Posts by Mike Knight
Google Unveils AI-Powered Holiday Planning Features
Google is rolling out a suite of new features (many powered by generative AI) across its core platforms to help users plan their summer holidays with greater ease and personalisation. Tools For Inspiration and Planning It appears that the update spanning Search, Maps, Lens, and Gemini, is designed to keep Google front and centre as…
Read MoreCroydon First Place To Get Permanent Facial Recognition Cameras
It’s been reported that Croydon is set to become the first place in the UK (and possibly the democratic world) to host permanent live facial recognition (LFR) cameras on its streets. Two Fixed Units This Summer The Metropolitan Police has confirmed the installation of two fixed units in the town centre this summer, the first…
Read MoreNHS Supplier Fined £3m Over 2022 Ransomware Failures
A software provider to the NHS has been fined £3.07 million after serious security lapses allowed hackers to steal sensitive personal data in a 2022 ransomware attack. A Breach With Real-World Impact The penalty, issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), follows a detailed investigation into Advanced Computer Software Group Ltd. In August 2022, the…
Read MoreNew Algorithm Makes Quantum Simulations 10x More Efficient
UK startup Phasecraft says its new THRIFT algorithm makes quantum simulations 10 times larger and longer, potentially unlocking major breakthroughs in materials, energy, and climate tech. Breakthrough Phasecraft, a Bristol- and London-based quantum computing startup, has announced what it calls the most significant leap yet in quantum simulation efficiency. Its new algorithm, THRIFT, allows simulations…
Read MoreChatGPT’s False Murder Claim
In this week’s featured article, we look at how a false murder claim by ChatGPT has fuelled fresh concerns over AI accuracy and hallucinations. A Father Falsely Accused by AI In quite a shocking story, a Norwegian man has filed a formal complaint after ChatGPT falsely claimed he murdered two of his sons! The case,…
Read MoreGoogle’s $32 Billion Bet on Wiz
Google Cloud has just signed one of the biggest cybersecurity deals in history with a bold $32 billion all-cash agreement to acquire Wiz, a fast-growing cloud security firm. Awaiting Approval The deal, still subject to regulatory approval, signals Google’s most aggressive move yet to close the gap with rivals Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft…
Read MoreCouncil Says AI Could Save Them £60m
In a new internal report, Cheshire East Council says it could save as much as £60 million over the next five years by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). Smart Technology Shift The report highlights how AI could transform everything from customer service to social care, while tackling the authority’s ongoing financial struggles. The plan is part…
Read MoreCable-Cutting : Cat And Mouse
New fibre optic sensing technology is being deployed under the Baltic Sea to detect and deter sabotage attempts on Europe’s critical subsea data cables. Subsea Cables Carry the World’s Internet Many people may not know that nearly all global internet traffic depends on cables running across the seabed. Although these are slender fibre optic lines,…
Read MoreHP’s Toner-Blocking Settlement
HP has (quietly) settled a class action lawsuit over claims it deliberately blocked customers from using third-party toner cartridges in its printers, without paying a penny in damages. Locking Out Third-Party Toner The lawsuit centred on HP’s controversial Dynamic Security feature, i.e. software designed to detect and reject toner cartridges not produced by HP itself.…
Read MoreElectric Vehicles ‘Charged in 5 Mins’
Chinese automaker BYD says its new megawatt charging platform could eliminate range anxiety and double Tesla’s speed, but how does it work, and what could this mean for UK drivers? Charges As Quickly As Filling A Petrol Tank According to Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD, EV charging is about to get a serious upgrade. BYD…
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