Month: August 2024
AnandTech shuts down after 27 years
It’s the end of an era. | Image: AnandTech, Future
Hardware enthusiast site AnandTech is shutting down after nearly three decades of covering computers. AnandTech’s final Editor-in-Chief, Ryan Smith, announced the news in a farewell post this morning, writing, “…Few things last forever, and the market for written tech journalism is not what it once was — nor will it ever be again. So, the time has come for AnandTech to wrap up its work, and let the next generation of tech journalists take their place within the zeitgeist.”
AnandTech was founded in 1997 by Anand Lal Shimpi, who led the site until retiring from journalism in 2014 to work for Apple as part of the team that delivered the M series Apple Silicon chips. Before leaving, Shimpi spoke with The Verge in 2011 about his frustrations with the “cable-TV-ification of the internet” — or online media moving away from high-quality, in-depth analysis toward sensationalism and clickbaity content:
Which trend makes you gnash your teeth in frustration?
Something I call the cable-TV-ification of the internet. For the past several years it seems as if there has been a trend away from ultimate understanding in content online and towards the tenets of modern mainstream media (sensationalism and the general silliness you see on US cable TV news). The transition isn’t anywhere near complete, but I feel like that’s the direction things are headed. We have to learn from the mistakes of our predecessors, not repeat them with sweeter technology.
AnandTech as a site made a point of resisting that trend, which Smith also called back to in his farewell note.
Over the years, the site built a loyal audience among hardware lovers due in large part to its detailed reviews of motherboards, chips, and other hardware components. The quality of its analysis made it a resource for PC builders, academics, fellow journalists, and anyone fascinated by the inner workings of a computer.
When any beloved site is shuttered, there’s always a question of what happens to the content. For now, AnandTech fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Smith writes that FutureLLC, AnandTech’s publisher, will keep the site’s archive indefinitely. The active AnandTech Forums will also continue to operate and be moderated by Future’s community team.
It’s the end of an era. | Image: AnandTech, Future
Hardware enthusiast site AnandTech is shutting down after nearly three decades of covering computers. AnandTech’s final Editor-in-Chief, Ryan Smith, announced the news in a farewell post this morning, writing, “…Few things last forever, and the market for written tech journalism is not what it once was — nor will it ever be again. So, the time has come for AnandTech to wrap up its work, and let the next generation of tech journalists take their place within the zeitgeist.”
AnandTech was founded in 1997 by Anand Lal Shimpi, who led the site until retiring from journalism in 2014 to work for Apple as part of the team that delivered the M series Apple Silicon chips. Before leaving, Shimpi spoke with The Verge in 2011 about his frustrations with the “cable-TV-ification of the internet” — or online media moving away from high-quality, in-depth analysis toward sensationalism and clickbaity content:
Which trend makes you gnash your teeth in frustration?
Something I call the cable-TV-ification of the internet. For the past several years it seems as if there has been a trend away from ultimate understanding in content online and towards the tenets of modern mainstream media (sensationalism and the general silliness you see on US cable TV news). The transition isn’t anywhere near complete, but I feel like that’s the direction things are headed. We have to learn from the mistakes of our predecessors, not repeat them with sweeter technology.
AnandTech as a site made a point of resisting that trend, which Smith also called back to in his farewell note.
Over the years, the site built a loyal audience among hardware lovers due in large part to its detailed reviews of motherboards, chips, and other hardware components. The quality of its analysis made it a resource for PC builders, academics, fellow journalists, and anyone fascinated by the inner workings of a computer.
When any beloved site is shuttered, there’s always a question of what happens to the content. For now, AnandTech fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Smith writes that FutureLLC, AnandTech’s publisher, will keep the site’s archive indefinitely. The active AnandTech Forums will also continue to operate and be moderated by Future’s community team.
Get 50% off Blue Apron for Four Weeks With This Labor Day Deal
Treat yourself to incredible meals for less with this excellent discount.
Treat yourself to incredible meals for less with this excellent discount.
Zelda can wield a sword in Echoes of Wisdom after all
Nintendo has provided a fresh look at The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, the upcoming Switch game that makes the titular princess the playable protagonist for the very first time. Like many folks, I’ve been looking forward to this one, but one key question remained unanswered until this preview: where the heck is Zelda’s sword? Earlier gameplay videos focused on her ability to create “echoes” — i.e. copy objects and enemies — to use in combat.
Fret not, fans of adorable murder: Zelda will have a sword after all. The latest video revealed her swordfighter form, meaning that, yes, she can battle her foes head on. There is a bit of a catch, though. The swordfighter form is on a meter, so you can only use it for a little while each time. That makes it just one of several weapons at Zelda’s disposal, meaning you’ll need to be strategic in combat.
Zelda’s new swordfighter form is revealed!She seems to be brandishing a mysterious sword that allows her to attack enemies directly… #Zelda #EchoesofWisdom pic.twitter.com/egpFOeJQTU— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) August 30, 2024
Zelda can use the sword she finds in the trailer to pull off the classic charge-up spin attack. You’ll refill the gauge by finding a resource simply called energy. For what it’s worth, it looks like the meter can be leveled up, so perhaps you’ll get to stay in the swordfighter form for longer later in the game. Still, I have to wonder if you’ll eventually obtain a Master Sword that you can use as much as you like.
The video reveals more details about gameplay and combat. Zelda will be able to enter the dimensional rifts like the ones that Link and the King of Hyrule were sucked into as she attempts to find them. On the other side is something called The Still World, in which people, objects and parts of the landscape that were swallowed up float in a void. It’s not yet clear why this void doesn’t seem to affect Zelda. You’ll need to traverse floating platforms and create echoes to help you do so.
There are also dungeons for Zelda to battle through in The Still World. These, of course, include boss fights where you can put your sword to use. Alternatively, as the video shows, you can create an echo of a bed and simply take a nap (this would be my approach tbh).
Automatons are another type of weapon you’ll have at your disposal. These are wind-up mechanical devices that can “release powerful effects,” so they should complement your sword and echoes. The automatons are created for you by an engineer named Dampé. They’re one of several friendly NPCs you’ll encounter, alongside a cat and a Zelda staple, the Great Fairy.
The latest gameplay video should help to drive up anticipation for The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom even more. Thankfully, it’s less than a month away. It will land on the Switch on September 26.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/zelda-can-wield-a-sword-in-echoes-of-wisdom-after-all-143049937.html?src=rss
Nintendo has provided a fresh look at The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, the upcoming Switch game that makes the titular princess the playable protagonist for the very first time. Like many folks, I’ve been looking forward to this one, but one key question remained unanswered until this preview: where the heck is Zelda’s sword? Earlier gameplay videos focused on her ability to create “echoes” — i.e. copy objects and enemies — to use in combat.
Fret not, fans of adorable murder: Zelda will have a sword after all. The latest video revealed her swordfighter form, meaning that, yes, she can battle her foes head on. There is a bit of a catch, though. The swordfighter form is on a meter, so you can only use it for a little while each time. That makes it just one of several weapons at Zelda’s disposal, meaning you’ll need to be strategic in combat.
Zelda’s new swordfighter form is revealed!
She seems to be brandishing a mysterious sword that allows her to attack enemies directly… #Zelda #EchoesofWisdom pic.twitter.com/egpFOeJQTU
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) August 30, 2024
Zelda can use the sword she finds in the trailer to pull off the classic charge-up spin attack. You’ll refill the gauge by finding a resource simply called energy. For what it’s worth, it looks like the meter can be leveled up, so perhaps you’ll get to stay in the swordfighter form for longer later in the game. Still, I have to wonder if you’ll eventually obtain a Master Sword that you can use as much as you like.
The video reveals more details about gameplay and combat. Zelda will be able to enter the dimensional rifts like the ones that Link and the King of Hyrule were sucked into as she attempts to find them. On the other side is something called The Still World, in which people, objects and parts of the landscape that were swallowed up float in a void. It’s not yet clear why this void doesn’t seem to affect Zelda. You’ll need to traverse floating platforms and create echoes to help you do so.
There are also dungeons for Zelda to battle through in The Still World. These, of course, include boss fights where you can put your sword to use. Alternatively, as the video shows, you can create an echo of a bed and simply take a nap (this would be my approach tbh).
Automatons are another type of weapon you’ll have at your disposal. These are wind-up mechanical devices that can “release powerful effects,” so they should complement your sword and echoes. The automatons are created for you by an engineer named Dampé. They’re one of several friendly NPCs you’ll encounter, alongside a cat and a Zelda staple, the Great Fairy.
The latest gameplay video should help to drive up anticipation for The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom even more. Thankfully, it’s less than a month away. It will land on the Switch on September 26.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/zelda-can-wield-a-sword-in-echoes-of-wisdom-after-all-143049937.html?src=rss
Last Day: Exhibit your startup with big savings at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024
Don’t miss out! Today is the last day to apply and scale your Series A to B startup at a significantly reduced exhibit cost with the ScaleUp Startup Exhibitor Package. Maximize your startup’s exposure without stretching the budget. Pay just a fraction of the regular exhibit price and showcase your Series A to B startup
© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Don’t miss out! Today is the last day to apply and scale your Series A to B startup at a significantly reduced exhibit cost with the ScaleUp Startup Exhibitor Package. Maximize your startup’s exposure without stretching the budget. Pay just a fraction of the regular exhibit price and showcase your Series A to B startup […]
© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Dailyhunt parent VerSe’s valuation gets slashed 42% to $2.9B: investor note
Indian tech and media startup VerSe, which operates popular news aggregator Dailyhunt, is worth about 42% below its last private valuation, according to estimates by its investor 360 One. The wealth and asset manager disclosed in a June update to its investors that it values VerSe at $2.9 billion, according to an internal document reviewed
© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Indian tech and media startup VerSe, which operates popular news aggregator Dailyhunt, is worth about 42% below its last private valuation, according to estimates by its investor 360 One. The wealth and asset manager disclosed in a June update to its investors that it values VerSe at $2.9 billion, according to an internal document reviewed […]
© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Google increases Chrome bug bounty rewards up to $250,000
Google will pay the most detailed report of RCE in a non-sandboxed process up to $250k as a thank you.
To mark Google Chrome’s 16th anniversary, and its associated Vulnerability Reward Program (VRP)’s 14th birthday, Google has announced a series of updates to the scheme designed to attract security and vulnerability researchers to share details of arising issues.
In a blog post by Information Security Engineer Amy Ressler, the scheme is being described as undergoing an evolution “to incentivize high-quality reporting and deeper research of Chrome vulnerabilities.”
As part of the updates, Google has made up to $250,000 available for demonstrated remote code execution in a non-sandboxed process.
Google increases its Chrome VRP bounties
Ressler shared: “If the RCE in a non-sandboxed process can be achieved without a renderer compromise, it is eligible for an even higher reward, to include the renderer RCE reward.”
Beside memory corruption bugs, Google will also consider reports regarding other vulnerabilities, with rewards ranging from $1,000 to $30,000 based on a scale of lower, moderate and high impact.
The company will also consider MiraclePtr a declarative security boundary, stripping MiraclePtr-protected bugs in non-renderer processes from their security bug status. Consequentially, from Chrome 128, a valid submission of a MiraclePtr bypass could return a reward of up to $250,128, more than double the $100,115 previously available.
Google confirmed: “Reports that don’t demonstrate security impact or the potential for user harm, or are purely reports of theoretical or speculative issues are unlikely to be eligible for a VRP reward.”
Looking ahead, Chrome’s developers have committed to exploring more experimental reward opportunities and evolving its program “to better serve the security community.”
Moreover, Google rolled out updates to its other schemes earlier this summer, with some RCE reports capable of bringing in more than $150,000 in rewards. At the time, information security engineers Sam Erb and Krzysztof Kotowicz explained that Google’s systems have become more secure, thus developers should be eligible for higher rewards.
More from TechRadar Pro
Protect your device with the best endpoint security softwareGoogle is ending its Android app store bug bounty programThese are the best privacy tools and anonymous browsers
Google’s Play Store can finally install or update multiple Android apps at once
Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge
Google Play Store can now download, install, and update multiple Android apps simultaneously. Previously, if you attempted to run all your updates manually, Play Store would only process a single app at a time. Now, as we’ve tested, it can do up to three.
As reported by Android Police, Google has tested concurrent app updates for Play Store before, starting as far back as 2019 and as recently as last March. Now it looks like the speedier updates are rolling out to more users, which could be a huge time saver for people setting up new phones or restoring from a backup. Apple has also supported up to three iOS app installs from the App Store for many years.
Screenshot: Richard Lawler / The Verge
Three simultaneous downloads and installs in action.
Google does not have an announced launch timeline or indication that the feature has arrived on any specific device, which means the limitations on simultaneous downloads and installs are likely server-side. You’ll just have to try updating all your apps manually to see if it’s there.
Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge
Google Play Store can now download, install, and update multiple Android apps simultaneously. Previously, if you attempted to run all your updates manually, Play Store would only process a single app at a time. Now, as we’ve tested, it can do up to three.
As reported by Android Police, Google has tested concurrent app updates for Play Store before, starting as far back as 2019 and as recently as last March. Now it looks like the speedier updates are rolling out to more users, which could be a huge time saver for people setting up new phones or restoring from a backup. Apple has also supported up to three iOS app installs from the App Store for many years.
Screenshot: Richard Lawler / The Verge
Three simultaneous downloads and installs in action.
Google does not have an announced launch timeline or indication that the feature has arrived on any specific device, which means the limitations on simultaneous downloads and installs are likely server-side. You’ll just have to try updating all your apps manually to see if it’s there.
Harnessing the power of AI: a new era for business productivity and efficiency
Success for businesses hinges on having the tools they need to harness their full potential.
The rise of enterprise AI is creating a seismic shift in the technology landscape, comparable in impact to the rise of smartphones in the mid-2000s. And, now, just like then, the effect we’re seeing is more than a trend or ‘phase’; it’s a fundamental reshaping of how we live and work.
For businesses, embracing AI is no longer optional and empowering workforces to adopt it into everyday practices is crucial. The UK’s introduction of the AI Opportunities Action Plan is a testament to this, highlighting that success for all businesses, regardless of size and sector, hinges on having the tools they need to harness their full potential. This means providing businesses, particularly start-ups and scale-ups, with the necessary tools, including refreshed PC estates, IT infrastructure and access to top AI talent. By fostering this environment, the plan promises multiple benefits, including enhanced productivity and efficiency, all while providing businesses with a distinct competitive advantage powered by AI.
Furthermore, analysts are predicting that with an AI-enabled PC, workers can benefit from tools that are more responsive to their needs than ever before. Technology providers, too, are promising that these devices represent a significant leap beyond traditional computing, offering a potent blend of processing power and intelligent features that can redefine and improve processes across organizations. In fact, recent research from Workday’s UK Productivity Gap report has found that UK enterprises using AI may unlock up to £119 billion in productivity.
However, despite the significant benefits that the devices offer, some business leaders still hesitate to invest because of questions about ROI and a lack of solid use cases.
Cost and investment justification
The higher price point of AI PCs, stemming from their specialized hardware and integration complexities, creates hesitation, particularly against a challenging economic backdrop. This reluctance might cause some decision-makers to make selective investments, for example, for technical roles like data scientists or AI specialists only, rather than equipping all regular business users. Many rationalize this approach by pointing out the potential for early adopter costs, as well as limitations in choice and case studies.
The rapid evolution of the technology can make long-term planning a challenge; it’s difficult to justify the potentially substantial upfront investment without a clear and immediate return on investment. However, decision-makers should keep in mind that many businesses are ready, if not already overdue, for a refresh now. Not investing in AI-enabled PCs at the start of the refresh period risks the organization missing out on crucial innovation and productivity gains until it’s time for the next replacement cycle. When we also consider the Windows upgrade cycle, with hardware requirements that older devices can’t meet, perhaps the decision should be based less on the risk of buyer’s remorse and more on ensuring the business sets up its team members for the future.
Tellingly, our Innovation Catalyst research revealed widespread understanding across EMEA that AI will play a transformative role in industries. Businesses are accepting that integration of AI tools is soon to become inevitable and largely unavoidable. The research also suggests that businesses across EMEA are broadly optimistic about the ability of AI-powered machines to augment human capabilities significantly.
I, for one, am fascinated by what a future defined by AI will look like and what effect the transformative power of AI PCs will have on our workforce.
Enhancing human potential
AI-enabled PCs are not just about raw computing power. Our research found that business leaders also believe that AI-enabled PCs are designed to amplify human ingenuity, acting as intelligent partners that can streamline workflows, automate repetitive processes, and provide instant access to information. This allows more time for strategic thinking and creative problem-solving, which are crucial for driving innovation and achieving business success in today’s competitive landscape.
According to the UK Productivity Gap report, embracing AI’s full capabilities would save employees 2.9 hours each, allowing them to spend more time on strategic thinking and creative problem-solving to drive innovation and achieve business success in today’s competitive landscape.
Increased productivity and efficiencies should lead to faster turnaround times, improved project outcomes, and better use of available resources. And with features such as Copilot+ embedded within AI PCs providing instant access to information and insights, professionals can make smarter, data-driven decisions. Automating repetitive tasks and streamlining work also reduces the cognitive load on the workforce, leading to a reduction in stress levels and improved engagement.
Unprecedented productivity gains
When it comes to the hardware itself, dedicated AI processors (NPUs) seamlessly handle AI workloads, enabling CPUs and GPUs to run other applications with unparalleled efficiency. The device itself benefits from more intelligent processing and enhanced performance, which in turn unlocks a new level of efficiency and productivity for the end user.
With dedicated NPUs, AI-enabled PCs can simultaneously process AI-intensive tasks, such as image recognition, natural language processing, and machine learning, without compromising the performance of other applications. This allows professionals to run complex simulations, analyze large datasets, and perform other demanding tasks while maintaining a smooth and responsive user experience. The potential of AI revolutionizing productivity is significant, with the International Monetary Fund estimating that the UK could see productivity gains of up to 1.5 per cent in the long term.
These capabilities of AI-enabled PCs are particularly beneficial for professionals who need to work on multiple projects or applications simultaneously. For example, a designer can simultaneously edit high-resolution images, run 3D rendering software, and communicate with clients via video conferencing, all without experiencing any lag or performance issues.
Maximizing ROI with enhanced services
Research by Zartis in collaboration with Censuswide found that 42% of UK executives cite that return on investment after an AI PC refresh is a primary concern. It’s imperative to prioritize a seamless transition that maximizes value and minimizes disruption, encouraging businesses to make the leap and show that the initial investment can be offset by leveraging comprehensive service offerings that are available through technology partners.
Partners that facilitate connection to a broader ecosystem of software and expertise can provide tremendous support through the transition. They can assist with strategic planning and deployment, using their deep understanding of AI technologies and best practices to help organizations avoid common pitfalls and minimize any costly downtime.
Similarly, proactive monitoring and maintenance services provided by partners ensure optimal performance at all times. These services include regular software updates, hardware diagnostics, and remote support, ensuring that AI PCs are continually operating at peak efficiency.
Intelligent services powered by AI can analyse device usage patterns and identify opportunities for optimisation. In this way, services can provide bespoke insights and recommendations on how best to improve performance, reduce costs, and enhance the user experience. By continuously monitoring and optimizing the PC fleet through AI, organizations can better derive value and support business objectives, which can ultimately lead to improved ROI.
AI and PCs will become more ubiquitous in the workplace, especially for organisations looking to equip their workforce with the technology and skills they need to thrive in the modern workplace. GenAI is the next giant leap for PC technology, promising to bring unseen levels of productivity and efficiency to businesses worldwide. Just as the introduction of the PC 40 years ago revolutionized the way we work, GenAI will shape the future of the PC-human experience, unlocking new possibilities for growth and innovation.
We’ve featured the best AI website builder.
This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro’s Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro