The week in digital: AI safety rules, a CommBank lawsuit and an IT tool’s bad week
Safety rules for big AI companies, ASIC’s CommBiz fee case, 33 flaws in an IT provider tool, age checks on email and Google’s November core update.
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iPhone drivers can now talk to Gemini on Apple CarPlay
Google’s Gemini app is rolling out on Apple CarPlay worldwide. Tap its icon for a hands-free chat about your day, your inbox or a pitch you’re rehearsing.
Myth or fact: closing apps saves your phone’s battery
Swiping away every app feels tidy, but Apple and Google both say you don’t need to. Here’s when closing an app does help, and what actually saves battery.
Google’s November core update lands in the Black Friday run-up
Google started its November 2026 core update on 11 November Perth time. It can take two weeks, so rankings may still be moving in the lead-up to Black Friday.
Google’s Pixel Tag tracker is coming to Australia from A$49
Google’s first finder tag is listed on its Australian store from A$49, marked coming in November. It needs an Android phone; Google lists no iPhone support.
Pixel 10 owners get Gemini’s DIY widgets, but not its booking agent
Google’s November Pixel Drop brings Gemini Intelligence to the Pixel 10. Australians are getting Create My Widget. The agent that books rides and food skips us.
Your IT provider’s remote-control tool just had 33 flaws published online
N-able pulled its hosted N-central platform offline after a researcher published 33 flaws. A fix is out, and on-premises servers must be upgraded.
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Eight Android settings to change before you use it for work
A work phone holds client emails, calls and logins. Eight Android settings that protect it, and lock it down if it’s lost, with Google’s steps.
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Black Friday: how to tell if a tech discount is real
A big ‘was’ price, a ticking timer and an ‘up to’ banner don’t prove a bargain. Here’s what the ACCC says a genuine discount looks like, and the checks to run before you pay.
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Seven Gmail and Google Account settings that help stop phishing
A fake invoice or login page only needs one click. Seven Gmail and Google Account settings that cut the risk, with Google’s own steps for each.
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Your turn
Quiz archiveThe weekly quiz
How closely did you follow the week?
Question 1 of 5
From Term 1, 2027, what is the recommended maximum individual device time for NSW public school students in Kindergarten to Year 2?
Show answer
Answer: A. 15 minutes a day on average
The NSW guidelines set a maximum of 15 minutes a day, averaged across the week, for Kindergarten to Year 2. Years 3–4 get 30 minutes and Years 5–6 get 45 minutes.
Read the story: NSW public primary schools will stop asking parents to buy laptops
Question 2 of 5
About how many CommBiz customers does ASIC allege were overcharged between November 2020 and May 2025?
Show answer
Answer: B. About 42,000
ASIC alleges about 42,000 CommBiz customers were overcharged about $8.5 million in that period. A court hasn’t yet ruled on the allegations.
Read the story: ASIC sues CommBank, alleging undisclosed CommBiz fees
Question 3 of 5
Which N-central build contains N-able’s critical fix for the published Able2Shell flaws?
Show answer
Answer: C. 2026.4.1.26
N-able released N-central 2026.4 Hotfix 2, build 2026.4.1.26, on 10 November. The researcher had tested the pre-release build 2026.4.0.31.
Read the story: Your IT provider’s remote-control tool just had 33 flaws published online
Question 4 of 5
After Google’s core update finishes rolling out, how long does Google recommend waiting before you analyse your traffic?
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Answer: D. At least a full week
Google recommends waiting at least a full week after the rollout completes, then comparing that week with the week before the update began.
Read the story: Google’s November core update lands in the Black Friday run-up
Question 5 of 5
What share of Scamwatch reports involving a financial loss from January to September 2026 were buying and selling scams?
Show answer
Answer: C. 58.7%
Buying and selling scams made up 58.7% of Scamwatch loss reports from January to September 2026. 11,537 people reported losing $17.2 million to them.
Read the story: Buying and selling scams are six in 10 scam-loss reports to Scamwatch
A new quiz comes out every Friday with the briefing. Get the Friday briefing by email
Reader poll of the week
Do you know which remote management tool your IT provider uses on your computers?
Reader polls aren’t scientific: they show how readers who chose to vote answered. One vote per reader. Background: Your IT provider’s remote-control tool just had 33 flaws published online