Future of work

Oracle and Google Cloud launch multicloud database service in Australia

A new chapter in Australia’s cloud computing landscape has begun as Oracle and Google Cloud introduce Oracle Database@Google Cloud to local customers.

The service enables organisations to run Oracle Exadata Database Service on Dedicated Infrastructure hosted on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure within Google Cloud’s Melbourne data centre.

A collaboration that allows businesses to integrate Oracle’s enterprise database power with Google Cloud’s AI and analytics tools, improving decision-making, innovation and compliance with data residency requirements.

Through the Google Cloud Marketplace, Oracle and Google Cloud partners in Australia can now resell Oracle Database@Google Cloud, expanding access to multicloud solutions.

The launch marks growing demand for flexible, multicloud environments that blend high performance with AI-driven capabilities. Oracle’s Exadata Database Service on Dedicated Infrastructure and Oracle AI Database 26ai will help enterprises enhance analytics, AI productivity and application development.

These technologies deliver faster processing, secure data handling and new AI-driven search and development features.

Industry leaders such as Accenture say the partnership represents a significant step toward integrated, data-centric innovation.

With Oracle and Google Cloud combining their strengths, Australian organisations can modernise IT foundations, scale operations and accelerate digital transformation across industries.

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Amelia brings heads-up guidance to Amazon couriers

Amazon unveiled ‘Amelia’ AI-powered smart glasses for delivery drivers with a built-in display and camera, paired to a vest with a photo button, now piloting with hundreds of drivers across more than a dozen partners.

Designed for last-mile efficiency, Amelia can auto-shut down when a vehicle moves to prevent distraction, includes a hardware kill switch for the camera and mic, and aims to save about 30 minutes per 8–10-hour shift by streamlining repetitive tasks.

Initial availability is planned for the US market and the rest of North America before global expansion, with Amazon emphasizing that Amelia is custom-built for drivers, though consumer versions aren’t ruled out. Pilots involve real routes and live deliveries to customers.

Amazon also showcased a warehouse robotic arm to sort parcels faster and more safely, as well as an AI orchestration system that ingests real-time and historical data to predict bottlenecks, propose fixes, and keep fulfillment operations running smoothly.

The move joins a broader push into wearables from Big Tech. Unlike Meta’s consumer-oriented Ray-Ban smart glasses, Amelia targets enterprise use, promising faster package location, fewer taps, and tighter integration with Amazon’s delivery workflow.

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Alibaba pushes unified AI with Quark Chat and wearables

Quark, Alibaba’s consumer AI app, has launched an AI Chat Assistant powered by Qwen3 models, merging real-time search with conversational reasoning so users can ask by text or voice, get answers, and trigger actions from a single interface.

On iOS and Android, you can tap ‘assistant’ in the AI Super Box or swipe right to open chat, then use prompts to summarise pages, draft replies, or pull sources, with results easily shared to friends, Stories, or outside the app.

Beyond Q&A, the assistant adds deep search, photo-based problem-solving, and AI writing, while supporting multimodal tasks like photo editing, AI camera, and phone calls. Forthcoming MCP integrations will expand agent execution across Alibaba services.

Quark AI Glasses opened pre-sale in China on October 24 via Tmall with a list price of 4,699 RMB before coupons or memberships, deliveries starting in phases from December, and 1 RMB reservations available on JD.com and Douyin.

Powered by Qwen for hands-free assistance, translation, and meeting transcription, the glasses emphasise lightweight ergonomics, long battery life, and quality imaging, with bundles, accessories, and prescription lens options to broaden fit and daily use.

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Autonomous AI may improve diabetic eye screening in safety-net clinics

Researchers are testing if autonomous AI at FQHCs can boost diabetic retinopathy detection, accelerate diagnosis, and improve referral follow-through. The JAMA-published trial targets patients missing DR screening for 11 months, using FDA-cleared AI to analyse fundus photos during routine visits.

Immediate results allow same-day action, potentially reducing missed referrals for patients facing time, travel, and cost barriers.

The randomised, open-label trial at two San Diego County clinics compares point-of-care AI-DRS to usual-care referrals. Nonmydriatic fundus images are captured by trained staff, analysed by the AI algorithm, and results flow into the electronic health record (EHR).

Positive cases trigger immediate retina appointments, while ungradable images prompt urgent ophthalmology referrals. Outcomes at 90 and 180 days include screening completion, DR stage at detection, referral adherence, and patient-reported knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy.

The AI-DRS has demonstrated high accuracy in prior studies, detecting more-than-mild and vision-threatening DR with sensitivities above 96%. Workflow integration aims to cut diagnostic delays, using closed-loop referrals and ICD-10 coding for consistent documentation and population health tracking.

The study also evaluates implementation metrics such as image quality, acquisition success, and patient trust in AI-supported care.

If successful, the model could help clinics meet screening targets and streamline workflows for primary care providers. The protocol focuses on training, quality checks, and real-world use, providing a scalable way to prevent avoidable vision loss in underserved communities.

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OpenAI outlines Japan’s AI Blueprint for inclusive economic growth

A new Japan Economic Blueprint released by OpenAI sets out how AI can power innovation, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity across the country. The plan estimates that AI could add more than ¥100 trillion to Japan’s economy and raise GDP by up to 16%.

Centred on inclusive access, infrastructure, and education, the Blueprint calls for equal AI opportunities for citizens and small businesses, national investment in semiconductors and renewable energy, and expanded lifelong learning to build an adaptive workforce.

AI is already reshaping Japanese industries from manufacturing and healthcare to education and public administration. Factories reduce inspection costs, schools use ChatGPT Edu for personalised teaching, and cities from Saitama to Fukuoka employ AI to enhance local services.

OpenAI suggests that the focus of Japan on ethical and human-centred innovation could make it a model for responsible AI governance. By aligning digital and green priorities, the report envisions technology driving creativity, equality, and shared prosperity across generations.

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UK tightens grip on Apple and Google mobile power

Apple and Google have been designated with strategic market status over UK mobile platforms. The CMA’s decision covers operating systems, app stores, browsers, and browser engines. Tailored conduct rules and special abuse oversight can now be imposed.

Regulators say entrenched power across iOS and Android risks limiting rivals and developers. The move is enabled by the UK’s DMCC framework and mirrors EU ambitions. Implementation will follow consultations on specific remedies for competition and consumer choice.

In Europe, gatekeeper rules already bite as Apple was fined €500 million over anti-steering. Alphabet faces preliminary findings over Play Store and search preferencing under the DMA. Further penalties could follow if non-compliance persists.

Both companies criticised the UK move, warning of harmed innovation and user experience. Google called the decision disappointing and disproportionate, while Apple attacked EU-style rules. The CMA also recently gave Google’s search and ads businesses SMS status.

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EU pushes harder on basic digital skills for growth

Nearly half of EU adults lack basic digital skills, yet most jobs demand them. Eurostat reports only 56% have at least basic proficiency. EU Code Week spotlights the urgency for digital literacy and inclusion.

The Digital Education Action Plan aims to modernise curricula, improve infrastructure, and train teachers. EU policymakers target 80% of adults with basic skills by 2030. Midway progress suggests stronger national action is still required.

Progress remains uneven across regions, with rural connectivity still lagging in places. Belgium began a school smartphone ban across Flanders from 1 September to curb distractions. Educators now balance classroom technology with attention and safety.

Brussels proposed a Union of Skills strategy to align education and competitiveness. The EU also earmarked fresh funding for AI, cybersecurity, and digital skills. Families and schools are urged to develop unplugged problem-solving alongside classroom learning.

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Deepfake targeting Irish presidential candidate sparks election integrity warning

Irish presidential candidate Catherine Connolly condemned a deepfake AI video that falsely announced her withdrawal from the race. The clip, designed to resemble an RTÉ News broadcast, spread online before being reported and removed from major social media platforms.

Connolly said the video was a disgraceful effort to mislead voters and damage democracy. Her campaign team filed a complaint with the Irish Electoral Commission and requested that all copies be clearly labelled as fake.

Experts at Dublin City University identified slight distortions in speech and lighting as signs of AI manipulation. They warned that the rapid spread of synthetic videos underscores weak content moderation by online platforms.

Connolly urged the public not to share the clip and to respond through civic participation. Authorities are monitoring digital interference as Ireland prepares for its presidential vote on Friday.

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Amazon launches Blue Jay and Project Eluna to support employees

Amazon has unveiled two new innovations, Blue Jay and Project Eluna, designed to improve efficiency and safety in its operations. Blue Jay coordinates multiple arms to handle items in one workspace, reducing repetitive tasks and supporting employees.

Project Eluna is an agentic AI model that helps operators make data-driven decisions, anticipating bottlenecks and optimising workflows.

Blue Jay uses robotics experience, AI, and digital twin simulations to go from concept to production in just over a year. It is being tested in South Carolina, managing 75% of items and could support Amazon’s Same-Day delivery network.

Project Eluna will pilot in Tennessee, offering operators clear recommendations and reducing the cognitive load of monitoring multiple dashboards.

These systems aim to enhance the employee experience by improving ergonomics, reducing repetitive tasks, and opening new career pathways. Amazon is expanding robotics, mechatronics, and AI training so employees can work confidently with these technologies.

Blue Jay and Project Eluna join other recent innovations, including Vulcan, a robot with a sense of touch, and DeepFleet, an AI model coordinating fleets of mobile robots.

Tye Brady, Amazon Robotics chief technologist, emphasised that the focus remains on people. AI and robotics integration aims to enhance workplace safety, efficiency, and fulfillment, reflecting Amazon’s focus on workforce development and technological progress.

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UK data stays in the UK as OpenAI rolls out residency

OpenAI will offer UK data residency for API Platform, ChatGPT Enterprise, and ChatGPT Edu from October 24. The option, announced by Deputy PM David Lammy, is tied to a Ministry of Justice partnership. The government says it boosts privacy, security, and resilience for public services and business.

Lammy will unveil the ‘sovereign capability’ at OpenAI Frontiers, citing early MoJ efficiency gains. Over 1,000 probation officers will use Justice Transcribe to record and auto-transcribe offender meetings. Hours of admin shift to AI so staff can focus on supervision and public protection.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says UK usage has quadrupled in the past year. The company pitches AI as a way to save time and lift productivity across sectors. MoJ pilots have sparked interest from other departments, with broader adoption expected.

Data residency is a key blocker for regulated sectors, and this move aims to address that gap. Keeping data within the UK can simplify compliance and reduce perceived risk. It also underpins continuity plans by localising sensitive workloads.

ChatGPT Atlas, an AI-first web browser, was also announced this week. Its arrival could nudge users away from keyword searches toward conversational answers. OpenAI faces rivals Anthropic, Perplexity, and big tech incumbents in that shift.

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