Tech
Australian government amends vehicle emissions standards amid backlash
The Albanese government has announced a significant adjustment to its proposed pollution caps for new utes and large SUVs.
Key highlights:
– Government Revises Vehicle Emissions Standards: The Albanese government adjusts pollution caps for new utes and large SUVs following criticism.
– Reduced Targets for Utes and SUVs: Light commercial vehicles will face less stringent emission reduction targets, down from 60% to 50% by 2029.
– Reclassification of SUVs: High-emitting large SUVs meeting specific criteria will be reclassified as LCVs to avoid stricter pollution caps.
Anthony Albanese, Australia’s Prime Minister.
Initially introduced in early February, the proposed fuel efficiency standard faced intense criticism for potentially increasing vehicle prices and limiting consumer choice.
In response, the government has revised the standard to impose fleetwide emission caps for both passenger vehicles (PVs) and light commercial vehicles (LCVs), aligning Australia with other developed economies with similar regulations.
Under the revised rules, new LCVs will face less stringent emission reduction targets compared to passenger vehicles.
While the original proposal aimed for a 60% reduction in emissions by 2029, the updated standard requires only a 50% reduction for LCVs.
Meanwhile, passenger vehicles will maintain the original 60% emissions reduction requirement.
New classification
Additionally, certain large SUVs initially categorized as passenger vehicles will now be reclassified as LCVs if they possess a towing capacity exceeding 3 tonnes and share a similar chassis with utes.
This reclassification includes models like the Nissan Patrol, Toyota Prado and Landcruiser, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero, and Isuzu MUX.
The adjustment aims to prevent the premature phasing out of high-emission models before low-emission alternatives are readily available.
By lowering the emissions cap annually, the standard effectively functions as a carbon price, incentivizing car manufacturers to prioritize zero and low-emission vehicles or face fines for exceeding pollution limits.
The commencement of the standard has also been postponed by six months to July 2025, with penalties for non-compliance to be determined by legislation.
A review of the scheme’s effectiveness is scheduled to begin in 2026.
Tech
Apple’s AI wearable push: Cameras, speakers and a 2027 vision
Apple is developing an AI-powered wearable device, aiming for a launch of 20 million units in the growing AI market.
Apple is developing an AI-powered wearable device, aiming for a launch of 20 million units in the growing AI market.
Apple is reportedly developing an AI-powered wearable device equipped with cameras and speakers, signalling its next major move into artificial intelligence-driven hardware.
While still in early development, the company is said to be planning a launch scale of up to 20 million units.
This move places Apple squarely into the fast-growing AI wearable market, where tech giants are racing to define what hands-free, AI-first devices will look like. Rather than rushing to market, Apple appears to be taking a measured approach by embedding AI capabilities into its existing ecosystem.
Reports suggest Apple is also experimenting with camera-equipped AirPods and smart glasses, with a potential launch timeline around 2027. If successful, these devices could reshape how users interact with AI in everyday life.
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Tech
AI spending in 2026: Why investment is compounding, not just cyclical
As 2026 begins, AI investment debates rise; real revenue growth signals pivotal changes for tech adoption and future trends.
As 2026 begins, AI investment debates rise; real revenue growth signals pivotal changes for tech adoption and future trends.
As we kick off 2026, the debate around AI spending is heating up. Skeptics warn of cyclical hype, but new evidence suggests that AI investment is delivering real revenue and gaining traction across enterprises. Brad Gastwirth from Circular Technologies breaks down why this year could be pivotal for AI adoption.
We dive into how AI spending today compares to previous tech booms, the impact of circular funding models, and why enterprise and sovereign demand are driving durable growth. Brad explains the compounding effect of AI investment and what it means for future technological development.
Finally, we explore the race toward AGI and ASI and the broader implications for the tech landscape. From skeptics to believers, understanding these trends is key for investors, businesses, and tech enthusiasts alike.
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Tech
TSMC posts record profits on AI chip boom
TSMC posts record Q4 profit, driven by strong chip demand, exceeding predictions and signaling market dominance.
TSMC posts record Q4 profit, driven by strong chip demand, exceeding predictions and signaling market dominance.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has posted a record net profit for the fourth quarter, driven by strong demand for advanced chips.
Net profit surged 35% year-on-year, exceeding analyst expectations and signalling a dominant position in the semiconductor market.
Quarterly revenue also rose 20.5% compared to last year, supported by robust sales in AI and high-performance computing segments. The company’s success reflects the growing global appetite for cutting-edge semiconductor technology.
Looking ahead, TSMC plans to ramp up capital expenditure, projecting investments of up to $56 billion in 2026. The positive results have sparked an upbeat reaction across global markets, highlighting TSMC’s influence in the tech sector.
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