Norton, a consumer Cyber Safety brand of Gen™, has reinvented its Virtual Private Network (VPN) and unveiled Norton Ultra VPN, a new all-in-one VPN combining speed and reliability with advanced security, privacy and identity features to give people a higher level of protection from today’s cyber threats.

To help people browse online safely, take control of their privacy and enjoy their favourite content on-the-go, all Norton VPNs now include worldwide content access, service compatibility upgrades, and more protocols for people to choose from for better online experiences. Additionally, Norton improved its no-log policy, which has been audited by an independent third party, giving customers confidence that their privacy is protected.

“Today, people need more from their VPN. They need help protecting themselves and their families from an ever-increasing spectrum of modern threats,” said Leena Elias, Chief Product Officer at Gen.

“We reimagined our lineup with this in mind, innovating with our award-winning technology to create tailored solutions that provide the most comprehensive online protection, helping people everywhere to regain control of their Cyber Safety with the perfect VPN for their lifestyle.”

Norton now offers three VPN plans: Norton Secure VPN for individuals in need of a fast, easy-to-use and reliable VPN service^[1]; Norton Ultra VPN for individuals and couples looking for additional security and privacy protection; and Norton Ultra VPN Plus for families looking to protect their household with an all-in-one solution.

Norton Ultra VPN provides enhanced privacy, security and identity features, including:

Privacy

• VPN: A fast, secure and reliable private internet connection to access your favorite content at home and on-the-go.
• Privacy Monitor (US and Canada): Included with Norton Ultra VPN Plus, Privacy Monitor scans people-finder websites for exposed personal information every 90 days and helps you opt-out of these websites for improved online privacy.

Security

• Malware and Scam Protection: Blocks dangerous websites and helps keep malware, ransomware, phishing and other scams at bay with real-time protection.
• Parental Control: Pinpoints the location of Android or iOS devices, sets boundaries for physical locations^[2], and blocks harmful or inappropriate websites to help children explore the internet safely.
• Password Manager: Create and manage passwords in one secure place. Includes an encrypted vault, detects duplicate passwords and suggests ways to improve password security.

Identity

• Dark Web Monitoring^[3]: Notifies you if your personal information – such as email addresses, phone numbers or credit card numbers – have been exposed and found on the dark web, so that you can secure your accounts and take the necessary steps to protect your identity.

Norton Ultra VPN is available today and compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS platforms, protecting up to ten devices in the highest tier. For more information, please visit https://au.norton.com/products/norton-vpn

ASUS has announces the launch of its latest range of AMD-powered AI laptops in Australia. This new lineup, featuring AI-enabled models including the ProArt P16, ProArt PX13, Zenbook S 16,  Vivobook S 16, Vivobook S 14, ROG Zephyrus G16, TUF A14, and TUF A16, represents a significant leap forward in both performance and design, catering to a wide range of users from students, professionals, creatives and gamers.

Elevating Performance and Design with AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 Processor

The new ASUS laptops are powered by the AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor, delivering top-tier performance and advanced AI capabilities. Each model offers unique features tailored to specific user needs, from ultraportable design to gaming excellence.

Bradley Howe, Head of Consumer, ASUS Australia, explains, “This new AMD lineup builds on our launch of AI PCs earlier this year. Our focus is on supporting Australians in their AI journey, whether they’re just discovering AI or are already regularly using it. The rise of AI-enabled apps and the integration of AI capabilities highlight the need for high-performance machines to deliver better quality experiences.”

In fact, a recent CSIRO report shows that 68% of Australian businesses have already implemented AI technologies, with a further 23% planning to implement them in the next 12 months. These businesses report an average time saving of 30% across all AI-related initiatives, underscoring the transformative potential of AI.

“Our screen technology, with ASUS Lumina OLED for lifestyle and Nebula Display for gaming, ensures that as consumers use AI for creation, productivity, learning, and gaming, they do so on the best display technology available. Even for those not using AI daily, our devices’ performance and extended battery life are greater than our previous generations, making them smarter and more powerful than ever.”

“At AMD, we push the boundaries of what is possible in high-performance computing. Together with ASUS, we are pleased to announce their latest range of AI PCs based on our latest AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor,” said Peter Chambers, Managing Director, APAC and Country Manager, Australia. “The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 combines AMD’s latest Zen5 cores, high-performance graphics and the highest-performing AI PC NPU available. This performance, in tandem with ASUS’ innovative designs, delivers class-leading products that allow creators, students, gamers, and professionals to unlock their full potential.”

This latest wave of AI products is part of ASUS’ ethos around making premium technology available for every Australian. The company is leading the charge in driving the AI revolution in the PC industry by bringing high-performing and innovative products to market to ensure that there is a high-performing AI PC available for every Australian. With the latest range of AI PCs, ASUS aims to focus on bringing top-tier performance, technologies and features to allow Australians to create, work and learn smarter than before. The company is drawing on its extensive experience and formidable partnerships with AMD, NVIDIA, Microsoft, Adobe, Pantone, Dolby and CapCut and is poised to lead the charge into this new era.

With the increasing prevalence of AI in everyday applications, from content creation tools like Canva and Adobe to productivity apps, the integration of AI capabilities has become essential. Recent research from Microsoft’s Work Index Report highlights that Australian workers are leading the way in adopting generative AI technology in the workplace, with a remarkable 84% utilising it—significantly higher than the global average of 75%. Eager to lift the weight of work, employees who are using AI say it saves time, boosts creativity, and allows them to focus on their most important work. These advancements require high-performance machines to run smoothly and efficiently, justifying the need for AI-enabled PCs. ASUS’s latest lineup addresses this demand by offering powerful AI-enhanced features across its range of laptops. With this latest announcement, ASUS has the most comprehensive AI-enabled PC lineup.

ProArt P16 and PX13: Creative AI Powerhouses

The new ProArt P16 and ProArt PX13 laptops are designed to meet the needs of every creator, from everyday users and outdoor content creators to seasoned professionals. These models empower users to create easier, faster, and smarter, thanks to their powerful performance and innovative features. Both laptops are equipped with the AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor, offering exceptional processing power for demanding creative tasks. Additionally, they come with a free three-month Adobe Creative Suite subscription and a six-month CapCut Pro subscription, enhancing the creative workflow right out of the box.

The ProArt P16 features a stunning 16-inch high-resolution display that provides accurate colour representation, making it perfect for graphic designers, video editors, and other creatives. Its robust build ensures durability, while the advanced cooling system maintains optimal performance during intensive tasks. The PX13, on the other hand, offers a more compact 13-inch form factor without compromising on power, making it ideal for creatives on the go. Both models are equipped with ample storage and memory options to handle large files and multitasking efficiently.

Both models feature ASUS-exclusive StoryCube and MuseTree apps, enabling smarter and more streamlined creative workflows. StoryCube is a smart, convenient, and powerful digital asset-management tool with AI assistance for scene categorisation and clip generation, allowing users to manage and export their file libraries effortlessly. MuseTree transforms inspiration into imagery swiftly, enabling users to generate more creativity through simple graphical interactions while intelligently storing and managing their ideas. The devices also include a dedicated Copilot key for quick access to your everyday AI companion.

The 16-inch ProArt P16 laptop delivers unparalleled on-the-go creative experiences with its cutting-edge components housed in a premium-feel black chassis that’s just 14.9 mm thin and 1.85 kg light. Powered by a 50 TOPS NPU integrated into the AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU that can deliver up to 321 TOPS, it is the first AI PC of its kind built for advanced AI workflows across creativity, gaming, productivity, and more. The GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU provides creatives with RTX AI acceleration in top 2D, 3D, video editing, and streaming apps, significantly enhancing performance in tasks like video editing with DaVinci Resolve, AI Speech Enhance in Adobe Premiere Pro, and 3D rendering in Autodesk Arnold. Additionally, the ProArt P16 has access to exclusive NVIDIA AI software like NVIDIA Broadcast, RTX Video, and the ChatRTX tech demo.

For increased portability, the 1.38 kg 13-inch ProArt PX13 convertible laptop excels in any user scenario, with a 360° hinge allowing seamless transitions between laptop, tent, stand, or tablet modes. Whether creating on-the-go or working from home, its high-resolution 3K ASUS Lumina OLED display ensures life-like visuals that captivate and inspire. Powered by up to an AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor, the ProArt PX13 is an NVIDIA Studio-validated laptop with up to a GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU that delivers over 300 TOPS for an advanced AI PC experience. This enables creators to unlock unique AI capabilities and dive into AI-accelerated workflows, from textures and lighting effects to AI-generated imagery. Along with ultrafast WiFi 7 connectivity, the PX13 features extensive I/O ports, including twin 40 Gbps USB4 for fast charging and external displays, HDMI 2.1 FRL, and a UHS-II MicroSD card reader for quick action-cam transfers.

Additionally, ASUS has partnered with CapCut to offer users an exclusive six-month CapCut Pro membership program across the new ProArt laptop lineup. This membership provides access to premium features and thousands of assets, offering a flexible editing workflow, magical AI tools, and a comprehensive stock library.

ASUS Zenbook S 16 OLED  (UM5606): New Zen with Superior AI

Introducing the ASUS Zenbook S 16, the first thin and light 16-inch new-era ASUS AI PC, combining performance with sophistication. This premium ultraportable laptop measures an astonishingly slim 1.1 cm and weighs just 1.5 kg with 20 hours of battery life*. Despite its sleek design, it houses a formidable AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor, delivering up to 28 W TDP and a dedicated NPU AI chip delivering 50 TOPS from the NPU to enable faster & smarter day-to-day tasks. Its dedicated Copilot in Windows key enables quick access to Copilot in Windows AI experiences. 

The Zenbook S 16 boasts an all-metal chassis with an outer lid made from Ceraluminum™, ASUS’ innovative new material that combines the aesthetic and tactile qualities of ceramic with the strength of aluminium. Ceraluminum™ is not only durable but also provides a pleasantly warm and tactile feel. Available in Zumaia Gray, the device is as visually striking as it is functional.

Despite the thinness of the Zenbook S 16, connectivity has not been compromised. Its highly efficient 78 Wh battery delivers 22 hours of battery life* and a full array of I/O ports, including two USB4®, USB 3.2 Type-A, HDMI®, an audio jack, and an SD card reader. Users will appreciate the fast responsiveness enabled by up to 2 TB PCIe® 4.0 x4 SSD and up to 32 GB LPDDR5x RAM.

The immersive 16-inch 3K ASUS Lumina OLED 16:10 panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate, NanoEdge bezels, and a 90% screen-to-body ratio offers stunning visuals. Certified by TÜV Rheinland, it delivers a high degree of eye protection with low blue light and flicker-free technology to support long screen time usage. The six-speaker sound system delivers immersive audio, while AI Noise Cancellation helps deliver clear conference calls. Additionally, a 40%-larger than the previous generation 16:10 touchpad supports smart gestures for easy navigation and control.

The Zenbook S 16 also prioritises enhanced privacy features. ASUS AiSense tracks your presence through the camera, automatically dimming when you look away, while ASUS Adaptive Lock protects your personal space by sensing when you are not present and then automatically locking the screen. 

Vivobook S 16 (M5606) & Vivobook S 14 (M5406) OLED – Your Everyday Laptop

Additionally, the existing ASUS Vivobook S OLED lineup has been refreshed to feature an AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor to provide the latest AI capabilities to the widest range of users, making them the ultimate everyday laptops. The 14-inch ASUS Vivobook S 14 (M5406) and the 16-inch ASUS Vivobook S 16 (M5606) have been reimagined with even slimmer and lighter designs than previous Vivobook generations. Sporting elegant all-metal chassis, these laptops start at a mere 1.39cm thick and weigh as little as 1.3kg. Alongside their exceptional portability and minimalist aesthetics, they boast uncompromising performance powered by the latest AMD Radeon® graphics, up to 32 GB LPDDR5X memory, and lightning-fast up to 1 TB PCIe® 4.0 SSD storage. Enhanced cooling is ensured by the ASUS IceCool thermal technology, now featuring two heat pipes, two 97-blade IceBlade fans, and two air vents.

The S 16 and S 14 models include a dedicated Copilot key, refined new colours, a 180° hinge, an IR camera with a physical shutter, full I/O ports, and Harman Kardon-certified Dolby Atmos® audio, making them versatile and user-friendly. These features make the Vivobook S 14 and S 16 OLED models the perfect choice for users seeking a stylish, powerful, and reliable laptop for everyday use, ensuring they can handle any task with ease and efficiency.

Availability & Pricing

For many small businesses, managing, maintaining, and implementing new cloud computing infrastructure can be daunting.     Do you need a cloud engineer?

 But with forecasts that public cloud end-user spending could reach as much as $AUD23.2 billion this year, and a surge of demand triggering a critical shortage of digital skilled experts, Australian SMBs should consider building out their cloud capabilities – and that starts with sourcing relevant talent.  

A cloud engineer is a professional responsible for managing various aspects of cloud computing. Their tasks span a wide spectrum, from strategic planning and design to technical implementation, maintenance, and support. When organisations need to deploy or scale their cloud resources or gain a better understanding of cloud technologies, they turn to cloud engineers. 

As a highly technical role, cloud engineers typically possess a combination of skills. They understand databases and data management, configure networking environments, write scripts for automation, and choose the right operating systems. Security is paramount, so cloud engineers are well-versed in encryption, access controls, and best practices. 

The key responsibilities of a cloud engineer

Your first cloud engineer will be responsible for researching and defining the best cloud strategy for the company. That will involve collaborating closely with existing teams and customers to ensure the strategy is aligned to the need of the business. They will also need to communicate clearly to ensure everyone understands the chosen approach. 

Next, cloud engineers design and build. Working solo or as part of a small IT team, your first cloud engineer will be responsible for creating web services within the cloud, considering factors like geographic distribution and scalability. Their goal is to meet performance requirements whilst optimising costs. 

Once the new cloud computing infrastructure is implemented, the engineer will be responsible for monitoring system performance, analysing logs and troubleshooting issues. They set up alerts, track resource utilisation, and respond to incidents promptly to ensure reliability and minimise downtime.  This includes implementing security best practices – they configure firewalls, manage access controls, and encrypt data. This should all be done whilst considering compliance with industry standards and regulations to safeguard sensitive information. 

Finally, a cloud engineer is responsible for education and training. They will provide relevant training to other team members, ensuring the smooth adoption of cloud technologies across the organisation and that the new tech is used safely and efficiently. 

How to find and hire a cloud engineer 

The first step, once you have identified the type of role you want to hire for, is to prepare a job specification for the right person. This should be a clear job description that outlines responsibilities, required skills and qualifications. 

Once this is prepared, the best place to start is your local networks and startup programs. Connect with local startup program managers and industry events. These connections can introduce you to potential cloud engineers within the broader tech community. Leveraging resources like the OVHcloud Startup Program provides one-on-one time with an expert who can help you find the right fit for your team or make introductions to potential candidates. Existing offline (e.g. employee referrals) and online (e.g. LinkedIn job postings, job boards, own website posts) networks should be tapped into as much as possible.  

It’s also worth considering working with recruitment agents who understand your business. They can help filter candidates, especially for hard-to-fill roles. A recruitment agent with knowledge of your industry, the tech landscape and startup culture can be a valuable channel for finding the right talent. 

During the interview process, the interviewer will need to assess the candidate’s technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. It will be important to ask about their cloud service certifications, coding language fluency and skills related to concepts such as DevOps and open-source technology. 

When hiring your first cloud engineer, remember that their role extends beyond technical expertise. They will represent your brand by shaping your business’s technology roadmap, in turn impacting performance and influencing user experience. Prioritise quality over speed during the hiring process and invest in talent that aligns with your organisation’s long-term vision. 

Contributed by Satyam Santosh, Startup Program Lead, APAC, OVHcloud 

D-Link ANZ has launched its new DSL-X3052E AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 VDSL2/ ADSL2+ Modem Router with VoIP. Featuring AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 technology, the DSL-X3052E brings fast and efficient Wi-Fi into any home, giving a quantum leap in capacity, speed and range that users need to handle all their Wi-Fi demands.

With an integrated VDSL2/ ADSL2+ Modem for universal DSL connectivity in Australia and New Zealand, supporting VLAN tagging as well as the latest SOS/ ROC requirements on the NBN, the D-Link DSL-X3052E broadband Modem Router provides you with an all-in-one connectivity solution by also offering a dedicated Gigabit Ethernet WAN port, giving the ultimate in flexibility.

With the DSL-X3052E users can experience up to AX3000 speeds while 1024-QAM boosts throughput to devices by up to 25% and 160MHz contiguous channel width gives even more bandwidth for sublime Wi-Fi speeds up to a combined 3Gbps.

This dual-band powerhouse operates on 2.4GHz for your everyday web tasks and on 5GHz for high-intensity media consumption, gaming and voice calls all at once without compromising on speed or quality. In addition, 4 Gigabit LAN ports and a Gigabit WAN port give you faster wired connectivity to your Smart TV’s, NAS or whenever else you prefer a dedicated Wired connection.

The new D-Link DSL-X3052E AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 VDSL2/ ADSL2+ Modem Router with VoIP

Users can connect to more devices simultaneously whilst experiencing less congestion as the DSL-X3052E uses Wi-Fi 6’s cutting-edge Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) technology. Here small data packets destined for multiple devices are transmitted together and never have to queue up again, making it ideal for smart homes filled with IoT devices battling for bandwidth.

The DSL-X3052E leverages OFDMA and MU-MIMO for better efficiency of upstream and downstream transmissions to distribute the flow of data to multiple devices. This combination greatly increases capacity, coverage and performance in ultra-high-density environments.

The new D-Link DSL-X3052E AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 VDSL2/ ADSL2+ Modem Router with VoIP

For further extended coverage and reduced interference, high-gain antennas, built-in power amplifiers and beamforming technology allow the DSL-X3052E to extend the reach of your Wi-Fi
and focus a stronger signal in the direction of your devices to ensure a stronger, faster and more reliable Wi-Fi experience. Meanwhile a long OFDM symbol ensures even greater Wi-Fi range, extending to the far corners of even the largest of homes.

One of the biggest concerns with IoT devices and Wi-Fi networks is privacy. To combat this, the DSL-X3052E uses the latest industry-standard 128-bit encryption, which is the most advanced security standard available, ensuring greater privacy throughout users’ devices and networks.

The new D-Link DSL-X3052E AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 VDSL2/ ADSL2+ Modem Router with VoIP

As with all D-Link Wi-Fi 6 routers and modem routers, the DSL-X3052E also utilises Target Wake Time (TWT) helping reduce battery consumption for connected devices by communicating with them and deciding when and how often the device requires data transfers. TWT increases the device’s sleep time, cleverly conserving energy and battery life.

Finally, the clever use of BSS Colouring helps reduce unwanted interference even further as it makes transmissions more unique by ‘colouring’ them with their own unique code, resulting in devices deciding whether to transmit signals or ignore them and ultimately less interference, less Wi-Fi slowdowns and more range.

Key features of the DSL-X3052E AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 VDSL2/ ADSL2+ Modem Router with VoIP

• Integrated VDSL/ ADSL2+ Modem for universal DSL connectivity in Australia and New Zealand with VLAN tagging and SOS/ ROC support for the NBN.

• Wi-Fi 6 technology provides faster speeds, greater capacity and less network congestion

• Speeds up to AX3000 (2400Mbps on the 5GHz and 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz)

• A dedicated Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports provide optional wired connectivity

• Connect up to two phones to makes VoIP calls over the Internet*

• OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology communicate more data to more devices while simultaneously reducing lag

• BSS Colouring Technology reduces interference, making more efficient use of Wi-Fi spectrum

• Increased battery life of connected devices with Target Wake Time technology

• Supports the latest WPA3™ encryption

The new D-Link DSL-X3052E AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 VDSL2/ ADSL2+ Modem Router with VoIP

is available in Australia now from www.dlink.com.au (RRP AUD$399.95), from all authorised D-Link partners and retailers.

When you’re a small business owner, setting up and running your home office can come at a cost. Thankfully, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) provides taxpayers with a way to recoup some of these expenses by claiming tax deductions in their tax returns.

As the end of the financial year draws closer, here’s what you need to know about reducing your taxable income with home office tax deductions.

Make a list of your deductions

As a general rule, there are three categories of deductions when it comes to running a home office: office furniture and equipment such as computers, desks, and phones; office supplies, like paper, pens, and printer ink; and utilities and services used to run your home office, including electricity, internet, and heating and cooling.

To make sure you claim all relevant deductions on your tax return, start by breaking up your expenses into two columns: those that are used for 100% work purposes, and those that are used for both work and personal activity. For example, many of us will buy a desk that is only used for work, but we use our internet service for both work and personal reasons, making it a combined expense.

Items that are classed as 100% work expenses and cost less than $300 can be written off in full, while items over this threshold will be classified as depreciated assets and deducted as such.

For the expenses in the combined work and personal use column, you will need to determine what portion of the expense is used for work. For example, if your phone is used for 30% for work and 70% for personal reasons, you can only claim 30% of its cost as a deductible. This can get tricky, so if you’re unsure about how to calculate the relevant work usage of your deductibles, be sure to consult a professional.

Choose your method of calculation

There are two different ways you can calculate your home office deductions and it’s important to know which one is right for you and your situation.

The first option – and arguably the more popular method – is the fixed-cost method. Rather than claiming the individual cost of each expense, this option uses a fixed rate of 67 cents per hour to determine your total home office expenses. This set price incorporates all furniture, equipment, and utility expenses, so it’s important to note that you can’t claim these as separate deductions. The benefit of this method is that it’s a more simple and streamlined approach.

The second option is the actual cost method. This is where you claim the actual amount you paid for your business-related expenses. This method is great for small business owners whose work-from-home expenses are significantly higher than what the standardised rate of 67 cents per hour would account for. However, to use the actual cost method, you must keep detailed records, log books, and receipts of your expenses to calculate what percentage is used for work purposes.

Start preparing for next year’s tax lodgement

If you’re one of those people who feel that tax time always sneaks up on you, there are a few easy things you can do to prepare yourself throughout the year.

• Book an appointment in advance with a registered tax accountant to ensure you can maximise your deductions.
• For easy access to your records at tax time, scan or save all receipts and invoices for business expenses in one folder.
• Keep up to date with changing tax obligations and seek guidance where needed.

By understanding your tax obligations and rights, you can not only maximise your tax return but also make it more affordable to maintain a dedicated home office space.

Note: This article is general in nature and has been prepared for informational purposes only. It does not take into account individual circumstances and does not constitute financial advice. For personal financial advice, please consult a professional tax adviser.

Contributed by Craig Matthews, Chief Merchandise Officer at Office Brands 

Adobe, has announced innovations in its industry- leading professional design apps Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop that accelerate everyday creative workflows and give creators more control. From ideation to production, the new release of Illustrator unlocks new ways for pro designers and illustrators to more easily and quickly bring their vision to life across brand graphics, logos and icons, product packaging, marketing deliverables, pattern creation and beyond. The latest release of Photoshop delivers new ways for creative professionals to iterate design concepts and jumpstart asset creation to achieve complex, custom outputs with differentiated color and style more efficiently. 

To accelerate creative workflows, Illustrator is introducing new tools including all-new Generative Shape Fill (beta) to empower designers to quickly add detailed vectors to shapes by entering text prompts directly in the Contextual Taskbar. Generative Shape Fill is powered by the latest Firefly Vector Model (beta) which is designed to support creators with additional speed, power and precision. Additional innovations in Illustrator including the Dimension Tool, Mockup (beta), Contextual Taskbar, Retype, enhanced selection tools, Text to Pattern (beta), Style Reference and more workflow enhancements speed up tedious tasks and save designers time so they can dive deeper into the parts of their work they love. 

Photoshop is introducing intuitive features to accelerate core creative workflows and streamline repetitive tasks with the Selection Brush Tool, Adjustment Brush Tool and enhancements to the Type Tool and Contextual Taskbar. These tools unlock new levels of productivity, precision and control when selecting, compositing, adjusting images and working with type. Photoshop is also introducing new ways to ideate and create with Generate Image, powered by Adobe Firefly Image 3 Model. 

“The most creative people across illustration, design, photography and beyond trust Adobe’s tools to deliver the most innovative features to maximie productivity and accelerate workflows across ideation, design and production,” said Ashley Still, senior vice president, digital media at Adobe. “Adobe’s new innovations in Illustrator and Photoshop are built directly into designers’ existing workflows, offering new ways to create and helping them to work faster and focus on what they do best – drawing, designing and bringing their creative visions to life.” 

Productivity and Precision for Designers Across Disciplines 

Whether you’re a designer who works in graphic design for a client, a fashion designer, an interior designer or professional creative who loves to illustrate, this release speeds up tedious workflows so designers can be more productive – and have fun – ideating and iterating concepts. The tools help across all design workflows from creating variations of advertising and marketing graphics to digital drawings and illustrations, adding patterns to fashion silhouettes, inspiration and mood boarding. Designers can test product packaging spanning multiple patterns and design options, explore ads in different seasonal variations and produce their designs across product mockups in countless combinations. 

With AI as a creative assistant, Adobe Firefly powers breakthrough generative AI innovations in Photoshop and Illustrator: 

·        All-new Generative Shape Fill in Illustrator empowers designers to quickly add detailed vectors to shapes in designer’s own unique style for concept ideation or more detail in existing artwork and designs. 

·        Enhanced Text to Pattern in Illustrator speeds up the creative process, empowering designers to ideate, create and scale customised vector patterns across design projects using simple text prompts. 

·        Style Reference in Illustrator helps designers quickly edit and scale vector graphic creations, including subjects, scenes and icons, in their own unique style. 

·        Generate Image in Photoshop removes the blank page by jumpstarting ideation and creation with new levels of creative control directly in Photoshop, powered by Adobe Firefly Image 3 Model. 

·        Enhance Detail in Generative Fill in Photoshop delivers greater sharpness and detail in large size image formats. 

To help designers be more productive and have more time to be creative, the following innovations accelerate creative workflows in Illustrator and Photoshop: 

·        Mockup in Illustrator delivers the ability to easily create high-quality visual prototypes of art on objects like product packaging, apparel and more by automatically adjusting the art to fit the curves and edges of the real-life object. 

·        Dimension tool in Illustrator helps designers easily plot precise sizing to projects in a few clicks for packaging design, architectural drawings, fashion patterns and more. 

·        Retype in Illustrator helps designers conveniently convert static text to live, editable text and identify the perfect font for projects. 

·        Enhanced selection capabilities in Illustrator including the new Enclosed Rectangular Marquee Selection helps designers select objects more precisely and with more precision, which is especially useful in intricate and crowded designs. 

·        Enhanced Pan and Zoom capabilities in Illustrator deliver faster and smoother performance so designers can navigate highly complex documents with speed and ease – up to 10 times faster with scalability from 3.13% to 64,000%. 

·        Contextual Taskbar speeds up workflows with a menu that presents relevant next steps in user’s design process. 

·        Selection Brush Tool in Photoshop makes selecting, compositing and applying filters intuitive. 

·        Adjustment Brush in Photoshop enables users to easily apply non-destructive adjustments to specific portions of images. 

·        In Photoshop, enhancements to the Type Tool delivers faster and less-manual ways of creating bulleted and numbered lists and improvements in the Contextual Taskbar introduce popular settings for working with shapes and rotating objects. 

Commitment to Creator Friendly AI 

Adobe is determined to be a trusted partner for creators in the era ahead and integrating technology into our tools in a way that is respectful and supportive of the creative community. We’re committed to taking a creator-friendly approach and developing AI in accordance with the company’s AI Ethics principles of accountability, responsibility and transparency. This includes: 

·        Respecting creators’ rights and never training on customer content. 

·        Delivering AI technology in a way that supports the creative community with Adobe Firefly which provides high-quality, creator-centric generative AI models that are designed to be safe for commercial use, trained on licensed content, such as Adobe Stock, and public domain content. 

·        Building Firefly for direct integration into existing workflows the creative community can benefit from every day, including in Photoshop, Adobe Express, Illustrator, Substance 3D and InDesign, in order to maximise productivity to have more time to spend being creative. 

·        Continuing to innovate ways to protect our customers through efforts including Content Credentials with attribution for creators and provenance of content. 

Availability 

The latest Firefly Vector Model (beta) is now available in Adobe Illustrator powering Generative Shape Fill (beta), Text to Pattern (beta) and Style Reference. Additional innovations including Mockup (beta), Dimension Tool, Retype, Enhanced Pan and Zoom and Contextual Taskbar are also available today in the Illustrator app. More details here. 

The Selection Brush Tool, Adjustment Brush Tool, Generate Image and more are all generally available in the Photoshop desktop app and web app today. 

Leading technology brand Uniden has released its new App Cam SOLO X range, an easy-to-use plug and play security solution featuring eight new 100% wire-free cameras to watch over a small business, inside and out. With high-quality inclusions, the new range adds a video doorbell and a selection of easy to install cameras that can be scaled to suit any property, all accessible in one ecosystem with the MyUniden+ App. All cameras capture in 2K Super HD. 
 

Delivering free 7-day rolling cloud coverage and SD card backup for the lifetime of the product, with no surprise subscriptions or additional ongoing charges*. Helping more Aussies to create a sense of safety and security, the cameras help to monitor household deliveries, check on the status of the house while at work or on holidays, and stay in touch with pets when they’re home alone. 

According to Brad Hales, National Marketing Communications Manager for Uniden, the new range offers a lot to the security camera market, with something for everyone. “This new range of wire-free security cameras provides an innovative and functional way for people to monitor their homes, capturing every detail and storing footage for peace of mind and deterring a crime before it happens. We’ve taken all kinds of consumers into consideration when developing this range, knowing that people seek out trusted brands with a local presence, and most importantly create products that are reliable with no hidden fees after the product purchase.” 

* 30-day subscriptions and advanced Ai subscriptions available if required. 

The App Cam SOLO X2K helps households to build a system to meet their individual security needs, adding one, two or four cameras at a time. Each camera has an integrated spotlight, Thermosense Technology for heat and movement detection, a two-way audio feature to talk via the app, a 120-degree wide viewing angle and a siren alert trigger, ensuring occupants are made aware of any intrusions. Paired with the Uniden solar panel accessory, the camera battery will require minimal USB recharging. 

Uniden App Cam SOLO X2K– RRP $149.95 

Uniden App Cam SOLO X2K– Twin Pack – RRP $289.95 

Uniden App Cam SOLO X2K– Quad Pack – RRP $569.95 

The App Cam SOLO X2K Bullet Kit delivers a powerful spotlight allowing for Colour Night Vision, ensuring all movements are captured with exceptional clarity 24/7. Including an included solar panel and mounting components for easy installation, this outdoor security solution is the most advanced in Uniden’s range, meaning all footage is crisp and faces, number plates and other details are more easily identified, even after dark.  

Uniden App Cam SOLO X2K Bullet Kit – $199.95  

The App Cam SOLO X2K Bell Wirefree Video Doorbell complements the Uniden security ecosystem of security cameras protecting your front door. It includes a 2-way audio feature, allowing for easy communication both inside and outside the house. With Colour Night Vision capability, 2K Super HD camera has a 135-degree viewing angle to make it easy to see exactly who is at the door, whether it’s a courier delivery, kids coming home or an unexpected visitor. The included wireless chime alerts occupants like a traditional doorbell, without needing to rely on notifications via the app and having your smartphone always on hand.   

Uniden App Cam SOLO X2K Bell – $159.95 
 

The App Cam SOLO X2K PT Kit features a pan and tilt function spanning 355 degrees, allowing to capture outside of a regular viewing range, leaving no blind spot uncovered. Also featuring a spotlight, and with a solar panel included, the camera can be controlled seamlessly with the MyUniden+ app to scan surroundings and can be paired with other cameras across the Uniden Solo X range.   

Uniden App Cam SOLO X2K PT Kit – $249.95 

 The App Cam SOLO X2K 4G Kit is a 4G Cellular security camera in Uniden’s range, with a weatherproof solar panel included to charge the device. Ideal for building sites, caravans, sheds, farms and marine locations where Wi-Fi is not enabled, the camera’s 355-degree viewing angle including pan and tilt, lets users check in remotely on one or multiple properties for real time updates.  

App Cam SOLO X2K 4G PT Kit – $429.95 

The Uniden App Cam X25PT Super HD Motion Tracking Camera is an affordable indoor security, with all essential features compacted into a user-friendly device that blends into any home interior. It even includes a motion-detecting camera, with 350-degree pan and 95-degree tilt, tracking any movements – from kids doing their homework to furry friends causing mischief, with two-way talk helping users to check-in and connect with loved ones via the app. 

Uniden App Cam X25PT – $69.95 

Stockists: JB HI-FI and other leading electrical retailers. 

For more information on the Uniden Security Camera range, visit: Uniden.com.au 

Migrating to Australia is challenging for any family, and finding a job is always a hurdle for spouses. To help those partners of skilled migrants, the Australian Computer Society’s Victorian Branch is holding a workshop series for spouses with IT qualifications on their potential in the Australian ICT Market.

Many migrant spouses and partners of skilled migrants possess the expertise needed for the Australian ICT market but lack the network, guidance, and opportunities to secure relevant roles. This series aims to bridge that gap by providing the necessary resources and connections to help you succeed.

ACS Branch Executive Committee member Manjusha Bhakta said: “The program participants will be guided by industry experts, coaches, and recruiters on the job market dynamics and how to present themselves.

“We have so many skilled people who’ve arrived with their partners who have much to offer. We’d really like this workshop series to help newly arrived spouses and their families settle into their new lives in Australia and allow them to realise their potential.”

Dr Rod Dilnutt, FACS CP, Chair of ACS Victoria, added: “Partners of Migrants with ICT talent, are often an unrecognised and untapped resource to alleviate the skills shortage in the Australian economy.

“This program offers a pathway to employment for partners of Migrants who may otherwise face challenges in gaining employment.”

The program will feature the following benefits:

1. Expert Guidance:

Gain insights from industry professionals, coaches, and recruiters who will offer tailored advice and share their knowledge about the Australian ICT landscape.

How to prepare your CV, LinkedIn Profile, and tips for effective networking.

Dos and Don’ts while looking for your first job in this market.

2. Comprehensive Program:

Participate in 6 engaging sessions, each lasting 2 hours, spread over 6 weeks.

Each session is designed to enhance your understanding and skills, making you a strong candidate for the ICT market.

3. Access to ACS training, network, and job opportunities:

You will also receive one year of ACS membership which will open the doors to vast set of trainings, seminars, certifications, networking events and so much more! View all benefits that comes with your ACS Membership: https://www.acs.org.au/join-acs.html

Get access and support from ACS internship and job opportunity portal.

The in-person workshop will take place in weekly two-hour sessions over six weeks starting from 14 August and will cost $389, Including a one-year ACS membership.

Expressions of interest for the series can be entered here. For more information on the program, please contact Anshul Aggarwal, ACS Victorian Branch Manager, at Anshul.Aggarwal@acs.org.au

Intuit Inc., the global financial technology platform that makes Intuit TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp, today announced two new innovations, SMS functionality for Australian marketers and an expanded Canva integration, at Mailchimp’s inaugural flagship Australian event, From: Here, To: There, held in Sydney. The one-day event featured a world-class lineup of panellists, talks, and Q&A sessions from the brightest minds in marketing, AI, and e-commerce—including a fireside chat from Seth Godin, entrepreneur & inventor of email marketing, Janine Allis, founder of Boost Juice Bars, and appearances from Hamish Blake, Nazeem Hussain, Holly Ransom, Lisa Jones, Stephen Scheeler, Bri Williams, and more. 

“Australian businesses are constantly looking for new ways to gain a competitive edge and build stronger relationships with customers and prospects,” said Anthony Capano, Regional Director for ANZ at Intuit Mailchimp. “The integration of email and SMS into one platform equips our Australian customers with a more complete view of their audiences during a time when customer loyalty is at a premium. Meanwhile, our expanded partnership with Canva will simplify the way Mailchimp users approach their design workflow, ensuring consistent branding across all channels.”

Mailchimp SMS

Mailchimp’s SMS marketing solution brings together email and SMS channels on a single platform, providing Australian marketers with an invaluable 360-degree view of customer engagement. By integrating email and SMS channels into a single platform, marketers can better coordinate high-converting subscriber campaigns, while keeping track of their ROI from a centralised dashboard. 

By merging separate data sources into comprehensive customer profiles, Mailchimp SMS takes channel consolidation to a new level, powering automated cross-channel nurture pathways and redefining the audience connection matrix. Bringing SMS to Australian Mailchimp customers facilitates streamlined analytics, enhances loyalty, and bolsters ROI through synchronised campaigns. 

Mailchimp’s U.S. SMS customers have seen up to 16x ROI in the first 3 months after launching their first SMS campaign*. The rollout of SMS marketing in Australia paves the way for local businesses to drive forward with robust omnichannel marketing strategies that perform. 

Expanded Canva Integration

Building upon its partnership with Canva, Mailchimp’s new integration functionality will soon enable users to automatically synchronise image folders and files with the platform – eliminating the need for manual updates and providing a more efficient workflow across all channels. 

When working on email campaigns in Mailchimp, users will have shortcuts and actions to “Edit with Canva” embedded in Mailchimp’s email builder, which takes them to Canva. After editing, users can access the updates made to the image in Mailchimp’s context, simplifying the editing workflow, allowing for seamless integration and collaboration.

“We’re excited to expand our global partnership with Australia’s own Canva, and make it easier for our users to launch beautiful and effective email marketing campaigns,” said Ken Chestnut, Global Head of Ecosystem at Mailchimp. “Marketers and business leaders here in Australia have so much on their plates right now. Our refreshed Canva integration makes it easier for companies to leverage best in class design tools to delight and engage their customers.”

“We’re incredibly excited that Mailchimp is deepening its integration with Canva, underscoring our shared focus on providing intuitive and powerful tools for marketers. With access to a more seamless design workflow, users can create engaging emails to help businesses achieve their goals with ease and creativity,” said Anwar Haneef, Head of Ecosystem at Canva. 

These latest innovations follow the June preview of Mailchimp’s upcoming  revenue intelligence technology, a system of always-on predictive and generative artificial intelligence models designed to proactively give marketers opportunities to win more revenue. Together with the recent appointment of Anthony Capano as the Regional Director for ANZ at Intuit Mailchimp, Mailchimp is building upon its momentum in Australia and New Zealand as it further commits to supporting marketers with innovative, AI-driven technologies and providing tools that drive revenue growth businesses across ANZ.

In today’s economic climate, with the rising cost of living, consumers are increasingly discerning purchases and consulting more for recommendations. A recent survey by leading software research site Capterra reveals that only 18% of Australian online shoppers trust reviews made by social media influencers, a significant gap compared to the 76% who expressed they trust reviews from everyday social media users.

This survey analysed Australians’ online shopping behaviours, identifying key attributes that drive their purchasing decisions. Businesses can benefit from the study when it comes to increasing conversions. Despite the decline in influencer marketing effectiveness, the study shows that peer suggestions from regular users remain a primary source of product discovery, as consumers deem these reviews more authentic. When aligned with consumer interests, targeted online advertisements can also capture attention and convert to purchases.

Navigating a turbulent economy

Product recommendations are crucial in assisting consumers during their shopping journey, especially when matched with popular search filters. Notably, price filters are the most used, with 84% of shoppers indicating their importance, followed by size (66%) and brand (48%). The cost-of-living crisis in Australia has led over three-quarters (78%) of online shoppers to value recommendations based on current discounts or deals. Consequently, discounted products are likely to attract budget-conscious consumers.

Capterra’s 2023 Consumer Trends eBook reveals that 82% of Australians have adjusted their spending due to economic conditions. Furthermore, the current study analysed generational differences in online shopping habits with regard to price sensitivity. The unique behaviour of Gen Z shows that they are the least influenced by low prices and pay more attention to visual appeal.

Building trust and credibility

Maintaining and building trust is crucial for increasing conversion rates, as customers who trust a brand are more likely to make purchases and recommend to others, thus generating more peer reviews from the everyday customer. This way, brands can leverage interpersonal relationships for their conversions. User reviews play a significant role, with 62% considering them a vital factor in their online purchase decisions over the past year for new products and services. 

E-commerce businesses could focus on sharing genuine user reviews and leveraging review websites. These platforms are trusted by 59% of users and can be easily implemented into eCommerce sites to gather and display authentic reviews, enhancing the overall credibility and trustworthiness of the brand.

Striking the right balance in targeted advertising

Despite 92% of social media users seeing too many online advertisements, 61% have looked up more information about a product after seeing an ad. However, it is essential to balance the frequency of advertisements, as nearly half (43%) of users have blocked specific advertising or unfollowed brands due to excessive ads. Repeated exposure leads to ad fatigue, reducing effectiveness.

Catering content to the users’ interests and implementing segmentations can lead to higher brand engagement and purchases. 42% of online shoppers appreciate relevant product advertisements, while 41% value offers or discounts.

“Adopting diverse strategies to understand customer behaviours is vital for businesses seeking to boost conversions,” says Andrew Blair, Analyst at Capterra. “As market dynamics constantly shift, maintaining customer trust is crucial and poses a question to the relevance of influencers. As part of a marketing strategy, influencers should reevaluate their style and approach to regain the authentic image consumers used to find appealing,” adds Blair.

For further information, please visit capterra.com.au.