Chip giant ASML plans Eindhoven expansion in big win for Dutch tech
In a major win for the Dutch tech industry, chip giant ASML intends to remain and further expand in the Netherlands. The chip machine manufacturer has signed a non-binding letter of intent with the City Council of Eindhoven, eyeing a potential expansion at the Brainport Industries Campus (BIC), west of the city. Located at Eindhovens Brainport region a major tech and innovation hub in Europe BIC is dedicated to the high-tech manufacturing industry. For ASML, BIC represents an interesting option, Roger Dassen, the companys CFO, said in a statement. Thats because of the campus close proximityto Veldhoven, where This story continues at The Next Web
EU threatens to suspend addictive TikTok feature by end of today
Yesterday, the EU issued TikTok an ultimatum. The Chinese-owned social media app was given just 24 hours to outline the mental health risks related to its new app TikTok Lite or face huge daily fines. This is the EUs second probe into TikTok under the Digital Service Act (DSA). The DSA is a new law to protect users from harmful or illegal online content. It requires large platforms like TikTok to submit a risk assessment before launching any major new features. The EUs latest gripe with the Chinese-owned company is over TikTok Lite. The barebones version of the regular app This story continues at The Next Web
How to download a video from Facebook
You can download Facebook videos to your PC or mobile device, but the process is a bit involved. Heres a guide on how to pull this off.
How to download Vimeo videos on desktop and mobile
Downloading a Vimeo video to your phone, tablet, or laptop is a simple process, and may not even require software. Heres a guide to help you.
Proportion paying ransoms declines in Q1 2024, even as takings break a new record
Statistics from cybersecurity firm Coveware reveal that organisations are increasingly refusing to pay ransomware extortion demands, which has led to a record low of 28% agreeing to pay in the first quarter of this year.
ToddyCat cybercriminals using high-end tools to commit 'industrial scale' theft
ToddyCat, a sophisticated hacker gang, is using numerous tools to infiltrate networks and steal valuable data.
Meta licenses Quests OS to third-party manufacturers
Metas intention with partnering up the Horizon OS with other headset manufacturers is to create a new ecosystem of mixed reality devices, and were making it even easier for developers to build mixed reality apps, a blog post by the company said.
Google fires 20 more workers over protests
A spokesperson for Google confirmed the news saying they had conducted an investigation into the protests on April 16 and found more employees who had participated in sit-ins at the company offices in New York and Sunnyvale, California.
WhatsApp to launch note-taking and channel pinning features: Report
WhatsApp is testing two new features via its Beta app, including the note-taking and channel-pinning features.
Critics dismiss Broadcom's 'anti-cloud' licencing changes for VMware
Broadcom's efforts to allay concerns over its recent changes to VMware's cloud licencing practices have hit a roadblock.
After Bitcoin Halving weekend, crypto market sees small gains
Bitcoins halving event took place over the weekend, but did not trigger huge price rallies as many investors and miners hoped
Elon Musk lashes out against Australian court demand to remove stabbing video on X
X owner Elon Musk claimed that Australia was censoring the platforms content for people in other countries as well
Lava sees a definitive resurgence in affinity towards indigenous mobile brands
Lava completed 15 years of existence on March 27, and is the lone indigenous mobile brand surviving among the Korean and Chinese players dominance in India
Is this the future of coffee? Kaffa Roastery releases AI-conic blend
I am really into (my friends might say somewhat obsessed with) coffee. Not just for the hits of caffeine that fuel our productivity-enthralled capitalist society, but also for the taste, as well as different styles of brewing (although my Swedish roots make me partial to a pour-over). Sadly, I do not often get to write about it, as even though coffee roasting and brewing rely on technological engineering tech startups and coffee hardly ever intersect in the news. Enter Helsinki-based Kaffa Roastery, and its new blend of beans called AI-conic. The blend for the coffee (which costs 12.90 This story continues at The Next Web
Reliance Jios Q4 profit up 12 per cent
Spearheading the nations 5G transformation, Jio boasts over 108 million true 5G customers, underscoring its commitment to strengthening Indias digital infrastructure
Brits to issue their own sick notes via algorithm under plan to save GP time
In an attempt to reduce the workload of GPs, the UK is planning to introduce a new National Health Service (NHS) algorithm that will enable self-issued sick notes. The move is part of the governments effort to reform the sick note system, as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is seeking not only to alleviate GPs, but also end the sick note culture. We need to change the sick note culture so the default becomes what work you can do not what you cant, Sunak said during a speech last week. According to NHS data, 11 million sick notes were issued This story continues at The Next Web
X vows to oppose order to remove posts about Sydney stabbing
X confirmed it will confront in court the order from an Australian regulator demanding the platform removes posts about the stabbing of a bishop in Sydney
IT Essentials: Summer's coming
With the sun shining, it's the perfect time to review ESG reports. No, really. We've made it easy.
Tinder introduces Share My Date feature to help you share key information with your contacts
Tinders new Share My Date feature will allow your trusted contacts to keep up with your dates
Apple pulls two major messaging platforms from China App Store
Following the order of the Chinese government, Apple has removed WhatsApp and Threads from it's App Store
Apples iOS 18 is expected infuse iPhones with Gen AI features
iPhone maker is expected to use offline, on-device, large language models to power AI features coming to iPhones as part of iOS 18
Register now for the IT Leaders Summit 2024
The IT Leaders Summit returns for 2024, but spaces are limited - register now to guarantee your spot. What is the biggest challenge facing IT leaders today? Some of you will have said cybersecurity. Others will have said ecruitment, artificial intelligence, or newer areas of concern like sustainability and diversity. That's because there is no one single challenge. The modern IT leader has to keep all those plates spinning at once, while juggling everything else the business decides falls under their remit. It's not a job for the faint-hearted. That's why Computing 's IT Leaders Summit , returning to London on the 18th September, covers all those areas and more. This free event, tailored for end-users, serves as a cornerstone for IT leaders seeking to learn, engage and navigate the modern technology landscape. The heart of the summit is an exploration of the holistic aspects of IT leadership. While technology is still pivotal, the IT Leaders Summit recognises the equal importance of mastering people and process dynamics. Delegates will hear from a range of experts, covering topics such as team building, bridging the tech-business gap and adapting to the ever-evolving IT terrain. Don't just take our word for it: one attendee, a CIO in the heritage sector, said the IT Leaders Summit 2023 was ot just the best tech event, but the best event I've ever been to. Past attendees said the 2023 Summit was he best event ever Past editions of the summit have delved deep into cloud computing, automation, analytics, AI and digital transformation. With remote work, skill shortages and especially AI (still) presenting challenges, the knowledge to be gained at the event has never been more pertinent. The agenda covers every area the IT leader has to know about in 2024: from addressing novel cyber threats and elevating diversity to building customer-centric strategies in difficult economic times. Attendees will also explore the delicate balance between sustainability objectives and cost management in tech procurement processes. Panel discussions and presentations will provide invaluable insights into leadership in AI-driven transformation, the human side of technology, and more, equipping attendees with the tools and perspectives needed to effectively navigate their roles. If you're a senior IT professional from an end-user company, the IT Leaders Summit offers an unparalleled opportunity to expand your knowledge, network with peers, and gain actionable insights to drive your organisation forward. Register now to secure your free place at this essential event. Spaces are limited, so make sure you're on the list for this crown jewel of the Computing calendar.
European startups rejoice VC investment is on the rise again
New data published today by Dealroom reveal that European VC investment rose 5% year-on-year for the first quarter of 2024. Whats more, the Netherlands is showing a particularly strong comeback. Amsterdam funding rose a highly encouraging 107%. Overall, European VC investment reached $13.7bn in Q1 2024, an increase fuelled to a great extent by the energy transition. Energy was the biggest sector for tech startup and scaleup investment for the fourth quarter in a row, having raised $3.1bn in the first three months of the year. The top five energy deals of the period were: Electra $330mn, Paris H2 This story continues at The Next Web
The most common Skype problems and how to fix them
With videoconferencing and distributed teams more popular than ever before, fixing errors is crucial. Learn more about common Skype issues and their solutions.
How to download YouTube videos for offline viewing
Our guide will teach you how to download YouTube videos on PC, iPhone, iPad, Android, and Mac, and educate you on the ethics of doing so.
The most common GoTo Meeting problems and how to solve them
Having trouble with GoTo Meeting? We might have a solution for it. Our guide features common problems with the videoconferencing service and their solutions.
Tesla recalls all 3,878 Cybertrucks over accelerator defect
Tesla has filed a safety recall notice with the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, calling for all Cybertrucks with the Model Year 2024 to be recalled and repaired
How OpenAI and Microsoft reawakened a sleeping software giant
Just a decade ago, the worlds biggest tech beast was a relative minnow. Microsoft had become notorious for disappointing product launches, stagnant innovation, and losing top talent. Thefirst true software giant was becoming a big tech dinosaur. Fast forward to 2024 and Microsoft is the planets most valuable business. Under the leadership of CEO Satya Nadella, stock has soared by over 1,000% in 10 years. In January, the company reached a $3 trillion market cap larger than the whole GDP of France. At the heart of the comeback is artificial intelligence. Microsofthas embedded AIacross the Azure cloud computing platform, This story continues at The Next Web Or just read more coverage about: Microsoft
Facebook chatbot claims to have a child with 'unique needs and abilities'
Metas AI chatbot commented on a private groups post about experience with a gifted and disabled child.
UK mulls fresh controls on sensitive tech after China cyber attack claim
Britain is exploring new curbs on exporting and funding sensitive technologies amid growing tensions with China. Oliver Dowden, the UKs deputy prime minister, launched a review of the restrictions on Thursday. He warned that hostile states could use British funds and tech for military and intelligence projects that threaten national security. Our open economy is being targeted by state-based actors and their proxies, Dowden said in a speech at the Chatham House think tank in London. Across our inbound and outbound investment flows, our imports and exports, and our academic collaborations, the whole spectrum of our economic security interests is This story continues at The Next Web
Meta AI Gets Upgraded With Llama 3 to Add New Features, Better Integration
Meta AI is getting a massive upgrade. On Thursday, the social media giant announced two new Llama 3 artificial intelligence (AI) models, the Llama 3 8B and 70B, which are said to offer improved capabilities compared to the predecessor. Alongside, the company also upgraded its native AI assistant with Llama 3 models. Meta AI can now respond more efficiently, generate i...
How to build strong, cross-cultural remote teams
For the past two years, I have worked at a company whose workforce hails from around the globe, including the United States, Europe, and Latin America. Im the only team member based in Santa Marta, on Colombias Caribbean coast, and I work remotely like many of my colleagues on the other continents. The experience has opened my eyes to a dynamic blend of workplace norms and cultures, but has also posed some challenges. Differing time zones, humour and customs, access to technology, communication styles, and various perspectives on work-life balance, have made it clear that building cross-cultural remote teams This story continues at The Next Web
Asian Tech Roundup: Apple's charm offensive
Welcome to Computing's fortnightly roundup of tech news in Asia. This time we look at Tim Cook's tour of Southeast Asia, an area where the tech giant is keen to grow; South Korea's AI chip plans; and NTT's AI warnings.
Meta introduced the next generation of its artificial intelligence (AI) models, Llama 3 8B and 70B, on Thursday. Shortened for Large Language Model Meta AI, Llama 3 comes with improved capabilities over its predecessor. The company also adopted new training methods to optimise the efficiency of the models. Interestingly, with Llama 2, the largest model was 70B, but th...
Just like meaty sausages! Europe hosts first cultivated meat tasting
Dutch startupMeatable has hosted the first legally approved tasting of cultivated meat in Europe. On the menu was a lab-grown pork sausage. Meatable says the produce is indistinguishable from traditional meat, but causes no harm to animals or the environment. To replicate the flavours and textures of livestock, Meatable first extracts a single cell sample from a pig. The sample is then cultivated in a bioreactor. Over time, the sample multiplies and forms real muscle tissue, which is shaped into a familiar meat form. In Europe, however, no one was previously allowed to eat the output. That changed when the This story continues at The Next Web
Why Google's cheaper Pixel 8 is the real star of its Android phone lineup
The entry-level Pixel 8 might not get the same attention that the Pixel 8 Pro does, but with its combination of specs and a low price, that really needs to change.
4 in 10 translators are losing work to AI. They want remuneration from devs
AI threatens to decimate the translation profession, according to a new survey by a British union. Almost four in ten translators (36%) said theyve already lost work due to generative AI. Nearly half of them (43%) said the tech has decreased their income. They fear far worse is to come. Over three-quarters of translators (77%) believe GenAI will negatively impact future income from their creative work. The survey was conducted by the Society of Authors (SoA), the UKs largest trade union for translators, writers, and illustrators.SoA said the livelihoods of translators are at risk. To protect them, the union wants This story continues at The Next Web
The UKs second commercial quantum computer has come online
California-based quantum circuitry company Rigetti has brought a commercially available quantum computer to the UK. Only the second in the country, it was installed in collaboration with Oxford Instruments NanoScience a cryogenics company that provides the cooling needed for superconducting qubits. The system, supported by grants from the UK government, is Rigettis first UK-based quantum computer and will be accessible via the companys cloud computing services. When it comes to quantum computing, you need the actual circuitry hardware that hosts the qubits, advanced cryogenics systems, software to run error-correcting quantum algorithms, and specialised programming languages. And the means to This story continues at The Next Web
Met police disrupt LabHost scam-as-a-service website
LabHost, tricked up to 70,000 people in the UK over several years into sharing passwords and bank details
Hackers launch brute-force attacks on business VPNs and more
A wave of brute-force attacks targeting critical business systems has cybersecurity experts urging organisations to tighten their defences.
Last chance to register for Cybersecurity Festival 2024
The Cybersecurity Festival is Computing's premier security event, with keynotes from end-user IT leaders, panel discussions and plenty of networking. Computing 's annual Cybersecurity Festival is just around the corner, offering IT leaders a unique opportunity to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of digital security. Hosted at One Moorgate Place, London on 2nd May, the Festival promises a day filled with insightful discussions, innovative solutions and invaluable networking opportunities. Modern cyber threats continue to develop in both sophistication and frequency, posing a challenges to organisations in every sector. Now more than ever, it is crucial for IT leaders to remain informed and connected to effectively safeguard their systems and data. This year's Festival boasts an impressive line-up of speakers , including Dan Burns, head of information security at Next, who will deliver a keynote address on preparing for modern-day threats, and Computing 's John Leonard, who will shed light on the transition from prevention to prediction in cybersecurity, drawing on exclusive research insights. An additional highlight is a session by Sarah Armstrong, chief security advisor at Microsoft, exploring the evolution of generative AI and its impact on cyber attacks. Sarah will delve into the transformative power of AI and its potential to reshape the cybersecurity landscape, offering attendees a deeper understanding of emerging threats - and how to defend against them. Delegates will also have the opportunity to participate in engaging panel discussions on topics such as diversity in the cybersecurity talent pipeline and business resilience post-cyber attack. The event also features networking breaks and exhibit stands, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for IT leaders to stay informed, connected, and equipped with the latest insights and strategies. Don't miss your last chance to register for the Cybersecurity Festival and ensure your organisation is well-prepared to navigate the challenges ahead. Click here and register now to secure your place at this essential event.
Microsoft injects $1.5 billion into UAE's G42
Microsoft has announced a $1.5 billion investment in G42, a leading AI company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Microblogging site X banned due to national security reasons: Pakistan govt tells High Court
Islamabad High Court heard a petition by journalist Ehtisham Abbasi against the disruption in access to X since Feb 17
TNW Podcast: Caroline Viarouge on EIT Manufacturing and EU-UK collaboration
Welcome to the new episode of the TNW Podcast the show where we discuss the latest developments in the European technology ecosystem and feature interviews with some of the most interesting people in the industry. In todays episode, Linnea and Andrii talk about artificial general intelligence, repairable airbuds, some Wolverine nerdery, drone delivery adoption, and much more. The guest of the show is Caroline Viarouge, CEO at EIT Manufacturing. A big part of the conversation focused on the cooperation between the UK and the EU when it comes to research and innovation. Here are the stories and things This story continues at The Next Web
Qualys announces trial to help organisations comply with UK NCSC cyber guidance
Qualys is offering free 30-day access to its SaaS TruRisk platform. This move aims to assist organisations in adhering to the UK National Cyber Security Centre's (NCSC) guidelines that recommend a 57 day window for patching vulnerabilities. The announcement was made by Sumedh Thakar, the CEO of Qualys, at the Qualys Security Conference in London on Wednesday.
China still ASMLs biggest market, but falling sales cause drop in profit
Amid the semiconductor industrys slowdown and increasing geopolitical tensions, Dutch chip machine-maker ASML reported a decrease both in sales and profits. Europes most valuable tech company saw orders fall to 3.6bn in the first quarter of 2024, down from 9.2bn in the previous quarter. Its net profit also dropped to 1.2bn a 37% decrease compared to Q4 2023. We see 2024 as a transition, ASMLs President and CEO Peter Wennink said in a statement. Wennink expects a stronger second half of the year in line with the industrys continued recovery from the downturn. Interestingly, China represented ASMLs largest market This story continues at The Next Web
DeepMind CEO: Google will spend $100+ billion on AI
DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis says Google's processing power exceeds rivals'.
Air taxi firm raises $110M, plans to launch commercial service in 2026
A British drone maker plans to launch air taxis in 2026 after raising a whopping $110mn. Skyports has already flown electricvertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft on delivery and monitoring trials. The new funding brings commercial air taxis closer to the services on offer. The first flights are slated to take off in the United Arab Emirates. Earlier this year, Skyports inked a deal with authorities in Dubai to build four vertiports ahead of the launch of air taxi services in 2026. Skyports intends to then bring air taxis into other markets. The company is currently developing the UKs first This story continues at The Next Web
Even CERN has to queue for GPUs. Here's how they optimise what they have
CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, has long had some of the biggest of big data needs. Its engineers historically built their own IT systems including for distributed and high performing computing (HPC), and sometimes still do. But the culture has largely shifted to engaging with open source communities with similar requirements, including adopting OpenStack for the computing needs of the Large Hadron Collider.
Tree-planting search engine Ecosia to monitor reforestation from space
Berlin-based Ecosia, best known as the tree-planting search engine, has teamed up with French startup Kanop to monitor its reforestation efforts from space. With around 20 million users, Ecosia is the worlds largest not-for-profit search engine. It is also one of the biggest tree-planters in the world. The company claims to have planted 200 million trees since its inception in 2009. To date, Ecosia has monitored its tree-planting efforts using ground-based observations. But with the help of Kanop, it is about to take things up a notch. Based in Paris, Kanop uses optical, radar, and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) This story continues at The Next Web
Instagram Said to Be Testing AI-Powered Chatbots for Influencers That Can Interact With Followers
Instagram is reportedly working on a new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered initiative that will allow the influencers users with large followings on the platform to automate direct engagement with their followers. As per the report, the programme is dubbed Creator AI and currently, it is under testing. The feature is said to offer AI chatbots to influencers...
Sunnier skies ahead? Cloud giants dial down the greenwash
2024 cloud sustainability research reveals positive changes in some of the environmental data provided by big three cloud vendors. Hyperscale cloud service providers market their services on the basis that not only are they more cost-effective than the on-premise datacentres of old, but that this efficiency makes them greener by default. To some extent this is true, but datacentres are sucking up ever greater quantities of electricity and water to power and cool these gigantic buildings and that's after the carbon expended used to build them in the first place. If you're one of the 84% who told our Tech Trends survey that sustainability matters to them and their businesses, how do you decide which cloud offers the best combination of cost efficiency and sustainability? An obvious first step is ESG reports, but these often run to 100 pages. Unvarnished data has to be hunted down (usually in an appendix), and getting details involve navigating multiple footnotes and references to supporting documentation. It's not surprising that fewer than 10% of those in our survey said they read ESG reports in detail. When we asked what CIOs wanted from vendors to help them make informed cloud decisions, we found that almost everyone wanted the same thing good quality data that was easy to compare from one vendor to another. They wanted transparency, clarity, and metrics they could understand. To this end, Computing compiled the first Sustainability Matrix in 2022, consisting of four separate quadrants. Each quadrant is made of up to eight criteria we score the cloud giants against. The quadrants are: Standards & Policies: Do the tech giants' environmental pledges reflect their size and power? Do they use that power to encourage higher sustainability standards for suppliers, partners and customers? Energy, emissions and water: These criteria compare the data on GHG emissions, energy and water efficiency with ambitions and pledges. Waste/Circular Economy/Recycling: This is where we determine the extent to which cloud vendors are squeezing waste out of their value chain, recycling and refurbishing server components and networking equipment and closing the recycling loop. Transparency: The final quadrant assesses the transparency of carbon accounting and GHG reporting and overall data accessibility. The results have been reported as a series of vendor head-to-head comparisons, like this one from last year. This article is our first report from our 2024 findings, with more to come. Every year we apply the knowledge we've gained from interviewing those in the datacentre industry, or experts in certain aspects of cloud sustainability and the tech community, to update the matrix with new or amended criteria, and remove metrics that no longer offer a meaningful comparison. You can find detail of this years' matrix here. There are 50 points available in total. And the winner is.. For two years running, Microsoft Azure was judged the most sustainable cloud, but its margin of victory over second-place Google Cloud Platform (GCP) narrowed last year. This year, Google Cloud Platform is the winner , beating Azure into second place. AWS retains third place in our sustainability rankings. The visualisation below shows the maximum score available in each category, and the score each vendor obtained this year underneath it. The final set of bars sets out the overall scores. In our third year of research, some of earlier Computing's calls - such as those for cloud services data to be disaggregated from the rest of the businesses, better data on waste and circular economy, and greater transparency more generally - have been partially heeded. This applies to all three companies to varying degrees, but to Google in particular. Google has made considerable progress in data quality and transparency. It breaks datacentres out from the rest of its operation, breaks down data by individual datacentre, and is even trying to get to grips with the environmental impact of third-party datacentres. Microsoft too breaks down data by region, and Amazon continues to innovate and enable renewable energy projects on an extraordinary scale. There is notably more effort across the board to provide useful information. Standards and Policies GCP and Azure scored almost identically here, taking 9 and 8 points respectively out of a maximum of 10. A differentiator in this quadrant is the Science Based Targets Initiative . Microsoft and AWS made commitments to SBTI several years ago, but have since had them removed, meaning that they pledged a target but then failed to provide the detail of how they intended to get there. Both Amazon and Microsoft were invited to comment about this. Amazon referred us to a statement published last August and Microsoft to one published in March this year. AWS scores badly across multiple metrics in this quadrant. The company provides next to no detail on how it aligns and furthers the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and has a less developed toolset than its competitors for its customers to assess the impact their use of AWS has on their carbon footprint. When Computing asked Amazon to comment, the company said it is currently assessing how indirect emissions can be incorporated into this tool. Environmental reporting standards for Amazon suppliers are less stringent than those of Google and Microsoft, although Amazon has committed to ask suppliers to report on carbon emissions from next year. Emissions and water This the most heavily weighted aspect of our analysis, with 20 points available. Interestingly, all three hyperscalers score almost equally, with GCP and Azure scoring 10 points and AWS 9. The biggest difference is in the criterion of GHG emissions reduction against targets, where Google picks up four of the available five points. The organisation has cut its scope 3 carbon emissions , to less than they were in 2018, despite growing as a business. Crucially, the company managed to reduce its location-based scope 3 emissions. See here for a detailed explanation of the difference between location- and market-based emissions. Google was less successful at reducing its scope 1 (which doubled due to the company including a source of emission that hadn't previously been included) and scope 2 emissions, which are primarily made up of emissions related to electricity consumption. Microsoft only picked up three points here because all emissions categories grew, but by less than expected relative to company growth. The growth in scope 3 emissions was also partially explained by more reporting accuracy. This picks up emissions that have previously been unreported, so whether it represents genuine emissions growth is a moot point. The company purchased sufficient offsets to present this a small reduction in emission - more on this later. In common with Microsoft, Amazon's reporting presents a narrative of slightly reduced overall footprint despite much higher company growth. Like its closest cloud competitor, Amazon's emissions have grown; the impression of a reduction has been enabled by means of offsetting, mainly of scope 2 emissions. Crucially, Amazon doesn't provide a reason for increased emissions, which is why it only scores 1 point out of the available 5. AWS picks up points on built emissions and innovation. AWS has pioneered the use of recycled steel and lower carbon concrete in its datacentre construction, and this will scale. Given the fact that these foundational industries account for around 20% of global CO2 emissions, a company of Amazon's size and scale de-risking the use of more sustainable building materials could prove to be a genuine driver of global emissions reduction. Amazon's Graviton-3 chip could also be a game changer by enabling much more efficient computing. AWS also picks up a point against its competition in the water metrics, although only by providing a Water Usage Efficiency (WUE) rating, which neither Microsoft nor Google provide. However, Amazon does not reveal overall water consumption. Google chooses to provide this data in gallons rather than litres. Google datacentres consumed 5.2 billion gallons of water in FY22. Microsoft's water consumption over that year is given at 6,399 megalitres. When you convert Google's gallons into megalitres (one megalitre = one million litres), you arrive at 19,759 megalitres. Google's vast water use is likely to relate to datacentre cooling, an area where Google provides less information than either Microsoft or Amazon. In terms of our research, it's Google's biggest weakness. The decision to publish in gallons rather than litres looks cynical. We reached out to Google for comment on the topic of water use and a spokesperson responded: We constantly look for more efficient ways to use water, using data through our water risk framework (released December 2023) to understand local hydrology and engaging with local experts to find the best solution for each community. We also invest heavily in our datacentre systems and operations, which we're continually reviewing and improving, to maximise efficiency with the water that we do use. And wherever we use water, we are committed to doing so responsibly. This includes using alternatives to freshwater whenever possible, like wastewater, industrial water, or even seawater. We utilise reclaimed or non-potable water at more than 25% of our data centre campuses. Circular economy Google wins this quadrant hands down. The company earns points by providing data on the proportion of their datacentre equipment, which consists of refurbished stock (21%), and on having a high landfill diversion rate. Google provides more evidence of circularity within its operation than its competitors, and both Microsoft and Amazon provide limited data on waste, particularly electronic waste. There is narrative from both companies about efforts to recycle components, but insufficient data to make a judgement. Both Microsoft and Amazon were asked for comment. Microsoft did not offer any additional comment, and Amazon provided an absolute number of 379,635 components used in datacentres coming from refurbished stock in 2023. This is good, but as we are unable to judge the proportion of overall components this constitutes (given AWS's size it is likely a vanishingly small proportion of the total) it has not changed Amazon's score in this metric. Transparency Here, Microsoft and Google both take 7 points out of an available 10, while Amazon takes 4. Amazon's data is harder to access than its competitors'. Finding data on location-based carbon emission involves finding assurance letters in the main report appendix, and then finding the appendix of those letters where the calculations are shown. None of this is signposted from the main data tables in the report the reader must seek them out. Microsoft also loses points on carbon accounting, because the company admits to having used unbundled renewable energy certificates (RECs) to offset their increased emissions. This is carbon accounting at its most cynical. Unbundled RECs are contractual instruments, but separated from the unit of renewable energy that once accompanied them. They are disconnected from the supply of renewable energy, so cannot credibly be used to offset demand. Microsoft says within its report text that it plans to phase out the purchase of unbundled RECs, presumably because the company is aware of this credibility gap. What is disappointing is that it's using them at all. Power Purchasing Agreements (PPAs) are a much more credible offset because they drive additionality. All three of the big cloud providers show a gap between their stated ambitions to be carbon neutral (or negative) and water positive in their operations by 2030 (2040 in Amazon's case) and the reality of their environmental impact. Microsoft has even pledged to have neutralised all historical carbon emissions by 2050. The sustainability gap varies in size from cloud to cloud, but this year, Google has unquestionably made the biggest leap forward in terms of progress towards target. Computing will publish articles on specific areas of the sustainability matrix in the coming weeks including standards and policies, emissions, renewable energy, water and circular economy.
Norway mulls datacentre licencing in bid to kick out cryptomining
Norwegian government ministers have put forward proposals to regulate datacentres in the country.
Digital Technology Leaders Awards deadline is this Friday
The entry deadline for the Digital Technology Leaders Awards 2024 is almost upon us - we'll no longer be accepting entries after this Friday. The awards honour the work of IT professionals, who are under ever greater pressure as technology and the world evolve. The event, attended by the cream of the IT crop, offers a unique platform to showcase your expertise and innovations. You have until 5pm on Friday to submit your entries, which will be judged by a panel of Computing editorial representatives and other industry experts. They include fractional CIO Ian Golding; Netskope CIO - EMEA Ilona Simpson; and Huseyin Seker, professor of computing sciences at Birmingham City University. Why should you enter? The Digital Technology Leaders Awards have something for everyone : from Best Automation Project and Most Successful Environmental Project, to Best Place to Work in Digital and Digital Transformation of the Year. And, of course, there are the personal excellence prizes the event is really all about: categories like Digital Team of the Year, Young Digital Professional of the Year and CDO of the Year. Everyone on the shortlist also receives a boost to their brand awareness with an article highlighting their achievement on Computing , and the winners gain even more exposure after the event. Don't wait - enter the Digital Technology Leaders Awards 2024 today.
Palo Alto Networks patches 'critical' vulnerability under active exploitation
Palo Alto Networks has made patches available for addressing a maximum-severity vulnerability affecting several versions of its PAN-OS firewall software.
Climate tech heavyweights EQT, Contrarian launch investment playbook
More than 50 European VCs and startups have joined forces to launch Climate Brick a new community designed to fast-track investment in green technologies. Climate Brick launched today along with what its founders claim to be one of the most comprehensive climate tech studies ever conducted. The report, featuring interviews with 100 climate experts and 3,000 companies, offers a roadmap for climate tech startups looking to scale. We really needed a common vocabulary and playbook for climate tech, and now with Climate Brick we have it, said Rokas Peciulaitis, partner at Contrarian Ventures and one of Climate Bricks This story continues at The Next Web
To legislate or not to legislate? How EU and UK differ in their approach to AI
The boom of artificial intelligence has spurred a regulatory frenzy across the globe and Europe is at the forefront of the developments. Both the EU and the UK are attempting to find the elusive balance between leveraging AIs growth and mitigating potential risks but their approaches differ significantly. The former has opted for a hands-on, risk-based approach, whereas the latter has promised a pro-innovation stance. However, with news emerging that the UK government is now drafting new rules to regulate the tech, this could be about to change. The EUs stricter, more cautious approach is clearly seen in This story continues at The Next Web
Sharechat raises $49 million in debt financing round, valuation drops 60%
The new funds will be utiliszed to bolster our robust monetisation plans and propel us on our path to break even and beyond, says Ankush Sachdeva, CEO and Cofounder, ShareChat and Moj
Gamers suit up: You can now build ESAs future lunar base in Fortnite
Space nerds delight: you can now play as an astronaut in Fortnite. You can even team up with your buddies to build a lunar habitat based on real future missions of the European Space Agency. Designed by Epic Games, Lunar Horizons is set at the lunar south pole. This is the point on the Moon deemed most suitable for human habitation due to the possible existence of water ice. Epic Games worked with ESAs human and robotic exploration experts to create a lifelike 3D environment for the game. This includes replicating the Moons micro-gravity. In Lunar Horizons, youre free to This story continues at The Next Web
UK government taking fresh look at AI regulation
Sources say the government is considering a more heavy-handed approach in regulating AI.
Digital displays and the end of the screen age
While its commonly said we live in the information era, I like calling it something else: the screen age. Over the past seventy years, weve seen displays seep into almost every aspect of our lives. We had televisions arrive in our homes, reshaping news and entertainment. Hot on their heels came smartphones, which changed communication and how we interact with the world at large. This tech altered the globe in ways we continue to grapple with, but it still doesnt tell the full story of digital displays. Alongside these epoch-defining examples, there are a myriad of smaller ways screens have This story continues at The Next Web
Roku reports cyber breach impacting 576,000 accounts
Roku, a leading streaming service provider, has warned 576,000 of its users that their accounts have been compromised in a cyber breach discovered during an ongoing investigation into a previous intrusion from March.
IT Essentials: Baiting the hook
Microsoft's entry means competition for London's AI talent has never been more fierce.
Clear skies ahead: Heathrow's tech-driven journey towards fairer flying
Were all trying to do our part for the planet, whether its changing how we shop, how we eat or how we get around. But theres one habit thats difficult to ditch: air travel.
Dutch chipmaker Nexperia falls victim to cyberattack
Dutch-based chipmaker Nexperia, a former division of NXP, has confirmed that it was targeted in a cyberattack by unidentified hackers last month.
We still need an economic trigger for a turnaround in business sentiments: TCS CFO Samir Sheksaria
TCS is optimistic about future growth and cost optimization through operational rigor, although macro uncertainties and market caution still pose challenges
Google Drive vs. Dropbox: which is best in 2024?
Google Drive and Dropbox are two of the best cloud storage services, but which one is best? We compared Google Drive versus Dropbox head to head to find out.
What is an RSS feed? Heres why you should still use one
What is an RSS feed? You can follow many websites without going to the main site or social networking feeds. RSS feeds keep your finger on the pulse of the web.
Google is shutting down Google One VPN because 'people simply weren't using it'
Google will continue to offer a VPN to users of its Google Fi wireless plan and to Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 owners.
New hope for VanMoof as troubled ebike maker resumes sales
Dutch ebike maker VanMoof has begun selling ebikes on its own website once more, following an almost year-long hiatus after it went bankrupt in July last year. The models on offer are refreshed versions of the S5 and A5, which were first released in 2022. Although the upgraded ebikes look exactly the same, theyve been re-engineered in almost every aspect, says the companys co-CEO Eliott Wertheimer. While this is just the beginning of VanMoofs lengthy relaunch, the ability to sell bikes directly once more represents an enormous milestone for us as a company, Wertheimer told TNW. Before declaring bankruptcy, VanMoof This story continues at The Next Web
Intruders beware: New face-detecting AI security cam fires paintballs and teargas
Homeowners delight: a startup from Slovenia has created what might just be the most badass security camera ever made. The world-first device is called Eve, but she aint no saint. Eve is an AI-powered home security system that fires paintballs and tear gas pellets at intruders. Via computer vision technology that also works at night the cam can recognise individual faces and even animals. Users can designate guests as friend or foe using an app. (Good luck to the kid just trying to get his frisbee back!) Heres where it gets really interesting. If an unknown intruder appears This story continues at The Next Web Or just read more coverage about: Security
Oxford team claims secure 'quantum computing from home' breakthrough
A team of scientists at Oxford University Physics department claim to have achieved a significant breakthrough in the field of quantum computing, with a new method that promises guaranteed security and privacy when using cloud services remotely.
Interview: Sharp UK, Security Excellence Awards finalist
With the rising frequency and complexity of cyber threats, cybersecurity has become a paramount concern for not only governments and organisations, but also individuals.
CISA issues emergency order on Microsoft breach by Russian hackers
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) published its recently issued emergency directive on Thursday, which confirmed that a Russian state-sponsored hacker group was able to steal emails from federal agencies in connection with the breach of Microsoft executive accounts.
Fortinet addresses critical vulnerability in FortiClientLinux
Fortinet has patched a critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in FortiClientLinux, among multiple vulnerabilities across various products.
New breakthrough promises entirely secure quantum cloud computing
Ever heard of hybrid matter-photon implementation of verifiable blind quantum computing? No? Neither had we, until today. But it could just be what will make next-generation quantum computers securely accessible to millions of individuals and companies without exposing any of their data. At least, according to scientists at Oxford University Physics. A team of researchers at its UK Quantum Computing and Simulation Hub claim to have hit a major milestone for connecting two separate quantum entities say a person at home accessing the cloud through an interface and a quantum computer server without revealing the identity of This story continues at The Next Web
Gartner predicts 75% of enterprise software engineers will use AI code assistants by 2028
These assistants enable more capabilities beyond code generation and completion, leading to increased job satisfaction and retention
One week left to enter the Digital Technology Leaders Awards
IT pros are constantly challenge to stay at the forefront of innovation, while keeping everything running smoothly. The Digital Technology Leaders Awards honour those meeting and beating that challenge. The Digital Technology Leaders Awards are a recognition not of your products, but your people: any company's most valuable resource, but one that is often overlooked. With categories ranging from Young Digital Professional of the Year, all the way up to the prestigious CTO of the Year and CDO of the Year, there truly is something for everyone, at any stage of their career. We also want to hear about your outstanding projects, which of course rely on people for success. AI, Web3, Mobile - every type of technology is covered. But you have to be in it to win it, and time is running short to have your team's success celebrated. There's just one week left to enter this year's Digital Technology Leaders Awards: entries close on the 19th April. Enter now Entering the Digital Technology Leaders Awards is an opportunity to highlight your achievements and set a benchmark in the industry. You'll have the chance to stand alongside the best in the field, gain invaluable exposure, and open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. This is more than an award; it's a statement to the industry about your commitment to excellence and innovation. Our expert judging panel - from industries including tech, academia, consultancy and not-for-profit - provide insight into every angle of an entry. They ensure every entry is judged fairly and comprehensively. Those who make the cut will be able to join us as we celebrate their outstanding achievements in digital technology at our awards ceremony in London, on Wednesday 3rd July at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square. So don't wait: enter the Digital Technology Leaders Awards today to celebrate your success with your peers.
Interview: LRQA Nettitude, Security Excellence Awards finalist
Cybersecurity is essential to maintain business continuity and mitigate risks that could damage reputation, financial stability and customer trust.
ICO breaks silence on Bank of America fraud case
A loophole in the law means one CIO, who lost 400,000 to a scam, is struggling to get his case heard.
Small browser market share surges post-Digital Markets Act
Smaller browsers have picked up steam in the wake of EU legislation promoting competition - but regulators are still not happy with tech giants.
British DARPA to build AI gatekeepers for quantitative safety guarantees
A British R&D unit today unveiled a futuristic vision of quantitative safety guarantees for AI. The Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) compares the guarantees to the high safety standards in nuclear power and passenger aviation. In the case of machine learning, the standards involve a probabilistic guarantee that no harm will result from a particular action. At the core of ARIAs plan is a gatekeeper AI. This digital sentinel will ensure thatother AI agents only operate within the guardrails set for a specific application. ARIA will direct 59 million towards the scheme. By the programmes end , the agency This story continues at The Next Web
Green transition at the centre of EU-China tech rivalry
With the geopolitical landscape turning more unstable by the day, EU relations with China are also becoming increasingly turbulent. At the core of the rising tensions lies the quest for tech supremacy as well as economic and national security. In a world powered by technology, those who lead are those who control the most critical technologies, and their supply chains, EUcompetition chief Margrethe Vestager said during a speech on Tuesday. With cleantech one of the critical technologies for the bloc, Vestager also announced a new round of investigations into Chinese producers of wind turbines destined for wind parks in Spain, This story continues at The Next Web
Max Planck spinout nets 20M to build stellarator fusion machine
A German startup has secured new funding for a peculiar twisted-looking reactor that could prove a quicker path to clean, virtually limitless fusion energy. Proxima Fusion has raised 20mn as it looks to bring its designs for the so-called stellarator fusion reactor to life. We are working to deliver a demonstrator of net-energy production in continuous operation by 2031, and a first-of-a-kind power plant in the mid-2030s, Dr Francesco Sciortino, CEO and co-founder of Proxima Fusion, told TNW via email. Much like the more well-known tokamak, a stellarator confines plasma using giant magnets. But instead of generating electric currents inside This story continues at The Next Web
Two zero-days fixed in Microsoft's Patch Tuesday update
Microsoft's April 2024 Patch Tuesday fixes a total of 150 security flaws, including 67 remote code execution bugs and two zero-days. Unusually, though, there were no patches for Microsoft Exchange this month.
Metas AI chief: LLMs will never reach human-level intelligence
Theres no escaping the hype around artificial general intelligence. Barely a day passes without a new headlineabout the concept, which envisions computer systems outperforming humans at various cognitive tasks. In the last month alone, a trio of tech luminaries have added fresh proclamations. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang suggestedAGI would arrive within five years. Ben father of AGI Goertzel forecasted a mere three. Elon Musk typically made the boldest prediction for the tipping point: the end of 2025. Still, not everyone is so bullish. One notable sceptic is Yann LeCun, Metas chief AI scientist and a winner of the prestigious Turing This story continues at The Next Web
TNW Podcast: Jean-David Malo on EU money for startups; quantum without noise
Welcome to the new episode of the TNW Podcast the show where we discuss the latest developments in the European technology ecosystem and feature interviews with some of the most interesting people in the industry. In todays episode, Linnea and Andrii talk abouta promising quantum breakthrough, a public funding disaster in Poland, the first Macintosh in Europe, and much more. The guest of the show is Jean-David Malo, Director of the Executive Agency for EIC and SMEs (EISMEA). Its a long title but youll understand every bit of it if you listen to the conversation. Here are This story continues at The Next Web
Meta confirms initial release of Llama 3 LLM within weeks
At an event yesterday, Meta confirmed its plan for an initial release of Llama 3, the next generation of its LLM, within the next month.
'We can become the best airport in the world': How Heathrow's new CIO is transforming travel
As the transport sector emerges from the pandemic, Europes busiest airport plans to revitalise the passenger experience using AI.
Italy sets up 1B AI fund, mulls new penalties for the techs misuse
Backed by state lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), Italy is committing 1bn to AI development over the course of the next five years. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni first announced the plan for a dedicated AI fund last month. The purpose of this mechanism is clearly to act as a multiplier and serve to attract further investment, Meloni said in a video message. CDPs venture capital arm will provide the capital, divided into three areas. Some 580mn will be invested in startups, while 300mn will go to more mature companies that are ready to scale abroad. The remaining 120mn will This story continues at The Next Web
