving in Australia, offering a preview of the future of road travel without human involvement.
Notable advancements encompass improved lane management, immediate obstacle detection, and enhanced night vision functionalities.
The journey spanned roughly 4,500 kilometers and was estimated to last 45 to 50 hours, inclusive of charging intermissions.
The success of this mission suggests that fully autonomous, long-distance travel is imminent, potentially transforming road transport.
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Skullcandy Method 360 ANC Wireless Earbuds, Sound by Bose, Bluetooth Headphones, Premium Noise Cancelling, Up to 40 Hrs Battery, Sweat and Water Resistant, Microphone for iPhone Android – Plasma
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Suncorp Group, known for its prominent brands like AAMI, Gio Insurance, and API, is adopting a multi-agent strategy for its artificial intelligence (AI). By developing a library of reusable components, Suncorp intends to spread AI technology across its various brands, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.
At the recent Databricks 2025 Sydney event, Suncorp’s chief machine learning engineer, Touraj Varaee, highlighted the company’s AI progress. Suncorp is taking advantage of Databricks’ product suite, including the Lakehouse for data management and Unity Catalog for governance, to underpin its multi-agent AI framework.
The introduction of AI technologies has already provided significant advantages for Suncorp. The claims department has used AI to automatically generate over a million words in case summaries, saving more than 15,000 hours of labor for customer service personnel. This achievement emphasizes AI’s integral role in Suncorp’s operational framework.
Suncorp Group is at the forefront of a multi-agent AI strategy, utilizing Databricks technology to improve efficiency and scalability across its brands. This initiative has already resulted in considerable enhancements in customer service and claims processing, showcasing AI’s potential to transform business activities.
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With New Year’s Eve approaching, Australians are keenly buying tickets for concerts, festivals, and sports events. Nevertheless, recent findings from PayPal Australia highlight that many fans are becoming victims of ticket scams, incurring an average loss of A$432 per event.
One in five Australians claims to have missed events because of counterfeit or undelivered tickets. Alarmingly, nearly 10% have been scammed multiple times, suggesting the use of sophisticated scam techniques.
Interestingly, younger Australians face greater risks of high-value losses. Approximately 15% of Gen Z and Millennial victims have indicated losses of A$750 or above, contrasting with older Australians who do not report such significant losses.
The appeal of lower-priced tickets continues to pose a major threat. About 18% of Gen Z individuals are willing to risk buying tickets at questionable prices.
Only 6% of scammed consumers managed to avert financial loss by utilizing payment methods that incorporate buyer protection. The majority of victims opted for payment options lacking any recourse, such as direct bank transfers.
Social media platforms are saturated with deceptive activities; yet half of Australians still buy tickets through these outlets. Scammers frequently employ fake digital ticket images or pose as genuine sellers to mislead buyers.
Utilizing secure payment solutions like PayPal, which provides Buyer Protection, can assist consumers in obtaining refunds if their tickets fail to arrive.
As the demand for New Year’s Eve events skyrockets, Australians are encouraged to stick to approved ticketing platforms. The secondary market carries greater risks, with scammers establishing fake websites that imitate official sellers.
Reporting suspicious ticket offers helps safeguard the community. Over half of Australians would report a dubious offer, contributing to the prevention of others falling prey to scams.
As New Year’s Eve approaches, Australians face the dual thrill of attending events and the risk associated with ticket scams. With substantial financial losses reported, particularly among younger Australians, it is crucial to emphasize the use of secure payment methods and reliance on official ticket platforms to mitigate the risk of fraud.
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Bluetooth Sports Headphones, Wireless Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones with 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic, 68 Hours Hi-Fi Stereo Deep Bass Wireless Earbuds, LED Display, IP7 Waterproof Earphones with Ear Hooks
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BHP’s dedication to high-performance network infrastructure is setting the stage for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations. At Cisco Live in Melbourne, Michelle Fernando, superintendent of operation technology (OT) networks, showcased BHP’s preparedness for AI, emphasizing the company’s focus on low latency and high throughput applications in demanding mining conditions.
Fernando mentioned that AI is likely to facilitate the merging of IT and OT networks, which have historically functioned separately. This integration will demand secure solutions and shared infrastructure, potentially utilizing technologies like SD-WAN. Such convergence is anticipated to optimize operations and bolster security at mining sites.
AI’s function in mining operations expands to delivering timely information for enhanced decision-making. Fernando pointed out the significance of AI in predictive maintenance and safety applications, which empower operators to make informed choices that improve operational efficiency and safety protocols.
BHP is planning future investments emphasizing network resilience and observability. Fernando articulated a vision for self-healing networks capable of automatically identifying and addressing issues, adjusting to shifting conditions such as varying terrains and weather. Improved visibility and observability are vital for anticipating and alleviating possible network disturbances.
BHP is strategically equipped to integrate AI into its mining operations, owing to its strong network infrastructure. By centering on the convergence of IT and OT networks and investing in advanced technologies, BHP aspires to boost efficiency, security, and decision-making processes in its operations.
