Jealous of macOS’s Spotlight feature? Want a more accessible -- never mind powerful and customizable -- alternative to Windows’ own dated search and app launching tools? Then Flow Launcher could be just the tool you’re looking for.

Flow Launcher, or “Flow” for short, lets you search for and open apps, files, system settings, and web pages from a single, easily accessible search bar. Triggered by a custom hotkey of your choice, it provides a seamless way to navigate your system. However, its modular design is what truly sets it apart.

Continue reading →

Six-hundred-twenty-six in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 and Windows 11 on the Microsoft Store and elsewhere in the past seven days.

Microsoft confirmed new issues this week, some of which are blockers that prevent the upgrade to version 24H2 of Windows 11. Notable is an Auto HDR issue, that can cause game freezes and color distortions. You can check out the full list here as usual.

Continue reading →

With a constant power struggle between attackers and defenders cybersecurity is a fast-moving area. That makes it notoriously hard to predict what might happen, but that doesn't stop us trying. Here are what some industry experts think the cybersecurity world has in store for 2025.

Sasha Gohman, VP, research at Cymulate, thinks ransomware will become obsolete. "Ransomware may become obsolete due to the fact that decrypting your important files may become a feasible task with quantum computing. On the other hand, ransomware operators may then choose to encrypt your important files with quantum-resilient encryption."

Continue reading →

Governments around the world are increasingly legislating for cybersecurity and privacy. But regions often have differing views on how this should be achieved.

We spoke to Christian Have, CTO of Logpoint, to get insight into how US surveillance laws could serve as a catalyst for Europe to take greater control over its data, pushing forward the concept of digital sovereignty.

Continue reading →

The life sciences and healthcare industries have critical challenges to overcome in 2025. Costs in both are on the rise, forcing business leaders to seek out more efficient methods for developing and delivering new products and services. Additionally, consumer expectations are higher than ever, with patients and other clients looking for features that maximize convenience and accessibility.

To help with these challenges, industry leaders should consider the potential of artificial intelligence. AI has been transforming the business world by providing the power to automate, analyze, and increase efficiency in unprecedented ways. For life sciences and healthcare, AI provides the capability to gather and analyze data in a way that drives better outcomes and delivers better consumer experiences.

Continue reading →

As AI marks its stamp on every industry, the software development landscape is experiencing a rapid transformation driven by the integration of automation into coding practices. With approximately $1 billion invested in AI-driven code solutions since early 2022, we’re seeing a shift that goes far beyond just automation. This transformation is redefining the entire software development lifecycle and testing assumptions about what it means to be a developer.  

It is clear, as we embark at the beginning of a new era, that the future of coding does not reside in opposing change, but in adapting our approaches to education and practice in software development. 

Continue reading →

The financial services industry is in the midst of an unprecedented AI arms race. Criminal organizations are getting smarter, using cutting-edge tech to launch elaborate attacks on financial systems. In response, financial institutions (FIs) are turning to AI and machine learning (ML) to level the playing field. That’s right -- FIs are keeping pace with their criminal counterparts, thwarting malicious activity much more reliably and efficiently.

Having spent my career at the intersection of finance and technology, I've seen the constant race to stay ahead of evolving criminal operations. Rules-based systems, while foundational, simply can't match the speed and adaptability of modern financial crime. But now, through advanced pattern detection, adaptive defense mechanisms, and dramatically improved accuracy in identifying suspicious activity, AI is fundamentally reshaping how we fight financial crime -- and winning.

Continue reading →

Samsung has partnered with SEGA to introduce a new lineup of Sonic the Hedgehog-themed microSD cards. The Sonic the Hedgehog PRO Plus microSD cards combine Samsung’s storage technology with designs featuring iconic characters, offering fans a functional way to expand their device storage.

The lineup includes designs for Knuckles (128GB), Tails (256GB), Sonic (512GB), and Shadow (1TB), with each card showcasing the character’s face and signature color. Samsung promises “Sonic-speed” performance with read speeds of up to 180 MB/s and write speeds up to 130 MB/s. These cards also feature A2 Application Performance for faster app launches and smoother transitions in gaming.

Continue reading →

As both businesses and individuals become more reliant on connectivity and data so concerns around privacy are increasingly to the fore.

Here are the views of some industry experts on what the privacy landscape may look like in 2025.

Continue reading →

As technology advances, the integration of artificial intelligence and automation is reshaping the landscape of pool maintenance. These innovations promise not only to enhance efficiency but also to align with eco-friendly practices, paving the way for a sustainable future in pool care.

The future of pool maintenance is being defined by the convergence of AI and automation. Homeowners are increasingly adopting these technologies to streamline pool care, reduce manual labor, and minimize environmental impact. A prime example is the use of a solar powered pool skimmer, which combines AI-driven efficiency with renewable energy, setting a new standard for sustainable pool management.

Continue reading →

In the past year economic and business pressures, the rise of AI technologies talent shortages and more have put a strain on code pipelines and increased demands on developer teams. This in turn leads to fears around developer strain, product launch timescales and cybersecurity risks.

So what might 2025 have in store for developers? Here's what some industry experts think.

Continue reading →

There are always lots of financial scams running online, and pig butchering is currently one of the most commonly used techniques for parting victims from their money.

But INTERPOL doesn’t like the term, saying it is shaming and puts people off reporting crime. The international crime-fighting agency believes that a shift to the rather fluffier sounding “romance baiting” is important.

Continue reading →

Intel’s recently released Arrow Lake processors were notable for the wrong reasons. Performance was found to be more than a little disappointing, particularly for gamers. A fix was promised, and one has been delivered.

The fix takes the form of a not only an update to Windows, but also a BIOS update. But it does not end there. Intel says that it will be releasing a further update in January which will introduce additional performance optimizations.

Continue reading →

Webcam users rejoice: the end of the “Another App Is Using the Camera Already” error message could be nigh.

People have been asking for the ability to use a single webcam in two or more apps at the same time for what feels likes forever. Built ostensibly as an accessibility feature, Microsoft is finally bringing what it is calling “Multi-app camera” to Windows 11.

Continue reading →

StarTech.com has announced its latest product, the 140W USB-C GaN Wall Charger, aimed at providing consistent power for high-performance devices, including Apple’s M4 Pro and Max MacBooks, M3 MacBooks, premium laptops, and other USB-C electronics. This charger is designed to deliver reliable power while minimizing heat during extended use.

The 140W USB-C GaN Wall Charger features a design intended to remain cool even under full load, addressing common issues with overheating in similar products. Product Manager Tony Parackal explains, “This charger is designed to provide an optimal continuous peak power delivery while ensuring user and device safety.”

Continue reading →