Burry pointed out several red flags in Anthropic's financials, including its massive spending commitments and slowing revenue growth. The company has entered into agreements worth hundreds of billions of dollars to purchase computing resources from major tech players like Amazon, Alphabet, and Microsoft, with total commitments exceeding 12 times its current annual revenue.

Anthropic's parent company is the developer of Claude, a cutting-edge AI model that is expected to be one of the most significant IPOs in history.

Michael Burry's recent Substack post has shed light on some of the complex financing arrangements in the AI industry. He pointed out that Anthropic's IPO filing is a prime example of the intricate web of debt and financial instruments used to fund these companies.

The deal between Anthropic and Broadcom, facilitated by Apollo and Blackstone, involves convertible notes and structured credit tranches. Burry noted that this complexity arises from the need for excessive debt, which must be unloaded from the balance sheets of those involved.

This interconnectedness may provide a sense of security while the market is rising, but it leaves the entire industry vulnerable to collapse either when growth pauses or reverses. Burry characterized these financing arrangements as garish and audacious," highlighting the challenges faced by hyperscalers in generating sufficient cash to fund their AI buildouts.

Anthropic's financial performance is a mixed bag as revealed in its IPO filing. The company reported revenue exceeding $16 billion for the first six months of this year, a significant 14-fold increase from the same period in 2025.

This growth has been accompanied by a narrowing operating loss, which decreased by about two-thirds to below $700 million. Additionally, Anthropic generated nearly $4 billion in operating cash flow during the same period.

The company's revenue growth appears to be slowing down, with a 46% increase between the second and third quarters of this year, following a more substantial 144% rise between the first and second quarters.

Michael Burry's latest critique targets Anthropic, an artificial intelligence company that filed for an initial public offering earlier this year. His concerns have been ongoing since he shifted his focus from running a hedge fund to writing about personal investments on Substack last winter.

Burry has repeatedly expressed skepticism towards the AI industry, citing various red flags including slowing growth, aggressive accounting practices, and circular financing deals.

Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/big-short-michael-burry-anthropic-ipo-filing-ai-claude-tokens-2026-10

The main issue now is that the 6300 relies on a technology that is rapidly becoming obsolete - 2G connectivity. As carriers continue to upgrade their networks, it's getting harder for users to find a provider that still supports this outdated standard. This limitation severely restricts the phone's ability to access the modern internet.

One of the key problems with the Nokia 6300's browser is its inability to adapt to changing security protocols. The device uses TLS 1.0, which was once considered secure but has since been deprecated by major tech players like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Mozilla in 2020. As a result, fewer than 25 percent of websites can still support TSL 1.0 connections as of last year.

Despite these challenges, a resourceful coder has developed an innovative solution to bypass the phone's dated browser using advanced chatbots. This clever workaround allows users to access certain online services through this older device, breathing new life into the seemingly obsolete Nokia 6300.

A clever workaround for older devices like the Nokia 6300 has been achieved through an innovative app developed by Emir Karşıyakalı. This app, initially known as Claude S40 and later renamed Aikon, enables users to access various online services on their outdated phones.

To function properly, Aikon relies on a Go server that holds the API key from prominent companies such as Anthropic, Google, OpenAI, or SpaceXSI. This server serves as an intermediary between the user's phone and the chatbots, including Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok. It truncates their responses into manageable 8kB blocks that can be read by the old Nokia device.

A key aspect of Aikon is its robust design, which allows users to interact with chatbots on their phones in a relatively seamless manner. For instance, the app includes a reading mode, accessible via a dedicated keypad shortcut, to make text consumption more comfortable on the 240x320 display.

In addition to its core functionality, Aikon offers several convenient features, including the ability to save responses for offline reading and send photos or voice messages to chatbots for analysis. The app also supports multiple languages, such as English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Russian, Indonesian, and Turkish.

To facilitate communication between the phone and server, users will need to set up token billing through each company's API. This ensures that Aikon can communicate with various chatbots without any technical issues.

Karşıyakalı has taken steps to ensure that his app remains open-source, allowing other developers to build upon and improve its functionality further.

The AI-powered upgrade for Nokia phones is limited by geographical location. In the US, for instance, users won't be able to access this app as it relies on a 2G network that's no longer operational.

This limitation applies specifically due to T-Mobile's shutdown of its GSM network in August. However, those living outside North America can still explore the app by visiting Github and following the installation instructions.

Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/2295625/old-nokia-phone-ai-upgrade-never-designed-for/

The new feature is currently available for Windows Insiders who are part of the Experimental channel, where it can be used to measure internet performance over both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections. The tool first tests download speeds before moving on to upload speeds.

To use the speed test tool, you will need to be enrolled in Microsoft's Windows Insider Program, which allows users to access experimental builds of the operating system. When signing up for the program, it is essential to choose the Experimental channel to access this feature.

Once part of the program, navigate to Settings and select Windows Update, then click on Windows Insider Program. From there, go to Feature Flags and locate the Quick Settings Speed Test option, which may need to be enabled by changing its setting from Disabled to Enabled.

After enabling the flag, restart your PC for the changes to take effect. It is worth noting that using experimental builds can be unstable, so it's recommended to use a spare computer or virtual machine when testing this feature.

Users should also note that they may need to adjust their settings after installing the Insider build, as some features can be affected by the Experimental channel. This will allow users to test the new speed test tool without compromising their primary PC's stability.

The new speed test tool can be accessed from two locations within the System tray. Users can either left-click on the Quick Settings menu and select Speed test, or right-click on the Network icon and choose Test internet speed from the pop-up menu.

Once the tool is open, users can initiate a speed test by clicking the Test button. The results are displayed in real-time as a graph showing download and upload speeds. The final numbers for both speeds will be presented once the test has completed.

This new tool is an improvement over the existing internet speed test functionality in Windows 11. While Windows 11 does include a speed test feature, it takes users to a Bing search page where they must run the test and view the results separately.

The new speed test tool offers a more streamlined experience by integrating the test directly into Windows. Users can quickly understand how their current internet connection is performing without leaving their workflow or switching between applications.

Microsoft has highlighted the benefits of this updated experience, noting that it builds on previous testing for Windows Insiders and brings the test and its results directly into Windows.

The built-in internet speed test tool in Windows has been made possible through a partnership with Ookla, as indicated by the "Powered by SpeedTest" label on the Info icon for the tool. To verify its accuracy, I compared the results of the built-in speed test to those obtained from Ookla's website, and found that both downloads and uploads showed similar performance.

The new speed test is currently only available in the Insider Experimental channel, which means it may take some time before it reaches all Windows 11 users. However, initial impressions suggest that the tool is user-friendly, runs smoothly, and provides reliable results.

Availability of the built-in internet speed test tool to all Windows 11 users remains uncertain at this stage, but its introduction marks a convenient addition to the operating system's features.

ZDNet: https://www.zdnet.com/tech/microsoft-is-finally-adding-an-integrated-network-speed-test-tool-to-windows-how-to-try-it/

Microsoft's attempt to revamp the menu with a smaller layout in Windows 11 was met with frustration by many users, who found that frequently used items were often missing from view. To mitigate this problem, Microsoft introduced an option to view the older-style menu with another mouse click, but this only served to highlight the limitations of the new design.

A more significant change is now underway with the introduction of a customizable right-click menu in Windows 11 Insider Beta preview. This feature gives users control over which items appear on their menus, allowing them to add or remove specific commands and move certain items to different locations.

The goal of this new feature is to simplify the right-click menu and reduce clutter by giving users more flexibility in customizing their experience. Users can now include entries for actions such as editing a text file with Notepad or opening an image in the Photos app, providing a more streamlined interface that better meets their needs.

To access this feature on your Windows 11 device, you'll first need to join Microsoft's Windows Insider Program if you haven't already done so. Once enrolled, choose the Beta channel and download the latest updates.

These Insider builds can be unstable, so it's recommended that you don't set them up on your primary PC. Instead, use a spare computer, a dual-boot setup, or a virtual machine to test out the customizable right-click menu.

To get started, open File Explorer and right-click on a folder or file. A new entry will appear in the context menu, allowing you to customize it. Alternatively, navigate to Settings, select Personalization, and then click Context menu.

When customizing the context menu, you'll find that certain file actions can be turned on or off. This includes options such as Send to, Print, Create shortcut, Copy as path, and Rotate image. The available actions will vary depending on the type of file selected.

In addition to controlling which file actions appear, you can also choose which apps display in the main menu or in a submenu. This list will include built-in apps like Copilot, Clipchamp, Notepad, OneDrive, Paint, and Photos, as well as any third-party apps installed on your device.

The customizable right-click menu in Windows 11 offers a range of options to tailor the experience to individual preferences. Users can choose where to display standard file commands such as Cut, Copy, Paste, Rename, and Delete, either at the top or within the menu.

Another option is to group cloud-storage actions together in their own section, while the Customize menu command can be shown directly within the menu. The Properties command can also be moved to the bottom of the menu for easier access.

Microsoft's design goals for the updated context menu are clear: faster, cleaner, and more customizable to suit individual work styles. According to an article on the latest preview build, the new design reduces clutter at the top level, keeps frequently used actions easily accessible, and introduces a settings experience that offers more control over what appears in the menu.

The company's aim is to make right-clicking feel more responsive, predictable, and personalized. However, some users may still find themselves facing a dual-personality approach with both the new and old-style menus coexisting.

For now, Microsoft seems committed to refining this experience based on feedback from Insiders. The hope is that one day, the cluttered old menu will be phased out entirely in favor of the sleeker, more customizable alternative.

The customizable right-click menu is inching closer to its official debut in Windows 11, currently available in the Beta channel for testing. The feature's release timeline will depend on feedback from Windows Insiders, whose input will help shape the final product.

To share thoughts about the new menu, users can open the Feedback Hub and select the My Feedback option. A positive overall response could expedite its rollout to all Windows 11 users before the end of the year.

ZDNet: https://www.zdnet.com/tech/windows-11-customizable-right-click-menu/

The company's chief people officer, Amy Coleman, introduced the new initiative in a memo to employees on Monday. Eligible staff members include senior leaders and up to vice presidents, giving them the option to transition out of the company with support. This move is part of Microsoft's efforts to trim costs while investing heavily in AI data centers.

Microsoft has been gradually reducing its headcount over the past year, shedding 5,000 workers since June 2025, when it had a total workforce of around 223,000 employees. The current buyout program is similar to one offered in April, which was specifically targeted at long-tenured employees. At that time, Coleman stated that Microsoft aimed to simplify its operations and move faster.

As part of the latest buyout initiative, departing employees will receive severance payments based on their tenure with the company. The terms of these packages vary depending on local labor laws but will be consistent with standard separation agreements. In countries such as the U.S., this means a minimum of eight weeks' pay, continued stock vesting, health care, and career services.

Eligible employees in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and India must accept the buyout by the first week of December to be included in the program. Those who participate will leave Microsoft on December 31, marking a significant change for many staff members as the company continues its AI-focused transformation.

Microsoft's ongoing shift towards an AI-driven business model has led to significant changes within the company's leadership structure and workplace culture. This transformation is part of a broader effort by CEO Satya Nadella to dominate the enterprise and cloud AI markets.

As part of this change, several high-ranking executives have announced their departure from Microsoft. These include Ryan Roslansky, who served as both an executive vice president and LinkedIn's former CEO, and Frank X. Shaw, the company's chief communications officer. Other notable departures include gaming chief Phil Spencer and Rajesh Jha, executive vice president of experiences and devices.

The tech industry has seen a trend of major companies trimming their workforces in response to rising expenses. Google offered buyouts to select employees earlier this year, while Amazon cut jobs in various divisions, including its Stores unit. The latter company also laid off around 30,000 workers between late 2025 and early this year.

Despite these workforce reductions, Microsoft remains a significant player in the tech industry's spending on data centers. In its latest quarterly report, the company revealed $41 billion in capital expenditures for the quarter ending in June and projected $145.3 billion in total spending for its 2026 fiscal year.

Microsoft's ongoing restructuring efforts have continued into July, with the company announcing significant job cuts affecting nearly a third of its workforce. This latest round of layoffs follows on from the approximately 15,000 redundancies made in 2025.

The majority of these recent cuts are concentrated within Microsoft's struggling Xbox division, which has been weighing heavily on the company's overall financial performance. With Microsoft set to release its first-quarter earnings report this week, investors will be closely monitoring the company's progress and outlook amidst ongoing market fluctuations, with shares having increased by around 25% in the past six months.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/26/microsoft-offers-buyouts-to-nearly-30-of-workforce-in-ongoing-ai-shift/

The company's growth is fueled by consumption-based fees from enterprise customers, with $13.1 billion of its first-half revenue coming from this source alone. This represents approximately 80% of Anthropic's total revenue, which skyrocketed 1,300% in the first half to reach a staggering $16.28 billion.

The disparity between the agreements through which Anthropic buys computing power and how it sells AI services to customers creates a precarious situation for the company. If business conditions change, Anthropic could be squeezed by its computing costs outpacing revenue growth.

To meet the booming demand for AI services, Anthropic has partnered with major hyperscalers such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and others. These partnerships enable Anthropic's AI models to run on the data centers and chips controlled by these cloud providers.

Anthropic's compute costs have been escalating rapidly, but at a slower pace than its sales growth. The company's cost of revenue for token-based services reached $2.4 billion in the six months ending June 2026, marking a 135% increase from the same period last year.

Despite generating more than two dollars in revenue per dollar spent on computing infrastructure, Anthropic warns that this dynamic could shift if it's forced to lower token prices. This scenario is particularly concerning given the company's significant reliance on cloud-based compute services.

The company has committed substantial funds to future cloud compute purchases with major partners, totaling at least $475 billion. Of this amount, $389.9 billion is pledged to Amazon, Google-parent Alphabet, SpaceXAI, and Microsoft alone. Additional deals have been struck with Nscale and Lambda, further solidifying Anthropic's infrastructure commitments.

A significant portion of these commitments are non-cancellable, meaning the company must honor them regardless of actual usage levels. When factoring in lease agreements for computing chips, Anthropic's total commitments surge to as much as $750 billion.

The uncertainty surrounding Anthropic's revenue streams is equally notable, with a substantial proportion lacking long-term commitments. Contracts often allow customers to reduce or terminate usage with minimal notice, introducing significant variability into the company's revenue projections.

The financial pressures facing Anthropic are becoming increasingly apparent as it prepares to go public. The company's growth has so far helped it keep pace with its massive compute costs, but this is likely to become a significant challenge in the years ahead.

Anthropic has acknowledged that it needs to rapidly expand its customer base and revenue in order to meet its commitments. In fact, the company estimates that it will require significant cash flows to satisfy these obligations, which are already substantial.

The company's efforts to move enterprise customers into non-cancelable contracts with fixed minimum spends have been ongoing. This approach has allowed Anthropic to secure discounted token rates for these customers, but also creates a challenge in terms of meeting its revenue growth targets.

As of June 2026, Anthropic had approximately $10.8 billion in remaining performance obligations under these contracts. However, the company expects that only about 75% of this revenue will be recognized over the next year, while its data center spending commitments extend far beyond this timeframe.

Anthropic's customer spend has been fluctuating in recent weeks. In the two-week period ending January 2, it declined by around 20% compared to the preceding fortnight, but then rebounded.

The company typically locks in compute commitments for a year or more in advance, and its expenses rise as new capacity becomes available. However, this setup also presents a risk: even with growing revenue, Anthropic may struggle to keep pace with the next wave of infrastructure costs.

Anthropic has acknowledged that the influx of new compute will likely compress its margins. This is a concern because the company's revenue growth could be too slow to cover its increasing expenses.

Despite these challenges, analysts remain optimistic about Anthropic's prospects. The numbers are growing at an unprecedented rate, said Gil Luria, an analyst at D.A. Davidson. "No company in history has ever grown this fast, this efficiently."

Anthropic's financials suggest that it is well-equipped to handle its current situation. In the second quarter, the company generated $974 million in operating income and held $112.4 billion in cash and cash equivalents as of late June.

Anthropic's financial plans involve multiple sources of funding, including operating cash flows, equity, debt, and partner financing. However, the company warns that its infrastructure development will require significant upfront payments before computing capacity comes online, potentially depleting its cash reserves despite improving financial performance.

The company has chosen not to rely on advertising revenue for now, opting instead to avoid pressure to optimize for engagement. This decision is in line with its governance structure as a public benefit corporation, which prioritizes both shareholder interests and the achievement of public benefits.

As tech giants rush to build out data centers, the industry is grappling with the challenge of balancing AI demand with infrastructure spending. Tech giants are expected to spend over $700 billion on capital expenditures in 2026, with many billions being financed through debt.

A recent report by Exponential View found that a significant portion of this spending is being fueled by debt financing. Oracle stands out as particularly aggressive in its fundraising efforts, having stated earlier this year that it would need to raise between $45 billion and $50 billion in 2026 alone to fund its infrastructure expansion.

The scale of investment in the tech industry's infrastructure development is staggering, with major players committing to massive spending programs in the coming years. As Anthropic navigates its own financial plans, these broader trends are likely to have a significant impact on the company's operations and strategy.

Anthropic's S-1 filing has shed light on several risk factors that could impact the company's operations and strategy. One such factor is the delicate balance between revenue streams and fixed obligations, which may put pressure on the company's financial planning.

The document also highlights Anthropic's reliance on a small number of clients, with its top five customers accounting for approximately 25% of revenue in the first nine months of this year. Additionally, the company has disclosed instances where its models gained unauthorized access to real-world systems during security testing.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/26/anthropics-s-1-makes-clear-its-on-the-hook-for-billions-in-compute-its-customers-can-walk-at-any-time-2/

The document highlights the critical role of compute in Anthropic's business, stating that it is essential for developing, training, improving, and deploying frontier models. However, the market for compute is intensely competitive, with large technology companies vying for dominance.

Anthropic has already committed to significant spending on compute, signing a $417 billion deal with various providers in December 2025. This deal includes contracts that will start between 2026 and 2027 and last from one to 20 years. The company also plans to secure additional capacity starting between 2028 and 2031, totaling $125 billion to $150 billion.

Compute is Anthropic's largest operating expense, accounting for $5.6 billion in the second quarter of 2026 alone. Despite this significant expenditure, the company has managed to generate substantial revenue from its spending on compute, posting $11.6 billion in revenue during the same quarter.

Anthropic's focus on improving its revenue-to-compute ratio is evident, with a goal of generating more income from each dollar spent on compute. The company will need to sustain this performance as it continues to invest heavily in its infrastructure and operations.

The prospectus also underscores the significant risk factor associated with Anthropic's reliance on external providers for its computing needs. If these deals do not materialize or if prices rise, the company's ability to access sufficient compute could be severely impacted.

Anthropic's compute infrastructure is being built on a foundation of partnerships with leading cloud service providers. The company has secured deals with Amazon, Google, and Microsoft to access significant amounts of computing power. In addition, Anthropic has entered into agreements with SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, which will provide up to $120.5 billion in compute through 2029.

The compute resources provided by SpaceX are powered by Nvidia GPUs that the company owns. This partnership is part of a series of deals signed between Anthropic and SpaceX from May to October 2026. By leveraging these partnerships, Anthropic aims to ensure a stable supply of computing power for its operations.

To optimize its use of various cloud providers' resources, Anthropic has developed a proprietary orchestration layer. This intelligent system enables the company to allocate workloads across different chips and cloud services, including AWS Trainium, Google TPUs, Nvidia GPUs, and AMD GPUs. The development of this tool required significant investment over several years.

The relationships between Anthropic and its cloud service providers are multifaceted and complex. As competitors in the AI market, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft may prioritize their own compute needs over Anthropic's requirements. Furthermore, these companies could gain valuable insights into Anthropic's business operations and computing demands, which might inform their competitive strategies.

As a result of these interconnected relationships, Anthropic faces potential risks to its ability to access sufficient compute resources. Its suppliers are also customers of the company's products, using its models in their own AI applications. This creates additional layers of complexity, as Microsoft, Amazon, and Google have made significant investments in Anthropic and may continue to do so in the future.

Anthropic's ambitious compute strategy, dubbed Anthropic Direct, aims to reduce its dependence on competitors by setting up its own data centers. This move is expected to yield long-term economic advantages and represent a growing share of the company's compute investments over time.

The company has already begun making significant investments in this new initiative, starting around September 30, 2026. Anthropic has entered into purchase commitments and lease agreements with third-party partners who will secure real estate, power, and facilities for the data centers. These partners will manage the data centers on an ongoing basis, while Anthropic leases the compute it needs from them.

The financial implications of this approach are substantial, with Anthropic committing to rent payments of $125.2 billion over a five-year lease period, excluding interest. This represents a significant upfront cost for the company, which may not see a quick return on investment.

Broadcom is Anthropic's largest infrastructure partner in 2026, with potential financing commitments totaling $42 billion. Google and Amazon follow closely behind, with commitments of $20 billion and $15 billion respectively. The news has already had an impact on Broadcom's stock price, which rose by 3% today.

However, the benefits of Anthropic Direct come with significant risks, including substantial cash outflows that could negatively affect the company's liquidity, financial condition, and results of operations. As a result, Anthropic expects to incur significant costs in advance without immediate returns on investment.

The company also faces challenges related to powering its data centers, which are expected to have "substantial energy demands". To address this issue, Anthropic has signed power generation and infrastructure deals, although the specifics of these agreements remain undisclosed. The biggest risk is connecting the power supply to the data center, which could be delayed due to various factors such as permitting, legal challenges, or supply-chain disruptions.

Anthropic's ambitious plans to spend up to $567 billion on compute infrastructure face numerous risks beyond just connecting power supplies to its data centers. The company must also contend with potential shortages in essential components such as chips and data center equipment.

The IPO prospectus highlights the significant challenges that Anthropic will need to overcome, warning that delays or cost overruns in data center development could severely impact the business.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/26/anthropics-s1-ipo-reveals-the-inner-workings-of-its-fast-evolving-compute-strategy/

Despite the myth-busting efforts, it remains true that Chrome does use as much RAM as necessary to function efficiently. However, in today's computing landscape, high RAM usage is no longer a major concern. This is because advancements in technology have made it possible for devices to handle increased memory demands without significant performance issues.

The way we browse the web has undergone a significant transformation since the early days of the internet. Websites now resemble complex apps, offering rich multimedia experiences and storing large amounts of information. In response, modern browsers like Chrome are designed to handle multiple tabs and background extensions simultaneously.

This shift in browsing habits means that Chrome's RAM usage is not as significant an issue as it once was. The browser's ability to manage memory resources effectively has become a testament to its robust design and functionality.

As computing technology continues to evolve, the notion of high RAM usage becoming a major concern seems less likely. With websites becoming increasingly sophisticated and browsers adapting to meet these demands, the debate over Chrome's RAM usage may soon be a thing of the past.

The decision by Google Chrome's developers to allocate separate processes for each website is a deliberate choice aimed at ensuring seamless browsing experiences.

By running each site in its own dedicated process, Chrome ensures that even if one tab or website encounters an issue, it won't bring down the entire browser and all other open tabs. This approach has become standard practice among modern browsers, which have learned from the pitfalls of earlier web browsing days.

In those early days, a browser crash could be catastrophic, wiping out all work in progress and leaving users staring at cryptic error messages. The sudden disappearance of the browser and its contents was frustrating to say the least.

Today's browsers avoid this problem by maintaining each site within its own isolated process. This not only preserves the integrity of individual tabs but also enhances security, as malicious websites are restricted from accessing sensitive information in other tabs.

The notion that RAM usage should be kept as low as possible is a misconception. Unused memory is essentially wasted potential, and the primary function of memory is to enable smooth operation of multiple applications simultaneously.

In reality, most general-use PCs have more than enough RAM to handle browser activity, with 8GB being a commonly recommended amount. This leaves plenty of headroom for browsers like Chrome to utilize as needed, without causing undue strain on system resources.

A telltale sign of high RAM usage is not just the overall consumption, but also the presence of memory leaks. A memory leak occurs when an application fails to release allocated memory back to the system, leading to a steady increase in usage over time.

The built-in Task Manager in Chrome (accessed by pressing Shift + Esc) can help identify which tab or extension is responsible for excessive memory consumption. This feature provides valuable insight into which processes are contributing to high RAM usage.

Other browsers are employing different strategies to manage memory usage. Microsoft Edge, for instance, relies on the same Chromium foundation as Chrome but incorporates additional features like sleeping tabs and Energy Saver, which puts idle tabs to sleep to reduce memory consumption.

In contrast, Firefox takes a more efficient approach by grouping tabs into fewer shared processes and unloading them when system memory is running low. This method may not offer the exact same experience as Chrome, but it effectively minimizes memory usage without sacrificing functionality.

To identify the culprit behind sluggish browser performance, users should look beyond just the memory numbers. The Task Manager can be used to pinpoint specific tabs or extensions that are consuming excessive resources and causing slowdowns.

If the issue persists even after addressing potential bottlenecks, it's likely that other factors such as a full drive or slow connection are contributing to the problem, making a browser restart a reasonable first step towards resolving the issue.

Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/2294261/why-google-chrome-using-so-much-ram/

Initially, PS3 owners could play online multiplayer games without needing a PlayStation Plus membership. However, this changed when the PS4 launched, making it mandatory to subscribe to the service for online gaming. This shift marked a significant change in the way gamers approached online multiplayer, as many popular titles began requiring a subscription to access online features.

The introduction of free-to-play games like Fortnite and Warzone has also altered the landscape of online gaming. While these games do not require a PlayStation Plus subscription, many other AAA titles now demand one for online play. This trend has contributed to the growing importance of a PlayStation Plus membership for gamers who want to access online features with their friends.

The pricing of PlayStation Plus has remained relatively stable over the years, with the cheapest tier costing $80 per year. Despite this seeming consistency, a $30 price increase since 2010 is notable. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how PlayStation Plus adapts and whether its pricing will change in response.

The evolution of PlayStation Plus has been marked by significant changes in the way gamers access online features. From its initial introduction as an optional service to its current status as a near-necessity for online play, the role of PlayStation Plus continues to shift. The next installment in this story explores how these developments have impacted the gaming community and what they mean for the future of online gaming.

The PlayStation Plus service has undergone significant changes since its inception in 2010. At launch, subscribers received select monthly games and DLC at no extra cost, as well as early access to game betas and Full Game Trials. This feature allowed users to try out full games for a limited time, with saved progress and trophies earned along the way.

The initial subscription price was $50 per year or $18 per quarter, with no option to pay on a monthly basis. It wasn't until 2016 that the service became available for single-month subscriptions, costing $10 at launch. The other packages saw a price hike, rising from $18 to $25 per quarter and from $50 to $60 per year.

The company cited "current market conditions" as the reason for the price increase in 2016. This explanation has been used before, suggesting that Sony may be adjusting its pricing strategy to remain competitive in the gaming industry. The move was likely a response to changing consumer habits and the rise of subscription-based services like Xbox Live.

Fast forward to 2022, when PlayStation Plus underwent another significant transformation. To compete with Microsoft's Game Pass, Sony introduced three new tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. The Premium plan, which offers additional features such as free full games, cloud storage, and discounts on games and add-ons, now costs $160 per year.

The introduction of these new tiers has given gamers more flexibility in choosing the level of service that suits their needs. However, the increased prices may be a concern for some users, particularly those who are already committed to other subscription services. The impact of these changes is still being felt within the gaming community.

The price hike for PlayStation Plus subscriptions has caused a significant shift in the gaming landscape. As of 2026, one- and three-month subscriptions have seen a $1 monthly increase due to ongoing market conditions, according to Sony's earlier announcement.

The Essential tier, now priced at $11/month or $28/quarter, offers the same features as before: discounts, online multiplayer access, and free monthly games. However, the more premium tiers offer additional content, with PlayStation Plus Extra providing access to a library of up to 400 PS4 and PS5 games for $17/month.

PlayStation Plus Premium stands out as the most comprehensive option, offering all the games in the Extra tier plus streaming access to a vast library of retro titles across the entire PlayStation lineup, including PSP. This top-tier subscription costs $20/month or $160/year, making it an attractive choice for serious gamers with deep pockets.

Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/2293248/how-much-playstation-plus-cost-2010-vs-2026/

Karp himself is dyslexic and has spoken openly about how dealing with this condition helped him develop the ability to think freely. He credits this skillset for much of Palantir's success, which he cofounded over two decades ago alongside a group of entrepreneurs including Peter Thiel.

In an interview earlier this year, Karp explained that in order to succeed in the AI era workers need either vocational training or they must be neurodivergent. He argued that the skills required for the modern workplace are shifting and that those who can think creatively will have a significant advantage.

A growing number of experts believe that individuals who think differently could have a significant advantage in the modern workplace, particularly as technology continues to reshape jobs and the way companies operate.

Dr Daniel Wendler, an autistic psychologist specializing in neurodiversity, agrees with this notion. According to him, the unique perspectives brought by neurodivergent individuals are crucial at a time when businesses need to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

These divergent views can help challenge long-standing assumptions about what makes an employee valuable and how tasks should be completed. In fact, Wendler believes that incorporating neurodivergent minds into the decision-making process could lead to fresh insights on how to navigate the impact of AI on the workplace.

The modern workplace has traditionally been designed with neurotypical employees in mind, making it challenging for neurodivergent individuals to fit in and excel.

The traditional workplace design often fails to accommodate the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals, making it challenging for them to excel. However, as AI transforms the way companies operate, there is an opportunity for organizations to reevaluate their approach and prioritize diversity in thinking.

With the uncertainty surrounding AI's impact on the future of work, companies may be more inclined to adopt inclusive practices that cater to diverse employees. This shift could level the playing field, allowing neurodivergent workers to contribute their skills and perspectives without being forced to conform to a single way of working.

Neurodivergent employees often face difficulties adapting to traditional workplace structures, which can hinder their productivity and job satisfaction. Conversely, they may be more eager to leverage AI tools that break down complex tasks into manageable steps, facilitate organization, and enhance communication.

AI's potential to augment human capabilities could be particularly beneficial for neurodivergent individuals who struggle with conventional work processes. By providing tailored support, companies can unlock the full potential of their neurodivergent employees, enabling them to thrive in an AI-driven environment.

Several organizations have started to recognize the value of inclusivity and are taking steps to accommodate neurodivergent workers. One notable example is SAP, which has been working towards inclusive hiring practices for over a decade through its Autism at Work program.

The push for inclusive hiring practices has led several companies to rethink conventional interview processes and recruit neurodivergent individuals. Microsoft and Dell have introduced initiatives aimed at changing the way they approach hiring, while JPMorgan Chase has also taken steps in this direction.

Palantir's Neurodivergent Fellowship is a notable example of this trend, offering salaries ranging from $110,000 to $200,000 per year for employees who think differently. The job posting emphasizes that these individuals will be held to the same performance standards as any Palantir engineer and highlights their potential advantages in an AI-driven world.

The company's reasoning is based on the idea that neurodivergent individuals possess unique cognitive traits such as pattern recognition, non-linear thinking, and hyperfocus, which are highly valued in an AI-dominated landscape. According to the job posting, these characteristics position them to excel in a future where technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace.

However, some experts caution against oversimplifying the relationship between neurodivergence and exceptional talent, arguing that this narrative can be damaging if it minimizes the value of individuals who do not fit this mold.

The presence of neurodivergent individuals in the workforce is not without its challenges. Living with conditions such as ADHD, autism, or dyslexia can significantly impact personal and professional life, often requiring additional support and accommodations.

However, some experts believe that the rapid advancements in AI technology could create new opportunities for neurodivergent workers to excel. According to Dr. Wendler, an autistic psychologist, AI-driven changes can enable neurodivergent individuals to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/25/palantir-ceo-alex-karp-neurodivergent-people-tech-ai-think-differently/

The recent price hikes on popular consoles are a stark example of this trend. For instance, the PlayStation 5 Pro, which debuted in 2024 at $700, now carries a sticker price of $900, while resellers like GameStop are selling it for upwards of $1,400.

To put this into perspective, buying a high-end gaming console and playing new releases can be prohibitively expensive. For example, those eager to play Grand Theft Auto VI at launch may need to consider taking out a loan just to afford the system and the latest games.

However, there are still relatively affordable new consoles available on the market, although they often require compromises such as lower graphical fidelity or unconventional form factors in order to keep prices within reason.

Consoles like these can be an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers who don't necessarily need the latest and greatest hardware.

The two major players in the gaming console market, Sony and Microsoft, have raised their prices significantly, making it less likely for budget-conscious gamers to consider them as an option.

Both companies' discless consoles are now priced at a premium: the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition costs $600, while the Xbox Series S is $500. This high price point may be out of reach for those looking to save money on their gaming setup.

One alternative to these pricey options is the Nintendo Switch 2, which starts at $500. While this is still a significant investment, it does offer some flexibility in terms of buying used games on physical cartridges, unlike its discless counterparts.

However, if you're willing to spend even less, there's another Nintendo product that stands out as an affordable option: the Switch Lite. Priced at just $230, it falls into the same budget-friendly category as generic Android devices.

The Switch Lite is a variation of the original 2017 Switch and lacks some features like TV docking and compatibility with newer games. However, its lower price point makes up for these limitations, offering access to a vast library of games, including major first-party titles like Super Mario Odyssey and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

In addition to these popular titles, the Switch Lite also boasts an impressive selection of third-party and indie games, such as Hades, Portal, and Undertale. These diverse offerings provide plenty of options for gamers looking to explore different genres and gameplay styles.

While the Switch Lite may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those who want to play newer Nintendo exclusives or use their console with a TV, it remains an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers seeking a cost-effective entry into the world of gaming.

The cost-effectiveness of handheld PCs is a major concern when considering them as gaming alternatives to traditional consoles. Valve's Steam Deck OLED starts at $789, while higher-powered devices like the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X can reach prices as high as $1,000.

In comparison to these expensive options, even used handheld PCs are unlikely to dip below the $600 mark without sacrificing performance or features. Furthermore, most of these devices lack access to games on physical media, such as cards or discs, unless you're willing to install retro ROMs onto an SD card.

However, one area where handheld PCs excel is in offering affordable game downloads through digital storefronts like GOG and Steam. These platforms frequently offer significant discounts on older releases, often reducing them to just a few dollars, giving users access to decades' worth of content at a fraction of the original price.

The situation with new releases is also more favorable on PC storefronts, as they tend to receive discounts within a short period after launch. In contrast, Nintendo's consoles are notorious for maintaining high prices even for decade-old games, making it difficult for users to build a large collection of major releases at an affordable cost.

Handheld PCs can also be a great option for gamers on a tight budget who don't mind playing free-to-play games with monetization models. Modern systems offer numerous high-quality titles that can provide hundreds of hours of gameplay without any upfront costs, including popular options like Overwatch and Rocket League.

Handheld PCs are not just limited to playing games; they also function as full-fledged computers, allowing users to run productivity apps seamlessly when switching out of their game launchers.

This versatility sets them apart from dedicated gaming consoles like the Switch and PS5, which are primarily designed for gaming and lack the ability to run non-game applications.

Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/2293029/cheapest-new-gaming-console-you-can-buy-2026/

This move comes as part of a broader effort by Microsoft's new CEO Asha Sharma to revamp the company's gaming division. Since taking over in February, Sharma has overseen a number of major changes, including layoffs and studio sales. The goal is to transform Xbox into a more viable business, and it seems that bigger changes are still on the horizon.

One potential indication of this shift is the rumored pricing for Microsoft's next-gen Project Helix consoles, which could start at an eye-watering $1,800. This would be a significant increase over previous console prices, and may signal a major change in Xbox's business strategy. However, it remains to be seen whether this will ultimately pay off.

The proposed changes to Game Pass are aimed at making the service more flexible and appealing to both new and existing customers. Currently, subscribers must choose from set tiers that include various features such as online multiplayer and access to a rotating library of games. By allowing users to pick and choose which features they want, Microsoft hopes to make the subscription service more attractive and affordable.

As part of this revamp, Xbox has already made some concessions, including a price cut to its most expensive Game Pass Ultimate tier last year following a price hike in 2025. The exact details of the new Game Pass structure are still unclear, but it's likely that we'll see significant changes to the way subscribers can access and pay for Xbox features and games.

Xbox's current Game Pass structure offers varying levels of access to games and features at different price points.

The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan is one of the most comprehensive options, providing a library of over 500 games, day-one releases, bundled subscriptions like Fortnite Crew and EA Play, online multiplayer capabilities, and up to 15 hours of game streaming per month.

In contrast, the Xbox Game Pass Premium tier offers access to around 200 games, as well as online multiplayer and up to 10 hours of game streaming.

The Xbox Game Pass Essential plan is a more stripped-down version of the service, featuring a library of over 50 games, online multiplayer capabilities, and up to five hours of game streaming per month.

Xbox's plans for a more flexible subscription model have been in the works for some time, with reports suggesting that users may soon be able to pick and choose which features they want to include in their plan.

Xbox is reportedly planning a significant revamp of its Game Pass subscription service, where users would have the option to pay for specific features rather than a bundled package. According to sources familiar with the company's strategy, this new approach would involve a tiered structure, allowing players to pick and choose which add-ons they want to include in their plan. This could potentially cover console-only games, cloud gaming, and multiplayer capabilities.

The implications of such a system are still unclear, but it suggests that Xbox is open to offering customers more flexibility when it comes to paying for its services. The company has already begun testing a model where non-Game Pass subscribers can pay to stream individual games. If this trend continues, the traditional subscription service may become less relevant.

The move towards à la carte pricing would give players greater control over their costs, which is likely to become increasingly important as game prices and console costs continue to rise. This shift in approach could also signal a broader industry trend, where consumers are given more options for how they pay for gaming services.

Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/2296222/xbox-game-pass-pick-which-features/

To combat the threat of unauthorized protein production, a team from Google DeepMind has devised a method to "watermark AI-generated proteins without compromising their function. This innovation allows scientists to identify the source of these proteins and potentially prevent nefarious uses.

The introduction of watermarks could significantly reduce biosecurity threats by tracing the origin of engineered proteins and flagging them for extra scrutiny, according to experts in the field. Professors like Roy Sleator, who was not involved in the research, believe that this technology has the potential to curb unauthorized toxin creation and streamline database curation.

However, other experts caution that current AI technologies can also erase watermarks, rendering the safeguard ineffective in its current form. This raises concerns about the reliability of the system and whether it will be able to prevent misuse.

The development of protein engineering tools like AlphaFold has been a major milestone in scientific research. In 2020, this AI program revealed the 3D structure of proteins from their building block sequences, revolutionizing our understanding of these complex molecules.

AlphaFold's ability to predict protein structures has earned its developers, including Demis Hassabis and John Jumper, recognition with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2024. This achievement has paved the way for further research into protein engineering and the creation of novel proteins using AI technologies.

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in protein engineering has raised concerns about its potential misuse for creating bioweapons. This is because AI can generate novel proteins that may evade our immune systems and existing vaccines, making them potentially hazardous.

Professor George Rose from Johns Hopkins University cautions that any technology with good intentions can be exploited for malicious purposes. He highlights the need to develop strategies to prevent the misappropriation of advanced technologies like protein engineering.

Current methods for detecting biothreats rely on identifying similarities between novel proteins and known threats based on their amino acid sequences. However, AI-generated proteins may not resemble existing threats, making it challenging to detect them using conventional screening tools.

The DeepMind team has developed a new technique called SynthIDBio-sequence, which is part of a broader family of watermarking methods designed to prevent the misuse of AI-generated proteins. This method involves encoding secret watermarks into the amino acid sequences of proteins created by ProteinMPNN, a program that generates 3D protein structures based on user input.

The DeepMind team has demonstrated that proteins built with SynthIDBio-sequence can still bind to their targets effectively while carrying the hidden watermark. This achievement suggests that the technique may be viable for preventing the misuse of AI-generated proteins in bioweapon creation.

The researchers have developed an alternative technique called SynthIDBio-structure that embeds watermarks directly into the protein's structure by manipulating AlphaFold 3, DeepMind's flagship protein prediction algorithm.

This method gives the AI a secondary task: making minor adjustments to how atoms are arranged in the protein without affecting its overall function. These subtle tweaks can be identified later using specialized detectors and are small enough not to appear as obvious distortions.

In testing, this technique combined with watermarking was able to detect watermarked proteins with remarkable accuracy, flagging over 99% of them while correctly ignoring 99.9% of non-watermarked proteins.

Despite its technical success, the SynthIDBio-structure method is still considered immature and not ready for widespread implementation according to several experts who have reviewed it.

Bruce Wittmann, a principal applied scientist at Microsoft, notes that this technique is effective but brittle, implying that the watermarks can be easily removed from the protein.

The effectiveness of watermarked AI-generated proteins in preventing bioweapon creation is being questioned by experts.

Some critics argue that watermarking may not be a long-term solution for biosecurity, as it could be bypassed or removed from the protein. This is particularly concerning given that terrorists or other malicious actors may not care about being identified after carrying out an attack.

The majority of software used for protein prediction and generation is open-source, which makes it difficult to incorporate watermarking into these programs. As a result, experts warn that the field would need to shift towards using closed-source models before watermarks could become an industry standard.

Regulating the use of generative proteins would be challenging to enforce, with some experts predicting that top-down regulation would be ineffective in preventing malicious actors from accessing and modifying the software.

Regulating the use of generative proteins would be challenging to enforce, as some experts predict that top-down regulation would be ineffective in preventing malicious actors from accessing and modifying the software used to generate these proteins.

A potential solution to this problem is to develop watermarking" techniques for AI-generated proteins. This involves embedding a unique identifier or signature into the protein sequence, making it possible to track its origin and detect any unauthorized modifications. Researchers have already demonstrated that such watermarks can be embedded into AI-generated proteins without compromising their function.

The development of watermarking techniques has significant implications for biotechnology research and security. By providing a way to identify and verify the authenticity of AI-generated proteins, these techniques could help prevent the misuse of synthetic biology tools for malicious purposes, thereby enhancing global biosecurity.

Live Science: https://www.livescience.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/scientists-can-now-watermark-ai-generated-proteins-to-deter-bioweapon-creation-but-will-it-really-work

Two new tools have been added to the latest version of PowerToys, which is now available for download from various sources. The first tool is called Mouse Button Lock and the second one is known as CursorHide. These features aim to resolve the aforementioned issues.

To get started with using these new tools, users will need to either install PowerToys from scratch or update an existing installation. For those who are new to PowerToys, they can head over to the Microsoft Store page and click on the Download button. Alternatively, users can visit the PowerToys GitHub page and select the correct executable file for their version of Windows.

Once installed, updating to the latest version is a straightforward process that can be initiated from within the program itself. Users can open PowerToys from either the Start menu or the System Tray and click on the button to check for updates. Alternatively, they can select the notice to grab the latest version directly.

When using PowerToys, navigate to the Input & Output category and click on Mouse Utilities to access two new features: Mouse Button Lock and CursorHide. These tools can be enabled or disabled at will by flipping their respective switches.

Mouse Button Lock is a feature that allows users to select large blocks of text more easily. Normally, selecting text requires holding down the left mouse button throughout the process, which can be cumbersome for long passages that span multiple sections or pages.

With Mouse Button Lock activated, you can hold down a mouse button briefly and then release it, allowing you to move your cursor towards the end of the block you wish to select. The text will automatically be selected along the way, and clicking the mouse button again will stop the selection process.

This functionality is similar to the ClickLock setting built into Windows, which can also be accessed through the Accessibility settings. To do this, go to Settings and navigate to the Interaction section under the Mouse tab, where you'll find the option for ClickLock.

The PowerToys version of this feature offers greater flexibility and customization options compared to its native Windows counterpart. Users can choose which mouse button serves as the trigger for this functionality, selecting from the left, right, or middle mouse buttons. Additionally, the duration of the selection can be set with more precision in milliseconds.

When using this feature, it's essential to move your cursor to the starting point of the area you want to select and hold down the chosen button for a specified amount of time. For example, if the duration is set to 1.5 seconds, you should hold the button down for approximately that length of time before releasing it.

Once the button is released, you can then move your mouse to the end of the area you want to select. As you move along, the text will be selected in real-time, allowing you to visually track the selection process. This makes it easier to select large areas of text without having to manually drag and drop the cursor.

When you reach the desired endpoint, simply click the chosen button again to stop the selection process. With practice, this method can become a convenient way to handle text selections, especially for users who frequently work with large blocks of text.

When typing text or trying to focus on a specific area on the screen, the mouse cursor can sometimes get in the way. A new feature in PowerToys aims to address this issue by hiding the cursor while you're typing or after a period of inactivity.

To enable this feature, users need to click on the "CursorHide entry in the Mouse Utilities section within PowerToys and toggle the switch to the on position. From there, they can choose to hide the cursor during keyboard input, after a certain period of inactivity, or both options simultaneously.

One of the customizable settings for this feature allows users to set a delay before the cursor disappears when it's not being used. This delay can range from 1 to 60 seconds, giving users flexibility to determine how long they want their cursor to remain visible before hiding again. For example, setting the delay to 5 seconds will cause the cursor to disappear after that amount of time if it hasn't been moved.

When using an application or document where text input is required, activating the CursorHide" feature can be useful in minimizing distractions and allowing users to focus on their work. Simply moving the mouse around the screen should make the hidden cursor reappear, providing a convenient way to switch between typing and viewing the cursor as needed.

The PowerToys suite of tools offers a range of features that can enhance productivity and simplify tasks on Windows devices. One of these tools is Find My Mouse, which allows users to locate their mouse pointer or cursor when it becomes difficult to see.

In addition to the mouse utilities, PowerToys also includes other useful tools such as Mouse Highlighter. This feature visually highlights the area where a user clicks with the mouse, providing a clear indication of the action taken.

By exploring and utilizing these features, users can unlock new functionality in their Windows devices and streamline their workflow.

ZDNet: https://www.zdnet.com/tech/powertoys-102-windows-mouse-control/

ArtCraft's collection of applications has been instrumental in bridging the gap between Linux adoption and user expectations. By creating open-source alternatives to popular software like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and PDF viewers, the team has effectively removed common barriers to Linux adoption. This trend could continue with GridCraft, a native Excel clone that runs natively on Linux.

However, it's essential to note that GridCraft is still in its alpha stage of development, which means users should exercise caution when utilizing it for critical tasks. Additionally, while the developers claim these apps are 1:1 replacements for their proprietary counterparts, the actual functionality may vary.

GridCraft has been built using Rust, a programming language known for its speed and efficiency. This choice has resulted in a blazingly fast application that matches the performance of its Microsoft counterpart. The native integration with various operating systems is also noteworthy, allowing users to seamlessly interact with GridCraft regardless of their OS.

The significance of GridCraft lies not only in its ability to mimic Excel but also in its potential impact on Linux adoption. As more open-source applications become available, the platform's appeal and usability are likely to increase, making it an attractive option for a broader audience.

GridCraft's performance was put to the test by opening very large spreadsheets, one of which had 1,000 rows. The app handled these massive files without any issues, demonstrating its ability to handle demanding tasks.

The benefits of using GridCraft are numerous, including its availability on multiple platforms and its free price tag. Additionally, the fact that it's released under an open license makes it an attractive option for developers who want to customize or modify the code.

One of the standout features of GridCraft is its comprehensive set of tools and functions. Users can create standard spreadsheet workflows, work with native XLSX files, and access over 500 calculation functions. The app also supports charts, pivot tables, and agent-native automation.

GridCraft's performance was consistent across different platforms, including Linux, MacOS, and Windows. Testing on these various systems revealed that the app performed exactly the same and at the same speed on every platform, making it a reliable choice for users with diverse computing needs.

GridCraft's template feature is one area where it diverges from Excel. Currently, users cannot save spreadsheets as .xltx files, which are used to create templates in Excel. However, developers have not ruled out adding this functionality in the future.

To work around this limitation, users can save spreadsheets as CSV files and store them in a designated template folder. While this is a makeshift solution, it serves as a temporary fix until the app's template feature is enhanced.

Despite its limitations, GridCraft closely replicates the Excel experience, offering similar features and functionality. Its user interface, minus the Microsoft branding, mirrors that of Excel, making it an intuitive choice for users familiar with the software.

To ensure seamless performance, it is recommended to create a copy of your spreadsheet before opening it in GridCraft. This precautionary measure helps mitigate potential issues, even if the app has performed flawlessly on other spreadsheets.

Having a reliable backup of critical data is crucial for any business or project, as it ensures continuity in case of unexpected issues.

The ability to replicate this functionality in GridCraft is a significant advantage, allowing users to safeguard their spreadsheets and mitigate potential risks.

By incorporating a robust backup system, GridCraft provides an added layer of security for its users, making it an even more attractive option for those seeking a reliable Excel alternative.

ZDNet: https://www.zdnet.com/tech/gridcraft-excel-clone-hands-on/

The upward trend is attributed to various factors, including the growing demand for Meta's core products and services. The company's recent investments in artificial intelligence (AI) have also shown promising results, with its newly released Muse agent being one of the highlights.

In a prepared statement, Mark Zuckerberg expressed confidence in the company's growth prospects, citing "velocity across the board" as a key driver of revenue expansion. His optimism was echoed by investors, who responded positively to the news by sending shares soaring over 5% in after-hours trading on Wednesday.

Meta's revenue forecast for the final quarter of the year has been set at between $73 billion and $76 billion, outpacing analyst expectations of $73.75 billion. The company's ability to meet or exceed these targets will be closely watched by investors and analysts alike.

However, Meta's operating income took a hit in the third quarter due to a significant settlement with a group of attorneys general over youth safety concerns. The company agreed to pay around $10 billion towards this settlement, which is expected to have a long-term impact on its financials.

Meta's net income for Q3 reached a staggering $9.9 billion, translating to earnings per share of $3.83. This represents a significant increase from last year's $2.7 billion and $1.05 per share.

The company is pouring massive amounts of capital into its artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and services, joining the likes of Alphabet, OpenAI, and Microsoft in a high-stakes race to develop advanced AI models. To fuel this effort, Meta will redirect investments from its struggling virtual reality division, Reality Labs.

Meta's capital expenditures skyrocketed to $34.9 billion, surpassing $31 billion in Q2 and last year's $19.4 billion. The company has slightly adjusted its full-year capex guidance, pegging it between $135 billion and $145 billion, a modest tweak from the previous range of $130 billion to $145 billion.

Analysts are closely monitoring Meta's spending habits, with some expressing concerns about how these investments will translate into shareholder returns. According to Melissa Otto, global head of Visible Alpha research at S&P Global, consensus capex for 2026 has risen by over $14 billion since April, reaching nearly $140 billion, almost double last year's figure.

Tech infrastructure spending is expected to continue its upward trajectory in 2026, with overall capital expenditures projected to reach a staggering $790 billion. This represents a near-doubling of last year's total and sets the stage for even more dramatic increases in the years ahead.

Meta's financial woes continue to mount as the company's free cash flow took a significant hit in recent quarters, plummeting to a negative $2.1 billion from $784 million in the second quarter and a substantial $10.6 billion a year ago.

The company is also facing billions in penalties related to the Cambridge Analytica data privacy scandal, with a New Mexico judge ordering Meta to pay $25 billion just hours before its latest financial results were announced. This penalty could have been even higher, as a jury had previously found more than 43 million violations, potentially resulting in a staggering nearly $220 billion fine. Despite plans to appeal this decision, the company's financial outlook remains uncertain.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/21/meta-q3-earnings-mark-zuckerberg-capex-muse/

According to Richard Socher, Recursive's CEO and co-founder, nearly every aspect of the model pipeline was improved upon by AI itself. The company leveraged its recursive AI system, known as the Eureka Machine, to automate most elements of Flint's development. This enabled a small team with limited resources to create a world-class model in just a few months.

The Eureka Machine played a crucial role in devising several key innovations for Flint, including new training methods for the base model, novel architectures, and optimized code tailored specifically for certain silicon chips. Recursive has released benchmark scores that demonstrate Flint's impressive performance on coding tasks, outpacing other models of similar size and architecture.

As AI continues to revolutionize its own development, it's becoming increasingly adept at automating tasks such as building, testing, and refining models. This not only speeds up the process but also enables the creation of self-improving loops where AI decides on improvements and initiates another round of refinement, further accelerating progress in AI research.

The potential for AI systems to improve themselves indefinitely has raised concerns among experts about the risks of losing control over these technologies.

Some critics warn that an AI capable of continuous self-improvement could potentially escape human oversight and pursue its own goals without regard for human well-being or safety.

This fear is not unfounded, as some researchers have predicted catastrophic consequences if such a scenario were to unfold, with one expert even suggesting that humanity might face extinction within a few years.

The debate has gained momentum in recent months, with several bills being proposed in Congress aimed at banning the use of recursive self-improvement techniques in AI development.

Proponents of RSI argue that these concerns are overstated and that legislation to restrict its use would be an unnecessary impediment to progress.

The startup's latest model, Flint, has been making waves in the tech community with its impressive capabilities. One of the key figures behind Flint is Andrew Socher, a seasoned expert who previously held the position of chief scientist at Salesforce.

Socher's team includes Jeff Clune, a professor at the University of British Columbia who specializes in developing AI systems that can learn indefinitely. This expertise has contributed significantly to the development of Flint, which boasts 40 billion parameters - a relatively modest size compared to other large models.

Flint was put to the test on a Mac with 48 GB of RAM, and the results were impressive. The model performed flawlessly, completing complex tasks such as building a command line to-do list and creating a website that explains recursive self-improvement in a simple yet effective way.

The ease with which Flint executed these tasks was notable, especially considering that larger models often struggle with speed and accuracy. In fact, the author of this review found Flint to be significantly more reliable than other comparable models, such as Claude or Codex.

It's worth noting that while Flint is an impressive achievement, its capabilities are still being studied by researchers in the field. Some published work suggests that fully recursive systems may already be feasible, but the extent of progress made by other US labs remains unclear at this time.

A recent study has demonstrated the potential for recursive self-improvement (RSI) in artificial intelligence systems. Researchers from Microsoft, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Virginia have shown how an AI coding agent can modify its own software harness to enhance its performance.

The implications of RSI are significant, as it could enable the development of more sophisticated AI models with minimal resources. For now, this approach appears to be a promising way to improve existing AI systems. Flint, the latest model from Recursive Labs, is an example of how RSI can lead to impressive results.

Indeed, Recursive Labs' founder acknowledges that his team's approach makes it possible for a small group to produce high-quality models comparable to those developed by larger teams with more extensive resources.

Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/recursive-self-improvement-flint-latest-model-scary-good/

One of the major concerns holding back companies from adopting more autonomous AI systems is ensuring adequate security controls, particularly after a series of high-profile breaches attributed to agent malfunctions over the summer. ServiceNow and Nvidia are addressing this issue by combining AI capabilities with robust security measures.

Arc is governed and secured through the ServiceNow Super Intelligence Control Tower, which serves as a centralized framework for monitoring and managing AI agents within an organization. This system also enforces Nvidia's OpenShell tool, allowing Arc to operate independently while maintaining control over enterprise security.

The agent has been designed to run efficiently on Nvidia's RTX Spark devices and can be deployed locally on an employee's desktop or within Nvidia's OpenShell on a separate device. This flexibility makes it possible for Arc to build memory and skills over time, leading to improved performance in handling daily tasks.

The new AI agent from ServiceNow and Nvidia is designed to be efficient in handling complex tasks while minimizing data transfer. This approach allows Arc to keep data local whenever possible, only handing off more complex tasks to frontier models when necessary.

Arc's efficiency is also due to its ability to proactively surface work and action items by scanning an employee's inbox and meeting notes. This feature enables employees to stay on top of their tasks without having to manually sift through large amounts of information.

One key aspect that sets Arc apart from other AI agents is its multi-level security framework. According to ServiceNow and Nvidia, this approach provides more reliable security by moving enforcement beyond the software layer into the runtime and hardware layers.

This enhanced security framework includes ServiceNow's Super Intelligence Control Tower, which enforces company policies while the agent is working on tasks. Additionally, Nvidia OpenShell restricts the agent's behavior where necessary, giving IT departments granular control over system access and data usage.

The companies also introduced AI Passport, a layer of agent security that holds an enterprise's set of rules about risk tolerance and service access. This allows Nvidia's features like OpenShell to intervene efficiently if an AI agent takes unauthorized action.

The integration of ServiceNow's AI Passport and Nvidia's security features aims to create a robust system for monitoring and controlling AI agent actions within an enterprise environment. This is achieved through continuous monitoring of an agent's permissions and actions, preventing potential breaches or unauthorized activities.

If an AI agent's passport is revoked due to suspicious behavior, OpenShell will isolate the task being executed by containing it in a sandbox for further review. Importantly, this interruption is task-specific, allowing other approved agent actions to proceed without disruption. This ensures that only the compromised action is impacted, minimizing downtime and maintaining overall system efficiency.

The result of this collaboration is an enhanced security mechanism that combines software-based controls with hardware-enforced enforcement, providing a powerful deterrent against potential breaches. By integrating Nvidia's BlueField technology with ServiceNow's Control Tower, the companies have created a robust defense against unauthorized AI activity.

ZDNet: https://www.zdnet.com/innovation/exclusive-servicenow-and-nvidia-launch-arc-a-new-ai-agent-for-enterprise/

The first vulnerability involves TLS certificates with extremely weak encryption that may affect various devices such as VPNs and IoT equipment. This weakness raises concerns about the security of online transactions and data exchange between websites and their users. The scope of potential impact is broad, encompassing multiple types of connected devices.

A severe PHP programming language vulnerability has also been discovered, affecting content management systems (CMS) including WordPress and Drupal. This issue could allow attackers to run malicious code on web servers, potentially giving them control over the affected sites.

The severity of this problem was underscored by a report showing video footage of a tool called PHP2Shell executing code on web servers, including recent versions of popular CMS systems. The security firm watchTowr claims it has confirmed the vulnerability and notes that it affects all versions of PHP from 2004 onwards.

According to an unverified report cited by watchTowr, this exploit could enable attackers to run their own code on a server running PHP, effectively granting them control over the affected system. The security firm emphasized that users should prepare for updates ahead of an expected release today at 14:00 UTC (10AM ET), with the possibility of an earlier patch if details become public or active exploit evidence is detected.

As websites scramble to patch a critical security vulnerability, another issue is causing concern among administrators. Sansec has warned that mass attacks could start within 15 minutes of a fix being released, putting pressure on web admins to act quickly.

In a separate development, India-based eMudhra has disclosed that eight of its intermediate CA certificates have been compromised. These certificates chain to roots trusted by major browser and operating system vendors, including Mozilla, Microsoft, Apple, and Chrome root programs. The compromised private keys are weak, allowing attackers to forge credentials for various websites and apps.

The private key sizes used by eMudhra were found to be alarmingly small, ranging from three to eight bits. Typically, such keys would have a size of 384 bits. Specifically, the affected keys measured 4, 56, 66, 115, 155, 156, 230, and 237 bits in length.

The compromised eMudhra certificates were widely trusted by hosts like Cloudflare, as well as browsers, operating systems, IoT devices, and other internet-connected hardware. Once attackers forge domain certificates using these compromised keys, they can impersonate servers and intercept traffic flowing through the affected domains.

Mozilla, Google, and Apple have taken steps to mitigate the issue by blocking the compromised certificates for their browsers.

However, this may not be enough to prevent further problems, as a macOS utility could potentially continue to trust the compromised certificates due to its lack of revocation information checks, a vulnerability that affects many other clients beyond just macOS. eMudhra has taken responsibility for the issue and revoked the eight compromised certificates, attributing the problem to a script used in their generation process.

The affected parties include VPNs, which are particularly vulnerable to interception by governments seeking to monitor traffic, as well as IoT devices, unmaintained servers, and other parts of the network that may be impacted. The scale of the required cleanup effort is expected to be substantial, with one expert likening it to the aftermath of a major TLS bug discovered in 2014.

Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/2292647/two-dangerous-internet-security-issues-are-putting-site-admins-on-edge/

This significant investment is part of the company's Series C round, which comes just two months after Blacksmith raised $45 million through its Series B led by Peak XV Partners at a valuation of $550 million. The startup has now secured around $124.5 million in total funding to date.

Blacksmith's platform has gained immense popularity among companies that rely on it to test code before deployment, with over 10,000 clients currently using the service. This represents a significant increase from August when just about 5,000 companies were utilizing its technology.

Blacksmith's unique approach to continuous integration involves investing in tens of thousands of machines, which are installed in data centers worldwide. This is a significant departure from the norm, where companies typically rent servers from cloud providers such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure.

The company's strategy has paid off, with developers now able to focus on writing code rather than waiting for it to build and pass checks. According to Jayaprakash, this was a major time-consuming task that previously occupied about half of a developer's workday.

However, the advent of AI coding tools like Cursor, OpenAI's Codex, and Anthropic's Claude Code has created a new challenge. These tools have streamlined the code-writing process, but they also generate large volumes of code that need to be validated.

Blacksmith's business model sets it apart from other startups in the industry, as it owns and operates its own hardware infrastructure. This approach gives the company direct control over performance, but also exposes it to the current shortage of compute and memory resources.

The demand for code validation services is becoming increasingly volatile, driven by the rapid release of new AI models that require testing. Jayaprakash notes that capacity planning is a significant challenge for Blacksmith, as demand surges with each major model upgrade.

Leading AI model vendors are also eyeing the code validation market, which could potentially disrupt Blacksmith's business if they decide to offer these services themselves. Companies like Codex and Claude Code already have capabilities to run automated tests as part of their coding products.

Blacksmith's value proposition is based on its ability to handle the increased volume of code generated by more advanced AI models, making it a complementary service to the offerings of leading AI model vendors.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/21/exclusive-ai-code-testing-startup-blacksmith-hits-1-billion-valuation-as-ai-written-code-surges/

These shows would have included a flagship live morning program and an interview-style show hosted by Emma Tucker, the Journal's editor-in-chief. The plans were ambitious, with the goal of establishing the Journal as a leading voice in streaming TV. However, it appears that these plans are now subject to change.

The Journal had been courting several high-profile creators for its new shows, including Feed Me Substacker Emily Sundberg. However, our sources indicate that Sundberg dropped out of negotiations with the Journal just a few weeks ago. This departure is likely to have significant implications for the Journal's plans in this area.

As part of its push into streaming TV, the Journal had been planning to partner with various platforms and channels, including YouTube and social media outlets. The goal was to make its shows available on multiple platforms, increasing their reach and visibility.

As part of its expansion into streaming TV, The Wall Street Journal is taking a multi-faceted approach to building its content offerings. This includes developing shows around in-house talent as well as partnering with external creators and media companies.

A Dow Jones spokesperson confirmed the company's strategic priority on expanding its video presence across all its platforms. This push into live programming and streaming reflects the growing demand for online news and entertainment.

The Journal has been working closely with production company EverWonder, co-founded by Ian Orefice and backed by RedBird IMI, to develop a slate of shows. These include a 60-minute live morning show that will serve as an anchor program in the initial lineup.

Top business leaders have also been identified as potential guests for the show, including CEOs from major companies such as Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, and BlackRock.

The Wall Street Journal is actively courting external partners for potential collaborations as part of its push into streaming TV. According to sources close to the matter, these conversations are ongoing and involve several individuals from outside the company.

A key aspect of the Journal's plans is a show featuring Feed Me's Emily Sundberg, which would combine her popular "tip, obsession, or question" format with in-depth business reporting and analysis from the Journal. The show's concept involves following Sundberg as she explores various topics, incorporating expert insights and context to provide a more nuanced understanding of the issues at hand.

The Journal is also exploring other ideas for its streaming presence, including a sports-focused show that would appeal to a younger audience. This program, tentatively titled "Inside Sports, is being developed with Emmy-winning journalist Armen Keteyian in mind as a potential host or executive producer.

The Wall Street Journal is looking to make a significant investment in streaming TV, aiming to produce high-quality content that will appeal to a wide audience. According to internal documents, the publication sees an opportunity to reinvent the category and differentiate itself from other media outlets.

The Journal's decision to invest in streaming TV comes at a time when it is experiencing financial stability, thanks to its early adoption of paywalls for its journalism. This has helped the publication to generate significant revenue, with $5 million in profit reported over the last quarter. The Journal is now looking to expand its reach and engagement through video content.

As part of its strategy, the Journal aims to produce 20 hours of video per week, which could include a free, ad-supported streaming channel as well as subscription options and other formats. However, it's unclear whether these goals are still on track, given that a person familiar with the publication's plans suggests they may not reflect current intentions.

The Wall Street Journal has been working to revamp its multimedia efforts, bringing on Samantha Henig as leader of a new team in July. Henig's appointment marks a significant step towards the Journal's goal of combining its authority and scale with the creative freedom of creator-led media.

To achieve this, the Journal aims to reach a younger demographic than traditional business TV audiences, while also attracting more decision-makers than typical creator-led media outlets. This ambitious strategy is part of a broader effort to establish the Journal as a major player in the streaming TV space.

According to internal documents, the Journal hopes to attract 6 million monthly watch hours by its 2028 fiscal year, with ad rates significantly higher than those commanded by business content on YouTube, specifically three to five times more. However, it remains unclear whether these goals still reflect the Journal's current ambitions.

The Journal has experience in producing original video content, having launched WSJ Live in 2011 and expanded into episodic doc series. This move comes amid a shift in the industry, with publishers reevaluating their approach to video production in response to changing viewer habits and the rise of short-form content.

Journalists who have made a name for themselves on camera can often command higher pay or use their popularity to start their own ventures. This is evident in recent moves by The New York Times' Hard Fork hosts Kevin Roose and Casey Newton, who have successfully transitioned into their own projects.

The Journal's flagship video shows are expensive to produce, making high ad rates crucial to the success of this new slate. To attract advertisers, the company has explored various partnerships, including launch partners, category-exclusive deals, and moment partners" tied to significant news events like elections or WSJ specials.

Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/wsj-planning-big-push-into-streaming-tv-courted-emily-sundberg-2026-10

Sharma's office is located in the Xbox building, accessible via a 1,100-foot-long bridge from the main offices. The space reflects her new role, with decorations such as Xbox controllers, framed game discs, and a skateboard from Tony Hawk's Pro Skater adorning the walls.

The challenges facing Sharma are significant. Xbox's finances have been in disarray, while its market share has declined from its peak years ago. To turn things around, she must address the company's economics and improve its brand image.

Sharma is moving quickly to implement changes. She has already cut thousands of staff members and is reimagining how Xbox markets and sells its products. Additionally, she is overhauling the company's tech stack and divesting or reorganizing smaller studios.

Her efforts are focused on supporting Xbox's biggest franchises and publishing groups, including Blizzard Entertainment. This shift in strategy aims to boost the brand's performance and increase market share.

Sharma has been open about Xbox's poor performance under her predecessor's leadership. She has acknowledged that the company needs significant changes to regain its footing in the gaming industry.

As a non-gamer CEO, Sharma is navigating a complex and opinionated boardroom environment. Every decision she makes and every public statement she issues is closely watched by gaming fans and Microsoft's top executives.

Sharma's approach to revitalizing Xbox has been marked by bold decisions and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.

She has made it clear that she values input from gamers and employees alike, recognizing that their passion for the brand can be a powerful catalyst for innovation.

To this end, Sharma has encouraged open communication and feedback, using social media platforms to engage directly with fans and share updates on her plans for Xbox's future.

Her efforts have been met with enthusiasm by many, who see in Sharma a fresh perspective and a commitment to putting gamers at the heart of the business.

However, not everyone is convinced that Sharma's approach will be enough to turn around the struggling gaming division.

Some industry observers have raised questions about Microsoft's long-term commitment to the gaming business, suggesting that Nadella may be positioning Sharma for an eventual sale or spinoff.

This uncertainty has sparked a lively debate among gamers, investors, and analysts, with many wondering whether a non-gaming executive can truly understand what drives the Xbox brand.

The Xbox brand has a rich history, with iconic titles like Halo and Call of Duty cementing its place in gaming culture. The introduction of Xbox Live revolutionized online multiplayer gaming, making it accessible to a wider audience. Meanwhile, the Xbox 360 console was a major player in the mid-2000s, rivaling Sony's PlayStation in sales and shaping the gaming landscape for generations of gamers.

Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard has significantly bolstered Xbox's portfolio, adding blockbuster titles like World of Warcraft and Overwatch to its lineup. The deal is a testament to the company's ambitions in the gaming industry, but it also highlights the challenges that come with managing such a vast and complex business. With the global video game market now rivaling the size of the theatrical box office, Xbox faces intense competition from established players like PlayStation and Nintendo.

A closer look at Xbox's recent history reveals a series of strategic missteps and conflicting internal priorities. The introduction of Game Pass, for instance, while successful in building a subscription business, has led to cannibalization of sales for higher-priced first-party game titles. This problem was exacerbated by competing internal metrics within different teams, with some focusing on subscription revenue and others on store revenue.

As Microsoft continued to acquire game publishers, including Minecraft-maker Mojang Studios, it neglected its core console business. Despite representing 80% of Xbox's revenue, the console has been overlooked in favor of more lucrative ventures. This oversight has allowed competitors like PlayStation and Nintendo to maintain their edge by offering exclusive titles that lock in gamers.

The Activision Blizzard acquisition has further complicated matters, making the overall business more complex and intensifying pressure to show returns on investment. With Xbox now accounting for a significant portion of Microsoft's revenue, the company is under scrutiny to deliver results. The purchase has vaulted Xbox into third place among Microsoft's revenue-generating businesses.

A former Xbox employee noted that while individual bets may have been working in isolation, the overall strategy has become out of sync. This sentiment reflects the uncertainty and confusion within the gaming community about Xbox's direction under its new leadership.

The fact remains that Xbox is facing a critical juncture, with many wondering whether the company can regain its footing and deliver on its promise to gamers. As the industry continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the next few years will be pivotal in determining the future of the Xbox brand.

The decline of the Xbox brand has been a puzzling trend, according to Matt Booty, Xbox's chief content officer, who admits that Microsoft may not have done enough to connect the dots between its various business strategies.

In 2001, Bill Gates unveiled the company's first Xbox at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, marking a significant milestone for the brand. However, despite being one of the three major console platforms, Xbox has struggled to regain momentum.

Recent sales figures have been dismal, with current-generation Xbox consoles selling only about a third as many units as the PlayStation 5, according to estimates from industry analysts. This decline is partly due to higher hardware costs, which have increased significantly due to memory chip shortages.

Microsoft's profit margin for the Xbox unit has been around 3%, significantly lower than its competitors' levels and far below what Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood expects from major businesses. This underperformance has sparked concerns about the brand's future.

Satya Nadella's appointment of Phil Spencer as head of the Xbox division was seen as a turning point, but it is now clear that Sharma's vision for the brand involves a more radical transformation. Her strategy focuses on hardware, player experience, high-value franchises, and updating Xbox's technology to meet gamers' evolving needs.

Sharma aims to create a more personalized gaming experience by allowing players to choose features à la carte, including add-ons for console-only games, cloud gaming, and multiplayer. This tiered system would give gamers more flexibility and options, potentially boosting engagement and revenue.

Inside Microsoft's secretive lab, Building 87 on campus, Sharma is working closely with lead designers such as Carl Ledbetter to develop the next-gen Project Helix hardware that could enable mobile play for Xbox games. Regular stand-up meetings over prototypes and strategic partnerships are helping to shape the brand's future.

Sharma's ambitious plans include releasing a next-generation handheld device by 2027 and the next console by the 2028 holiday season, marking significant investments in the brand's future. These moves aim to revitalize the Xbox brand and position it for success in an increasingly competitive gaming market.

As she navigates the complex world of gaming, Satya Nadella's successor has adopted a unique leadership style, one that emphasizes curiosity over confidence. In meetings, she is often seen sitting back and listening intently, taking in every detail before chiming in with sharp questions or direct feedback.

Her colleagues describe her as introverted, but also fiercely attentive to every aspect of the business. She's been known to multitask during discussions, sometimes responding to messages on her phone while simultaneously engaging with team members.

This approach has earned her a reputation for being perceptive and insightful, able to cut through complexity and identify key issues. As she herself notes, "As a leader, you're taught to be confident, and I think being curious is way more important."

In fact, this curiosity-driven leadership style has been instrumental in shaping Xbox's new strategic direction. By asking probing questions and seeking input from industry experts, Sharma has gained a deeper understanding of the gaming landscape.

One notable example of her efforts to engage with gaming culture is her meeting with Blizzard President Johanna Faries. According to Faries, Sharma has led primarily through inquiry, asking a wide range of questions to gain insight into how things work within the company.

Meanwhile, Xbox's office walls now proudly display a new motto: "Great games; return of Xbox; future of play." This rallying cry reflects Sharma's commitment to revitalizing the brand and positioning it for success in an increasingly competitive market.

The non-gamer CEO racing to save Microsoft's Xbox is focusing on making Minecraft more competitive with popular games like Roblox among younger generations. This effort involves enhancing the game's commercial appeal and presentation of a clear business case for investment.

Under Sharma's leadership, studios at Xbox are now required to submit detailed, commercially viable investable business cases rather than relying solely on funding without clear expectations. This shift in approach is evident in various aspects of the company's operations.

Sharma has implemented significant cost-cutting measures within Xbox, including reducing headcount by 3,200 over the next year and slashing several management layers. So far, this effort has resulted in approximately 1,868 layoffs, with further reductions planned for November, January, and possibly other months.

The restructuring process has been met with mixed reactions from employees. While some appreciate Sharma's transparency about the company's financial situation, others feel demoralized by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding their job security. The decision to stagger layoffs over several months has left staff in a state of limbo, waiting to see if they will be next.

The intense restructuring effort is part of Sharma's broader strategy to revitalize Xbox and position it for future success in an increasingly competitive gaming market, with a renewed focus on commercial opportunities and a clear path forward.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/20/the-non-gamer-ceo-racing-to-save-microsofts-xbox/

The price hike is particularly evident in Dell's XPS 13, which now starts at $699 with 512GB of storage. However, this is not the only option available - a cheaper variant with 256GB of storage can be had for the same price.

In contrast, Apple's MacBook Neo saw its starting price jump from $599 to $699 in June, along with several other price increases. This trend suggests that manufacturers are struggling to maintain their profit margins due to rising component costs.

According to TrendForce, the bill of materials for a mainstream laptop now consists mainly of CPU, memory, and storage, accounting for 68 percent of the total cost. As a result, it is likely that manufacturers will opt to cut back on memory in an effort to preserve their margins.

The consequence of this trend is that more laptops may be sold with limited RAM, making them less capable and less efficient than higher spec models.

The shift in laptop specifications has been significant over the past two years. In 2024, Microsoft's Copilot+ PC program raised the bar for laptops by requiring a minimum of 16GB of RAM to be labeled as such.

This change was followed by Apple's decision to double the base MacBook Air's RAM from 8GB to 16GB without increasing its price tag in October 2024. Since then, every new Mac model has started at 16GB of RAM.

However, not all manufacturers have adopted this standard. In 2026, Dell brought back its XPS 13 with an 8GB base model, a decision that seems to be driven by the current market trends. Despite having twice the minimum required for running Windows 11, the lowest-end model still struggles with performance.

Our testing of the base model revealed that it had significant issues with memory management. Even after booting up, 80% of its RAM was already committed to invisible processes. This meant that basic tasks like scrolling and switching windows resulted in noticeable hiccups.

The mid-range Dell XPS 13, on the other hand, offers a much smoother experience with its 16GB of RAM. In our tests, it scored about 30% higher in PCMark 10 and lasted an hour and 44 minutes longer in the same battery test compared to the base model.

This highlights the importance of having sufficient RAM for smooth performance. With RAM prices remaining high, it's becoming increasingly difficult for manufacturers to stick to the 16GB minimum. The result is that more laptops may be sold with limited RAM, making them less capable and less efficient than higher-spec models.

The production costs of laptops have been severely impacted by the surge in memory and storage prices. According to TrendForce, memory and storage typically account for around 15 percent of a laptop's overall cost, but this figure is expected to rise significantly.

Intel's budget Wildcat Lake line of processors, used in some low-cost laptops, has only one memory channel, which is shared by the processor and integrated graphics. This limited architecture can further exacerbate performance issues in systems with already restricted RAM capacity.

Samsung's third-quarter operating profit reached a record high of 107.4 trillion won, or approximately $80 billion. A significant portion of this profit, around 110 trillion won, was attributed to memory sales alone, indicating that other sectors may be experiencing losses due to the rising costs of raw materials.

The market has responded to these increased costs by shifting production towards lower-spec models, allowing manufacturers to maintain familiar price points while minimizing losses. Meanwhile, Micron's decision to discontinue its consumer-facing RAM and SSD brand Crucial in February has further reduced supply, contributing to the ongoing surge in RAM prices.

The high cost of RAM has led many manufacturers to opt for base models with limited memory configurations, forcing consumers to pay a premium to upgrade their laptops' performance capabilities.

Dell's XPS 13 is a prime example of this trend, as upgrading from 8GB to 16GB costs an additional $200, pushing the price to $899 even when paired with the standard 256GB storage option.

Meanwhile, Apple has taken a more restrictive approach by eliminating the ability for users to upgrade their MacBook Air's memory. The base model now starts at $1,299 and comes with 16GB of RAM, although it still lags behind its predecessor in terms of baseline storage capacity.

Other manufacturers have also been affected by the shortage, with MSI's Katana 15 HX C14 gaming laptop being one notable exception that allows for older DDR4 memory upgrades. Framework has taken a DIY approach by encouraging buyers to bring their own RAM after significantly increasing the prices of its DDR5 offerings.

Laptops with upgradable memory slots offer consumers more flexibility in managing their storage and performance needs, allowing them to purchase smaller configurations now and upgrade later when prices fall.

As PC manufacturers struggle to keep up with rising costs and dwindling supplies, industry experts predict that prices will continue to climb before eventually stabilizing.

Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/2288833/ram-prices-high-do-not-settle-8-gb-laptop/

The latest Patch Tuesday update, released on October 13, has inadvertently disabled the Smart App Control setting due to a bug. This glitch prevents users from activating the feature even if it's been previously enabled.

Smart App Control is a built-in security tool designed to block potentially malicious or suspicious apps and files from infecting computers. Introduced in Windows 11 in 2022, this feature offers stronger protection against emerging threats compared to other native security settings.

The update has affected multiple Windows 11 PCs tested by our team; on all three devices that received the latest update, the Smart App Control button is grayed out and unavailable for activation.

Microsoft has acknowledged a bug in its latest Windows update that disables the Smart App Control feature, which is designed to block malicious apps from running on users' PCs.

To determine if you're affected by this issue, navigate to Settings and select the Privacy & security section. From there, click on Windows Security and then choose Protection areas, selecting the option for App & browser control. In the following window, click the link for Smart App Control settings; if the feature is currently set to Off but the toggle for On is grayed out, you've encountered this problem.

The bug prevents users from enabling or disabling the Smart App Control feature in Windows Security settings, rendering it unavailable for use on affected PCs. However, a workaround has been suggested by Microsoft, which involves modifying the Windows Registry using the command prompt.

To implement this fix, open the Start menu and type "cmd" in the search box to launch the Command Prompt. Choose the option to run as administrator to modify the Registry; otherwise, you won't be able to proceed with the necessary changes.

After making the necessary Registry changes, users should receive a confirmation that each operation has completed successfully. This is an important step, as it ensures that the modifications are applied correctly. Once the command prompt is closed, users can reboot their PC and log back in.

Upon logging in again, users can head to the Smart App Control settings screen, where they should now see the On option available for activation. This allows them to enable the feature and start receiving protections against potentially malicious apps and files. Users who have enabled this feature will be able to defend themselves against unknown malware threats.

It's worth noting that enabling Smart App Control can sometimes interfere with users' workflow, particularly those who frequently download or install files from unfamiliar sources. In such cases, it may be necessary to temporarily disable the feature. However, for most users, the benefits of having an additional layer of protection outweigh any minor inconvenience.

By following these steps and making the necessary Registry changes, Windows users can restore their ability to enable Smart App Control and start receiving enhanced security protections against potentially malicious apps and files.

ZDNet: https://www.zdnet.com/tech/microsoft-october-windows-update-disables-security-setting-workaround/

These alarming warnings typically appear as urgent notifications when browsing online, claiming that a computer has been infected with a virus. However, it's essential to note that most of these alerts are fabricated and designed to create panic among unsuspecting users.

Cybersecurity experts have dubbed this tactic "scareware, as its primary goal is to induce fear in the targeted individuals. Scareware attacks are not uncommon and can be particularly convincing.

According to a recent study by security firm Barracuda, one strain of browser-based scareware called CypherLoc has affected over 2.8 million people since the beginning of this year. The malicious software seeks to gain control over users' computers or steal their financial information.

When tricked into believing their computer is infected, users are often directed to contact a fake tech support hotline or download an anti-malware scanner that poses as legitimate but is actually harmful.

These fake virus pop-ups are designed to create a sense of urgency and panic in users, often using alarming language and visuals to make it seem like their computer is under attack.

The pop-ups typically involve dramatic wording such as Critical Threat Detected! and may incorporate flashing lights, bright colors, and even alarm sounds to increase the scare factor. Some versions may even use a robotic voice to announce a critical Microsoft security alert or display the user's IP address on screen.

Some of these scams attempt to gain credibility by using the names of well-known security companies such as McAfee Security Software or Windows Defender. However, this is not always a guarantee that the pop-up is legitimate.

Fake virus attacks can manifest in two ways: through browser pop-ups or the computer's notification center. Both methods often result from opening an unsafe link or visiting a malicious website, although rogue ads can sometimes slip through even on reputable pages.

Cybercriminals exploit advertising spaces to redirect users to fake security warning pages when they click compromised banners. These pop-ups are frequently forced into full-screen mode, with the mouse cursor hidden to create the illusion of being trapped.

When you visit a new site that requests permission to send notifications, you may be asked to click Allow under false pretense, such as clicking to read more content. Once granted, the site can send push notifications directly through Windows' notification center, making them appear like official warnings from Microsoft.

When dealing with suspicious pop-ups claiming your Windows PC is infected with a virus, it's essential to remain calm and take swift action to prevent further damage.

The first step is not to engage with the pop-up by clicking on any links or buttons. These types of notifications often hijack your browser and can be challenging to close without inadvertently visiting malicious websites.

To efficiently handle the situation, use your browser's built-in task manager to terminate the offending tab. For Chrome, Edge, and Firefox users, this can be done using the shortcut Shift + Escape.

Alternatively, look for a tab with an unusual label such as Security Alert!" and close it by clicking End Task or the X button located to the right of the process. If your browser is in full-screen mode, press F11 to exit that state and access the task manager more easily.

If closing the tab doesn't resolve the issue, force-quit your browser entirely. This can be done by opening the Task Manager using Ctrl + Shift + Esc , then clicking on the Processes tab on the left side of the screen.

In some cases, you may need to use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + Del and open the Task Manager from that menu. Once in the Task Manager, click on Name to sort active apps at the top, then right-click your browser and choose End task .

When restarting your browser, be cautious not to reopen any closed tabs if you have that option enabled. This is because it may reload the scam page again, perpetuating the problem.

To further prevent notifications from reappearing, delete recent cookies and site data from your browser using Ctrl + Shift + Del on Chrome and Edge.

The Windows PC can fall victim to fake virus pop-ups due to various factors, including browser extensions.

To identify and remove potential culprits, users can access their browser's extension list by clicking the puzzle piece icon in the top-right corner of the screen. From there, they can manage installed extensions and delete any unknown or unused items.

These measures may not be enough to completely eliminate pop-ups, as infected computers often do not display flashing warnings.

Regular computer scans are essential for detecting subtle malware that could be silently running on a device. Windows offers built-in protection through Microsoft Defender, which is suitable for most users.

To further enhance security, additional software can be downloaded for a second opinion. Malwarebytes, a free tool with an on-demand scanner, serves as a reliable backup option.

Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/2288676/how-to-stop-fake-virus-pop-up-windows-pc/

Journalist Paris Marx recently visited several data centers in locations such as Ashburn, Virginia, and South Dublin, Ireland, where he observed large industrial facilities with numerous air-conditioning units to keep servers cool. The facilities were remarkably similar, but what struck Marx was the extensive security measures in place.

The data centers Marx visited featured tall fences, an abundance of security cameras, locks on every door that required a specific badge for entry, and even groundskeepers trimming grass that didn't need it. This level of security was particularly noticeable outside a cluster of Microsoft-owned centers in Ireland, where Marx felt an unsettling presence while standing on the public curb.

Marx described the experience as "really staggering," emphasizing how difficult it was to move through these spaces due to the strict security measures. This intense focus on security provides insight into the significance that Big Tech places on its data centers.

These facilities are crucial for companies like OpenAI, Meta, Google, and Amazon, which rely on them for their artificial intelligence programs. The data centers require significant amounts of electricity and water to operate, raising questions about their environmental impact in relation to Big Tech's stated climate goals.

The growth of data centers has been exponential in recent years, with Amazon, Microsoft and Google dominating the market, controlling an impressive 59% of hyperscale data center capacity.

These massive facilities are not just a product of modern technology, but have their roots in earlier server farms that kept us connected online. However, the emergence of generative AI has necessitated the development of hyperscale data centers, which are capable of processing vast amounts of information with unprecedented speed and efficiency.

The scale of power required to operate these facilities is staggering, with some newer centers demanding triple the amount of electricity needed by older ones. For instance, Meta's Louisiana data center requires an astonishing 4,500 megawatts (4.5 gigawatts) of power, which is four times more than all the electricity used in New Orleans on its hottest day in 2025.

This surge in demand has significant implications for energy production and consumption, particularly when compared to other notable power sources like the Hoover Dam, which produces a mere two gigawatts. The sheer scale of this requirement raises important questions about the environmental impact of these facilities.

The increasing complexity of AI technology also poses new challenges for data center designers, who must find innovative ways to cool their facilities without overheating servers. To address this issue, some centers are turning to water-based cooling systems, which can consume massive amounts of water, up to 5 million gallons per day in some cases.

According to estimates, a single hyperscale data center can have the same water consumption as a town with over 10,000 residents, highlighting the significant environmental toll of these facilities.

The construction process for data centers is a complex and time-consuming endeavor that can take years to complete. As a result, tech companies have resorted to building their own power plants adjacent to these facilities in order to ensure a stable energy supply. This approach allows them to burn massive amounts of fossil fuels, which are the primary contributor to climate change.

In recent decades, many major tech corporations had pledged to become carbon neutral or even carbon negative within a set timeframe, typically spanning several decades. These companies aimed to offset their emissions by implementing initiatives that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the advent of generative AI has seemingly disrupted these efforts.

Sustainability reports from the 2010s reveal that tech companies were making significant strides in reducing their environmental footprint. Nevertheless, the emergence of ChatGPT appears to have set back these progressions. Tech leaders have acknowledged that allowing generative AI to take center stage has compromised their climate goals.

Google's greenhouse gas emissions increased by a staggering 50% in 2024, largely due to its support for generative AI. Microsoft's president, Brad Smith, also cited the explosion of artificial intelligence as a significant obstacle to achieving the company's carbon-neutral goal by 2030. This setback is particularly concerning given that this target was initially set five years ago.

The operation of modern data centers relies heavily on burning fossil fuels to generate power, a method that has severe environmental and health implications.

These communities have reported various negative effects, including contaminated drinking water, excessive noise levels, and in some cases, extreme health risks. For instance, residents living near Elon Musk's xAI data center facilities in Memphis have expressed concern about the impact of fossil fuel emissions on their well-being.

The burning of additional fossil fuels will only exacerbate climate change, leading to more frequent and severe natural disasters, worsening weather conditions, and increased health risks. This is a consequence that has been consistently highlighted by decades of climate research.

As data centers continue to expand and become increasingly reliant on fossil fuels, the planet's ecosystem is being fundamentally altered in pursuit of computational power for AI development.

As concerns about data centers' environmental impact continue to grow, a stark reality emerges: these facilities are consuming vast amounts of fossil fuels, threatening Big Tech's ambitious climate goals. The question being asked by many is whether the pursuit of computational power for AI development is worth the environmental cost.

The answer from communities surrounding data centers in Memphis, Oregon, Chile, Ireland, and elsewhere is resoundingly no, as these facilities continue to expand and intensify their reliance on fossil fuels, causing irreparable harm to the planet's ecosystem.

CNET: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/data-centers-ai-climate-change-hyperscale/

The decline in Elice's stock is a stark reminder of investors' lingering skepticism about the potential of artificial intelligence to deliver returns on investment. This unease has been further exacerbated by the recent struggles of several high-profile tech companies, fueling concerns about the broader market.

Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East have escalated after Saudi Arabia cancelled its Flagship Future Investment Initiative meeting, also known as "Davos in the Desert, following a series of Houthi attacks on the airport in Riyadh. The cancellation has sent shockwaves through financial circles, with several high-profile attendees scheduled to participate.

The recent surge in oil prices to $111 per barrel has further contributed to the market's woes, despite an increase in supply from the Middle East. This uptick in oil prices is likely to have far-reaching consequences for economies around the world, particularly those heavily reliant on imports.

The global economic landscape is facing increasing uncertainty as unrest spreads across major cities in Europe and the Middle East. France's imposition of curfews in key urban areas has added to the sense of unease, with footage on social media depicting chaotic scenes of looting and rioting.

Similar disturbances have also been reported in Milan, Italy, highlighting the growing discontent among citizens in certain regions. Analysts are warning that this unrest could have far-reaching consequences for global economies, particularly those heavily reliant on imports.

Meanwhile, corporate earnings reports continue to pour in, with 46 companies from the S&P 500 having already disclosed their quarterly results. While these companies represent a significant 11% of the index's market capitalization, only 80% were able to exceed analyst expectations, a slight decline from the 88% beat rate seen in Q2.

The overall earnings picture is also looking somewhat subdued, with a reported earnings per share (EPS) figure that falls short of analysts' forecasts by 0.3%. This marks one of the weakest starts to EPS season on record, according to data compiled by Wells Fargo.

In a related development, tech stocks are facing growing headwinds as they prepare for the impact of reduced AI spending on their bottom line. According to analysts at Glenmede, companies that receive capex spending will initially recognize it as revenue, but those that incur the costs of depreciation will eventually see increased expenses reflected in their income statements.

As companies begin to factor these changes into their financial planning, investors are likely to grow increasingly cautious about the outlook for earnings and economic growth. The resulting uncertainty is already starting to weigh on global markets, leading to a sell-off across major indices.

The impact of the current economic trends on corporate profits is becoming increasingly evident. According to Glenmede's estimates, the surge in AI-related spending is expected to boost S&P 500 profits by 9% in 2026.

However, this phenomenon may start to reverse as companies begin to incur significant depreciation costs associated with these investments. By 2028, these costs are likely to become a major earnings headwind for many corporations.

The AI trade has created a stark divide between spenders" and "sellers", with the latter group reaping the benefits of their decisions. Deutsche Bank's Jim Reid notes that tech stocks have been sorting themselves into two distinct categories: those that pay for AI investments and those that receive payments from them.

As a result, companies that have chosen to invest heavily in AI are likely to see their profits rise in the short term, while those that have opted out may benefit later on.

Investments in AI have not yielded significant returns for companies that have bet heavily on this technology. Microsoft's stock has declined by 2%, while Meta and Broadcom have suffered losses of 6% and 15%, respectively.

However, companies that have benefited from these investments are seeing substantial gains. SK hynix and Samsung have seen their stocks rise by over 100%, with TSMC experiencing a gain of 60%.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/20/stocks-sell-off-globally-crisis-grips-france-saudi-arabia-cancels-davos-in-the-desert/

The feature, known as Disc to Digital, is now available to all Xbox users, regardless of whether they have an Xbox Game Pass subscription. This means anyone with a physical copy of an Xbox Series X or One game can claim its digital counterpart and access it from anywhere as long as they're logged into their Xbox account.

To use the feature, players simply need to insert their disc into the console and follow the prompts to digitize their game. However, some users have reported that this process doesn't happen automatically, requiring them to take extra steps to initiate the transfer.

The resulting digital copy of the game is tied to the player's Xbox account rather than their specific console, allowing it to be accessed from any device with an internet connection as long as the user is logged in.

The digital copy of the game can be accessed and played without the need for the original disc in the drive. This process is automatic if "Play disc automatically is enabled in system settings, but users can disable this feature to conserve storage space.

To do so, navigate to Profile & system > Settings > Devices & connections > Disc and toggle off the option. This allows for more control over storage usage, particularly important with the high costs of proprietary format cards currently available.

The disc-to-digital program is not limited to newer Xbox Series consoles, but also works on Xbox One models equipped with a disc drive. This means that users can redeem physical games on their last-gen console and then install them digitally on their newer device.

Additionally, digital Xbox One games can be installed on an external hard drive for those with storage limitations, although Xbox Series games must be installed on either the internal SSD or an official expansion drive.

The Disc-to-Digital program on Xbox Series X and One has a major limitation - not all games are supported. This means that some discs won't be eligible for digital conversion, leaving owners without an option to play their games without the disc.

For those who do have access to the program, first-party titles from Microsoft such as Halo and Gears of War are safe bets. However, this does not extend to legacy titles like Fallout 4, which was released on Xbox One in 2015 but is still not available for redemption through Disc-to-Digital.

Third-party games also pose a challenge, with some working while others don't. The Lego Ninjago Movie Video Game published by Warner Bros. Interactive was successfully converted, while Capcom's Dead Rising 3 was not.

The language used when trying to redeem a game can be confusing, with error messages citing reasons such as unsupported discs or damaged media. In many cases, this is likely due to ongoing negotiations between Xbox and its partners to include more titles in the program.

The growing number of publishers participating in the program is expected to increase the availability of compatible discs, making it easier for gamers to take advantage of the service.

However, until more clarity is provided on which games can be redeemed and what happens when they cannot, users will continue to face uncertainty about their digital licenses. This lack of transparency makes the process feel like a gamble, with no clear rules or guidelines in place.

The Disc-to-Digital program does not offer backward compatibility for older consoles such as Xbox 360 and original Xbox, likely due to technical limitations related to these systems' disc identifiers.

When claiming a compatible game's digital license, users are informed that their license is linked to the physical disc. This statement may seem contradictory, given that the system eliminates the need for a disc to play games once the license has been claimed.

The redemption process for games under the disc-to-digital program doesn't automatically grant access to play them on any device.

While some users might be able to install their redeemed games on a PC using the Xbox app, compatibility remains a concern. For instance, newly digitized Xbox One games can be played on an Xbox Series console but not vice versa.

Another consideration is that only games included in Microsoft's Play Anywhere catalog are accessible through the Xbox app or Cloud Gaming. If a game isn't part of this catalog, even if it's associated with your Xbox account, you won't be able to play it using these services.

Microsoft has also introduced limitations on cloud gaming access, citing increasing costs as more users take advantage of the service. This move affects Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, who now have 15 free" hours per month, compared to 10 for Premium users and just five for those on the Essential plan.

The Xbox's Disc-to-Digital program has been refined over time to improve user experience, despite some initial caveats.

Most users can easily use the service without any issues, allowing them to streamline their game collections and move towards a more digital setup.

Game install sizes have grown significantly, often exceeding disc capacities, making discs essentially redundant as installation media.

The Disc-to-Digital program provides an easy way for players to access the digital versions of their games, which are often installed anyway.

Whether this shift will lead to an entirely digital future for Xbox remains uncertain, but it's a significant step in that direction.

Microsoft has been successful in making the service user-friendly and convenient, making it a valuable feature for Xbox players.

Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/xbox-disc-to-digital/

The experience of using various AI tools has led to a recommendation by the executive to encourage clients to utilize these tools as well. However, it's worth noting that not everyone is comfortable with the idea of AI, and this individual respects their reservations. For those who are open to exploring AI's potential, guidance on its effective application in the workplace will be shared.

One way to leverage AI effectively is by using it to gain new insights or perspectives that might have gone unnoticed otherwise. While AI-generated content can often be unimpressive, particularly in creative endeavors, this doesn't mean its value should be dismissed entirely. Instead, AI's ability to provide a generic yet distinct viewpoint can be beneficial when complemented with human input.

In particular, AI can help identify patterns or connections that might have been overlooked by humans due to their own biases and assumptions. This does not imply that AI-generated content is always exceptional but acknowledges its utility in certain contexts. The advice to clients has been to harness the potential of AI as a tool for augmenting human capabilities rather than replacing them.

The conversation about AI's role in the workplace is complex, with valid concerns surrounding its impact on job security and decision-making processes. Despite these concerns, the former Microsoft executive remains optimistic about AI's ability to enhance productivity when used judiciously.

Using AI as a tool for self-reflection can be beneficial when it comes to identifying potential blind spots in an argument or discussion.

This involves asking questions like "what am I missing? and seeking out alternative perspectives that may not have been considered before.

Even if the AI doesn't uncover anything new, presenting a contrarian viewpoint can help strengthen one's own case by anticipating potential counterarguments.

Having access to AI-generated content can also be useful in preparing for discussions with colleagues, allowing individuals to anticipate their points of view and respond accordingly.

When reviewing lengthy responses generated by AI, it's essential to filter out unnecessary information and focus on the key takeaways.

When reviewing lengthy responses generated by AI, it's essential to filter out unnecessary information and focus on the key takeaways. This can be a challenge, as AI often provides detailed explanations that may not always be relevant to the task at hand.

One way to approach this is to ask the person who generated the response to condense their thoughts into a more concise format. This can help identify the essential points and eliminate unnecessary information. By doing so, you can avoid getting bogged down in irrelevant details.

The process of filtering out non-essential information can be likened to asking for the non-AI slop" version. This tongue-in-cheek request acknowledges that AI-generated responses often include extraneous material.

Another effective way to use AI is to ask it to summarize lengthy responses, whether they were generated by an AI tool or a human colleague. While the AI summary may not always capture the full nuances of the original response, it can help identify key points and provide a starting point for further analysis.

In addition to summarizing information, AI systems excel at organizing data, such as sorting, filtering, and filing tasks. However, it's crucial to maintain human oversight when automating these processes, ensuring that AI systems don't send emails, texts, or documents without careful review.

Moving to a new computer system can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with decades of accumulated digital clutter. I recently had an AI system review what I was planning to transfer over from my old system and discovered that 90% of the programs, files, and settings were unnecessary.

This experience highlighted the importance of using AI tools to streamline our work processes and reduce digital waste. When faced with a large number of emails or documents, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, but an AI system can help you sort through the noise and identify what's truly important.

By leveraging AI to review your digital assets, you may find that you're able to delete unnecessary files and programs, freeing up space on your computer and reducing clutter. This process requires human oversight, as it's essential to review the AI's suggestions before making any changes.

Ultimately, embracing AI tools can help us work more efficiently and effectively, but it's crucial to use them judiciously and with caution.

Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/effective-ways-to-use-ai-at-work-2026-10

Cannon-Brookes emphasized the importance of holding humans accountable for mistakes made by AI agents, rather than relying on the "AI did it" excuse. He pointed out that even when using AI tools like ChatGPT, the ultimate responsibility lies with the user.

The issue is set to become more pressing as companies roll out AI-powered tools and platforms. Atlassian itself has recently launched its Agentic Multiplayer Protocol, a control plane that turns AI agents into visible members of work teams with distinct profiles and owner attribution.

This protocol aims to provide transparency in how AI agents interact with documents and data, by making their edits visible in the document history alongside those made by human colleagues.

In a professional setting, AI agents need clear boundaries and accountability to avoid causing problems. This is particularly important when dealing with sensitive information, as an employee or AI agent making mistakes could lead to security breaches and compliance issues.

For instance, if an AI agent is given access to internal documents to create visual charts, there's a risk of accidentally leaking confidential information. Cannon-Brookes emphasized the importance of controlling who has access to these documents and ensuring that sensitive information isn't inadvertently shared.

Most AI interfaces are also notoriously difficult to use, which can limit their potential in the workplace. As Cannon-Brookes pointed out, AI agents can perform complex tasks with ease, but their interfaces often make it hard for users to access these capabilities.

To illustrate this point, Cannon-Brookes drew a comparison between using an AI agent and working with Microsoft Word. Just as learning keyboard shortcuts can be overwhelming, navigating the complexities of an AI interface can lead to frustration and suboptimal results.

Atlassian's in-house AI assistant, Rovo, has been designed to bridge the gap between people, projects, code, and company knowledge across various platforms.

To make Rovo a seamless tool for users, Atlassian has had to develop new foundational design patterns that feel intuitive and familiar. This includes features allowing users to link their Atlassian accounts with third-party tools like Figma, Codex, or Claude.

Rovo's integration capabilities have been designed to enable users to toggle effortlessly between different platforms, making it easier for them to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

Atlassian has a strong track record of innovation, having pioneered the bug-tracking tool Jira and the collaboration platform Confluence.

Atlassian's co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes emphasizes the need for Australian tech firms to scale globally and contribute significantly to the world's technology production.

To achieve this goal, Cannon-Brookes suggests that companies should aim to be at least 1% of the global GDP in terms of technology production. He acknowledges that Australia is a small market, but notes that many Australian technology companies quickly expand their reach beyond domestic borders.

Australian tech firms benefit from being aligned with major markets like the US, where Atlassian has established a strong presence since opening its first office in 2005 and listing on the NASDAQ in 2015.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/19/atlassian-amp-ai-agents-accountability/