Technology

If you thought 2020 was bad, decisions from Big Tech and the US government have led to an internet that’s even worse off.

Passwords are falling out of fashion with younger generations around the world, as passkeys provide faster and more secure login without the hassle of remembering, new research has claimed.

New data from FIDO Alliance shows passkey awareness has risen from 39% familiarity in 2022, to 57% in 2024.

Moreover, businesses are missing out on revenue from younger generations, with 50% of people aged 25-34 abandoning at least one purchase per month because they had forgotten their password.

Youngsters want authentication alternatives

Recent findings from Google claim passkeys are four times simpler to use than passwords, making them highly attractive for youngsters looking to log in rapidly or make a quick purchase. Passkeys are also phishing resistant, as they are stored on a local device such as a phone, which means that an account secured with a passkey cannot be accessed by a hacker without that device. They would also need the authenticator app you use, as well as your chosen method of verification, such as a fingerprint or facial scan.

Forgetting a password can quickly ruin an online experience, with over half (56%) of those surveyed by FIDO Alliance giving up using an online service because they had forgotten a password, with the number rising to two thirds (66%) for those below the age of 35.

Password managers are already taking some of the sting out of constantly having to remember passwords, but that doesn’t mean their usage isn’t declining. In fact, password usage decreased daily in 2023 with biometric authentication now ranking as the most popular login method.

China and India are leading the passkey revolution, with adoption rates at 80% and 73% respectively, while the UK ranks third at 66%. The research also indicates that tech savvy youngsters are becoming more aware of the cyber threats that affect them personally, with 54% of 18-24 year olds and 61% of 25-34 year olds seeing scams and suspicious messages getting smarter and more targeted.

“Consumer expectations are changing, and this data should serve as a clear call to action for brands and organizations still relying on outdated password systems," noted Andrew Shikiar, CEO at FIDO Alliance.

"Consumers are actively seeking out and prefer passwordless alternatives when available, and brands that fail to adapt are losing patience, money, and loyalty – especially among younger generations.”

“When consumers know about passkeys, they use them. Excitingly, 20% of the world’s top 100 websites and services already support passkeys. As the industry accelerates its efforts toward education and making deployment as simple as possible, we urge more brands to work with us to make passkeys available for consumers. The pace of passkey deployment and usage is set to accelerate even more in the next twelve months, and we are eager to help brands and consumers alike make the shift,” Shikiar concluded.

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AMD’s Ryzen 9800X3D is close at hand now, and Gigabyte has given us a look at a new feature for its latest motherboards that boosts the performance of 3D V-Cache chips (and other Ryzen CPUs besides).

VideoCardz points out the revelations that come from a video (and presentation slides therein) uploaded to YouTube by Gigabyte, which informs owners of its AM5 motherboards that they can install the latest BIOS and get access to an ‘X3D turbo mode’ that speeds up their CPU for gaming.

The Ryzen 9800X3D is mentioned – even though it’s not officially confirmed yet, it is strongly rumored to be the sole Zen 5 X3D processor set to launch on November 7 – and we’re told we can expect frame rate boosts to the tune of up to 5%.

The motherboard maker claims that Tomb Raider gets a 5% boost, Horizon Zero Dawn gets a 4.5% uplift, and Far Cry 6 a 3.5% increase with the 9800X3D in turbo mode. We don’t get to learn anything about the PC configuration or settings used here, though, save for the fact that it’s a measurement of turbo mode on, versus turning off the feature.

Gigabyte explains that this is a one-click turbo mode (turned on in the BIOS) that works with all X3D chips, including past generations (not just 9800X3D, or other Zen 5 X3D chips when they arrive), and indeed it will give vanilla Ryzen processors a similar boost, too.

So, this is good news for gamers who have any Ryzen CPU in a Gigabyte AM5 motherboard, not just X3D owners.

Analysis: Tempering expectations and peeking under the hood

This is a little odd, as previous leaks from Gigabyte had suggested that X3D turbo mode could provide a massive boost for PC games (there was talk of up to 35%), and these are far more modest increases aired here – but they are still gains which are well worth having. (And if any huge gains were in evidence, these were always likely to be outliers of one kind of another – it’s possible that the previously mentioned figures included EXPO memory overclocking as well as this turbo mode).

What’s the feature doing under the hood? As VideoCardz notes, the turbo mode appears to turn off SMT (multi-threading with the CPU) and doing so has benefits for games, as well as fine tuning aspects of power usage and core distribution. Dropping SMT is the reason why Gigabyte recommends you only turn on X3D turbo mode when gaming, as it’s likely to drag down the performance of your everyday apps (and demanding non-gaming workloads in particular).

If the leaks are right, the Ryzen 9800X3D processor is set to provide an 8% performance boost for gaming compared to the Ryzen 7800X3D, and the gains from turbo mode will be on top of that (but also applicable to the 7800X3D, too – perhaps not to quite the same extent, though).

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Apple’s brand-new MacBook Pro laptops come with a range of upgrades, from the M4 chip to faster Thunderbolt 5 ports. The improvements extend to the display, and that’s great news if you want to use the MacBook Pro in either bright outdoor sun or in very dark surroundings.

Apple says the mini-LED display inside the M4 MacBook Pro can ramp up to 1,000 nits of brightness when you're viewing SDR content outside. That’s much brighter than the 600 nits the M3 model was capable of in these conditions, and it should help make on-screen content much more visible when the sun is shining.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, the MacBook Pro’s display can now drop down to a mere one nit of brightness in low light, compared to two nits on the previous version. If you want to work in the dark without blinding yourself with a bright screen, your eyes will feel the benefits even more.

The values for HDR content have not changed – the MacBook Pro will still offer up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness for HDR media and up to 1,000 nits of sustained full-screen brightness, which is the same as you’d get with the M3 model.

(Image credit: Apple)

Other display elements remain the same between the M4 and M3 MacBook Pro. You can still expect True Tone technology, the ProMotion variable refresh rate up to 120Hz, and support for the P3 wide color gamut.

However, there is one other change that’s come not to the display itself, but to the tech that lives inside it: the MacBook Pro’s webcam. Apple has upgraded it with a 12MP resolution, but perhaps more interesting is the addition of Center Stage and Desk View. The former feature automatically keeps you centered in the middle of your video call’s frame as you move around, while the latter shows a top-down view of your desk without you needing to tilt your camera. Both were previously only available while using Continuity Camera on a compatible iPhone, but can now be used on both the MacBook Pro and the M4 iMac.

There have long been rumors that Apple is working on bringing out an OLED MacBook Pro that would swap out the MacBook Pro’s mini-LED display for something even better, but given that the latest MacBook Pro lacks an OLED screen, that’s clearly something for a future update.

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Multiple key refinance rates trended upward this week, so it might be worth waiting.

Some major mortgage rates inched up. But rate cuts from the Fed should help mortgage rates fall in the long term.

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It probably won’t come as much of a surprise to hear new research has found British workers often have to give up their spare time for work related commitments - but if you’re one of the 1 in 3 British workers who regularly skips their lunch break to catch up on admin tasks, HP has new tools for you.

The company has announced its new Amplify AI programme, which is set to offer “tools, resources, training, and certification” to make sure partners are well equipped to use AI to help their customers and within their own business.

An earlier survey, found that just 42% of workers and 51% of business leaders believe that AI can alleviate tedious tasks and allow employees to focus on the more critical aspects of their work - but HP hopes this will improve.

An AI PC for your admin needs

Alongside the Amplify programme, the company HP is releasing the new HP OmniBook Ultra 14 Flip, its next-gen AI PC 2-in-1 laptop costing £,1699 and featuring an inbuilt AI companion which can answer questions, analyze documents, and gather insights to help reduce workloads.

“AI is set to be a significant driver of change in the future of work, increasing productivity and allowing workers to enjoy their jobs more by taking simple and repetitive tasks off their plates,” said Neil Sawyer, Managing Director of HP’s Northwest Europe market.

“In the UK, according to HP’s WRI, 65% of workers believe AI will make their jobs easier, and at HP we want to make this a reality by empowering workers with the latest in AI technology to achieve their aspirations.” he continued.

Recent research has shown that British workers are overwhelmingly confused about how to integrate AI into their day-to-day work, and in fact only one in four workers actually use AI every day.

We have seen a slew of new products such as these, as Lenovo AI capable PCs saw a 228% rise in the second quarter of 2024. These products are hoping to encourage workers to adopt AI for mundane tasks to boost productivity across the board.

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With paperless options slowly becoming everyone's new favorite, you might think that printing has become obsolete. But the truth is, whether you're a busy professional, a student, or a home user, having the best printer can make a world of difference in your daily life. From printing important documents to creating studio-quality photos, the right printer can be a huge productivity boost.

But with so many options available, how do you choose? Inkjet, laser, LED - each technology has its own strengths and weaknesses. Do you need speed or quality? Are you printing mostly text or photos? And what about those running costs that can sneak up on you?

In this guide, we'll dive deep into the world of printing technologies. We'll explore how each type works, their pros and cons, and help you figure out which one is the perfect fit for your needs. By the end, you'll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to make the right choice for your ideal printing station.

Also check out our complete list of the best all-in-one printers available.

What is an Inkjet Printer?

Inkjet printers are probably what most of us think of when we picture a home printer. These versatile machines are popular for good reason — they're affordable, compact, and capable of producing high-quality color prints.

The technology behind inkjet printers is fascinating in its simplicity. These printers work by spraying tiny droplets of liquid ink onto paper. The print head contains thousands of microscopic nozzles that fire these droplets with incredible precision. As the print head moves back and forth across the paper, it lays down these droplets to form your text or images.

I've always been amazed by the quality inkjet printers can achieve, especially when it comes to photos. The ability to blend colors smoothly makes them a favorite among photographers and anyone who needs to print vibrant images.

Pros:

• Affordable initial cost
• Excellent photo quality
• Compact and lightweight
• Versatile paper handling
• No warm-up time needed

Cons:

• Higher cost per page
• Slower printing speeds
• Ink can smudge when wet
• Not ideal for high volumes
• Frequent ink replacements needed

What is a Laser Printer?

Laser printers have been a staple in offices for decades for good reason. These powerful devices use a technology that's very similar to photocopiers, creating sharp and professional-looking documents at impressive speeds.

Here's how it works: When you hit print, the printer's laser beam "draws" your document onto a drum inside the printer. This drum is coated with a material that becomes electrically charged where the laser hits it. Then, a fine powder called toner is applied to the drum. The toner sticks to the charged areas, creating your image or text. Finally, the toner is transferred onto paper and fused with heat and pressure, resulting in your printed page.

The best thing about laser printers is their speed and efficiency, especially for text-heavy documents. They're the go-to choice for many businesses that need to print out high volumes of paper quickly and consistently.

Pros:

• Fast printing speeds
• Sharp text quality
• Lower cost per page
• High-volume printing capability
• Smudge-resistant prints

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
• Bulky size
• Less versatile paper handling
• Not ideal for photos
• Warm-up time required

What is an LED Printer?

LED printers might be the new kid on the block, but they're quickly gaining popularity. These printers are similar to laser printers in many ways, but with a key difference in how they create the image on the drum.

Instead of using a laser beam, LED printers employ a strip of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to create the image on the drum. The rest of the process - using toner and fusing it to the paper - is very similar to laser printers. This technology was pioneered by OKI in 1989, and other manufacturers have since adopted it.

The use of LEDs instead of lasers might seem like a small change, but it brings some significant advantages. LED printers tend to be more compact, as they don't need the space for a moving laser and mirror system. They're also often more reliable due to having fewer moving parts.

Pros:

• Compact design
• Reliable performance
• Energy-efficient operation
• Fast printing speeds
• Quiet operation

Cons:

• Limited model selection
• Higher upfront cost
• Less common than alternatives
• Potential color accuracy issues
• Limited availability of supplies

Choosing the right printer for your setup

When it comes to selecting the perfect printer for your needs, understanding the key differences between inkjet, laser, and LED printers is crucial. Let's recap these differences one more time so we can explore how to make the right choice:

How to create your ideal printing setup

Now that we've explored the different printing technologies, let's talk about how you can create the perfect printing setup for your needs. Remember, the right choice depends on your specific requirements, budget, and printing habits.

1. Assess your printing needs: Before you start shopping, take some time to think about what you'll be printing most often. Are you primarily printing text documents, or do you need high-quality photo prints? How many pages do you typically print per month? Understanding your needs will help guide your decision.
2. Consider your budget: While it's tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember to factor in long-term costs. Inkjet printers might be cheaper upfront, but if you print a lot, a laser printer could save you money in the long run due to lower per-page costs. Make sure to research the cost of replacement ink or toner for any printer you're considering.
3. Think about space and placement: Where will your printer live? If you're tight on space, a compact inkjet or LED printer might be your best bet. Also, consider connectivity options. Do you need Wi-Fi capabilities for easy printing from multiple devices, or is a simple USB connection sufficient?
4. Don't forget about paper handling: If you frequently print on different types of paper or envelopes, look for a printer with versatile paper handling capabilities. Some printers offer multiple trays or the ability to handle thicker paper stocks, which can be a real time-saver.
5. Future-proof your purchase: Technology is always evolving, so try to choose a printer that will meet your needs not just now, but for years to come. Look for features like mobile printing capabilities, cloud integration, or the ability to add functionality through software updates.

Remember, the perfect printer is out there waiting for you. By carefully considering your needs and understanding the strengths of each technology, you'll be well on your way to creating your ideal printing setup. Happy printing!

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