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UK Government Demands Apple Reveal Your Data

The UK government has reportedly ordered Apple to grant it access to encrypted data stored in iCloud by users worldwide, a move that has sparked fierce debate over privacy, security, and government surveillance. IPA The demand, issued…
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UK’s New Cyber Severity Scale

The UK’s Cyber Monitoring Centre (CMC) has now started categorising cyber events using a scale designed to assess the impact and severity of attacks (similar to the Richter scale for earthquakes). What is the Cyber Monitoring Centre? The…

Google Lifts AI Ban on Weapons and Surveillance

Google has revised its AI principles, lifting its ban on using artificial intelligence (AI) for the development of weapons and surveillance tools. What Did the Previous Principles State? In 2018, Google established its Responsible AI…

Banning Mobiles : Impact On School Children

A recent study by the University of Birmingham has revealed that banning smartphones during school hours does not necessarily lead to improved mental health or academic performance among students.   The SMART Schools Study  The…

Sustainability-In-Tech : New Class Of Sustainable Bacteria-Made Textiles

London-based biomaterials company Modern Synthesis has unveiled a new class of nonwoven materials derived from ‘bacterial nanocellulose’. Sustainable Alternative To Other Materials These innovative textiles can be made to replace…

Tech Tip – How to Quickly Open a Second Instance of Any App

If you need multiple windows of the same app (e.g. File Explorer, Notepad, or Word), you don’t have to navigate menus. Here's how to quickly and easily open more windows: Hold Shift and Click on an open app's icon in the taskbar. This…

DeepSeek? Here’s The $500 Billion Stargate

At a time when China’s “DeepSeek” chatbot has jolted the AI industry (having developed incredibly quickly and on a shoestring budget), we take a look at the US “Stargate Project,” a $500 billion initiative aimed at cementing the United…

UK To Get Digital Driving Licences In 2025

According to a recent report from The Times, the UK is set to roll out digital driving licences in 2025, as a voluntary initiative, accessible via a government smartphone app. What Are Digital Driving Licences? Digital driving licences…

Google Combats Fake Reviews (After Investigation)

Following an extensive investigation by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Google has agreed to implement significant changes to its processes for detecting and addressing fake reviews. To Improve Transparency and Trust This…
Concept image of phone scanning face for age verification

John Lewis Introduces AI Verification For Online Knife Sales

John Lewis has unveiled a groundbreaking AI tool to verify the age of customers purchasing knives online, marking a shift in how retailers address legal requirements for the sale of bladed items. According to the AI provider, their AI (which…
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Maximise Laptop Battery with Windows 11 Energy Saver

Discover how to use Windows 11 Energy Saver to extend your laptop’s battery life and reduce energy consumption, with straightforward steps to customise it to your needs. What Is The Energy Saver Feature? Windows 11 includes a robust…

Sustainability-in-Tech : Tiny Flying Robot Pollinators

Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have unveiled a new generation of tiny insect-inspired flying robots that could revolutionise agriculture by offering a mechanical alternative to natural pollinators. The Vision…

Tech Tip – How to Highlight Text and Translate It with Microsoft Edge

Use Edge’s built-in translation feature to quickly translate text into English directly in the web page you're looking at, without having to copy it to another tool. Here's how: Highlight Text on a Web Page: Select the text you want…

Plumbers Are Safe … For Now

The findings of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs Report 2025 show that although the rapid rise of AI is reshaping the future of work, hands-on professions like plumbing look likely to remain largely untouched by the digital…

What’s New at CES?

Following CES 2025 in Las Vegas, which showcased a plethora of innovative gadgets and technologies offering a glimpse into the future of consumer electronics, here’s a selection of standout products that captured attention at this year’s…

Rollable Laptops Being Rolled Out

With rollable laptops (featuring extendable screens) set to become the latest breakthrough in portable computing, we look at what they are and the unique benefits they offer. From Basic Clamshell To Rollable For decades, it seems laptops…

Meta Trials eBay Listings on Facebook Marketplace

Meta has begun testing a new feature in Germany, France, and the US that allows users of Facebook Marketplace to browse eBay listings directly on the platform, while completing their transactions on eBay. Collaboration The pilot programme,…
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Apple’s Backlash For Misleading AI News

Apple is under fire for its AI-powered news alerts, with critics urging the tech giant to withdraw the feature over concerns about misinformation and inaccurate summaries. Introduced in December 2024, Apple’s AI-powered alerts aim to simplify…

Sustainability-in-Tech : Fusion-Ready Steel Mass-Produced in UK

In a UK-first, researchers have achieved a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable energy by producing fusion-ready steel on an industrial scale. NEURONE Producing RAFM In a UK-first, the NEURONE (Neutron Irradiation…

Tech Tip – How to Add a Desktop Toolbar to the Taskbar

Save time by being able to access all desktop files and shortcuts directly from the taskbar without minimising windows. Here's how: To Enable Desktop Toolbar (Windows 10) : Right-click the taskbar, go to Toolbars, and select Desktop. Use…

Oz Social Media Ban For Kids

Australia’s government has enacted legislation prohibiting children under 16 from accessing social media platforms to protect them from the harmful effects of online content, such as cyberbullying, exploitation, and exposure to inappropriate…
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What Is Azure Foundry?

In this Tech Insight, we look at what Azure Foundry is, the challenges it addresses, its key features and benefits, and its role for businesses hoping to embrace the AI revolution. What Is Azure Foundry? Azure Foundry is Microsoft’s…
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Social Media Health Findings

A new study from the University of British Columbia (UBC) has found that it’s how young people use social media, not how long they use it, that matters most in relation to their mental health. Challenging Common Beliefs About Social Media…

Slow Websites Costing UK Businesses Thousands

A recent study by US-based hosting provider Liquid Web has revealed that slow website performance is costing businesses thousands of pounds per year in revenue and draining resources at an alarming rate.  Slow Websites Costing UK Businesses  The…
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Apple Facing (Alleged) Employee Spying Lawsuit

Apple Inc. is reportedly facing a lawsuit from employee Amar Bhakta, who alleges the company unlawfully monitors employees’ personal devices and iCloud accounts. Filed in California state court, the lawsuit claims Apple mandates employees…

Sustainability-in-Tech : Carbon-Removal Material Trialled In Data Centre

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is to pilot a new AI-designed carbon-removal material at one of its data centres as part of a new strategic partnership with AI start-up Orbital Materials. Why? As data processing and storage requirements increase,…

Tech Tip – How to Create “Hidden Folders” for Private Files

Windows lets you hide specific folders, so they don’t appear in File Explorer, providing a simple way to keep files private without additional software. Here's how it works: To Hide a Folder Locate the Folder: Open File Explorer and…

“Amazon Haul” Budget Shop

Amazon has announced the launch of a U.S. beta of its new Haul Store, an online shopping experience designed to rival low-cost e-commerce giants Temu and Shein.  Products at $20 or Less  The Haul platform is to be integrated…
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Malware That Exploits Facebook Ads

In this insight, in reviewing how a malvertising campaign is hijacking Facebook accounts to spread the SYS01stealer malware, we examine the tactics used, plus we look at the impact on businesses and steps organisations can take to protect…
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Google’s ‘Shielded Email’ Privacy Feature

It’s been reported that Google is developing ‘Shielded Email’, a feature that creates temporary email aliases to protect users’ primary addresses from spam and misuse by third-party apps and services. What Is Shielded Email? Shielded…
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World’s First AI Deepfake-Detecting Browser

London-based cybersecurity innovator Surf Security has launched a beta version of its pioneering deepfake detection tool, integrated into its Enterprise Zero-Trust Browser®. Deepwater Dubbed the ‘Surf Deepwater’, this tool promises…
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Enhanced Siri Delayed Until 2026

It’s been reported that although Apple will unveil a more conversational Siri with iOS 19 at WWDC 2025, many other planned features, including this upgrade, will actually be delayed until iOS 19.4 launches in spring 2026. Various reports…

Sustainability-in-Tech : World’s First Wind-Powered DAC Carbon Capture Hub

Dutch climate technology startup Skytree is providing the technology for the world’s first 100 per cent wind-powered Direct Air Capture (DAC) hub in Texas. Project Concho Using Skytree Technology Dubbed ‘Project Concho’, this ambitious…

Tech Tip – How to Use Sticky Notes for Quick Reminders and To-Do Lists

Sticky Notes in Windows allows you to jot down reminders, ideas, or to-do lists and keep them open on your desktop for quick reference. Here's how to Use Sticky Notes: Open Sticky Notes Press Win + S, type Sticky Notes, and open the…

Flexible Working Drives Financial Gains

Following a recent University of Melbourne report revealing that companies offering strong flexible work options (such as remote working) experience enhanced market value, this article explores the factors driving these gains, examines supporting…
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Launched ChatGPT Search To Challenge Google Dominance

In this insight, we look at how OpenAI’s new ChatGPT Search aims to redefine online search by challenging Google’s dominance, with both tech giants racing to enhance user experiences through innovative AI features.  ChatGPT Search…
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Google Fined All The Money In The World!

A Russian court has fined Google over two undecillion rubles (a 36-digit figure, i.e. a sum that’s greater than the world’s total GDP) for removing Russia’s state media channels from YouTube.  Two Undecillion Rubles… And Growing!  As…
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New Social Cross-Posting Abilities

Openvibe, the cross-posting app that unites various social networks in one feed, has announced support for Threads, Meta’s decentralised Twitter alternative, allowing users to post and interact seamlessly across multiple platforms, including…
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Apple Boosts Creative Tools With Acquisition

Apple has announced its acquisition of Pixelmator, the Lithuanian image-editing app company, to bring its design expertise into Apple’s ecosystem.  Founded in 2007 in Vilnius, Lithuania, Pixelmator quickly gained popularity for its…

Sustainability-in-Tech : Microsoft Data Centres Made Of… Wood!

Microsoft has announced that it is building its first data centres made with superstrong ultra-lightweight wood in a bid to slash the use of steel and concrete, which are among the most significant sources of carbon emissions.  The Need…

Tech Tip – How To Use “Auto-Hide Taskbar” to Increase Screen Space and Focus

The Auto-Hide Taskbar option hides the taskbar when not in use, maximising screen space and creating a cleaner desktop environment, which can enhance focus and reduce distractions. Here’s how to use it: How to Enable Auto-Hide Taskbar Open…
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How New Data Laws Will Affect You

Here, we look at how the Data Use and Access Bill is poised to reshape how our personal data is handled in the UK and we also review the significant changes it will bring, with implications for the NHS and beyond.  What Is the Data…

What Is ‘Open Washing’ ?

With many tech giants now using ‘open’ as in ‘open source’ as a marketing term, we look at what the issues around this are, why it needs to be discouraged, and how this can be achieved. What is Open Source? To understand the question…
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ChatGPT Gets Windows App

OpenAI has announced that it is launching a test version of a dedicated Windows app for its popular chatbot ChatGPT. Announcement On October 17, OpenAI announced on X that: “Today, ChatGPT Plus, Enterprise, Team, and Edu users…
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Manky Mobile Menace

With recent research showing that Smartphones harbour 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat and that 74 per cent of us admit to bringing it to bed, scientists are warning that bringing a phone to bed can be hazardous to your health.   Harmful…
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New Features In Upcoming iOS 18.2 Update

Apple is set to release a new wave of AI-powered features in its upcoming iOS 18.2 update, with a focus on enhancing Siri and other key apps through advanced intelligence tools.  The new “Apple Intelligence” features will be available…

Sustainability-in-Tech : Wave Technology 5 X More Efficient

Swedish startup, CorPower, which has secured €32 million in funding, claims to have developed technology that’s five times more efficient than previous state-of-the-art wave power technology.  CorPower Ocean  CorPower…

Tech Tip – How To Use “Clipboard Pinning” to Keep Frequently Used Snippets Ready

Clipboard Pinning lets you keep specific items (like text or images) pinned in your clipboard history, ensuring they remain accessible even as new items are copied. Here's how to do it: Enable Clipboard History Go to Settings > System…
Facial Recognition Technology
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Face-Recognition & Personal Data Concerns

Two Harvard students have developed a program which (when used with Meta’s smart glasses) can identify people without their knowledge, thereby highlighting a potentially serious privacy risk.  Why?  In their report about their…
Tesla

What was Revealed By The “We, Robot” Event?

Following Tesla’s “We, Robot” event on October 10 at the Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles, we look at the big reveals, the reactions to them, plus some of the key comments made and opinions given.  A Showcase of Futuristic…
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Google Breakup Proposed

Following a recent US ruling that Google acted illegally to maintain a monopoly on its online search and the associated advertising, the US government has now proposed forcing Google to sell off parts of its business, potentially leading to…
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Ryanair Third-Party Data Protection Inquiry

What happens to data gathered as part of Ryanair’s extra ID verification requirement (from customers who don’t book directly through its website), has led to an inquiry being launched by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC).  Why…
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Apple in Workers’ Rights Dispute

The U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has accused Apple of restricting employees’ rights to advocate for better conditions by limiting their use of social media and Slack and retaliating against those who raised concerns.  The…

Sustainability-in-Tech : AI-Designed Bacteria Creates Rubber Alternative

Paris-based biotech startup BaCta, which has just secured €3.3 million in funding, produces natural rubber using genetically engineered bacteria, thereby offering a sustainable alternative to traditional rubber sources and synthetic,…

Tech Tip – How To Use “Virtual Keyboard” for On-Screen Typing

The Virtual Keyboard can be a lifesaver if your physical keyboard is malfunctioning or unavailable, allowing you to type directly on the screen with your mouse or touchscreen. Here's how to access it: To Enable the Virtual Keyboard: Press…

WordPress At War!

Following a (very public) recent spat between WordPress founder and Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg, and WP Engine, we look at what’s happened and why, and what the effects have been WordPress users.  WordPress and WP Engine  To…
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Personal Activities … On Work Laptops (Part 2)

In this second part article, where we review the issues around employees engaging in personal activities on company-issued devices, we look deeper into the legal and compliance implications and provide real-world case studies of security breaches.…
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Sending WhatsApp Messages To Other Messaging Apps

In response to changes in the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (which came into force in March), WhatsApp users will soon be able to send messages from WhatsApp to people using other messaging apps, e.g. Messenger, Telegram, and Signal.  What…
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Microsoft Re-Launching Controversial ‘Recall’ Feature

Following Microsoft having to postpone the release of its ‘Recall’ screenshot feature in May over privacy concerns, it now plans to re-launch an updated version in November on its new CoPilot+ computers.  Recall – What Happened?  At…
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Apple Launching UK Roadside Assistance (Via Satellite)

Apple is set to extend its satellite messaging service, introducing a Roadside Assistance feature in the UK through a partnership with Green Flag. This new service, launching with the iPhone 16, will enable drivers to get help in areas with…
Collagen

Sustainability-in-Tech : UK Startup Makes ‘Lab’ Leather

Cambridge-based startup ‘Pact’ has raised £9 million in (seed round) funding to expand its factory space and scale-up production of its “world-first” biomaterial – a skin made from collagen that’s a convincing alternative…

Tech Tip – Use “Ctrl + D” to Quickly Bookmark Pages in Web Browsers

Quickly bookmark important pages or documents in any browser using the Ctrl + D shortcut, making it easier to save and access key resources. Here's how to use it to bookmark a page and choose the bookmark folder: How to bookmark a Page While…
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Musical Misconduct

In a first-of-its-kind case, a US musician has been charged with fraud for allegedly using thousands of automated bot accounts to stream AI-generated tracks from which he made more than $10m in royalty payments.  Which Tracks?  The…
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Personal Activities … On Work Laptops (Part 1)

CEO and founder of messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, was recently arrested in France over allegations that Telegram facilitates illegal activities, including money laundering, drug trafficking, and the distribution of child sexual abuse…
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Backlash Against 300% Canva Price-Hike

Popular online graphic design platform Canva is facing a backlash from customers following a price hike of up to 300% for its Teams subscription.  What Is Canva Teams?  The subscription-based Canva Teams feature within the Canva…
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Data Centres Now ‘Critical National Infrastructure’

Prompted by the effects of the global IT outage caused by CrowdStrike, the UK has moved to protect UK data centres by classing them as ‘Critical National Infrastructure’ (CNI).  CrowdStrike  Back in July, a global IT outage…
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Security Concerns For New AI Powered iPhones

As highlighted recently by the Wall Street Journal, the range of AI-driven features in Apple’s latest iPhones could transform how enterprises operate, provided company data is protected and businesses understand how best to use these new…

Rapidly Growing Water Demand For Data Centres

Information recently obtained (by the Financial Times) has revealed that a huge spike in water consumption by dozens of facilities in Virginia’s “data centre alley” likely means new initiatives to replenish or conserve water resources…

Tech Tip – How To Use “Print to PDF” to Save Files as PDFs

Windows has a built-in "Print to PDF" feature, allowing you to save any file or webpage as a PDF, which is useful for sharing professional, non-editable documents, without the need for additional software. Here's how it works: Open…
E-Waste

Getting Rid of E-Waste

In this feature article we explore how e-waste is currently disposed of, what happens to it afterwards, plus various initiatives and strategies aimed at reducing the ever-increasing pile of discarded electronics.  What Is E-Waste?  Electronic…
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What’s All The Fuss About Telegram?

CEO and founder of messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, was recently arrested in France over allegations that Telegram facilitates illegal activities, including money laundering, drug trafficking, and the distribution of child sexual abuse…
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Dublin Says No To New Google Data Centre

South Dublin County Council has refused Google Ireland planning permission for a new data centre at Grange Castle Business Park in South Dublin.  Why?  The reason given for the refusal was “the existing insufficient capacity…
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Warning Against Giving Smartphones To Under 11’s

Mobile network provider EE has launched a smartphone age guidance initiative in which it advises that children under 11 should only use non-smart devices with limited capabilities.  Children With Smartphones  EE says its new…
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Finally – Mac Apps Can Be Installed on External Drives

In the latest macOS Sequoia developer beta, Apple has introduced a new feature that allows users to install Mac App Store apps directly onto external drives, thereby saving storage space and costs.   This change, though appearing minor,…

New Device Could Reduce AI Energy Consumption By 1000 +

Engineering researchers at the US University of Minnesota Twin Cities claim to have demonstrated a state-of-the-art hardware device that could reduce energy consumption for artificial intelligent (AI) computing applications by a factor of at…

Tech Tip – How To Quickly Connect to Wireless Displays and Audio Devices

If you frequently connect your computer to wireless displays or audio devices, the Windows key + K shortcut provides a quick way to access these connections without navigating through multiple menus. Here's how: Open Connect Menu - Press…
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What Can Microsoft 365 Do?

Microsoft 365 is packed with numerous apps designed to save time, boost productivity and help you work smarter. Here’s a closer look at some essential (yet often under-utilised) applications that can make a significant difference in your…
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Windows 10 vs Windows 11

In this insight, we compare and contrast the Windows 10 and 11 operating systems, focusing on how they perform in key areas like user interface, performance, security, compatibility, and cost.  Rolled Out 2021  Since Microsoft’s…
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New Fear Unlocked – Robot Dentists

AI-driven automated dental technology company Perceptive has announced the completion of the world’s first fully automated dental procedure on a human using its robotic dentistry system.  Perceptive  Boston-based Perceptive…
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Hacked MSP Fined £6m (Provisionally)

A provisional £6m fine has been imposed on an NHS software provider Advanced Computer Software Group following a 2022 data breach that affected more than 80,000 people.  Advanced Software Group  Founded in 2008, Advanced Computer…
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10 Top iPhone Tricks

Here are 10 top iPhone tips / tricks you may not know about that could make your life easier and help you to be more productive: 1. Digitally Sign Documents Gone are the days when you needed a printer or scanner to sign important documents.…

Floating Solar Panels Could Power Entire Countries

New research has concluded that floating solar panels could have the potential to meet the entire electricity needs of certain countries.  Helping To Decarbonise National Economies  The findings of the research (from Bangor…

Tech Tip – How To Sync Your Clipboard Across Devices

You may not know that Windows allows you to sync your clipboard across devices so you can copy content on one device and paste it on another. This is especially useful if you work across multiple Windows devices. Here's how it works: •…

Is Automated Driving Safe Yet?

In light of two recent reports of motorcyclists being killed in collisions with Tesla vehicles in Autopilot mode, we look closely at the issue of whether automated driving is really safe.  Death of Two Motorcyclists  If automated…
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New Index Reveals Cyber Criminal Countries

In this insight, we look at how a recently developed ‘World Cybercrime Index’ appears to show the globe’s key cybercrime hotspots by ranking the most significant sources of cybercrime at a national level.  Three Years To Develop  The…
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EU Funds 15 Blockchain Startups To Fight Misinformation

As part of the NGI TrustChain initiative, 15 startups have been awarded €1.8 million in funding to use blockchain to tackle online misinformation, fraud and fake identities.   What Is Blockchain?  Blockchain technology…
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Global Call-Spoofing Operation Shut Down

The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has shut down a global call-spoofing operation called ‘Russian Coms’ which is believed to have been used to swindle more than 170,000 victims.  Russian Coms  Russian Coms is the name…
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Apple More Responsible In Training Its AI Models?

Following concerns about AI companies scraping data from the web to train their AI models, Apple has sought to present itself as being a better and more ethical AI provider by highlighting how the training and development of its AI models have…

Marvellous Microplastics Magnets

UK startup ‘The Tyre Collective’ has developed a tyre-dust magnet to attach to electric vehicles (EVs) to tackle the often-overlooked problem of tyre-dust microplastic pollution.  The Problem – The Dangers Of Tyre-Wear  As…

Tech Tip – How To Save Time With Double and Triple Clicks

Rather than manually highlighting and deleting blocks of text, Microsoft Word lets you quickly select words and entire paragraphs using simple mouse clicks. This can really help to save time and increase your efficiency when editing documents.…

CrowdStrike : What Happened?

Following 8.5 million Microsoft devices being hit by a faulty software update from CrowdStrike causing global chaos, we look at what happened, how, and why.  The Worst Cyber Event In History  The scale of effects of the disruption…
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Lessons Learned

Following the massive after-effects of the faulty CrowdStrike update, we take a look at the lessons learned so far in this ongoing situation.  What Happened?  On July 19, a faulty software update from cyber security technology…
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King’s Speech Highlights Security Laws

Following the State Opening of Parliament, the King’s Speech on 17 July included news of significant new legislative proposals to address cyber security concerns, focusing on supply chain risks, particularly in the public sector, and improving…
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New “Privacy-First” Email Writing Assistant

Swiss app company Proton has introduced ‘Proton Scribe,’ an AI-powered private writing assistant that writes and proofreads emails for you.  Why?  Proton says that with most of us sending emails daily, finding the right…
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iPhone Smishing Scam Warning

Apple has warned iPhone users to be on their guard against a new ‘smishing’ (SMS phishing) scam where the perpetrators are posing as Apple. The scam involves the scammers contacting iPhone users with the excuse of needing to sort out a…

Amazon’s Energy Success

Amazon recently boasted reaching its 100 per cent renewable energy goal seven years earlier than the 2030 goal. However, with Microsoft and Google disclosing an increase in greenhouse gasses due to infrastructure expansion, we look at whether…

Tech Tip – How To Avoid ‘Link Rot’

When Google closes its URL Shortener service next year, this could leave many web pages with ‘link rot’ (a 404 error page where the shortened link once worked). Here we look at how you can find and fix link rot in your web pages, maintain…

‘Pay or Consent’ Model Breaches Rules

Following an investigation into whether the big tech companies are complying with the new Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules, the European Commission’s preliminary findings say that Meta’s ‘Pay or Consent’ model for data-sharing is in…
Google Robot
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Gemini… Overblown Hype?

Two new studies show that Google’s Gemini AI models may not live up to the hype in terms of answering questions about large datasets correctly.  Google Gemini  Google Gemini is an advanced AI language model developed by Google…
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AI Test For Parkinson’s

Researchers, led by scientists at UCL and University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany, have developed an AI-enhanced blood test that can predict Parkinson’s in at-risk patients up to seven years before the onset of symptoms.  What…
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SpaceX To Destroy International Space Station

NASA has given Elon Musk’s SpaceX the contract to ‘deorbit’ (and destroy) the International Space Station at the end of its operation as NASA transitions to commercially owned space destinations closer to home.  SpaceX To Develop…
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EU Rules and Regulations Hit Apple

Apple has announced that because of regulatory uncertainties due to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), it will be delaying the EU region rollout of three new AI features – Phone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing enhancements, and Apple…

New Bioplastic Straw Degrades Faster Than Paper

Massachusetts-based Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) research scientists, in partnership with bioplastic manufacturing company Eastman, have reported developing a new a prototype bioplastic straw that degrades even faster than paper.   The…

Tech Tip – How To Use Windows Key Shortcuts to Snap Windows

Snapping windows allows you to quickly arrange open windows on your screen, making multitasking more efficient by giving you a better overview of multiple applications simultaneously. Here's how to do it: To snap a Window to the Side: Click…
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Apple Avalanche!

Following Apple’s 5-day Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC24) recently at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, we take a look at the many new products announced and their key features.   Showcasing New Products  At Apple’s…
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Why Microsoft 365 Backup is Essential

In this Tech Insight, we look at why, as reliance on cloud services like Microsoft 365 grows, ensuring robust data backup has become a critical component of business security and continuity, then we look at some best practices for your 365…
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Musk Reacts To Apple & OpenAI Partnership

Following Apple’s recent announcement that it is partnering with OpenAI for its new AI system (which will see ChatGPT on Apple’s new phones), Elon Musk has threatened to ban Apple devices from his businesses.  Apple And OpenAI  Apple’s…
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NHS Cyber Attack Prompts Blood Donor Appeal

A recent ransomware cyber-attack on a provider of lab services to the NHS led to so much disruption in several major hospitals that an urgent appeal for donations of O-type blood was issued.  What Happened?  On Monday 3 June,…
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Apple Announce Latest Version Of OS

Apple’s macOS Sequoia, the latest version of its OS for Macs and the successor to macOS Sonoma, has been given a range of new features including a new Passwords app, redesigned Reader view in Safari with machine learning integration, upgrades…

New Apps Tackle World’s Fishing Sustainability

With the world facing challenges like tackling overfishing while trying to support those in local communities who rely on fishing for a living, a South Africa-based company has developed apps to address both issues and more.  What Are…

Tech Tip – How To Pin Websites to the Taskbar Using Microsoft Edge

Pinning frequently used websites to your taskbar using Microsoft Edge allows you to access them quickly, just like any other app, enhancing your workflow efficiency. Here's how to do it: Launch Microsoft Edge from the Start menu or taskbar. Navigate…

Data and AI Strategies For SME Success

Following a recent AWS survey showing that data-driven SMBs who also adopt AI more quickly and make better use of it are financially outperforming their peers, we look at ways your business could do the same.  The Key Findings Of The…

Google Maps Alternatives

In this insight, we look at what’s good about Google Maps, what may be less ideal about it, plus we provide 10 examples of alternative mapping and navigation apps.  What’s Good About Google Maps?  Before we look at potential…
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ChatGPT Says Labour Has Already Won

A recent Sky News report said that when ChatGPT was recently asked by a journalist “who won the UK general election 2024?”, the chatbot replied that Labour had won a “significant victory”, even though the general…
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Google Acquisition Means Windows App Support For ChromeOS

Following the success of their partnership last year, Google has announced that it has acquired Cameyo, thereby enabling virtualised Windows apps to be integrated into ChromeOS.  Why?  Google says that its research (such as…
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New Standalone Apple Password Manager App

At Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC24), the company announced the launch of its new, standalone, homegrown, password manager app for iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro, Mac and Windows.  The free app, simply called ‘Passwords’,…

China Set To Dominate World Green-Energy Budget

New research from the International Energy Agency (IEA) has revealed that even though Europe may outspend the US on clean energy this year, China’s clean energy spending plans will massively surpass that of Europe and the US combined.  China…

Tech Tip – How To Customise Quick Access in File Explorer

Quick Access in Windows File Explorer allows you to pin frequently used folders and files, making them easily accessible. Customising Quick Access can save you time when navigating to commonly used locations. Here's how to do it : Open…
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New Windows Screenshot Feature Sparks Privacy Concerns

The new AI-powered Windows ‘Recall’ feature that takes 5-second screenshots to generate a searchable timeline of everything a user has interacted with has prompted security and privacy concerns.  What Is Recall?  The Recall…
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Windows 11 Updates & VBScript Kill-Off ?

In this insight, we look at the implications of Microsoft’s announcement that the Windows 11 24H2 update is being tested in a pre-release stage and the deprecation of VBScript is being initiated by making it an optional feature.  What…
Antenae
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EE and Plusnet Customers To Get Refund From BT

After an Ofcom investigation that found BT didn’t give clear and simple information to customers who signed up to deal with its subsidiaries EE and Plusnet, BT has been told it must refund early exit fees and let existing affected customers…
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Microsoft/Truecaller Now Answers Phone Using Your Voice

A new partnership means that Truecaller’s AI Assistant can use Microsoft Azure AI Speech technology to enable Truecaller to answer your phone (via the Truecaller app) using an authentic AI version of your voice.  Truecaller  Truecaller…
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DMCC Bill May Force Apple To Open Up

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill (DMCC) which becomes law later this year (autumn) and is aimed at promoting fair competition, regulating digital markets, and protecting consumer rights in the UK, may mean that Apple will…

Finns Finally Fabricate Fungus Fodder

Finish company Enifer is bringing back a protein made from fungus (a microprotein) that was first developed and used in the 1970s for animal feed but could now work as a sustainable protein source for the human diet.  Pekilo ®  Enifer’s…

Tech Tip – How To Set Up Dynamic Lock to Automatically Lock Your PC

Dynamic Lock uses the proximity of your Bluetooth-paired phone to automatically lock your Windows PC when you step away. This helps enhance security by ensuring your device is locked when you're not around. Here's how to set it up: Pair…

Microsoft Asks Hundreds Of Employees In China To Re-Locate

It’s been reported in Chinese state media that Microsoft has asked at least 100 employees to consider relocating to other countries.  Why?  It’s been reported that Microsoft has asked hundreds of its China-based employees,…

Tasty Offering : Raspberry Pi

With Raspberry Pi Ltd considering an Initial Public Offering, we look at what this kind of computer is, its value in promoting computer literacy, and what similar alternatives there are.  Raspberry Pi  Raspberry Pi, the most…
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UK Company Scammed $25 Million Via Deepfakes

It’s been reported that an employee at London-based design and engineering multinational, Arup, was duped by a deepfake video call into paying a staggering $25.6 million to fraudsters.  What Happened?  According to reports…
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Booking.com Becomes “Gatekeeper”

Online travel marketplace, Booking.com, has been designated a ‘gatekeeper’ company by the EU under its new Digital Markets Act (DMA) competition law, meaning that Booking.com now has six months to comply.  Gatekeepers?  Under…
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iPhone Bluetooth Stalking Warning

Apple says it has worked with Google to create an industry specification that can alert users across both iOS and Android if a Bluetooth tracking device is being used to track them (also known as Bluetooth Stalking).  The new capability,…

Underwater Data-Centres Vulnerable to Soundwaves

A study by cybersecurity and robotics researchers at the University of Florida and the University of Electro-Communications has revealed how powerful sound waves could disrupt the operation of underwater data-centres.  Why Underwater…