Meta will continue to use fact checkers -- for now, at least, and only outside of the US
When Mark Zuckerberg announced recently that Meta was ditching fact checking on Facebook and Instagram in favor of X-style community notes, the response was very mixed. While hardly a clean line between the two camps, those with conservative political leanings tended to see this as a good thing, while those of a more liberal bent voiced concerns about the potential for misinformation.
The recent announcement about moving away from fact checking was widely seen as Zuckerberg trying to curry favor with Donald Trump, now installed as the 47th president of the USA. Now a new pronouncement from the company makes it hard to shake the notion that stepping away from fact checking was a politically motivated move.
Microsoft’s latest Windows security fixes may not install alongside Citrix software -- but there is a workaround
The recently released security updates for Windows 10 and Windows 11 are proving problematic for some people. Microsoft has acknowledged issues with the KB5049981 and KB5050009 updates on systems with “certain Citrix components installed”.
With Windows 10 breathing its last, users will be keen to grab all available security updates before Microsoft abandons it later in the year, so it is good that while there is not yet a proper fix for the problem, a workaround is available.
BenQ launches W2720i and GP520 4K projectors with AI and HDR technology
BenQ has announced its latest 4K home theater projectors, the W2720i and GP520, designed to provide enhanced viewing experiences for both dedicated home theaters and casual living room setups.
According to Houston Wei, senior director of BenQ North America, “Families often struggle to achieve high-quality projection in their various living spaces. Both the W2720i and the GP520 are able to address different home entertainment needs in order to deliver stunning projection wherever they prefer to set up and watch their home theater.”
CrowdStrike outage prompts businesses to overhaul supply chains
The CrowdStrike outage of July 2024 has triggered a major rethink of tech supply chains, as businesses around the world look to build IT resilience and minimize risk.
New research from Adaptavist shows that in the wake of the incident, which affected 8.5 million devices worldwide, there's a decisive shift in vendor relationships and a loss of confidence in traditional single-vendor approaches, with only 16.25 percent of respondents expressing satisfaction with their current providers.
The European Commission wants Elon Musk to reveal the secrets of the X recommendation algorithm (don’t we all?)
Elon Musk -- or his company, X, at least -- has been given until mid-February to provide the European Commission with details of how its recommendation algorithm works.
The request is part of a wider investigation by the EC to ensure that X is complying with the Digital Services Act (DSA). Many would be interested to learn something about how the recommendation system of this and other social media platforms works, and the Commission has further demands as well.
Key developments and challenges in LLMs [Q&A]
Large language models (LLMs) have undergone rapid evolution in recent years, but can often be viewed as something of a 'black-box' as a lack of transparency makes it difficult to identify how decisions are made, trace errors, or understand biases within the model.
We spoke to Pramod Beligere, vice president -- generative AI practice head at Hexaware, to discuss this along with the tools that are being developed, such as explainable AI and interpretable models, to make AI systems more understandable, trustworthy and accountable.
Windows 11 is finally getting a decent battery tool -- here's how to enable it so you know how much power you have left
Laptop users rejoice -- Microsoft is finally getting around to making life a little easier for you. When you’re working on battery power, you really need to know how much juice you have left, and this is something that has been frustrating to access in Windows 11.
While hovering the cursor over the taskbar battery icon is not exactly a massive hardship, most other devices and operating systems provide much more helpful information that is visible at all times. Windows 11 users can now look forward to the same, with the taskbar showing the battery percentage permanently.
Rhino Linux 2025.1 is a smart choice for those ready to leave Windows
The latest version of Rhino Linux, 2025.1, has officially launched, offering an impressive set of updates and features. This release, which was originally planned as 2024.3, reflects the team’s commitment to taking extra time to ensure everything is just right. Whether you’re a Linux enthusiast or someone exploring alternatives to Windows, Rhino Linux 2025.1 offers a compelling solution.
One of the standout features is the introduction of the “Hello Rhino” application. Written in Rust, this helpful tool provides quick access to essential resources like the official blog, community channels, and detailed documentation. It automatically opens after installation, creating a user-friendly starting point for those new to Linux.
Kodi 21.2 'Omega' has arrived and you should download it immediately!
The Kodi Foundation is still hard at work on Kodi 22 'Piers', with an Alpha release expected in the coming months. The team hasn’t forgotten Kodi 21 users however, and a new build for that branch has just been released.
It's been five months since Kodi 21.1 'Omega' arrived, and now the Kodi Foundation has rolled out a new build, Kodi 21.2, with a raft of changes, fixes and improvements.
Donald Trump saves TikTok!
TikTok has officially shut down in the United States, leaving the influencer community in absolute chaos. The app, which dominated the social media world with its viral trends and short-form content, ceased operations late yesterday, putting millions of creators in an uncertain position. Many influencers have relied on TikTok as their primary source of income, and its sudden closure has left them scrambling to find alternatives.
Adding to the intrigue, reports are swirling that Donald Trump, set to be inaugurated tomorrow, may intervene to bring the app back. Trump’s relationship with TikTok has been a rollercoaster, from previous attempts to ban it to now rumored talks of a revival. The speculation gained traction when it was revealed that TikTok’s CEO will attend Trump’s inauguration, hinting at potential behind-the-scenes discussions about the platform’s future.
How to buy Donald Trump’s $TRUMP memecoin using Solana
Donald Trump’s influence in the world of politics is undeniable, but did you know he’s now making waves in the cryptocurrency space too? Recently, I decided to dive into the hype surrounding Trump’s Solana-based $TRUMP memecoin to see what all the fuss was about. The process was surprisingly straightforward, even for someone who’s not a crypto expert.
I’ll admit, I only invested about $20 as a small test. This experiment is purely exploratory and doesn’t represent any political affiliation on my part. Memecoins like $TRUMP are fascinating, not because of their functionality but because of the communities and narratives they build.
TCL Super Bowl TV deals include massive 98-inch QLED for just $1,499
Football fans are gearing up for the Super Bowl, and while the teams aren’t yet finalized, now is the perfect time to grab a massive TV for the ultimate viewing experience. Starting today, January 19, TCL is launching a series of can’t-miss Super Bowl TV deals, with prices so good they’ll make upgrading your setup a no-brainer.
TCL, the official TV partner of the NFL, is slashing prices on its lineup of massive QLED TVs. With stunning color accuracy, deep contrast, and bright, vivid displays, these TVs deliver an experience that puts you right on the field. The headline offer? TCL’s 98-inch Q6 QLED TV is dropping to just $1,499 -- that’s a jaw-dropping 50 percent off. If bigger is better, the enormous 115-inch QM89 is discounted to $14,999, a solid 44 percent savings.
Datacolor celebrates 25 years of Spyder with Celebration Kit
Datacolor has introduced the Spyder Celebration Kit to mark 25 years since the launch of its first Spyder calibrator. The kit includes the 2024 Spyder, Spyder Checkr 24, and Spyder Cube, providing creative professionals and beginners with tools to manage color accuracy throughout the photography and editing process.
The 2024 Spyder supports the latest screen technologies, including OLED, mini-LED, and Apple Liquid Retina XDR, ensuring accurate calibration across modern devices. Its Device Preview™ Beta feature lets users simulate how images will appear on tablets and mobile devices, giving creators confidence in the final presentation of their work. The kit is intended to cater to photographers, digital designers, and content creators who value precision in their visuals.
deepin Linux 25 Preview challenges Windows 11 with stunning design and security from China
deepin 25 preview is now available here, offering a glimpse into a beautifully designed and highly secure Linux-based operating system that challenges Windows 11. Developed in China, deepin demonstrates how open source software can unite global communities and deliver innovation that transcends borders. While some might be wary of software made in China, there’s no need for concern -- deepin is largely open source, transparent, and a reminder that collaboration across nations fosters progress.
It’s important to note that this is a pre-release version, and users should expect potential bugs and incomplete features. Deepin’s development team recommends the preview version for those with technical expertise and advises against using it in production environments. Beginners are encouraged to stick with the stable deepin 23 release until deepin 25 is finalized.
How much power does your AI use? Most businesses don't know
According to new research only 13 percent of businesses are monitoring their AI’s energy consumption despite escalating power demands.
The study from SambaNova Systems gathered responses from 2,012 business leaders (1,004 in Europe and 1,008 in the US) finds that 49.8 percent are concerned about the energy and efficiency challenges posed by AI.
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