From ZDNET · 40 stories
Middle managers key to AI adoption, with high accountability and optimism
A Salesforce survey reveals that over two-thirds of middle managers are optimistic about AI's impact on work, with 78% feeling accountable for their teams' AI adoption. Managers are reporting significant time savings and recognize their role in facilitating AI's integration into business processes.
Windows 11 Focus Sessions Introduce New Productivity Features
Windows 11 has integrated Focus Sessions in the Clock app, consolidating productivity tools.
Firewally: A Free Mac App for Controlling Internet Access of Applications
Firewally, a new free app available on the Apple App Store, allows Mac users to control which applications can access the internet. This additional layer of control enhances MacOS security by enabling users to set default policies and block app access when necessary.
OpenVPN Introduces Three Deployment Options with Varying Costs
OpenVPN has released three options for VPN deployment: Community Edition, Access Server, and CloudConnexa. Each version offers different management levels and pricing structures, catering to varying user needs from free community usage to fully managed solutions.
COSMIC desktop introduces Frosted Glass effect for Linux users
System76 launched the Frosted Glass feature for COSMIC, enhancing the UI with a blurred transparency effect. This new aesthetic aims to compete with popular MacOS features and improve the visual appeal of Linux desktops.
QR Code Phishing (Quishing) Threats on the Rise, Bypassing MFA
QR code phishing, or 'quishing,' is increasingly used to bypass multi-factor authentication and steal data. With a reported 25% year-over-year increase, these scams often disguise malicious links in QR codes found in emails, attachments, or physical settings, raising concerns about security.
Microsoft Copilot adds PC Insights for analyzing Windows settings
Microsoft's Copilot introduces a new feature called PC Insights, allowing users to ask questions about their Windows settings and receive analyzed responses. This feature aims to simplify the process of troubleshooting and finding specific information within Windows without manual searching.
Red Hat introduces RHEL Forever for ongoing support under annual contracts
Red Hat has launched the RHEL Forever support plan, allowing customers to receive ongoing support for any specific version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) for as long as they pay for it. This offering enables enterprises to synchronize software lifecycles with their business needs, particularly in regulated industries.
Code Louisville program to close as job placements decline amid evolving tech landscape
Code Louisville, a tech training program, will close due to declining job placements for entry-level roles. The shift highlights the changing demand for tech talent and the need for employers to invest in reskilling their workforce.
iPhone bug prevents saving cropped screenshots, risking privacy
A bug in iOS prevents cropped screenshots from saving correctly, exposing potentially sensitive information. Users must resort to editing images in the Photos app to save them properly, highlighting a significant privacy concern.
AI-Adopting Companies Increased Hiring, Including Entry-Level Positions
A study reveals that companies adopting AI saw a 10.2% increase in workforce over two years. Notably, these 'high-intensity adopters' also expanded entry-level jobs by 12%, countering fears of job losses in an AI-driven market.
Claude Cowork Outperforms Gmail AI in Email Management Task
Claude Cowork successfully helped a tech journalist organize over 7,000 emails for article research after Gmail's AI failed to discern context and relevance. This highlights the potential of connected AI assistants in managing information overload.
Microsoft launches Point-in-Time Restore feature for Windows 11
Microsoft has introduced a Point-in-Time Restore feature in Windows 11 as part of its Windows Resiliency Initiative. This tool allows users to roll back their PC to a previous state, solving issues without extensive recovery processes.
Former GitHub CEO launches decentralized Git network named Entire
Thomas Dohmke, former CEO of GitHub, has launched Entire, a decentralized Git network designed to improve coding efficiency for developers, particularly with the rise of coding agents. The platform aims to reduce reliance on centralized services like GitHub by allowing users to mirror repositories globally, enhancing speed and scalability.
Eufy launches Omni S2 robot vacuum with improved design and functionality
Eufy has released the Omni S2 robot vacuum, which addresses design flaws from the S1 model. It features improved suction power and a new vent system in the detergent container, enhancing cleaning performance and usability.
Linux GUI Apps Can Be Launched on Android 17, but With Limitations
Android 17 now supports Linux GUI applications via the Weston compositor, allowing users to run Linux apps on Android devices. However, practical limitations, including RAM allocation and complexity in setup, may hinder user experience.
Claude Desktop App for Linux Launched, Faces Installation Challenges
The Claude Desktop app is now available for Linux, specifically for Debian and Ubuntu distributions. Installation requires adding a repository, which complicates setup compared to competitors like Alpaca and Moose. Users seeking a mainstream AI option may find installation issues detract from overall functionality.
Fable 5 Sets New AI Freelance Work Benchmark with 16.1% Automation Rate
Fable 5 achieved a record 16.1% automation rate in AI freelance tasks, surpassing previous models. Despite progress, AI is still far from fully replacing human freelancers due to security and integration challenges.
UK experts warn of safety risks associated with plug-in solar technology
UK industry groups have raised safety concerns regarding plug-in solar kits for home use, citing risks of fire, shock, and equipment failure. They recommend consulting licensed electricians and exercising caution when installing these systems due to potential hazards.
Microsoft releases Azure Linux 4.0 for servers and virtual machines
Microsoft has launched Azure Linux 4.0, based on Fedora, for bare-metal and VM environments. This release may challenge traditional enterprise Linux distributions, particularly as it targets Azure integration for cloud workloads.
Brave launches stripped-down Origin browser for focused user experience
Brave has launched Origin, a simplified version of its browser, available on multiple OS. Users can expect enhanced focus on security and reduced resource consumption without additional features like crypto wallets or reward systems.
System76 introduces COSMIC System Monitor for improved Linux performance tracking
System76 launched COSMIC System Monitor, a new app for COSMIC Desktop users that provides real-time monitoring of system performance metrics. This tool allows Linux users to efficiently track resource usage, including CPU, memory, disk, and network activity, in a lightweight and user-friendly interface.
PorteuX Linux Offers Flexibility as a Portable Linux Distro
PorteuX is a portable Linux distribution based on Slackware, offering a user-friendly installation process and support for multiple desktop environments. Its ability to install various applications via the PorteuX App Store makes it versatile for different user needs.
Android 17 introduces Motion Assist to reduce motion sickness in vehicles
Google is rolling out Motion Assist, a new feature in Android 17, designed to mitigate motion sickness when using a phone in a moving vehicle. This feature uses the device's sensors to display moving dots on the screen, synchronizing with vehicle motion to counteract sensory discrepancies that cause nausea.
Plaud Launches Plaud One AI Earbuds with eSIM-Enabled Case for Standalone Recording
Plaud has released the Plaud One Explorer Edition, AI-enabled earbuds available for preorder at $250. These earbuds and their charging case can record and transcribe conversations, integrating with the Plaud Agent to generate work products like emails and documents, and feature built-in 4G connectivity for standalone operation.
Bose Introduces Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds with USB-C Connectivity
Bose has released its first wired earbuds in 11 years, the Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds, featuring active noise canceling and a USB-C connector. This reintroduces a wired option for users seeking to avoid battery dependency while still benefiting from modern noise cancellation technology.
Apple Opens Claims for $250 Million Siri AI Settlement
Apple has opened the claims process for a $250 million class action settlement concerning its Siri AI features. Eligible U.S. iPhone owners who purchased specific models, including iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 model, between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025, can now submit claims. Payouts are estimated to be $25 per device, potentially increasing to $95, with a claim deadline of December 21, 2026.
Sony Reintroduces WH-1000XM4 Headphones as WH-1000XM4C with Updates
Sony has re-released its WH-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones as the WH-1000XM4C, featuring minor improvements such as a new sound profile, a 10-band EQ, and Bluetooth 6. Priced at $300, the WH-1000XM4C maintains the compact design and QN1 processing chip of its predecessor, offering a lower price point compared to the original release. This reintroduction expands Sony's headphone lineup, which also includes the new midrange WH-CH730N and another budget-friendly option.
Bose Launches Second-Gen Ultra Open Earbuds and New Sport Open Earbuds
Bose has introduced the second generation of its Ultra Open Earbuds, featuring improved sound quality, increased battery life, and a redesigned case with wireless charging. Alongside this, Bose also launched the new Sport Open Earbuds, a more affordable option designed for active use. Both models will be available for preorder on September 19th and go on sale starting October 1st.
Firefox Smart Window AI Browsing Mode Updates with Exa Integration and New Features
Firefox's Smart Window AI browsing mode now integrates with Exa for current web information and source links in AI chats. The update also adds automatic tab group suggestions and visual previews for past browsing history searches using natural language. These features aim to improve organization and recall within the browser.
Developer Ports Microsoft Word for Windows 1.1a to Native x64 for Modern Systems
Developer Justin Marshall has created a native x64 port of Microsoft Word for Windows 1.1a, codenamed Opus, allowing the 1990 application to run on modern Windows 10 and 11 systems. This project involved rebuilding the original source code and replacing 16-bit assembly and Win16 platform boundaries with modern equivalents, making a historical software version accessible without emulation.
Low-Tech Solutions Recommended to Combat Advanced AI Deepfakes in Corporate Fraud
Experts are recommending a return to low-tech security protocols to defend against increasingly sophisticated AI deepfakes used in corporate fraud. This shift is necessary because AI-generated clones can now mimic human behavior so accurately that traditional identity verification methods like voice and video calls are no longer reliable. The increasing sophistication of deepfakes makes it difficult to distinguish between real individuals and AI fakes, posing a significant risk to businesses.
Zscaler Research Reveals Managers as Primary Targets in Ransomware Campaigns
Zscaler's ThreatLabz unit analyzed a ransomware campaign and found that managers were the prime targets due to their elevated network privileges and access to sensitive business functions. This targeting strategy allows attackers to exploit compromised managerial accounts to access confidential resources and impact various business units.
Smartphone RAM and Storage Needs Shift as AI Demands Drive Up Memory Chip Costs
The cost of RAM for smartphones is increasing due to AI data centers consuming a significant portion of available memory chips, leading manufacturers to pass these costs to consumers. While flagship phones often feature high RAM, 8GB or 12GB is currently sufficient for most users, though future AI features may increase requirements. For storage, 128GB or 256GB is adequate for most users, with cloud services reducing the need for larger local storage.
AI Boom Projected to Generate 2.5 Million Metric Tons of E-Waste Annually
The rapid expansion of AI data centers is predicted to produce approximately 2.5 million metric tons of electronic waste each year, according to a United Nations University report. This significant increase in e-waste, equivalent to 250 Eiffel Towers, poses environmental and health risks due to toxic metals and chemicals in discarded hardware.
Comparative Overview of Fedora Xfce and Xubuntu for Linux Users
Fedora Xfce and Xubuntu both utilize the Xfce desktop environment, catering to users of varying hardware. While Fedora focuses on speed and a MacOS-like layout with a comprehensive app selection, Xubuntu's strength lies in its balance of performance and ease of use, making them each suitable for different user preferences.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Receive Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast Support
Bose is rolling out firmware update 10.12.12 for its QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, adding Bluetooth LE Audio, Auracast, and LC3 codec support. This update also refines USB-C audio performance and introduces 5.1 spatial audio for compatible Android devices. The upgrade allows for public audio streaming and improved audio quality, primarily benefiting Android and Windows users with compatible devices.
September 2026 Pixel Drop adds one-tap contact actions and expanded scam protection
The September 2026 Pixel Drop is rolling out to Pixel 6 and newer devices, introducing one-tap call and message buttons directly on the Pixel VIPs widget. This update also expands scam detection to text messages, providing warnings over the keyboard for suspicious content.
Microsoft launches new Surface Mouse with haptic feedback and customizable action button
Microsoft is releasing a second-generation Surface Mouse on October 13th, featuring haptic feedback and a customizable action button. This update introduces new tactile interactions within Windows 11 and specific applications, and allows for quick access to functions like Copilot.
Apple extends free satellite access for iPhone 14, 15, and 16 users for another year
Apple extended free access to its satellite features for existing iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users for an additional year. This extension was announced in a footnote to the iPhone 18 Pro press release, ensuring continued access to features like Emergency SOS via satellite and Roadside Assistance.