Mountain Duck 5 released with faster performance and new features for remote file access
Mountain Duck is a handy desktop tool that lets users mount server and cloud storage accounts as local drives in Finder on macOS and File Explorer on Windows. This allows remote files to be opened, edited, and saved directly in applications as if they were stored on the computer itself.
Iterate GmbH, which also makes one-stop cloud storage client Cyberduck, has released Mountain Duck 5, a major upgrade and the first since version 4 arrived in June 2020. This update introduces new features, faster performance, and improved compatibility across platforms.
OWC's latest portable SSD offers up to 8TB in a palm-sized design
Other World Computing has launched the OWC Express 1M2 80G, a portable SSD that brings USB4 80Gb/s performance to creators, mobile professionals, and gamers. The drive delivers real-world peak speeds of over 6000MB/s in a compact fanless design, making it one of the fastest palm-sized storage solutions available today.
The new device offers users two options: a do-it-yourself enclosure that supports standard NVMe drives, or ready-to-run configurations with capacities up to 8TB. Both options are upgradeable, allowing buyers to replace the drive later with larger or faster SSDs.
Nearly half of Americans still reuse passwords despite phishing risks
Nearly half of Americans admit to reusing passwords across accounts, even as phishing attacks continue to rise. A new survey by Yubico and Talker Research shows that while many people feel confident in their ability to stay secure online, their actual habits reveal a different story.
The study asked consumers in 10 major US metro areas about their digital security practices. Forty eight percent said they use the same password for multiple accounts, a behavior that leaves them exposed if one login is compromised.
AI in-car assistant market set to more than double by 2031
The global AI in-car assistant market is set to take off massively in the coming years according to Valuates Reports, which forecasts an increase from $6.9 billion in 2024 to $15.8 billion by 2031. The company says this represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8 percent, reflecting the increasing role of voice-driven and connected systems in vehicles.
AI in-car assistants are becoming integral to modern automotive design, combining voice recognition, infotainment, navigation, and predictive maintenance, in addition to providing drivers with hands-free control.
LibreOffice users can now generate AI art inside Writer and Impress
LibreOffice doesn’t ship with artificial intelligence features by default, but a new extension gives the office suite AI-powered features thanks to a community effort.
While Microsoft Office has started to integrate AI directly into its products, often tied to cloud subscriptions and proprietary tools, LibreOffice follows a different path where volunteers and independent developers can add optional capabilities through open-source extensions.
Lenovo's Lena AI chatbot had weakness that let attackers hijack sessions
Lenovo’s customer service AI chatbot Lena was recently found to contain a critical vulnerability that could allow attackers to steal session cookies and run malicious code.
Cybernews researchers discovered that with just one maliciously crafted prompt, the AI could be manipulated into exposing sensitive data. Lenovo has since fixed the issue, but the case shows how chatbots can create fresh risks when not properly secured.
New AI-powered Operator X streamlines offline defensive cyber missions
Sealing Technologies has launched Operator X, an AI Hunt Kit Assistant built for defensive cyber operations at the edge.
Operator X is designed for situations where you can’t rely on the internet or external cloud services. Many cyber defense teams work in places where security rules are very strict, so sending sensitive data to a cloud provider is not allowed. In those cases, everything has to run locally, inside the secure environment.
Lightweight Zephix v8 Linux OS focuses on portability and efficiency
Zephix version 8 has just been released, with the lightweight Linux distro taking a new approach.
The OS still focuses on simplicity and speed but moves away from a modular system. With i3 chosen as the sole desktop interface, included firmware for broad hardware support, and a carefully selected software set, Zephix aims to be a fast and easy-to-use daily driver.
This free Windows 11 tool switches between light and dark mode automatically -- and even changes your wallpaper
TweakNow AutoDark 1.0 is a new, free Windows 11 tool that automatically switches between light and dark mode based on your schedule, without the need for manual changes. It can even sync your wallpapers with the chosen theme and delay transitions during full-screen apps or games.
The app is very straightforward to use. Once installed, all the options are presented in a single screen, so you can set it up how you'd like in a few mouse clicks.
Raspberry Pi expands its display lineup with smaller $40 Touch Display 2
Raspberry Pi has announced a new 5-inch version of its Touch Display 2 screen, giving developers and hobbyists a compact option alongside the 7-inch model released last year. The smaller display retains the same 720 x 1280 resolution, multi-touch support, and easy plug-and-play setup as its sibling, but comes in at a lower price of $40, making it an attractive option for projects where space is limited.
The launch of the 5-inch variant extends the refreshed display line that began with the 7-inch model in 2023, which replaced the company’s original 2015 display.
LibreELEC 12.2 arrives with Kodi 21.2 'Omega' and better Raspberry Pi support
LibreELEC has released version 12.2 of its lightweight Linux distribution, which is built specifically to run Kodi. The new update focuses on hardware support, removal of older components, and the integration of Kodi 21.2 ‘Omega’.
Users gain access to the current stable build of the popular home theater software in which Kodi developers backported a small set of improvements after the original 21.2 release. No 21.3 version is currently planned.
Researchers uncover fake Netflix recruiter scheme targeting Facebook accounts
Cybersecurity researchers at Malwarebytes say they have uncovered a phishing campaign in which scammers pose as Netflix recruiters to target jobseekers, particularly marketing professionals.
The goal is to trick victims into handing over their Facebook credentials, potentially compromising both personal and business accounts.
New research shows gap between AI potential and workplace readiness
The latest Technology Enablement Survey from Eagle Hill Consulting shows that most US employees use workplace technology and believe it can improve productivity.
But despite this, many organizations are missing opportunities by failing to take a people-focused approach, which can limit the adoption of the automation and AI tools that employees say they need in order to work more effectively.
EasyTouch mechanical keyboards aim to combine comfort with AI-driven productivity
Adesso has launched two new mechanical keyboards, the EasyTouch 130 and EasyTouch 150, offering ergonomic designs and AI integration for professionals and everyday users alike.
The two models feature quiet mechanical switches and dedicated Microsoft Copilot AI hotkeys on select versions, aiming to improve both comfort and workflow efficiency.
Say no thanks to Windows 11 and yes please to SparkyLinux 8, the lightweight OS you deserve
You can’t have failed to be aware that Windows 10 is approaching its end of life, meaning security updates will soon stop.
For users who don’t watch to take risks with their system safety, the obvious next step is a move to Windows 11, but the newly released SparkyLinux 8.0 offers a lightweight, fast, and fully configurable alternative that supports both modern and older hardware.
Wayne's Bio
Wayne Williams has been writing about computers, technology, and the web for over 30 years now. He’s written for most of the UK’s PC magazines, and launched, edited and published a fair few of them in his time also. If you like what you read, you can Buy Me a Coffee!
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