Technology

Windows 11 will soon have an AI tool that automatically switches user settings to improve usability. There will also be an update to the existing "Click to Do" tools. The features will initially be available on Copilot+ PCs. To clarify, Copilot is ... Microsoft's name for a series of AI powered tools, available on most Windows computers. Meanwhile Copilot+ is the name of a specific hardware specification that manufacturers can use in branding. It requires an extremely fast processor dedicated to AI operations. Microsoft has already added several Windows features that only work on Copilot+ ... (view more)

Microsoft has finally shut down its once-revolutionary voice and video chat service, Skype, marking the end of a 22-year era in digital communication. Launched in 2003, Skype played a pioneering role in bringing voice over IP (VOIP) technology into ... the mainstream, allowing people across the globe to connect for free or at extremely low cost. But in recent years, usage had fallen dramatically, and now the platform has officially been retired. Skype History Skype's journey began as an independent project created by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis, the same duo behind the file-sharing platform ...<a href="/news/11554/microsoft-shuts-down-skype" class="more-link">view more

So-called video display "dark modes" on mobile devices may use more energy than ordinary display modes according to new research. The effect of the modes on human behavior may be counterproductive. The claim comes from BBC Research ... (view more)

Comcast is experimenting with a new technology for reducing latency and lag online. It could be particularly useful for video calls and online gaming. While most analysis of Internet speed is about uploading or downloading data, latency - also ... called lag - is all about response time. In effect, it's how quickly the connection starts transferring data after you (and your device) start the process. Although variations in latency are usually measured in fractions of a second, they can cause serious problems for some Internet use. For video calls they can cause a notable gap between somebody on ... (view more)

Would you entrust your data to an AI system that may be subject to one of the world's most sophisticated surveillance regimes ? Recently, DeepSeek has gained national headlines as a disruptive AI pricing model. On one hand, the promise of cheaper AI ... services is tempting, especially for businesses and individuals who rely on AI for content generation, data analysis, and automation. On the other hand, DeepSeek is owned and operated by a Chinese entity, raising serious concerns about privacy, security, and potential government overreach. DeepSeek: High-Performance AI at a Low Cost DeepSeek has ... (view more)

Hype about a Chinese owned AI tool has sent major tech stocks into a slump. The DeepSeek tool is much cheaper to run, which could hurt profitability among tech providers. DeepSeek is a Large Language Model (LLM), a form of AI of which ChatGPT is ... arguably the best known. While specific models vary, it largely works by writing word-by-word, predicting each time which would be the most likely to follow. It's been described as "autocomplete on steroids." More advanced models will break down a request before writing, planning the overall message and organization in advance. Drastically Cheaper ... (view more)

Imagine a device that not only tracks your health but also actively supports you in overcoming one of the toughest habits to break - smoking. Researchers are now exploring how smartwatches, equipped with advanced sensors and AI-driven apps, can ... provide personalized, real-time interventions to help people quit smoking more effectively. How Smartwatches are Different from Traditional Methods While traditional approaches to smoking cessation such as reminders or support messages sent to your phone have shown some success, they come with limitations. Messages sent at arbitrary times may miss the ... (view more)

Google says it's created a processor that can complete a task in five minutes that would take existing supercomputers an effectively infinite time. But it will likely be five years before the processor is ready for commercial use and experts say ... Google's boasts are somewhat selective. The Willow chip is Google's attempt at quantum computing, which is likely to be the next major advance in computing technology. In very simple terms, most traditional computers work by storing and processing data as 0s or 1s, represented by something physical (usually an electronic "gate" in a circuit) that can ... (view more)

Silicon Valley tech giants and financial technology companies that collectively process over 13 billion financial transactions annually will now face enhanced government oversight. On Thursday, the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) ... finalized a new rule aimed at subjecting digital wallets and payment apps to the same scrutiny as traditional banks. This move is designed to safeguard consumer data, prevent fraud, and address unauthorized account closures. (Source: reuters.com ) Why the New Rule Matters Digital payment platforms like Apple Wallet, Google Pay, and Venmo have become ... (view more)

We recently reported on an AI model that could take control of a computer, for example to complete a form. Now a Google leak reveals its planning a similar technology. Anthropic recently released a beta update to its AI model Claude. It includes the ... ability to move a mouse cursor by taking a screenshot and calculating the number of pixels to figure out how far and in what direction to move. The company gave the example of the tool automatically copying data from a spreadsheet to fill out an online form. "Jarvis" Leaks Now Google has let slip it's about to release a similar tool. It ... (view more)