Latest Australian tech news: QR codes grow 20%, AI-powered innovations transform business, quantum-secure technology emerges, and contactless payments evolve. Key updates for Australian businesses.
Weekly Tech Roundup: Key Developments for Australian Business
This week delivered significant developments across Australia's technology landscape, with particular momentum in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and contactless payment technologies that directly impact how Australian businesses operate.
AI Revolution Accelerates
Australia's AI sector made remarkable progress with Lendi Group unveiling its groundbreaking agentic AI-powered home loan 'guardian', while the Department of Veterans' Affairs launched trials for AI-enabled search functionality - marking a federal first in AI deployment for citizen services.
Australian AI adopters are increasingly leveraging visibility-driven architectures, addressing critical data access challenges that have limited AI effectiveness in business applications.
QR Code Technology Surges
QR code technology experienced a 20% compound annual growth rate, driven by smartphone proliferation and continued demand for touchless interactions. The integration of AI with QR code generation is transforming the field, enabling generative designs that blend functionality with aesthetics while maintaining security.
Australian businesses are increasingly adopting dynamic QR codes, which offer editable destinations and real-time analytics, allowing companies to track engagement and optimize campaigns effectively.
Quantum-Secure Future Emerges
Codeifai is positioning for the quantum decade ahead, preparing quantum-secure QR codes protected against future quantum computing threats. Quantum-secure QR codes represent a significant leap forward in payment security, utilizing post-quantum cryptography standards to ensure long-term protection.
Cybersecurity Advances
Major security developments included VicRoads announcing plans to phase out passwords in favor of passkeys by year-end, while Apple introduced "mercenary spyware" protection in its new A19 chip, integrating hardware defense with operating system safety features.
Contactless Payments Evolution
Internationally, the UK's Financial Conduct Authority proposed allowing card providers to set their own contactless payment limits, potentially removing current restrictions entirely - a development that could influence Australian payment systems.
Digital Transformation Continues
Infrastructure developments included NBN Co integrating AI and automation into its operational "fabric" and signing agreements with Amazon's Project Kuiper as a Sky Muster replacement, indicating significant changes in Australia's internet connectivity delivery.
Small Business Support
The Australian government maintains over $60 million committed since the 2023-24 Budget to help small businesses enhance digital and cyber security capabilities, while the Small Business Technology Investment Boost continues providing a 20% bonus tax deduction for eligible technology expenditure.
Retail Technology Adoption
95% of surveyed Australian retailers are using some form of automation to streamline operations, particularly in inventory management and marketing. However, only 33% of consumers expressed satisfaction with chatbots, indicating human touch remains crucial.
AI-driven personalization is expected to influence 40% of purchases by 2025, while 59% of consumers favor tangible loyalty rewards including cashback and discounts over purely digital engagement methods.
Key Takeaways for Australian Business
- QR code adoption continues accelerating with 20% growth, making it an essential technology for customer engagement
- AI integration is becoming standard across both public and private sectors
- Quantum-secure technologies are emerging to address future cybersecurity challenges
- Government support for small business digital transformation remains strong
- Contactless payment systems are evolving rapidly with fewer restrictions
These developments create significant opportunities for Australian businesses to enhance their digital capabilities, particularly through QR code implementation, AI adoption, and improved cybersecurity measures.
AI and Technology News
- Lendi Group unveils agentic AI-powered home loan 'guardian' – iTnews
- QR Codes Surge: 20% Growth with AI, AR, and Blockchain Innovations – WebProNews
- Codeifai takes QR codes into the quantum decade – Stockhead
Contactless Payments and Digital Trends
- Contactless card payments could become unlimited – Yahoo Finance Australia
- British regulator proposes scrapping limit on contactless card payments – Reuters
- Proposed contactless changes could increase convenience for consumers – Financial Conduct Authority
Australian Business and Retail Technology
- Find Out Which Cutting-Edge Retail Tech Trends Are Set to Drive Australian E-commerce Success in 2025 and Beyond – Retail Global
- Small Business Technology Investment Boost: Maximise Your Digital Advantage – Sprint Law
- The Top Retail Trends in 2025 – Square
Government and Infrastructure
- Small business technology investment boost – Australian Taxation Office
- CSIRO's RISE Accelerator powers global growth for renewable energy companies – CSIRO
- Economy | Budget 2025–26 – Australian Government Budget
Energy and Sustainability
- ASX 200 energy stock shows continued progress on renewables – Motley Fool Australia
- Can Origin Energy Release The Kraken? – FNArena
Digital Marketing and Business Trends
- Top 6 Trends 2025 | Marketing Agencies Melbourne Australia – SAAR
- Top Digital Marketing Trends for Australian Businesses in 2025 – Business Business Business
- A review of Australian retail in 2025 – CBD News
Technology Industry Analysis
- Australia's Data Centre Boom: Can Sydney and Melbourne Sustain the Next Wave of Growth – The Tech Capital
- Seven must-know technology trends for 2025 – Logicalis Australia
- September Workforce Update: Key Trends in 2025 – Chandler Macleod
Stay updated with the latest Australian tech and business news at QRco.au - your trusted partner for smart QR code solutions.