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By Omair Khaliq Sultan This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Speediance. If you’ve been trying to figure out how to fit a squat rack and a cable machine into a spare bedroom, you probably realized quickly that traditional gym equipment takes up a massive amount of floor space. This is where digital weight systems like […] The post Save up to $1,200 on a Speediance home gym this Black Friday appeared first on Digital Trends.

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Even as it prepares to further diversify its iPhone range, Apple is about to regain the smartphone crown from Samsung, according to analysts from Counterpoint. “Apple is set to dethrone Samsung in shipments for the first time in 14 years and will maintain the top spot through 2029,” Counterpoint said, noting that global smartphone sales are expected to increase 3.3% this year, mainly driven by strong performances from Apple. iPhone shipments should be up 10% year-on-year, they also said, for a global share of 19.4% in 2025. 

There’s something a little poetic about this, as the leadership position is one Apple slowly lost after the introduction of the iPhone 4S, which appeared just nine days after the death of Steve Jobs. (This led to some calling that iPhone the iPhone S, “for Steve.”) He’d probably be happy iPhone has now regained leadership against a platform he once complained was “stolen.”  

The analysts also shared several reflections valuable to any Apple or industry watcher. 

How did we get here?

In part, Apple’s ascendance owes a little of its existence to the Covid crisis, during which millions of people acquired new iPhones. Senior Analyst Yang Wang said, “Beyond the highly positive market reception for the iPhone 17 series, the key driver behind the upgraded shipment outlook lies in the replacement cycle reaching its inflection point. Consumers who purchased smartphones during the COVID-19 boom are now entering their upgrade phase.”

Second-hand – the gateway to iPhone

Apple also benefit from the second-user market. iPhones tend to remain usable for much longer than competing devices, they sell well as used devices, retain their value longer, and tend to be more resilient. This is evident at the street level, where it was recently reported that some London criminals refuse to steal anything other than an iPhone; they get more cash for them.

This popularity unleashes a golden halo for Apple as it means that once someone has used a second-hand iPhone for a while they are far more likely to upgrade to a new one when given the chance. 

That’s what’s happening this time, according to the analysis, which claims 358 million second-hand iPhones were sold between 2023 and Q2 2025. “These users are also likely to upgrade to a new iPhone in the coming years. These factors will form a sizable demand base, which is expected to sustain iPhone shipment growth over the coming quarters,” Counterpoint said.

The tariff factor

The analysts also shared interesting reflections on the impact of US tariffs on the industry. While it is inarguable that these were announced in a blaze of guts and glory, the true impact once negotiations took place seemed more limited. 

All the same, the impact of those tariffs and subsequent US/China truce benefitted Apple, while also spurring acceleration in the evolution of a more diversified supply chain — lending impetus to its work to penetrate new markets. The success of the latter is particularly visible in India, where sales are rising rapidly, even as the number of iPhones made there increases. 

As above, so below

What’s changing are component prices. Growth in smartphone sales generally alongside competition from rapidly emerging new industry sectors such as artificial intelligence means component costs are climbing. To some extent, Apple and Samsung are protected against the impact of those increases as they can lock in prices in the long term. Smaller vendors, principally in the Android space, lack that flexibility, meaning they are left to compete for shrinking margins in a market defined by prices set by Apple and Samsung. 

Those makers are about to face even more pressure, Counterpoint said, as Apple extends the breadth of the iPhone lineup. 

“By expanding its lineup across multiple price tiers, including the growing “e” series, and potential adjustments to the Pro and Base launch cycles, Apple is strategically positioning itself to capture rising demand from aspirational consumers, particularly in emerging markets, and to strengthen its presence in the lower premium segment, which is projected to grow faster than the overall market.”

That’s important, as it means smaller smartphone vendors will be pressured on manufacturing costs from below, even as they are forced to compete more fiercely for sales at the more lucrative parts of the mid-range market, with Apple and Samsung now fighting in those corners, too.

The secret weapon

Finally, the popularity of iOS remains an Apple trump cards, putting even more wind beneath its iPhone-selling wings. “Given an increasing preference for the iOS ecosystem, compatibility between devices and a substantial number of older models within Apple’s installed base due for renewal, Apple will retain the lead over other smartphone OEMs through the end of the decade,” the analysts said.

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Source:: Computer World

Microsoft has lost two senior data center and AI infrastructure leaders at a time when the company is racing to expand capacity for its Copilot and Azure AI services, raising questions about its ability to meet surging demand for power-intensive AI workloads.

The back-to-back departures come as Microsoft is investing heavily in new data center sites, power agreements, and custom hardware to keep pace with escalating AI usage across the enterprise.

The exits involve Nidhi Chappell, Microsoft’s head of AI infrastructure, and Sean James, its senior director of energy and data center research, who announced he is leaving for Nvidia.

Chappell, who spent six and a half years at Microsoft, oversaw the buildout of what she described as the world’s largest AI GPU fleet, supporting workloads for Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic.

Both executives held roles central to Microsoft’s AI expansion strategy. Their departures come as Microsoft, like other hyperscalers, faces mounting challenges around power availability, grid interconnection timelines, and sourcing sufficient accelerators to sustain AI growth.

Notably, Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman’s recent post on X claiming the company spent “15 million labor hours” building its new data center prompted Elon Musk to ask whether Microsoft was “doing it right.”

Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Microsoft’s constraints

Analysts say the twin departures mark a significant setback for Microsoft at a critical moment in the AI data center race, with pressure mounting from both OpenAI’s model demands and Google’s infrastructure scale.

“Losing some of the best professionals working on this challenge could set Microsoft back,” said Neil Shah, partner and co-founder at Counterpoint Research. “Solving the energy wall is not trivial, and there may have been friction or strategic differences that contributed to their decision to move on, especially if they saw an opportunity to make a broader impact and do so more lucratively at a company like Nvidia.”

Even so, Microsoft has the depth and ecosystem strength to continue doubling down on AI data centers, said Prabhu Ram, VP for industry research at Cybermedia Research.

According to Sanchit Vir Gogia, chief analyst at Greyhound Research, the departures come at a sensitive moment because Microsoft is trying to expand its AI infrastructure faster than physical constraints allow.

“The executives who have left were central to GPU cluster design, data center engineering, energy procurement, and the experimental power and cooling approaches Microsoft has been pursuing to support dense AI workloads,” Gogia said. “Their exit coincides with pressures the company has already acknowledged publicly. GPUs are arriving faster than the company can energize the facilities that will house them, and power availability has overtaken chip availability as the real bottleneck.”

Nvidia’s advantage

On the other hand, Shah pointed out that James’ move to Nvidia also signals that the most impactful innovations may now come from the vendor ecosystem, not just individual hyperscalers.

“If Nvidia can address the industry’s energy constraints through more efficient compute-to-rack designs, the benefits will extend across the enterprise market,” Shah added.

The move further underscores how central energy systems and data center efficiency have become to the competitiveness of AI infrastructure, Gogia said. “Bringing in someone who has spent years solving Microsoft’s power and cooling challenges provides Nvidia with a deeper understanding of how hyperscale AI environments behave under real stress,” Gogia said. “This knowledge will shape the design of future GPU systems, their thermal envelopes, and the energy profiles of next-generation AI factories.”

Source:: Computer World

In an echo from this time last year, smartphone users are again being warned against sending unencrypted text messages by the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Warning in particular against nation-state attacks via messaging services aimed at high-value individuals, the latest updated CISA bulletin should be seen as a warning to us all. “Cyber threat actors are using spyware and other advanced social engineering techniques to target private messaging apps and compromise mobile devices,” the organization said.

Will Apple encrypt RCS in iOS 26.2?

While the security team notes that exploits seem focused on Signal and WhatsApp at the moment, the implication remains that Android and iPhone users should avoid unencrypted text messaging. That means don’t use the standard messaging app on either device, as even the latest Rich Communication Services (RCS) protocol now supported on both platforms doesn’t yet extend to end-to-end encryption, which only came to RCS earlier this year.

Google is testing end-to-end encryption, and Apple has promised to introduce it. “End-to-end encryption is a powerful privacy and security technology that iMessage has supported since the beginning, and now we are pleased to have helped lead a cross industry effort to bring end-to-end encryption to the RCS Universal Profile published by the GSMA,” Apple said. “We will add support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS in future software updates.” 

Right now, the smart money has RCS encryption as a potential addition within iOS 26.2. This makes sense given Apple sees privacy as a human right, and protection of that right demands E2EE in its messaging apps.

CISA says things are dangerous

CISA pulled no punches in the recommendations it made. It warned that potential targets (particularly in military, government, or political positions) should immediately review the security protections they have in place. “Highly targeted individuals should assume that all communications between mobile devices — including government and personal devices — and internet services are at risk of interception or manipulation,” it warns.

What this means is that if you must send messages to others, you should use encrypted messaging platforms such as Signal or WhatsApp. You might also want to protect yourself by preventing use of standard text messaging on your devices. On the iPhone, you can do this in Settings, where in the Messages section you should disable the Send as Text Message option. This will ensure any messages you are able to send are sent securely using iMessage’s E2EE system.

CISA makes some iPhone-specific recommendations. That’s interesting as it reflects how widely used the Apple device has become in government and business, and suggests how febrile the security environment has become. That should be of particular concern to any government, particularly the UK government which may, or may not, have forced Apple to ensure encryption on its devices is deeply weakened. That latter seems a self-harming move in the security environment CISA tells us we’re in.

What does CISA suggest for iPhones?

CISA warns that iPhone users from the highly targeted groups should enable Lockdown Mode, use iCloud Private Relay, or rely on encrypted DNS services from providers such as Cloudflare, Google, or Quad9. It also suggests regular review of app permissions in Settings>Privacy & Security, revoking these if an app doesn’t really need such functionality. 

What does CISA suggest for Android?

CISA’s Android advice is to use RCS if end-to-end encryption is enabled, use Private DNS/encrypted DNS services, and ensure the highest security settings are in place on Chrome and Google Play Protect. 

CISA recommends Android users “prioritize models from manufacturers with strong security track records.” That means only using devices from manufacturers with a good reputation for timely security updates and a commitment to long-term security support.

The agency also has some good advice for those who use Signal or WhatsApp to help secure their communications. Among other suggestions, it warns people not to scan group invites or QR codes from unknown sources, and to verify the authenticity of any group invitations by contacting the group administrator initially. It also advises people to review the devices included in the linked devices section in message application settings. Finally, it recommends the use of FIDO authentication to help secure the device and the messaging service, and to “migrate away” from SMS-based MFA systems.

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Source:: Computer World

Anthropic has launched Claude Opus 4.5 with a 67% price cut that repositions its flagship model from a boutique offering to a production-ready enterprise tool.

The new pricing of $5 per million input tokens and $25 per million output tokens — down from $15 and $75 — brings Anthropic closer to OpenAI and Google while maintaining a premium position.

The launch comes a week after Google released Gemini 3 and less than two weeks after OpenAI launched GPT-5.1, underscoring the rapid pace of competition in enterprise AI. For context, OpenAI’s GPT-5.1 costs $1.25 per million input tokens and $10 per million output tokens, while Google’s Gemini 3 Pro runs $2 to $4 per million input tokens.

“Opus 4.5 is a meaningful step forward in what AI systems can do,” the company said in an announcement on its website.

The benchmark debate

Anthropic claimed Opus 4.5 achieved 80.9% on Software Engineering Benchmark Verified, outperforming OpenAI’s GPT-5.1-Codex-Max at 77.9%, Google’s Gemini 3 Pro at 76.2%, and its own Sonnet 4.5 at 77.2%. The company also said the model scored higher on its internal two-hour performance engineering assessment than any human candidate who has taken the exam.

But analysts cautioned that benchmark scores tell only part of the story. “Benchmark scores often look impressive but mean very little once a model enters production,” said Sanchit Vir Gogia, chief analyst at Greyhound Research. “They are clean, simple, and run in isolation. Most enterprise systems are layered with legacy software, inconsistent workflows, and regulatory overhead.”

Leslie Joseph, principal analyst at Forrester, noted that while Anthropic’s lead is statistically significant, “the gap between these models has narrowed to the point where winner-takes-all metrics are less relevant than considerations of best architectural fit.”

The real evaluation criteria for enterprises, according to Gogia, are different: “Can the model work with an organization’s legacy tools? Will it maintain accuracy across long sequences? Is it stable under load? These are the details that matter more than a score on a public leaderboard.”

Strategic pricing shift

Beyond performance claims, Anthropic’s pricing strategy marks a significant repositioning. The pricing reduction represents more than cost competition. “Previously, the Opus line was viewed as a ’boutique’ model, too expensive for general automated workflows,” Joseph said. “By slashing prices significantly, Anthropic is undercutting the specialized enterprise models of its rivals, signaling that ‘frontier intelligence’ is no longer a scarce resource.”

The company said prompt caching can reduce costs by up to 90% and batch processing offers 50% savings. These optimization features matter for enterprise deployments where predictable costs and resource management drive adoption decisions.

“Anthropic’s updated pricing is not about joining a race to the bottom,” Gogia said. “The new rates bring Claude closer to competitors, but the value proposition remains clear. This model is built for enterprises that care more about stability and trust than token volume.”

The model offers a 200,000-token context window — roughly 150,000 words — and is available through Anthropic’s API, Amazon Bedrock, Google Cloud Vertex AI, and Microsoft Foundry. According to the announcement, Opus 4.5 is “built for professional software engineering, complex agentic workflows, and high-stakes enterprise tasks.”

Where it fits in enterprise workflows

The technical specifications translate to specific enterprise use cases. Internal testers at Anthropic reported that Opus 4.5 completed tasks that were difficult for Sonnet 4.5 and handled ambiguous requirements without extensive guidance, according to the announcement. In the announcement, the company acknowledged its performance engineering test doesn’t measure collaboration, communication, or professional judgment developed through experience.

Analysts identified specific use cases where the model’s capabilities align with enterprise needs. “Given the model’s specific enhancements in agentic coding and reliable document synthesis, software engineering and document-heavy departments such as legal or compliance are clear beneficiaries,” Joseph said.

Gogia emphasized the model’s suitability for precision-focused roles: “Legal teams, software architects, policy writers, and compliance officers will see the most impact. These are the areas where accuracy matters more than speed.”

Deepika Giri, head of research for big data and AI at IDC Asia/Pacific, said the combination of competitive pricing and efficiency is accelerating enterprise adoption. “Advanced safety and auditability features make Anthropic particularly well-suited for compliance-focused industries and regulated use cases,” Giri said.

Developer tools and integrations

Beyond the core model improvements, Anthropic expanded its developer toolset.  Anthropic expanded Claude Code, its terminal-based development environment, with an enhanced plan mode. “Plan Mode now builds more precise plans and executes more thoroughly — Claude asks clarifying questions upfront, then builds a user-editable plan.md file before executing,” the company said in the announcement.

The tool is now available in Anthropic’s desktop application. Claude Opus 4.5 is also available in GitHub Copilot for Pro, Pro+, Business, and Enterprise users, according to a GitHub changelog.

For paid users, “long conversations no longer hit a wall — Claude automatically summarizes earlier context as needed, so you can keep the chat going,” the announcement said. Claude for Chrome, which operates across browser tabs, is now available to all Max subscribers. Claude for Excel moved to general availability for Max, Team, and Enterprise users, the announcement added.

What enterprises should weigh

For organizations evaluating AI platforms, the decision extends beyond per-token pricing. “Procurement teams must weigh ecosystem fit,” Joseph said. “For instance, a company deeply integrated into Google Workspace might find Gemini’s multimodal capabilities offer more practical value, even with a slightly lower coding score.”

Gogia noted that cost considerations in regulated industries differ from pure API economics. “In industries where a single misstep can trigger compliance issues or downstream rework, the true cost is not the API bill. It is the cleanup. For those teams, paying more for fewer problems is a trade that makes sense.” The launch marks Anthropic’s third major model release in two months, following Sonnet 4.5 in September and Haiku 4.5 in October.

Source:: Computer World

In the dynamic realm of technology, the imperative to maximize brand visibility ROI stands as a cornerstone for businesses vying for supremacy. TECHSPO Technology Expo, an integral component of the esteemed DigiMarCon Conference series, emerges as a premier venue for the unveiling of technological innovations.

Engagement in TECHSPO affords enterprises a substantial augmentation in their brand’s visibility, facilitating interactions with a global cadre of industry experts. This exposition has ascended to the pinnacle of preference for tech exhibitors, intent on magnifying their market presence and securing a considerable return on investment.

Explore the transformative impact of TECHSPO on your brand’s visibility and ROI, positioning it as a critical event for tech entities globally.

The Power of Tech Expos in Today’s Digital Landscape

TECHSPO , an emblem of in-person events, is revolutionizing the technology exhibition domain, merging networking with product display. The significance of direct human interaction in the tech sector is profound. Tech expos serve as a nexus for innovators and industry stalwarts, facilitating the exchange of ideas and the unveiling of cutting-edge technologies.

Evolution of Technology Exhibitions in the Digital Age

The presentation of technology has undergone a transformative shift in the digital era. Top tech exhibitions have integrated digital components, enriching the experience for both exhibitors and attendees. This metamorphosis has ensured that technology showcase events remain pertinent, drawing a worldwide audience.

Impact of In-Person Events on Brand Recognition

In-person gatherings are indispensable for fostering brand recognition. TECHSPO exemplifies this, serving as a conduit for tech expo exhibitors to engage with prospective clients and partners directly. This direct interaction is indispensable for cultivating trust and demonstrating products in a manner that digital marketing cannot replicate.

What Makes TECHSPO Stand Out Among Technology Expos

TECHSPO distinguishes itself within the technology expo domain, establishing a premier status. Its legacy of hosting advanced technology exhibitions has solidified its reputation for excellence. This attracts a distinguished array of exhibitors and attendees.

TECHSPO ‘s Industry Reputation and History

TECHSPO ‘s industry stature is a culmination of its extensive history in presenting innovative technologies. The event’s capacity to evolve with the tech sector ensures its continued prominence in the industry events sphere.

Key factors contributing to TECHSPO ‘s reputation include:

• Long-standing history of hosting technology exhibitions
• Commitment to exhibiting cutting-edge and emerging technologies
• High-quality attendees and exhibitors

Unique Features That Set TECHSPO Apart

TECHSPO ‘s distinct attributes further distinguish it from other technology expos, making it a preferred venue for exhibitors aiming to enhance their brand presence. Notable features include:

1. Co-location with DigiMarCon, amplifying networking opportunities
2. Extensive networking opportunities with key industry players
3. Focus on emerging technologies, providing a platform for innovation

TECHSPO ‘s blend of these unique features fosters an environment conducive to business expansion and innovation. This makes it a premier choice among tech conferences.

Measuring Brand Visibility ROI at Technology Events

To optimize their exhibition strategy, exhibitors must accurately measure their brand visibility ROI. This necessitates an understanding of the key performance indicators that signify exhibition success. It also involves leveraging ROI tracking tools provided by event organizers such as TECHSPO .

Key Performance Indicators for Exhibition Success

Exhibitors must track specific KPIs to evaluate the effectiveness of their participation in technology events. The critical KPIs include:

• Lead Generation: The number of prospective customers who express interest in the exhibitor’s products or services.
• Booth Traffic: The total number of attendees who visit the exhibitor’s booth.
• Attendee Engagement: The level of interaction between attendees and the exhibitor’s staff or products.
• Brand Awareness: The extent to which the event increases recognition of the exhibitor’s brand.

By monitoring these KPIs, exhibitors can gain insights into their exhibition performance. They can also identify areas for improvement.

TECHSPO ‘s ROI Tracking Tools for Exhibitors

TECHSPO provides a range of ROI tracking tools to assist exhibitors in measuring their brand visibility ROI. These tools include:

1. Lead Retrieval Systems: Enabling exhibitors to capture lead information efficiently.
2. Booth Traffic Analytics: Providing detailed insights into booth visitor demographics and behavior.
3. Engagement Metrics: Tracking attendee interactions with exhibitor content and products.
4. Post-Event Analytics: Offer post-event insights to help exhibitors follow up on leads and measure the long-term impact of their participation.

By utilizing these ROI tracking tools, exhibitors can make data-driven decisions. They can enhance their future exhibition strategies and maximize their brand visibility ROI.

Why Exhibitors Choose TECHSPO Over Other Technology Events

In the realm of technology events, TECHSPO emerges as a preeminent destination for exhibitors. Its distinguished reputation for attracting high-caliber attendees and providing all-encompassing exhibition packages solidifies its position as a coveted platform for tech enterprises.

TECHSPO ‘s proven track record is a cornerstone of its allure. Exhibitors frequently report substantial enhancements in brand exposure and lead acquisition, attributing these gains to their participation in the event.

Case Studies: Success Stories from Previous Exhibitors

Case studies exemplify the triumphs achieved by exhibitors at TECHSPO . A prominent software entity witnessed a 40% increase in qualified leads post-TECHSPO engagement. Concurrently, a hardware producer reported a 25% elevation in brand recognition amongst their desired demographic.

These narratives, while specific, mirror the broader trend of exhibitors realizing their objectives at TECHSPO . The event’s prowess in drawing in high-caliber attendees is a critical determinant in these achievements.

Testimonials from Returning TECHSPO Participants

Feedback from repeat exhibitors further emphasizes TECHSPO ‘s value proposition. An exhibitor observed, “TECHSPO afforded us unparalleled access to influential decision-makers within our sector.” Another participant highlighted, “The networking avenues at TECHSPO were instrumental in facilitating the closure of several substantial deals.”

“TECHSPO is the apex of our trade show itinerary. The caliber of attendees and the intensity of engagement are unparalleled.”

A contented TECHSPO exhibitor

These testimonials, coupled with the case studies, elucidate the rationale behind TECHSPO ‘s status as the preferred venue for numerous tech event exhibitors. The event’s distinctive amalgamation of innovation, networking prospects, and a focused audience positions it as an indispensable forum for technology corporations.

TECHSPO ‘s Strategic Audience Targeting and Attendee Quality

The essence of TECHSPO ‘s success lies in its meticulous audience targeting, ensuring exhibitors engage with industry professionals of relevance. This emphasis on attendee quality is fundamental to the event’s triumph, serving as a nexus for technology pioneers, industry stalwarts, and decision-makers to converge.

Demographic Breakdown of TECHSPO Attendees

TECHSPO ‘s attendee pool is a mosaic of industry professionals, encompassing a broad spectrum. This includes marketing executives and technology innovators, individuals whose roles are indispensable to their organizations. Such a demographic diversity is imperative for exhibitors, enabling them to refine their marketing approaches to resonate with the intended audience.

The event’s capacity to attract a wide array of professionals solidifies its stature and the value it imparts. This, in turn, empowers exhibitors to interact with prospective clients, partners, and industry counterparts in a substantive manner.

Networking Opportunities with Key Industry Players

TECHSPO excels in providing networking opportunities. Exhibitors have the chance to forge relationships with key industry players, relationships that can catalyze business expansion. The event’s carefully curated audience ensures that attendees are not mere spectators but are actively immersed in the technological landscape.

“TECHSPO has been instrumental in helping us connect with the right people in our industry. The quality of attendees is exceptional, and we’ve seen a significant return on investment from our participation.”

Through facilitating interactions between exhibitors and high-caliber attendees, TECHSPO fosters an environment ripe for business advancement and innovation. This targeted approach to audience engagement distinguishes TECHSPO from other technology expos.

Comprehensive Exhibition Packages and Sponsorship Opportunities

TECHSPO ‘s exhibition packages and sponsorship opportunities are meticulously crafted to offer exhibitors the flexibility to align with their brand objectives. Exhibitors can select from a variety of options, ensuring that their chosen package aligns with both their goals and budgetary constraints.

Breakdown of Exhibitor Packages and Pricing

TECHSPO presents a spectrum of exhibition packages, each tailored to meet the diverse needs of exhibitors. The pricing model is transparent, allowing exhibitors to clearly understand the value they receive for their investment.

• Standard Packages: Suited for smaller to medium-sized enterprises, these packages encompass basic booth amenities and support services.
• Premium Packages: Catering to larger corporations, these packages enhance visibility through additional booth features and priority placement.
• Customized Packages: TECHSPO also offers bespoke packages for exhibitors with unique requirements, allowing for adjustments to meet specific needs.

The transparent pricing model empowers exhibitors to make well-informed decisions regarding their participation in the event.

Premium Sponsorship Options for Maximum Visibility

For those seeking to amplify their visibility, TECHSPO presents premium sponsorship options. These opportunities enable brands to distinguish themselves through strategic placements and exclusive event activities.

1. Keynote Sponsorship: This allows a brand to be associated with the event’s keynote sessions, providing high visibility among attendees.
2. Networking Reception Sponsorship: Offers the chance to engage with key industry players during exclusive networking events.
3. Branded Content Opportunities: Enables exhibitors to integrate their branding into the event’s content, amplifying their reach and impact.

By capitalizing on these premium sponsorship options, exhibitors can significantly bolster their brand presence and achieve their marketing objectives.

Innovative Exhibition Technologies and Support Services

The TECHSPO Technology Expo distinguishes itself by granting exhibitors unparalleled access to cutting-edge exhibition technologies and a suite of support services. This dedication to innovation empowers exhibitors to present their offerings in a manner that is both captivating and highly effective.

Cutting-Edge Display and Presentation Tools

TECHSPO harnesses the most advanced display and presentation tools to elevate the exhibition experience. Exhibitors can leverage a variety of state-of-the-art technologies, including:

• High-definition LED displays for impactful product showcases
• Interactive presentation software for engaging attendees
• Virtual and augmented reality experiences for immersive demonstrations

These avant-garde technologies enable exhibitors to captivate the audience’s attention and make a profound impact.

Dedicated Exhibitor Support Team and Resources

A dedicated support team is at the ready to assist exhibitors with any requirements or inquiries, ensuring a seamless and triumphant exhibition experience. The array of support services encompasses:

1. Pre-event planning and booth design assistance
2. On-site technical support during the exhibition
3. Post-event follow-up and lead management guidance

Through the provision of extensive support and innovative technologies, TECHSPO equips exhibitors to optimize their return on investment and fulfill their exhibition objectives.

Maximizing Your TECHSPO Exhibition Investment

To maximize your investment at TECHSPO , a multifaceted strategy is imperative. This strategy must encompass effective pre-event marketing, engaging during-event tactics, and meticulous post-event follow-up. Such an approach significantly enhances the overall experience, ensuring the achievement of desired outcomes.

Pre-Event Marketing Strategies for Exhibitors

Pre-event marketing is indispensable for driving booth traffic and generating leads. Exhibitors must employ various strategies to generate excitement around their participation in TECHSPO .

• Utilize social media platforms to promote your presence at TECHSPO , sharing engaging content and behind-the-scenes insights.
• Implement targeted email marketing campaigns to reach prospective attendees and encourage booth visits.
• Create compelling content, such as blog posts or videos, that highlight your products or services and showcase your expertise.

Industry experts assert that a well-planned pre-event marketing strategy can increase booth traffic by up to 30%.

“Pre-event marketing is not just about promoting your presence; it’s about creating a narrative that resonates with your target audience and sets you apart from the competition.” – TECHSPO Exhibitor

During-Event Engagement Tactics

Engaging with attendees during the event is vital for building meaningful connections and converting leads into sales. Exhibitors can employ various tactics to enhance their during-event engagement.

1. Train your booth staff to provide exceptional customer service, ensuring that every attendee has a positive experience.
2. Offer interactive demonstrations or presentations that showcase your products or services in action.
3. Use data collection tools to gather valuable insights about attendees and tailor your follow-up strategies.

Effective during-event engagement can lead to a significant increase in lead generation and conversion rates.

Post-Event Follow-Up Best Practices

Post-event follow-up is critical for converting leads into sales and measuring the overall success of your TECHSPO exhibition. Exhibitors should adopt best practices to ensure effective follow-up.

• Send personalized follow-up emails to leads within 24 hours of the event, referencing your conversation and providing additional information.
• Use CRM tools to track and analyze lead interactions, enabling you to tailor your follow-up strategies.
• Evaluate the success of your TECHSPO exhibition by measuring key performance indicators such as lead generation, conversion rates, and return on investment.

By implementing these strategies, exhibitors can maximize their TECHSPO exhibition investment and achieve a strong return on investment.

Conclusion: Securing Your Place at the Premier Technology Showcase

TECHSPO stands as a preeminent technological exhibition, drawing a diverse global audience of industry stalwarts and visionaries. Participation in this event offers exhibitors a platform to amplify their brand’s visibility and cultivate high-caliber leads.

The meticulous selection of techspo exhibitors guarantees a refined experience for attendees, complemented by superior event technology services. This synergy empowers exhibitors to optimize their investment, fostering a unique environment conducive to achieving marketing objectives.

In the ever-changing technological realm, TECHSPO emerges as a critical platform for entities aiming to maintain their competitive edge. Securing a spot at this distinguished technological exhibition enables businesses to propel their growth trajectory, forge significant connections, and remain at the forefront of technological advancements.

Apple’s decision to take part in (and co-sponsor) this year’s NeurIPS conference shows how the company is keeping close tabs on future trends in the field, highlights its willingness to cooperate, and shows Apple reaching out to recruit new expertise. 

The company’s machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) teams are deeply involved in the important event. Since Apple is a co-sponsor, its people will be at its booth to talk about the company’s research and will present several research papers at the show.

As described on the company’s Machine Learning website, the papers include research on more efficient image generation, protecting privacy in AI, and cutting-edge work on Large Reasoning Models (LRMs). You can explore all the presentations from the big-name attendees anticipated at NeurIPS via this interactive graphic.

NeurIPS is important

NeurIPS is considered to be the most prestigious and influential AI conference in the field. The world’s leading researchers and practitioners converge on the show to discuss their cutting-edge research. 

That also means the trends that emerge at the event tend to leak into wider discourse 12 to 24 months later. In 2023 and 2024, for example, conversations tended to converge around responsible AI, scaling, and efficiency — involving both hardware and software advances. Apple was clearly paying attention, and the current M5 processors inside some new Macs offer the kind of efficiency and hardware acceleration required for AI. 

In 2024, some of the big conversations related to Edge AI, AI-optimized hardware design, privacy-preservation in AI and the democratization of AI through open-source.

This year’s trends seem to be coalescing around hardware design, energy efficiency, quantum computing, contextual awareness, and data efficiency — coupled with more conversation on use of AI in specialized domains, including health, finance, robotics, and sustainable resource management. Many of those trends are already very much in the wider public conversation, reflecting growing public understanding of AI. 

Where is Apple?

Where is Apple in this? Apple plans to introduce its take on contextual AI in Siri next year. Speaking last month, Apple CEO Tim Cook said on this: “We’re also excited for a more personalized Siri. We’re making good progress on it, and as we’ve shared, we expect to release it next year.” 

Apple has also been working very hard (and very secretively) to develop its own AI-augmented digital health services, which might also make their debut in the coming year. These will evidently have a preventive health element as evidenced by the decision to move management of Apple Fitness+ under Apple’s vice president of health, Sumbul Desai, earlier this year. (“Our goal is to empower people to take charge of their own health journey,” said Desai in 2023). Apple’s Private Cloud Compute nails the cloud-based AI service option. 

It is also true that with its focus on hardware, software, and processor innovation, Apple now offers the best available tools for AI research, including tools for Edge AI. (You can test the ability of your Apple device to deliver AI at the edge today, using an app called Locally AI (for Mac, iPhone, or iPad). Thanks to the power of Apple Silicon, Locally lets you use private, on-device, edge LLMs right now.)

What if the company has been misconstrued?

Examples like these show how much Apple is already doing concerning the evolution of AI. It’s a huge field, of course, with different approaches. 

I’d argue that Apple’s strategic approach was to focus on specific use cases (think agentic AI, machine learning), and application of the technology in specific domains, rather than a catch-all LLM system, like ChatGPT. History indicates that strategic decision allowed the company to fall behind, but has it really?

Once you consider the wider industry conversations around applied AI coming out of NeurIPS in recent years, much of what Apple is actually delivering reflects a very strong response to the industry needs discussed and identified there. 

If hardware can be seen as the AI fundamentals, then the innate advantages of neural intelligence on Apple Silicon suggest it now has strong foundations in place, particularly around privacy, hardware, and edge AI. 

We shall now find out the extent to which Apple, its researchers, and the wider AI industry, can exploit the foundations Apple has laid.

You can follow me on social media! Join me on BlueSky,  LinkedIn, and Mastodon.

Source:: Computer World

By Hisan Kidwai Horror games are different. They combine action and storytelling with a sense of dread that instantly…
The post 99 Nights in the Forest Codes (November 2025) appeared first on Fossbytes.

Source:: Fossbytes

When infrastructure itself becomes the target

In early 2024, a breach involving Snowflake, Inc. sent a quiet shockwave through boardrooms across industries. Attackers bypassed perimeter defenses entirely; no malware, no exploit kit, no zero-day. They simply walked through an identity gap: weak credentials and excessive permissions.

The attackers pivoted laterally inside multiple customer environments (AT&T, Santander Bank, Ticketmaster, etc.) and exfiltrated large volumes of sensitive data. For many CISOs watching that breach unfold, the lesson was blunt: in the cloud, identity is the new infrastructure – and once it’s compromised, everything that depends on it is suddenly in play.

Some attacks have a cascading effect

One of the many customers impacted by the Snowflake data breach was Ticketmaster, which was using Snowflake systems for marketing and analytics. Hackers used a compromised Snowflake account to access Ticketmaster database, which resulted in the breach of 1.3 terabytes of data of 560 million individuals, triggering numerous lawsuits from customers.

This breach demonstrated that in cloud ecosystems, third-party data platforms become extensions of your attack surface, and when not protected, they can result in havoc.

shutterstock/Kjetil Kolbjornsrud

Cloud security is a global problem

This is a global pattern. 83% of organizations faced a cloud security breach in the past 18 months. 25% of organizations fear of having suffered a breach recently without knowing it yet. Most cloud security incidents are traced back to a combination of misconfigurations, over-privileged identities, or exposed APIs. Increased cloud adoption has created thousands of entry points, each dynamic, ephemeral, and easy to miss.

The rise in attacks is not opportunistic but structural. Cloud environments expand faster than they can be governed. Modern applications are API-driven by design, meaning every service interaction is effectively a mini-perimeter waiting to be tested. Multi-cloud brings architectural complexity that traditional tooling cannot correlate. Security teams are constantly racing business velocity, but adversaries don’t need to outrun the organization; they only need to outrun its controls.

Security-by-design approach

As a result, the old model of “deploy cloud, then secure it” has started to break down. Breaches today don’t occur because CISOs are unaware of the risks, they occur because visibility and enforcement haven’t caught up with speed and fragmentation. Enterprises don’t need another point solution, they need an integrated way to see risk the way an attacker sees it: across posture, identity, runtime behavior, and exposed services.

This is why modern security architectures are consolidating around cloud native application protection platform (CNAPP) as the backbone of cloud defense, bringing posture, workload and identity analytics together instead of expecting teams to stitch insights manually.

Posture evaluation isn’t just about configuration drift any more

It’s about anticipating the attack path before it becomes actionable. API defense is no longer a niche extension, it is the new frontline. And Zero Trust, once treated as strategy rhetoric, is now the only rational method of preventing lateral movement after the inevitable compromise of a credential or token.

At the same time, regulatory pressure has quietly reframed cloud governance. Boards and insurers are no longer asking “Are you compliant?” They are asking, “Can you continuously prove it?” Evidence is becoming as critical as control.

Organizations need more than implementing cloud controls

Organizations need to operate security as an assurance layer; across CNAPP, posture management, API visibility, Zero Trust enforcement, microsegmentation and continuous compliance. Where in-house teams struggle with scale and signal-to-noise, a security partner can bring sustained visibility and managed resilience. That turns cloud risk into a controllable variable and cloud innovation into something security no longer must slow down.

In 2025, the real question is whether your organization can continuously defend and prove its cloud posture at enterprise scale. The ones who can, will accelerate. The ones who can’t, will continue to absorb the cost of architectural blind spots. T-Systems helps make sure you are in the first category.

Doubling down on AI but worried about security? Read this e-book today — get your copy here.

Source:: Computer World

A Journey Through the Quirky Adventures of Chicken Road

Introduction

Welcome to the vibrant and delightful world of Chicken Road, where every twist and turn invites you to explore fascinating challenges, endearing characters, and memorable moments that leave a lasting impression. This immersive game is not just another driving experience; it’s an odyssey that blends adventure, strategy, and an abundance of humor. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer, there’s something magical waiting for you on Chicken Road!

The Story Behind Chicken Road

Every great adventure begins with a tale, and Chicken Road is no different. The game is set in a unique universe where chickens have taken the wheel – quite literally. After a freak incident involving a magical hen and a bumbling wizard, the chickens have discovered their newfound ability to drive. The formerly mundane lives of these feathered friends have transformed into thrilling escapades, where they navigate treacherous landscapes and compete for the ultimate title: King of the Road.

Gameplay Overview

The gameplay dynamics of Chicken Road are what truly set it apart. Players take control of various chicken characters, each equipped with distinctive skills and quirky vehicles. The main objective? To navigate through creatively designed levels, collecting scattered eggs, avoiding obstacles, and racing against the clock. The game features both single-player and multiplayer modes, allowing for a more enriching experience as players race against friends or global contenders.

Key Game Features:

• Unique chicken characters with special abilities
• Dynamic environments that change with each level
• Variety of collectible items, including eggs and power-ups
• Challenging boss battles that test your skills
• Customizable vehicles for personalized gameplay

Characters and Their Roles

In Chicken Road, the characters are as diverse as they are entertaining. Each chicken has its backstory and set of attributes that can turn the tide of any race. Here’s a comparative table showcasing a few notable characters:

These characters not only contribute to the gameplay through their unique abilities but also immerse players in the quirky culture of Chicken Road.

Roadside Adventures

The path on Chicken Road is filled with unexpected surprises, challenges, and downright silly antics. Among the most enjoyable aspects of the game are the roadside events. As you journey through the game, you’ll encounter funny mini-games and unanticipated tasks that can earn you extra points or bonuses. Some examples include:

• **Egg Toss Challenge**: Test your aim as you toss eggs into baskets!
• **Feathered Fling**: Bounce high to claim power-ups and avoid obstacles.
• **Road Riddle**: Solve puzzles crafted by the wise old owl to earn rewards.

Strategic Tips and Tricks

To master Chicken Road and secure your reputation as the ultimate chicken driver, consider adopting these strategies:

1. Familiarize Yourself with Each Character: Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each chicken can give you a competitive edge.
2. Utilize Power-Ups Wisely: Save your power-ups for when you absolutely need them, such as during close encounters with rival chickens.
3. Practice Makes Perfect: The more you play, the better you will get at navigating tricky terrains.
4. Explore Every Nook and Cranny: Hidden rewards are often tucked away from the main paths, so don’t hesitate to go off-road!

Conclusion

Chicken Road is more than just a game – it represents a whimsical journey filled with humor, strategy, and unexpected challenges. Whether engaging in competitive races or simply enjoying the enchanting environments, players are bound to find something captivating. So grab your controller, buckle up, and get ready to embark on your very own Chicken Road adventure!

FAQs

Q: Can I play Chicken Road chickenroadcanada.org offline?
A: Yes, you can enjoy solo games offline, but certain features may be limited without an online connection.

Q: Are there any DLCs available for Chicken Road?
A: Yes, developers frequently release new characters, levels, and customization options to expand the game.

Q: Is Chicken Road suitable for all ages?
A: Absolutely! The game is family-friendly and entertaining for players of all ages.

Q: Can I customize my chicken’s vehicle?
A: Yes, players can unlock and choose various upgrades for their vehicles, adding a personal touch to the gameplay.

Join the joyful chaos on Chicken Road, and who knows? You might just become the next legendary chicken racer!

A Grande Aventura das Apostas no Mundo do Blaze Cassino

Introdução

O Blaze Cassino é uma plataforma que tem ganhado destaque no universo das apostas online. Com um design cativante e uma variedade de jogos, oferece aos entusiastas uma experiência envolvente e emocionante. Neste artigo, exploraremos a fundo o que torna o Blaze Cassino único, suas diversas opções de apostas e dicas para lucrar nos jogos.

História do Blaze Cassino

O Blaze Cassino surgiu com o objetivo de democratizar as apostas online, tornando-as acessíveis a jogadores de diferentes perfis. Desde sua fundação, a plataforma tem se dedicado a oferecer um ambiente seguro e divertido. Com o tempo, ela expandiu seu portfólio de jogos, incluindo opções de cassino ao vivo, slots e apostas esportivas.

• Início da Plataforma: Lançamento e primeiras funcionalidades.
• Expansão de Jogos: A inclusão de novos tipos de apostas com o passar dos anos.
• Reconhecimento: Premiações e certificações obtidas ao longo da trajetória.

Tipos de Apostas no Blaze

No Blaze Cassino, os jogadores podem escolher entre uma variedade de apostas que atendem a diferentes preferências. Abaixo, apresentamos alguns dos principais tipos:

Estratégias para Apostas Bem-sucedidas

Para aqueles que desejam melhorar suas chances de ganhar, aqui estão algumas dicas e estratégias no contexto do Blaze Apostas:

1. Conheça o Jogo: Entender as regras e mecânica de cada jogo é essencial.
2. Estabeleça um Orçamento: Defina um valor que você blaze aposta pode apostar e não ultrapasse esse limite.
3. Aproveite Bônus: Utilize as promoções e bônus oferecidos pelo cassino.
4. Pratique: Muitas plataformas oferecem versões demo; aproveite para treinar.
5. Controle Emocional: Mantenha a calma e evite apostas impulsivas.

Conclusão

O Blaze Cassino não é apenas um lugar para apostar, mas sim uma experiência que mistura entretenimento e a possibilidade de ganhar. Com uma ampla gama de opções e estratégias eficazes, estará sempre preparado para se divertir enquanto busca vitórias. Que sua jornada nas apostas do Blaze seja segura e repleta de sucesso!

FAQ

Quais são os métodos de pagamento aceitos no Blaze Cassino?

O Blaze Cassino aceita diversos métodos, incluindo cartões de crédito, transferências bancárias e criptomoedas.

É seguro apostar no Blaze Cassino?

Sim, o Blaze Cassino possui licença para operar e utiliza tecnologia de criptografia para garantir a segurança dos dados dos usuários.

Existem bônus para novos jogadores?

Sim, novos jogadores podem aproveitar bônus de boas-vindas que permitem aumentar seu saldo inicial.

Como funcionam as apostas ao vivo?

As apostas ao vivo são realizadas em tempo real e permitem que você faça apostas enquanto o evento está em andamento, aumentando a emoção da experiência.

File sharing between smartphones has long been restricted by platform. The surprising news is that Google has figured out how to use AirDrop to exchange files both ways between its own Pixel Android devices, iPhones, and other Apple devices. 

“Sharing moments shouldn’t depend on the phone you have. Starting today with the Pixel 10 family, Quick Share now works with AirDrop, making secure file transfers between Android phones and iPhones more seamless,” Google said in a blog post. (Quick Share is the Android equivalent of AirDrop.)

There are some limits. For starters, Apple devices need to have their AirDrop settings set to “Everyone” mode for this to work and they can always refuse to accept the file.

How Google’s QuickShare works

Google says the feature is protected by a “multi-layered security approach to ensure a safe sharing experience from end-to-end, regardless of what platform you’re on.” 

That means use of memory-safe language, Rust, for the communication channel, and the built-in platform protection of both Apple and Android devices. Google said it has also put the file-sharing through strict security review.

“These overlapping protections on both platforms work in concert with the secure connection to provide comprehensive safety for your data when you share or receive,” Dave Kleidermacher, Google’s vice president for platforms security and privacy, wrote in a post explaining the tool security.

Compatible Android devices (the Pixel 10 family, at present) need to update the Quick Share Extension in the Privacy and Security section of their settings. If the feature is actually secure and manages to proliferate across other Android devices, I think a lot of people — Android and iOS owners alike — will enjoy using it.

Enterprise and regulatory implications

IT managers will likely want to make sure it is possible to disable file-sharing through QuickShrare and Air Drop using standard device management tools on both Android and Apple devices. It should be possible on Apple’s systems, as you can already prevent use of AirDrop on managed iPhones. All the same, business entities will likely want to constrain this new opportunity for data exfiltration.

Will Apple put a stop to it? I hope not. Because while I understand how important and complex it is to maintain security and privacy across Apple’s ecosystem, we do exist in a multi-platform world — and there does seem to be plenty of protection in place in how Google has approached it.

The other issue is regulation. Apple is having a horrible time with regulators, particularly in Europe. They seem unwilling or unable to listen to some of the company’s arguments concerning the need to protect the user experience. Is it not possible that Apple and Google could work together to turn this new feature into a “best practice” example of how to create this kind of multi-platform polarity without sacrificing security, privacy, or the unique nature of the different operating systems?

If it is possible, it will benefit customers on both platforms, and would give Apple a model it could show regulators to illustrate how compatibility can be done without sacrificing user experience.

Hacker or frenemy?

Apple, of course, might see Google’s new AirDrop trick as a direct attack against the sanctity of its platforms. Just over 20 years ago, Apple accused Real Networks of having the ethics of a hacker when the latter firm figured out how to undermine iTunes Digital Rights Management (DRM).

Might Apple feel the same way about Google’s move to open up AirDrop? We don’t yet know. But the company will need to think hard about how it responds to avoid yet more criticism. It is clearly good for Apple’s users to be able to exchange files with people on other platforms, as long as it does not impact their security.

It is sometimes better to follow the tide, rather than swim against it.

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Source:: Computer World

Once upon a time, when you ran Windows on your desktop, it was your desktop. Oh, the IT department might have called the shots on how much you could do with it, but you could write what you needed to, and it was all kept nicely on your PC or your choice of network drive. 

Those days are long gone. 

First, Microsoft started replacing standalone applications with cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) programs such as Microsoft 365. Today, you have little choice but to run Microsoft 365. In addition, unless you turn it off, every file you make or save ends up in OneDrive.  Microsoft has also been pushing companies to say goodbye to Windows on the desktop entirely and move to running Windows in the cloud. That move has been less successful. 

Now, there’s a new twist. Microsoft’s been hinting at it for a while, but on Nov. 10, Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft’s president of Windows, tweeted: “Windows is evolving into an agentic OS, connecting devices, cloud, and AI to unlock intelligent productivity and secure work anywhere.”

What does that even mean? 

It means — as near as I can decipher — that with Microsoft’s Agent Workspace and Copilot Actions notes in this latest and greatest version of Windows 11 (OK, that may be an oxymoron, but bear with me), you’ll run AI agents in isolated, secure workspaces. These agents will have their own user accounts, Agent ID, which are separate from the primary user (you). Mind you, to work, these agents must have access to your account’s permissions via the Windows On-Device Registry (ODR) to manage your files, automate routine tasks, adjust settings, and work with your system tools. 

These tools, Microsoft argues, will have excellent security, privacy, and transparency features. Each agent’s actions will be logged and easily auditable. Agentic Windows 11 will include features such as Model Context Protocol (MCP) and agent connectors for apps like File Explorer and System Settings.

Microsoft also likes to talk about how it can do a lot of its work using on-device AI processing. (If you have an AI-chip-equipped PC, of course.) However, to really get the most of AI, you’ll need access to cloud-based large language models (LLMs) 

If you drink Microsoft’s Kool-Aid, you’ll see Agentic Windows as the next frontier in desktop computing. The company frames it as a helpmate that will safely automate your repetitive or complex tasks, and lay the groundwork for new, exciting applications by both individuals and enterprises.

Yeah, right.

First, for all that 2025 has been the year of AI Agent hype, as Marina Danilevsky, an IBM Senior Research Scientist, noted: “We haven’t even yet figured out ROI (return on investment) on LLM technology.” Besides, she wrote, “[Agents] tend to be very ineffective because humans are very bad communicators. We still can’t get chat agents to interpret what you want correctly all the time.”  

Mind you, IBM has its own dog in this fight, Watson AIOps, so it wants agents to take off. It’s just more realistic about them. 

AI agents are still largely hype. As PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) pointed out in a recent study, “Reports of full [agentic] adoption often reflect excitement about what agentic capabilities could enable — not evidence of widespread transformation.” 

Ya think!?

Mind you, three-quarters of these same executives agreed or strongly agreed that “AI agents will reshape the workplace more than the internet did.” Oh please, I was there when the internet changed everything. You have no clue what you’re talking about. And, then, as now, there was a hype bubble (that ended in the dotcom crash). The NASDAQ then collapsed by 78% and took 15 years to recover.  

Sure, some AI Agents can do useful work, but is that any reason to embed them in Windows? Or any other operating system? If AI-enabled web browsers, such as ChatGPT Atlas and Perplexity Comet, are too unsafe to be used, why would you think it safer to have them even deeper in your computer??

Even Microsoft admits, “AI models still face functional limitations in terms of how they behave and occasionally may hallucinate and produce unexpected outputs. Additionally, agentic AI applications introduce novel security risks, such as cross-prompt injection (XPIA), where malicious content embedded in UI elements or documents can override agent instructions, leading to unintended actions like data exfiltration or malware installation.” 

This sounds like a barrel of laughs to me.

Let’s get real. This is another Microsoft attempt to monetize AI. When you’ve invested something like $80 billion this year alone in AI, you want to see a return on your investment. I get that. What I don’t get, despite all the CEOs suffering from AI agent FOMO, is why anyone else wants it.

I mean, when I want to use AI — and I do use it — I go through Chrome to Perplexity. There’s no fuss, no muss, and a minimum of security worries.  Indeed, as the top post on X responding to Davuluri’s note said, “Stop this nonsense. No one wants this.“

Another person added to this thread, “Nobody wanted ads in their start menu either.  Or nonstop telemetry.  Or disabled local login.” No one did, and yet here we are. 

So, what can you do? I assure you, Microsoft will not be backing down on this. They see it as a cash cow, since to make the most from it, you’ll need to subscribe to their AI services. 

One last tweet provides the answer: Windows is “evolving into a product that’s driving people to Mac and Linux.“

I’ve been telling you to switch to Linux for decades now, and I’ve even had nice things to say about macOS at times. Really!

Seriously, though, most users have been locked into the Microsoft tech ecosystem for ages now. But do you really want built-in AI security holes moving forward? To have an AI Big Brother watching your every move? 

If you want any kind of control over your desktop, if your company wants control over your desktops rather than Microsoft, it’s now time to start migrating away from Windows to Macs or Linux.

Source:: Computer World

IT purchasers must brace themselves for potential price hikes on new equipment as memory price increases percolate across supply chains. That’s a double-whammy cost crisis, of course, as they must also get set for energy price increases as demand rises to serve electricity-hungry artificial intelligence (AI) farms. 

AI also means that even Apple is increasing the amount of memory it puts inside its devices, which is noteworthy. The company has long avoided installing sizable quantities of RAM in its products, preferring to focus on device/software/OS integration and its proprietary unified memory system to deliver performance and efficiency.

What Apple does, others usually follow

The fact that Apple has had to increase RAM capacity in response to the demands of AI is significant because it means PC vendors across the board will need to do so, too. It also means people purchasing PCs will need to ensure that the systems they buy have sufficient memory installed to run AI, as any additional memory needs will add to the overall purchase price.

They’ll also have to account for the additional running cost of increased memory in the computers they deploy. That cost might seem negligible to a lone user, but at a scale of thousands of seats, the cumulative consumption could challenge company sustainability targets, as well as raising energy bills. Those costs scale. 

Apple’s answer to this is to continue to show that its systems deliver more performance per watt than its competitors. In context, you can also arguably point out that any additional memory it might pack into its products is still relatively parsimonious in comparison to competitors. That’s because its systems are inherently capable of doing more with less, which means you need less to do more. That’s a tautology, but an important one to anyone controlling a budget.

Does this matter? 

It looks as if it does. Samsung has signalled a 60% price increase for some kinds of memory, while the prices of high-bandwidth memory modules, such as the DDR used in most decent computers, including Macs, is also moving higher. 

These price increases reflect demand, as AI infrastructure is a greedy, greedy beast and continues to demand more memory, more water, more energy, and more investment capital as the bubble around AI infrastructure rapidly inflates ahead of aninevitable collapse. The result? There isn’t enough memory to go around.

Has it hit hardware prices yet? That’s not yet clear, but some (particularly in the US) are reportedly more exposed to market fluctuation than others. For example, Morgan Stanley recently downgraded most PC stocks to reflect the volatile pricing environment, warning that Dell, HP, Acer, and Asustek might be the most vulnerable to them. 

The analysts did not see Apple as under threat, in part because it is able to pre-order components at scale.

That protection won’t last forever — stockpiles get used up; but it is significant for many enterprise purchasers who must see that even as hundreds of millions of actively used PCs can’t be upgraded to Windows 11, the cost of their replacements continues to rise, and might go higher as additional AI running costs (including added on-device memory demands) come into play. 

Curse or opportunity

I think Apple can continue to argue that its once high-cost machines are becoming more and more affordable all the time, both in terms of bang for the buck, and also in terms of the total cost of ownership over time. The company’s computational performance story matters a great deal in this challenging environment, as does its ability to generate more processing power per watt than others. 

As price and tech pressures hit purchasing decisions, Apple’s long held decision to optimize its hardware seems to be delivering a bigger advantage than ever. That advantage is only made more buoyant by Apple Silicon’s built-in power, performance, and support for on-device AI.

Other things still matter

Plus, of course, even if the AI bubble does burst and a pitchfork-wielding population marches on the AI data centers, Apple also makes the best and most secure computers with the most popular operating systems, which is why employees choose its solutions when given the chance.

Those things that mattered so much before ChatGPT arrived still matter just as much today, even for IT purchasing.

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Source:: Computer World

Microsoft Ignite 2025  runs November 18-21, 2025, in San Francisco, with an optional pre-day on November 17. Can’t make it to the Moscone Center in San Francisco? No problem. It’s a hybrid event, and you can register to attend Ignite (for free) virtually here.

You can expect to learn more about AI, cloud computing, security, productivity tools, and more.

Keynote speakers include Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and other Microsoft leaders, including Scott Guthrie, executive vice president of the Cloud + AI Group and Charlie Bell, executive vice president of Microsoft Security.

Here are highlights from the show. Remember to check this page often for more on Microsoft Ignite 2025.

Microsoft Ignite 2025 news and insights

Azure HorizonDB: Microsoft goes big with PostgreSQL

November 20, 2025: This week at Ignite 2025, Microsoft announced the latest member of its PostgreSQL family: Azure HorizonDB. Designed to be a scale-out, high-performance database, it’s intended to be a place for a new generation of PostgreSQL workloads.

Microsoft now lets customers run agents on Windows 365 cloud PCs

November 20, 2025: Microsoft has unveiled a new type of Windows 365 cloud PC that provides a secure environment for running “computer use” AI agents. Windows 365 for Agents, announced at the company’s Ignite conference this week, is built on the same foundations as existing W365 products, but “optimized” for agentic workloads. 

Cobalt 200: Microsoft’s next-gen Arm CPU targets lower TCO for cloud workloads

November 20, 2025: Microsoft unveiled the next generation of its Arm-based custom CPUs in the form of Cobalt 200 as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce dependency on x86-based instances and make its data centers more energy-efficient while offering better performance for cloud computing workloads.

Microsoft rolls out Agent 365 ‘control plane’ for AI agents

November 19, 2025: Microsoft Agent 365 is a control plane to help organizations deploy and manage AI agents at scale. Agent 365 is available through Microsoft’s Frontier program for early access to AI technologies. Agent 365 is designed to let users manage an organization’s agents at scale, regardless of where these agents are built or acquired. 

Microsoft Fabric IQ adds ‘semantic intelligence’ layer to Fabric

November 19, 2025: Microsoft says Fabric IQ’s ontology will help workers and autonomous agents better understand data in order to make decisions, but analysts fear deployment hurdles and vendor lock-in.

Microsoft touts scalability of its new PostgreSQL-compatible managed database

November 19, 2025: Third time’s the charm? At Ignite 2025, Microsoft is hoping that the scalability of its new Azure HorizonDB will lure new customers where its two existing PostgreSQL-compatible database offerings did not.

Microsoft unveils Agent 365 to help IT manage AI ‘agent sprawl’

November 18, 2025: As businesses begin deploying AI agents in greater numbers, IT teams will need to manage and secure those AI systems as they connect to corporate data. That’s the idea behind Microsoft’s Agent 365 (A365), a new “control plane” that lets customers deploy and govern the use of agents, announced at Ignite 2025.

Microsoft bets on agentic AI for cloud ops, but analysts doubt the pitch

November 18, 2025: Microsoft is betting big on agentic AI to simplify and automate cloud operations and introduced at its annual Ignite conference an agentic mode to Azure Copilot that could surface insights and provide recommendations, but not take any actions.

A look back at Microsoft Ignite 2024 news and insights

Microsoft upgrades Copilot Studio agent builder tools

Nov. 20, 2024: Microsoft unveiled new Copilot Studio features aimed at both expanding the functionality of AI agents created with the application and improving the accuracy of outputs. Customers will be able to connect Copilot Studio agents to third-party apps, and tools for building autonomous agents are now available in a public preview.

Microsoft partners with industry leaders to offer vertical SLMs

Nov. 20, 2024: Teaming up with industry partners such as Bayer and Rockwell Automation, Microsoft is adding pre-trained small language models to its Azure AI catalog aimed at highly specialized use cases.

Microsoft brings automated ‘agents’ to M365 Copilot

Nov. 19, 2024: Microsoft has introduced a new tool in Microsoft 365 Copilot to automate repetitive tasks, part of a drive to make the genAI assistant more useful to users. Copilot Actions features a simple trigger-and-action interface that Microsoft hopes will make the workflow automations accessible to a wide range of workers. 

Microsoft extends Entra ID to WSL, WinGet

Nov. 19, 2024: Microsoft has added new security features to Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and the Windows Package Manager (WinGet), including integration with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Active Directory) for identity-based access control. The goal is to enable IT admins to more effectively manage the deployment and use of these tools in enterprises.

Microsoft looks to genAI, exposure managment, and new bug bounties to secure enterprise IT

Nov. 19, 2024: Microsoft announced a host of new security measures at its annual Ignite conference, with the goal of strengthening its existing data protection, endpoint security, and extended threat detection and response capabilities. Notable improvements include the introduction of a dedicated exposure management tool, an upgrade to insider risk management (IRM) tailored to GenAI usage, new data loss prevention (DLP) features, and integration of genAI into security operations center (SOC) processes.

Microsoft and Atom Computing claim breakthrough in reliable quantum computing

Nov. 19, 2024: The companies have announced what they claim is a significant step forward in reliable quantum computing, unveiling a commercial quantum machine built with 24 entangled logical qubits. The system, achieved through a combination of Atom Computing’s neutral-atom hardware and Microsoft’s qubit-virtualization technology, aims to address the critical challenge of error detection and correction in quantum computation.

Microsoft adds major upgrades to Power Apps at Ignite

Nov. 19, 2024: The company announced a series of low-code product enhancements, targeted at developers, that ranged from new agent-building capabilities in Power Apps and Power Pages to new AI and governance features in the codeless automation tool Microsoft Power Automate.

Microsoft’s Windows 365 Link is a thin client device for shared workspaces

Nov. 19, 2024: Microsoft will start selling a thin client device that lets workers boot directly to Windows 365 “in seconds,” the company announced on Tuesday.

Microsoft reimagines Fabric with focus on AI

Nov. 19, 2024: The company announced a slate of enhancements to its data analytics platform, including Fabric Databases, which can provision auto-optimizing and auto-scaling AI databases in seconds.

Microsoft rebrands Azure AI Studio to Azure AI Foundry

Nov. 19, 2024: The toolkit for building generative AI applications has been packaged with new updates to form the Azure AI Foundry service.

From MFA mandates to locked-down devices, Microsoft posts a year of SFI milestones at Ignite

Nov. 19, 2024: The company shared a progress report on its Secure Future Initiative (SFI), introduced a year ago, which included significant measures such as enforcing multifactor authentication (MFA) by default for new tenants, isolating close to 100,000 work devices under conditional access policies, and blocking GitHub secrets from exposure.

Previous Microsoft Ignite coverage

Microsoft to launch autonomous AI at Ignite

Oct. 21, 2024: Microsoft will let customers build autonomous AI agents that can be configured to perform complex tasks with little or no input from humans. Microsoft announced that tools to build AI agents in Copilot Studio will be available in a public beta that begins at Ignite on Nov. 19, with pre-built agents rolling out to Dynamics 365 apps in the coming months.

Microsoft Ignite 2023: 11 takeaways for CIOs

Nov. 15, 2023: Microsoft’s 2023 Ignite conference might as well be called AIgnite, with over half of the almost 600 sessions featuring AI in some shape or form. Generative AI (genAI), in particular, is at the heart of many of the product announcements Microsoft is making at the event, including new AI capabilities for wrangling large language models (LLMs) in Azure, new additions to the Copilot range of genAI assistants, new hardware, and a new tool to help developers deploy small language models (SLMs) too.

Microsoft partners with Nvidia, Synopsys for genAI services

Nov. 16, 2023: Microsoft has announced that it is partnering with chipmaker Nvidia and chip-designing software provider Synopsys to provide enterprises with foundry services and a new chip-design assistant. The foundry services from Nvidia will be deployed on Microsoft Azure and will combine three of Nvidia’s elements — its foundation models, its NeMo framework, and Nvidia’s DGX Cloud service.

As Microsoft embraces AI, it says sayonara to the metaverse

Feb. 23, 2023: It wasn’t just Mark Zuckerberg who led the metaverse charge by changing Facebook’s name to Meta. Microsoft hyped it as well, notably when CEO Satya Nadella said, “I can’t overstate how much of a breakthrough this is,” in his keynote speech at Microsoft Ignite in 2021. Now, tech companies are much wiser, they tell us. It’s AI at heart of the coming transformation. The metaverse may be yesterday’s news, but it’s not yet dead.

Microsoft Ignite in the rear-view mirror: What we learned

Oct. 17, 2022: Microsoft treated its big Ignite event as more of a marketing presentation than a full-fledged conference, offering up a variety of announcements that affect Windows users, as well as large enterprises and their networks. (The show was a hybrid affair, with a small in-person option and online access for those unable to travel.)

Related  Microsoft coverage

Microsoft’s AI research VP joins OpenAI amid fight for top AI talent

Oct. 15, 2024: Microsoft’s former vice president of genAI research, Sebastien Bubeck, left the company to join OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT. Bubeck, a 10-year veteran at Microsoft, played a significant role in driving the company’s genAI strategy with a focus on designing more efficient small language models (SLMs) to rival OpenAI’s GPT systems.

Microsoft brings Copilot AI tools to OneDrive

Oct. 9, 2024: Microsoft’s Copilot is now available in OneDrive, part of a wider revamp of the company’s cloud storage platform.  Copilot can now summarize one or more files in OneDrive without needing to open them first; compare the content of selected files across different formats (including Word, PowerPoint, and PDFs); and respond to questions about the contents of files via the chat interface. 

Microsoft wants Copilot to be your new AI best friend

Oct. 9, 2024: Microsoft’s Copilot AI chatbot underwent a transformation last week, morphing into a simplified pastel-toned experience that encourages you…to just chat. “Hey Chris, how’s the human world today?” That’s what I heard after I fired up the Copilot app on Windows 11 and clicked the microphone button, complete with a calming wavey background. Yes, this is the type of banter you get with the new Copilot.

Source:: Computer World

Microsoft will reduce the price of Microsoft 365 Copilot for small and mid-sized firms beginning next month.

As of Dec. 1, 2025, Microsoft 365 Copilot for Business will cost $21 per user, per month for customers with any Microsoft 365 Business plan. That’s down from the current $30 price per month set when the tool debuted in 2023.

The new Microsoft 365 Copilot Business subscription will be available to organizations with 300 or fewer employees and includes the same features as before. This means access to the AI assistant in apps such as Excel, Teams, and Outlook, as well as Copilot agents and tools such as Notebooks. 

“We heard from smaller companies that they wanted a version that would fit their needs and budgets, too,” a Microsoft spokesperson said in a blog post Tuesday. “So we’re making that happen.”

The announcement came during the company’s annual Microsoft Ignite conference this week in San Francisco.

It’s not clear whether existing customers will be automatically moved to the lower-cost plan; Computerworld asked Microsoft, but did not immediately receive a response.

Despite strong interest among IT leaders in M365 Copilot, uptake remains at an early stage. Most customers are still in pilot projects or have deployed the tool to a small subset of employees as they grapple with challenges around data governance, user adoption, and uncertain value. The lower price could ease some of those concerns for small and mid-size businesses (SMBs).

The introduction of M365 Copilot Business expands the range of options for accessing Microsoft’s AI assistant. Alongside the two main M365 Copilot subscriptions, businesses can subscribe to Teams Premium ($10 per user/month), which includes “intelligent recap” and other collaboration-focused AI features such as automated notetaking and live translation.

Then there’s Copilot Chat, available at no extra cost to Microsoft 365 customers.  Essentially a lite version of M365 Copilot, it features a chat interface (grounded in web data rather than a customer’s own files), limited management controls, and pay as you go access to agents. 

In September, Microsoft announced that Copilot Chat will be available inside Office apps such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. This will let users to ask the AI assistant for help drafting documents or analyzing spreadsheets, for instance.  

At Ignite, Microsoft also announced an enhancement to the Copilot Chat integration with Outlook that will be “content-aware” across an entire Outlook inbox, calendar, and meetings, not just individual email threads. It is slated to be available in preview in March 2026. 

Agent Mode in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint agents — announced for paid M365 Copilot users in September — will enable content creation directly from the Copilot Chat interface. The AI assistant asks clarifying questions before producing a draft that users can direct it to iterate on or jump to the app to work on it themselves.

Agent Mode in Copilot Chat will also be available in “early 2026.”

More Microsoft Ignite 2025 news:

Microsoft Fabric IQ adds ‘semantic intelligence’ layer to Fabric

Microsoft unveils Agent 365 to help IT manage AI ‘agent sprawl’

Microsoft touts scalability of its new PostgreSQL-compatible managed database

Microsoft unveils Agent 365 to help IT manage AI ‘agent sprawl’

Microsoft bets on agentic AI for cloud ops, but analysts doubt the pitch

Source:: Computer World

By Deepti Pathak ASUS has announced an updated line of ExpertCenter PCs, which are designed to make office work…
The post ASUS Launches New ExpertCenter P500 and P400 AiO With 13th Gen Intel Processors appeared first on Fossbytes.

Source:: Fossbytes

As businesses begin deploying AI agents in greater numbers, IT teams will need to manage and secure those AI systems as they connect to corporate data. That’s the idea behind Microsoft’s Agent 365 (A365), a new “control plane” that lets customers deploy and govern the use of agents. The A365 announcement was made in conjunction with the company’s Microsoft Ignite event in San Francisco.

“While we’re not quite there yet, agent sprawl will become a key issue in the near future” with agents produced for specific tasks and employees creating their own, said Jack Gold, founder and principal analyst at J. Gold Associates. “Microsoft wants to control the agents within their infrastructure, much as it does with other Microsoft 365 and Office 365 environments.”

A365 functions as the central record of agents that access data in an organization’s Microsoft 365 environment. That includes agents built with Microsoft’s own tools, such as Copilot Studio, as well as open-source frameworks and third-party agents from the likes of Adobe, n8n, ServiceNow, and Workday.

Accessed via the Microsoft 365 admin console, A365 allows IT staffers to manage which agents employees can use and restrict the data and resources available to those agents.

“IT leaders can track every agent being used, built, or brought into the organization, eliminating blind spots and reducing risk,” Charles Lamanna, Microsoft president, Business Apps and Agents, said in a blog post Tuesday.

A visual dashboard displays connections between agents, data and workers, with real-time analytics around agent behavior and performance. 

“Even though it is early days…, there are quickly becoming too many agents to manage manually,” said Allie Mellen, an analyst at Forrester. A tool such as A365 can help IT and security teams “track, manage, and secure the agents in their organization,” she said. “AI agents are a new attack surface that we must protect given their access to sensitive data.”

A365 builds on three existing Microsoft tools: Defender, Entra, and Purview. Microsoft Defender helps detect and block known and emerging threats that target agents, while Purview, Microsoft’s data governance tool, is used to prevent agents from accessing — and then leaking — sensitive data.

Each agent is assigned a unique Microsoft Entra ID for IT to track usage and apply “adaptive, risk-based policies,” that can shut down compromised agents. “Microsoft has correctly identified that if agents are to do real work, they need ’employee’ IDs, not just software licenses,” said Alastair Woolcock, vice president analyst at Gartner. 

The use of A365 to extend Entra and Defender to the digital workforce means Microsoft is effectively “hiring agents into the org chart,” he said.  

It’s a move that forces other tech firms to either integrate with Microsoft’s governance layer or risk having their agents blocked as shadow IT, said Woolcock. “It’s a smart approach as companies and governments will need a control plane for multi-agent orchestration, where it’s not just Microsoft’s agents, but all agents under Agent 365,” he said. 

Several software vendors, including ServiceNow, Google, and Amazon Web Services are all vying to offer the main tool organizations use to govern agents. “Organizations won’t want to govern agents via a multitude of control planes and vendors; they’ll need one as a global standard,” said Woolcock. 

Microsoft’s proximity to end user workflows with Office apps and Teams gives the company a unique leverage point, he said. And if it integrates seamlessly with existing Microsoft tools, A365 could spare enterprise IT teams from relying on additional systems to manage agents.

There are still questions about how the tool will function in practice. “If I obtain agents that are not Microsoft-created, will I still be able to insert my third-party agents into this new infrastructure?” said Gold. “Microsoft says yes, but we’ll need to see how that plays out, much as it took some time to play out with PC and cloud apps. But overall, this is a win-win situation for both MSFT and its customers.”

Agent 365 is available now in early access via Microsoft’s Frontier program. Microsoft plans to offer more details on pricing closer to general availability.

Source:: Computer World