Regulators have promised Australian residents three hours of free solar power a day

The latest Australian Digital Inclusion Index reveals that nearly half of Australians have embraced generative AI tools, highlighting a significant shift towards digital engagement. This surge in usage presents both exciting opportunities and challenges for digital inclusion, as it indicates progress in bridging the digital divide while also emphasizing the need for continued efforts to ensure everyone can benefit from these advancements.

BYD has officially launched the Sealion 8 in Australia, showcasing its impressive features and competitive pricing, along with government incentives that make it an attractive option for families. This launch is significant as it positions BYD to challenge Tesla's stronghold in the electric vehicle market, offering consumers more choices in the growing EV landscape.

Australia's significant role in the global zirconium market, supplying 74% of the reserves essential for nuclear fuel and hypersonic missiles, has come under scrutiny as Chinese firms gain control over major Australian mines. This situation raises alarms, especially in light of a 300% surge in China's zirconium exports to Russia since the onset of the Ukraine war. The implications of this partnership, particularly against the backdrop of the AUKUS security pact, highlight potential risks to global security and the need for closer examination of international resource control.

A new study highlights the potential of Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) in forecasting electricity demand, a task that has become increasingly complex due to the rise of decentralized energy systems and renewable sources. By effectively modeling spatial dependencies and addressing non-stationarities, this innovative framework could significantly enhance the accuracy of load predictions, which is crucial for energy management and planning. As the energy landscape evolves, advancements like these are vital for ensuring a reliable and efficient power supply.

A team from the University of Melbourne, led by Dr. James Hogan, is pioneering the use of edge AI to enhance agricultural efficiency in Australia's arid regions. Their innovative smart irrigation system utilizes real-time environmental data to optimize water distribution, which is crucial for sustainable farming practices. This advancement not only promises to improve crop yields but also addresses water scarcity issues, making it a significant step forward in agricultural technology.

Microsoft has made a significant move by signing a $9.7 billion deal to purchase AI computing power from IREN Ltd., marking a pivotal moment as it becomes the largest customer of the Australian company. This partnership not only strengthens Microsoft's position in the AI landscape but also highlights the growing demand for advanced computing capabilities in the tech industry.

Microsoft has secured a significant $9.7 billion contract with the Australian firm IREN to provide GPU cloud services. This partnership not only strengthens Microsoft's position in the competitive cloud market but also highlights the growing demand for advanced computing resources in various industries. As businesses increasingly rely on cloud solutions for their operations, this deal is a testament to Microsoft's commitment to innovation and leadership in technology.

Irish legal-tech company TrialView has successfully secured $4.1 million in funding to expand its AI-powered platform into the US and Australia. This expansion is significant as it aims to enhance case preparation and management for legal professionals, making their work more efficient. The investment reflects growing confidence in legal technology and its potential to transform the industry.

Apple is set to expand its Live Translation feature on AirPods to the EU next month, following the release of the first iOS 26.2 beta for developers. This update promises to enhance communication for users in Europe, making it easier to connect across languages.

Google's AI Mode has introduced new features that allow users to book event tickets and beauty appointments more easily. For instance, you can simply ask it to find affordable tickets for an upcoming concert, and it will search various websites to provide you with real-time options that match your preferences.

In today's AI-driven economy, engineering leadership plays a crucial role in transforming risks into resilience, making automation a key factor for growth.

Sequoia has announced the appointment of Alfred Lin and Pat Grady as new Co-Stewards, marking a significant leadership transition as Roelof Botha steps down after three years at the helm.

The Balatro charity wall calendar is bringing a refreshing energy as we approach 2026. It's not just a calendar; it's a source of inspiration and positivity that can brighten up any space.

A recent national poll by health technology firm Zyter|TruCare reveals that many Americans are skeptical about the use of AI in health insurance decision-making. This concern highlights the need for transparency from insurers regarding their AI practices.