Latest Technology News

Multitasking made easy with Windows Virtual Desktops and Snap Layouts

When used correctly, Virtual Desktops, first introduced in Windows 10 and then refined in Windows 11, offer a handy way to manage multiple workflows. They let you create separate, dedicated workspaces within the OS, keeping things organized and clutter free. This is especially useful for those who juggle work, personal projects, and entertainment, as it allows for smooth switching between different activities without losing track of anything. By assigning specific apps and windows to different desktops, you can stay focused and organized across various tasks.

In Windows 11, Microsoft introduced Snap Layouts, enhancing multitasking by providing predefined grid options for arranging windows. This feature expands on the simpler Snap Assist functionality from Windows 10 and when used with Virtual Desktops can keep each workspace neat and orderly.

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GenAI tools don't increase coding efficiency

While AI is often touted as being the solution for all kinds of tasks, when it comes to developing software it seems that it may not always be improving things.

A new study from Uplevel suggests that today's GenAI-based developer tools don't tend to increase coding efficiency and can actually increase bug rates.

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Meta bans RT and other Russian state media from Facebook and Instagram

Meta logo on phone next to Facebook, Whatsapp and Instagram icons

Citing "foreign interference activity", Meta has introduced a global ban on Russian state media outlets on its social media platforms. The move is fueled in part by concern about attempts by Russia to influence the 2024 US presidential election.

The ban, which is coming into force over the next few days, means that the likes of RT (formerly Russia Today) and Rossiya Segodnya will no longer have access to Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads.

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Google partners with experts to launch FireSat for wildfire detection

Wildfires are increasingly becoming a global issue due to rising temperatures and drier climates. Google Research is stepping in with a game-changing solution -- FireSat, a new satellite constellation aimed at detecting wildfires as small as a classroom (around 5x5 meters) within just 20 minutes. This could revolutionize how firefighters and emergency responders handle early-stage wildfires.

Current satellite technology often struggles to catch wildfires in time, offering low-resolution images that update just a few times a day. By the time a fire is visible, it may have already spread across an area the size of a soccer field, making effective response more difficult. With FireSat, that challenge could soon be a thing of the past.

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Corsair to acquire Fanatec Sim Racing

Corsair has announced its plan to acquire the Fanatec Sim Racing brand, a key player in the racing simulation industry, from Endor AG. The deal, structured as an asset purchase, is expected to finalize within the coming week. Fanatec, which operates out of Landshut, Germany, specializes in a wide array of Sim Racing products, including advanced force feedback steering wheels, pedals, shifters, and other accessories designed for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms. Endor reported Fanatec’s sales for 2023 to be roughly $110 million, though the figures remain unaudited.

Andy Paul, Corsair's CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, saying, "We’ve admired the Fanatec brand for many years, and we're excited to bring them into the Corsair family. With our established supply chain and logistics capabilities, we aim to reduce costs, improve customer service, and enhance sales opportunities to steer the brand back to profitability." Paul further explained that Corsair intends to preserve Fanatec’s operations in Landshut, using it as a development hub for Sim Racing products while leveraging Corsair’s expertise in product innovation.

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Windows 12.1 is everything Windows 11 should be -- and the Microsoft operating system we need!

As you likely know, Microsoft is preparing to end support for Windows 10 next year, and while you can continue to use that OS, provided you do so safely, the main options will be to upgrade to Windows 11 or wait for the anticipated release of its successor, likely to be Windows 12.

While Microsoft hasn't officially confirmed the next-generation operating system, there have been numerous hints and rumors about what it might be like.

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Nintendo preps for the holiday season with new Switch Mario Kart bundles

Nintendo is inviting gamers to get a jump on holiday shopping this year by releasing two special Nintendo Switch bundles this fall. The bundles, featuring the ever-popular Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, aim to offer added value for fans who want instant fun right out of the box. For the first time in the U.S., the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle will be available alongside the standard Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bundle.

Each bundle comes with a digital download of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online Individual Membership, giving players access to online multiplayer, retro NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles, and more. Both bundles are set to hit online and retail stores in October, but consumers will need to act fast, as supplies are limited.

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Global coalition aims to boost cyber skills and tackle threats

Representatives from leading nations including the US and UK are meeting for three days of talks to focus on tackling global cyber threats and boosting cyber skills.

Over the next three days, countries including the EU member states, Canada, Japan and international organizations such as the World Economic Forum and the OECD will discuss how global cyber security workforces can be strengthened, from agreeing ways to boost cyber skills to developing new professional standards.

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MX Linux 23.4 is the ultimate Microsoft Windows 11 replacement you need right now

MX Linux, one of the most popular Linux distributions, has released MX-23.4 (download here), marking the fourth refresh of its MX-23 release. This update brings various bug fixes, kernel updates, and application enhancements. As an ideal Linux distribution for users seeking an alternative to Windows 11, MX-23.4 continues to refine its performance while remaining user-friendly.

If you're already running MX-23, there's no need for a fresh installation -- the updated packages are available through regular update channels. Here’s why MX-23.4 is worth checking out, especially for those ready to make the switch from Windows 11.

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Making LLMs safe for use in the enterprise [Q&A]

Large language models (LLMs) in a business setting can create problems since there are many ways to go about fooling them or being fooled by them.

Simbian has developed a TrustedLLM model that uses multiple layers of security controls between the user and the GenAI models in order to create a safer solution.

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Linux 6.11 released

Linux 6.11 is now available. In his announcement, Linus Torvalds mentioned that the release was largely uneventful, with the majority of patches being relatively small and focused. Torvalds highlighted that the most prominent update in this release is the addition of Hyper-V Confidential Computing documentation.

Torvalds, who is currently on the road in Vienna, noted that while the merge window for the next release cycle opens tomorrow, progress might be slower than usual due to his participation in Open Source Summit Europe and the Kernel Maintainer Summit. He has over 40 pull requests pending but asks for patience as he works through them.

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Identity governance: Balancing cost reduction with effective risk management

Cost reduction is a top priority for many organizations, leading to the adoption of various technologies to automate tasks and improve efficiencies for cost savings. However, minimizing risk should also be a key objective for every business.

To achieve this, companies are looking into Identity Governance and Administration (IGA), which is a policy framework and security solution for automating the creation, management, and certification of user accounts, roles, and access rights. This ensures consistency, efficiency, and improved awareness, all of which are essential for reducing security risks. However, implementing IGA can often be seen as a laborious task that gets abandoned before the business experiences the benefits it has to offer.

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Apple releases 3 new ad videos highlighting 'Apple Intelligence' on iPhone 16 Pro but there’s a HUGE catch

Apple has released a series of new advertisement videos promoting its “Apple Intelligence” features for the iPhone 16 Pro, with all three ads starring Bella Ramsey, the acclaimed star of The Last of Us and Game of Thrones. While the features showcased are impressive, there’s a major letdown -- Apple Intelligence won’t actually be available when the new iPhones launch. Even when it does arrive, it’s only set to debut in October and will be in beta form. This development will likely leave many users disappointed.

The first ad, titled "More personal Siri," showcases how Siri is becoming even smarter, more intuitive, and more integrated into everyday life. The feature is designed to make Siri more personalized, giving users tailored suggestions and adapting to their preferences. However, it’s now clear that users won’t be able to experience this right away, further dampening the initial excitement around the iPhone 16 Pro.

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Companies aren't 'owning' their data

With a rapidly developing threat landscape, an increase in high-profile data breaches, the introduction of new legislation, and customer tolerance for poor data handling at an all-time low, the stakes are high for companies to have robust cybersecurity in place. However, despite their best efforts, companies are often found to not be doing enough to protect their assets.

Often, this is due to a case of ‘too much, too fast’. As businesses invest in new technologies, their day-to-day operations are being supported by ever more complex and fragmented technology platforms. At the same time, the amount of customer data available to them is growing and constantly streaming in, and bad actors are consistently launching more sophisticated attacks. Meanwhile, leaders are not fully aware of or own responsibility for their cybersecurity plans. As the digital world evolves with new threats and regulations, business leaders must recognize the importance of data protection. If they do not, they cannot adequately protect their customer's data and are in danger of losing their trust and even their continued existence in business.

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This shortcut will let you boot into the BIOS directly from Windows

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is like your computer's backstage manager, making sure the hardware and operating system can talk to each other smoothly and keeping everything running behind the scenes.

To access the BIOS, most people restart their computer and hit a specific key -- this can vary depending on the manufacturer and model. Common keys are F1, F2, F10, F12, Delete, or Esc, and a prompt will usually appear on the screen during startup to tell you which one to press. While this method is fairly simple, there's an even easier way to boot directly into the BIOS from Windows.

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