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Upgraded I.T, 7 Morley Lane, Huddersfield (2026)

17/12/2023

You've got a ton of stuff to juggle, and staying productive is vital… so I’ve got a helpful tip if you use a Mac… Split View.

It gives you the power to run two windows side-by-side in full-screen mode, so you can tackle your tasks with laser focus while keeping distractions to a minimum.

But there's more. You can adjust window sizes, swap positions, and even share content between them.

Here’s how to get started:

Look at the top-left corner of any app window for the traffic light buttons. Hover over the green button. A secret menu will pop up with options like "Enter Full Screen”, "Tile Window to Left of Screen”, or "Tile Window to Right of Screen”. Pick the second or third option.

Once you've chosen your side, your app will take up half of your screen. Now, you can select another app to join the Split View on the other side of your screen.

You're not stuck with Apple's default arrangement. Notice that black line between the two Split View apps? Click and drag it to resize each app's window and customise how much of the screen they occupy. Double-click the line to revert to the original sizes.

If you want to replace one of the apps in Split View, it's easy. Click the app window, hover your pointer over the green button, and select "Replace Tiled Window." Choose your new app, and your new Split View setup is ready.

Exiting Split View is easy too. Click one of the apps in Split View, hover over its green maximise button, and select "Move Window to Desktop." Your app will return to its previous size. The other app that disappeared is still around, either in the App Switcher (Cmd+Tab) or in Mission Control (Ctrl+Up).

Here's a bonus – you can move content between apps in Split View by simply dragging and dropping. Need to transfer an image from your web browser to a Notes document? Simple!

Did you know about this feature or will you be racing to try it out?

https://www.techradar.com/computing/mac-os/how-to-use-split-view-on-a-mac

16/12/2023

You know as well as I do that Microsoft is always cooking up something cool. This time it's all about boosting your device's energy efficiency and extending precious battery life.

Let me set the scene… you're in the middle of a productive day, bouncing between meetings, emails, and spreadsheets. Your laptop's battery is your lifeline, and you want it to last as long as possible. That's where the new energy saver mode in Windows 11 comes to the rescue.

Energy saver mode takes the existing battery saver feature and turns it up a notch. While it’s preserving your laptop's battery it's also using less energy. And here's the really cool part – it's not just for laptops with batteries. Desktop PCs can get in on the energy-saving action.

You can toggle this feature on and off directly from the Quick Settings panel. When it's on, your device goes into energy-saving mode, which means it'll use less energy from the wall.

Microsoft is also improving the Quick Settings panel, making it faster and smoother to use. And managing VPN settings in Quick Settings is getting easier – it's a single click to turn it on or off. Simple.

There's a new addition for Wi-Fi connectivity too. You'll now have a refresh button in the Quick Settings Wi-Fi panel. No more hunting for the right network – just give it a refresh, and you're good to go.

Microsoft is also rolling out some helpful notifications for Microsoft accounts on the Settings homepage. It's all about keeping your data secure and helping you manage your subscriptions effortlessly.

If you haven’t upgraded to Windows 11 yet, what are you waiting for? Need a hand? Get in touch.

https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/windows-11-is-getting-an-enhanced-energy-saver-mode-that-will-trade-off-system-performance-to-extend-battery-life

15/12/2023

Elon Musk, the billionaire behind rockets, electric cars, and everything in between, recently introduced his AI chatbot called "Grok." So far, so good, right? Well, it gets interesting…

Turns out, there's another player in the tech game called Groq, and they've got a thing or two to say. Groq is all about AI chips, and they've been around for a while. They're not mad, but they've got some concerns. You see, when people hear "Grok," they may think of Groq, and it's causing a bit of confusion.

Groq's CEO, Jonathan Ross (no, not that one), decided to have some fun with this whole situation. First, he used his own AI magic to come up with a new name for Elon's AI – Slartibartfast. Yes, it's from the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Then, he cheekily pointed out how much faster AI runs on Groq's chips compared to the alternative. That's some friendly competition right there.

But now, they've taken it up a notch and sent Elon a "cease and desist" letter. They're keeping it light and amusing. Groq basically said, "Hey Elon, we're Groq, and you're Grok. They're super similar, and we own the trademark. Can you change the name, pretty please?"

Ross really stands by that Slartibartfast suggestion. It's fun, quirky, and totally in line with Elon's idea of a sarcastic bot inspired by the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

But why should Elon change the name? Well, apart from avoiding confusion, it's just good manners.

Elon, being Elon, has been silent about all of this so far. Who knows if he'll actually change the name? Do you think a potential legal battle will bother the billionaire?

https://www.techdirt.com/2023/11/30/groq-sends-elons-grok-a-cease-desist-though-a-funny-one/

14/12/2023

This week we celebrate a milestone that changed the way we surf the web.

Can you guess what it is?

It's been 15 incredible years since Google dropped the first stable version of our beloved Chrome browser in December 2008.

Fast forward to today, and Chrome has become THE web browser, ruling the digital kingdom with grace and speed. With its sleek design, lightning-fast performance, and a universe of extensions, Chrome has made our online adventures smoother than ever.

Remember the days of clunky browsers and endless buffering? Thankfully, they’re a distant memory, thanks to Chrome. Now we can zip through web pages, stream our favourite shows without a hiccup, and browse the internet without a second thought.

But it's not all about speed; Chrome has brought innovation galore. Tabbed browsing? Check! Incognito mode for those secret missions? Double check! A plethora of extensions and apps that personalise our browsing experience? Got that too!

Chrome has been a trusty sidekick on our digital journeys, from late-night research sessions to binge-watching cat videos. It's been there for our online shopping sprees, our virtual hangouts, and even when we needed a quick translation of "where's the nearest pizza place?"

So, happy birthday Google Chrome – our wingman on the web.

https://thisdayintechhistory.com/12/11/google-releases-chrome/

13/12/2023

Today’s news is a bit of a mixed bag. You know that trusty Microsoft 365 browser extension that millions of us have been using to easily access our Microsoft 365 apps and documents on the web? Well, it's time to say ‘bye bye’ because it's going to retire on the 15th of January.

I wish I could tell you the exact reason behind this retirement, but Microsoft hasn't spilled the beans. They're keeping it a bit of a mystery. But hey, at least they've given us a heads-up on when it's happening.

In their own words, Microsoft said, "The Microsoft 365 browser extension (formerly named Office browser extension) is a free extension available on Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome that gives you access to your Microsoft 365 apps and documents on the web. This extension will reach retirement and end of support on January 15th, 2024."

After that date, it won't get any more security updates, bug fixes, or support. You won't find it in the Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome web stores either. It's a sad farewell to an old friend.

You may be wondering why they're doing this. Microsoft could be trying to steer us towards other ways of accessing Microsoft 365. Take, for example, the Edge Sidebar, which already has a spot for Microsoft 365.

Both the Microsoft 365 browser extension and the Edge Sidebar do pretty much the same thing - quick access to Microsoft 365 apps and documents. Clicking on a document in either of them opens it in a new tab. But if you're using Google Chrome and Microsoft 365, you might be feeling a little left out.

Oh, and there's another cool thing to explore - the Edge Sidebar now has a Copilot icon and a shortcut to Copilot with Bing Chat (formerly known as just Bing Chat). It's all part of Microsoft's plan to guide us towards using Copilot, and it makes sense to direct us to the Edge Sidebar.

So, while we're saying goodbye to the Microsoft 365 browser extension, we're also opening the door to new possibilities. Microsoft simply wants us to have the best experience.

Will this change how you use Microsoft 365?

https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/office-365/microsoft-365-browser-extension-to-shut-down-despite-10-million-downloads

12/12/2023

At its AWS re:Invent conference, Amazon Web Services (AWS) unveiled Q, a powerful AI chatbot designed specifically for businesses. What sets Q apart from the rest? According to Amazon, its focus on security and privacy, which makes it a fantastic tool for businesses of all sizes.

First things first, Q is all about helping businesses leverage their data to the max. With this chatbot, you can generate valuable content from your own company's data. Imagine the possibilities!

Q comes in two subscription tiers that won't break the bank – the Business option at just $20 (around £15) a month and the Builder option at $25 (around £20) a month. Let's break down what each tier brings to the table:

Business option: This tier is your go-to if you want to streamline operations and boost productivity. Q helps you solve problems and uncover valuable insights from your company data.

Builder option: The Builder tier is tailored for developers or IT professionals. Here Q ups its game by assisting with debugging and coding. It can even help you decode unfamiliar lines of code and optimise them. That pesky Java upgrade? Q can handle that too!

Let's talk privacy. AWS is serious about keeping your data safe. Rest assured, Amazon Q will never use your content to train its AI models. Your business secrets remain your own.

This new addition to AWS's arsenal is a testament to their commitment to making complex tech accessible to everyone.

Sure, the market is competitive, with other companies offering their own chatbots for enterprises. But Q is here to make its mark with its unique blend of features and robust security.

Would you be tempted to choose Amazon Q over other AI chatbots for your business?

https://www.siliconrepublic.com/machines/aws-amazon-q-generative-ai-chatbot-enterprise

11/12/2023

Have you heard? Google Drive is investigating reports that it lost files for a small number of people. Have you been affected?

An increasing number of people are worried, and Google has confirmed that they are actively looking into it. While we don't have all the details yet, Google mentions that it's a sync issue with the Drive desktop app and has offered some recommendations while they work on a fix.

What should you do if you're facing this problem?

Firstly, don’t click 'Disconnect account' in the Drive for desktop app and don’t move or delete the app's data folder on your hard drive. Google also suggests making a copy of the app data folder.

Some people have taken matters into their own hands and found temporary solutions. But I'd advise waiting for Google's official guidance.

This situation reminds us why having reliable backups is crucial. Even Google Drive can have problems.

You should create a simple 3-2-1 strategy for your business data: Three copies, stored on two different types of media, with one copy in a different physical location.

You can combine local hard drives with an off-site cloud backup for a rock-solid solution. Don't forget; you can even make backups of your cloud storage files. For instance, with Google Drive, you can use Google Takeout to create a zip folder of your files elsewhere.

If you've already been affected by the Drive syncing issue, I understand it's a bit late to make backups. However, it's an excellent reminder for all of us to fine-tune our business’s backup plans.

If that’s something I can help you with, get in touch.

https://www.techradar.com/computing/cloud-computing/google-confirms-drive-issue-that-may-have-lost-files-heres-how-to-back-up

10/12/2023

Ever felt like the copy-paste function on your Mac is stuck in the past? Let's face it, it's nearly 2024 and we need our devices to keep up with us.

Enter Paste - the app that's revolutionising the way we copy and paste. It's not just a tool, it's a game-changer. It's taken the mundane task of copying and pasting and turned it into a fun, seamless experience.

The traditional copy-paste approach is limited. You can only have one item on your clipboard at a time, and there's no history. Once something's gone, it's gone for good. But with Paste, you can store as many items on your clipboard as you want.

Activate the app shortcut (Cmd+Shift+V) and you've got a colourful clipboard bar where you can browse through your copied text, images, links, and more. Everything is colour-coded and labelled, and there's even a search box!

Pasting is just as delightful. Double-click an item in the clipboard bar and it'll automatically paste into your most recent app. You can even copy and paste multiple items at once or use specific commands to insert an item. And let's not forget about Paste Stacks, a feature that lets you insert items in a specific order.

You can preview, rename, delete, or tag items in your clipboard. Tagged items are added to "Pinboards," keeping everything organised. The design is intuitive, with clear thumbnails and icons, and you can resize the clipboard bar to your liking. Plus, everything is customisable with shortcuts, rules, editable history length, iCloud sync, and more.

Have you been waiting for a time-saver like this?

https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/paste-mac-app-changed-how-i-use-macos/

09/12/2023

You know those long, boring videos you have to watch to learn something new or understand a project? Yeah, we've all been there. But what if I told you that you don't have to sit through them anymore?

Google has powered up Bard to better understand YouTube content. These are the 'first steps' towards allowing Bard to pull out all the relevant info you need from any video clip.

Imagine this: You're looking for a YouTube explainer on how to bake a certain cake. Instead of watching the whole thing, you can simply ask Bard how many eggs are required for the recipe in the video. Bard can take in the whole video and summarise it for you.

But there's more. You can also ask Bard specific questions about any given clip, making your conversations with Bard richer and more interactive.

Think of Bard as your new YouTube viewing companion. No more rewinding videos to find specific details. Bard will pull up all the relevant info you need in an instant.

And guess what else?

Bard’s maths skills have improved too. It can now help you solve tricky equations with straightforward step-by-step explanations. Those equations can be typed in or supplied to Bard via an uploaded image.

These equation-solving skills are going to be a game-changer. The goal here is not just to show you the solution but teach you how it was worked out.

Which of these new features will you try out?

https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/google-bard-can-now-watch-youtube-videos-for-you-sort-of

08/12/2023

What do you get for the billionaires who seem to have everything? This festive season, let’s turn to AI for some fun and unique gift ideas.

Someone asked ChatGPT to generate present ideas for tech giants like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, or Mark Zuckerberg.

Imagine OpenAI founder Sam Altman unwrapping an "exclusive startup mentorship experience" or "innovative productivity gadgets." Can you picture the look on his face?

And what about Elon Musk? A Tesla-themed LEGO set could be just the ticket. Or perhaps exclusive VIP access to a space launch? But then again, he probably already has that.

Mark Zuckerberg, the man behind Meta, might appreciate a custom virtual reality art installation. A VR world tailored specifically to his interests and preferences.

And for Amazon's Jeff Bezos? How about a 3D-printed model of a Blue Origin rocket? Or a custom Amazon Fire TV screensaver featuring significant moments from his career? And let's not forget a donation to an organisation focusing on conservation in the Amazon rainforest. Because nothing says "I care" quite like a gift that gives back.

What do you think? Would these tech titans appreciate these AI-generated gifts? Or do you have better ideas?

https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-gift-ideas-elon-musk-sam-altman-zuckerberg-bezos-more-2023-11&post-bottom-piano-recommendations?r=US&IR=T

07/12/2023

Biometrics - you know, the security measures like fingerprint and facial recognition - are becoming the go-to for businesses everywhere. They're secure, quick, and let's face it, pretty cool. But recent information suggests we might need to be a bit more cautious.

Researchers have found security flaws in several fingerprint sensors used with Windows Hello. This could mean some laptops by Dell, Lenovo, and Microsoft may be vulnerable to attacks that bypass this authentication feature.

Yikes!

Now, before you start panicking, let's break this down. These vulnerabilities are popping up as more businesses swap passwords for biometrics. Remember when Microsoft said 85% of its users were choosing Windows Hello sign-ins over passwords on Windows 10 devices? That was three years ago.

With innovation comes risk. The researchers found that laptops could be vulnerable to "man-in-the-middle" and "evil maid" attacks if someone had previously accessed the device using their fingerprint. And guess what? The Dell Inspiron 15, Lenovo ThinkPad T14, and Microsoft Surface Pro X all fell victim to these attacks during testing.

The good news? Microsoft is already all over fixing this. Their Secure Device Connection Protocol (SDCP) improves communication between the biometric sensor and the laptop. However, not all manufacturers have implemented this feature effectively. So, part of the problem lies with them.

We all remember last year's facial recognition flaw, right? Microsoft had to update Windows Hello after people who’d had plastic surgery or were wearing a mask could bypass it. It looks like they've got another challenge on their hands.

I’m not saying abandon ship on biometrics. Far from it. Biometric security is still a great move for businesses. But it's crucial to stay informed and take action where necessary.

If you're feeling a bit worried, don't sweat it. We're here to help! If you have any concerns or just want to chat about your security options, get in touch.

https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/microsoft-aims-to-beef-up-windows-hello-biometric-security/

06/12/2023

Do you remember the epic legal battle between Apple and Microsoft back in the 90s? Or are you too young?! It was like a superhero movie, full of twists and turns, and it all began on this day back in 1994.

Apple, our protagonist, accused the San Francisco Canyon Company of aiding Intel and Microsoft in stealing code developed for QuickTime for Windows.

Quite a plot twist, right? But let's rewind a bit.

QuickTime, released by Apple in 1991, was groundbreaking technology, way ahead of Microsoft's Video for Windows. But by 1993, Video for Windows had caught up. How? Well, Apple claimed, with the help of the very company they'd hired to port QuickTime to Windows: San Francisco Canyon Company.

In response, Apple launched a lawsuit against them in 1994. The plot thickened in 1995 when Apple expanded the lawsuit to include Intel and Microsoft.

The claim? That these tech giants knowingly used San Francisco Canyon Company to steal QuickTime code.

Now, here's where the story takes an unexpected turn. This lawsuit, which could have spelled disaster for Apple, actually turned out to be their saving grace. A multi-billion pound settlement between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates in 1997 helped keep Apple afloat long enough for them to transform themselves into the tech giant we know today.

So, from adversity truly came triumph. The lawsuit that could have been a knockout punch ended up being the catalyst that propelled Apple into the 2000s and beyond, ushering in the mobile device revolution and the New World of Technology.

Isn't it fascinating how things work out sometimes? Who would have thought that a bitter legal dispute over a video player would turn out to be a pivotal moment in tech history?

https://thisdayintechhistory.com/12/06/apple-sues-over-quicktime/

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