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Showing posts from January, 2025

Finally, another true wireless monitor with a battery, and this one is actually affordable

Web Hosting & Remote IT Support I've counted three TWM launched or demoed over the past year or so Viewsonic's VG1656N costs under $300 and has a 4000mAh battery for an expected 3hr battery life Mirror or cast wirelessly, without the need for a separate app True wireless, portable monitors have been steadily evolving, and we could count no less than three launched or demoed over the past year. Enter ViewSonic’s latest release, the VG1656N (via TechPowerUp ). This 16-inch portable monitor stands out with a sizable built-in battery and wireless casting capabilities at a reasonable price point of $299.99 USD. The lightweight display weighs just under two pounds and is less than half an inch thick, making it easy to carry in a backpack. It also includes a smart cover which doubles as a protective case and an adjustable stand. Highly portable display It offers a native WUXGA (1920x1200) resolution, and it also supports a 4,000mAh battery which can power the monito...

This portable SSD has a unique feature that I hope goes mainstream

Web Hosting & Remote IT Support Longsys demoed an external SSD with NFC capabilities at CES 2025 Available in capacities up to 4TB, it uses Longsys proprietary technology and will be offered to third parties No timeline or prices are available yet, but it could be a security game changer Longsys unveiled its NFC-enabled portable SSD (PSSD) at CES 2025 , introducing a feature that addresses a key challenge in modern storage: balancing data privacy with user convenience. This device employs near-field communication (NFC) technology for secure unlocking; simply tapping an NFC-enabled device like a smartphone, smartwatch, or NFC card, users can unlock hidden storage and bypass the hassles of data encryption. Why the NFC lock stands out and should be adopted Traditional methods of securing data, like password managers or external encryption tools, can be complex and time-consuming, but by integrating NFC technology, Longsys claims to have created a hardware-based solution ...

How dark data could be your company's downfall

Web Hosting & Remote IT Support Great businesses are built on data. It's the invisible force that powers innovation, shapes decision-making, and gives companies a competitive edge. From understanding customer needs to optimizing operations, data is the key that unlocks insights into every facet of an organization. In the past few decades, the workplace has undergone a digital transformation, with knowledge work now existing primarily in bits and bytes rather than on paper. Product designs, strategy documents, and financial analyses all live within digital files spread across numerous repositories and enterprise systems. This shift has enabled companies to access vast volumes of information to accelerate their operations and market position. However, with this data-driven revolution comes a hidden challenge that many organizations are only beginning to grasp. As we look deeper into corporate data , organizations are uncovering a phenomenon that's as pervasive as it is mi...

This AI scam detector could save you thousands by stopping scammers before they reach you, but it's only free if you're a McAfee customer

Web Hosting & Remote IT Support McAfee's tool detects scams over email, text and deepfake attempts on social and elsewhere It claims victims on average lose nearly $1,500 to scammers You will need to be a paid McAfee customer to get the protection Scammers are leveraging increasingly sophisticated AI technology to create convincing emails, text messages, and AI-generated deepfake videos. A recent McAfee survey found nearly two-thirds (59%) of Americans have either fallen victim to scams or know someone who has, with average losses reaching nearly $1,500. To address this trend, the antivirus software company has launched its AI-powered Scam Detector, a solution designed to shield users from falling prey to these digital traps. McAfee Scam Detector McAfee’s Scam Detector is powered by Smart AI, the same technology behind the company’s online protection tools. This system identifies and flags suspicious emails and text messages before users engage with them. In ad...

Adobe will kill its popular 20GB Photoshop & Lightroom plans very soon, so make sure you make the right move

Web Hosting & Remote IT Support Adobe will eliminate its cheaper 20GB storage tier for Creative Cloud Move takes effect on January 15, 2025 This is aimed at encouraging users to migrate to costlier yearly subscriptions The 20GB Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan is designed for hobbyist and professional photo editors , offering low-cost access to the industry-standard tools Photoshop and Lightroom. However, as of January 15, 2025, Adobe is phasing out this popular plan - and as per our previous report , existing users will still be able to retain their subscriptions, albeit at a higher cost. In the US, the 20GB plan will rise from $9.99 to $14.99 monthly for users already subscribed to it; a 50% increase. The 1TB plan for both Photoshop and Lightroom remains unchanged at $19.99 monthly. The 1TB Lightroom-only plan increases from $9.99 to $11.99 monthly, a 20% hike. Big (cost increases) in Japan Recent reports from Japan (originally published in Japanese) reveal th...

How to beat ‘shadow AI’ across your organization

Web Hosting & Remote IT Support GenAI is the most disruptive technology to hit society since the internet. Two years on from the launch of the most popular Large Language Model , ChatGPT, GenAI tools have fundamentally and forever changed the way we consume information, create content and interpret data. Since then, the breakneck speed at which AI tools have emerged and evolved has meant that many businesses have found themselves on the back foot when it comes to the regulation, management and governance of GenAI. This environment has allowed ‘Shadow AI’ to run rampant. According to Microsoft, 78% of knowledge workers regularly use their own AI tools to complete work, yet a huge 52% don't disclose this to employers. As a result, companies are exposed to a myriad of risks, including data breaches, compliance violations, and security threats. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, comprising of strong governance, clear communication, and versatile mo...

The new Garmin Instinct 3 had me climbing a wall – in the best way possible

Web Hosting & Remote IT Support I have a confession to make: I’ve never climbed a rock wall and honestly had no plans to do so. However, when Garmin invited me to take a short break from the CES 2025 grind to try out a pair of its newest rugged smartwatches, I agreed, if only for the chance to try out one, the Solar Instinct 3 with battery life that will last forever. The Garmin Instinct 3 rugged watches have bold, even aggressive looks and seem more than up to the task of surviving a rock climbing wall fall (Editor's note: Nobody fell) . Image 1 of 6 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff) Image 2 of 6 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff) Image 3 of 6 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff) Image 4 of 6 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff) Image 5 of 6 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff) Image 6 of 6 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff) There’s the new solar-powered one featuring a non-touch monochrome...

AI jobs are among the fastest-growing in the UK

Web Hosting & Remote IT Support LinkedIn report finds AI and sustainability are some of the most sought-after roles Workers will need brand-new skills for many roles by 2030 Upskilling efforts will prove critical to a successful workforce New research from LinkedIn has revealed the impact artificial intelligence is having on the jobs market – AI engineers and researchers are now some of the fastest-growing jobs in the UK. The social networking and job finding platform also revealed the increasing importance of sustainability, with environmental officer roles also appearing in the top 20. Emerging roles are great news for the labor market, with further LinkedIn data revealing hiring is slowing down as the market experiences ongoing struggles, fuelled by economic challenges and skills shortages. Your best chance of a job could be in AI Finding a job since the pandemic has been challenging for many, with companies often implementing bans on hiring due to rising costs. Re...

3 Body Problem season 2: everything we know so far about the hit Netflix show's return

Web Hosting & Remote IT Support 3 Body Problem season 2: key information - Renewed for season 2 and 3 in May 2024 - Filming yet to commence - Predict the main cast members will return - No trailer to share just yet - No official plot details released, but follows Liu's trilogy - Season 1 finale lays out potential story threads - Season 3 will be the show's conclusion Intense sci-fi 3 Body Problem is a stellar example of how Netflix, one of the best streaming services , executes an impressive foray into the genre. The show is adapted from Cixin Liu’s Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy into the English-language and it’s truly a vast and complicated book series to transform to TV, but it’s in the best of hands. Spearheaded by Game of Thrones’ David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, alongside True Blood’s Alexander Woo, the trio tackled season 1’s alternate reality through a VR headset with ambitious scope, an impending alien invasion, and the complexities of how diff...

Vonage upgrades VCC Intelligent Workspace with AI tools to boost productivity

Web Hosting & Remote IT Support AI-driven platform reshapes customer service with smarter, faster tools Vonage Fusion bridges agents and experts for collaboration Unified communication channels empower agents across voice, video, and chat Vonage has unveiled a new platform designed to elevate customer interactions through automation and artificial intelligence (AI). The company's new Vonage Contact Center (VCC) Intelligent Workspace uses its global communications APIs and advanced AI tools to provide agents with intelligent insights, global calling capabilities, and next-generation network APIs. These tools allow agents to focus on delivering seamless customer experiences, fostering stronger business outcomes and lasting customer loyalty. Unified solutions for streamlined communication The VCC Intelligent Workspace supports a seamless integration with Vonage Business Communications (VBC) through the Vonage Fusion offering. This solution makes collaboration between...