Nextbase is a well known brand name in the world of dash cams, and one of its recent models, the Nextbase iQ smart dash cam, was a real step forward in terms of providing shooting potency along with a bevy of brilliant features. While it’s little wonder that that model currently tops our list of the best dash cams, another impressive recent addition to its lineup is the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam, which is akin to a ‘Lite’ edition of the Nextbase iQ bruiser.
This is a more basic offering, but that’s not to say it should be overlooked. In fact, anyone wanting a straightforward, non-nonsense dash cam that can capture great video but needs very little effort when it comes to the installation part should certainly consider it. The Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam is keenly priced, and while it doesn’t have a rear screen, which might put some off, the supporting Nextbase app more than makes up for that.
If anything, using the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam along with the app makes this compact model even more appealing. The other appealing aspect of this model is its dainty form factor. It’s much smaller and lighter than the Nextbase iQ, which means it's barely noticeable when mounted just in front of the rear-view mirror. However, despite its diminutive stature, the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam packs a reasonable punch when it comes to performance, with many of the same smart features and functions found on the Nextbase iQ squeezed into a more compact design.
The Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam is quick and easy to fit. It can be powered using the supplied 12V plug connector, while anyone wanting a more permanent fixture can buy an optional hardwire kit, which might require professional installation if meddling with car electrics isn’t your thing. Either way, all of the fitting kit is inside the box, including the 12V cable and connector, windscreen stickers, and a tool for pushing the cable behind trim panels.
While the 1K HD version of the Piqo is cheap, and delivers decent video that's slightly better than 1080p thanks to the 2560 x 1080 pixel resolution and 140-degree field of view, the model to go for is the 2K, which boasts 2560 x 1440 pixels and a 145-degree field of view. Price-conscious purchasers will find it more than suitable, even compared to the high-end muscle of the 4K Nextbase iQ. It’s an ideal compromise.
While the Nextbase iQ is an always-connected camera, the Piqo can be simply plugged into the 12V socket, but there are optional pro install cable and the connect cable kits available to unlock advanced features like the smart parking functionality to capture any car park mishaps. Additional smart features are present within the Piqo, but they’re not quite as potent as the iQ’s.
Nextbase has a subscription model which lets users add a customized overlays or ‘skins’ to video clips., with its ‘Protect’ plan feeling like reasonable value for £29.99 per year, or its $2.99 / £2.99 / AU$4.99 per month. There’s a free ‘Solo’ subscription too, which is leaner but still lets users add a single ‘skin’ to video clips. Standard footage still gets the benefit of journey data anyway, with the likes of date, time and speed all shown in a nice typeface at the foot of the video clip.
The Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam is as easy to buy as it is to install thanks to the worldwide presence of this brand. It can be purchased from the Nextbase website, and from leading online and bricks-and-mortar retailers. There are two versions to consider, depending on your needs. The 1K (HD 1080p) edition costs $129.99 / £99 / AU$199, while the beefier 2K (HD 1440p) model retails for $149.99 / £119 / $299. Even the more expensive model is less than half the price of the Nextbase iQ, which is available from $399.99 / £349.99 / AU$799.99.
Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam: specs Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam: DesignThe main appeal of the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam is its compact form factor – it's much smaller than the chunky Nextbase iQ, and there are a few other rival dash cam models that are similarly svelte. The Piqo really stands out thanks to its small and lightweight construction, and it's a good-looking device too, with a smooth black plastic main case that comes with the mounting bracket already attached. The design and build quality feel every bit as good as other Nextbase models, but the lightness of the Piqo is striking, especially compared to the Nextbase iQ.
(Image credit: Future)Inside the box are static sheets for the windscreen. These enable the Piqo to be fixed to the glass without the need for putting the very sticky 3M self-adhesive pad directly on the glass, which is handy if the camera needs to be moved to another vehicle from time to time. A slot for the microSD card is on one side of the case, and a connector socket for the power cable sits on the other. The camera lens sits on the front of the unit, while a circular LED on the back glows or pulses depending on what the Piqo is doing during setup and operation. Power is supplied simply by plugging the camera into a vehicle's 12V power socket, via the supplied cable and adaptor, although as mentioned an optional hardwire kit is available.
(Image credit: Future) Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam: PerformanceThe Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam is an ideal option for anyone who wants a dashcam that has the potential to be more helpful than just videoing the road ahead, but equally works perfectly well without unlocking its extra potential if it’s not needed. Considering the cheap and cheerful price point, the 2K model delivers very respectable footage, and worked particularly well during grim and grey autumnal days during testing in the UK. There are compromises, of course, especially when comparing footage to that from the 4K Nextbase iQ.
A variety of footage captured by the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam revealed that it's very capable, with the benefit of journey data being captured and displayed along the bottom of the footage for good measure. Audio seemed to be less impressive, with an occasional crackle present in test footage, although so far I've not been able to determine if this is something to do with the test car itself or the dash cam unit. It certainly shouldn't be enough to put anyone off buying the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam.
Capturing footage is simplicity itself, with a setup process that's pretty much plug-and-play, and which is completed by downloading the Nextbase app (for iOS or Android). The app is impressive, although interestingly, once plugged in the Piqo gets on with recording footage during journeys even if the app setup hasn’t been completed. Anyone who's not bothered with setting up accounts and entering login details might find this appealing, but added value comes from the Nextbase subscription options outlined above.
(Image credit: Future)A subscription gives you access to extra features like SOS, Guardian Mode, Witness Mode and Smart Parking, albeit in Lite versions compared to those found on the Nextbase iQ. The free Solo subscription offers Smart Parking, Guardian Mode Lite, Witness Mode Lite, access to the Piqo Mobile app and voice control, plus 30 days of cloud storage. Optional kits to turn the Piqo into an always-on dash cam are available, and adding the Protect subscription gets you 180 days of cloud storage and emergency SOS functionality, along with an extra two years warranty.
The Nextbase iQ offers an example of how handy the extra features can be, but the reality is that many budget-conscious dash-cam buyers are looking for a simple way to capture the road ahead, and for such users this is a dash cam that's simple to set up and offers great value for money. In fact, that’s really the essence of the Piqo's appeal: it’s no-nonsense, and all the better for it.
Should you buy the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam? (Image credit: Future) Buy it if...You want simplicity
The Nextbase Piqo is wonderfully quick and easy to set up. It can be plugged in and configured in minutes, with power supplied via a cable from the 12V socket found in the majority of vehicles.
You might want extra features
The beauty of this dash cam is its simplicity, but with a subscription upgrade and a constant power supply the Nextbase Piqo offers a wealth of advanced features including parking surveillance.
You love an app
Controlling the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam is best done via the Nextbase mobile app, which is perfect for managing video content and tweaking those additional features if they’ve been configured.
You prefer a rear screen
The Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam is a compact model, and as a result there's no rear screen. Setup has to be done in tandem with the Nextbase app, so there’s basically nothing on the camera unit aside from a microSD card slot and power port.
You want 4K video
The Nextbase Piqo comes in two model variants, with the cheapest model offering 1K and the slightly more expensive edition boasting 2K video. Both are good for everyday monitoring. However, more discerning video fans might prefer the crispness delivered by the 4K of the premium Nextbase iQ.
You want to avoid a subscription
To get the best from the Nextbase Piqo you'll want to take out a subscription. The paid option costs £29.99 per year, and offers more functionality and more cloud storage.
I lived with the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam for a week after installing it in a vehicle I was also testing. Following set up and installation, I then powered up the dash cam any time I did a journey, which meant it was used during daylight hours and after dark too. I tested the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam using the 12V plug in power option, rather than the more permanent hard wiring route. However, aside from not having the always on power functionality, I got to explore all of the available features of the 'Free' subscription option.
Update: On November 6, 2024, social media remains restricted but mobile connections have been restored for the time being.
People in Mozambique are increasingly resorting to VPN services to bypass ongoing online restrictions in the wake of deadly protests contesting the election results.
Authorities first disrupted mobile internet connections on October 25, as protests erupted across the country the day before. WhatsApp, Facebook, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram all went dark a few days after that, on October 31, making using a VPN necessary to keep using these platforms.
Proton VPN confirmed a 127,830% spike during the day to TechRadar. "Usage continues to rise quickly as internet access remains intermittent," David Peterson, General Manager at Proton VPN, told me. Other data suggests a VPN demand increase of 2,072% so far.
These numbers aren't anything but surprising considering that TikTok, Telegram, and YouTube also joined the list of blocked platforms on November 4 – internet watchdog NetBlocks reported. As the tweet below shows, while mobile connections are back from a third day of curfew-style internet blackouts, social media platforms remain restricted as I write.
⚠️ Update: Traffic data show #Mozambique has emerged from a third day of curfew-style mobile internet blackouts. However, social media platforms remain restricted as authorities continue to impose measures to curtail protests over disputed election results pic.twitter.com/PoEM1slgwPNovember 6, 2024
This is the first time that the East African country has restricted the internet since 2015, when Surfshark began tracking these incidents worldwide – the VPN provider told me. Yet, this is far from the first instance that a government resorted to a social media or internet blackout during political turmoil.
Only last week, another East African country, Mauritius enforced a social media shutdown ahead of general elections. The ban has now been lifted, despite being expected to stay in place until November 11, 2024.
As per Surfshark data, protests are one of the leading causes of social media disruptions, with Facebook alone being disrupted almost 40 times since 2015 for this reason.
Proton recorded VPN usage spikes in at least 14 countries since January alone, with most of these incidents linked to internet restrictions enforced amid social unrest. These include Bangladesh in July, Kenya at the end of June, New Caledonia in May, and Senegal in February.
"At times of political crisis, the answer is never to shut down the internet, or to block social media," said Peterson. "It is an affront to people’s fundamental rights to freedom of information and freedom of communications, at a time when communication and impartial information are more important than ever."
Why are people turning to VPNs to bypass online restrictions?You might have heard of virtual private network (VPN) solutions as a way to be more private when browsing the web. You and your friends have probably tried to use a streaming VPN to access foreign catalogs, too, no matter where you are in the world. Likewise, a VPN can help you bypass other geo-restrictions like those in place on social media platforms in Mozambique right now.
This is because, while encrypting your internet connections to prevent third-party snooping, a VPN also spoofs your real IP address location to trick your internet service provider (ISP) into thinking you're browsing from a totally different country within a couple of clicks.
Data suggests a VPN demand increase of 2,072% so far
Therefore, if you are currently in Mozambique, all you need to do to keep using all the major social media apps is connect to a VPN server located in a country where these platforms are still available.
As mentioned earlier, many people in the country have already turned to these apps to bypass restrictions. "Thirteen of the top fifteen apps in Mozambique’s Apple App Store are VPN apps, and the top nine apps on Mozambique’s Google Play Store are all VPNs," Peterson from Proton VPN can confirm.
It's worth noting a VPN doesn't work during times of total online blackout as you'll still need an internet connection to use this tool. In this instance, you should try to access the web via a fixed internet line instead as authorities are only targeting mobile connections at the time of writing.
I strongly suggest checking our guide to the best free VPN apps to download the most secure freebie out there. Free services like the Tor Browser can also help you to workaround internet censorship.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's Edinburgh Zoo announced their own tiny pygmy hippo, named Haggis, was born Oct. 30. The newborn, female calf is "doing well," according to zoo staff.
(Image credit: The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's Edinburgh Zoo)
Russia's Vladimir Putin says he endorses Vice President Harris, with a wink and a nod. “Russia likes that Donald Trump says he wants to improve relations between America and Russia,” one expert says.
(Image credit: Mikhail Metzel)
Back in May 2024, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) carried out a study which revealed businesses wanted to use AI for innovation and revenue growth, but were not sure how to do it.
Now, TCS has teamed up with Nvidia to help accelerate AI adoption across a range of industries by using the latter's infrastructure to build customized AI solutions for sectors including manufacturing, automotive, finance, and retail based on large language models.
I spoke with Anupam Singhal, President of Manufacturing at TCS, about how these AI tools work, how they can benefit businesses, and how to mitigate the risks of using AI (if any) in these industries.
When you think of language models, the topic of manufacturing or automotive industries doesn't jump straight to the front of the mind. Can you tell me more about the link between language models and how they can help manufacturing and a range of other industries?Whilst language models might initially seem more suited for textual tasks and we do often corelate B2C use cases to them, they also possess significant potential to revolutionise industries like manufacturing and automotive in B2B and B2B2C cases.
We are already seeing this potential come to life through our Future Ready Manufacturing solutions. Here, we are transforming repair and service cycles and predictive maintenance too. We use language models to analyse historical data and identify patterns which can help indicate potential equipment failures, reducing downtime and optimising maintenance schedules. What's more, using Generative AI and SLM’s (Specialised language Models) we can transform the daily activity of a Repair and Service Technicians to improve the time taken in the repair/service cycle.
Language models are also transforming supply chain resilience. By analysing supply chain data these models can optimise inventory levels, improve logistics, and mitigate supply chain disruptions.
TCS finetunes LLMs based on industry expertise. What goes into this process and what safeguards are in place to ensure that the model does not provide sub optimal suggestions for industry challengesFinetuning LLMs for industry-specific applications is a meticulous process. Firstly, using our industry expertise and customers’ ecosystem, we curate a high-quality dataset specific to the industry, ensuring it covers a wide range of scenarios and edge cases. We then leverage pre-trained and out-of-the-box language models as a foundation, and fine-tune these based on the industry-specific data sets.
Our engineers then play a crucial role in monitoring the model’s performance, providing feedback and making necessary adjustments. By feeding in intuitive adjustments and tacit knowledge this uplifts the accuracy of the model. Once this insight has been gathered and fed into the model, we then implement strict ethical guidelines to ensure that the model generates fair and unbiased outputs. Appropriate guardrails are defined with TCS’s agent-based monitoring approach to ensure the responses are continuously monitored.
Our recently launched TCS Manufacturing AI for industrials suite, built on NVIDIA’s tech stack, is the perfect example of a fine-tuned LLM/SLM for this sector.
Are these solutions a real match for humans? Are these tools designed to be used more for replacement or assistance?Whilst our technology is advanced, we see it as a means to a destination, not a destination itself. Its core purpose is to transform the daily lives of citizens. Our solutions are designed to assist humans, not replace them. Whilst AI can handle routine tasks, analyse vast amounts of data, and identify patterns that may be otherwise missed, human judgment, creativity, and critical thinking remain essential for making complex decisions and providing strategic direction.
Our goal is to create a synergistic relationship where AI complements human capabilities, enabling us to achieve greater efficiency and innovation. For example, we helped a large building materials firm put a quote in the market 1.5x faster by using generative AI to provide critical insights on the right configuration and automating the draft quote creation. This bolstered the productivity of those working – rather than replacing them.
In my experience, LLMs tend to produce output that mimics the training data. Can we expect real innovation from these tools and to receive insights that could not have been made by human experts?While it's true that LLMs can produce outputs that mimic training data and, in some cases, data generation can be synthetic, LLMs are also able to generate novel insights and creative solutions for a variety of different industry problems. By analysing vast amounts of data and identifying underlying patterns, these models can uncover hidden opportunities and innovative approaches that may not be apparent to human experts.
For example, TCS is currently building a solution called Mobility AI, part of our TCS Mobility Suite. One use case of this solution is deciphering a parking sign in microsecond intervals and recommending the next best action. These insights enable decisions that humans cannot make at that micro-moment in the journey of the driver, highlighting how GenAI can transform this experience in the future of Mobility.
However, it's important to note that AI is a tool, and its effectiveness depends on how it's used. Human guidance and oversight are crucial to ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically.
Do we run the risk of losing human expertise if we rely more heavily on AI?Far from diminishing human expertise, AI can enhance it. By automating routine tasks, AI frees up human workers to focus on higher-value activities that require creativity, problem-solving, and empathy. Moreover, AI can provide valuable insights and support, enabling humans to make more informed decisions. The key is to embrace AI as a tool that empowers humans, rather than a threat. By working together, humans and AI can achieve remarkable things.
More from TechRadar ProMeta’s efforts to build a new nuclear-powered AI datacenter have come to an end after scientists found a rare species of bee on the proposed site.
According to report by the Financial Times., the problem reportedly came to light when company CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed the pollinators were present on the site during an all-hands meeting.
Because the area must now be protected, building regulations have prevented the social media giant from getting access to the land, let alone its moral obligations not to displace the rare species.
Bees, Mark?Besides the discovery of the important species, the Financial Times report cites two unnamed sources who believe further regulatory hurdles also contributed to the decision to terminate the plan. Specific details surrounding the location of the site have not been revealed.
However, the bad news (or good news if you look at it from an environmental perspective) comes as Meta looks to seriously expand its infrastructure to keep up with the demand for AI tools. The California company expects to rack up $38 billion in capital expenses in 2024. AI and datacenter projects are likely to make up a large portion of that sum.
By using nuclear energy, the proposed datacenter would have helped Meta reduce its carbon footprint. Although nuclear can be controversial, it’s a carbon-free energy resource that’s being explored by the likes of Microsoft and Amazon as part of a global effort to tackle the high energy demands of AI datacenters.
Although there’s always room for improvement, Meta proudly proclaimed in its 2024 Sustainability Report that it has maintained net zero greenhouse gas emissions since 2020, thanks in part to its 11,700MW portfolio of renewable energy.
The report adds: “Meta designs and operates some of the most sustainable data centers in the industry… We approach data center sustainability from the ground up—from design and construction to operations by prioritizing energy efficiency, renewable energy, water stewardship and responsibly managing the end of life of our equipment.”
You might also likeSchneider Electric has confirmed suffering its second cyberattack and data leak in recent months.
Earlier this week, a threat actor alias Greppy added a new post on X, claiming to have breached the corporation:
“Hey Schneider Electric, how was your week? Did someone accidentally steal your data and you noticed, shut down the services and restarted without finding them? Now you shut down again but the criminals seem to have taken more juicy data,” the tweet reads.
Hiding the IP addressThis prompted BleepingComputer to reach out to the company with further questions.
"Schneider Electric is investigating a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access to one of our internal project execution tracking platforms which is hosted within an isolated environment," the firm told the publication. "Our Global Incident Response team has been immediately mobilized to respond to the incident. Schneider Electric's products and services remain unaffected."
Greppy also posted the loot on a dark web site, saying they accessed the company’s Atlassian Jira system.
“This breach has compromised critical data, including projects, issues, and plugins, along with 400,000 rows of user data, totaling more than 40GB compressed data,” the ad reads. “To secure the deletion of this data and prevent its public release, we require a payment of $125,000 USD in Baguettes,” the hackers said.
Obviously, the attacker doesn’t want hundreds of thousands of baguettes - it’s a joke, since Schneider Electric is a French business. Instead, they just want the victim company to acknowledge the breach within 48 hours. Since the company did just that, let’s see if Greppy keeps their word.
Schneider Electric is a multinational corporation specializing in energy management and automation solutions. It builds technologies and services that increase efficiency and sustainability across various sectors, including buildings, data centers, and infrastructure.
Via BleepingComputer
You might also likeThe financial services sector handles huge volumes of confidential client and customer data to complete daily business transactions. The value of this information—and the severe consequences if it falls into the wrong hands—are arguably higher than in any other industry.
Protecting sensitive financial information relies on the effectiveness of access controls and the resilience of identity management systems for those who handle it. The delicate balance of the financial services industry means that identity security serves as a vital defense, and careful design of these controls can prevent disastrous outcomes.
Just as an acrobat relies on a safety net for confidence when performing at great heights, financial institutions—from multinational corporations and insurance companies to local banks and credit unions—navigate a risk-ridden landscape. Identity security plays a crucial role in building and maintaining trust amid complex online banking operations and financial data transfers.
The link between financial services and identity securityAs the digital financial landscape expands, bearing an unprecedented volume of data and transactions, the demand for an ironclad identity security system becomes critical. This is underscored by the alarming statistic that 93% of organizations worldwide experienced at least two identity security-related incidents in the past year. This protective framework needs to do more than just prevent failures; it must foster the confidence necessary for advancement, innovation, and secure, efficient customer engagement.
Strengthening the safety netTo ensure the financial sector’s safety net is both resilient and responsive, there are six foundational elements that you need to consider to enhance identity security and future-proof against growing cyber risks. The first of these is the principle of least privilege. This process requires careful calibration of your security measures, ensuring that access is granted exclusively to authorized parties at appropriate times. It necessitates striking a delicate balance between user-friendly experiences and robust security protocols to thwart unauthorized entry.
Intelligent privilege controls are also important here. IT teams need to strengthen the fibers of their net with smart controls for protecting IT administrators, for example, by also introducing a zero standing privileges approach to access management. By implementing strict access management, you reduce the likelihood of security incidents while simultaneously ensuring your staff retains the necessary flexibility to carry out their duties efficiently.
Unified identity orchestration is the third foundational element. Strengthen your security framework by centralizing and unifying all identity-related processes. This consolidated approach enables early detection of inconsistencies and potential security risks, allowing for pre-emptive action before any damage can occur.
Proactive threat detection, comprehensive identity mapping and adaptive authentication are the steps that need to follow. Enhance your identity security infrastructure with highly sensitive detection systems capable of identifying even the subtlest signs of potential threats, enabling prompt responses. Then implement ongoing surveillance and instantaneous data analysis to quickly recognize and address security risks. Ensure comprehensive visibility and accountability within your security framework by thoroughly documenting all human and machine identities present on your network. This complete awareness is vital for maintaining robust security measures. Finally, adjust your security protocols in response to changing circumstances by employing contextual, flexible multi-factor authentication (MFA) that adapts dynamically to fluctuating risk levels. This approach bolsters identity security while preserving a smooth user experience.
Go further than just complianceRegulatory standards such as SWIFT CSCF, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), 23 NYCRR 500, and DORA provide a foundational structure for security measures. However, true leadership in global financial security goes beyond mere compliance. It involves collaborative efforts to create a proactive security system that anticipates potential risks and reinforces vulnerable areas before they are exploited.
For those working in financial cybersecurity, this presents a prime opportunity to not only ensure compliance but also to pioneer innovative security models. By incorporating these six strategic elements into your identity security framework, you're not just safeguarding assets; you're fostering an organization-wide culture that prioritizes identity security at every level.
Becoming confident with identity securityAdopt this comprehensive identity security strategy to confidently navigate today's complex financial landscape. By reinforcing your own security measures, not only are you protecting data and transactions, you are also helping to build the trust and confidence of your customers. Implementation of these measures will allow you to stay secure and agile in a field with great potential risk. As financial security continues to change, having the right identity security measures in place will give you a competitive edge. By adopting these strategies, your organization can tackle present challenges while building a strong foundation for a secure, and therefore successful future in the digital age.
We've featured the best identity management software.
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