Category: Software

InnovationSoftwareTechnology

EU Slaps Meta, TikTok With Digital Services Act Violation Charges

The European Union has formally charged Meta and TikTok with violating the Digital Services Act, alleging failures in data transparency and user protection systems. Both companies face potential fines up to 6% of global revenue if they cannot demonstrate compliance with EU regulations.

Major Platforms Face Regulatory Reckoning

The European Commission has taken formal action against two of the world’s largest social media platforms, charging both Meta and TikTok with violations under the EU’s sweeping Digital Services Act. According to regulatory findings, the companies failed to meet critical obligations around researcher data access and user protection systems that form the backbone of Europe’s digital governance framework.

by Michael Turner
HardwareSoftwareTechnology

Intel Chromebooks Get Linux Performance Fix After Regression

The Linux community has landed a critical fix addressing what sources describe as a “serious performance regression” impacting Intel Chromebook users. Meanwhile, reports indicate an unusual collaboration between AMD and Intel is progressing on firmware unification efforts that could benefit the broader Linux ecosystem.

Linux users on Intel-based Chromebooks can finally breathe easier following the integration of a kernel fix that reportedly resolves significant performance degradation issues. According to coverage from industry watchdog Phoronix Test Suite creator Michael Larabel, the problem had been affecting systems for several weeks before the solution reached the mainline kernel.

Sources following the development suggest the regression stemmed from power management interactions between the Linux kernel and Intel’s P-state driver. The issue manifested as noticeably sluggish performance on Chromebook devices powered by various Intel processors, creating frustration for users who depend on these lightweight systems for daily computing tasks.

by Michael Turner
CybersecuritySoftwareTechnology

Microsoft Blocks File Explorer Previews to Stop Hash Leak Attacks

Microsoft is rolling out a security update that automatically disables File Explorer previews for files downloaded from the internet. The change addresses a vulnerability where previewing HTML-tagged files could leak NTLM authentication hashes. Users must now manually unblock files through Properties to restore preview functionality.

Microsoft is taking a more aggressive stance against a sneaky credential-stealing technique by disabling a convenient Windows feature that many users take for granted. According to security reports, the latest Windows updates now automatically block File Explorer previews for files downloaded from the internet, closing what analysts describe as a significant hash leakage vulnerability.

The Hash Leak Problem

by Jessica Moore P.E.
CybersecuritySoftwareTechnology

Angry IP Scanner Emerges as Go-To Tool for Home Network Monitoring

The lightweight Angry IP Scanner tool is reportedly gaining traction among home users seeking to monitor their wireless networks. According to technology analysts, the cross-platform solution offers detailed insights into every connected device without requiring installation.

Network Visibility Tool Gains Home User Adoption

Home network administrators are increasingly turning to a surprisingly powerful open-source tool to monitor their wireless environments, according to recent technology reports. Angry IP Scanner, originally developed for professional network troubleshooting, has found a new audience among residential users concerned about their Wi-Fi security and performance.

by Jessica Moore P.E.
AIInnovationSoftware

Microsoft Expands Copilot AI Across Windows Ecosystem

Microsoft is rolling out significant updates to its Copilot AI assistant that don’t require the controversial Copilot+ PC hardware. The expansion includes a new animated character called Mico and deeper integration with Edge browser and Google services, according to company announcements this week.

Microsoft’s AI Push Continues

Just when users might have expected a breather from Microsoft’s aggressive AI marketing, the company is doubling down on its Copilot integration across Windows and Edge. Industry observers note this represents Microsoft’s continued bet on artificial intelligence as the future of computing, despite mixed user reception to previous AI initiatives.

by Jessica Moore P.E.
BusinessSoftwareTechnology

Microsoft Edge Enhances Autofill with User-Controlled Saving Feature

Microsoft is rolling out significant improvements to Edge’s autofill functionality in version 142, currently in beta testing. The update introduces a prompt that asks users whether they want to save entered address data before adding it to autofill suggestions. Meanwhile, the browser continues its migration to WebUI 2 architecture, reportedly delivering substantial performance gains.

While Microsoft has been heavily focused on AI integration across its product lineup, the company appears to be balancing its innovation strategy with practical improvements to existing features. The latest Microsoft Edge beta release demonstrates this approach with meaningful enhancements to one of the browser’s most frequently used capabilities.

Smarter Autofill Arrives in Edge Beta

by Jessica Moore P.E.
AIInnovationSoftware

AI Spots Hidden Ventilator Dangers in Real-Time ICU Monitoring Breakthrough

Researchers have developed an AI system that can identify dangerous fluid accumulation and circuit leaks in mechanical ventilators by analyzing waveform patterns. The technology detected fluid-related events in over 77% of ICU patients studied, with potential implications for reducing ventilator-associated infections. Real-time monitoring could enable faster interventions and improved patient outcomes.

In what could represent a significant advance in critical care monitoring, researchers have reportedly developed a deep learning system that identifies potentially dangerous ventilator circuit events in real time. The technology analyzes waveform patterns from mechanical ventilators to detect fluid accumulation and circuit leaks that often go unnoticed until they trigger alarms or cause complications.

The Hidden Danger in ICU Ventilation

by Michael Turner
AIInnovationSoftware

Microsoft’s AI Copilot Gets Personality Boost with New ‘Mico’ Assistant

Microsoft has given its Copilot AI a name and personality with the introduction of Mico. The new assistant features a conversational interface and visual appearance that sources indicate may remind users of the company’s classic Clippy. The updates are reportedly rolling out first in the U.S. before expanding globally.

Microsoft’s AI Gets a Face and Name

Microsoft is taking its Copilot AI in a decidedly more personal direction with the introduction of Mico, a named AI companion that reportedly brings personality and visual presence to the company’s artificial intelligence offerings. According to recent announcements, the tech giant is positioning Mico as more than just a productivity tool—it’s being framed as an AI that connects users to themselves, others, and their daily tools.

by Michael Turner
AISoftwareTechnology

Nvidia Veteran’s Blueprint for AI Career Success in the Automation Era

As AI reshapes the technology landscape, industry veteran Chip Huyen offers practical guidance for staying competitive. The former Nvidia engineer emphasizes that while coding skills remain important, systems thinking and holistic problem-solving will differentiate engineers in an increasingly automated workplace.

The Building Blocks of AI Success

In the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape, a former Nvidia engineer is offering what might be considered counterintuitive career advice: stop focusing so much on coding and start thinking about systems. Chip Huyen, who previously worked on Nvidia’s NeMo platform and taught machine learning at Stanford, suggests that the key to thriving in the AI era involves a fundamental shift in how engineers approach their craft.

by Jessica Moore P.E.