Technology

In its latest Patch Tuesday cumulative update, Microsoft has confirmed an embarassing bug which broke older security patches installed on Windows 10 devices.

The bug is tracked as CVE-2024- 43491, and affects Windows 10 version 1507 - an older version still supported for Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2015. It carries an almost maximum severity score - 9.8.

It is a rather strange vulnerability, caused by the way people install older security patches. If a user installs a security update released between March and August 2024, and then applies an update released since March 12, the OS will revert the updated software back to its base Release To Manufacturing (RTM) version. That way, the OS is basically reintroducing all of the security vulnerabilities patched in the meantime.

Patch Tuesday issues

Microsoft said that the following components are affected:

.NET Framework 4.6 Advanced Services \ ASP.NET 4.6
Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services
Administrative Tools
Internet Explorer 11
Internet Information Services\World Wide Web Services
LPD Print Service
Microsoft Message Queue (MSMQ) Server Core
MSMQ HTTP Support
MultiPoint Connector
SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support
Windows Fax and Scan
Windows Media Player
Work Folders Client
XPS Viewer

Since all of the bugs were patched in the past, Microsoft is considering this newest snafu as “exploited in the wild.”

"Starting with the Windows security update released March 12, 2024 - KB5035858 (OS Build 10240.20526), the build version numbers crossed into a range that triggered a code defect in the Windows 10 (version 1507) servicing stack that handles the applicability of optional components," Microsoft explains.

"As a result, any optional component that was serviced with updates released since March 12, 2024 (KB5035858) was detected as 'not applicable' by the servicing stack and was reverted to its RTM version."

If a user installed a previous security update, the rollback is already in effect, and they should install the September 2024 Servicing Stack Update and Security Update for Windows 10 to address the issue.

Via The Register

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With Halloween fast approaching, it’s routine for the best streaming services to roll out the trailers for new spooky season titles, and I for one am always on the lookout for fresh horror movies to help me settle into the colder and darker months, so when I saw the trailer for the new Netflix movie It’s What’s Inside, I instantly thought it would be a perfect watch for next month.  

Following its successful premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival in January, Greg Jardin’s trippy thriller has received an October 4 release date on Netflix, which will follow its showcase at the forthcoming Netflix Geeked Week – the streamer’s version of Comic-Con. 

However, in spite of the trailer’s unsettling snippets of a technology-induced mind trip that allows characters to swap bodies – which you can watch below – Jardin’s thriller defies the boundaries of horror by blending elements of different genres. He described the movie in an interview with Netflix as "a sci-fi thriller with jokes". 

In addition to his remarks on the movie’s genre, Jardin described the movie as what we can expect to be a thriller with an underlying commentary about authenticity and online lifestyles. In a conversation with Oscar winner Colman Domingo, who executive produced the film alongside his husband Raúl Domingo, Jardin revealed that the movie is "essentially top-line sci-fi conceit of body-swapping allow us to explore the artificial intimacy presented online in the various forms – social media being a huge one".  

The trailer, which shows a group of teenagers playing a game that allows them to swap bodies, has a resemblance to the 2022 horror Bodies Bodies Bodies, which revolves around a group of friends playing a murder-in-the-dark style party game – also resulting in a chaotic bloodbath. So, if the black comedic elements of It’s What’s Inside match the unhinged humor of Bodies Bodies Bodies, one of the best Netflix movies, it could be in the running for my most anticipated movie of the spooky season.  

What to expect from the plot of It’s What’s Inside  

(Image credit: Netflix)

When chatting to Domingo, Jardin condenses the plot into three key story plots: "A bunch of friends at a party, guy brings suitcase, shit gets crazy." Set during the events of a pre-wedding party, a group of friends gather at a large estate to begin the celebrations – each of them representing a different archetype including influencer Nikki (Alycia Debnam-Carey), artist Brooke (Reina Hardesty), stereotypical kid with a trust-fund Dennis (Gavin Leatherwood), and the groom Reuben (Devon Terrell). 

But it’s the mysterious Forbes (David Thompson) who shakes up the events of the night, who arrives at the function with a mysterious suitcase. He opens it to unveil a polygraph test-like mechanism that allows people to switch bodies using electrodes, and when he convinces the guests to partake in the game, the night unravels into a mind-bending turn of events. 

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AirPods revolutionized the wireless earbuds category and are poised to do the same for over-the-counter hearing aids.

Now that AirPods Max have finally been upgraded to USB-C, just a few Apple items are holding on. Can you guess all three?

The latest version of the Parallels Desktop app for Mac (version 20) has just gotten a pretty exciting update for fans of both macOS and Windows 11. Parallels Desktop is an app that enables users to run Windows right on their Mac devices. If you’re using one of the best MacBooks or Macs available right now but want to use Windows apps that may not offer a macOS version, you could very well be in luck with this development. 

Parallels Desktop for Mac version 20 is designed to work with Apple’s soon-to-be-released public build of macOS Sequoia (expected to debut September 16), as well as the upcoming version of Windows 11, 24H2, also expected to debut very soon. Parallels Desktop also currently happens to be the only way you’ll be able to run Windows 11 on newer Mac devices equipped with one of Apple’s Silicon chips (which are based on Arm chip architecture).

AI for the Mac guy

If you’re intrigued by the onset of consumer AI products on our personal devices, you’ll be interested to hear that Parallels Desktop for Mac 20 is going to include a Parallels AI Package. This is designed for developers who want to work with AI tools and it’ll be available to paying subscribers Parallels Desktop for Mac Business and Enterprise editions.

If you get Parallels Desktop for Mac 20, you can look forward to improved and speedier performance while using Windows programs side-by-side with macOS apps all on your Mac device. If you’re using a Mac fitted with an Apple Silicon chip (M1 to M4), you can actually expect performance boosts of as much as 80% for certain tasks you carry out using Parallels. 

Parallels is the only viable choice of software for Mac users who want to run Windows apps on their device. (Image credit: Parallels)

This is apparently thanks to an additional boost thanks to a more efficient Prism emulator, developed by Microsoft, which makes it possible to run Windows applications designed to run on x86 processing chips on Arm-based chips instead. In these instances, Prism and Parallels work together to deliver fast Windows 11 app performance on Arm-based devices. Prism emulation was pioneered thanks to a partnership between Microsoft and Qualcomm to deliver the latter’s new Snapdragon X Elite chips for Windows laptops, but thanks to Parallels, Apple fans now get to benefit too.

Working in parallel

If you’re a Mac user and want to try Parallels Desktop for yourself, you’ll need to purchase it for $129.99, or you can upgrade from a previous version if you’ve already purchased it. It’s also on offer as a subscription service for $99 a year for the Standard Edition, and there are other editions available for users looking for more specialized uses and features.

With Parallels Desktop for Mac 20, the focus on full support for macOS Sequoia ensures a smooth experience for Mac users eager to update to Apple’s latest operating system. What’s particularly interesting is how Microsoft’s Prism emulator, designed to improve the performance of older Windows apps on Arm-based PCs, is now significantly boosting Apple Silicon Macs in running those same legacy apps - something Microsoft probably never saw coming.

It’s a fascinating turn of events, potentially hinting at a future where Windows and macOS become more closely intertwined, giving users more choice than ever before when it comes to how people use operating systems and their PCs in general. While Microsoft likely didn’t intend for Prism to become such a key player in enhancing Windows app performance on Apple’s hardware, I hope the two tech giants embrace this - because, as we’ve seen historically, when Apple and Microsoft work in tandem, magic can happen. 

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After going quiet for a few months amid public exposure and US sanctions, the Predator spyware is back and is even better to evade detection.

This is the worrying revelation coming from experts at Insikt Group as they detect the new infrastructure of the mercenary spyware toll in multiple countries, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Angola.

"Predator is far from disappearing," wrote experts. "Recent findings by Insikt Group reveal that Predator's infrastructure is back with modifications to evade detection and anonymize users."

New Research from Insikt Group finds that despite U.S. sanctions, Intellexa’s Predator spyware has reappeared with enhanced infrastructure to evade detection. https://t.co/TUa2ivkfhC pic.twitter.com/cYUfcVOd6HSeptember 5, 2024

Developed by the Intellexa Alliance – a group of companies among which many are EU-based – Predator spyware is a highly invasive mobile hacking software (for both Android and iPhone) designed to leave minimal traces on affected devices. It uses both one-click and zero-click attack vectors to install itself on targeted phones, taking advantage of browser vulnerabilities and network access. 

Investigations suggest that this sophisticated mercenary spyware, similar to the infamous Pegasus developed by Israeli firm NSO Group, has been largely used by government actors since at least 2019.

Predator is highly dangerous due to its level of intrusiveness. Once the device is infected, the spyware has unrestricted access to the microphone, camera, and all users' data, such as contacts, messages, photos, and videos, without their knowledge.

Did you know?

As the spyware problem keeps getting bigger, a group of civil societies is calling on European regulators for "an EU-wide ban on the production, export, sale, import, acquisition, transfer, servicing and use of spyware."

The latest report found that Predator's operators "significantly enhanced their infrastructure" by adding layers of complexity that make it even more difficult to trace it. The malicious software now has an additional tier in its delivery system which anonymizes customer operations. Put simply, it's now even harder for researchers to identify the countries using Predator and track how its usage spread.

"The re-emergence of Predator spyware is a stark reminder of the growing dangers posed by mercenary spyware," wrote experts. "Public reporting, ongoing research, and stronger regulations are critical in minimizing the damage caused by tools like Predator."

How to protect yourself from Predator spyware

It's true that spyware tools are powerful malware and full protection against them is very difficult. Simply connecting to security software like the best VPN and antivirus apps, for instance, isn't enough to fight back the spyware threat. Yet, there are still some steps you can take to considerably reduce the risk of becoming a target.

As experts pointed out: "[Predator] infrastructure has evolved, making it harder to track and identify users, but with the right cybersecurity practices in place, individuals and organizations can reduce their risk of becoming targets."

Hence, if you are a high-profile individual – like a politician, journalist, activist, or company's executive – you need to be vigilant at all times. Below are Insikt Group's suggested defensive measures you should  take to mitigate the risk of a Predator's attack:

• Keep your software updated at all times. A piece of advice that never gets old, staying on top of your device updates considerably reduces potential vulnerabilities that Predator might exploit. 
• Regularly reboot your device. Rebooting your device can also help in disrupting spyware operations, so experts suggest doing that periodically. Bear in mind that a reboot may not be enough to completely eliminate advanced spyware.
• Enable lockdown mode. Both available on iPhones and Android phones, lockdown mode is a security feature that boosts device protection with stringent controls, such as disabling biometrics access.  
• Boost your organization's security. If you're looking to protect your workforce, experts suggest implementing a mobile device management (MDM) system while investing in security awareness training to educate employees against online risks.

If you thought the recent RAMBO side-channel attack was straight out of a James Bond movie, wait until you hear about PIXHELL.

Recently, cybersecurity researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel, the same group which discovered RAMBO, are now reporting on PIXHELL, a side-channel attack that can exfiltrate sensitive data through the frequencies emitted by - the LCD display.

Apparently, one can force the display to emit a specific frequency in the range between 0-22 kHz. The signals sent that way can then be picked up by nearby devices, such as smartphones, decoded, and read. So, in theory, one could steal passwords and other sensitive data that way.

Attacking air-gapped systems

The attack is obviously a long shot, but with state-sponsored threat actors lurking about, it’s not that hard to imagine spies using it. Since the upload rate is super slow (20 bits per second (bps)), small files and pieces of text is all one can expect to grab. Furthermore, the attacker is required to stand relatively close to the vulnerable device (just a few meters) for the upload to succeed.

The researchers argue that this type of attack can be leveraged against air-gapped systems. Those are computers that are disconnected from networks and the wider internet, in order to prevent any unauthorized access. So, even if a user inadvertently introduces malware (for example, via a compromised USB device), the malware would still have no way to exfiltrate the data, since the computer is disconnected from the internet.

In those scenarios, cybercriminals and state-sponsored actors usually turn to side-channel attacks, in which different physical or behavioral characteristics allow for indirect information leakage. Things like power consumption, timing information, electromagnetic emissions, or even sound, can all be leveraged to extract certain important data.

By analyzing these characteristics, attackers can infer secret data, like encryption keys, without needing to break the encryption itself. Side-channel attacks are often passive, making them difficult to detect.

Via BleepingComputer

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As the UK advances toward the planned shutdown of 2G and 3G mobile networks by 2033, concerns have emerged about the impact on smart meters. The Public Accounts Committee estimates that approximately seven million smart meters could become non-functional with the discontinuation of 3G networks.

This issue is significant because smart meter readings are crucial for enhancing the efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of the electricity network. Utilizing half-hourly data from these meters is projected to save consumers between £1.6 billion and £4.5 billion on their energy bills by 2045.

However, the potential decommissioning of smart meters should not be the primary concern for utility companies. A more pressing issue is their reliance on outdated Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM) systems, a communication method used to control and monitor critical grid infrastructure. It’s widely accepted that these systems lack the precision and e bandwidth, required to run modern, efficient power networks.

The importance of flexibility

With the push to decarbonize economies, the installed capacity of renewable energy is expected to grow significantly by 2050. The transition to renewable energy sources (RES), coupled with economic and population growth, will cause electricity demand to soar—increasing by 40 percent from 2020 to 2030 and doubling by 2050.

Wind power and solar radiation are not consistent from hour to hour. Solar and wind farms energy production in Europe have been known to fluctuate between 0 to 23 and 24GW of energy respectively during peak times. This variability presents challenges when integrating these power supplies into the grid.

To manage this uncertainty of supply, utility companies must focus on becoming more flexible and scalable to handle the ongoing fluctuations in grid power availability and central to that is their communications. Legacy TDM systems were designed to work with a fixed number of channels and time slots, limiting flexibility to adapt to changes in the communication needs of an application.

In contrast, wide-area private wireless networks offer the adaptability needed to respond to changing demands without extensive infrastructure modifications. These networks can scale up or down as needed, enabling utility companies to track and manage Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions effectively. These networks have ubiquitous connectivity across large campuses sites, indoors and outdoors - ensuring superior connectivity regardless of geographical parameters.

Economic benefits of wide-area private wireless networks

While the initial investment in establishing a private wireless network can be substantial, the long-term savings and returns are significant. According to Nokia’s 2024 Industrial Digitalization Report, enterprises are increasingly leveraging private wireless networks for use in industrial sites, like power and utility plants. Of these enterprises, 93% achieved ROI within 12 months, with some seeing returns in just one month. These savings are largely due to improved operational efficiency and reduced overall business costs.

The role of private network operators

The importance of dedicated spectrum bands for the utilities sector has been emphasized by Ofcom. Spectrum bands such as 410 MHz, 450 MHz, and 700 MHz are crucial for supporting future operational communication needs, especially for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). These dedicated bands ensure that utility companies have the necessary bandwidth to support critical applications. However, legacy TDM systems fail to utilize existing bandwidth. Within legacy TDM systems certain time slots may remain unused if no signals are sent during a particular slot.

In contrast to this, private network operators can provide tailored solutions to utility companies, ensuring seamless integration with wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), and neighborhood area networks (NANs). This integration supports various applications with differing requirements, providing a flexible and reliable communication infrastructure for utilities companies that utilizes the full extent of the bandwidth available to utility companies.

Adaptability of private wireless networks

Private wireless networks offer a future-proof solution that can evolve with technological advancements, such as the transition to 5G. This adaptability ensures that utility companies remain at the forefront of technological innovation, unlike legacy TDM systems that lag behind due to a fixed number of channels and time slots dividing bandwidth. Private wireless networks can be continuously upgraded to support new standards and technologies, ensuring long-term viability and relevance.

The phase-out of 3G networks, while significant, shouldn’t be what’s keeping utility executives awake at night. . The greater challenge lies in the continued reliance on outdated TDM systems. By focusing on the adoption of wide-area private wireless networks, utility companies can ensure flexibility, sustainability, and scalability. This shift not only addresses the immediate challenges posed by the 3G shutdown but also positions utilities for long-term success in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

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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

Ivanti has released a patch for a critical security vulnerability, advising users to apply it immediately to secure their infrastructure.

In an advisory, Ivanti said it had uncovered a deserialization of untrusted data weakness in its Endpoint Management (EPM) agent portal. The vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2024-29847 and carries a maximum severity score.

Ivanti said the bug allows unauthenticated threat actors to remotely execute malicious code on the core server: "Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to the EPM core server," the company explained. The good news is that there is no evidence of the bug being exploited in the wild (yet) - and users should look for Ivanti EPM 2024 hot patches, as well Ivanti EPM 2022 Service Update 6 (SU6), since these address the problem.

Fixing numerous bugs

Ivanti Endpoint Management is a software solution that helps organizations manage, secure, and optimize devices across their networks. It allows IT teams to automate tasks such as software deployment, patch management, and device configuration while ensuring endpoint security and compliance.

The platform supports various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and mobile devices, and offers centralized control for streamlined management. By using Ivanti, businesses can reduce IT complexity, enhance device performance, and minimize security risks across their endpoint infrastructure.

Together with this flaw, Ivanti has addressed numerous other bugs, including a number of critical severity vulnerabilities in Ivanti EPM, Workspace Control (IWC), and Cloud Service Appliance (CSA). The company says none of these flaws were abused in the wild.

However, now with the news of the vulnerabilities out there, it’s only a matter of time before someone steps up with a Proof-of-Concept and starts scanning for flawed endpoints. Ivanti’s products are used by more than 40,000 organizations worldwide, and as such, is a major target.

Via BleepingComputer

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The UK Government reports that the ongoing cybersecurity is a pressing issue for a third of all UK businesses, Meanwhile, in a survey conducted by SenseOn, 41% of IT decision makers identify a lack of skilled personnel as a primary concern. This significant shortfall places immense pressure on already overburdened security teams, pushing them to the brink of burnout as they strive to secure every endpoint.

Another finding from SenseOn’s study highlights the severity of this issue, revealing that 95% of IT decision makers worry about the impact of stress on employee retention within their organizations. If left unaddressed, this could further exacerbate the already critical skills shortage.

In an effort to fortify their defenses and alleviate pressure on overworked analysts, many businesses are turning to various cybersecurity solutions. However, this approach often backfires, complicating the adoption and effective management of these solutions and leaving behind an array of disconnected tools, overburdened teams and a cycle of inefficiencies intensifying the skills gap.

A complex and fragmented ecosystem

The majority of IT decision makers wrongly subscribe to the belief that more cybersecurity tools means greater protection. But, the adoption of new tools is a lengthy process, averaging 2.4 months, and is further complicated by the lack of integration among the increasing number of suppliers and vendors. Amidst these challenges, security professionals, already stretched thin, face additional demands on their resources.

Organizations must adopt a strategic approach to cybersecurity, simplifying its management to alleviate the pressure on overburdened teams while addressing the skills gap.

The burden of false positive alerts

A major drain on resources is the high volume of false positive alerts from endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems, which constitute nearly half (45%) of all alerts. Many of the events that look like potential threats are, in fact, totally benign.

One of the ways EDRs work is by looking at “normal” endpoint behavior and flagging anything that deviates. However, in the real world, abnormal is the real normal. This EDR limitation would be acceptable if only a handful of devices were connected to an EDR system, but enterprise environments often have dozens to thousands of endpoints and a diverse user base.

In environments with numerous endpoints, the time required to analyze EDR alerts adds unnecessary strain on security teams as an analyst will always need context around the events that triggered it. An analyst would need to look at each event, then stitch it together with data from other sources to understand exactly whether an actual attack has occurred, or a threat is in progress versus if the alert is a false positive.

Because they only report on and respond to endpoint data, an EDR solution will still leave security teams with blind spots.. To gain context into real threats, analysts need a unified source of data collection that can pull together network, endpoint and user information into a single “case”.

AI‘s role in levelling up cybersecurity

The advent of AI-powered unified cybersecurity platforms offers a solution to the challenges of staffing shortages, false positives and the maintenance of optimal security levels. An AI-powered platform can unify multiple security disciplines under a single unified product.

These tools leverage advanced analytics for precise threat detection and automate the response and remediation process to ensure only legitimate threats are flagged. Personnel at all skill levels are empowered to effectively understand, monitor and manage security threats.

Additionally, these AI-driven capabilities address false positives by ensuring the majority of alerts analysts see are actually incidents they must address, with all the information they need for remediation and threat intelligence in one place. This helps to shield analysts from the relentless cycle of responding to false positive alerts.

What does this mean for the skills gap?

As companies tackle sophisticated threats with a limited workforce, the strain on existing personnel is exacerbated by inefficient processes and the cognitive load of managing false positives, increasing the risk of burnout.

Moreover, the pressure to quickly close the skills gap often leads to a hasty accumulation of poorly integrated security tools, which can paradoxically weaken an organization's security posture. Simplifying security operations through strategic tool adoption and management is a critical step towards nurturing the cybersecurity workforce.

Furthermore, the integration of AI-powered cybersecurity platforms can allow organizations to both address the skills gap and the operational challenges facing their cybersecurity teams. By automating the response to legitimate threats, these platforms can significantly reduce the workload on human analysts. This enables them to engage in more fulfilling and impactful work.

Such a transformation has the potential to make the cybersecurity profession more attractive to both existing and prospective talent. By enhancing job satisfaction, AI-powered solutions can play a crucial role in retaining skilled professionals and attracting new talent to the field, ultimately strengthening the cybersecurity infrastructure of organizations.

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Hostinger, one of the world’s best website builder and hosting services, has introduced a handful of new tools and features last month, helping web designers and businesses create better experiences.

In a blog post updated earlier this week, Hostinger said it has introduced 4 new features for its Business Website Builder plan, two of which are AI-powered.

First is an AI-powered image background remover, which could come in particularly handy for those operating an ecommerce business. Simply upload the image to the product’s page, hover over it, and click the 'Edit background' button that appears. After that, you can pick a clean, solid background color, which will visually declutter the page and emphasize the product even further.

The second new feature is an AI-powered CSV product upload tool. Now, users can upload CSV files in different formats directly to the site, without worrying about compatibility. The AI will analyze the data and automatically adjust it, saving precious time. The feature is currently in beta, and as such is limited to 50 products per file. Hostinger did not mention when the tool might leave beta and go into general availability.

Custom fields and more

The third new feature on the Hostinger Website Builder allows users to offer free or paid digital content. By offering free ebooks, courses, and similar, users can test the market, launch beta versions, and gather user feedback, with ease. A payment provider is not necessary.

Finally, product pages now come with custom fields, allowing users to personalize their orders. Things like inscriptions, customized messages, follow-up documents, and more, can now easily be shared.

Hostinger Website Builder is an intuitive platform designed for users to create professional websites without needing coding or design skills.

Its Business Website Builder plan is a premium package designed for users looking to create and manage websites with advanced features. This plan allows users to create online stores with up to 500 products, manage orders, and integrate over 20 global payment methods. In recent times, it’s been aggressively pushing AI features, adding the advanced tech to its content generation services, SEO, image creation, and more. It has millions of users globally.

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The latest Meta Quest update is rolling out to the Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro headsets, and while there’s no stand-out upgrade it adds several quality of life improvements that you’re sure to appreciate in areas like multitasking and keeping your library clutter free.

A smaller update ahead of Meta Connect – the 2024 conference is scheduled for September 25-26 – isn’t uncommon. It puts the headset in a stable position ahead of the major hardware and software announcements we're sure to be treated to.

This year we’re hoping that’ll be the more-accessible Meta Quest 3S, and perhaps a sneak peek at augmented reality glasses, but we’ll have to wait and see what's revealed during the opening keynote. For now, here’s what updates you can enjoy on Quest headsets right now.

1. Meta AI gets a wake word 

If you have Meta AI unlocked on your Meta Quest – a feature exclusive to users in the US and Canada right now – it’s now a little simpler to get the assistant’s assistance. In the Meta AI Settings menu on your headset you can now turn on the “Hey Meta” wake word, say it out loud and you can begin engaging with Meta AI.

For those of you yet to try it Meta AI has some useful features like the LLM Chatbot that allows you to have real-time conversations with the AI, or the Meta AI with vision mode, which allows the bot to understand and assist with things in the real world – like identifying a plant.

You can toggle Meta AI on/off in your Meta Quest headset’s Experimental Settings menu.

2. Multitasking improvements 

(Image credit: Meta)

Update v69 also adds updates to the multitasking windows we got in update v67. For a start they’re no longer an experimental setting, so everyone will have the new layout switched on by default – which allows you to have three windows open side-by-side, and a further three freeform windows for six total windows.

Spatial audio has now also been added, so it will sound like audio is coming from the window itself to make the experience feel more real. Though this setting won’t affect the audio within fully immersive apps.

Lastly while exploring immersive experiences you can now keep the universal menu and up to three windows open the whole time. This allows you to play a video, look up a guide, chat with friends, or a bunch of other activities while playing a game. To try this feature out you want to turn on Seamless Multitasking in your Experimental Settings.

3. Declutter your Library 

If your Meta Quest library is cluttered with demos or apps you have uninstalled and aren’t using any more, or Horizon Worlds you don’t ever visit, then there’s a new option to “Remove from library.” 

This will hide the icon from view to make it easier to find and enjoy the content you actually want to use.

4.  Stylus support arrives 

Compatible tracked styluses such as the soon to launch Logitech MX Ink can now be used to interact with the universal menu while using your Quest – and they can be used in some apps too like Painting VR, which should make drawing in VR or MR a lot more intuitive.

The Stylus settings menu has been added so that you can learn more about how to use the stylus, as well as adjust settings like configuring the button mapping, and adjusting its pressure sensitivity.

5. Other updates 

There’s also a handful of minor updates that don’t quite deserve their own heading but are still worth knowing about which we’re putting here. Update v69 adds quicker Bluetooth pairing that should make pairing headphones, gamepads and other accessories to your headset a little smoother.

New content-adaptive backlight controls should improve the contrast and battery life of your Quest device by better adjusting the backlight based on what you’re viewing. While boundary improvements mean you’ll be automatically placed in a stationary boundary when you enter Horizon Home if you don’t have a boundary set up already – and you’ll only need to set up a room scale boundary when you boot up an experience that demands one.

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Dell has confirmed plans to continue headcount reductions into the rest of its financial year as it continues to battle with dwindling PC sales and a revised business plan.

A report from Bloomberg claims the company confirmed it would action “continued reduction in our overall headcount” via hiring limitations, internal restructuring and other actions.

Efforts to boost margins come several months after the company mounted pressure on hybrid workers to return to the office in a bid to boost productivity.

Dell is planning more workforce reductions

The news comes after several impactful rounds of layoffs carried out at the company, including 6,600 workers at the beginning of 2023 and a further 6,000 workers at the start of 2024. A few months later, reports started to circulate that Dell was considering lying off another 12,000 workers – a number that was not proven.

Known for its consumer and business PCs, Dell has been one of many affected by poor PC sales in the years following the pandemic.

According to Canalys figures for the three months ending June 30 2024, Dell’s market share dropped by 2.4% to 16%, positioning it in third place behind HP and Lenovo. While global PC shipments showed signs of recovery in the back half of 2023, sales dropped into 2024 and annual growth rates have almost flatlined.

Windows 10’s upcoming ended support will likely cause a temporary boost to sales, but Dell is leaning more on trends in artificial intelligence, where it hopes its high-end servers will boost revenue.

In its most recent quarter, the company managed to boost revenue by 9% to $25.0 billion, despite its Client Solutions Group business – the one responsible for laptops and desktops – reporting a 4% drop in revenue to $12.4 billion.

Dell said: “We remain committed to disciplined cost management in coordination with our ongoing business transformation initiatives and will continue to take certain measures to reduce costs.”

TechRadar Pro has asked the company for more information regarding its plans to reduce its workforce, but we did not receive a response.

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In last night's Presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris said she wants to “win the race on AI and quantum computing.”

Expanding on her point, Harris stated her policy on China is to ensure the US “wins the competition for the 21st century” by investing in “American-based technology.” She then turned her attention to former President Donald Trump, saying under his presidency, American chips were sold to China and used to modernize its military.

In his rebuttal, Trump claimed China “bought their chips from Taiwan,” and that, “We hardly make chips anymore because of philosophies like they have.”

Chip change or a chip off the old block?

Under his Presidency, one of Trump’s key policies was to increase US exports to China to the tune of $200 billion over 2020 and 2021. While this goal was not met, one of the key exports that actually contributed somewhat towards it was the sale of semiconductors and their manufacturing equipment, which amounted to almost 25% of China’s total goods import under Trump’s import agreement.

Trump also placed Huawei on a national security list, introduced sanctions to restrict the sale of the US semiconductors that could potentially be used in Huawei 5G base stations, and banned the purchase of Huawei equipment for use in network infrastructure alongside the UK and Australia. However, the restrictions did not prevent Huawei from purchasing semiconductors from companies headquartered outside of the US, such as Samsung - headquartered in South Korea - and the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).

Following the election of President Joe Biden, the CHIPS and Science Act was signed in August 2022 - a piece of legislation built from two bipartisan bills aimed at both boosting domestic tech research and semiconductor manufacturing on US soil. The CHIPS and Science act has so far set aside $280 billion in funding comprised of subsidies, investment tax credits, and other incentives that has resulted in a number of semiconductor manufacturers breaking ground on manufacturing and research plants in the US, with TSMC building a new factory in Arizona, and Intel investing in new sites in Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio and Oregon.

Harsher sanctions were also introduced in October 2022, restricting US companies from exporting advanced semiconductors to China, along with further restrictions coming into effect to close export loopholes in 2023. The unfortunate downside of restricting exports to the second biggest economy in the world is that some US companies have lost a market that accounted for a significant portion of their revenue, and China has introduced export restrictions of its own to hamper US efforts to produce semiconductors domestically.

While the CHIPS and Science Act and harsh export restrictions were signed into law by Biden, it provides a good foundation for the outlook on Harris’ potential policy for China and how America “wins the competition for the 21st century.”

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Judging by the absolute vitriol in the live chat on YouTube during yesterday’s PS5 Pro reveal, I wasn’t the only one upset by the price point of Sony’s latest and greatest console.

$699.99 (£699.99 / AU$1,999.95) is a lot to pay for a games console, let’s be honest. Seven hundred American dollaroos is just the base price, too - if you want the full out-of-the-box experience with a disk drive and stand, it'll cost you $825 (£825 / AU$1,360). That makes it the most expensive home console ever; sure, inflation plays a role here, but even adjusting for that, the original 1994 PlayStation would cost you around $500 in today’s money.

Now, it might just be the seven zillion computer hardware reviews I’ve done over the years talking here, but surely we’re approaching gaming PC pricing territory here, no? I generally say to people building their first entry-level custom PC that they should aim for the $800-$1000 mark. With consoles - and games, and controllers - getting ever more expensive (and Microsoft no doubt wondering if they can feasibly sell an eight-hundred-dollar Xbox right now), it’s time for us to collectively admit that the home console dream is dead, and we should all be buying gaming systems that run Windows instead.

Getting a PS5 Pro PC equivalent

Alright, I’ll be totally upfront about one thing here: you’re not going to get anywhere near the same level of gaming performance on a PC at that price point. That’s just a fact: Sony’s tight control over the PlayStation ecosystem and the PS5 Pro’s fixed-spec configuration makes it cheaper to mass-produce a powerful console capable of 4K gaming.

I did some quick research (read: online shopping) and, at the $825 mark, the best you’re likely to get without waiting for big discounts on every individual component is a desktop system with an Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics card and an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor - certainly a solid gaming PC, capable of playing virtually anything at 1080p and some games at 1440p or even 4K if the game supports Nvidia’s DLSS 3 upscaling tech. If you’d prefer something a bit more portable, most of the best gaming laptops will, unfortunately, cost you more in most cases - though to be fair, they do include a screen, keyboard, speakers, and so on.

You'll need a fairly beefy graphics card in your PC or laptop to measure up against the PS5 Pro in terms of performance. (Image credit: Future)

If you actually wanted to build an equivalent system to the PS5 Pro, you’d likely be looking at something closer to the RTX 4070 or perhaps AMD’s RX 7700 XT (I’ll admit that this is mostly guesswork, given that we don’t know the exact GPU specs of the PS5 Pro yet), along with a fairly high-end CPU, motherboard, and RAM plus a 2TB SSD. Chuck in a copy of Windows 11 and you’re likely looking north of $1200 - and that’s assuming you don’t want an expensive case or CPU liquid cooler.

But if you ask me, the benefits far outweigh this singular price-related downside. For starters, if you choose to build a custom gaming PC (or buy a pre-built system, like the rather excellent budget HP Victus 15L) you’ll have the freedom to upgrade your gaming machine further down the line - something that simply isn’t an option for console gamers, beyond perhaps swapping out the SSD to get more storage. Meanwhile, my desktop gaming rig has three SSDs in it…

PC is best, and I’m not sorry about that

Being able to upgrade in a piecemeal manner can help ease the burden of cost, too; it’s not uncommon for PC gamers to buy a new GPU or CPU and sell off their existing one to recoup some of the cost, and once you’ve got a PC, that’s it - you’ll never be left behind in the wrong console generation again, you can simply upgrade one part at a time until you’ve got the best gaming PC for you.

If you spring for a gaming laptop instead, you sacrifice most of that upgradability but instead secure yourself portability: the ability to pack up your gaming system and take it with you on the go can’t be understated. If you want something even more portable, the handheld space is no longer confined to Nintendo - excellent handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally X let you take your favorite games anywhere, anytime.

I absolutely love my Asus ROG Ally, and this year's new Ally X is even better. (Image credit: Future)

It’s also worth discussing the fact that in this day and age, everyone needs a computer anyway - why not roll your work-and-play machines into one device? I’ve seen folks decry gaming PCs because they prefer couch gaming with a controller, but… you can literally do that with a computer. All you need is an HDMI cable and a gamepad, and boom: you can be gaming on Windows on your living room TV. Oh, and that gamepad is pretty much guaranteed to cost you less than a DualSense…

It’s all about the games

Finally, I’ve got to be honest with you, folks: console exclusives suck and I hate them. I say this as someone who grumpily forks out for every new Nintendo console so I can play Zelda, Animal Crossing, and Pokemon with my partner. Yes, I’m a big grown-up. With a decent chunk of Sony’s once-exclusive titles now making their way to PC, the ‘platform exclusives’ argument for buying a PS5 is weaker than ever.

Also, PC has something the closed ecosystems of console gaming will never have: a truly open indie dev landscape, where literally anyone can make their weird little dream game and sell it on itch.io, where an infinite number of titles await players, where it’s never hard to find exactly what you want to play. Add to that the multitude of free-to-play games and free giveaways from the likes of Epic and Prime Gaming, and it’s practically possible to game forever on PC without ever spending a penny on software beyond your OS.

Want to play the original Deus Ex, a game that came out 24 years ago, on your PS5 Pro? Absolutely not, says Sony. (Image credit: Future)

Oh, and backward compatibility! I remember buying a PS3 back in the day and being immensely disappointed that my PS2 library was now effectively unplayable. Meanwhile, over on PC, I can download and play a game from the 90s with zero problems - not to mention the fact that those games are often insanely cheap, thanks to the excellent discounts you can routinely find on storefronts Steam and GOG. And don’t even get me started on paying a subscription to play online - that was the nail in the coffin for console gaming for me, personally.

Look, I didn’t write this article to try and convince Sony fanboys to come over to the light side - perhaps it’s more about vindicating myself for spending so much money on PC components over the years. But I genuinely, honestly, truly do maintain that PC is the best platform for gaming, and always will be. So if my writing convinces even one person to step into the wonderful world of PC gaming, I’ll consider this a job well done; hell, if you decide to get into PC gaming because of this article, send a tweet or an email my way - it would brighten my day no end.

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Were you waiting for the iPhone 16 announcement to decide between the new iPhones and last year’s best iPhone, the iPhone 15 Pro? Well, you might be out of luck, as Apple has discontinued the iPhone 15 Pro and its bigger sibling, the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

While this isn’t necessarily a shock, considering Apple discontinues its Pro model iPhones every year, it does handcuff new buyers wanting to use Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of AI tools.

Until this week, the only iPhones capable of the upcoming Apple Intelligence features like proofreading, Genmoji, and Siri’s overhaul were the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, but now you can’t buy them from Apple anymore.

Instead, Apple’s lineup of iPhones now includes the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Of these, only the 16 lineup can use the new AI technology.

It’s worth noting that you’ll be able to pick up the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max for the same price as last year’s 15 Pro and Pro Max, although it would’ve been nice to see Apple include the old Pro devices to offer an extra option for those who don’t want the iPhone 16, but don’t want to fork out for the Pro.

There's still hope

The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 / £999 / AU$1,799 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

As it stands, you can still pick up the 15 Pro and Pro Max from carriers, but the offers on the older models might not last for long, with emphasis pushed towards Apple’s new shiny smartphones.

In terms of Apple Intelligence capabilities, expect all but one of the same features on the new iPhones and last year’s offering. Visual Intelligence, Apple’s Google Lens competition, is activated from the new Camera Control side button, which is exclusive to the iPhone 16 line, so iPhone 15 Pro owners will miss out on that particular AI tool.

If you’re unsure about whether to pick up an iPhone 15 Pro for Apple Intelligence or opt for the iPhone 16, check out our hands-on iPhone 16 review and our hands-on iPhone 16 Pro review to see how they fare with Apple Intelligence.

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Wix has announced it will block all Russian users and take down their websites in a move caused on new regulations.

“As a result of the new regulations, we are required to restrict access to Wix services for Russian residents from September 12, 2024 and block their accounts," the company confirmed in a statement.

The blanket ban will mean Russian customers will no longer be able to access their services.

Wix announces Russia-wide ban

The change coming into force is set to affect free and premium accounts belonging to Russian residents.

In the process, blocked Russian accounts will have their sites taken down, with affected customers told to migrate their domain to another registrar or hosting platform in order to maintain their online presence.

Non-Russian residents who reside in the country should apply for an exemption by providing proof of their non-residency to the company’s customer service team, however Wix warns that the process could take several days, meaning a resolution is unlikely to be met before tomorrow’ deadline.

It’s unclear how many Russian customers will be affected by the company’s decision, and how this will impact its revenue. We asked Wix to share more context, including information about the new regulations, but the company did not immediately respond.

We also asked Wix to confirm whether affected customers will be eligible for refunds for any outstanding, pre-paid services.

More broadly, Wix’s action reflects broader efforts to sanction Russia over its illegal invasion of Ukraine. Notion recently announced plans to terminate Russian accounts, while global tech firms have all suspended sales, to varying degrees of success, in the country.

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