OSMC's Kodi v21.1 update: Enhancing the Linux-based media center experience
OSMC (Open Source Media Center), a free and open-source media player operating system built on Linux, has released its new August version. This variant is notable for incorporating Kodi v21.1, also known as Omega.
The OSMC team delayed the release until Kodi v21.1 was available to prioritize stability and uphold the consistent user experience associated with OSMC. This approach reflects the team's focus on providing thoroughly tested upgrades aimed at improving media consumption while minimizing disruption to existing configurations.
Protecting digital customer journeys from AI biases
Today, hundreds of millions of people use tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, or Midjourney to create new visuals. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have become part-and-parcel of our daily lives and are propelling the arrival of a new digital era. We now work more efficiently, can better meet professional or creative challenges, and accelerate new innovation.
But AI now has much more intrinsic value than supporting our daily tasks. It is integral to powering our critical services and keeping society running, whether that’s facilitating loan agreements or providing key access to higher education, mobility platforms or medical care. Identity verification, fundamental to online access, was traditionally seen as a gateway to credit checks and opening a bank account, but thanks to AI it now supports services from healthcare to travel and eCommerce.
Visible fires shots at Mint with $15 five-year rate guarantee for T-Mobile customers
Visible, a prepaid wireless service provider operating on Verizon’s network, is throwing down the gauntlet in response to Mint Mobile’s latest promotion. You see, Visible has rolled out an offer aimed directly at T-Mobile postpaid customers: a five-year rate lock at just $15 per month, per line.
Yesterday, Mint Mobile stirred the market with a promise to AT&T and Verizon switchers: buy a three-month plan for $45 and add up to four lines at no extra cost for the initial period. Visible points out thar this deal has a catch: after three months, prices increase to $40 per line. Nancy Clark, President of Verizon Value, pointed out the fleeting nature of Mint’s promotion, “While Mint is promoting this short-term deal that won’t last, we aim to provide ongoing savings, stellar service, and unmatched value without hidden fees.”
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File sharing phishing attacks increase 350 percent
Although it dates back to the very early days of the internet, email remains a vital communications channel for businesses. But it also continues to present security challenges.
A new report from Abnormal Security reveals a 350 percent year-on-year growth in file-sharing phishing attacks, while business email compromise attacks (BEC) have grown over 50 percent from the second half of 2023 to the first half of 2024.
The importance of API monitoring across the enterprise [Q&A]
Over the past few years, technology teams have split into smaller work groups with more focused tasks. The rise of the cloud has created the need for DevOps teams, and the gap has grown wider between teams that build products and teams that manage products.
At the same time, applications have become dramatically more complicated. This has given rise to specialized site reliability engineers who are well-versed in monitoring all application components, including APIs. However, focusing API resilience in one team has allowed organizations to treat the symptoms rather than the underlying problem.
Uber and Cruise shift gears with autonomous vehicle partnership
Uber and Cruise have announced a strategic partnership that will introduce Cruise's autonomous vehicles to Uber's service platform. The initiative is slated to begin next year and will feature Chevy Bolt-based autonomous vehicles aimed at transforming urban mobility.
Customers using Uber may soon find the option to select an autonomous vehicle for their trips, provided their ride meets certain criteria. This integration is designed to offer a new, innovative choice for riders, emphasizing safety and technological advancement.
Ampace launches Andes 300: A portable power station designed for adventure
Ampace has introduced the Andes 300, a lightweight and portable power station designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts, van lifers, and those living an active, mobile lifestyle. Weighing just 8.2 pounds and featuring a 266Wh capacity and 300W output, the Andes 300 combines power and portability in a way that sets it apart in the market.
Alfonso Chen, Chief Marketing Officer at Ampace, emphasized the device's innovative design and efficiency. "The Andes 300 is more than just a power station; it's a leap forward in technology crafted for the adventurous spirit," he stated. "It offers a unique blend of portability and high performance, ensuring that users stay connected and powered up no matter where they find themselves."
LibreOffice 24.8 unveils new features and improvements across entire suite
The Document Foundation has released its second major build of LibreOffice for the year with the release of LibreOffice 24.8, the second to sport the new YYYY.MM versioning method.
Highlights include a new Quick Find deck in LibreOffice Writer’s Sidebar, numerous new spreadsheet functions in Calc and the ability to view and edit a slide deck’s notes beneath the slide in Normal view in LibreOffice Impress.
Business security: Advancements in on-premise and online tech solutions
Biometric access control, video surveillance, and intrusion alarms enhance on-site protection by promptly addressing unauthorized access -- these advanced systems monitor who enters your facilities and allow for real-time responses to incidents.
Meanwhile, cybersecurity remains a key aspect of business demanding great attention. The emergence of generative AI and automation technologies can evaluate threats and make decisions significantly faster, heightening the effect of your defense mechanisms.
Will streaming services run up that hill to replace big networks?
You may remember a couple of years ago when Kate Bush’s song "Running Up That Hill" peaked at number one on the charts. Not unusual, given somebody always has the top song, but this was different. You see, that particular track was released decades earlier -- 1985 to be precise.
What caused this unexpected resurgence in popularity? In 2022, during the fourth season of the smash-hit Netflix series Stranger Things, the song was featured multiple times, bringing it back into the spotlight.
SOUNDPEATS launches Capsule3 Pro+ wireless earbuds
SOUNDPEATS has released the Capsule3 Pro+, a pair of earbuds that integrate the world's smallest solid-state xMEMS Microspeakers and AI adaptive active noise canceling (ANC) to deliver high-quality audio experiences at a budget-friendly price. Ideal for avid music listeners, movie fans, and gamers, these earbuds come equipped with some impressive technological enhancements.
The Capsule3 Pro+ features Hi-Res Audio and LDAC Codec, providing almost lossless audio transmission through Bluetooth 5.3. Its 12mm dynamic drivers produce clear mids, crisp highs, and powerful bass. The key technological advancement is the xMEMS microspeakers, which use a durable single-piece silicon membrane for precise sound reproduction, an upgrade over traditional plastic coil speakers.
Mint Mobile offers free family plans to AT&T and Verizon switchers
Mint Mobile has introduced a new promotion for customers switching from AT&T or Verizon. Starting today, those who purchase one Mint Mobile plan can receive up to four additional lines at no cost for three months!
This deal means that a family of five can access unlimited wireless service for approximately $3 per line. How crazy of a deal is that?
Manufacturing and industrial sectors most targeted by attackers
Manufacturing and industrial products remain the most targeted sectors by cyber threat actors in the first half of 2024, with 377 confirmed reports of ransomware and database leak hits in the first half of the year.
A new report from managed detection and response specialist Critical Start is based on analysis of 3,438 high and critical alerts generated by 20 supported Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions, as well as 4,602 reports detailing ransomware and database leak activities across 24 industries in 126 countries.
EU Directive Network and Information Security (NIS2): Modernizing security compliance
Often perceived as a necessary evil in the past, organizations are taking an increasingly proactive and committed approach to the regulation of technology and cybersecurity. Many are even going a step further by embracing independent standards to fill any gaps legislation may not address or, while waiting for laws to catch up with new developments.
Given today’s searing pace of change, characterized by the rapid rise of technologies like GenAI, this marks a positive way forward for businesses that care about their customers as well as their profits.
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