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Microsoft Teams is finally adding a tiny but crucial feature I honestly can't believe it never had

TechRadar News - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 05:24
  • Microsoft Teams adds slide control feature for multiple users
  • Should allow for smooth running of presentations and calls
  • Set to release in May 2025, but only on Windows to begin

Taking control of presentations on a Microsoft Teams call may finally be a smoother process thanks to a new update.

The video conferencing service has announced it is working on a tweak that will allow multiple people to control slides being presented in a meeting or call.

Microsoft says the addition will mean that presenters are able to maintain "a smooth flow during meetings or webinars" - and honestly, I can't believe it has taken so long for such a tool to be introduced.

Microsoft Teams slide control

In a Microsoft 365 updates blog post announcing the feature, Microsoft notes it will mean meeting or event hosts can now share control of slides with their fellow presenters.

This should mean the end of manual slide changes - and hopefully, the phrase "next slide please", which I think we've all heard too much over the past few years.

The blog post doesn't exactly go into a lot of detail about how the feature will actually work in practice, so we'd have to guess it will be added to the meeting host abilities.

The fact it will allow multiple presenters to have the ability to control slides should probably mean it will require some kind of authentication when joining a call, or having these members manually selected by the person setting up the call - we'll just have to wait and see.

The feature is currently listed as being "in development", but Microsoft has targeted a release rollout date of May 2025, meaning users won't have too long to wait. Upon release, the company says it will be available for all users on Windows desktop to begin with.

The launch is the latest in a series of recent improvements to Microsoft Teams announced by the company as it looks to make the platform more intuitive.

This includes the recent launch of real-time text (RTT) capabilities, allowing participants to type a message while someone else's speech is being transcribed, giving users who prefer typing to speaking another way to make sure their voices get out there.

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Categories: Technology

Apple is reportedly planning a huge future Apple Watch upgrade to turn it into an AI device with onboard cameras

TechRadar News - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 05:23
  • Apple reportedly has big plans for the future of Apple Watch
  • A new report says the company is considering adding cameras to the Series and Ultra models
  • It would pave the way for AI-powered visual context features, much like the failed Humane AI Pin

While the best Apple Watches coming in 2025 are only expected to add blood pressure monitoring and the odd design tweak, a new report claims Apple is considering adding cameras to both the Series and Ultra versions of its popular smartwatch in the future, turning it into an AI-powered wearable.

Writing in his most recent Power On newsletter, the inimitable Apple insider Mark Gurman claims that Apple "is working on new versions of the Apple Watch that include cameras."

Specifically, he says the company is "considering adding cameras to both its standard Series watches and Ultra models." According to Gurman, the upgrade is likely "generations away," so don't expect to be taking selfies on your Apple Watch Ultra 3 anytime soon.

So what exactly is Apple planning, and what could it mean for the future of an AI-powered Apple Watch?

Apple Intelligence on Apple Watch, powered by cameras

(Image credit: Future)

Gurman delivers his latest big Apple Watch leak in the context of AI wearables. Specifically, he mentions the dismal Humane Ai Pin and Meta's smart glasses.

All of these devices use cameras and microphones powered by AI to deliver the wearer context and information about their surroundings. Suppose you see a monumental building on holiday, but you don't know what it is, snap a quick photo and you can get information about who built it, the purpose it serves, and more... that sort of thing.

Gurman also specifically references the Visual Intelligence feature in Apple Intelligence, which analyzes photos using ChatGPT or Google Search.

In the context of Apple Watch, Gurman indicates onboard cameras and microphones "would help the device see the outside world and use AI to deliver relevant information."

In terms of design, he says the Apple Watch Series line would feature a front-facing camera akin to the best iPhones. Meanwhile, the larger Ultra would house a camera lens on the side of the watch, specifically on the right-hand side near the Digital Crown and Side Button.

Each would let you point your wrist at an object or your surroundings, scanning them like James Bond for information, presumably delivering content on-screen – for your AIs only (sorry).

The small Apple Watch screen, which limits how much information can be shown, means Apple might get Siri to read out the information through the speaker or a set of AirPods too. It's an interesting proposition, especially given the general lack of success the AI-powered wearables market has delivered to this point.

However, there's clearly more appetite for the likes of Visual Intelligence features on the iPhone 16, so it makes sense that Apple might push those powers onto your wrist one day. As Gurman suggests, this could also pave the way for future Apple Watch FaceTime support, which would be a nice bonus.

As mentioned, this is an upgrade that could be generations away, but one we know Apple is exploring. Just last week we reported on an Apple Watch patent that reveals a device with a folding screen and an onboard camera, so this latest report tracks with that.

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Categories: Technology

The Apple Watch SE 3 is apparently in 'serious jeopardy', and the news isn't much better for the Ultra 3 or Series 11

TechRadar News - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 05:06
  • Apple is expected to unveil three new Apple Watch models in 2025
  • A new report claims the plastic redesign of the SE 3 has put the budget model in "serious jeopardy"
  • The Ultra 3 and Series 11 blood-pressure tracking feature is also reportedly causing issues

Apple is expected to unveil three new Apple Watches in September 2025, but a new report says all three are facing design and development challenges ahead of launch.

The headlines for the company's next three best Apple Watch contenders include a new blood-pressure monitoring system for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11, and a significant design overhaul for the budget Apple Watch SE 3.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Apple "continues to run into problems" with testing the blood-pressure tracking feature on the two more premium models.

He also says the planned switch to a cheaper plastic casing has put the Apple Watch SE 3 redesign in "series jeopardy."

According to Gurman, Apple's design team "doesn't like the look" of the cheaper material, and the operations team "is finding it difficult to make the casing materially cheaper than the current aluminum chassis."

Apple Watch 2025 setbacks

(Image credit: Future)

These rumored setbacks will no doubt be a cause of concern for Apple, which needs to deliver a stellar 2025 Apple Watch lineup to make up for a fairly disappointing 2024 that only delivered one iterative Series 10, no Ultra 3 upgrade, and limited watchOS 11 changes.

There is some good news, though, as Gurman seems to indicate that the rumored satellite texting feature for the Ultra 3 is on track, as is the Reduced Capacity 5G upgrade, which will give users a cellular connectivity boost when using their device without their iPhone.

However, the headline features, notably blood-pressure monitoring, were to be a huge selling point of the more expensive models. If Apple can't deliver that, serious questions will be asked at Cupertino.

What's more, there will be even less reason for fans to upgrade from the Series 10 or even from older models. A recent (albeit sketchy) report indicated that Apple Watch shipments declined in 2024, causing the smartwatch market as a whole to shrink for the first time in history. That makes the success of this year's models all the more important.

Gurman doesn't specify what the issues are, but it could indicate problems with the accuracy of blood-pressure data, battery drain, false positives, or several other things.

Apple can take some solace in the fact that it might be able to ship the hardware onboard the Series 11 and Ultra 3, enabling blood-pressure monitoring at a later date, but that outcome would come a distant second for the company compared to offering the feature at launch.

If any company can turn around the issues it's Apple, but the expected launch of its new watches – alongside iPhone 17 – is less than six months away, which means it needs to get developing and prototyping out of the way much sooner than that.

The Apple Watch SE 3 hiccup is a different story. I'm personally less enthused by the rumored switch to plastic, so if Apple doesn't like the look of that material, and it's not going to be any cheaper than aluminum, why not stick with the more premium-feeling material anyway?

Whether Apple can overcome either of these setbacks remains to be seen. We won't know for sure until the watches launch, but expect more updates on this story as September approaches.

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Categories: Technology

A day in the life of an AI-augmented lawyer

TechRadar News - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 04:41

The legal industry is in the midst of a tech revolution driven by advances in AI, but not everyone is ready to jump on board. While 69% of lawyers believe generative AI can be used ethically in legal practice, the profession’s resistance to change and deep-rooted traditions keep many on the sidelines. Yet, with 27% of firms currently using AI tools in their daily operations, AI is already reshaping law practice, improving efficiency, accuracy and client service in ways that were once unimaginable.

This shift isn’t about replacing lawyers; it’s about working smarter. AI takes on the repetitive, time-consuming tasks like legal research, document drafting and compliance tracking, allowing lawyers to focus on the most valuable work. The result? Faster turnaround times, more robust documentation and better client service.

What does this all mean for a practicing attorney? Here’s what a day in the life of an AI-augmented lawyer looks like.

7:30 AM: The AI Assistant Starts Before You Do

Before your day officially begins, AI is already at work. Your digital assistant pulls matter updates, summarizes new legal developments and organizes your to-do list. Practice management tools use AI to prioritize tasks and track deadlines, so when you sit down at your desk, everything is right where you need it.

Pro tip: Want to avoid getting blindsided by an overlooked deadline? Let AI track it for you.

9:00 AM: Drafting Legal Documents Just Got Smarter

Drafting contracts, motions and memos has always been a time-consuming grind. AI changes that. With generative AI tools, you can get a solid first draft in seconds, complete with boilerplate language, relevant clauses and citations to recent case law. This isn’t about replacing your expertise. It’s about speeding up the process so you can focus on the strategic stuff.

AI even flags inconsistencies and suggests revisions, helping you maintain accuracy and reduce errors. Instead of starting every document from scratch, you’re refining and customizing drafts, not wasting hours on repetitive tasks.

11:00 AM: AI-Powered Legal Research

Gone are the days of endless keyword searches and stacks of casebooks. AI research tools sift through thousands of cases, statutes and legal opinions in seconds, delivering precise, on-point results. Some AI platforms even offer predictive insights, showing you patterns in case law and helping you anticipate potential outcomes.

Imagine having an incredibly fast research assistant who never gets tired. It’s a game-changer for attorneys handling complex litigation or regulatory matters.

1:00 PM: Client Meetings, Enhanced by AI

With AI handling research and document prep, you’ve got more time for what clients value most: strategic advice and meaningful engagement. AI-generated summaries give you a comprehensive view of each case before you step into a meeting, so you’re always prepared.

So when a client calls to discuss their case, you no longer have to panic-review their case file; instead, you can ask AI to give you a summary of what’s been happening in the matter. In an increasingly competitive market, offering this personalized service is a clear differentiator.

3:00 PM: Navigating Compliance and Risk with AI

Compliance is a moving target, especially for firms working with clients in highly regulated industries like healthcare and finance. AI tools are like your personal radar system, constantly scanning for regulatory changes and flagging risks. Some platforms even integrate with case management systems to analyze your documents for compliance gaps. Think of it as having a full-time risk manager built into your workflow without the added payroll expense.

5:00 PM: Wrapping Up with Zero Loose Ends

As the day winds down, AI tools step in again, freeing lawyers free to leave on time (or at least closer to it). They organize notes from your meetings, schedule follow-ups and even log your hours automatically. No more scrambling to remember which tasks you logged or which emails need a response.

AI also makes email communication effortless. It drafts client updates, follow-ups and status reports in seconds, helping you avoid the dreaded blank screen. Whether you’re responding to a quick inquiry or summarizing case progress, AI gives you a polished starting point. After a few edits, it’s ready to send.

Why the Legal Industry Hasn’t Fully Embraced AI (Yet)

Despite all these benefits, there’s still resistance. Lawyers have good reason to be cautious, with legitimate issues like data security, bias in AI models and ethical concerns. No one wants to risk exposing sensitive client data or rely on tools that could unintentionally deliver biased recommendations.

But here’s the thing: these concerns are manageable. Vendors are rapidly improving data security and offering customizable, closed-system solutions to protect client information. And let’s not forget that humans aren’t perfect either. Used thoughtfully, AI can reduce human error and enhance decision-making, not replace it.

Another sticking point? The profession’s aversion to change and disruption and a lack of time for experimentation. That hesitation could be costly as tech-savvy competitors gain an edge.

The Future: Lawyers + AI = A Competitive Advantage

Here’s the bottom line: AI isn’t here to replace lawyers; it’s here to make them more effective. By accomplishing administrative work like document prep, research and compliance tracking, AI frees up lawyers to focus on what matters most: high-value client work, courtroom strategy and growing their practices.

Smokeball research shows that 90% of legal professionals are willing to explore AI, especially if it means gaining a competitive advantage. The firms that embrace AI will stand out in an increasingly crowded market. They’ll deliver better results, faster turnaround times and more personalized service while improving work-life balance.

The question isn’t whether AI will change the game but how fast you adapt. Lawyers who seize this moment will be at the forefront of a new era of legal practice. The rest? They’ll be left trying to catch up.

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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

Categories: Technology

In a Shaky Economy, CDs Provide Security. Today's CD Rates, March 24, 2025

CNET News - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 04:30
The economy is volatile. CDs are not.
Categories: Technology

Reporter's Notebook: Eight theories why fentanyl deaths are plummeting

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 04:30

Thirty thousand fewer people are dying every year in the U.S. from fentanyl and other street drugs. This shift has stunned addiction experts, reversing decades of rising death. Here are eight theories on why things are getting better.

(Image credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Categories: News

Things people forget to clean the most, according to cleaning experts

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 04:17

Kyshawn Lane of Weekly Home Check and Dana K. White, author of Decluttering at the Speed of Life, share their top house cleaning hacks and tips.

(Image credit: Carol Yepes)

Categories: News

Could legal weed make you sick? Here's how California tries to keep it safe

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 04:15

With no help from the federal government, states are trying to regulate recreational marijuana. California's Department of Cannabis Control works to keep contaminants out of joints, vapes and edibles.

(Image credit: Preston Gannaway for NPR)

Categories: News

Israel's latest war plans: To occupy Gaza and rule Palestinians

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 04:14

Occupying Gaza and establishing military rule there would go beyond Israel's stated war goals to end Hamas rule and free hostages captured in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack.

(Image credit: Abdel Kareem Hana)

Categories: News

Dreams of a three-peat come crashing at the NCAA basketball tournament

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 04:00

Florida ends UConn's bid to repeat — again — in Sunday action that saw a memorable buzzer-beater. Meanwhile, South Carolina advances in the women's tournament, which rounds out its Sweet 16 on Monday.

(Image credit: Jared C. Tilton)

Categories: News

One family. One attack. 132 names. A Gaza investigation

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 04:00

More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's war with Hamas, Gaza health officials say. We reconstructed what happened in one of the deadliest Israeli strikes of the war.

(Image credit: Mahmoud Rehan)

Categories: News

TikTok is full of ADHD advice — just don't trust it for a diagnosis

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 04:00

TikTok has become the go-to-source on ADHD for teens and young adults. But a new study finds a lot of the information is misleading and can make people's symptoms worse.

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Categories: News

'Twain hated bullies.' Conan O'Brien receives Mark Twain Prize at the Kennedy Center

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 04:00

Comedian Conan O'Brien received the Mark Twain Prize at the Kennedy Center on Sunday night, which David Letterman called "the most entertaining gathering of the resistance ever."

(Image credit: Clifton Prescod for Netflix)

Categories: News

I wanted an Apple Studio Display - until I reviewed the BenQ PD2730S

TechRadar Reviews - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 02:47

The BenQ PD2730S is a stunning display recently launched by BenQ, explicitly designed for creative professionals who seek exceptional clarity, precision, color reproduction, and connectivity. This monitor boasts a sharp 5K resolution and a wide color gamut, offering more input/output options than the (in)famous Apple Studio Display.

For creative professionals, a quality display is one of the most essential things in their arsenal of technologies. Whether they are in the video, photo, design, or something similar, knowing that what you have on your screen is accurately being shown and is not washed out or misrepresented.

For a good reason, the Apple Studio Display is known as the gold standard for monitors in the creative space right now. Granted, it's remarkably pricy, doesn't have great inputs, and has a few other downsides, but when it comes to color reproduction, it's hard to beat.

BenQ decided to disrupt that market, offering a more versatile, affordable Apple Studio Display alternative with this newest release - and they might have just done it.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) BenQ PD2730S: Price and Availability

The BenQ PD2730S has just been officially publicly released at $1200 through the BenQ official website and B&H for now. For UK, Australian, and European readers, it's slightly more widely available, and retails for around £1000 / AU$2000 / €1199.

At that price, the PD2730S is cheaper than the Studio Display but slightly more expensive than the shockingly cheap (and limited) ASUS ProArt PA27JCV.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) BenQ PD2730S: Unboxing & first impressions

Over the years, I've looked at a lot of BenQ Monitors. Each of their monitors has come in the same basic and secure packaging, keeping the display safe even through the test of transit and ensuring minimal waste. The packing is professional and minimal, precisely as I expected.

In the box are the monitor, the stand upright, the stand base, cables, documentation, and the excellent HotKey Puck G3 that BenQ is known for. If you're unfamiliar with the puck, it is a wireless controller that gives you quick access to changing settings on the monitor without reaching behind or under the monitor and messing with a joystick or a handful of random buttons.

The monitor is sharp and professional, with a plastic backing, though it doesn't look bad. The bezels are minimal, and the back has a VESA mounting option, meaning that this monitor can fit just about anywhere, be it with the included base, an ergo arm from BenQ, or any other VESA arm.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) BenQ PD2730S: Design & build quality Specs

Panel Type: 27-inch IPS with Nano Matte coating
Resolution: 5120 x 2880 (5K)
Brightness: 400 nits peak
Contrast Ratio: 2000:1
Color Gamut: 98% P3, 100% sRGB
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Response Time: 5ms (GtG)
HDR Support: VESA DisplayHDR 400
Ports:
• 1 x Thunderbolt 4 (90W PD)
• 1 x Thunderbolt 4 downstream
• 2 x USB-C
• 3 x USB-A 3.2
• 1 x HDMI 2.1
• 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
• 1 x Headphone jack

Stand Adjustments: Height (up to 150mm), Tilt (-5° to 20°), Swivel (60°)
VESA Mount: 100 x 100mm
Speakers: 2 x 3W stereo
Included Accessories: HotKey Puck G3 wireless controller

The BenQ PD2730S is a gorgeous 27-inch panel. It has a beautiful Nano Matte coating, helping to manage reflections and providing a clear viewing experience. I've seen some hate for this kind of texture as it's been made popular by the Apple Studio Display. However, I like a slightly matted display. I can see things better and more smoothly, and I'm not distracted by the reflections of the world behind me.

The monitor casing is made from a classy-looking plastic with a premium feel, helping to make the monitor lighter. I wouldn't have minded some extra weight to add a more elegant case, but I don't frequently carry this monitor around either. I'm more of a set it up right once and then leave it (for a few weeks until I change around my desk setup again to add a new gadget).

I have been using this monitor on a VESA monitor arm from Corsair. If you prefer to use the stand that comes with the monitor, or you don't have a monitor arm you want to use, the one that BenQ designed to go with this monitor is sleek and offers comprehensive adjustments, including height, tilt, and swivel. It's pretty sharp-looking.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) BenQ PD2730S: In use

I got the BenQ PD2730S a few weeks ago to test pre-release, and so far, my experience has been nothing short of excellent. It's a spectacular picture with the 5K resolution, and unlike some 5K monitors I have tried, this one scales wonderfully with both PC and Mac.

I've tested this monitor with everyday work and some basic photo and video editing—nothing too fancy, but I could see how great this screen was even with those tests.

As mentioned earlier, I use this monitor mostly in my home office. So, 400 nits wasn't a huge problem. I tested it next to my beloved BenQ MA3020U, which has a peak of 600 nits, and I could tell a difference. Not to mention my iPhone 16 Pro with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits.

Moving on, the color accuracy on this monitor was immediately something that I paid attention to. Since this monitor is designed for a creative and visually demanding workforce, it is vital to knock it out of the park. The PD2730S factory calibration ensures accurate colors out of the box, covering 98% of the P3 color gamut. In short, it looks great, works great, and produces excellent results, making it one of the best video editing monitors and best photo editing monitors for those who don't want to shell out for the Apple Studio Display.

One of the things that makes this a better option than the Apple Studio Display is the ports and overall connectivity. You can only use the Studio Display with Macs. With the PD2740S, you can use it with any device and with multiple different inputs. The PD2740S has Thunderbolt, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort 1.4 as options to provide feedback to this display.

This is a gorgeous display, easy to use, and, dare I say, a pleasure to use. It's an excellent option for those who need a 5K display in their workflow.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) BenQ PD2730S: Final verdict

For professionals who want a premium 5K display without Apple’s ecosystem limitations, the BenQ PD2730S delivers more flexibility, better connectivity, and built-in ergonomics—all at a lower price point. It’s an easy choice for those who need a pro-grade display that works seamlessly with both Mac and PC setups without sacrificing adjustability or requiring extra dongles.

While Apple’s Studio Display is a strong contender for macOS users, it lacks port variety, adjustability, and cross-platform flexibility. The BenQ PD2730S delivers comparable display quality, better ergonomics, and broader compatibility, making it the better all-around choice for creatives who don’t want to be locked into Apple’s ecosystem.

For more high-resolution displays, we rounded-up the best 5K and 8K monitors.

Categories: Reviews

Why Windows End of Life deadlines require a change of mindset

TechRadar News - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 02:41

The looming End of Life (EoL) deadlines for several Microsoft applications and systems are fast approaching – and it’s clear they’re playing on many organizations' minds.

We’ve seen a sharp increase in enquiries from large organizations seeking guidance on Microsoft Teams and legacy technology upgrades, particularly in the last month. This upturn in activity highlights an urgency felt by these businesses to address their legacy applications and operating systems scheduled to reach their official EoL in 2025.

With classic Microsoft Teams set to be phased out by July this year and major Microsoft products like Windows 10, Office 2019, and Exchange Server 2019 all reaching end-of-support by October – now just six months away – businesses face critical decisions to avoid operational, security, and compliance risks.

But this rush to tackle EoL also comes from a mindset of what it supposedly represents – high-risk, outdated technology that requires an immediate upgrade. While risks need dealing with, the truth of the matter is this isn’t a one off event. As one product is upgraded, another will approach its EoL. It’s something we have to live with.

Instead, businesses should view EoL management as an ongoing activity. And sometimes maintaining EoL systems is the best approach – they just need to be turned into a compliant and safe form.

Changing EoL mindsets

The potential impact of Windows end of support on a number of industries will be significant – and organizations are facing a pivotal transition. Left unchecked, the disruptions associated with unmanaged and outdated systems will be major.

Back in February 2020, TechRadar revealed that approximately one third of NHS computers were still operating on Windows 7, despite the government's target to upgrade all PCs to Windows 10 by January 2020. They ended up using Microsoft’s extended support period to complete the process by 2021 – and they now face the upcoming deadline to upgrade Windows 10 by October.

Consequently, with end of support deadlines imminent, there can be a feeling amongst organizations that they need to overhaul their applications and systems to work on modern infrastructure (through complex refactoring or recoding, for example) or integrate a whole new application suite. The issue is these applications are business critical and any disruption could represent a severe risk to operations.

This is where a mindset change needs to take place. Rather than attempting to significantly alter the applications themselves, it’s all about modernizing the IT estate, adopting an approach that can seamlessly migrate these software applications across different environments and onto supported operating systems.

This means companies can keep their legacy Windows 10 applications, for example, but secure their compatibility by moving them onto a supported Windows server or cloud environment. It’s akin to having the rug pulled from beneath your feet but you still remain standing in the same position – just now on new ground.

So, whether applications are located on on-premise servers or moved onto the cloud, this means they can continue to receive support and software updates. This strategy extends to cloud providers, who are crucial in meeting the increasing reliance on cloud technologies, as they change data centers.

The goal of this approach is to give companies freedom and flexibility to migrate or extend the life of critical applications smoothly and securely. The compulsory activity, however, is that something has to be done before their end of support to secure and manage them effectively. Otherwise, they will become high-risk.

Supporting out-of-support applications

When you look at the numbers on Statcounter, it’s easy to see why companies are actively seeking guidance.

In the UK, as of January 2025, there was an exact split in the market share of Windows desktop versions between Windows 10 and Windows 11, with both sitting at 49.4%. That means half of all desktops are approaching their EoL. And due to the complexity of migrating a business’ IT infrastructure as opposed to personal use, this percentage is likely to be weighted even more to Windows 10 with large organizations.

Responding to these concerns and the increase in demand and enquiries, dedicated EoL hotlines have been set up, helping companies to receive quick, tailored guidance on preparing for EoL transitions. This includes how to migrate existing applications like the Microsoft 365 products edging towards their EoL and secure their compatibility.

Crucially, the process of moving existing out-of-support applications onto managed and supported servers causes very minimal disruption to operations. The task of doing this transition, however, can be complex to perform. Therefore, if companies have the internal resources, expertise and guidance, then it’s possible to perform such an undertaking internally.

The ‘R approach’ is an industry standard process used by cloud providers. It involves six different methods to assess a company's IT estate and then carry out migrations for EoL software. ‘Rehosting’, for example, involves moving applications to the cloud without making significant changes, whereas ‘retiring’ involves identifying applications that are no longer useful and can be turned off. Each R can play its role for different contexts.

But if a company’s requirements are bespoke or too complicated to be performed by such methods, then joining up with an external specialist/partner presents a more efficient, effective and cost-effective way of approaching such a pivotal undertaking.

Keeping Windows EoL front of mind

With several end of support deadlines looming for Microsoft products in 2025, organizations are feeling compelled to understand how they can quickly and securely upgrade their Microsoft Teams and legacy applications.

But with the risks of not doing this playing on their mind, there can be a tendency to conduct expensive upgrades and overhaul entire application suites – a process that could cause significant disruption and risk itself.

However, rather than changing out-of-support applications themselves, companies can look to migrate them into secure and managed operating environments, both on-premises and in the cloud. With many desktops in the market still operating on Windows 10, this presents an approach that can keep operations ticking over while apps are migrated into these environments.

To be clear, this doesn’t mean embracing EoL software as it is. If it’s left unmanaged or on unsupported software it becomes an inherent risk. But it’s a call to change mindsets over how EoL is viewed and understanding that the applications themselves don’t have to be the problem.

Migration strategies like the R process give companies the ability to assess their IT estate and make the necessary changes. But for those that don't fit the mold, they can seek out companies which can help in those cases.

Moving away from EoL is a journey and, for most companies, it will be phased due to how these older legacy applications work. Much like DOGE you can't just rip out legacy systems and hope everything will work with new systems unless you plan it!

The support is there to achieve such a transition. Organizations just need to make sure they keep the EoL deadlines and challenges of their applications front of mind before it’s too late.

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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

Categories: Technology

Laptop prototype with detachable AI webcam (but without a normal touchpad) wins award at the 'Oscars' of the design industry

TechRadar News - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 01:03
  • This laptop is branded xCaim, ClinkX and ClinkCaim
  • Eliminates the touchpad, introducing a fully interactive palm rest
  • Supports an edge-to-edge keyboard as well as an integrated status bar for call display

A relatively unknown Chinese company, Emdoor Digital Technology, has introduced a prototype business laptop with an unconventional design, earning the prestigious iF Design Award for 2025.

The xCaim laptop immediately stands out with its edge-to-edge keyboard, eliminating the traditional palm rest area and replacing the conventional touchpad with a fully interactive palm rest surface with tactile buttons.

The xCaim laptop will feature a Samsung V-NAND SSD 980, available in capacities ranging from 250GB to 1TB, suggesting it could be a suitable laptop for programming.

A bold rethinking of laptop design

Like the Honor MagicBook Art 14 (2024), the xCaim laptop comes with a modular business webcam that attaches magnetically above the screen, integrates real-time environmental sensing, and can serve as a secondary screen when detached, displaying shortcuts and notifications.

The xCaim laptop adopts a sleek and modern design with a white and black color scheme, and thin bezels. It features a regular hinge design and a chiclet-style keyboard. The function keys are replaced with a touch-sensitive function area.

Just below the keyboard, a small horizontal display shows system status icons, call information, and a digital battery display. A removable bottom panel reveals dual cooling fans.

The laptop's connectivity options are minimal, with just three USB-C ports, two on the right side and one on the left.

The xCaim laptop is not commercially available yet, but it offers a glimpse into a future where business laptop designs break free from tradition, embracing new forms of interaction and AI tools integration.

The iF Design Award is often regarded as the "Oscars" of the design industry, and the 2025 edition of the competition saw nearly 11,000 entries from 66 countries, with 131 jurors from 23 countries selecting the most outstanding designs.

Via iFDesign

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