Zoom rebrands as Zoom Workspace 6.0, an AI-powered update packed with new features
Zoom Video Communications has rolled out a major update and rebrand of its video-conferencing tool for Windows and Mac with the release of Zoom Workspace 6.0. The new name reflects the app’s new function -- as a single collaborative platform for all its AI-powered features, including the new Zoom AI companion.
The rebranded app is accompanied with a visual overhaul, but more notable are the sheer number of new and improved features on show.
People prefer support from humans over AI when implementing CRM
A survey from CRM solution provider Workbooks finds participants voicing their strong preference for human support over AI-powered solutions.
This not entirely surprising result shows that while AI-powered support may offer efficiency and cost-effectiveness, it falls short of meeting the nuanced needs of businesses seeking personalized assistance.
Enterprises not getting full value from their data
According to a new report, 73 percent of IT leaders are still struggling to transform data into delivering significant business value.
The survey of 150 UK IT leaders by cloud consultancy Appsbroker & CTS finds 91 percent have a specific mandate from their board or executive team to make their organization more data-driven and data-centric.
New, higher pricing for Microsoft Dynamics 365 kicks in in October
Users of Microsoft Dynamics 365 have larger bills on the horizon. Microsoft has just announced the first price increase in over half a decade, with leaps of between 10 and 16 percent.
As well as pointing to the period of time that has elapsed since the last increase, Microsoft justifies the upcoming hike by stressing how Dynamics 365 has transformed CRM and ERP . New pricing comes into effect in October.
Bots account for half of all web traffic
A new report from Imperva finds that 49.6 percent of all internet traffic came from bots in 2023, a two percent increase over the previous year, and the highest level since the company began monitoring automated traffic in 2013.
The proportion of web traffic associated with bad bots grew to 32 percent in 2023, up from 30.2 percent in 2022, while traffic from human users decreased to 50.4 percent. Automated traffic is costing organizations billions of dollars annually due to attacks on websites, APIs, and applications.
Google is making it harder to block ads on YouTube
Anyone using a third-party app to block ads on YouTube is likely to find that their viewing is interrupted. Google has announced that it is further clamping down on ad-blocking tools which are seen by many people as a handy way to avoid paying for YouTube Premium.
The company says that by blocking ads with apps that violate its terms of service, users are starving creators of an income stream and, of course, failing to line Google's pockets.
AlmaLinux 9.4 Beta 'Seafoam Ocelot' now available
The AlmaLinux OS Foundation has officially released the beta version of AlmaLinux 9.4, codenamed “Seafoam Ocelot,” available for various hardware architectures including Intel/AMD (x86_64), ARM64 (aarch64), IBM PowerPC (ppc64le), and IBM Z (s390x). Enthusiasts and developers can access the beta ISOs here.
As with any beta software, the Foundation advises against using this release in production environments. It is essential to follow this guidance, especially when considering upgrades from previous versions, as beta versions can lead to unexpected issues that could disrupt operational systems.
Samsung launches DU9000 98-inch Crystal UHD TV
Samsung has introduced a new giant television to its lineup with the launch of the 98” Crystal 4K TV (DU9000), now available here for $3,999.99. This model joins Samsung’s existing range of 98-inch models, which includes the Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, and QLED 4K options, catering to a growing consumer demand for larger screen sizes.
James Fishler, Senior Vice President of Home Entertainment at Samsung Electronics America, noted the shift in consumer preferences, stating, “Just a few years ago, 65” TVs were considered ‘big.’ Today, people want even bigger screens.” He revealed that sales of 98-inch TVs have surged nearly 15-fold over the past year, underscoring a significant trend toward super-sized home entertainment options.
How AI is having an impact on software testing [Q&A]
Artificial intelligence is making its way into many areas of the tech industry, with the introduction of large language models making it much more accessible.
One of the areas where it's having a big impact is software testing, where it allows companies to provide better support to existing software teams and refocus their efforts on development.
More people can now upgrade to Windows 11 after Microsoft lifts Intel Smart Sound Technology compatibility block
After almost two-and-a-half years, an issue that prevented some people with Intel 11th Gen Core processors from upgrading to Windows 11 has finally been addressed.
Microsoft has quietly announced that compatibility issues with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers and Windows 11 have been "resolved externally". Until now, there has been a compatibility hold in place for devices with both an Intel 11th Gen Core processor and certain versions of the Intel SST driver, but now this has been lifted, it is possible for owners of such systems to upgrade to Windows 11.
Lakka 5.0 retro gaming Linux-based operating system now available with updated LibreELEC and RetroArch
Lakka has announced the release of version 5.0, which includes a series of enhancements designed to improve the retro gaming experience. This new version of the Linux-based operating system is built on the robust LibreELEC 11.0 and introduces a significant update to RetroArch, now at version 1.17.0, which offers a smoother and more versatile gaming interface.
The update brings numerous core updates and additions, enhancing stability and functionality across the platform. Notable new cores include dirksimple for playing Dragon’s Lair, dosbox-core for experiencing classic DOS games, and ep128emu, which emulates several classic computers like the Enterprise 64/128 and Amstrad CPC.
Winning the race against the threat of emerging vulnerabilities
Zero-day vulnerabilities are frequently reported on, but remain a major challenge for organizations, especially when it comes to quantifying the real threat posed by an unpatched instance of a vulnerability.
In 2023 the number of disclosed zero-days, or emerging vulnerabilities (EVs), increased from the previous year, rising from 55 in 2022 to 69 in 2023. While this wasn’t as high as the record in 2021 (with 81 disclosures) the prevalence of zero-day vulnerabilities has been rapidly trending upwards over the last 5 years. To stay ahead of the potentially devastating impact of being breached via an emerging vulnerability, organizations must be aware of how to stay ahead of attackers.
Cloud computing -- The first step to an effective data modernization strategy
Many organizations realize the benefits that lie within the data they collect daily. This modern approach to data empowers businesses to leverage data for innovation and monetization while at the same time enhancing security and privacy. While this may seem like a conundrum as companies have traditionally buried their data deep into IT architecture to prevent it from being accessible, even by the employees, today it is possible to have the best of both. This process starts with the cloud.
The healthcare sector is witnessing a swift surge in cloud adoption. By 2028, it is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.74 percent. This trend of rapid adoption can be seen in the financial services sector too, where organizations are moving to the cloud at an accelerated pace.
Transcend unveils trio of PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSDs
Transcend has introduced a new lineup of PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSDs, designed to meet the requirements of various industries including AIoT, edge computing, and smart retail. The new models -- MTE760T, MTE480T, and MTE380T -- offer impressive speed, durability, and security.
All three SSD models feature the latest 112-layer 3D NAND technology and utilize the PCIe 4x4 interface, pushing data transfer speeds up to 5,000MB/s. These SSDs are not just fast; they are also equipped with features like LDPC ECC, Power Shield, and Dynamic Thermal Throttling to ensure top-notch stability and reliability across different use cases.
Microsoft 'improves' Windows 11 by bringing ads to the Start menu in the US
In a move which is likely to be greeted with a hostile reception, Microsoft is continuing its obsession with injecting advertising into Windows. The company is using Windows Insiders signed up for Beta Channel to test the controversial addition of ads in the Windows 11 Start menu.
For now, this is a trial which is limited to beta testers in the US, but even if the most negative feedback is forthcoming, it is hard to imagine that Microsoft will back down and not roll out Start menu ads to all Windows 11 users.
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