Google Maps to receive AI upgrade powered by Gemini
Google Maps is to receive an AI upgrade powered by the tech giant’s Gemini. This will add a conversational, hands-free experience to the app that is intended to make navigation smarter and less distracting.
It represents yet another step in Google’s ongoing integration of the generative model into its most widely used products. The firm added AI smarts to Google Earth not so long ago.
AI makes holiday shopping scams harder to spot
As we approach the busiest time of the year for online shopping, scammers and phisherfolk are also preparing for a seasonal bonanza. 1Password has surveyed 2,000 American adults to learn how people are protecting themselves -- or not -- from phishing scams.
It finds that 66 percent of respondents say they’ve noticed more 'scammy' messages, phone calls, and ads since AI became more prevalent. In addition 82 percent of respondents have been phished, or have come dangerously close to it.
81 percent of security teams lack visibility into AI coding
While AI adoption is now nearly universal, governance and visibility have failed to keep pace, according to a new report from Cycode.
The study shows that 97 percent of organizations are already using or piloting AI coding assistants, and all confirm having AI-generated code in their codebases. Yet, despite this near-total adoption, 81 percent lack visibility into AI usage and 65 percent report increased security risks associated with AI.
Cooler Master launches QUBE 540, a compact and customizable PC case for modern builders
Cooler Master has announced the QUBE 540, a new compact PC case that can be built vertically or horizontally to suit different spaces and setups. The case offers a modular interior and supports open-source, downloadable 3D-printable parts, allowing users to build their own unique custom system.
QUBE 540 can stand upright or lie flat, making it a useful choice for anyone with smaller living or working spaces. Cooler Master describes the case as suitable for small apartments, dorm rooms, and creator studios, reflecting a growing trend toward compact but powerful PC builds. It measures 425 x 225 x 425mm excluding protrusions, or 438.5 x 225 x 492.1mm with them. It has an internal volume of 40.64L.
UK police trial AI system to support frontline officers with procedural advice
Humberside Police in the UK has released results from a trial of an AI assistant designed to guide officers in the field, suggesting that it could save more than 23,000 officer hours per year. The “Project Moriarty” pilot with Coeus Software looked into how British police forces could use AI to boost efficiency and consistency.
AI is inevitably finding its way into frontline policing, as it is in other professions, and the results from the Humberside Police trial show both its promise and its limits.
82 percent of finserv organizations suffered a data breach in the last year
A new report, based on a global survey of 250 decision makers at large financial services organizations of over 5,000 employees, shows that 82 percent have suffered a data breach via cyberattack, or a data leak, an unintentional exposure of sensitive data, in the past year.
The report from Blancco Technology Group finds 43 percent of breaches or leaks were attributed to stolen devices and drives.
Experts warn AI tools are fueling a rise in scams targeting older adults
Experts are warning that the rapid development and growing availability of artificial intelligence tools is leading to an alarming rise in cybercrimes targeting older adults. Since technology alone cannot stop social engineering, specialists suggest that seniors learn to recognize the recurring scam patterns that criminals have used for decades to steal money and personal data.
The surge in AI is giving cybercriminals new ways to deceive people, with elderly users often among the main targets. According to The Hidden Cost of Scams [PDF] report by Independent Age, adults over 65 in the UK lose an average of nearly £4,000 each, with total losses reaching about £7.4 billion.
Microsoft is killing off Defender Application Guard for Office
More than a year-and-a-half after announcing its retirement, Microsoft has revealed its plans to fully remove Defender Application Guard from Office.
The journey has been a long a slow one for the this security feature which isolates untrusted Office documents in a virtualized contained. Deprecation was first announced way back in November 2023, and the process of complete removal will not be finished until the end of 2027.
Finally! WhatsApp launches official Apple Watch app with messaging and voice note support
After years of requests, WhatsApp is finally, fully available on Apple Watch. The app gives users access to many of the core messaging functions found on the phone version, including reading and responding to chats, recording and sending voice messages, and viewing photos and stickers.
The new app will allow users to check messages, respond with quick replies, and listen to or send voice notes directly through the watch. If you rely on WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends, family or work, you can now use it while on a run, during a commute, or in situations where using a phone isn’t possible.
Why, finally, all eyes are on OT [Q&A]
Operational technology and IT have historically tended to follow separate paths. But in recent times the spread of Internet of Things devices has seen the two moving closer together.
We spoke to David Montoya, Paessler global business development manager OT/IoT, to discuss how the OT landscape has evolved and why businesses need to be on top of the change.
Microsoft hits Windows 10 users with misleading ‘end of support’ messages
Given the publicity Microsoft has given to the end of mainstream support for Windows 10, there are few users who are unaware if this fact. And with the promotion of the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, most are also aware that there is still a way to get updates.
So, there was a mixture of surprise and anger when users signed up to receive Extended Security Updates started it see a message informing them that “Your version of Windows has reached the end of support”.
Microsoft makes its first references to Windows 11 26H1
It may not have been long since Microsoft finally released the Windows 11 25H2 update, but the company is already working away on the next big release. We know little about it, but Microsoft has – perhaps accidentally – released code that makes reference to Windows 11 26H1.
This is the first time that Microsoft has referred to this particular branch of Windows 11 development, lending some credibility to the rumors that this was the next feature update for the operating system. So, what do we know?
Microsoft says irritating update and shutdown bug has been wiped from Windows 11
Like many people, you’ve probably put off installing Windows 11 updates because you need to get on with something else. And if at the end of the day you have selected the “Update and Shut Down” option in the Start menu, you may well have questioned yourself when Windows chose to restart instead.
But this was not you; it was Microsoft’s fault. The company has just admitted to the long-standing issue while quietly fixing the bug that has irritated users for a surprisingly long time.
New AI testing solution helps avoid hallucinations
AI systems are only as dependable as the data and validation that lies behind them. Yet many organizations struggle to test AI models comprehensively across languages, regions, and use cases.
That’s why crowdsourced testing platform Testlio is launching a new, end-to-end AI testing solution as the latest addition to its managed service portfolio.
Agon by AOC announces first QD-OLED gaming monitors
Agon by AOC has announced the first QD-OLED gaming monitors in its AOC GAMING range. The 27-inch Q27G4ZDR and Q27G4SDR introduce OLED panel technology to AOC’s entry-level gaming line, combining QHD resolution with high refresh rates aimed at competitive players.
Both monitors use QD-OLED panels rated for 0.03ms response time and high contrast ratios. The Q27G4ZDR runs at 240Hz, while the Q27G4SDR ramps that up to 360Hz. Each has QHD resolution at 2560x1440 and 10-bit color depth with a reported 1.07 billion colors. The design follows the company’s G4 series styling with slim bezels and a matte finish.
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