The ‘Add-Ins’ link on the menu (top-right) in Microsoft Word in Office 365 enables you to use many useful apps and tools directly within Word, including ChatGPT. Here’s how it works:  Open a Word document and click on ‘Add-Ins’…

With January 1 being ‘Public Domain Day’, we look at what ‘public domain’ actually means in relation to works of literature, music, art, and science.  Public Domain Day  New Year’s Day each year is called ‘Public Domain…

Following a US case dating back to 2017 which led to Apple admitting that it has deliberately slowed down some older models of iPhones (throttling), a settlement for compensation payments to affected iPhone owners has been reached.  After…

It’s been reported that The New York Times has sued OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging that they used millions of its articles without permission to help train chatbots.  The First  It’s understood that the New York Times (NYT)…

Amazon has announced that from 5 February 2024, its Amazon Prime Video customers in the UK and Germany will see “limited” ads unless they pay £2.99 per month to remove them.  Why?  Amazon says that in view of the fact it won’t…

If there are websites that you use regularly, pinning tabs is a way to save time, stay organised, and get right to the websites you need every time you open your Google Chrome browser. Here’s how it works: Open Chrome and type in the…

Following 36 hours of talks, EU officials have finally reached a historic provisional deal on laws to regulate the use of artificial intelligence.  The Artificial Intelligence Act  The Council presidency and the European Parliament’s…

Berlin-based green search engine company Ecosia has released a chatbot with a “green answers” option and ploughs all its advertising profits into tree-planting.  Ecosia AI Chat   The not-for-profit company, which…

Following the Metro recently highlighting the issue of undisclosed cameras being used by a small number of Airbnb hosts, we take a look at what the rules say, reports in the news of this happening, and what you can do to protect yourself.  Do…

It’s been reported that iOS 17’s new NameDrop feature has prompted the Police to issue warnings to parents on social media (in the US) about its potential to be abused, possibly posing a risk to their children.  NameDrop, introduced…

A new report from ID Verification Company Onfido shows that the availability of cheap generative AI tools has led to Deepfake fraud attempts increasing by 3,000 per cent (specifically, a factor of 31) in 2023. Free And Cheap AI Tools  Although…

The announcement of measures intended to boost investment in innovation and technology in UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement could mean increased spending on IT and AI.  Measures To Boost The Tech Sector The UK Chancellor’s…

If you’re often overwhelmed by notifications such as customer service chats or discount alerts when you arrive on a website, Google Chrome has an in-built feature to instantly mute these. Here’s how it works:  When using Chrome…

Amazon’s ‘Project Kuiper’ satellite broadband moved one step closer following a reported 100 per cent success rate for its first two prototype satellites.  Project Kuiper  Like Elon Musk’s SpaceX, with Project Kuiper, Amazon…

Swedish startup Minesto has developed a subsea ‘kite’ style mini power plant that generates renewable energy from tidal streams and ocean currents.  How It Works  The ‘wing’ technology, described by Minesto as a kind of “subsea…

Plans have been submitted for a new £1 billion development in Cheltenham that will include one of Europe’s largest tech campuses and will house the National Cyber Innovation Centre.  Cheltenham’s Golden Valley Development  Planning…

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, known for his revolutionary work in personal computing, was briefly hospitalised after a health scare in Mexico City. At 73, Wozniak suffered a fainting episode caused by a minor stroke last week while preparing…

If you’ve written content such as blog posts, articles etc that you’d like to check thoroughly for any mistakes and hear more clearly how it sounds being read back, try using Google Translate. Here’s how.  Go to Google Translate.  Copy…

A new survey from CyberArk has revealed that increased workloads caused by a surge in cyber threats and attacks has led to 59 per cent of UK senior cyber security professionals facing burnout.  Cyber Crime Levels High  The results…

A new deep-learning AI algorithm, developed as part of a study by the University of Cambridge, can identify and classify ‘Hard to Decarbonise’ houses (energy-wasting homes) with 90 per cent accuracy.  What Are ‘Hard-to-Decarbonise’…

After ceasing operations earlier this year when it lost its core funding grant, start-up network Tech Nation has announced it will be relaunching its brand with a £10bn investment. Tech Nation  Originally established in 2010 as…

“Gentlemen, you have now invented the biggest time-waster of all time. Use it well.”, said Isaac Shoenberg, head of the EMI research team that developed the first fully electronic television system to be used in regular broadcasting. On…

Microsoft has announced the launch of Azure AI Content Safety, a new content moderation service that uses AI to detect and filter out offensive, harmful, or inappropriate user and AI-generated text or image content.  What Kind of Harmful…

Human content writers have surged in demand recently, as part of a broader effect, where ‘prompt engineers’ have seen salaries of $300,000. LinkedIn’s figures show that job posts in English with references to “GPT” or “ChatGPT”…

If you'd like to capture long web pages in their entirety, e.g. for use in documentation, presentations, or competitor analysis, Google Chrome has a lesser-known but built-in way for doing this. Here's how it works: Go to the web page you'd…

With the recent release of the latest update of Apple’s iPhone software, iOS 17, we look at many of the useful new features and their benefits.  What’s Happened?  Apple recently released a new updated version of its iOS…

A study by a PhD candidate at the VU Amsterdam School of Business and Economics, Alex De Vries, warns that the AI industry could be consuming as much energy as a country the size of the Netherlands by 2027.  The Impact Of AI  De…

Following complaints from customers about an overheating issue with the Apple iPhone 15 Pro, Apple has issued an update to iOS 17 that provides security updates and bug fixes, including a fix for the overheating issue.  Overheating  Since…

As part of its commitment to be carbon negative by 2030, Microsoft is trialling cement containing microalgae-based limestone in its data centre builds.  The Issue For Microsoft  The main issue for Microsoft is that it needs to decarbonise…

In this tech insight, we look at QR codes, the many different methods to generate them, the benefits of doing so, and the future for QR codes as the successor to barcodes.  What Is A QR code?  A QR (Quick Response) code, first designed…

In days gone by, a Scottish person with a broken appendage might well have said their arm or leg was held in a ‘stooky’ (or ‘stookie’) which meant a plaster-cast. It’s thought the word comes from ‘stucco’ (plaster) although the…

Google has announced that it is embedding its ‘Bard’ chatbot into its apps and services with the launch of ‘Bard Extensions’.  Bard  In a similar way to Microsoft’s Copilot, Google’s own ‘Duet’ (for Google Cloud…

It’s been reported that a trade group for U.S. authors (including John Grisham) has sued OpenAI, accusing it of unlawfully training its chatbot ChatGPT on their work.  Which Authors?  The Authors Guild trade group has filed the…

If you’d like to use WhatsApp to save time when asking a group of people the same question, making it look as though you’ve asked each of them individually and not having to open each chat to ask them separately, here’s how:  For…

Video-focused social media platform TikTok has been fined €345m by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) over the privacy of child users.  The Processing of Personal Data  The fine, as well as a reprimand (and an order…

London-based Notpla Ltd makes sustainable, biodegradable, and home compostable packaging from seaweed and plants.  Naturally ‘Disappears’  Notpla Ltd, a start-up founded in 2014, manufactures different sustainable packaging…

In this insight, we look at how, according to an investigation by Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet (SvD), criminals may have been using Spotify to launder money since 2019.  How?  The reported money laundering process, which…

Did you know that Google was incorporated 25 years ago, in September 1998?Or that it was originally made from Lego? (sort of) Google began as a research project by Larry Page and Sergey Brin when they were students at Stanford in 1996. Originally…

In this article, we take a look at what Google’s ‘Duet’ is, it’s features and potential benefits to businesses, and the price.  Duet  Introduced in May this year, Duet AI in the Google Cloud is essentially Google’s answer…

Following several months of testing, Firefox users can now take advantage of the Firefox Relay email masking tool from within the browser to help preserve their online anonymity and boost security.  What Is Firefox Relay?  Firefox…

If you’d like to backup your ChatGPT chats, it’s possible to export them by email from within ChatGPT. Here’s how: In ChatGPT, click on the three dots (bottom left). Click on ‘Settings & Beta.’ Click on ‘Data Controls. Click…

With last-minute holidays on people’s minds (as well as current delays and disruption) Google has announced a new money-saving feature for Google Flights which shows users the cheapest time to book.  What Is Google Flights?  Google…

So far in 2023, Canada’s had wildfires devouring over 30 million acres, an expanse comparable to Kentucky. This has already surpassed Canada’s earlier record set in 1989, where flames ravaged more than 18 million acres. As the wildfire-season…

A free-standing AI road safety camera system deployed in Cornwall caught 300 drivers in the first three days.  How It Works  The camera system, on the A30 near Launceston, implemented by road safety tech firm Acusensus in partnership…

At 7:00 p.m. on August 20, 1911, a commercial telegram was sent by the telegraph operator at the Times, working on the seventeenth level of the newspaper’s headquarters in Times Square. The message made a westward journey from New York, and…

YouTube’s testing of a scheme to stop ad blocker usage and limit video plays is being seen by many as a way to further monetise the platform.  How Does YouTube Make Its Money?  Google’s YouTube platform currently makes its…

In this insight, focusing particularly on AI and ML, we look at what synthetic data is, where it comes from and what it’s used for, its challenges, and the implications for businesses.  What Is Synthetic Data?  Synthetic data…

If you’d like to customise and personalise your Google home page to show your favourite photo or GIF, here’s how: Save a favourite GIF or photo to your device (you may already favourite photos and GIFs saved). On the Google home…

MSE Chat GPT is a recently launched experimental AI chatbot that can answer money questions using MoneySavingExpert guides as its primary source.   MSE ChatGPT – Get Fast Answers To Money Questions  Recently launched by TV’s…

The recent announcement by Thames Water that it may restrict water flows to London data centres and charge them more at times of peak demand may be the shape of things to come.  Thames Water Ltd – Considering Restrictions  The…

The recent amendment to the Online Safety Bill which means a compulsory report must be written for Ofcom by a “skilled person” before encrypted app companies are forced to scan messages has led to even more criticism of this rather…

By the mid-1990s, Apple was in dangerously bad shape. The company’s market share was dwindling, its product line was confused, and it was bleeding money. Their future looked bleak, and it needed a lifeline and they all knew it. Enter Microsoft,…

Microsoft’s announcement of pricing for its AI productivity suite 365 Copilot shows its intent to monetise its AI, ending any expectations of free AI provision.  Furthering Its (Monetising) Ambitions – Microsoft 365 Copilot &…

In this article, we take a look at a few examples of nascent travel and delivery options in action.  Many New And Innovative Options With so many innovative technologically advanced (and green) transport, travel, and delivery products…

Just a few clicks and changes in the task manager can save you time by making your Windows PC startup faster. Here's how: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to bring up the task manager. Click on the 'Startup' tab. Click on 'Startup Impact'…

London and San Francisco–based start-up Stability AI has announced the launch of ‘Stable Doodle’, a sketch-to-image AI-based tool that converts a simple drawing into a dynamic image.  Creates An Image From A Simple Doodle and…

A group of solar panel start-ups is producing panels that enhance the look of buildings by combing them with art or making them as coloured cladding, facades, or roof tiles.  Solar Panels That Blend In  A group of Dutch…

In this tech insight, we take a look at what Microsoft 365 Copilot is, how it is being used, and how it can help your business.   What Is Copilot?   Introduced in March 2023, Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI assistant that’s…

On 18th July 1968, Intel was incorporated. These days, you’ll know them as the wildly successful manufacturer of microchips and indeed the processor that you’re using right now in whichever device you’re holding may well have “Intel…

In this insight, we look at ‘voice changers’, technology that lets users change and disguise their voices in real time and in playback.  What Do They Do & How?  Voice changing software (and hardware) alter the sound of a…

Google DeepMind’s AlphaDev artificial intelligence (AI) system has produced new algorithms that can write code better than humans and could create better programs.  Discovering Enhanced Algorithms  In a recent research paper,…

If you've less than a minimum threshold of battery life left, Android Phones typically automatically dim the screen (making it almost unreadable) sometimes when you need to be able to read it the most! If you want to force it to be bright (even…

In this insight, we look at what refurbished phones are, their pros and cons, things buyers may wish to consider when purchasing one, examples of where they can be purchased, and how refurbished phone retailers could help customers to choose…

WhatsApp shows blue ticks to indicate when your messages have been read by the recipient. If you want to disable read receipts and prevent others from seeing when you've read their messages, you can turn off this feature. Here's how: Go…

An American Psychological Association research paper predicts that that as workers interact with AI systems (and rely more on them), this could lead to social disconnection at work, feelings of loneliness, and even insomnia and alcohol consumption.  Work-Related…

New LinkedIn research has highlighted a shortage within the kind of green skills that are needed to help develop green industries and help it achieve it climate ambitions.  Green Skills Shortage In The Workforce  LinkedIn’s Global…

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT plus the rapid and revolutionary growth of AI are changing the face of most industries and generating dire warnings about the future, but what about the effects on datacentres?  Data Centres And Their…

At midnight on June 18th, 1997, the DESCHALL Project bore fruit. The challenge had been to use ‘Brute Force’ to discover the meaning of a message which had been encrypted. Going through up to seven billion possibilities per second, the…

An Observer investigation has reported uncovering evidence that 20 NHS Trusts have been collecting data about patients’ medical conditions and sharing it with Facebook.  Using A Covert Tracking Tool  The newspaper’s investigation…

With the UK, US, and Australian military trialling the use of ‘AI drone swarms’ that can overwhelm enemy defences, we look at whether drone wars could soon become a reality.  UK Drone Swarm Trial  The first UK military trial…

If you’d like to give notifications for a certain WhatsApp group you’re in a different as tone so you know when new messages arrive there without having check, here’s how: To set a custom notification sound for a specific group: Open…

With phishing attacks being favoured for their effectiveness by attackers and most ransomware attacks now targeting backup storage, we look at what businesses can do to protect themselves.   Spear Phishing Accounted For Two-Thirds…

University of Cambridge researchers have developed an ‘artificial leaf’ that uses sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into ethanol and propanol that could be used as a low-emissions petrol alternative to power car engines.  Inspired…

The Shap-E AI system from OpenAI (creators of ChatGPT) and available for open-source download, can create 3D models from text.  What Is It?  According to the Cornell University researchers behind the system, Shap-E is “a…

Chuck Yeager (famous for being the first to break the sound barrier) mentioned in his excellent autobiography that whilst he was training Neil Amstrong in high-altitude flying, he found him a little a bit cocky. In fairness, Neil did have a…

Twitter has recently added a new encrypted messaging service to its repertoire, offering end-to-end encryption for all direct messages sent across its network. This privacy enhancement ensures that only the sender and receiver can view the…

Here we look at what website speed means, how important it is for businesses (and why), plus how businesses can test their website speed and keep it up to scratch.  What Does ‘Website Speed’ Mean?  Website speed, also known…

The ‘WasteShark’ solar powered aquatic drone from Dutch company RanMarine removes floating pollution like plastics, algae and biomass from lakes, ponds, waterways, and harbours.  The WasteShark  The WasteShark is a mini-robot…

Google has announced the rollout of ‘Passkeys,’ which it describes as “the easiest and most secure way to sign-in to apps and websites” and a major step toward a “passwordless future.” Working Toward A Passwordless…

On 10th May 1954, Gordon Kidd Teal created a sensation at an Institute of Radio Engineers conference when he presented silicon transistors for the first time by announcing they were ready for production and available for sale. Why The…

In the past, people have primarily focused on their physical belongings and financial assets when planning for the future. However, as more and more of our lives move online, digital assets have become just as important to consider. So, do…

WhatsApp has announced that it is introducing the ability to use the same WhatsApp account on multiple phones. Message Seamlessly Across All Devices WhatsApp says that this change gives users globally the ability to message seamlessly…

If you are unsure why ChatGPT provided a certain response or want to see how it arrived at a particular conclusion, you can use the “Debug” command. Here’s how:  Using the “Debug" command followed by your question will make…

Following Twitter’s announcement two months ago that it will be charging a minimum of $42,000 per month to enterprise users of its API, Microsoft is dropping Twitter from its advertising platform.  What Is The Microsoft Advertising…

Ripple Energy has announced that it is creating the UK’s first co-owned solar park, allowing those who buy shares to benefit from green electricity and money-off bills, plus the feelgood factor of the climate/environmental benefits.  Where?  Ripple…

A humanoid robotics company (1X Technologies) has announced that it raised $2.5m Series A2 funding led by ChatGPT’s creators OpenAI to pursue producing androids/humanoid robots at commercial scale.  Funding  The funding round…

On April 23, 2005, at exactly 8:31:52 pm local time, the first ever YouTube video was uploaded. It was titled ‘Me at the Zoo’ and is a 19 second recording of the co-founder of YouTube (Jawed Karim) standing in front of an elephant enclosure.…

One recent example of how ChatGPT may be the subject of a defamation lawsuit after it reportedly created completely incorrect (and highly damaging) content is in the case of Brian Hood, the mayor of Hepburn Shire, 120km northwest of Melbourne,…

Changes to Microsoft 365 could mean less OneDrive cloud storage and could lead to Outlook being disrupted.  Change  In February, Microsoft announced that cloud storage used across Microsoft 365 apps and services would include Outlook.com…

If you’d like to save time when using Microsoft Office by personalising the auto-correct options so that auto-correct doesn’t try to correct even the most unnecessary things, here’s how: For example, in Word, go to File > Options…

Embattled Chinese owned short-video-sharing platform TikTok has received a £12.7m fine from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for breaching UK data protection law by failing to protect children’s privacy when using the TikTok…

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden say that if an electric car charges while driving, the size of the battery can be reduced by up to 70 per cent.  Aim Of The Study?  The aim of the Chalmers University study…

Conversational chatbot ChatGPT’s creators OpenAI have announced that ChatGPT will now be able to use plugins to improve its capabilities and outputs.  Plugins Coming To ChatGPT  It’s been announced that  OpenAI will be “gradually” enabling…

Further to the news that Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel, died last week, it’s a reminder that also last-week-in-history (22 March 1993), Intel announced it would be shipping its Pentium microprocessor. This was the successor to the Intel…

Microsoft has announced that it is to help users save time and increase productivity by embedding its AI chatbot ‘Copilot’ into popular Microsoft 365 apps.  Embedded In Popular Apps  Microsoft says that the Copilot chatbot…

In this insight, we look at what GPL is, how it relates to the right to repair, and how businesses can be affected if other businesses don’t fulfil their obligation under GPL.  General Public License (GPL)  The General Public…

In addition to Windows Defender, Windows 10 has a Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) that's designed to remove hidden malware from your device, and normally receives regular updates and runs itself in the background. However, if you're…

The boss of WhatsApp, Will Cathcart, has said he would rather stop users in the UK from using the app than lower its security, as suggested by the UK’s Online Safety Bill.  End-to-end Encrypted App  One of the key security features…

If you’d like to be able to add a bit more emphasis to some of your messages in WhatsApp, here are some fast and easy manual ways to add bold, italic, or strikethrough. To make word or phrase bold, put asterisks either side of the word…

In this article, we look at what OLED is and its advantages, and we take a brief look at the other types of LED displays available.  What Is OLED?  OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode. This is a display technology that’s…