The NSW government has announced plans to work with Sydney quantum computing company Q-CTRL to look at innovation opportunities around the state's public transport networks. In particular, the idea is to look at ways quantum computing could assist in real-time updates during congested periods, like during events like New Year's Eve. Q-CTRL is a commercial operation that spun out of Sydney University.

Google has been preparing to rollout a new alternative to third-party tracking cookies in web browsers but many privacy-focused services are already pushing back. Google calls its new system FLoC (Federated Learning of Cohorts) and says it is interest-based advertising and is privacy-friendly. However this week makers of the privacy-focused web browser Brave, which is based on the code Google's Chrome browser is based on, has stated it will block FLoC in its browser, arguing FLoC is harmful to web users, it will tell sites about your browsing history and make you easier to be tracked across the web. Brave argues Google is driving a false concept of privacy which needs to be defeated. Other organisations, including Electronic Frontiers Foundation, have similarly come out strongly against FLoC.

Another security story today, as researchers found that WhatsApp makes it all too easy to deactivate someone else's account even if they have two-factor authentication switched on. This doesn't let someone take over your account, but as a way to disrupt your access it's very serious. The problem allows someone to fail to setup WhatsApp using your phone number, but then by contacting support they can have your account deactivated – by using any email address at all. The issue has been flagged with WhatsApp so hopefully a fix will arrive soon.

Spotify has announced a new hardware unit to make it easier to enjoy Spotify in your car. And it's called Car Thing. The Car Thing is launching in the US-only as a limited release, but what makes it noteworthy is tactile features alongside voice commands to make it easy to use without looking. There's a big knob and a smaller back button, plus four preset buttons that will launch assigned playlists or podcasts. Being what Spotify calls an exploration, odds seem likely this will never reach Australia.

In products we can buy, Microsoft has launched its new Surface Laptop 4 along with a headset, speaker and webcam to up its in-house conferencing game. Options on the laptop include AMD Ryzen processors as well as Intel Core, though not the newest Ryzen 5000 series which many would have hoped for. Microsoft maintains its uniquely tall 3:2 screen size here and is claiming up to 19 hours battery life on this latest rollout.

On Mars, NASA has had to delay the first flight of the Ingenuity helicopter after pre-flight tests revealed the need for a software update. The flight had been hoped to take place last weekend and then today, but the delay is expected to be into next week at this stage. Good luck up there, team.

Google has announced it is shutting down its Google Play Movies and TV app from smart TVs including Samsung, LG, and other brands. If you own movies or TV shows through the Google platform you will now be directed to access it all through the YouTube app.

Finally, there's a new Transformers toy that needs a mention, with Hasbro unveiling the new Optimus Prime Auto-Converting Programmable Advanced Robot. Yes, as the name suggests it does the transforming all by itself, along with voice commands, driving features and its own app. If you want it, you'll need US$700 to get it.

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