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Managing WhatsApp contacts has proved to be a frustrating friction point for many users, and Meta has just announced that it is taking steps to simplify things.

As well as making it possible to add contacts via the web interface and Windows app, soon it will be possible to use linked devices -- not just your primary mobile -- to manage them. There are also new privacy controls including the option to create WhatsApp-only contacts to keep your main address book separate. And there is more on the horizon, with contact usernames being a particular highlight.

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Belkin has launched its new Connect USB-C 11-in-1 Pro GaN Dock. This compact docking station offers up to 150W of power, utilizing Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology to create a compact, efficient device.

The 11-in-1 dock includes a variety of ports, such as USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, SD and MicroSD slots, and a 3.5mm audio jack. It supports up to three external displays, offering resolutions up to 4K at 60Hz, and can handle fast data transfers with speeds of up to 10Gbps.

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Microsoft has updated its Xbox Wireless Headset, bringing some nice enhancements for gamers looking to upgrade their audio experience. One of the most biggest changes is the addition of Dolby Atmos, a feature that aims to provide immersive, spatial audio for more precise sound in gaming environments. The updated headset also features improved battery life, now offering up to 20 hours of playtime, as well as Bluetooth 5.3 for better connectivity across devices.

The new model comes with support for Dolby Atmos, Windows Sonic, and DTS Headphone:X, offering a variety of spatial audio options. Microsoft says that this technology allows for clearer sound separation, making it easier to hear key details in games, whether it’s enemy footsteps or subtle environmental sounds.

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A new report from Sysdig highlights the growing cost and scale of cloud attacks and the evolution of tactics being used by attackers.

Among the findings are that over $100,000 is lost per day to AI resource jacking. It hasn't taken long for threat actors to leverage stolen cloud access to exploit large language models (LLMs), as illustrated by an LLMjacking attack that left one victim on the hook for $30,000 in just three hours. Left unchecked, an LLMjacking operation can cost more than $100,000 per day.

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TRIBIT has unveiled its updated portable Bluetooth speaker, the StormBox Blast 2, featuring enhanced performance and new capabilities. This latest model offers a 200W output, an improved IP67 waterproof rating, and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity. The speaker includes an 80W subwoofer, dual 45W mid-range drivers, and two 15W tweeters to deliver a full sound experience.

The StormBox Blast 2 also includes dynamic lighting that syncs to the music or can be customized through the TRIBIT app, providing a visual element to complement audio playback. This feature is designed for various settings such as parties or outdoor gatherings.

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In an ever more interconnected world facing growing numbers of cyberattacks, it's critical to ensure that technology systems are resilient in order to keep people safe.

Google has announced that it's signed up to the CISA's Secure by Design pledge, a voluntary commitment to specific security goals.

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Plugable has announced its latest product, the PS-10CC, a 10-port USB-C charger featuring intelligent power allocation and priority-based charging. The new device is designed to address common charging issues such as limited outlets, cable clutter, and slow charging speeds, making it suitable for households, small businesses, and educational environments.

The PS-10CC uses real-time current sensing technology to distribute power across all 10 ports efficiently. By adjusting power output based on each connected device’s requirements, the charger can prioritize high-demand devices, such as laptops and smartphones, while ensuring other devices receive power as needed. Users can organize their devices based on importance, with the leftmost ports receiving power first.

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A new report from Splunk looks at the role of observability within today's increasingly complex IT environments.

Based on a survey of 1,850 ITOps and developer professionals, it finds enterprises with good observability resolve issues faster, boost developer productivity, control costs and improve customer satisfaction. Due to such benefits, 86 percent of all respondents plan to increase their observability investments.

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Static Windows wallpapers can often feel a bit uninspiring, especially if you don’t change them regularly. Sucrose offers a solution by bringing a dynamic, customizable approach to desktop backgrounds.

The versatile wallpaper engine allows you to animate and personalize your desktops with interactive wallpapers and it supports both light and dark themes. Sucrose works across multiple screens and in a range of resolutions, making it compatible with different display configurations.

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Long-lived credentials on major cloud platforms continue to be a huge risk for organizations, according to a new report from Datadog.

Long-lived cloud credentials never expire and frequently get leaked in source code, container images, build logs and application artifacts, making them a major security risk. The report finds that 46 percent of organizations are still using unmanaged users with long-lived credentials.

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Windows 11 24H2 (or Windows 11 2024 Update) underwent an incredibly long period of testing with users before it was finally unleashed on the general public earlier this month. Despite the prolonged beta test, the update remains incredibly problematic -- to extent that Microsoft has blocked it from being installed on some systems.

While not all of the problems can be blamed on Microsoft, the company must bear some responsibility for failing to catch significant bugs that have gone on to affect larger numbers of people. Among those experiencing issues are owners of ASUS systems, people running the Voicemeeter app, users of Microsoft Office, and people with certain Western Digital SSDs.

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At its Snapdragon Summit, Qualcomm introduced its latest flagship chip, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform. This new system-on-a-chip brings Qualcomm’s Oryon CPU to mobile devices for the first time, promising notable improvements in AI capabilities, efficiency, and overall performance.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite is designed to handle advanced on-device generative AI tasks, including multi-modal applications, all while maintaining privacy. Qualcomm aims to power devices from several well-known manufacturers such as ASUS, Samsung, Xiaomi, and others, with launches expected in the coming weeks.

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With the increased popularity of artificial intelligence technology, many human workers have expressed concern that AI models will replace them or make their positions obsolete. This is particularly the case with occupations like coding and software design, where artificial intelligence has the opportunity to automate several essential processes. Although AI is a powerful tool that has the potential to revolutionize the coding process, the role of human workers is still invaluable, as this technology is still in its infancy.

Software development teams are among the ranks of workers most profoundly affected by the AI revolution. Some of the ways in which software development teams have begun to use artificial intelligence include:

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Unless you’re an Olympic athlete, you probably don’t want a stopwatch tracking your performance -- pushing you to work harder and move faster. But, according to Six Degrees’ newly published independent research, one in five IT decision-makers at SMEs feel that the clock is on them when implementing public cloud migration projects.

Six Degrees’ UK SME Cloud Intelligence Report 2024 found that the extent to which IT decision-makers feel rushed varies considerably between sectors. Finance and insurance (57 percent), blue light (55 percent) and education (42 percent) are impacted the most compared to those working in government (33 percent), healthcare (32 percent) and manufacturing (29 percent).

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As the 2024 U.S. general election approaches, many Americans are looking for straightforward ways to find reliable voting information. Fortunately, Google is offering helpful tools to make this process easier, allowing you to quickly locate key voting details, whether you’re voting in person or by mail.

With Google Search and Maps, you can now find the nearest voting locations and ballot dropboxes. By simply typing queries like “where to vote” or “ballot dropboxes,” Google will guide you to a prompt where you enter your registered address. From there, you’ll be able to see nearby voting locations tailored to your specific needs. Google Maps can even provide extra details, such as voting hours and the types of voting options available at each location.

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