cloud-based Archives

Winsage

June 19, 2025

You Can Get Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro on Sale for A$84 Right Now

A bundle featuring a lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office 2021 is available for a reduced price until July 20 at 11:59 p.m. PT. The Windows 11 Pro activation key allows upgrades on two compatible PCs with at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The bundle includes eight Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, which can be installed on a single computer with a minimum of 1GB of RAM and 4GB of free hard disk space. Prices are subject to change.

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

Xbox inks hardware agreement with AMD

Microsoft has entered into a hardware agreement with AMD to co-engineer silicon for future Xbox consoles and cloud-based technologies. This strategic multi-year partnership aims to enhance gaming technology, improve graphics innovation, and ensure compatibility with existing Xbox game libraries. The collaboration focuses on creating a versatile gaming platform that allows players to access games across multiple devices without being restricted to a single storefront. Microsoft is also working with the Windows team to position Windows as the leading platform for gaming.

AppWizard

June 15, 2025

Experts urge caution over social media apps in connection to arrest of SC Rep. RJ May

Lexington County State House Representative RJ May has been indicted on multiple federal charges related to child sex abuse material. He faces nearly a dozen charges, and federal prosecutors are seeking his detention before trial. May allegedly used four applications—Kik, Telegram, Mega, and Loki Messenger—to distribute child sexual assault material (CSAM). Investigators noted that all four apps were deleted shortly before a search warrant was executed at his home. Kik allows communication without a registered phone number, while Telegram and Mega are favored for their encryption and foreign ownership. Loki Messenger also offers end-to-end encryption. Rebecca Lorik, executive director of Pathways to Healing, highlighted the dangers of social media platforms and urged parents to engage with their children's online activities, educate themselves about potential risks, and consult experts for guidance.

Winsage

June 11, 2025

‘Classic Apple’: Why Apple is taking the slow road with AI

Apple held its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in Cupertino, California, where it announced updates to its software ecosystem but did not introduce major AI announcements. The company plans to open its AI software to third-party developers, allowing access to on-device language models, which could lead to innovative software solutions and enhance user privacy. New features include live real-time translation in Phone, FaceTime, and Messages, improvements to the Visual Intelligence app, AI capabilities in the Reminders app, and a generative AI-powered fitness coach in the Apple Watch's Workout app. These updates aim to integrate AI into Apple's operating systems, positioning the company competitively in the AI landscape.

Tech Optimizer

June 4, 2025

Snowflake to Acquire Crunchy Data for AI-Ready Postgres

Snowflake intends to acquire Crunchy Data, a provider of open-source PostgreSQL technology, to enhance its AI Data Cloud by integrating Crunchy Data's enterprise-grade Postgres offerings. The new product, "Snowflake Postgres," will be a developer-friendly, AI-ready database for mission-critical applications. Snowflake plans to invest approximately 0 million in this acquisition, which aims to support complex AI applications at scale and bring a team experienced in Postgres. This move comes amid a competitive cloud data market, with Snowflake's stock trading near its 52-week high. The acquisition is expected to influence how enterprises approach AI and data integration, potentially setting a new benchmark for cloud platforms.

Tech Optimizer

June 3, 2025

Snowflake to buy Crunchy Data to enhance its AI Data Cloud

Snowflake intends to acquire Crunchy Data, a developer of cloud-based database software, with the deal potentially valued at around [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: AI Data Cloud company Snowflake has announced its intention to acquire Crunchy Data, a notable developer of cloud-based database software. While specific financial details remain undisclosed, sources cited by CNBC suggest that the deal could be valued at around 0 million. Enhancing AI Capabilities with Snowflake Postgres The acquisition is set to bring Snowflake Postgres into the fold, an AI-ready, enterprise-grade PostgreSQL database designed with developers in mind. This new offering aims to ensure full compatibility with Postgres while adhering to the governance, security, and operational standards essential for mission-critical AI applications. By integrating Crunchy Data’s technology, which is recognized for its enterprise readiness in FedRAMP-compliant environments, Snowflake Postgres will simplify the processes of developing, deploying, and scaling production-ready AI agents and applications. This enhancement is expected to significantly benefit customers and partners, including Blue Yonder and LandingAI, who rely on PostgreSQL for their operational data needs. Paul Laurence, co-founder of Crunchy Data, emphasized the company's commitment to stringent security and comprehensive compliance, stating, “Our deep-rooted commitment to stringent security and comprehensive compliance has made us the trusted Postgres partner for organisations across regulated industries, including federal agencies, Fortune 500 financial institutions, and high-scale SaaS companies.” Upon the acquisition's completion, Snowflake plans to continue supporting the Postgres community and existing Crunchy Data customers, while seamlessly integrating the latter’s capabilities into Snowflake Postgres. Vivek Raghunathan, senior vice president of Snowflake Engineering, articulated the company’s vision: “Our vision is to deliver the world’s most trusted and comprehensive data and AI platform to our customers. Today’s announcement of our proposed acquisition of Crunchy Data represents another reason why Snowflake is the ultimate destination for all enterprise data and AI needs.” The completion of this acquisition is contingent upon regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Earlier this year, in February 2025, Snowflake unveiled the Silicon Valley AI Hub at its Menlo Park campus, which boasts nearly 30,000 square feet dedicated to fostering the AI community." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million. The acquisition will integrate Crunchy Data’s technology into Snowflake Postgres, an AI-ready PostgreSQL database, enhancing its compatibility and compliance for mission-critical AI applications. Snowflake aims to support the Postgres community and existing Crunchy Data customers post-acquisition. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Securing Windows Endpoints in 2025 Enterprise Environments

In 2025, 61% of organizations worldwide have adopted Zero Trust initiatives, up from 24% in 2021. Microsoft's Zero Trust framework centralizes security policy enforcement through the cloud, with integrated solutions like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. AI is now a critical component of endpoint security, enabling systems to detect irregularities and autonomously isolate compromised devices. Microsoft introduced Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) to allow IT administrators to fix unbootable PCs remotely. Windows Server 2025 features enhanced security measures, including advanced algorithms and a customized security baseline with over 350 preconfigured settings. Additionally, 75% of organizations are consolidating security vendors, favoring comprehensive platforms like SentinelOne Singularity and Microsoft Defender XDR. Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) has been enhanced to better regulate application usage, with Microsoft promoting its adoption over AppLocker.

Tech Optimizer

May 29, 2025

Sophos warns MSPs over DragonForce threat

Sophos has warned managed service providers (MSPs) about their vulnerability to ransomware attacks targeting remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools. They reported a ransomware incident involving DragonForce, where attackers accessed the SimpleHelp RMM to deploy ransomware across multiple endpoints and exfiltrate sensitive data using a double extortion strategy. An alert was triggered by a suspicious SimpleHelp installer file pushed through the MSP's legitimate RMM instance. MSPs utilizing Sophos's managed detection and response (MDR) services successfully prevented hacker access, while those without security investments were impacted by the ransomware and data exfiltration. Following the incident, the affected MSP sought help from Sophos Rapid Response for digital forensics. Mark Appleton from Also Cloud UK stressed the importance of MSPs investing in advanced exposure management tools to mitigate cyber threats, noting that endpoints are primary targets for breaches. He highlighted the significance of continuous threat exposure management as essential for MSPs to protect themselves and their clients from attacks.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Samsung is rolling out its first One UI 8 beta for the Galaxy S25 series

The One UI 8 beta is now available for Galaxy S25 models in select regions, featuring enhanced AI capabilities, a tailored user experience for different device types, and proactive suggestions. It introduces improvements to the Reminder app, Quick Share, multitasking, Samsung Internet, and accessibility features. The rollout is limited to regions including Germany, Korea, the U.K., and the U.S., excluding the Galaxy S25 Edge. A stable version is expected to launch with new foldable devices this summer. Key features include multimodal capabilities, enhanced Now Bar and Now Brief features, local data processing options, and improvements to the Auracast feature. The Reminder app will consolidate tasks into a single interface, and Quick Share will receive enhancements. Additional features include improved file search, a redesign of Samsung Internet, multitasking enhancements, new Calendar features, and social health management options through Samsung Health. More features may be revealed as the beta progresses.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Windows 11’s sneaky new AI tool is a game-changer

Microsoft introduced Foundry AI Local, a command-line tool for running large language models (LLMs) on users' machines, aimed initially at developers but accessible to a broader audience. The installation process utilizes the "winget" tool, allowing users to install it by opening a command line and entering the command: winget install Microsoft.FoundryLocal. Users can run the Phi-3.5-mini model with the command: foundry model run phi-3.5-mini and explore other models with: foundry model list. Foundry AI Local automatically selects the best model for the user's hardware, enhancing performance. While currently functioning as a local chatbot, it has potential applications beyond text generation, including text extraction tools and integration into Windows applications. Future enhancements may include art generation and custom model training.