Brian Fagioli

The tech world is full of rumors about Windows 12, the supposed savior of Microsoft’s operating system lineup. The company has been tight-lipped about details, but leaks suggest it’s aiming to be a more cloud-focused, AI-driven operating system. That all sounds fancy, but here’s the truth -- waiting for Windows 12 might not be the smart play. If you’re tired of the bloat, the constant updates, and the never-ending resource demands, there’s an alternative you can embrace today: Linux.

Microsoft has spent years refining Windows, but with every iteration, it seems to get heavier, slower, and, frankly, more intrusive. Windows 12 promises new features like AI enhancements and tighter cloud integration, but do you really need an AI telling you how to use your PC? For most users, these features feel like unnecessary fluff rather than meaningful improvements. Instead of waiting for an operating system that may or may not meet your needs, you could switch to Linux -- a free, lightweight, and privacy-respecting solution that puts you in control.

Continue reading →

Elon Musk’s Tesla has expanded its entertainment offerings by integrating SiriusXM into its Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck vehicles. This marks the first time SiriusXM has been made available in these popular electric vehicles, which rank among the top-selling EVs in the United States. Owners can now access SiriusXM’s broad catalog of audio content with a one-month free trial requiring no credit card. Subscribers also gain access to the service outside their vehicles via the SiriusXM app and connected devices.

As part of Tesla’s 2024 Holiday Update, this integration provides a SiriusXM experience customized for Tesla’s in-car system. The platform offers a wide array of content, including ad-free music channels spanning all genres and decades, customizable artist stations, and a comprehensive selection of podcasts. Sports fans can enjoy live coverage and analysis from over 20 channels, while news and entertainment are delivered through dozens of talk-focused stations.

Continue reading →

NixOS 24.11 Vicuña is finally here after a brief week-long delay. The Linux distribution, known for its modularity and unique package management system, has been updated with new features, packages, and improvements. NixOS packages aren’t limited to the distribution itself -- they can also be used on other Linux systems and macOS, giving users flexibility beyond the standard installation. This latest release will receive bug fixes and security updates until June 31, 2025.

The development effort behind this version is impressive. A total of 2,669 contributors worked on 49,079 commits to bring this release to life. The team added 8,141 new packages, updated 20,975, and removed 3,970 to maintain security and manageability. Beyond packages, NixOS includes modules and tests that are integral to its functionality. This update introduces 119 new modules while retiring 30. Additionally, 1,706 options were added, and 556 were removed.

Continue reading →

Adlink Technology has introduced its new EMP100 Mini PC, a compact device aimed at both smart retail and industrial sectors. With its small size (13 x 10.7 x 2.8cm) and fanless design, this versatile machine promises to handle tasks like digital signage, IoT applications, and edge computing in space-constrained environments.

Powered by Intel Celeron processors (N6210/J6412), the EMP100 supports dual 4K displays through two HDMI ports, making it a solid option for eye-catching digital signage or interactive kiosks. It also includes IoT connectivity with a single GbE LAN port and offers optional Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Expansion options are available with M.2 slots for storage or wireless modules, allowing for some customization.

Continue reading →

Mozilla has updated its packaging format for Firefox on Linux, moving from .tar.bz2 to .tar.xz. The switch, which uses the LZMA compression algorithm, results in smaller download sizes -- up to 25 percent smaller -- and faster decompression times, improving installation efficiency.

The .tar.xz format is widely supported across modern Linux distributions, ensuring compatibility while saving bandwidth. Current users won’t need to take any action, as Firefox will continue updating as usual. However, the new format is now available for Firefox Nightly and will roll out to Beta and Release channels in the coming weeks.

Continue reading →

Microsoft is in the FTC’s crosshairs again as the federal agency launches a new antitrust investigation into the tech giant’s sprawling business practices. According to a source familiar with the matter, the FTC has issued a demand for Microsoft to hand over key documents, signaling concerns over the company’s rapid growth, particularly in artificial intelligence. Both Microsoft and the FTC have declined to comment on the investigation, initially reported by Bloomberg.

The probe comes at a pivotal moment for the tech industry and could be a turning point for the Linux community. With Microsoft dominating cloud computing, enterprise software, and gaming, as well as surging ahead in AI with investments in OpenAI and its Copilot platform, the company has left little room for competitors to thrive. But a regulatory shakeup could shift the balance of power, creating a golden opportunity for Linux-based solutions to gain traction.

Continue reading →

Firefox, the web browser that once disrupted Microsoft’s dominance, has turned 20. Officially launched on November 9, 2004, Mozilla’s browser quickly gained attention for introducing features like tabbed browsing and extensions, offering a fresh alternative in an era dominated by Internet Explorer. Over the years, Firefox has remained a go-to choice for users prioritizing privacy and open web standards.

The origin of Firefox’s name is as unique as the browser itself. Mozilla wanted a name that was memorable and tied to nature. The team landed on “fire” and “fox,” later discovering that the term “firefox” is another name for the red panda. This connection has been central to Firefox’s branding ever since.

Continue reading →

Bang & Olufsen has launched the Beoplay Eleven wireless earbuds, building on its Beoplay EX with upgraded performance and luxurious design. The Danish brand aims to redefine its audio lineup with these new earbuds, offering improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), better voice clarity, and an enhanced transparency mode.

The Beoplay Eleven’s ANC technology is a leap forward, providing twice the noise reduction at low frequencies compared to its predecessor. This is combined with improved optimization for various ear shapes, ensuring a tailored fit and superior noise cancellation for users. Six updated microphones deliver a clearer, more natural sound with significantly reduced hiss noise, enhancing transparency for those moments when users need to stay aware of their surroundings. Additionally, the Wind Guard feature in the B&O app effectively filters out wind noise, making outdoor use more pleasant.

Continue reading →

Butterball is at the center of a social media firestorm after PETA resurfaced disturbing footage from 2006 showing severe mistreatment of turkeys at one of its facilities. The footage posted on Instagram, which PETA alleges was secretly recorded by an undercover investigator, depicts turkeys being subjected to violent handling and abuse, sparking outrage across platforms like TikTok.

The video has fueled a wave of criticism on social media, where users are sharing the footage and calling for boycotts of Butterball products. TikTok has been especially active, with users posting videos under hashtags like #BoycottButterball and #FowlPlay. Some TikTokers have documented returning Butterball turkeys to stores, while others are encouraging consumers to reconsider their Thanksgiving dinner traditions. The footage has reignited concerns about animal welfare in food production and whether companies are adequately addressing ethical concerns.

Continue reading →

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, reflection, and perhaps, change. While most people are thinking about turkey and pie, maybe it’s time to reconsider something else this holiday season: your operating system. Windows 11 has its fair share of fans, but it’s also riddled with frustrations like mandatory updates and telemetry concerns. This Thanksgiving, why not switch to a more elegant, privacy-respecting alternative? Enter elementary OS 8.

Recently released, elementary OS 8 offers a fresh take on what an operating system can be. Designed with inclusivity, user empowerment, and privacy in mind, it’s a Linux-based system that feels modern and approachable. Unlike Windows 11, it doesn’t force features on you or leave you worried about invasive tracking. Instead, it gives you control while looking great doing it.

Continue reading →

Earlier this year, Google unveiled its Developer Program during I/O, offering no-cost access to a variety of tools, including Gemini for documentation and Cloud Learning credits. The standard membership has since attracted millions of developers. Now, Google is upping the ante with the launch of its Developer Program premium membership, a paid tier aimed at providing developers with enhanced tools and support throughout their development lifecycle.

The premium membership offers an impressive lineup of benefits for $299 per year. Among the perks is $500 in Google Cloud credits, which can be used for resources like Gemini Code Assist and Firebase. Members will also receive a Google Cloud certification voucher to validate their expertise and advance their careers. For those eager to hone their skills, unlimited access to the Cloud Skills Boost library includes over 700 hands-on labs, skill badges, and courses.

Continue reading →

TCL has launched its first portable projector -- the Projector A1. It turns walls into vibrant screens, offering an accessible option for enjoying big-screen experiences anywhere.

Chris Hamdorf, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TCL, said, “Our amazing ultra-large TVs offer the best solution for fixed screen entertainment, but we recognize the different needs of consumers, so TCL is dedicated to bringing that superior viewing experience in new ways. Projector A1 is the perfect extension to our lineup as it meets consumers in the places they want to watch, no matter where that is. It represents the convergence of TCL’s innovative technology, combining reliable Wi-Fi and streaming entertainment with award-winning visual and audio capabilities.”

Continue reading →

Raspberry Pi has unveiled the Pico 2 W, a $7 microcontroller that integrates wireless capabilities, building on the success of the previously released Pico 2. Powered by the RP2350 microcontroller and featuring an Infineon CYW43439 modem, this device is tailored for Internet of Things (IoT) enthusiasts and professionals alike.

The RP2350, a successor to the widely celebrated RP2040, introduces several upgrades, including faster cores, expanded memory, floating-point support, optimized power consumption, and enhanced security with Arm TrustZone for Cortex-M. These improvements aim to meet the demands of IoT projects that require local computation and seamless cloud connectivity.

Continue reading →

Chess, the age-old strategy game, continues to inspire advancements in artificial intelligence. Google, known for its AI breakthroughs like AlphaZero, has used chess as a proving ground for cutting-edge technology. AlphaZero famously taught itself to master chess without prior knowledge, showcasing AI’s potential for creative problem-solving. This innovation even extends beyond games, influencing real-world projects like AlphaFold for protein structures and AlphaDev for discovering new algorithms.

Now, as the title sponsor of the World Chess Championship, Google is offering new ways to experience chess, blending history, AI, and creativity. Here’s what’s on the board:

Continue reading →

TikTok has once again unearthed a viral gem, and this time it’s a resurfaced video of Barron Trump that has captivated the platform. The clip, in which Donald Trump’s youngest son simply says, “I like my suitcase,” has sparked a creative frenzy, with users remixing the sound and turning the phrase into a cultural moment. Adding to the charm, the word “suitcase” has been affectionately stylized as “sootcase” by fans, further amplifying the trend.

What makes this moment particularly intriguing is the theory that Barron’s Slovak heritage might be playing a role in the internet’s fascination. As the son of Melania Trump, who was born in Slovenia, Barron has been known to speak fluent Slovenian, and it’s speculated that his subtle accent or pronunciation gives his delivery an endearing twist. The soft articulation of “suitcase” as “sootcase” has resonated with audiences, who find it both charming and relatable.

Continue reading →