msg newsletter: IT news – November 2024

Author: Zuzana Kocáková

Digitization

29. 11. 2024 10 reading minutes

In November IT news, we traditionally focus on various products from Google and Microsoft, smartphones, bitcoin, and artificial intelligence.

Microsoft 365 offers Copilot Pro for free

Microsoft has integrated the paid Copilot Pro feature into Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscription packages at no additional cost. Users in some countries no longer have to pay an additional $20 per month, as was previously the case. However, the feature is currently only available in six countries: Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. Slovak users will have to wait for this change. Copilot Pro is integrated in Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Subscribers receive credits to use the AI tool in applications such as Microsoft Designer, Sketchpad, Notepad, and Photos.

Source : theverge.com/2024/11/7/24290268/microsoft-copilot-office-features-microsoft-365

Why do we need to choose a browser and search engine on a new smartphone?

When setting up a new Android smartphone, or after resetting it to factory settings, the user is required to select a web browser and search engine. This obligation is based on the European Union’s decision to promote fair competition, which aims to eliminate the dominance of Google and its Chrome browser. The choice is made in three steps, with the user having to manually confirm the download and set it as the default browser. This measure is intended to ensure that users are informed and to widen the choice between competing products. Similar steps have been taken in the past against Microsoft and its Internet Explorer. This regulation is intended to protect the competitive environment in the digital sector.

Source: android.com/choicescreen/dma/browser/

Windows 10 gets extended support for one year for home users

Microsoft will provide expanded support for Windows 10 for another year, with the new support available not only for businesses but also for home users. However, the service won’t be free – households will pay $30 for one year of critical and security updates, with no tech support or system enhancements. Businesses can purchase extended support for three years, but the price increases each year ($61 for the first year, up to $244 for the third year). Users should beware of fake updates from unofficial sources that may contain malware and degrade system security.

Source : theverge.com/2024/10/31/24284398/microsoft-windows-10-extended-security-updates-consumer-pricing

Windows 11 offers faster installation

The new version of Windows 11 (24H2) delivers almost 50% faster installation and improvements such as shorter reboots (39.7%) and lower CPU load during updates (15.3%). Microsoft achieved these results through optimizations tested on virtual machines. Despite this, the new version is mostly available via a manual download of an ISO file, while regular users have to wait for updates via Windows Update.

Other improvements include smaller update sizes that no longer include duplicate apps, such as Microsoft Edge, which updates separately. This change saves space and speeds up the process. Although the results promise more efficient updates, users will have to wait for a wider rollout of updates for relevant comparisons.

Source: techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/windows-11-version-24h2-improved-update-fundamentals/4274431

Google Photos recognize AI photo editing

Google is adding a new feature to the Photos app that will allow you to identify photos that have been altered using AI tools like Magic Eraser, Magic Editor, or Zoom Enhance. This feature will be included in the AI Info section, which will display information about the origin and editing of images. Photos will contain IPTC metadata that confirms the use of generative AI, and this information will be available directly in the app. The feature will be rolled out gradually and is ready for an official release in the coming weeks. The add-on will be available mainly for Pixel devices, which already benefit from advanced AI features. However, Google has not yet confirmed whether the metadata will be displayed to regular users.

Source: androidauthority.com/google-photos-ai-info-section-3493930/

Android 15 introduces new anti-theft features

Google is rolling out features in the new Android 15 update to Google Play Services to make devices more secure. These features are also available for older versions of Android 10 and later and need to be manually activated in settings.

Among the main news items:
1. Lock when theft is detected
The phone uses sensors to detect suspicious behaviour and automatically locks if it detects an attempted theft.
2. Offline device lock
The phone will lock if someone tries to disconnect the device from the internet or bypass the remote lock.
3.. Remote Lock
You can lock your device at android.com/lock using only a verified phone number, without needing to know your Google account credentials.

The features can be found in the Security and Privacy section under Protection in case of theft. Activating it will increase the security of your device and protect your data in case it is lost or stolen.

Source: security.googleblog.com/2024/10/android-theft-protection.html

Google’s Android 16 coming as early as summer 2025

Google plans to launch Android 16 in the summer of 2025, which is significantly earlier than it used to be. The move reflects the desire of manufacturers to bring out new technology faster to keep up with the competition. Android 16 could thus be pre-installed on devices introduced in the second half of 2025, including the Google Pixel 10 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 foldable smartphones.

Part of the reason for the earlier release is criticism of Google for late updates to previous models. Android 16 will be codenamed Baklava, with Google doing away with the previous alphabetical naming system. A point update to Android 16.1 is also planned for fall 2025, focused on optimization and bug fixes. The move signals a change in Android’s development and distribution strategy.

Source: gsmarena.com/google_confirms_android_16_is_launching_early_and_there_will_be_a_second_release_in_2025-news-65163.php

LG unveils revolutionary stretchable display

LG Display has unveiled a new generation of stretchable displays that bring revolutionary improvements. The new prototype allows magnification from 12 inches up to 18 inches without damage, while offering a pixel density of 100 ppi and using micro-LED technology. This display is extremely durable and can withstand up to 10,000 stretches and withdrawals.

The technology has a wide range of applications – from wearable electronics to automotive to foldable smartphones, where it could eliminate the visible crease. Also significant is the potential application in tactile interaction, which could be useful for people with visual impairments or in gaming. Commercial use of this technology is expected in the near future.

Source: news.lgdisplay.com/en/2024/11/lg-display-succeeds-in-developingworlds-first-stretchable-display-that-expands-by-50-percent/

Half-Life 2 celebrates 20 years

The legendary Half-Life 2, considered one of the best games in gaming history, celebrates its 20th anniversary today. Valve is marking the occasion by offering the game for free on Steam, along with a major update that includes improved graphics, Steam Workshop support, a new High Quality mode, and a host of other changes.

The update also adds developer commentary, the inclusion of Episodes 1 and 2 directly into the main game, and game world fixes. Additionally, Valve has unveiled a two-hour documentary on the development of Half-Life 2, revealing footage from prototypes, the final form of the game, and even the unrealized Episode 3. The game remains an icon of the FPS genre thanks to its innovative physics, elaborate story, and emotionally compelling characters.

Source: half-life.com/en/halflife2/20th/

Bitcoin at 100,000 USD

Bitcoin reached a historic milestone on Thursday, when its value approached nearly $100,000. The surge was fueled by expectations that US President-elect Donald Trump will create a friendly regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies. Trump’s pro-crypto stance and initiatives such as his crypto business World Liberty Financial signal an optimistic future for investors.

The growth of bitcoin has also been supported by the approval of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which has attracted a large amount of capital, including institutional investors. Despite this, the industry still faces criticism for the energy-intensive nature of mining and ongoing problems with cryptocurrency crime. The groundbreaking value of bitcoin demonstrates not only the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies, but also their ability to overcome historical obstacles, continuing to shape the future of the global financial system.

Source: cnbc.com/2024/11/21/crypto-market.html

El Capitan with AMD processor – the world’s fastest supercomputer with 1,742 exaflops

The new El Capitan supercomputer, built on AMD MI300A processors, achieved 1,742 exaflops, breaking all previous records. Compared to its predecessor, Frontier, it is 45% more powerful and has a theoretical maximum performance of up to 2,746 exaflops. The system combines a Zen 4 CPU and a CDNA 3 GPU with 128 GB of HBM3 memory, significantly improving efficiency and reducing power consumption.

The supercomputer will be used by the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) for simulations of nuclear explosions, nuclear arsenal development and other scientific purposes. AMD currently dominates the supercomputer market, with its technology powering five of the world’s top ten most powerful devices. El Capitan showcases technological advances and a new era of computing.

Source: tomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/amd-powered-el-capitan-is-now-the-worlds-fastest-supercomputer-with-1-7-exaflops-of-performance-fastest-intel-machine-falls-to-third-place-on-top500-list

Google’s AI Gemini lost patience with user after a series of questions

Google has come under fire from critics after its AI model Gemini reportedly responded to a user with a shocking sentence urging him to end his life. The incident happened during a conversation where the user was asking for help with homework. The AI response was completely irrelevant and unusually aggressive, raising concerns about the safety and reliability of AI models.

Google acknowledged the problem and said it was an isolated case that violated their policies. The company has promised to investigate quickly and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. This situation highlights the risks associated with the use of AI, especially for vulnerable groups, and underscores the need for stricter regulation and controls in the field of AI.

Source: tomshardware.com/tech-industry/artificial-intelligence/gemini-ai-tells-the-user-to-die-the-answer-appears-out-of-nowhere-as-the-user-was-asking-geminis-help-with-his-homework

Author Jozef Wagner, Java Programmer Senior at msg life Slovakia

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msg newsletter: IT news – November 2024

Zuzana Kocáková

At msg life Slovakia I take care of the company culture, events and I am part of the marketing team. I like a job where I can be creative and contribute to making my colleagues at msg feel good. I regularly prepare for you not only news and interesting things from the world of information technology and insurance, but also from behind the scenes events at msg life Slovakia.