Technology

Microsoft’s latest update for Windows 11 arrived last week, and the patch for September 2024 delivers some nice boosts for PC gaming on some machines with AMD Ryzen processors - but it has emerged there are some catches reportedly present in the form of bugs.

The September patch (KB5043076) comes packing the full release of the branch prediction code improvements that benefit Ryzen 7000 or newer CPUs that we saw in last month’s optional update. We’re talking about frame rate boosts to the tune of 10% or more in some cases, which will doubtless delight gamers. (These improvements were actually witnessed in Windows 11 24H2 first, but were backported to the current 23H2 version).

Because of this major stride for gaming on modern Ryzen processors, more folks have rushed to download the latest cumulative update for Windows 11 - and they’ve encountered some nasty problems.

(Image credit: aslysun / Shutterstock) If you install update KB5043076 and face issues, you're not alone

Unfortunately, Windows Latest reports that some users have found update KB5043076 fails to install, or they’ve hit other problems like File Explorer crashing when trying to open it from the taskbar. 

A similar problem with File Explorer was observed in August’s optional update, so it seems that this bug has carried over into the September update. 

Another problem you might bump into after installing this update is that your device’s Phishing Protection in Windows Security (which is important for keeping you safe from online scams) might be switched off after restarting or shutting down your PC.

Furthermore, one user has taken to Microsoft’s Feedback Hub to report issues with specific Windows system files that affect certain key features like User Account Control. 

Other issues that have been observed are Windows 11’s search feature taking longer than usual to load, certain apps failing to run, issues with internet connectivity, and the PC’s restart and shutdown functions not working.

(Image credit: Shutterstock/Zamrznuti tonovi) How you can deal with these problems (for now)

KB5043076, the update for September 2024, is a mandatory patch, meaning it will automatically be delivered to your Windows 23H2 (or 22H2) PC. If these reported problems make you nervous, you could pause your updates - although only for up to a month on Windows 11 Home installations. Remember, though, that without the September update, you will be lacking some vital security fixes that are inevitably part of these patches.

Those experiencing problems already having installed the September patch could remove it. To do so, simply go to Windows Update (in Settings) and then Update History, where you’ll find the option to Uninstall Updates - here, you can find the patch which is KB5043076 as we’ve mentioned, and elect to uninstall it. After that, you can pause updates (for a month, as noted).

Microsoft has yet to comment on these reported issues with the September 2024 update, but we’ll let you know if we hear from the company, or anything about fixes being implemented.

We are waiting for the full rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2, which should be coming pretty soon, and patches like this one don’t give me the greatest confidence in Microsoft, it has to be said.

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Watch American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez quick guide

US viewers can watch American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez live on linear channel FX or through an OTT service like Sling TV. Alternatively, stream new episodes next day on Hulu. The show will air on FX Now in Canada, but there’s no release date yet for UK or Australian viewers.

Currently out of the country? Use a VPN to watch American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez online on your usual streaming service from anywhere.

American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez – Preview

The fourth anthology series in Ryan Murphy’s Emmy-winning franchise, American Sports Story will examine the troubled life and crimes of Aaron Hernandez, the New England Patriots star convicted of first degree murder. This 10-part FX drama brings his shocking true story to life, and our guide below explains how to watch American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez online from anywhere.

Created by Stu Zicherman (The Shrink Next Door) and based on podcast series Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc., the first installment dives into the NFL player's difficult past.

A bulked up Josh Andrés Rivera (West Side Story) will play Hernandez, the talented athlete convicted of Odin Lloyd's murder in 2015, with Ross Jirgl (Butch vs Sundance) as Tom Brady and Patrick Schwarzenegger (The Boys) as University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. Below we have more details on how to watch American Sports Story: Aaron Fernandez online wherever you are.

How to watch American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez online in the US

The first season of American Sports Story arrives on Tuesday, September 17, when viewers can enjoy two back-to-back episodes on FX at 10pm ET/ 7pm PT. Subsequently, episodes air one per week in the same timeslot, with the series concluding on November 12.

If you already have FX, you’re good to go. But if you're a cord-cutter, we recommend Sling TV – specifically the Sling Blue package which includes FX.

Hulu subscribers can also watch FX live with a Hulu with Live TV plan (at $76.99 per month). But the cheapest option might be to catch episodes next day on Hulu with its $7.99 a month on-demand only service. The basic plan also provides a whopping 30-day Hulu free trial.

Away from the US? Use a VPN to watch American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez on Hulu from abroad.

How to watch American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez online from outside your country

If you’re out of the country when American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez airs, then you can always download a VPN to overcome any regional restrictions (assuming you're not breaching any broadcaster T&Cs, of course). You may be surprised how simple it is to do.

Use a VPN to watch American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez from anywhere:

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How to watch American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez online in Canada

Canadian viewers can watch American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez on linear channel FX and catch the first two episodes of this gripping true story every Tuesday from September 17 at 10pm ET/ 7pm PT.

It’s also possible to catch up with the series online with FX Now. Bear in mind, however, that you'll need an FX cable subscription to watch new episodes live or through the app.

If you already have an FX package, but aren’t at home in Canada right now, you can still catch the latest episodes by downloading a VPN and pointing your location back to Canada.

Can I watch American Sports Story online in the UK?

Has someone dropped the ball? We haven’t seen a UK release date for American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez yet, so viewers across the Pond might be in for a long wait if they want to watch American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez online.

FX shows like Feud: Capote vs. The Swans tend to land on Disney Plus a few months after their US debut.

American abroad? A VPN will let you effortlessly connect to your usual streaming services, from anywhere in the world.

Can I watch American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez online in Australia?

At present, there's no way for Aussies to watch American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez online. Neither Binge, which is the Australian home of Ryan Murphy’s other entries in the American Story franchise, nor Disney Plus, whose content library includes FX series like The Old Man and Shogun, are confirmed as streaming the show Down Under. As soon as we hear otherwise, though, we’ll be sure to let you know.

Lastly – if you’re an American abroad in Australia, you won’t be able to connect to regional services like Hulu or Sling TV. The solution? Simply download a VPN to use your VOD service and stream American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez just like you would back home.

American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez trailer American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez cast

• Josh Andrés Rivera as Aaron Hernandez
• Patrick Schwarzenegger as Tim Tebow
• Lindsay Mendez as Tanya Singleton
• Tony Yazbeck as Urban Meyer
• Jake Cannavale as Chris
• Catfish Jean as Ernest "Bo" Wallace
• Jaylen Barron as Shayanna Jenkins
• Tammy Blanchard as Terri Hernandez
• Ean Castellanos as DJ Hernandez
• Thomas Sadoski as Brian Murphy
• Norbert Leo Butz as Bill Belichick
• Kwadarrius Smith as Gameday Deion Branch
• Ross Jirgl as Tom Brady
• Casey Sullivan as Sam Bradford

American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez episode guide

• Episode 1 - "If It’s To Be": Tuesday, September 17
• Episode 2 - "Consequences, With Extreme Prejudice": Tuesday, September 17
• Episode 3 - "Pray The Gay Away": Tuesday, September 24
• Episode 4 - "Birthday Money": Tuesday, October 1
• Episode 5 – “The Man”: Tuesday, October 8
• Episode 6 – TBA: Tuesday, October 15
• Episode 7 – TBA: Tuesday, October 22
• Episode 8 – TBA: Tuesday, October 29
• Episode 9 – “What’s Left Behind”: Tuesday, November 5
• Episode 10 – “Who Killed Aaron Hernandez”: Tuesday, November 12

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Today, smartphones have become indispensable tools for communication, productivity, and entertainment. However, as the use of smartphones rapidly increases, so do the risks associated with their security. 

Failing to take simple security precautions to safeguard personal information and data can have catastrophic consequences. Alarmingly, over 560,000 new cyber threats are discovered daily, ranging from malware and phishing attacks to data breaches and identity theft. These threats can result in financial loss, reputational damage, and even personal harm. Consequently, it is vital for businesses and individuals to stay protected and ensure that robust security measures are in place.

Avoiding basic security measures 

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, there is an increasing reliance on smartphones, with a recent report finding that 76% of Brits use their phones for sensitive transactions. Despite this, experts have highlighted that a significant portion of users (50%) neglect basic security measures. Many users fail to update their devices regularly, leaving them known to vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.

Others overlook the importance of strong passwords, with many opting for easily guessable or reused passwords that can be cracked through brute forced attacks. Passwords have been around for decades – way before the invention of the computer – and are indirectly responsible for the bulk of data breaches identified throughout the last decade. To date, more than 12 billion accounts are known to have been breached and traded on specialized forums, and that is a conservative estimation based on public leaks. The consequences of weak passwords are not just inconvenient but potentially devastating for both companies and individuals, as they often protect important assets that are made to be kept away from prying eyes: medical records, finances, intellectual property, or trade secrets.

Additionally, overlooking the importance of strong passwords and awareness of phishing scams exposes smartphone users to the risk of falling victim to identity theft and financial fraud. Cybercriminals often exploit weak passwords and unsuspecting users through phishing emails or messages to gain access to personal information and sensitive accounts. This can result in unauthorized access to accounts, financial losses, and reputational damage.

Neglecting security vulnerabilities in smartphones can enable threat actors to gain unauthorized access to devices, compromising users' privacy and confidentiality. Hackers may exploit this access to steal sensitive information, monitor user activities, or engage in malicious activities, posing significant risks to smartphone users' security and privacy. 

Moreover, a concerning number of users remain unaware of available mobile security solutions, such as antimalware software and secure password managers, which could significantly enhance their device's protection against cyber threats. This security neglect leaves smartphone users vulnerable to threats, including malware attacks, phishing scams, and unauthorized access to personal information and data.

One significant risk of neglecting smartphone security is the increased sensitivity to malware infections. Without regular software updates and security patches, smartphones become easy targets for malware, which can compromise device functionality and steal confidential information. Malware infections can be catastrophic, leading to financial losses, privacy breaches, and even render smartphones unusable. For businesses, this can result in substantial operational disruptions, loss of sensitive corporate data, and damage to their reputation.

While these dire consequences may be obvious to some, many individuals remain unaware of the extent of the impact phone hacking can have.

The perils of personal data infringement 

The implications of cybercriminals gaining access to personal information stored on smartphones are far-reaching. With access to sensitive data such as contact lists, messages, photos, and location history, hackers can exploit individuals for financial gain or malicious intent. Moreover, the proliferation of mobile payment apps and digital wallets has amplified the risk of financial fraud and identity theft. 

Additionally, compromised smartphones can facilitate broader cyber-attacks, such as phishing campaigns, targeting not just individuals but also organizations or critical infrastructure. This capability allows attackers to steal sensitive information or conduct surveillance by turning your device's microphone, camera, and GPS sensors into eavesdropping tools. Compromised smartphones can also be used as springboards to launch attacks on other devices or networks, amplifying the impact of the initial breach.

Unsurprisingly, one of the most alarming concerns among smartphone users is the fear of being doxed. Doxing, the malicious act of uncovering and exposing private information online, has become increasingly prevalent due to the vast amount of personal data stored on smartphones. With hackers continuously evolving their tactics, individuals are vulnerable to exploitation across various platforms, including social media, email, and messaging apps. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in smartphone security protocols to access sensitive data such as home addresses, phone numbers, and financial details. The repercussions of being doxed can be severe and multifaceted, ranging from identity theft and harassment to physical harm and financial loss.

Lastly, doxxing incidents can lead to reputational damage and psychological distress, as victims may feel violated and exposed in their digital and physical lives. Therefore, protecting personal information on smartphones is paramount to mitigate the risk of doxing and safeguard individual privacy and security in the digital age.

Defending your data

Data protection on mobile devices is paramount due to the sheer volume and sensitivity of personal data stored on them. Modern smartphones store a plethora of information, including not just contact details and photos but also emails, social media accounts, location history, and even biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition patterns. This wealth of data makes mobile devices attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking to exploit or monetize personal information.

Mobile devices are also commonly used for financial transactions, with users accessing banking apps, making online purchases and using digital wallets for payments. This means that financial data such as credit card numbers, bank account details, and payment histories are also at risk if proper data protection measures are not in place.

Beyond personal data, mobile devices are often connected to corporate networks or used for work-related tasks, making them potential entry points for cyber-attacks targeting larger organizations. A compromised mobile device could provide hackers with access to sensitive corporate data, intellectual property, or even critical infrastructure systems.

To mitigate the risks associated with smartphone security breaches, it is imperative for users to adopt proactive measures to safeguard their data. Firstly, regularly updating device software and applications helps patch vulnerabilities and strengthen security defenses. Secondly, implementing strong and unique passwords or biometric authentication methods adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access. Additionally, installing reputable mobile security solutions, such as antimalware antivirus software and virtual private networks (VPNs), can detect and thwart potential threats. Moreover, exercising caution when sharing personal information online and being vigilant against phishing attempts can help prevent data compromise.

Solutions for successful smartphone security  

Ensuring robust security measures on smartphones is crucial to safeguarding personal data against cyber threats. Firstly, regular software updates play a pivotal role in maintaining device security. By keeping the smartphone's operating system and apps up to date with the latest security patches, vulnerabilities can be patched promptly, thus fortifying defenses against emerging threats. In addition to software updates, employing strong authentication methods enhances smartphone security. Utilizing strong, unique passwords or biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, adds an extra layer of protection, mitigating the risk of unauthorized access to the device and its contents.

Furthermore, leveraging reputable mobile security apps can provide comprehensive protection against various cyber threats. These apps offer features such as malware detection, phishing protection, and privacy scanning, bolstering the device's security posture. Implementing these apps while also encrypting data stored on the smartphone can serve as another critical security measure. By enabling device encryption, data is scrambled and rendered unreadable without the correct decryption key, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected even if the device is compromised.

Ensuring that passwords are randomly generated, long, and complex, and stored securely is also a must. A password manager can help by suggesting complex, unique passwords and keeping them safe, so you only need to remember a single complex master password. Additionally, complement passwords with multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible, avoiding SMS-based one-time passwords if you can, though they are better than nothing. As you build your online presence, consider using dedicated email and password combinations for each account to better compartmentalize and minimize your online footprint.

Enabling features like remote wipe and lock can also add an extra layer of security in case the device is lost or stolen. These features allow users to remotely erase data or lock the device, preventing unauthorized access to personal information. Furthermore, managing app permissions diligently is essential for maintaining smartphone security. Regularly reviewing and managing app permissions ensures that only necessary permissions are granted to apps, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data. Lastly, raising awareness and providing education about common security threats is vital. By educating users about phishing scams, malicious apps, and other potential risks, individuals can make informed decisions and adopt proactive measures to protect their smartphones and personal data.

As the technology landscape continues to rapidly evolve, it is now more important than ever for smartphone users to ensure that they are doing everything they can to stay protected. Implementing security solutions and exercising caution when sharing personal information online are essential steps in mitigating cyber threats. By prioritizing education and awareness about common security threats, individuals can make informed decisions to safeguard their smartphone and personal data efficiently.

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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

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iOS 18 arrived on September 16, bringing a host of upgrades to iPhone just in time for the arrival of iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. 

All of the new iPhone 16 models support fast charging, and a new feature added with iOS 18 suggests the company is keen for users to make use of this capability. That's because iOS 18 adds a new “Slow Charger” warning to the Battery section of the iPhone’s Settings app, which will appear with continued use of a slow charger.

A new orange color will appear on the Battery Level graph to indicate periods of slow charging, as opposed to green for periods of fast charging. 

As of now, however, we don’t know what charging speed causes the Slow Charger warning to appear, and in turn we also don’t really know what Apple considers fast charging.

As MacRumors reports, the iPhone 16 series is rumored to support charging speeds of up to 45W, but the spec sheets on Apple’s website only quote a USB-C charging speed of 20W and MagSafe charging speed of 30W. It’ll be up to Apple to confirm whether the iPhone 16 series does indeed support 45W charging.

iOS 18 also brings users the option to set a charging cap at 85%, 90%, and 95%, in addition to the previously available 80% limit.

Like many other smartphones, iPhones allow users to cap charging at a certain level to extend the total lifespan of the battery, which is ultimately a consumable component and degrades over time.

Conventional wisdom holds that lithium-ion batteries, like the ones found in iPhones, last longest when charged between 20% and 80%, though this theory is not without its critics.

For the latest news and expert tips on the new features coming to iPhone, be sure to check out our iOS 18 hub.

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Procurement teams play an essential role in ensuring their organization operates efficiently and cost-effectively. But interoperability and integration remain sizeable challenges within teams.

There are many reasons why these challenges exist and for seamless procurement to be achieved, they must be overcome.

Here are the biggest integration and interoperability challenges, their impact on procurement processes, and the steps teams can take to solve them.

Why do interoperability and integration problems exist?

Interoperability refers to the ability of different systems, applications and processes to communicate, exchange data, and work together seamlessly. Meanwhile, integration in the context of procurement involves the strategic alignment and unification of disparate systems and processes into a cohesive workflow.

There a several reasons as to why interoperability and integration issues exist within the procurement function. These include:

Data silos – Different departments and functions may use standalone systems that do not communicate with each other, which can fragment data. Disparate data sources can cause inconsistencies and inaccuracies that make it impossible to access a unified view of procurement activities.

Incompatible systems – Older systems may not be compatible with modern procurement software which can hinder integration efforts, as businesses typically use a mix of technologies and platforms that complicate interoperability.

Lack of standardized processes – Different departments and teams may have their own processes and workflows which can complicate efforts to standardize and integrate activities.

Limited IT resources – Procurement teams may lack the necessary IT resources and expertise to implement and maintain integrated systems, and other projects may be prioritized over integration, which can delay necessary improvements.

Integration complexity – Achieving seamless integration can be delayed by complex technical challenges such as data mapping, system customization, and middleware development. Lacking universal interoperability standards can complicate efforts and require customer solutions for each system.

Data security – Procurement teams handle sensitive data, including financial information and supplier details, which must be securely managed. Ensuring integrated systems comply with data protection regulations and standards can be complex and resource intensive.

The business benefits of streamlining procurement

Streamlining interoperability and integration is valuable for procurement teams and the bottom line.

Automation is one area where huge gains can be found. Automated data exchanges between systems can speed up the procurement process to reduce led times. It can enhance process efficiency by eliminating the need to complete manual data entry and repetitive tasks, freeing up teams to focus on strategic responsibilities.

Automation can also reduce the risk of human error in data entry and processing for more accurate data. Integration can also provide a more unified view of data to make it more consistent across an organization.

Improved interoperability and integration are more cost-effective as they reduce the need for manual labor which can lower operational costs while providing higher visibility over spending patterns, which can help teams to identify other cost-saving opportunities.

Integrated systems can ensure processes adhere to regulatory requirements by providing traceability and audit trails to enhance visibility and better identify and mitigate risks like supplier non-compliance and supply chain disruption.

This can also increase scalability to accommodate business growth and allow procurement teams to quickly adapt to market changes and new technologies to remain competitive.

Adopt integrated procurement software and standardize data formats

Integrated procurement solutions consolidate various functions, including sourcing, purchasing, and invoicing, into a single platform. This greatly increases efficiency and reduces the complexity of managing multiple disjoined systems.

Procurement software solutions streamline these processes by providing a unified interface for all procurement activities to facilitate better control and visibility over spending.

Standardizing data formats and protocols ensures information can be easily exchanged between different systems which will reduce the risk of miscommunication and errors.

For example, when sourcing data needs to be shared with invoicing, standardized formats ensure that the information is accurately interpreted by both systems to maintain data integrity.

By reducing errors and improving data accuracy, standardized data protocols will not only enhance interoperability but also lead to more informed decision-making.

Leverage cloud-based solutions

Cloud-based platforms provide a centralized system that can be accessed from anywhere to allow procurement teams to collaborate in real time across multiple locations.

This ensures that all stakeholders, whether they are in the office, on-site, or working remotely, have consistent access to the same data and tools, reducing the risk of miscommunication, delays, and data breaches.

Additionally, cloud-based procurement solutions are highly scalable, allowing businesses to easily adjust their usage as their needs evolve.

This is particularly beneficial for growing businesses or those experiencing fluctuating demand, as it eliminates the need for significant upfront investments in infrastructure. Instead, organizations can scale up or down their usage based on requirements, making cloud solutions a cost-effective choice.

Cloud-based platforms also often come with automatic updates and maintenance, ensuring that procurement teams always have access to the latest features and security enhancements without the need for manual intervention.

Invest in data analytics and reporting tools

Advanced analytics tools offer deep insights into procurement activities, enabling businesses to make more informed decisions.

By analyzing spending, supplier performance, and purchasing patterns and trends, procurement teams can identify opportunities for cost savings, improve supplier relationships, and optimize procurement strategies.

This data-driven approach ensures decisions are based on actual performance metrics rather than assumptions, leading to more effective procurement outcomes.

Real time monitoring of procurement activities is another significant benefit of using advanced analytics and reporting tools, as procurement teams can track purchase orders, inventory levels, and supplier compliance as they happen and adjust if issues arise.

Proactive monitoring can help to quickly identify and address bottlenecks to keep processes running smoothly.

Moreover, real time insights enable better risk management by providing early warnings of potential disruptions or deviations from procurement plans.

The importance of cross-departmental collaboration

Seamless procurement processes require coordinated efforts from multiple departments like procurement, IT, and finance, as each department brings unique expertise and insights that are critical for streamlining procurement processes.

For example, IT plays a key role in implementing and maintaining the necessary software solutions, while finance ensures that activities align with budgetary constraints and financial objectives.

Stakeholders can remain aligned with business goals by regularly communicating and attending training sessions which will provide platforms for sharing updates, discussing challenges, and exploring new opportunities for process improvement.

Cross-departmental training helps stakeholders understand each other’s workflows and challenges to improve decision-making and support smooth integration across teams.

Fostering a culture of open communication can ensure all employees are aware of their roles and responsibilities to reduce the risk of siloed operations.

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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

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has told employees that they must return to in-person working five days per week, spelling an end to hybrid working at the company.

In a memo, Jassy started workers have until January 2 to make the change, which is a marked difference from the company's current three day per week policy.

“Before the pandemic, it was not a given that folks could work remotely two days a week, and that will also be true moving forward — our expectation is that people will be in the office outside of extenuating circumstances," his memo read.

‘Bureaucracy Mailbox’

The company has also revealed plans to restructure, aiming for fewer managers in order to ‘remove layers and flatten organizations’, Jassy confirmed. The company’s senior teams will be asked to increase its ratio of contributors to managers by at least 15% by Q1 of 2025.

Under its new CEO, Amazon has slowed its recent expansions somewhat, with the total employee number growing just 5% this year, bringing the total to 1.53 million employees. In comparison, in the second quarter of 2022, the workforce expanded by 14%.

Jassy's memo highlighted a newly created "bureaucracy mailbox" where employees are encouraged to report any unnecessary processes and bureaucracy that has crept in so that the company can root it out.

“We want to operate like the world’s largest startup.” Jassy explains. “That means having a passion for constantly inventing for customers, strong urgency (for most big opportunities, it’s a race!), high ownership, fast decision-making, scrappiness and frugality, deeply-connected collaboration (you need to be joined at the hip with your teammates when inventing and solving hard problems), and a shared commitment to each other.”

The news comes shortly after big spending elsewhere within Amazon, especially on an enhanced Delivery Service Partner program (DSP), with an investment of $2.1 billion. The DSP hopes to improve efficiency, which is clearly a focus company-wide.

Via CNBC

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Watch High Potential online

ABC dramedy High Potential stars Kaitlin Olson as a single mum with an exceptional IQ who discovers she has an uncanny ability for solving crimes. US viewers can tune into High Potential live on ABC or via Sling TV. Read on for how to watch High Potential from anywhere with a VPN.

Created by Academy Award-nominated writer Drew Goddard (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Alias) and based on the hit French series, police procedural High Potential looks to be an absolute hoot.

It’s a delight to see Olson, best known for playing barfly “Sweet Dee” Reynolds on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, taking center stage on our TV screens. For this American adaptation of HPI: Haut Potentiel Intellectuel, she sports rubber gloves and a trademark lollipop as Morgan, a single mother raising three children on a cleaner’s salary. Yet she’s got an incredible intellect. 

We’ve got all the information on where to watch High Potential online and stream every episode free on Hulu from anywhere.

How to watch High Potential online in the US

US viewers can watch High Potential on ABC from Tuesday, September 17 at 10pm ET/PT. New episodes air weekly, with a possible break for US election coverage.

Don’t have cable? Latest episodes will be on ABC’s catch-up service the day after broadcast. 

You can also watch ABC via Sling TV in selected markets and catch episodes the next day on Hulu (30-day Hulu free trial).

Away from the US? Use a VPN to watch High Potential on Hulu from abroad.

How to watch High Potential online from outside your country

If you’re traveling abroad when High Potential airs, you’ll be unable to watch the show like you normally would due to annoying regional restrictions. Luckily, there’s an easy solution. 

Downloading a VPN will allow you to stream online, no matter where you are. It's a simple bit of software that changes your IP address, meaning that you can access on-demand content or live TV just as if you were at home.

Use a VPN to watch High Potential from anywhere.

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How to watch High Potential online in Canada

Canadian viewers can watch High Potential on CTV from Tuesday, September 17 at 10pm ET/PT.

Rather stream the show? Use the CTV.ca website. You'll need to enter your cable provider details.

US viewer currently traveling in Canada? Download a VPN to connect to your streaming service back home and watch High Potential no matter where you are.

Can I watch High Potential online in the UK?

High Potential is confirmed as “coming soon” to Disney Plus UK in the autumn.

You can get Disney Plus' Standard with Ads plan for £4.99 a month, or opt for the ad-free Standard plan at £7.99 a month.

Until Sept 27, 2024 you can get your first three months of Disney Plus for just £1.99 a month.  

Currently outside of the US? A VPN will let you effortlessly connect to your usual streaming services, from anywhere in the world.

Can I watch High Potential online in Australia?

We’d expect the show to become a part of the Disney Plus library Down Under but there's no release date as yet.

If you’re abroad in Australia, simply download a VPN to stream High Potential just as you would back home.

Can I watch High Potential for free?

US viewers can use the Hulu 30-day free trial to watch a good chunk of High Potential for nada. But with a total of 10 weekly episodes, you'll likely need cable or a streaming plan to watch the whole series from start to finish.   

High Potential cast

• Kaitlin Olson as Morgan Gillory
• Javicia Leslie as Junior Detective Daphne Forrester
• Judy Reyes as Lieutenant Selena Soto
• Deniz Akdeniz as Lev ‘Oz’ Osman
• Daniel Sunjata as Detective Adam Karadec
• Amirah J as Ava Gillory
• Garret Dillahunt as Lieutenant Melon
• Matthew Lamb as Elliot Radovic
• TJ Lee as Lin
• Kayvon Esmaili as Darius Farzan
• Taran Killam as Ludo Radovic
• Kerry O’Malley as Anne Davis
• Ken Marino as TBC

High Potential episode guide

According to IMDB.com, there are 10 episodes of High Potential, starting from Tuesday, September 17. There will be no episode aired on October 1, due to the Vice Presidential Debate on ABC that evening, while election coverage running up to the November 5 election may cause further changes to the schedule below.

• Episode 1 - "Pilot": Tuesday, September 17
• Episode 2 - "Dancers in the Dark": Tuesday, September 24
• Episode 3 - "Croaked": Tuesday, October 8
• Episode 4 - "Dirty Rotten Scoundrel": Tuesday, October 15
• Episode 5 – “Chutes and Murders”: Tuesday, October 22
• Episode 6 – “Survival Mode: Tuesday, October 29
• Episode 7 – “The Sauna at the End of the Stairs”: Tuesday, November 5
• Episode 8 – TBA: Tuesday, November 12
• Episode 9 – TBA: Tuesday, November 19
• Episode 10 – TBA: Tuesday, November 26

Supercharge your kidneys by dining on these food staples more often.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 wireless gaming headset is getting a new lick of paint, and boy does it look good.

Following in the footsteps of the recently revealed variant of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless in white, the Nova 5 is getting a chic all-white colorway.

It's a refreshing departure from the many wireless gaming headsets that come in 'just black'. Plus, Nova Booster Packs can be used to further customize and augment this new design.

(Image credit: SteelSeries)

It comes at a perfect time, too - and SteelSeries knows this - as the white aesthetic will be a perfect match for a new PS5 Pro, white all-digital 2TB Xbox Series X, or new iPhone 16 series phones. Combining any of these devices with an all-white Nova 5 would be a dreamy aesthetic combination, but also one that would perform brilliantly, such is the Nova 5's quality.

The new white design is also positioned to make the Nova 5 more of a lifestyle product too - though the black design also wouldn't look too out of place as a pair of commute headphones in my opinion. 

The Nova 5 is positioned in what SteelSeries calls "affordable luxury" territory offering a bunch of premium features in a headset that's priced at only just over the $100 / £100 mark. It's a bit of marketing speak really, but there's some truth in it as the headset offers superb audio quality, robust battery life of up to 60 hours, excellent integration with a companion app, and wonderful cross-platform compatibility.

I really loved the Arctis Nova 5 when I reviewed it earlier this year. I called it a "truly amazing wireless gaming headset - whatever platform you play on and for whatever games you play. Offering superb versatility and compatibility, a useful Companion App with dozens of presets, a 60-hour battery life, and SteelSeries’ trademark brilliance in audio, design, and build, the Nova 5 is all the gaming headset you’ll ever need.

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Microsoft aimed to revolutionize its Windows operating system with this AI-soaked laptop certification. It’s still a work in progress.

All of your favorite Microsoft applications will get a lift with the new wave of Copilot AI features.

AWS has announced OpenSearch will be transitioned to the Linux Foundation to operate under the new name of the OpenSearch Foundation.

OpenSearch is an AWS developed open source data analytics platform for a range of business applications, such as analytics logging, application monitoring, and web search.

Jon Handler, Director of Solutions Architecture for Search Services at AWS, said the transfer of OpenSearch to the Linux Foundation will deepen the project's original goal when it launched in 2021 to “ensure users continue to have a secure, high-quality, fully open source search and analytics suite with a rich roadmap of new and innovative functionality.”

OpenSearch changes

Nothing needs to be done by OpenSearch users, as all of the changes will happen in the background, but the changes “help bring the spirit of cooperation from the open source world to the technology and from there to Amazon OpenSearch Service,” the announcement said.

The new OpenSearch Foundation will have a governing board and a technical steering committee in line with the governance model of the Linux Foundation.

Speaking to TechCrunch, General Manager for OpenSearch at AWS, Mukul Karnik, said that following the launch of OpenSearch and the progression of the project, “It became more organic, in some ways, where we are doing these organic steps to figure out how to get more people to be part of the project.”

Jim Zemlin, executive director of the Linux Foundation also spoke on the announcement, stating that “The Linux Foundation is excited to provide a neutral home for open and collaborative development around open source search and analytics. Search is something we all rely on every day, for both business and consumer purposes, and we look forward to supporting the OpenSearch community and helping them provide powerful search and analytics tools for organizations and individuals around the world.”

A number of other companies are joining the Foundation as premier members, including SAP and Uber, alongside other general members including Aiven, Aryn, Atlassian, Canonical, DigitalOcean, Eliatra, Graylog, NetApp Instaclustr, and Portal26.

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SolarWinds has recently patched a critical severity vulnerability in its Access Rights Manager (ARM) program, which allowed threat actors to run malicious code remotely.

Access Rights Manager (ARM) is a piece of software designed to help organizations manage, monitor, and audit user access rights across their IT systems.

In a security advisory, SolarWinds said ARM was vulnerable to a “deserialization of untrusted data remote code execution flaw,” which essentially means that the software was not validating user-supplied data properly. That data, if malicious, could be abused in cyberattacks.

Patch available

The bug is tracked as CVE-2024-28991, and has a severity rating of 9.0/10 (critical). It was first spotted by security researchers from Trend Micro’s Zero Day Initiative (ZDI), The Hacker News reports, who gave it a 9.9 severity rating. One of the reasons is because of poor authentication practices: "Although authentication is required to exploit this vulnerability, the existing authentication mechanism can be bypassed," the ZDI said.

If you are using ARM, you should make sure you’re running version 2024.3.1. SolarWinds says there is no evidence that the flaw is being abused in the wild, but is still advocating caution and advising users to patch without delay.

Although SolarWinds is a major IT services provider, popular among enterprises, it rose to infamy back in 2020 when an upcoming patch for one of its products was compromised by ransomware hackers. Unknowingly, the company pushed a tainted update to countless customers, compromising many of them in the process, and resulting in sensitive data being stolen from dozens of high-profile organizations.

Last year, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) decided to sue SolarWinds for the incident, claiming its executives knew about its security shortcomings. Instead of notifying investors and users, the lawsuit alleges, the execs kept the information for themselves and even tried to convince everyone of the opposite.

Via The Hacker News

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Following the reveal of the PS5 Pro, PlayStation's co-CEO has said that consoles will remain at the core of its business.

In a recent interview with Japanese publication Nikkei (via VGC), Sony Interactive Entertainment's Platform Business Group head, Hideaki Nishino, was asked about the value of PlayStation's console.

In response, the co-CEO explained that although the company is currently expanding its overall game market to PC, consoles will remain at the core of its business.

"I think that with mobile devices, there are many games that show advertisements, and PCs are difficult to set up, but with PlayStation, once you turn it on, you can experience the content you bought straight away," Nishino said. "The store where you purchase software also offers an intuitive experience because the products are laid out in an easy-to-understand manner."

Nishino also said that it hopes to reach a wider audience by offering games across multiple platforms, as well as on PlayStation devices.

"We are trying to increase our share of the overall game market by developing content for PCs as well," he said. "There is no doubt that consoles will be at the core of our business, but by offering titles for platforms other than consoles, we will reach a wider range of customers."

Sony officially unveiled the PS5 Pro last week as part of its PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation, where it confirmed that the mid-generation console will launch globally on November 7, 2024.

Pre-orders for the PS5 Pro are set to go live on September 26 and will cost $699.99 / £699.99 / AU$1052.99.

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Thierry Breton, the French European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, has resigned from his post, pointing the finger at European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in what could be a major blow for tech governance across the continent.

Breton, who had been nominated by Macron for a second term, used his resignation to accuse von der Leyen of privately trying to convince Macron to drop him.

“A few days ago, in the very final stretch of negotiations on the composition of the future College, you asked France to withdraw my name — for personal reasons that in no instance you have discussed directly with me,” Breton’s resignation states.

‘Questionable Governance’

The news comes amid tensions in the Commission as von der Leyen has pushed to form a College of Commissioners with a stricter gender-balance. Both Romania and Slovenia have withdrawn male candidates and replaced them with women, reportedly due to pressure from the EU President.

Breton’s resignation also suggested von der Leyen offered a "political trade-off" for a more influential portfolio for France if Macron withdrew his name, a further testament to "questionable governance", he affirmed.

CEO of X Corporation Linda Yaccarino hailed the resignation as a "good day for free speech". The platform leader clashed with the EU Commissioner as Breton oversaw regulation of tech companies in the form of the Digital Services Act. The Commissioner was vocal about urging X (formerly Twitter) owner Elon Musk to comply with EU law regarding content moderation.

The French President has since nominated close ally Stéphane Séjourné as a replacement for Thierry Breton, who has the blessing of French PM Michel Barnier. The nominations for the College of Commissioners is not yet a complete picture, with the loss of big names like Breton and Vestager leaving big shoes to fill.

Via Financial Times

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