Technology

• Two in five leaders are ‘conservative’ leaders – unwilling to lead a transformation
• For many, company transformation is just a tool to implement layoffs
• The “wrong approach” is causing “anxiety”, report finds

Many tech CEOs are so put off by workplace transformation that they’d rather quit, new research has found.

A survey of 700 senior decision-makers from large organizations by Orgvue found that nearly two-fifths (38%) of CEOs would rather resign than lead a large-scale workforce restructuring.

Alarmingly, less than a third (29%) of CEOs would be willing to lead significant restructuring efforts, and fewer still (25%) would be prepared to challenge and break down traditional hierarchies and management tiers in the name of efficiency.

CEOs are not prepared to lead transformation efforts

Often seen as a cost-cutting tool associated with company layoffs, three in five see human emotion as a key driver behind workforce transformation as opposed to rational analysis.

A similar number (63%) agreed cost-cutting was the primary motive behind their transformation, with three-quarters (74%) prepared to go through the transformation process to facilitate this.

Concerningly, two-thirds (64%) of CEOs also stated they would rather make workers redundant than miss earnings targets.

“Organisations are taking the wrong approach to transformation, creating anxiety around these large, arduous, risky projects that invariably don’t return the cost savings they promise," noted Orgvue CEO Oliver Shaw.

The research splits CEOs into one of two categories – conservative leaders who would rather quit than go through transformation represent two in five CEOs. An overwhelming majority (97%) of agile CEOs – those with an opposing view – are willing to lead major restructuring projects.

Shaw added: “Encouragingly, the research shows there’s a cohort of CEOs that see transformation in a different way and they’re more willing to lead major restructuring programs as a result. They see transformation as a continuous, iterative process that takes the pain out of organisational change and makes it more sustainable.”

Looking ahead, the company identified three key barriers that leaders must overcome in order to move their company into the next era – resistance to ‘do the hard thing,’ resistance to change and a lack of shared vision.

You might also like

• Businesses are struggling to define how much value they actually get out of using AI
• We’ve listed the best job sites and best recruitment platforms
• Check out our roundup of the best HR software

The devilish new Christmas movie hails from the Farrelly Brothers and stars Jack Black.

Try these foolproof tips that will help your Turkey Day turn out perfectly.

Since launch, Tesla's polarizing electric pickup has been beset by quality issues, and is now heading to be one of the most unreliable EVs made yet. Strangely, Cybertruck owners may not care one bit.

• Sony is working on a new handheld according to insiders
• It'll run PS5 games, but is still years from launch (if it ever releases)
• It'll compete with the Nintendo Switch and Xbox's handheld

Sony’s PS5 Pro has been out less than a month, but there’s already speculation about what its next gaming hardware release could have in store for us. And the latest report isn’t about some even more high-performance PS6 – rather, it’s that Sony is working on a new handheld that’ll be able to play PS5 games natively.

Little else is known about the project right now, but Bloomberg reports that sources familiar with the device say it’ll compete against Nintendo’s Switch and the final version of the Xbox handheld that's currently being prototyped.

Sony currently has a pseudo-PS5 portable in the shape of the five-star PlayStation Portal; however, where that handheld relies on an internet connection to facilitate Remote Play, or now cloud gaming for PS Plus Premium members, this new handheld would run PS5 games all on its own – like a souped up version of the scrapped PlayStation Vita or PlayStation Portable (PSP).

Don’t get too excited about this possible return of the PSP just yet though, as Bloomberg’s sources added that Sony could still decide against bringing this in-development handheld to market – and that it’s still “likely years away from launch.”

What we want to see from the PlayStation handheld

The Steam Deck is the rival Sony should aim to beat (Image credit: Valve)

So it'll likely be a while before we get a better idea of what the PlayStation handheld could have in store for us, but rather than this being a Nintendo Switch rival we hope Sony targets a different portable console to take on: the Steam Deck.

This would mean Sony's handheld would command a more premium price, which would make it a little less accessible, but it would likely come with a slew of possible benefits that could help justify the price, such as an OLED display instead of the disappointing LCD of the Portal, and software parity with the PS6 – which is likely to launch in a few years itself.

By parity we don’t mean identical performance, but in the same way that most new PC games also launch on Steam Deck – with some graphical and performance limitations if they’re beefier AAA releases – we’d want a similar setup with the PlayStation handheld.

This would also hopefully mean the new handheld would be much easier to maintain and less likely to get canned. Rather than needing its own dedicated platform of games like the PSP, Vita and (as a more recent, albeit not handheld, example) PSVR 2, it would rely on games that are already being developed. Sure it would require some extra costs to port those titles, but likely a lot less than an all-new dedicated portable title would require.

This is just one possibility for the approach Sony could take out of several viable options. All we really want is for Sony to support the new handheld effectively, and not let it join the growing graveyard of failed Sony spin-off consoles. Perhaps, given competition from Xbox and the growing dominance of mobile gaming, Sony might try a little harder this time around – for now we can only hope.

You might also like

• Black Friday PS5 deals 2024: we're seeing more and more discounts on all things PS5
• Black Friday PS5 controller deals 2024: DualSense discounts and third-party options
• Black Friday PS5 Pro deals: all the best discounts and deals so far

If the recent cyberattack on the UK’s rail Wi-Fi network showcased anything it’s that disrupted public transport systems can cause widespread concern. It is also a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that public Wi-Fi can pose to our security, on both a societal and individual level. While many view free internet access as a convenience – whether on the train, in cafés, or at airports – these growing attacks highlights how easily unprotected Wi-Fi can be exploited by cybercriminals and malicious actors.

To ensure data privacy, and limit the risks of personal information falling into the wrong hands, there is an urgent need for everyone to rethink their use of public Wi-Fi, especially through unsecured networks such as public transport.

The increasing use of public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is a convenient tool for people to use social media, watch movies or work during long commutes, helping to explain its significant rise in popularity in recent years. Nowadays it’s rare to see a business that doesn’t offer public hotspots with companies embracing the benefits in customer satisfaction, but also the commercial potential for social media posts and geotagging.

Generally, users need to authorize the network or sign up by sharing their emails to use these free Wi-Fi services, however devices can also connect to one of these open and accessible networks automatically. In doing so, users are vulnerable to online threats, data leaks and cyberattacks from malicious actors monitoring the same networks.

Dangers of public Wi-Fi

While organizations think they're offering a helpful service, they often forget or are generally unaware that there is a need always implement robust security measures – endangering end users.

The most common risk is Man-in-the-Middle Attacks (MITM), where hackers intercept communication between advice and the Wi-Fi network, gaining access to sensitive information like passwords, emails, and financial details. Typically, the user has no idea that this is even happening, let alone implementing the measures necessary to stop an attack. Data relating to an individual’s online activities, alongside passwords and personally identifiable information, can be collected and sold to third parties and advertisers or be used to set up elaborate phishing attacks.

The second threat is through the ‘Evil Twin’ attack, where the bad actors can hijack the connection between the node and the Wi-Fi hotspot. Evil twins are fake Wi-Fi hotspots that imitate actual public Wi-Fi networks in the area. For example, if you’re in a Starbucks and see two Wi-Fi networks, one named ‘Starbucks’ and the other ‘Starbucks-for-customers,’ you might believe they are both legitimate. In reality, one of them could be set up by a hacker looking to steal your data.

Additionally, bad actors also tend to target your cookies just as much as your traffic. These cookies can be used to get sensitive information, such as your login details, home address, and name. Sometimes hackers can also implant computer worms into your device even if you don’t download them or install malicious software. Clearly, one wrong click of joining a fake Wi-Fi network can be enough to compromise your data.

Stay safe when using public Wi-Fi

Using WIFI on the move is a necessity for many, particularly on long journeys, or to facilitate remote working. However, with data theft incidents and WIFI related attacks becoming more frequent and more sophisticated, protecting yourself when public Wi-Fi is the only win-win option for users.

One of the most effective solutions is using a VPN to encrypts your data. This means that anybody snooping on a public Wi-Fi connection will only see a collection of jumbled, unusable information.

Additionally, every device that accesses the internet has a unique digital badge, called an IP address. This IP address carries identifying information whether you’re making an online order, browsing X, or creating a presentation for work. When you connect to a VPN server, your IP address is replaced by the server’s IP address. This way, your actual IP address remains private.

VPNs offer robust protection and can be used across multiple devices, ideal for frequent travelers or remote workers who rely on public Wi-Fi. It is important that while connecting on a VPN cross check that you are pairing with trustworthy open-source VPN protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard.

When accessing or using public WIFI without a VPN, avoid logging into your online accounts and inputting passwords when on a public network. This includes using passwords for online banking, email accounts, social media, and more. Similarly, make sure to disable auto-connect on your device, as it will save you from automatically connecting to any fake networks.

Cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility

The attack on the UK’s rail Wi-Fi network is a sobering reminder of how interconnected our communications have become, and how reliant we are on digital infrastructure to facilitate our day-to-day activities. Users need to stay vigilant or else one can end up providing a lot of your personally identifiable and sensitive information through the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to. As a reminder, using Incognito/Private mode doesn’t help. It only limits your device from tracking browsing history. Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) or the owner of the Wi-Fi hotspot can still see the traffic.

In a world of remote work and frequent business travelers, data security must be top of mind. With sensitive company or personal data potentially being accessed over public networks, using tools like VPNs and adopting strict practices isn’t just recommended – it’s highly important. The question we all need to ask ourselves is, if the free Wi-Fi network worth the potential loss of privacy and security? Protect yourself now – before convenience becomes a costly mistake.

We've featured the best business VPN.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

Remote, hybrid, or back to the office full-time? That’s the debate that’s been rumbling on since pandemic lockdown restrictions started to lift, with strong opinions and advocates on either side of the argument.

This debate has been reignited once again, with many large-scale tech companies ordering workers back to the office on a full-time basis – extolling the benefits of collaboration and connection to drive innovation and productivity.

This argument is true to a point. Collaboration in-person and connection with team members is, of course, important to develop and invent new products and services. However, it doesn’t mean that this is only achieved by returning to pre-pandemic ways of working.

While every company is different, the pandemic forced us to fundamentally change and reevaluate the way we work – in many cases for the better. There’s a greater appreciation for work/life balance, and an understanding that what a company builds is more important than where it’s built.

In this piece, I’ll explore the myths that many businesses use to justify a full-time return to the office, the benefits of an open work policy, and why the future of tech will require some degree of flexibility.

Myth: Remote work damages employee productivity

A common argument for return-to-office mandates is the potential impact of working from home on employee productivity. Many business leaders believe that employees are more distracted at home, and that office work and in-person meetings lead to greater efficiency and creativity. However, businesses must remember what you build is more important than how you build it, suggesting that the quality and outcomes of work should take precedence over the specific methods or locations of work.

However, research contradicts this theory, with 59% of UK workers reporting increased productivity when working remotely. Employees are not just surviving; they are thriving. The flexibility and autonomy of remote work have enhanced work-life balance for many, resulting in happier and more motivated teams.

Many remote-first companies are still figuring out how to optimize distributed teams, meaning continuous education is essential. Equipping your managers with resources and tools to lead effectively is crucial. For example, to support our employees' productivity we host ‘Focus Friday’s’ across all regions so employees can be focused on their work without any scheduled meetings. Providing real-time feedback on team health through regular pulse surveys, also offers actionable insights and recommendations to support employee productivity whilst remote working.

Myth: Remote working policies don’t attract talent

While many tech companies are forcing a return to the office, we recently reassured our employees that remote work is here to stay. Our own research of employees shows 93% reported effective remote team collaboration, and remote work is the top motivator for candidates to accept a role at the company. 

In fact, being remote-first is a big driver to attract and retain top talent from around the world. Flexible working has created new talent opportunities, enabling businesses to hire from a global pool of candidates. Geographical barriers have dissolved, allowing companies to recruit the best workers regardless of their location. This innovative approach has enabled companies to hire experts from around the world without the logistical and financial costs of relocation.

In recent years, the job market has become increasingly competitive, presenting ongoing challenges for businesses to attract and retain talent. Work flexibility has become a top priority for job seekers, particularly in the tech industry. Since the pandemic, offering remote or hybrid options is no longer a perk but an expectation. With more companies mandating a five-day in-office week, many will struggle to fill roles as potential candidates gravitate towards opportunities that offer more flexibility.

Myth: You can’t foster team spirit unless in the office

Companies often worry about the lack of human interaction and the potential impact on colleagues due to remote working. However, advancing technology offers innovative ways to stay connected. Many organizations budget for annual in-person meetings and team offsites. When budgets are tight, they can utilize existing technology to host virtual team-building events.

With employees worldwide at Twilio, our priority is to keep them connected. We acknowledge that while remote work isn’t perfect and has its challenges, we are continuously experimenting and adjusting to improve it. We discovered that many employees live near each other or within commuting distance. To enhance connectivity and engagement, we organized in-person hub events in cities or towns with a significant number of remote workers. Our CEO, Khozema Shipchandler, has recently voiced strong support for remote working. He emphasizes that companies need to continue offering remote work options to remain competitive in today’s evolving market.

For remote first companies, it’s also essential to continuously listen to employees and use their feedback to inform business strategy. As part of our Open Work policy we collect and respond to feedback from our employees – we listen, learn, and implement new programs as employees’ needs change. Additionally, being clear and consistent about remote work policies helps reduce employee anxiety amid changing work trends.

The future of tech requires flexibility

As more companies consider mandating a return to the office in the coming years, they risk losing their competitive edge – when it comes to employee retention, talent attraction, and customer impact.

For businesses that prioritize employee well-being, retention, and productivity, remote working offers clear advantages. Companies that are willing to rethink the workplace and introduce innovative ways of working will be better positioned for future success. By moving away from the rigid pre-pandemic office mandates and embracing the potential of remote-first work like Twilio has, tech companies can attract top talent, boost productivity, and create a more satisfied workforce. CEOs contemplating an RTO need to carefully consider the detrimental impacts this could have on their business. The tech world is evolving, and those who adapt to these changes—rather than resist them—will thrive in this new era.

We've featured the best WFH app.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

In the Western world, some automated driving features seem to have fallen out of favor. Not true in China—and the reasons why offer a preview of auto industry changes to come.

• Many of those increasing their budgets will do so by between 5% and 15%
• AI-assisted cyberattacks and new tech FOMO are to blame
• Implementing new software could be a challenge for some

Three-quarters (76%) of companies have said they plan to increase software budgets next year in a new report.

Three-fifths of those surveyed by Capterra reported planning to spend more anticipate increasing their budgets by 5-15% compared with 2023.

With IT security and artificial intelligence at the top of the list, companies are clearly interested in safeguarding their networks and driving increased efficiency and productivity.

Software spend is on the up

Capterra puts the increased spend on IT and AI down to the “growing sophistication” of AI-enhanced attacks, however the research also suggests that many companies are simply planning to invest in new software because they fear missing out (FOMO). Two-thirds (67%) identified technological advancements as a major external influencing factor.

However, in an era of endless software options, some challenges remain. Nearly two in five (38%) UK respondents are worried that tech implementation will be a challenge for them next year, while employee training and upskilling (36%) and possible global and economic uncertainties (35%) are also standing in the way of successful software rollouts.

“Timing is key to successful tech adoption. Businesses need to find the right balance between moving fast to keep up with the technological curve and allowing time to assess software options properly," noted Capterra Analyst David Jani.

It took 60% of UK buyers four months to settle on a software purchase, but 86% were highly confident in their final decisions. Suggestions by industry experts (43%), customer testimonials (40%) and customer reviews (39%) proved vital in the purchasing process. More than half (57%) of those who have bought new software in the past year also implemented a learning management system to help employees get up to speed.

You might also like

• Using an AI PC may actually make users less productive — for now
• We’ve listed the best online collaboration software
• Check out the best productivity apps

• The AirPods Max lack some features of Apple’s less expensive earphones
• A new report says Apple has “no concrete plans” to change that
• It suggests Apple’s interest in its high-end headphones is waning

Apple updated the AirPods Max headphones in September this year, but the change was as small as it could get – new color options appeared and the Lightning port was replaced with USB-C, but that was it. If you’ve been hoping for a more significant hardware upgrade, there’s some bad news: it looks like the AirPods Max have a potentially long wait for any significant changes.

That idea was reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in the paid-for section of his Power On newsletter. There, Gurman said that Apple has “no concrete plans” to level up the hardware of the AirPods Max, at least in the near future.

The AirPods Max were first introduced in 2020 and have remained largely the same ever since. Beyond the minor color and USB-C changes that we saw in September, the Max are essentially the same device that debuted four years ago.

And Gurman says that sales of the AirPods Max are apparently too low for Apple to consider making substantial changes to the device. But this raises the question: how will Apple stimulate a sales resurgence if it doesn’t add new features?

Analysis: A baffling decision

(Image credit: Apple)

Apple’s decision to not give the AirPods Max hardware a significant overhaul is a baffling one considering it’s meant to be the pinnacle of Apple’s headphones experience. And it’s made even stranger when you consider some of the features that less expensive Apple earphones come with.

Take the lack of support for Adaptive Audio, for example. This feature automatically adjusts the volume of sounds around you as needed, and it’s a key part of the less expensive AirPods Pro. There’s also no support for wirelessly listening to high-bitrate lossless audio, a flagship feature of Apple Music Classical, meaning the AirPods Max are not compatible with a key element of one of Apple’s own services.

The main reason these features (and more) are not available on the AirPods Max is the fact that it still uses Apple’s H1 chip instead of the newer H2. You would think that adding this to the AirPods Max would be a relatively straightforward – and beneficial – move on Apple’s part, but the company has declined to do it.

Until that changes, the AirPods Max will be missing some important functionality that Apple’s more affordable earphones offer. And with no major hardware changes on the horizon, it could be a while until we see that kind of improvement.

You might also like

• Apple's AirPods Max update was laughable, as is the price
• Apple AirPods Max review
• I'm done being rude to people thanks to Adaptive Audio on AirPods Pro 2

Exercise can do more than strengthen your muscles and boost your mental health: It can also support your eyes.

It's important to find a bed that suits your needs, and with a memory foam mattress that offers a mix of support and contouring pressure relief, you can't go wrong.

Commentary: You can pick a long-lasting phone or a fun one, but finding both in this price range is tough.

This feature is meant to keep your data safe even if your phone gets stolen.

Removing your phone number and address from the internet can be exceedingly difficult. A multibillion-dollar lawsuit led by an unlikely privacy crusader could soon catalyze change for everyone.

Check out the best internet choices in the Washington, DC area, as picked by our experts.

Multiple benchmark refinance rates ticked up this week, making it harder to find a lower rate on a home loan.

Some key mortgage rates are moving up. Here's what to expect if you're in the market for a home loan.

• Companies are keen to do more with AI, but are lacking capabilities, report finds
• Cisco AI Readiness Index shows barely any firms feel ready to get the maximum from AI
• Lack of skills and proper infrastructure also remain a challenge for many

Many companies are desperate to use AI in their workplace, but simply don't have the skills or talent required to do so effectively, new research has claimed.

Covering nearly eight thousand companies, the latest AI Readiness Index from Cisco has found only 13% of companies feel they are fully ready to capture the potential of AI tools.

This is even a fall from the previous year, but comes alongside a growing urgency from bosses to ensure they don't fall behind when it comes to the advantages AI technology can bring.

AI struggles

The study found nearly all companies (98%) said there was an increased urgency to deploy AI over the past 12 months, despite readiness for the technology declining.

This readiness was not helped by the apparent shortfall in back-end technology, with networks in particular not equipped to meet the strain of AI workloads, as the study found only 21% of companies believed they had the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands.

Security was also a concern, as less than a third (30%) of firms said they had the capabilities to protect data in AI models with end–to–end encryption, security audits, continuous monitoring and instant threat response.

However this is not to say that the outlook is necessarily bleak for firms looking to use AI, as budgets are set to evolve as the technology landscape changes.

The study found roughly 30% of IT budgets will be dedicated to AI, nearly double the current fuigure, and nearly half of companies say although AI implementations across top priorities have fallen short of expectations so far, nearly two-thirds (59%) believe the impact from AI investments will surpass expectations after five years.

Nearly two-thirds (66%) of boards are also reportedly highly or moderately receptive of focusing more on AI in the future, potentially signalling further support - although the study did note this was down from 82% last year.

“Eventually there will be only two kinds of companies: those that are AI companies, and those that are irrelevant. AI is making us rethink power requirements, compute needs, high-performance connectivity inside and between data centers, data requirements, security and more,” said Jeetu Patel, Chief Product Officer at Cisco.

“Regardless of where they are on their AI journey, organizations need to be preparing existing data centers and cloud strategies for changing requirements, and have a plan for how to adopt AI, with agility and resilience, as strategies evolve.”

You may also like

• UK consumers set to rely on "buy now pay later" and AI for the best savings this shopping season
• These are the best productivity tools around right now
• And we've also wrapped up the best online collaboration tools on offer

Take advantage of rates up to 4.75% APY while you still can.