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Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update redesigns default app settings, potentially making it easier for users to select their preferred apps without constant prompts toward Microsoft apps like Edge.

The new changes in Windows 11’s settings aim to streamline how users select their default apps, addressing longstanding complaints about the difficulty of switching from Microsoft’s default programsMicrosoft’s insistence on setting Edge as the default for certain link types, like hyperlinks in Outlook and Teams, has caused frustration among users and app developers. Microsoft claims this was meant to improve workflow, but it has spurred criticism about limiting user choiceThis update, discovered by Windows observer Albacore in a Windows 11 preview build, is still in development. Microsoft’s willingness to adjust the default app settings could signal a shift toward more user-friendly options, though it remains to be seen if the final implementation will fully address user concerns

Microsoft has taken to redesigning Windows 11’s settings for its default apps, bringing changes to how people choose their preferred apps in the operating system (OS). This will affect apps that automatically open certain types of files or web links. It’s suspected to have to do with Microsoft’s reluctance to let users pick an app not made by the company, such as using the Chrome web browser instead of Microsoft Edge, for example.

The tech giant has been fairly forceful in trying to steer users towards its own browser that comes installed on new Windows 10 or 11. It’s become a common point of complaint for users, as lots of us have own own apps that we prefer to use.

Microsoft is also sometimes suspected of making it hard to change what apps you use by default. Neowin found evidence that indicates that Microsoft deliberately added parts to its software to make modifications when users change their default apps. When speaking to Neowin in May 2023, Microsoft expalined that it added a modification that defaulted hyperlinks included in messages in Outlook and Teams to be opened with Edge. Apparently, this was meant to improve users’ workflow.

This position by Microsoft has triggered complaints from other software companies and individual users alike, which Neowin describes in-depth, as some feel the company has an unfair advantage. Luckily, it looks like Microsoft might actually be listening to these complains and making some user interface (UI) changes in the page about default app choices in the Settings app.

(Image credit: Shutterstock/Mojahid Mottakin)

We expect to see new default-app related settings soon

The development was discovered and shared by X user and eager Windows observer Albacore, who often shares peeks of the newest additions and changes in Windows 11. This is a part of a recently released Windows 11 version 24H2 preview build (build number KB5045885), which was released in the Dev Channel of the Windows Insider Program.

The change is still in development, with the rest of the new page in the Settings app being mostly filled with placeholder labels such as one titled “Set a default for a file type or link type.”

If Microsoft fleshes this out, it could be seen as evidence that the company is still thinking about the user experience of its products. People want to be able to customize their user experience, and it can be especially annoying when Microsoft puts artificial blocks to changes to force people to use apps that they might not want to. We’ll have to see if Microsoft’s efforts bear fruit or if they fall by the wayside as the Windows 11 preview build makes its way with testers.

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The QA talent shortage exposes vulnerabilities, but test management strategies optimize efficiency and safeguard security.

This year has seen an increase in businesses addressing a wide range of software vulnerabilities. Most recently, the CrowdStrike outage caused thousands of flight cancellations and disruptions for companies relying on devices running Windows 10 and 11 in their daily operations. This highlights the critical need for rigorous, high-quality testing to prevent similar incidents. Software engineers and quality assurance (QA) testers are working diligently to mitigate and keep up with the rise of such events. However, a significant roadblock is exacerbating the problem: shortage of technically skilled, qualified talent to meet the increasing requirements of the modern QA/test engineer.

Job openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are projected to grow by a significant 17% between 2023 and 2032. If this gap remains unfilled, the United States economy stands to lose $162 billion in annual revenue. The growing complexity of software, coupled with rapid technological advancements, makes it increasingly difficult for companies to find skilled professionals. This shortage leaves organizations of all sizes vulnerable to escalating defects, delays, and cyberattacks.

Organizations must focus on optimizing their QA processes to mitigate the impact of the QA talent shortage. Testing and QA are essential in safeguarding against these threats. By leveraging the proper tools and software platforms, teams can streamline test planning, execution, and reporting, freeing up valuable time for higher-level and more specialized testing.

The QA talent shortage

Entire enterprises, especially their software development departments, are under immense pressure to ensure that system vulnerabilities are identified and addressed before they potentially escalate into major security breaches. Unfortunately, many development teams struggle to keep pace with increasingly rapid technological advancements. A recent Harvard Business Review article noted that some tech skills become outdated in as little as 2.5 years. This quick turnover is particularly problematic for QA engineers within development teams, where deep expertise in testing and processes is essential to maintaining software quality.

As systems grow more interconnected and the environments in which they operate become more complex, even the most experienced professionals find it difficult to stay ahead of emerging threats. Without adequate personnel, QA professionals are often bogged down with repetitive, low-level tasks—such as manual testing or bug triaging—leaving little time to focus on strategic priorities such as vulnerability management and advanced threat mitigation. This creates bottlenecks that can delay projects, weaken security, and limit the organization’s ability to seize market opportunities.

For organizations looking to thrive in today’s fast-paced tech landscape, addressing the QA talent shortage is no longer just an operational concern—it’s a business imperative.

Software vulnerabilities: the growing concern

Software vulnerabilities pose significant operational and financial challenges for organizations. Unaddressed defects lead to delays in time to market, higher development costs, and missed business opportunities. Software that lacks rigorous testing not only hampers efficiency but also exposes the company to long-term reputational harm. Without experienced and capable QA-focused engineers on development teams, these issues will continue to escalate, stalling the entire development pipeline and driving up costs.

As these operational setbacks compound and technology continues advancing, cybersecurity threats’ growth in both sophistication and complexity makes them increasingly difficult to detect and prevent. Without proper QA processes in place, businesses are exposed and vulnerable to disastrous breaches. According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach is projected to reach $4.88 million by 2024, emphasizing the financial pressure organizations face to prevent these incidents. For industries like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, the stakes are even higher. Not only do they risk financial and reputational damage, but they also face legal repercussions and regulatory penalties for failing to safeguard sensitive data.

The solution to the QA talent gap

While the QA talent shortage presents a significant challenge, companies can take strategic steps to mitigate its impact. One of the most effective approaches is optimizing QA processes by leveraging advanced test management tools. These tools help alleviate some of the pressure on development teams by creating highly visible and transparent metrics for continuous state of quality monitoring for a product or software development life cycle, and they also significantly enhance overall software quality and speed to market.

Modern test management platforms streamline the entire testing lifecycle—from planning and execution to tracking and reporting. By centralizing these processes, entire development teams can collaborate effortlessly, track progress in real time, and ensure thorough, timely testing. These platforms also strengthen collaboration between departments, supporting a more cohesive and agile software development process that adapts easily to shifting requirements.

QA teams can improve both efficiency and development timelines by leveraging common test management platform features such as templates or various integration options, which can free up their skilled individuals to focus on higher-priority testing, such as vulnerability assessments and complex test scenarios. Test management platforms enable software development teams to scale testing efforts without increasing headcount, risking stability, or compromising on security, a critical advantage in the face of a talent shortage.

The QA talent shortage is a growing concern, and the risks posed by software vulnerabilities and high impact production defects are only becoming more severe. Testing and QA are an essential step in preventing cyber-attacks and defects from having debilitating effects on businesses. Organizations that proactively address the QA talent gap and strengthen their testing capabilities will be well-positioned to tackle future challenges and protect against the rising threat of software vulnerabilities. By investing in innovative technology and tools, organizations can ensure that their software vulnerabilities are minimized and their software testing and quality practices remain strong, even in a challenging talent market.

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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

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Android 15 is adopting a standard called Wi-Fi Ranging so you won’t get lost without a GPS signal.

Android 15 is adding support for Wi-Fi RangingIt locates devices indoors via Wi-Fi signal strengthHardware support hasn’t yet rolled out

Google Maps works great when you need to get from point A to point B outdoors, but what about when you’re trying to get from one end of a shopping mall to another? The latest Android 15 update should make that kind of indoor navigation more straightforward.

As spotted by Android Authority, Android 15 now supports a new location technology known as Wi-Fi Ranging: it uses the varying strength of signals from Wi-Fi access points to figure out whereabouts you are.

Technically known as IEEE 802.11az, the Wi-Fi Ranging protocol is accurate to less than a meter (just over three feet) and offers a high level of security and bandwidth (so it should keep working in crowded places).

Most buildings now have a multitude of Wi-Fi hotspots in them, and while Wi-Fi Ranging doesn’t actually connect you to these networks, it can triangulate a position from the different signal strengths as you move around.

Find my device

As yet, phones such as the Pixel 9 don’t have Wi-Fi Ranging support (Image credit: Future)

While there are already several standards in place for indoor tracking, Wi-Fi Ranging does offer a few advantages: compared to Bluetooth and ultra-wideband, it’s cheaper, it scales up better, and it works across longer distances (while being slightly less accurate).

Google has suggested numerous ways in which the tech can be used, from guiding you towards the right part of a store to find the product you’re after, to making smart home apps more intelligent (as you won’t have to say which room you’re in).

Now for the bad news: this requires hardware as well as software support, and (as far as we can tell) it’s not available on any current handsets at the moment. Hopefully that will change in the future, as the software standard gets finalized in Android 15.

Although Android 15 has yet to make it to many phones beyond Google’s own Pixel series, Android 16 is already on the horizon: we know it’s going to turn up in the first half of 2025, and we already have some ideas about the features it’ll include.

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Stellar Blade will finally receive a photo mode feature next week, alongside Nier: Automata downloadable content (DLC).

Stellar Blade’s next update finally has a release dateThe game will receive its long-awaited photo-mode featureNew Nier: Automata downloadable content will be added

Stellar Blade will finally receive a photo mode feature next week, alongside Nier: Automata downloadable content (DLC).

In a new PlayStation Blog post, developer Shift Up confirmed that the next major update will arrive on November 20 and introduce a host of new features, including the highly-anticipated collaboration with Nier: Automata, a game that “significantly inspired Stellar Blade“.

According to Shift Up, the collaboration between Stellar Blade‘s director Kim Hyung Tae, and Nier: Automata‘s director Yoko Taro “marked by mutual respect and creativity, led to this successful outcome.”

With the DLC, players can discover a collection of Nier-inspired costumes for Eve and her friends, including those designed after 2B, A2, Kainé, and Emil.

“Emil’s Shop makes a surprise appearance in the world of Stellar Blade where eleven different collaboration-special items will be available,” the post reads. “Items that intertwine the best of both games, leading you to a more enriched world.”

Alongside the Nier DLC, the PS5 exclusive will also finally get a photo mode, which will allow players to pose Eve and her companions, and dress them up in different outfits featured in the game.

The update will also add four new costumes and one new accessory called ‘Symbol of Legacy’, a “No Ponytail” option in the settings, as well as the ability to now select a specific song from camp turntables.

Lip-sync support for six additional languages – French, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, and Latin American Spanish – will also be added.

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What If…? season 3’s first trailer teases a Power Rangers-inspired Avengers story, ties to X-Men 97, and some evil-looking Watchers.

The first trailer for What If…? season 3 has been released onlineOne of the Marvel TV show’s final eight episodes will feature Storm from X-Men 97Season 3 will debut on December 22, with new episodes airing daily until December 30

The first trailer for What If…? season 3 has been released online – and the animated show’s final installment will feature a curious crossover with X-Men 97.

Well, sort of. The Marvel TV series’ third and final season, which makes its Disney Plus debut on December 22, will include a story starring – or, at the very least, featuring – Storm, who’ll be voiced by none other than X-Men 97 actor Alison Sealy-Smith. The weather-controlling, omega-level mutant superhero, whose real name is Ororo Munroe, won’t show up as a member of the X-Men, though. As season 3’s trailer reveals, in one of the Marvel multiverse’s seemingly infinite realities, it’s Storm, not Thor, who wields the hammer known as Mjolnir and is this universe’s Goddess of Thunder.

It’s unclear which episode Storm will show up in. However, she’s seen battling the tentacled leviathan that Captain Carter fought in What If…?‘s first season, so it’s possible that Carter enlists Storm’s help to combat the eldritch titan. The teaser certainly makes out that this will be the case, with Carter and Kahhori – the latter being a brand-new Marvel character who was introduced in season 2 – discussing the prospect of calling for aid to defeat an off-screen foe. Marvel has previous form for misdirecting audiences in its trailers though, so I suspect the Carter and Kahhori-starring scene, plus the Storm-led one, towards the end of season 3’s trailer aren’t part of the same episode.

Regardless, season 3 of the Marvel Phase 5 TV series, whose release date was previously announced when Marvel revealed its full TV lineup for late 2024 and all of 2025, will be the animated offering’s final season. And, with the comic-book giant set to call time on Uatu the Watcher’s journey through the multiverse, it seems that Marvel is going all out to make What If…?‘s final hurrah the biggest and best season yet.

We already knew that season 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) show would feature an episode centered on a buddy-cop road trip starring Bucky Barner/The Winter Soldier and Red Guardian. Indeed, in December 2023, a season 3 sneak peek, which you can view above, was released as a post-credits season 2 stinger.

The arrival of What If…? season 3’s first teaser, though, gives us a much clearer picture of the other stories that’ll be part of the animated anthology show’s last outing on Disney Plus, aka one of the world’s best streaming services. One of the more promising episodes appears to be a Power Rangers / general Mecha-inspired entry, which sees Sam Wilson’s Captain America lead a new Avengers team against a kaiju-sized threat. Part of that tale will see Earth’s Mightiest Heroes control giant robots (otherwise known as mechs) that, when combined, form a Power Rangers-style Megazord. Color me incredibly intrigued.

There are plenty of other interesting-looking narratives that’ll comprise season 3’s eight-episode run. A Shang-Chi and Kate Bishop western team-up, the return of Oscar Isaac as Moon Knight and X-Men villain Apocalypse, the arrival of some evil-looking Watchers (better *ahem* watch yourself, Uatu…), and an Eternals-centric story starring Agatha Harkness, aka everyone’s favorite bewitching anti-hero from WandaVision and Agatha All Along, are just some of the other potential festive treats that lie in store for us. Carter and Kahhori notwithstanding, we’ll also be reunited with Nebula and Howard the Duck, who featured in season 2 episode 1.

Will season 3 be epic enough to finally secure What If…? a spot in our best Disney Plus shows guide? Based on its positive ratings on Rotten Tomatoes (RT), you could argue that it deserves a place now, but we know that RT users only account for a fraction of a series’ global fanbase. In short: season 3 will need to wow more people if it’s going to earn a permanent position on said list.

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FiiO’s BTR17 boasts support for LDAC, aptX Adaptive 96kHz/24-bit and aptX Low Latency and a special desktop mode for power-hungry headphones.

Lossless audio via aptX AdaptiveLDAC, aptX Adaptive 96kHz/24-bit and aptX Low LatencyDesktop mode for hard-to-drive headphones

Bluetooth doesn’t have the best reputation for sound quality. That’s often because many devices, especially more affordable ones, don’t use the latest versions of Bluetooth and the higher resolution codecs it offers. But as we demonstrated when we checked out FiiO’s BTR 7 Bluetooth DAC last year, with the right hardware and codec support, you can get sensational audio without wires.

FiiO has just launched an even more capable Bluetooth DAC, the BTR 17. And it promises spectacular sound without a sky-high price tag.

FiiO BTR 17: key features and pricing

The star of the show is the flagship Qualcomm Bluetooth platform QCC5181, which supports aptX Lossless. With 2.1Mbps of transmission bandwidth that means CD quality lossless audio with compatible headphones. It also supports Sony’s LDAC, aptX Adaptive 96kHz/24-bit and aptX Low Latency.

The processor is an XMOS 16-core XU316 teamed up with two ESS ES9069Q DACs and four-way full balanced THX AAA 78+ amps, the same amp we’ve already seen in the splendid FiiO M23 digital audio player. You can run it from an external power supply to run high-powered headphones without worrying about draining the battery. There are three modes: PC powered, Bluetooth DAC/amp, and phone dongle.

FiiO is very pleased with the latest version of its PEQ adjustment algorithms, which are designed to fine-tune the audio to simulate or correct the frequency response of various headphones; you can also import EQ curves from others, or share your own.

The new FiiO BTR 17 is available now for $199/£199 (which is around AU$305, based on the price in US dollars). If we’re lucky enough to get our hands on one for a thorough review, we think it could even feature in our mini roundup of the best wireless DACs to seriously upgrade the music from your phone… 

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GoDaddy debuts new API intergration.

GoDaddy has launched a new way to support small businessesUsers of third-party tools will now be able to access GoDaddy’s AI tools Tailor Brands is the first partner to use the new API

GoDaddy is looking to enhance its position as one of the best website builders by using a new tactic to broaden its user base. The company has started a reseller program in the form of a Website Builder API integration aimed at third-party platforms, starting with business services provider Tailor Brands. This new API, which will officially launch in the months ahead, lets GoDaddy’s Website Builder connect directly to partner platforms, making it more accessible to those in the early stages of a new business.

This API integration widens the partnership possibilities for GoDaddy by streamlining the experience of building a website on third-party platforms. For instance, Tailor Brands’ customers can access GoDaddy’s website creation tools directly from the Tailor Brands platform without switching away from the LLC formation and brand-building services platform.

The GoDaddy Website Builder API includes many features that leverage AI, including the GoDaddy Airo Website Builder. The AI integration lets users generate site content based on information shared with the AI, along with product descriptions deciphered from uploaded images. It also includes an AI-powered marketing assistant to help customers decide what content to add.

“Many users of our Website Builder have shared how it has helped them save time and money while growing their businesses. With this new API integration, we’re making these tools accessible to even more people and invite potential partners to see all that GoDaddy has to offer,” said Oliver Hoare, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at GoDaddy. “Companies who want the ability to sell websites but don’t have the funds or means to build can now partner with GoDaddy.”

AI in website building 

The Website Builder API also provides access to analytics and related data tools that let users track how the site is performing. The AI comes into play here too, with social media tools that can write content and schedule the publication of that content based on dates in the marketing year.

The API can also help run other business tasks. For example, users could use it to handle online appointment scheduling, run e-commerce transactions, and even complete online payments. This scalability is intended to support small businesses at various stages of growth.

This new reseller program hints at how GoDaddy wants to set an industry standard for small business owners seeking AI-fueled website builders. API integration could lead to wider adoption of GoDaddy’s Website Builder in general, helping the company set a benchmark that would, at least for a while, be ahead of some of its rivals.

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You’ll have to be quick to grab the limited edition handheld, and you’ll also pay a premium too.

Steam Deck OLED in white will be a limited edition available in all regionsIt’ll come with a matching white carry case and microfiber cleaning clothThe price of the new white model will be hiked by 5%

Valve has announced a limited edition of the Steam Deck OLED which will come in white instead of the traditional black color scheme.

That’s the main change with this Steam Deck OLED: Limited Edition White model, to give the handheld its full title, which is going to be released on November 18, 2024.

Other than the white color – with grey trim – this limited edition model is the same as the existing Steam Deck OLED with 1TB storage, except the price has been jacked up a little bit. In the US, the new white Steam Deck is $679, which is $30 more than the standard black model, with price increases presumably in line with that 5% hike in other regions.

Yes, the white Steam Deck is set to be available in all regions that already sell the device, including the US, UK, and Australia – in the latter country, the limited edition model will ship alongside the other Steam Decks that are only just arriving, on November 19. (Valve notes that Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong will be served via Komodo).

The Steam Deck OLED: Limited Edition White comes with a white carry case, and a white microfiber cleaning cloth by way of matching accessories.

Analysis: Once it’s gone, it’s gone…

If you’d rather have a white handheld, then this is your chance to grab one, with the caveat that it is a limited edition, so the new OLED flavor could sell out quite swiftly. Valve says it has “stock allocated proportionally across each region” but as ever, when that stock is gone, it’s gone. Valve has also clarified that it “will not be making more of this particular design” once it has sold through.

In the interests of fair play, purchases are limited to one unit per Steam account to defend against potential scalpers (and you can’t just open a new account to grab a unit, either).

For those who miss out, or fancy a different color than either black or white, there’s always the option of custom backplates, or full skins, sold by all manner of third-party firms in all sorts of weird and wonderful shades. That’s not quite the same as the handheld being a different color natively, of course, but it’s a decent compromise, and one that offers a whole load of options for Steam Deck owners.

We will, of course, get a whole new look with the Steam Deck 2, although the sequel to the portable isn’t expected until at least 2026 – but it promises to be a beefy upgrade.

Via VideoCardz

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The free camera adapter you need to play the original PlayStation VR on PS5 is being discontinued soon.

Sony is discontinuing its PlayStation Camera adapter for PS5The accessory is offered for free on the official PlayStation websitePlayers will have until November 26, 2024 to claim one

Sony is set to discontinue distribution of its free PlayStation VR camera adapter for PS5 in just two weeks’ time.

The adapter is required for PlayStation Camera compatibility on PS5, thus allowing owners of the original PlayStation VR headset to use it and play its games on Sony’s current-generation console.

As per the accessory’s official support page, you’ll have until November 26, 2024 “or until supplies last” before Sony discontinues it for good. If you still need to claim one before then, you can do so by signing into your PlayStation account on the website and filling out a brief form. Sony will then ship the camera adapter to you at no cost.

On the face of it, it does seem like pretty terrible news. Outside of any potential firmware updates in the future, the PSVR 2 headset is not backwards compatible with original PlayStation VR games.

After November 26, you’ll need to rely on third-party adapters or keep a PS4 on hand if you’d ever like to play titles like Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown or Wipeout Omega Collection in VR. And sadly, no; bizarrely, the PS5 HD Camera also isn’t compatible with the original PlayStation VR.

At the same time, it’s understandable why Sony would move to discontinue the adapter eventually. In all likelihood, it probably hasn’t been in active production for some time, and the amount of folks who use the original PlayStation VR headset on PS5 likely isn’t astronomical.

Hopefully, then, Sony can help offset the loss of the adapter with some strong updates to PSVR 2. Backwards compatibility is a must at this point, and with Sony recently enabling PC support for PSVR 2, having the option to play original PlayStation VR titles on it doesn’t seem like too much of a stretch to offer.

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Data centres, which already account for 46% of enterprise energy spend, could soon become unsustainable.

There’s no denying the impact AI is already having on data centers and energy use. If left unchecked, the situation is only going to get worse. A recent IDC report reveals that with AI adoption skyrocketing, the energy needed to support AI workloads is set to soar, with data center electricity consumption expected to more than double between 2023 and 2028. AI-driven workloads alone are projected to grow at a staggering compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 44.7% through 2027, with energy demands reaching a massive 146.2 TWh. The implications are stark – data centers, which already account for 46% of enterprise energy spend, could soon become unsustainable.

That, of course, cannot happen. But with AI workloads rapidly increasing, data centers have to evolve quickly and manage the prospect of a new energy crisis, with rising electricity prices driven by geopolitical instability in the Middle East. The growing influence of AI tools across industries – from healthcare to financial services – is undeniable. However, an AI-powered search uses 100 times more energy than a non-AI-powered search, while building foundational AI models can consume enough energy to power 20,000 homes for six months.

A solution?

An Atlantic Ventures report, Improving Sustainability in Data Centers 2024, suggests a solution, revealing how next-generation data center architectures, like hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI), can reduce energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, and drive cost savings across the EMEA region. In just six years, the report finds that modernizing data centers with HCI could save up to 19 million tCO2e in the EMEA region, equivalent to the emissions of almost 4.1 million cars. It could also save €25 billion by 2030 from improved energy and operational efficiencies.

As organizations integrate AI across operations and come to terms with the sheer scale of energy consumption, HCI could reduce the risk of spiraling costs and ensure sustainability goals are not missed. But it’s not just about HCI, it’s about how organizations work with AI. Focus should shift to optimising where and how AI workloads are processed, using modernisation to manage workloads more intelligently. This makes so much more sense than to just keep building more energy-efficient data centers.

This is important, as we have to take into account how AI works and where the demands for power are going to increase. While many organizations are captivated by the energy consumption required to train foundational AI models, for example, it is inferencing – the real-time decision-making AI performs – where the bulk of the energy is spent.

Foundational model training happens once but inferencing is a continuous process that happens millions of times, especially with AI-driven applications like fraud detection or predictive maintenance. Optimizing inferencing, particularly at the edge, could be the silver bullet data centers need to manage AI energy demands more efficiently.

Turning to renewable energy

As the IDC report suggests, more data center providers need to turn to renewable energy sources, but they also need to rethink their infrastructure. Hybrid cloud, edge computing, and on-premise systems offer a way to balance AI’s energy demands by distributing workloads more intelligently.

Processing data closer to its source with edge computing, for example, reduces the energy needed to transfer large datasets back and forth from centralized servers. Meanwhile, hybrid cloud computing environments can handle the computationally intense AI training tasks, leaving real-time inferencing to occur on-premise or at the edge.

Edge computing also plays a pivotal role by processing data closer to where it’s generated, such as in retail stores or IoT devices. This not only improves response times but also significantly reduces the energy required for inferencing.

Modern infrastructure is crucial to managing AI’s energy demands and a containerized platform, designed to handle both CPUs and GPUs, is necessary to run AI workloads efficiently. Storage also becomes critical, as AI typically deals with unstructured data like files and objects. By investing in high-performance storage systems and optimized compute stacks, businesses can significantly reduce the energy required to run AI applications.

Moreover, the ability to measure and manage energy consumption is critical. Platforms that provide real-time visibility into energy use enable data centers to optimize every stage of AI processing – from training to inferencing. Even a 10% improvement in energy efficiency, according to the IDC report, can lead to substantial savings.

Real-time decision-making

Rather than focusing solely on the immense energy costs of training foundational models, businesses need to pay attention to how often these models are used in real-time decision-making. Compressing models, refining their structure, and running them on platforms designed for efficiency will be key in reducing AI’s overall energy footprint. For example, we have developed container platforms and high-performance storage solutions specifically tailored for AI inferencing, offering businesses a way to optimize their AI workloads and temper their energy demands.

The true cost of AI is no longer just about performance and innovation, it’s about the energy required to sustain it. As organisations ramp up their AI initiatives, the question isn’t whether they can afford to invest in AI but whether they can afford the energy it consumes. With hybrid infrastructure and a focus on efficient inferencing, businesses have a way to temper this energy surge. Otherwise, those that ignore this reality may soon find their data centers at the mercy of an AI energy crisis.

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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

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