Best Windows apps this week
Six-hundred-fifteen 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 released Windows 11, version 24H2. It is available for seekers only at this time and introduces support for Wi-Fi 7 and new AI features among other things.
It's finally time to say goodbye to Windows 11 -- Nitrux Linux 3.7.0 is the OS you've been waiting for!
Let’s be honest. Too many of us use Windows 11 out of habit and convenience, not because it’s any good. If you’ve been thinking about leaving Microsoft’s OS for a while now but aren’t sure where to go for your next step, we have the answer.
Nitrux offers a smoother, more streamlined OS experience without the bloat. This Linux OS is built on a lightweight foundation and offers a stylish system tailored for modern users. With its unique NX Desktop, the OS is fast, responsive, and provides a visually appealing interface, making it a compelling alternative for those tired of Windows’ sluggish updates and resource-heavy performance.
How to unlock the power of real-time analytics [Q&A]
The increased need for real-time analytics is driven by the rise of the on-demand economy, where consumer expectations for immediate access to products, services, and information are transforming how businesses operate and compete.
We spoke to Kishore Gopalakrishna, co-founder and CEO of StarTree, to discuss the need for real-time data capabilities, the strategic utilization of real-time data to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness, and the essential technology and operational considerations for building a robust analytics infrastructure.
Microsoft confirms numerous bugs in the Windows 11 2024 Update and blocks rollout to many
It is just a few days since Microsoft unleashed Windows 11 24H2 (or the Windows 11 2024 Update). But the release of the eagerly awaited update has been more than a little problematic.
We’ve already seen various issues with the controversial Recall feature, but Microsoft has also confirmed a number of known issues with the update. So significant are some of the issues that some users are being denied the opportunity to perform the upgrade. Gamers are among those hit by the problems.
Spotify adds Offline Backup feature that automatically creates offline playlists
With mobiles connected to the internet on a near-permanent basis, it is easy to take for granted. This means that whenever a connection is not available, it is very apparent. Now Spotify is taking steps to help reduce the impact of a loss of connection.
While it is already possible to create offline playlists, this is something that needs to be done manually and it’s all too easy to find yourself on a flight with the sudden realization that you forgot to set it up. And this is precisely where the new Offline Backup mode helps, creating offline playlists automatically, based on your recent listening.
OpenAI introduces Canvas: A new way to collaborate with ChatGPT for writing and coding
OpenAI has introduced a new interface called “Canvas,” designed to enhance collaboration with ChatGPT for writing and coding projects. Unlike the standard chat interface, Canvas allows users to interact with their projects more dynamically by opening in a separate window where users and ChatGPT can work side by side. This feature, currently in beta, is available for ChatGPT Plus and Team users, with plans to extend access to Enterprise and Edu users soon. Once the beta phase is complete, the feature will eventually be made available to ChatGPT Free users.
Canvas uses GPT-4o and can be manually selected in the model picker. The aim is to offer a better interface for tasks requiring multiple revisions and edits, such as writing content or coding. The chat interface works well for many tasks, but canvas is designed to address the needs of users working on more complex projects that benefit from a more structured environment.
Zyxel launches Wi-Fi 7 gateways with advanced 10G Ethernet capabilities
Zyxel has released new Wi-Fi 7-enabled gateways in the North American market, including the EE6601-00 Tri-Band Wireless BE19000 10G Ethernet VoIP with SFP+ and the EE6510-10 Tri-Band Wireless BE18000 10G Ethernet Gateways. These new devices promise to deliver faster, more reliable internet speeds, while also supporting Zyxel’s new edge-cloud managed Wi-Fi services.
One of the standout features of the EE6601-00 is its recent certification by the Wi-Fi Alliance, making it one of the first Wi-Fi 7 products to achieve this recognition. With Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) technology, the EE6601-00 offers speeds up to 46 Gbps, advanced features like OFDMA, Multi-User MIMO, beamforming, and Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for increased reliability and faster data transfers across multiple bands. These features ensure seamless connectivity throughout the home, eliminating dead zones, while also offering flexible 10G Ethernet and fiber options for service providers.
Rebound 11 fixes Windows 11's flaws -- without altering system files!
Although Microsoft has tried to improve Windows 11 with new features and updates, many users still find the operating system lacks polish and consistency. This is where Rebound 11 comes in. Created by Ivirius to address the aesthetic and usability gaps left by Microsoft, Rebound 11 provides a third-party solution that improves the overall look and feel of the OS.
Unlike other tools, such as Rectify11, which replace core files to create a more cohesive look, Rebound 11 doesn’t alter essential system components or impact Windows functionality. Instead, it focuses on enhancing the appearance and usability of classic Win32 applications while incorporating modern UI elements like WinUI 3.
Security pros worried about widening attack surface
A new report from Red Canary finds 87 percent of respondents have been impacted by a security incident they were unable to detect and neutralize in the past year, resulting in data compromise, outages, fines, audit failures and reputational damage.
Based on a study of 700 cybersecurity leaders it finds 73 percent say their attack surface has widened in the past two years, by an average of 77 percent, with 64 percent admitting to having knowledge deficits around securing new technologies.
94 percent of security professionals are worried about deepfakes
New research from email security company IRONSCALES finds near-ubiquitous concern surrounding the security implications of deepfakes while only 42 percent of respondents feel very confident about their organization’s ability to defend against deepfake-enabled attacks.
Based on a survey of over 200 IT processionals the report finds 94 percent have some level of concern surrounding deepfakes, and 74 percent say they are 'very concerned.'
New tools help ensure quality of AI-generated code
Using AI can increase the speed of code development, but it comes with an increased risk of bad code seeping into codebases.
Clean code solutions company Sonar is releasing two new features, Sonar AI Code Assurance and Sonar AI CodeFix. These deepen Sonar's commitment to improving the developer experience and increasing developer productivity to support the delivery of better code.
Too many alerts lead security pros to worry they'll miss an attack
A new report reveals that 71 percent of security operations center practitioners worry they will miss a real attack buried in a flood of alerts, while 51 percent believe they can't keep pace with the increasing number of security threats.
The report from Vectra AI shows 47 percent of SOC practitioners don't trust their tools to work the way they need them to work, while 54 percent say the tools they work with actually increase the SOC workload instead of reducing it.
ŌURA launches Oura Ring 4 with Smart Sensing technology
ŌURA has introduced the Oura Ring 4, a new version of its smart ring, featuring Smart Sensing technology designed to improve accuracy, comfort, and personalization. This technology uses research-grade sensors and an advanced algorithm to adapt to the wearer’s finger, ensuring continuous data collection both day and night.
The Oura Ring 4 is built with a lightweight, all-titanium design and a slimmer profile for improved comfort during all-day wear. It will be available in six colors -- Brushed Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Stealth, and Black with a glossy tungsten PVD coating -- and in twelve sizes, ranging from 4 to 15.
Microsoft is killing off HoloLens 2 with no successor planned
Anyone who wants a HoloLens 2 will need to act fast if they are to get their hands on one. Microsoft has confirmed that production of the augmented reality headset has ended in what will be seen by many as something of a mercy killing.
After eight years and two models, Microsoft has seemingly given up on HoloLens. Once current stocks run out, the second-hand market will be the only way to get hold of one, and there are no plans for a follow-up device.
Google is making your inbox more useful with vastly improved summary cards in Gmail
The “summary cards” feature of Gmail is not new; it is Google’s way of helping to make your emails easier to manage, consolidating information about, for instance, purchases you’ve made. Now things are being updated with live updates and “action buttons”.
Across four categories -- purchases, events, bills and travel -- summary cards provide at-a-glance information at the top of your emails. The new actions buttons make it possible to quickly add entries to Google Calendar or Google Tasks so you don’t forget important events, but there is much more to the update, including a Happening Soon section.
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