Latest Technology News

Unveiling the true value of privacy

Data privacy

Ask your clients, your friends, or anyone on the street: nobody likes to share their data, especially with people or companies they don't know. We routinely press 'no' on pop-ups asking for cookies in our browser, and of course you’re just as likely to say 'no' to any proposal to share your data to improve a product, even anonymously. People value privacy, even if that's somehow in contradiction with the fact that some of us also share the most private moments on social media. 

Does this diffused privacy awareness influence how companies relate to their customers and manage their products and services? Well, not quite. Most of the time, organizations simply don't implement anything which would truly protect the privacy of their users. They typically say things like "your data is protected" or "we are trusted by big companies". And even where regulations and policies are in place, this might not always force these organizations to have particular protections, even when it comes to very sensitive data like health data or financial information. Why? Is it not possible to do more? 

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5 criteria for evaluating free vs. paid migration tools

Data migration

Microsoft’s once-free solution for tenant-to-tenant migration is no more. Quietly, Microsoft changed its Cross Tenant User Data Migration terms of use for Enterprise Agreement customers, meaning they’ll need to purchase a license.

If you've been using Microsoft’s free migration solution, it makes sense you’d look for another free alternative. But, before committing to a new migration tool, it’s important to consider the potential pitfalls of free services. That is to say, while cost-efficient, free solutions may lack advanced features, scalability, support, and customization, potentially leading to more complex and prolonged migration processes. Here are five things IT managers need to consider when looking at free or paid migration tools.

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Lexar launches NM790 with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD for PC and PS5

Lexar has just launched its latest product, the high-performance NM790 with Heatsink M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4x4 NVMe SSD. No, it is not technically a new SSD -- it is just the existing NM790 but with a heatsink bolted on for improved cooling.

The NM790 with Heatsink offers read speeds of up to 7400MB/s and write speeds reaching 6500MB/s, marking a performance that is 2x swifter than the PCIe Gen 3 SSDs. This SSD doesn’t just stop at providing remarkable speed, it brings in an integrated heatsink to the table, ensuring your gaming rigs remain cool under the pressure of intense gaming sessions.

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OneSpan launches quantum-safe storage to secure digital agreements

Secure vault

Recent technology developments related to AI and the rise of quantum computing can put the integrity of digital agreements at risk, potentially leading to data loss, manipulation, identity or asset theft, and legal consequences for an organization.

For this reason OneSpan is launching a new Trust Vault feature for its e-signature solution that helps guarantee the integrity and long-term viability of documents using immutable storage based on blockchain technology.

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The good, the bad and the scary of AI -- all in one week

Artificial-Intelligence-threat

AI has been very much top of the agenda this week. We've had President Biden's executive order on AI, we've had the AI Safety Summit in the UK, we've even had Collins Dictionary choosing AI as its word of the year (not to be confused with the three-toed sloth beloved of Scrabble players).

Today we also have new research from SnapLogic looking at how generative AI is being used, viewed, and adopted within large enterprises.

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Microsoft admits Copilot-enabling KB5031455 update is messing with desktop icons in Windows 11

Windows 11 logo on a laptop

There have been a number of notable updates for Windows 11 in recent weeks, not least of which is the KB5031455 update from last month. The update brought with it a higher number of new features, including the AI-powered Copilot; it also brought problems.

Microsoft acknowledges an issue that results in desktop icons moving around, and the finger of blame is being pointed at Copilot's interaction with multi-display setups.

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Apple discontinues cheap Apple Music Voice Plan

Apple Music

The hitherto cheapest means of accessing Apple Music is no more. Apple has announced that it is killing off the $4.99 per month Apple Music Voice Plan.

Introduced back in 2021, this tier allowed for access to the entire Apple Music catalog, but only via Siri, and the discontinuation of this plan means that the cheapest generally available Apple Music subscription is now $10.99 (although students have a $5.99 option). So, what does this means for anyone currently on the Apple Music Voice Plan?

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Duracell M150 and M250 Portable Power Stations have adorable Coppertop design

Duracell, the brand we’ve entrusted to keep our gadgets going, has unveiled its latest innovation -- the M150 Portable Power Station. I absolutely adore the classic “Coppertop” design. It looks like a giant disposable battery, y’all!

The M150’s 150 watt capacity makes it an indispensable companion for your laptops, smartphones, and other electronic devices. Imagine being at a tailgate and still having the luxury to charge your phone, or sitting in a remote work spot without the stress of finding a power outlet.

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Silicon Power unveils DS72 and MS70 portable SSDs with USB flash drive form factors

Silicon Power is launching two new portable solid state drives with a USB flash drive form factor. Called "DS72" and "MS70," these diminutive SSDs are targeting creators and mobile professionals. They boast of fast read and write speeds courtesy of the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, which is excellent for handling large files, high-resolution media, and demanding software applications. Notably, these drives can transfer a 30-minute 4K video in under 28 seconds.

The DS72 is notable for its read and write speeds of up to 1,050MB/s and 850MB/s respectively, and its storage capacity of up to 1TB. A distinctive feature is its inclusion of both Type-A and Type-C connectors, which allows for a range of user scenarios. For example, sharing a presentation between a MacBook and a Windows laptop using the Type-C connector, or accessing files on a public computer through a Type-A port, becomes straightforward. This is a useful feature for photographers and videographers who often need to transfer high-resolution media between different devices. Mobile professionals using various devices will find the DS72 handy as it reduces the need for multiple adapters or cables.

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Streamlining public transportation CX with AI-powered chatbots

Public transportation systems have a rich history dating back over a century, with iconic examples like the 1863-established London Underground and New York City's subway, which began operations in 1904. While these systems have evolved alongside technological advancements and urban growth, the expenses involved in maintaining and modernizing them often surpass the available resources.

In the U.S., these upgrades tend to be notably more expensive than in other countries. For example, the installation of protective screen doors at just three subway stations in New York is estimated to cost a staggering $100 million. As a result, public transportation experiences often fall short of contemporary expectations, leading to delays, complex route planning and frustrations arising from the need to cross-reference information. All these elements contribute to reduced commuter satisfaction in comparison to alternative modes of transportation, such as cycling or driving.

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Experimental Windows 11 build removes some unwanted bundled Microsoft apps from clean installs

Today, Microsoft rolls out new builds for Insiders on both the Dev and Canary channels.

Build 25987 for the Canary Channel adds an option to install previously downloaded drivers when installing Windows 11, so you won’t be stuck offline if you don’t have Wi-Fi drivers. It also does away with two Microsoft apps previously installed by default.

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Windows 11 Build 23580 lets users with local accounts make a limited number of Copilot AI queries

Windows Copilot on a laptop

Microsoft began its rollout of Windows 11 2023 Update (23H2) yesterday, but development  continues apace with both Beta Channel and Canary Channel builds arriving for Insiders today.

For those in the Dev Channel, Build 23580 makes it possible for users with local accounts to access Copilot in Windows for a limited number of queries before needing to sign in. Microsoft has also “significantly” improved the nearby share transfer speed for users on same network.

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ADATA unveils USB4 SE920 external SSD

ADATA, today, unveils its first USB4 external SSD. The SE920 supports both Thunderbolt 3 and 4, and is also compatible with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0. This seamless compatibility is further sweetened by a performance that can skyrocket to an astounding 3,800 MB/s. And thanks to its mainstream Type-C interface, transferring large files or swiftly exporting videos is a breeze.

The SE920 has a spring-loaded chassis coupled with a built-in fan for optimal heat dissipation. As data races through the circuits at up to 40Gbps courtesy of USB4, the SE920 stays cool, quite literally. A simple push on its telescopic casing activates the micro fan, extending the chassis and enlarging the internal space to enhance air circulation and expedite heat discharge. This ingenious mechanism isn’t just for show; it translates to a notable 10 percent temperature reduction compared to its fanless counterparts, ensuring a steady and reliable data transmission.

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Password health is improving but reuse is still an issue

A new report from Dashlane finds that password health and hygiene have improved globally over the past year, reducing the risk of account takeover for consumers and businesses.

However, reuse is still widespread leaving user accounts particularly vulnerable to password-spraying attacks if they’re not protected by strong multi-factor authentication.

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Get 'ChatGPT For Dummies' (worth $12) for FREE

ChatGPT For Dummies demystifies the artificial intelligence tool that can answer questions, write essays, and generate just about any kind of text it’s asked for.

This powerful example of generative AI is widely predicted to upend education and business. In this book, you’ll learn how ChatGPT works and how you can operate it in a way that yields satisfactory results.

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