Latest news with #WhistleOut
ABC News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Could a new copyright lawsuit from Disney change the way we use AI?
Disney and Universal are suing AI image generator Midjourney, in what could be a landmark case for copyright and generative AI. Could it change how creative industries deal with machine-made 'art'? Also, the Australian government is forcing Apple to loosen its App Store restrictions, allowing iPhone users to download apps from outside the walled garden. What might that mean for developers and everyday users? Plus, a researcher exposes a major privacy flaw, revealing every phone number linked to a Google account using just one Gmail address. And we unpack 'vibe-coding' -- the strange new world where AI writes code based on vibes, not logic. GUESTS: Alex Kidman, freelance tech journalist and editor of freelance tech journalist and editor of Georgia Dixon, Managing Editor of WhistleOut Singapore This episode of Download This Show was made on Gadigal land. Technical production by Craig Tilmouth and Carey Dell.
News.com.au
04-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
‘Telstra tax' nears $1000, consumer advocate says
The premium 'Telstra tax' will tick up to $1000 for customers next month when prices are hiked, a consumer advocate says. Researcher and advocate Joel Gibson says the premium paid for Telstra stacks up to about $300 to $400 per device or service. The analysis is comparing Telstra's offerings with the bare bones, cheapest options and does not consider Telstra's additional hardware, coverage and servicing guarantees. 'The 'Telstra tax' just keeps getting bigger and bigger each year, with millions of households probably paying more than $1000 extra now for the privilege of being with Telstra,' Mr Gibson said. 'There's nothing wrong with paying a tax if you know that you're paying it and you know what you're getting in exchange for it, but we suspect many are unaware they have a choice.' Mr Gibson acknowledges Telstra had the best regional coverage. Crunching the numbers for consumers using Telstra internet, a mobile plan and mobile phone, Mr Gibson says consumers can save $1000 per year. A former journalist and editor, Mr Gibson is now a consumer spending advocate under the title Joel Kills Bills. He and telco comparison site Whistle Out did this latest analysis together, using Telstra's July 1 price hike figures as a reference. From July 1, Telstra's standard NBN plan will be $408 more than budget provider Exetel. Recent government testing shows Exetel has faster download speeds; however, the consumer must pay for the modem. NBN Co is also raising its wholesale prices 3 per cent this coming financial year that the telcos are passing on to the consumer.
