Kodi 22 gets a surprising (but fitting) name -- development for first alpha release well underway
It’s been three months since the Kodi Foundation released Kodi 21 ‘Omega’, the long-awaited latest version of its hugely popular home theater software.
As you would expect, the team took a well-deserved break following the program's release, but work is once more underway on the next incarnation, Kodi 22. Each version of the software has traditionally been given an alphabetical codename with a sci-fi theme -- "Leia," "Matrix," "Nexus," and "Omega." While Kodi 22’s name will begin with P, it breaks from tradition, but for a beautiful reason.
Ampace Andes 1500 redefines portable power with ultra-fast charging
Ampace has officially launched the Andes 1500, a portable power station that offers extraordinary charging capabilities and longevity. The Andes 1500, powered by Ampace's exclusive A-Boost technology, can fully charge in just 55 minutes, significantly reducing downtime and enhancing user convenience.
The Andes 1500 introduces a new era of fast charging, boasting an 1800W AC input that enables a full charge from zero in under an hour. It also supports solar and car socket inputs, making it ideal for on-the-go charging needs. The unit offers an insane 1462Wh capacity and features 13 different ports, ensuring that users can charge multiple devices simultaneously.
Leadership changes at GNOME Foundation: Should DEI influence the selection of a new director?
The GNOME Foundation has announced Holly Million is stepping down as Executive Director, with Richard Littauer stepping in as Interim Executive Director. This transition should hopefully prompt a broader discussion within the open source community about the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the selection of new leadership. Shouldn’t we all want to see diversity and equality considered for the hire?
Million's contributions included the development of strategic plans and securing important fiscal sponsorships, setting a solid foundation for her successor. As the search for a new Executive Director begins, there is an opportunity to consider how DEI could influence the leadership direction at the Foundation. This includes evaluating the potential impact of diverse leadership styles and the benefits of varied perspectives in guiding the Foundation's future.
Cloud security vendors with cloud cultures: Operating in sync with customers
Cloud-native security companies understand that while digital transformation is the future for most, if not all, organizations across industries, it’s also introducing a host of new cybersecurity challenges that customers need support navigating. For example, as hybrid work and distributed workforces become more normalized, there’s a growing need for solutions and processes to ensure this anytime, anywhere collaboration happens securely. Moreover, as the number of cloud services in use across organizations increases, more sensitive data is being stored in the cloud, and companies continue to lack visibility and/or control over their cloud activities, cloud security is only becoming more critical with time.
However, to build security solutions that solve for these challenges and others, cloud-native security vendors need to first understand the exact nature of the issues their customers are facing. One way they typically approach this is by being deeply integrated into the market and relying on customer feedback to shape their product offerings. But there’s another, often-overlooked way for these companies to stay close to customers’ changing needs: fostering an internal cloud-centric culture themselves. By practicing what they preach, cloud vendors can best support customers and optimize their solutions.
TUXEDO launches InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen9 Linux laptop
TUXEDO Computers has launched the 9th generation of its InfinityBook Pro 14, which is notable for having an all-aluminum chassis. This latest model features a slim 17mm profile and weighs just 1.47kg. The redesigned chassis also accommodates a variety of keyboard layouts and offers a display that can tilt up to 180 degrees.
The InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen9 comes with two processor options: the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS, which includes an 8-core setup capable of handling 16 threads, and the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, which uses a combination of performance-optimized and efficiency cores to manage up to 22 threads. Both options are engineered to balance power efficiency with high performance, making the notebook suitable for a range of demanding applications.
Proton Pass launches secure password sharing feature
Sharing of passwords is a problem. It's reckoned that 43 percent of US internet users share their passwords with others, probably using insecure methods such as messaging, writing them down, or shared documents.
The issue is even worse for businesses, with approximately 69 percent of employees admitting to sharing passwords with colleagues. Good news then is that open-source password manager Proton Pass is launching Secure Links, a new feature enabling users to share items easily and securely with anyone, including non-Proton Pass users.
The potential opportunities and challenges of decentralized identity in mitigating AI threats
In an age where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the management and verification of digital identities are at a critical juncture. As various sectors rapidly evolve, decentralized identity (DCI) systems emerge as a revolutionary approach to managing and verifying user identities. These autonomous systems promise to change how we access and use online services. However, many organizations need help with adopting this promising technology.
A recent survey by Ping Identity, which included responses from 700 IT decision-makers worldwide, highlights these challenges. In the UK, 82 percent of IT decision-makers see value in decentralized identities for their customers and employees, yet only about a third (34.5 percent) currently offer this option. A significant reason for this gap is the need for more clarity about the benefits, with 31 percent of respondents unsure what advantages decentralized IDs would bring.
Why you need data guardrails, not guidelines [Q&A]
Often described as the lifeblood of an organization, data drives business operations and decision-making. But while the raw data itself is valuable, it’s the intelligence and insights that can be gleaned from it that truly fuel innovation and growth. This vital intelligence is the foundation on which organizations build long-term strategies, optimise processes, and identify new opportunities.
However, with IoT and AI creating volumes of data at an unprecedented rate, it has come to a point where many large enterprises have data lakes and warehouses overflowing with untapped potential.
Collective digital leadership: Why non-technical leaders should share tech ownership
In today's hyper-competitive, rapidly evolving market, the demand for seamless digital interactions has never been higher. The modern workforce expects seamless digital interactions, instant access to information, and intuitive tools that support both their work and personal growth. In this new paradigm, non-technical teams need the power to innovate without the confines of complex development environments. They also must bear more responsibility for the strategic deployment of technology.
This has led to forward-thinking organizations exploring leadership models that reflect the shared need for rapid, strategic deployment of technology. A recent Gartner survey found that 46 percent of CIOs are shifting to co-owning digital leadership. According to the firm’s report, “CIOs who co-own efforts with their CxO peers to place the design, management and delivery of digital capabilities with teams closest to the point where value is created, are most effective at maximizing digital investments.”
Transferring photos and videos from Google Photos to Apple iCloud Photos is now a whole lot easier
Interoperability between rival platforms, including the ability to easily transfer data from one to another, is something that only really benefits users. There is little, if anything, positive to stem from one company making it easy to move to a competitor.
But when it comes to cloud storage for photos and videos, migrating from Google to Apple is being simplified. While transferring Google Photos to iCloud has been possible for a while, the process has been an uphill struggle. Now this is changing.
Forensics or fauxrensics? What to look for in cloud forensics and incident response [Q&A]
The rapid deployment of cloud resources has led to misconfigurations and security risks, leaving security teams scrambling to adapt and secure their businesses following migrations away from traditional on-premises environments.
Despite successfully enhancing prevention and detection in the cloud, organizations now face a significant challenge in assessing the true scope and impact of issues that do arise.
Best Windows apps this week
Six-hundred-three in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 and 11 on the Microsoft Store and elsewhere in the past seven days.
Microsoft started to push out the new Copilot app to Windows 10 devices as part of the July 2024 cumulative update for the operating system. It removes the Copilot button and integration, and replaces it with a Microsoft Store app. The same Copilot experience is also launching on Windows 11 devices.
TCL brings NXTPAPER Android smartphones to the US
TCL Mobile has officially released its NXTPAPER smartphones in the United States, with the debut of the TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G and TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G. These devices are now available, with the TCL 50 XE offered nationwide at Spectrum for $149.99, and the TCL 50 XL available regionally at C Spire for $199 or at no cost with a 36-month agreement.
Both smartphones feature TCL’s NXTPAPER 3.0 display technology, which enhances eye comfort and preserves vibrant colors, balancing high refresh rates with a comfortable viewing experience. This technology has garnered attention for its ability to combine performance with viewer comfort, making it popular among both consumers and tech reviewers.
Mint Mobile announces free roaming in Canada
Mint Mobile, a subsidiary of T-Mobile US, has announced a big update for its customers traveling to Canada. Starting today, all Mint plans now include unlimited talk, text, and 3GB of high-speed data per month for roaming in Canada at no extra charge. This enhancement builds on the existing perks of Mint Mobile plans, which already offer free calls to Mexico, Canada, and the UK, unlimited domestic talk and text, and access to T-Mobile’s extensive and award-winning 5G network in the US.
Aron North, Chief Marketing Officer of Mint Mobile, expressed enthusiasm about the new feature, stating, "Since joining forces with T-Mobile, we’ve been hard at work building an even better experience for Mint customers everywhere, and today, we’re excited to bring free roaming in Canada to everyone on every plan. Now, any Mint customer traveling to Canada this summer and beyond can call, text, and browse just like they’re at home.”
Surfshark launches Alternative Number
Surfshark has introduced Alternative Number, an addition to its Alternative ID product suite. This feature provides users with a virtual US-based phone number, accessible through the Surfshark app, aimed at protecting users' actual phone numbers from misuse online.
Alternative Number helps shield personal information in an era where phone numbers are commonly required for online activities. "It can be difficult to keep your phone number to yourself online. We’re constantly asked for our numbers whenever we post ad listings, shop online, or sign up for free products/services. But there’s no telling where your number ends up once you share it online," says Sarunas Sereika, Alternative ID Product Manager at Surfshark.
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