Bluetooth 5.1 knows where you are -- down to the centimeter -- and which way you're facing
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has revealed some new features of Bluetooth 5.1, and there's a lot to get excited about. While Bluetooth is perhaps most readily associated with connecting peripherals, there is so much more to it than that thanks to the addition of a direction-finding feature.
Used in conjunction with real-time locating systems (RTLS) and indoor positioning systems (IPS), Bluetooth 5.1 promises, among other things, improved tracking of devices, and better indoor navigation tools.
New context sensitive tool helps businesses comply with data protection
The introduction of new regulatory and privacy laws around the world is forcing companies to become more aware of the personal customer info they are holding, but it can be hard to identify sensitive information.
AI-based compliance platform Cognigo is launching a new data protection capability that can differentiate between sensitive and non-sensitive data based on language context.
Time's up! Microsoft is flipping the IE 10 kill switch in 2020
Microsoft has been trying to encourage users away from Windows 7 for a while now, with support officially ending next year. But it's not just the operating system that is reaching the end of the line; Microsoft is also warning the remaining Internet Explorer 10 users that support ends in 2020, advising that it is time to migrate to Internet Explorer 11.
In a warning posted on its IT Pro Blog, Microsoft says that after January 2020, Internet Explorer 10 will no longer be supported. The company states, quite definitively, that it will "not release any security or non-security updates, free or paid assisted support options, or online technical content changes for IE10".
Facebook has been paying people to install a VPN that harvests data about them
An investigation has revealed that Facebook has been paying people aged between 13 and 35 to install a data harvesting VPN tool. The "Facebook Research" VPN was offered to iOS and Android users who were paid up to $20 per month -- plus referral commissions -- to provide the social network with near-unfettered access to phone, app and web usage data (a Root Certificate is installed to give a terrifying level of access).
As news of the activity came to light, Facebook has announced that the program (sometimes referred to as Project Atlas) is being terminated on iOS, but it seems that it will be continuing on Android. If this sounds slightly familiar, you just need to think back a few months to when Facebook's Onavo Protect VPN was kicked out of the App Store for violating Apple's data collection rules.
Jaybird announces durable RUN XT True Wireless Bluetooth Sport Headphones
Exercising sucks. I mean, it is great for physical fitness, but let's be honest -- it can be a real chore. If it wasn't, there'd be far fewer overweight people in the world. Sure, laziness is part of it, but also, people are working more and more hours each week nowadays, making it hard to find the energy needed to get in shape. Of course, a great way to forget about the tediousness of exercise is a helpful distraction -- music. Yes, whether walking, running, or using a piece of equipment, listening to you favorite tunes can make working out much more enjoyable.
With the invent of Bluetooth earbuds, it is easier and safer than ever to enjoy music and podcasts while exercising. Safer? Yes, wired earbuds and headphones can get tangled on equipment leading to injury -- wireless is superior in that regard. Today, Jaybird -- a company well known for offering fitness-focused headphones -- announces its latest product. The premium RUN XT True Wireless Sport Headphones are designed to be both comfortable and durable. Oh, and they are quite attractive too.
Most people are still avoiding the Windows 10 October 2018 Update
Even the staunchest Microsoft supporter has to admit that the Windows 10 October 2018 Update, aka Windows 10 1809, was something of a disaster. It caused multiple problems for users, including deleting personal data, and even after Microsoft pulled the update and fixed some problems, more issues surfaced once it was re-released.
It took until the middle of January for the update to start its phased rollout, three months after its initial release, so it should come as no surprise to hear that comparatively few Windows 10 users are running it.
Firefox Quantum 65 rolls out enhanced content blocking protection, macOS HandOff support
Mozilla has just released Firefox 65.0 for Windows, Mac and Linux, along with Firefox for Android 65.0. The major highlight of this new release are improved tracking protection controls, improved multilingual support and the ability for macOS users to transfer tabs to their iOS devices via HandOff. Android users should see that scrolling performance is improved.
Firefox 65 rolls out a redesigned set of controls for its Content Blocking feature. Users can access these via the 'i' icon on the Address Bar, or by visiting the Privacy & Security section of Firefox’s settings dialog.
System76 unveils 'Darter Pro' Linux laptop with choice of Ubuntu or Pop!_OS
When people come to me for advice on buying a computer that comes with a Linux-based operating system pre-installed, my first suggestion is always System76. While other companies, such as Dell, also make great laptops running Ubuntu, for instance, System76 stands above the rest by also offering its own operating system -- Pop!_OS (which is based on Ubuntu). In other words, System76 has better control over the overall customer experience. Not to mention, its contributions to both the Linux and open source communities are invaluable.
Today, the company unveils its latest laptop, and it looks like a winner. The 15.6-inch "Darter Pro," as it is called, is thin, but not overly so -- it still has USB-A ports (thankfully). The computer is quite modern, however, as it also has a USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port.
How data is changing the face of marketing [Q&A]
Thanks to increased ability to collect data in real time, and the use of AI to process and interpret that data, marketers have more opportunity than ever to personalize their offerings to customers.
But what does this mean for enterprises when it comes to spending their marketing budgets and establishing a digital strategy? We spoke to the CEO of DMA | Digital Marketing Agency, Solomon Thimothy to find out how digital marketing can be used to drive business growth.
Kodi 18 'Leia' is officially available -- download it NOW!
The Kodi Foundation pushed out the fifth and final Release Candidate of Kodi 18 two weeks ago, and after some minor bug fixes and improvements, the hugely popular cross-platform home theater software is finally judged ready for prime time.
If you’ve been waiting patiently for the official stable release of the new Kodi, the great news is you can download it now.
Symantec boosts its endpoint security offering
Sophisticated attackers are increasingly taking advantage of the complexity of endpoint environments to exploit gaps and discover new paths to lucrative targets.
Symantec is announcing enhancements to its endpoint security portfolio designed to defend against the most sophisticated cyberattacks as well as improving application discovery and risk assessment.
Rush to digital transformation puts security of data at risk
Digital transformation projects are underway in the vast majority of businesses, according to a new report, but 'aggressive' transformers are most at risk from data breaches.
The latest Data Threat Report from Thales eSecurity shows digital transformation in some form is happening in 97 percent of organizations. 86 percent say they feel vulnerable to threats, yet less than a third of respondents (only 30 percent) are using encryption within these environments.
SteelSeries launches 'Stratus Duo' dual wireless gaming controller for Android and PC
Mobile gaming is all the rage these days, with gamers playing titles like Fortnite and Minecraft on their smartphones. Want to know a secret, though? Touchscreen gaming largely sucks. Pardon my crass language, but it is true. Using a virtual thumb-stick and on-screen buttons simply isn't fun. The truth is, to really enjoy a game on mobile -- other than casual time-wasters actually designed for touch -- a controller is an absolute must (when compatible).
If you are both a PC and Android gamer, and you want a great controller for both platforms, SteelSeries has a new product that could be perfect for you. Called "Stratus Duo," it can connect to a PC wirelessly using a USB dongle, or to Android with Bluetooth. Then, by flipping a switch, you can go back and forth between each. In other words, there is no need to re-pair each time you switch, as is typical with a Bluetooth-only controller. And yes, if you prefer, you can connect it to a PC using a cable (micro USB and not USB-C, sadly).
Fortnite update brings support for external controllers to iOS and Android
Epic Games has released an update to the mobile version of Fortnite which will help to level the playing field between iOS, Android, console and desktop gamers.
If you've struggled to battle with the game's on-screen controls, Fortnite patch 7.30 could be just what you have been waiting for. In addition to other new features and bug fixes, the update adds support for Bluetooth controllers in iOS and Android -- and a new weapon!
JavaScript is favorite language among developers
A survey of over 70,000 developers from around the world reveals that 73 percent say they are proficient in JavaScript.
The study from hiring platform HackerRank shows JavaScript has replaced Java which took the top spot last year.
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