Author: Michael Turner

With over a decade immersed in technology journalism, Michael Turner has cultivated a distinctive expertise at the intersection of industrial computing and automation, where he deciphers complex systems for a broad audience. His analytical focus extends to the practical integration of IoT and emerging technologies within modern industrial frameworks, exploring how these advancements reshape operational efficiencies. Drawing from a deep well of industry knowledge, he consistently delivers forward-looking insights that anticipate the next wave of digital transformation.
AICybersecurityTechnology

AI Voice Cloning Fuels $16.6B Social Engineering Crisis

Social engineering attacks powered by artificial intelligence are driving unprecedented financial losses, with the FBI reporting $16.6 billion in cybercrime damages last year. Voice cloning technology now makes synthetic calls indistinguishable from genuine ones, enabling sophisticated vishing scams that bypass traditional security measures.

The Human Firewall Under AI Assault

Cybercriminals are weaponizing artificial intelligence to scale social engineering attacks with frightening efficiency, according to recent industry analyses. The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report reveals the staggering impact: $16.6 billion in losses from nearly 860,000 complaints, representing a 33% surge from the previous year. What’s particularly alarming security experts is how phishing and spoofing dominated the crime landscape with over 193,000 incidents.

by Michael Turner
InnovationSoftwareTechnology

LosslessCut 3.66.1 Delivers Major Performance Boost with FFmpeg 8.0 Upgrade

LosslessCut 3.66.1 has arrived with substantial performance enhancements and expanded editing capabilities. The update brings FFmpeg 8.0 integration alongside improved UI responsiveness and new workflow features that streamline video editing tasks without quality loss.

Performance Leap for Video Editors

LosslessCut, the popular open-source video editing tool, has just rolled out version 3.66.1 with what developers describe as “drastically improved performance” for FFmpeg-assisted playback. According to release notes from the project’s GitHub repository, this update represents one of the most significant performance boosts in recent versions, particularly benefiting users working with non-natively supported codecs and formats.

by Michael Turner
BusinessManufacturingTechnology

Future Form Manufacturing Emerges from B&J Industries with Major Nevada Expansion

B&J Industries has officially rebranded as Future Form Manufacturing amid a significant facility expansion in Nevada. The company reportedly aims to triple daily production capacity to serve growing data center and medical industry clients. This strategic move reflects broader manufacturing trends toward automation and precision engineering.

Strategic Rebrand and Expansion

Nevada-based manufacturer B&J Industries has undergone a complete transformation, emerging as Future Form Manufacturing with ambitious expansion plans that sources indicate could triple daily production capacity. The rebranding effort appears strategically timed with the company’s physical growth, signaling a shift from regional operations to what industry analysts describe as enterprise-scale manufacturing capabilities.

by Michael Turner
BusinessSoftwareTechnology

Why Microsoft Keeps Windows XP Source Code Under Lock and Key

Two decades after its launch, Windows XP remains frozen in proprietary amber despite Microsoft having open-sourced older systems like MS-DOS. According to industry analysis, the operating system’s complex legal entanglements and ongoing security implications create insurmountable barriers to open-source release, even as enthusiasts continue to champion the beloved OS.

The Persistent Legacy of a Computing Icon

Windows XP continues to haunt the collective memory of computing enthusiasts like a beloved ghost from a simpler digital era. Despite Microsoft having released the source code for MS-DOS 4.0 to the public, the company has maintained radio silence on doing the same for what many consider its most successful operating system. Industry observers point to a perfect storm of legal, technical, and security concerns that keep XP’s code locked away indefinitely.

by Michael Turner
InnovationSoftwareTechnology

Microsoft’s Mouse Without Borders Eliminates Need for KVM Switches

Microsoft has developed a free utility that enables users to control multiple Windows computers with a single keyboard and mouse setup. The Mouse Without Borders application effectively eliminates the need for traditional KVM switch hardware while maintaining seamless cursor movement between devices. Industry reports indicate the software supports up to four connected machines with file sharing and clipboard synchronization capabilities.

The End of Hardware Switching?

Microsoft appears to have quietly solved a longstanding productivity challenge with its Mouse Without Borders utility, according to recent user reports. The free software enables what analysts describe as a software-based KVM switch alternative, allowing a single keyboard and mouse to control multiple Windows computers simultaneously without additional hardware investments.

by Michael Turner
BusinessStartupsTechnology

JPMorgan Seeks to Halt $115M Legal Fee Payments for Convicted Frank Executives

JPMorgan Chase is reportedly seeking court permission to stop covering legal fees for Charlie Javice and Olivier Amar, who were convicted of defrauding the bank through their fintech startup Frank. The bank claims the executives have accumulated approximately $115 million in legal defense costs since their conviction. This unusual situation stems from acquisition agreements that required JPMorgan to cover legal expenses despite the fraud allegations.

Bank Challenges “Unreasonable” Legal Bills

JPMorgan Chase has taken the unusual step of asking a federal court to relieve the banking giant from paying legal fees for two executives convicted of defrauding the institution, according to recent court filings. The move targets Charlie Javice and Olivier Amar, founders of the student finance startup Frank that JPMorgan acquired in 2021 for $175 million.

by Michael Turner
BusinessInnovationTechnology

Ethereum’s Institutional Push Faces Market Headwinds, Analysts Say

Ethereum’s deepening institutional integration through ETF approvals and bank adoption could set the stage for significant price movements, according to market analysts. However, current sideways trading patterns and recent liquidation events have dampened trader sentiment across crypto markets. The coming months will test whether institutional momentum can overcome broader market headwinds.

Institutional Adoption Meets Market Reality

Ethereum investors should keep a close watch on the cryptocurrency’s accelerating institutional integration, as this trend could ultimately determine its price trajectory through 2026, according to recent analyst commentary. Zach Friedman of Secure Digital Markets points to what he describes as “rapid institutional integration” – from record ETF inflows to major banks now accepting ETH as loan collateral – as crucial developments for the digital asset’s future.

by Michael Turner
CybersecurityGovernmentTechnology

CISA Staff Cuts Leave Critical Infrastructure Exposed Amid Rising Threats

Staff reductions at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency come at what analysts describe as the worst possible moment for national security. With cyberattacks surging 40% globally this year and AI supercharging threat capabilities, sources indicate the agency’s diminished capacity creates dangerous gaps in cross-sector defense coordination.

Federal Cyber Defense Capacity Shrinks as Threats Accelerate

The recent staff reductions at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have reportedly landed at what industry observers describe as a critical juncture for national digital security. According to analysis from cybersecurity professionals familiar with the situation, CISA functions as the central nervous system connecting government, industry, and critical infrastructure in a shared defense network. When that coordination weakens, organizations depending on timely threat intelligence become incrementally more exposed.

by Michael Turner
BusinessInnovationTechnology

Makarora, Ares to Acquire Plymouth Industrial REIT in $2.1 Billion Takeover

Makarora Management LP and Ares Management Corp. have struck a deal to acquire Plymouth Industrial REIT Inc. for approximately $2.1 billion, according to industry reports. The all-cash transaction values Plymouth at $22 per share and includes assumption of debt. The acquisition is expected to close in early 2026, positioning the buyers to control over 200 industrial properties across key U.S. markets.

In a significant consolidation move within the industrial real estate sector, investment firms Makarora Management LP and funds managed by Ares Management Corp. have reportedly agreed to acquire Plymouth Industrial REIT Inc. in a transaction valued at approximately $2.1 billion. The deal, announced Friday according to sources familiar with the matter, represents one of the larger industrial property acquisitions this year.

Transaction Details and Strategic Rationale

by Michael Turner
InnovationSoftwareTechnology

Windows Sleep Mode Poses Unexpected Data Loss Risk for Laptops

Windows laptops may be losing unsaved work due to problematic sleep behavior, according to recent analysis. The Modern Standby feature reportedly keeps systems more active than users expect, leading to unexpected battery drain. Industry observers suggest this represents a significant shift from traditional laptop sleep functionality.

The Hidden Dangers of Modern Standby

That familiar act of closing your laptop lid might be putting your unsaved work at greater risk than you realize. According to multiple technical reports, Windows sleep mode isn’t the reliable pause button many users assume it to be.

by Michael Turner