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Microsoft has surpassed Wall Street estimates by posting fourth-quarter financial results showing a total three-month revenue of $64.73 bi...

Microsoft hits record profits once again — but there's a rare miss for Azure cloud results

Microsoft has surpassed Wall Street estimates by posting fourth-quarter financial results showing a total three-month revenue of $64.73 billion.

However, despite stronger-than-expected overall revenue, the company's Azure cloud platform experienced revenue growth below what had been forecast, driving investor concern and reducing stock by around 7% in extended trading.

For the company on the whole, both revenue and operating income saw a 15% growth, with net income accounting for a healthy $22.0 billion.

Is Microsoft's growth slowing down?

Microsoft’s growth is largely attributed to its cloud computing segment, Intelligent Cloud, which generated $28.52 billion in revenue, or 44% of the company’s entire revenue, marking a solid 19% increase. 

Despite very strong growth, Azure’s 29% revenue growth fell short of the anticipated 31% figure – the first time the business has fallen short of predictions since 2022.

Elsewhere in the business, Microsoft posted a 7% increase in Windows revenue, which could be good news for its flagship AI-enabled Windows 11 operating system, which has so far proven less popular than hoped. Windows 10 continues to account for around two-thirds of all Windows installs, with Windows 11 only accounting for around 30% of the market.

“As a platform company, we are focused on meeting the mission-critical needs of our customers across our at-scale platforms today, while also ensuring we lead the AI era," Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella commented.

For the twelve months ending June 30, 2024, Microsoft generated $245.1 billion in revenue, an increase of 16% year over year.

Looking ahead, the company forecasts fiscal first-quarter revenue between $63.8 and $64.8 billion, below the $65.24 billion expected by analysts, which could put a dent in share prices. Microsoft has slipped back into second place in terms of market cap, just behind Apple, with a valuation of $3.143 trillion.

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A recent survey by Celent reveals that by the end of 2023, half of insurers say that they’ll have tested generative AI (gen AI) solutions i...

How generative AI will reshape insurance

A recent survey by Celent reveals that by the end of 2023, half of insurers say that they’ll have tested generative AI (gen AI) solutions in the form of large language models (LLMs).

For a technology that has only been in the public eye for 12 months or so, the drive for adoption by the insurance industry has been remarkably rapid. But what we’ve seen so far is merely the tip of the iceberg, with gen AI’s impact only just beginning to make itself felt.

Looking forward, the potential for gen AI to transform the insurance industry is huge. It will be able to shoulder much of the burden of routine work – and more – that’s common in the industry today. Take claims assessment. An appropriately trained LLM will be able to interpret an event in the context of even the most complex contracts and determine a claim’s validity (or not) within seconds. This will allow, for example, many insurers to complete nearly 100% of missing claims information from complex submissions, which is expected to generate significant savings from greater operational efficiency and lower claims costs.

Transforming insurance front to back

Gen AI’s impacts will extend to many other areas of the industry. For example, it can be used to analyse vast quantities of data to provide simple, accurate summaries to underwriters as they make their assessments. Meanwhile, other functions, such as marketing, will also see gen AI completely change the art of the possible. It will be able to take standardized product and service content and blend it with personalized customer information to create truly bespoke communications at scale. 

Because gen AI uses natural language for prompts and instructions, it democratizes access to insights that were previously only available to data scientists and specialists. It will also be put to work within technology departments too, writing code and scripts, and helping to support integrations.

In these contexts – and many others – gen AI will do the heavy lifting, enabling people to focus on business-critical tasks and activities that require the best of human innovation, empathy and creativity.

A clear case for change

It’s evident that the insurance companies that adopt gen AI the fastest will secure a considerable competitive advantage. The gains they could make are likely to fall into three broad categories:

1. Higher profitability and growth, by identifying currently untapped opportunities and enhancing products and customer experiences,

2. Cost savings from operational efficiency,

3. Operational intelligence and effectiveness from integrating gen AI into existing processes.

Having said that, it’s also the case that many in the industry face challenges when it comes to moving from the current experimental phase to implementing gen AI at scale.

Why? By their nature, LLMs require significant quantities of well-managed, effectively organized, accurate and compliant data. And as a regulated industry, the compliance demands on insurers’ data exceed those of many other sectors, meaning insurers will need to ensure they continue to meet strict regulatory requirements for data privacy and stewardship. Integrating gen AI with existing legacy tech is another potential challenge. In fact, some 75% of executives across all industries cite this as an obstacle to progress. Here again, establishing a solid data foundation is a critical first step.

Other potential pitfalls associated with gen AI include so-called ‘hallucinations’ where gen AI effectively fabricates an answer. Biased outcomes that arise from gen AI learning from biases already inherent in the training data are a further common concern. Both, of course, need to be addressed. And they’re by no means uncontrollable. The best approach? Treat the outputs of an LLM with the same rigorous rules, policies and norms that any organization would apply to content created by a person. Building in the right controls around an LLM from the outset will help avoid many of the potential pitfalls.

Start now or fall behind

Insurers that have yet to start exploring the possibilities of gen AI need to get going soon. With their competitors already pushing solutions into production, it’s time to start identifying use cases and get to work building and deploying pilots to understand where the greatest benefits and value are likely to be found.

We list the best Large Language Models (LLMs) for coding.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro



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The telecommunications landscape is set to take the next leap in its evolution – setting the stage for a digital-first era. Traditional tel...

Why now is the time to invest in cloud telephony

The telecommunications landscape is set to take the next leap in its evolution – setting the stage for a digital-first era. Traditional telephony, which relies on analogue and digital technologies, is encountering significant challenges in meeting the demands of a rapidly advancing world. As a result, the industry is shifting from conventional business phone systems to cutting-edge cloud telephony solutions – notably led by BT, who announced the end-of-life or ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) lines by 2027, commonly referred to as the "BT ISDN switch off."

2027 may feel like some way away, but this pivotal move underscores the urgency for organizations to adapt and embrace the potential of cloud-based communication systems. There is a clear opportunity for organizations to develop future-proofed communications infrastructures, making them more resilient in the face of rapid technological advancements and changing communication standards.

The importance of understanding cloud telephony

Before investing in this technology, it’s important organizations fully understand the key components that make up cloud phone systems and telephony in general, and how it can benefit their day-to-day operations. Replacing traditional telephone systems, cloud telephony represents a modern approach to communication, leveraging cloud computing technology. It replaces traditional phone systems, eliminating the need for physical infrastructure such as phone lines and hardware, operating through a virtual phone system hosted in the cloud by a third-party provider.

As technology continues to advance, cloud telephony is expected to play a more significant role in shaping the future of workplace communications. Organizations should have an awareness of this technology to evaluate their specific needs and choose the right cloud telephony solution that aligns with their operational goals. This understanding helps in planning the integration process, ensuring compatibility with existing systems such as customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and avoiding potential disruptions.

The Big Switch Off

Organizations looking to adopt cloud telephony services should also understand the relevance of the ‘Big Switch Off,’ now scheduled for January 2027. This phrase refers to the planned transition from traditional analogue to digital telephony – marking a significant milestone in the telecommunications industry as it aims to phase out outdated copper-based networks.

The primary goal of the Big Switch Off is to retire the ageing Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and ISDN systems, which have been the backbone of telecommunications for decades. Governments, telecommunications regulators, and service providers are working together to manage the transition smoothly, aiming to minimize disruptions and ensure that consumers and organizations have ample time to migrate to alternative digital communication services such as hosted telephony.

Benefits over traditional phone systems

One of the key advantages of cloud telephony is its scalability. Traditional phone systems often require an upfront investment in hardware and IT infrastructure, adding barriers to their scalability. In contrast, cloud-based systems offer a different level of flexibility allowing users to easily add or remove phone lines and features as needed. Whether your organization is expanding, downsizing or requires temporary changes, cloud telephony can swiftly adapt to changes without the unnecessary hassle and need for hardware upgrades or installations.

Perhaps most importantly for operations, cloud telephony eliminates the need for costly on-premise hardware, significantly reducing the need for initial investment and maintenance expenses. In the challenging economic times we find ourselves in, organizations can avoid unnecessary expenditures associated with purchasing and maintaining physical phone systems, including the costs related to upgrades and repairs.

On top of this, traditional cloud-based systems operate on subscription-based models, enabling organizations to only purchase the services they require, thus optimizing cost-effectiveness.

Why now is the time to switch

In an era of tech advancements, cloud telephony presents itself as a future-proof solution, offering enhanced flexibility and adaptability in the constantly evolving digital ecosystem.

By investing in cloud telephony now, organizations can position themselves at the forefront of innovation. This proactive stance will help safeguard them from possible disruptions, guaranteeing continual effectiveness in communication strategies.

The case for investing in cloud telephony sooner rather than later is compelling. It’s not so much about embracing a technological trend, but more about securing a strategic advantage for your organisation. Those that invest early, gain a head start in futureproofing their communication infrastructure, optimizing agility, reducing costs and unlocking a wide range of advanced features that can level-up their operational efficiency.

We list the best VoIP provider.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro



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AMD’s delay of the launch of its Ryzen 9000 processors – with the CPUs already shipped being recalled from retailers and PC makers – could...

AMD’s Ryzen 9000 CPU delay is due to… typos on the chips? It seems unbelievable, but here we are

AMD’s delay of the launch of its Ryzen 9000 processors – with the CPUs already shipped being recalled from retailers and PC makers – could apparently be due to a simple typo, if you can believe the (multiple) reports floating around out there.

Well, we say a simple typo, but this isn’t a mistake with the packaging and box, but the actual name of the processor on the chip itself (although there may be more to all this than just the typo, and we’ll come back to that).

Instead of a Ryzen 7 9700X processor, we can see a picture of a CPU (in the below post on X, from leaker HXL) where AMD has mislabelled it as the Ryzen 9 9700X.

Tom’s Hardware observes this is from a rogue, early review on Bilibili (in China), further noting that Ryzen 5 9600X chips have also been errantly engraved as ‘Ryzen 9’ models.

The Ryzen 9 label is, of course, reserved for the high-end chips in the Zen 5 family, which at launch will be the Ryzen 9 9950X and 9900X.

Previously, other sources have pinned the blame for the recall of Ryzen 9000 processors on AMD’s typo on an apparently large scale, including Ian Cutress on X (TechTechPotato, ex-Anandtech) as mentioned in HXL’s post.

Originally, AMD was set to unleash Ryzen 9000 processors on July 31, but that has been delayed to a staggered launch next month (on August 8, followed by August 15, for the Ryzen 5 and 7 models and Ryzen 9 models respectively).


AMD Ryzen

(Image credit: AMD)

Analysis: Odd news – but good news? Definitely the former, but maybe not the latter

This is all a bit odd. AMD hasn’t officially revealed any reason for the Ryzen 9000 recall, instead issuing a vague message that the chips “did not meet our full quality expectations” and we guess being misnamed (slightly) could fit that bill.

You could further argue the reason that Team Red hasn’t admitted what’s happened here – if this is the case – is because it’s embarrassing. If we’d have been stood on an AMD production line with these chips coming through, glancing them over, we’re sure we’d have noticed a ‘Ryzen 9 9700X’ – to anyone with some passing familiarity with Team Red’s processors, surely that mistake would stand out like a sore thumb? (Apparently not).

However, even if there seems to be a solid amount of evidence of these chip typos, as Tom’s raises, there is also the possibility that this isn’t the only problem with the Zen 5 processors.

Indeed, if the whole recall is about fixing typos, that would actually be great news – yes, it’s a very silly mistake, but at least there are no underlying technical issues with Ryzen 9000 CPUs buried deep under the hood (cough, Intel, cough) that buyers might have to worry about.

But, it might be the case that there are typos, and also other possible issues of a technical nature. After all, AMD’s official statement on the recall used some language that made us think this was the case. Primarily the phrase that the recall was initiated “out of an abundance of caution and to maintain the highest quality experiences for every Ryzen user” – which hardly seems to fit a chip having Ryzen 9 written on it instead of Ryzen 7 or 5. Does it?

Perhaps now these mismarked processors have come to light, AMD will be issuing a further statement to clarify what’s gone on here. We’ve got a feeling we might hear something later today.

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Microsoft has acknowledged its initial estimate of 8.5 million devices affected by the recent CrowdStrike software update was likely too l...

Microsoft says millions more devices could have been hit by CrowdStrike outage

Microsoft has acknowledged its initial estimate of 8.5 million devices affected by the recent CrowdStrike software update was likely too low.

In response to emerging details surrounding the dodgy update that caused a widespread outage, resulting in grounded flights and disruptions to other major industries, Microsoft is pledging to reduce the reliance of infosec vendors on kernel drivers, which were behind the issue.

Although the true scale of the outage remains unconfirmed, Microsoft’s initial estimations only considered crash reports shared by customers, leaving those who didn’t report out of the calculation.

Microsoft says more than 8.5 million were affected by CrowdStrike outage

David Weston, Microsoft’s Vice President for Enterprise and OS Security, emphasized the need for infosec vendors to balance the advantages of kernel drivers against their potential impact on system resilience. 

In a blog post exploring the outage and detailing Microsoft’s commitment to learning from and responding to the outage, Weston defended Windows’ performance by highlighting the benefits of kernel drivers in enhancing security by improving performance and preventing software tampering.

The VP suggested that security vendors could minimize kernel usage by running minimal sensors in kernel mode for data collection and enforcement.

Weston summarized: “As we move forward, Windows is continuing to innovate and offer new ways for security tools to detect and respond to emerging threats safely and securely.”

CrowdStrike’s most recent update, issued on Thursday, states that 97% of the affected servers are now back online. The company’s CEO stated that it would work tirelessly until all disruptions are remediated.

TechRadar Pro has asked Microsoft how many devices it estimates may have been affected, and how many are back online. The company did not immediately respond.

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There’s no stopping the impending march of electrification, as even the two-wheeled world is busy turning its back on the combustion engine...

I rode the world’s first fully electric adventure motorcycle – and it’s the future aside from one big drawback

There’s no stopping the impending march of electrification, as even the two-wheeled world is busy turning its back on the combustion engine and looking at ways to embrace batteries and electric motors.

Harley-Davidson unleashed its LiveWire to the general public back in 2019, while the likes of Kawasaki, KTM and BMW all now offer electrified two-wheelers… and that’s before we mention the likes of Maeving, Ryvid and Energica, all of whom have sprung up in the intervening years.

However, Zero has arguably been at the forefront of the electric motorcycle world since 2006, when former NASA engineer Neal Saiki decided that bikes are likely only going the same route as passenger cars, so he started experimenting with basic battery set-ups.

Zero DSR/X

(Image credit: Zero Motorcycles/James Archibald)

Early models were, erm, rudimentary to say the least, but the company has made exceptional progress over the past 10 years. Its fully electric model line-up now encompasses some nine machines – a number far greater than any rival – while its battery and motor technology has matured to the point where it can genuinely hold its head high against internal combustion engine competition.

This year brings with it some of the biggest revisions to the line-up so far, including larger battery packs, improved range and an overall sense of upgraded components and build quality. 

The DSR, ridden here, was the world’s first electric adventure bike when it was first launched and, despite now being joined by the Energica Experia, it remains the more affordable (and adaptable) machine for on and off-road exploits.

Specs appeal

Zero DSR/X

(Image credit: Zero Motorcycles/James Archibald)

Let’s start with some basic numbers, shall we? The DS (Dual Sport) line encompasses the DS, the DSR and the range-topping DSR/X, with the only real distinguishing features being the battery pack capacity.

The line-up kicks off with 14.4kWh, expands to 15.6kWh in the DSR model and tops out at 17.3kWh in the halo DSR/X model. This, in turn, impacts the power, top speed and electric range on offer.

The DS can manage around 98 miles on the highway, perhaps the most energy-sapping of all riding conditions, while clocking up a top speed of 86mph and delivering 60hp of peak power or 15hp of continuous power.

This latter figure makes it compliant on an A1 license in the UK, or similar in the US and further afield, which means younger riders only have to perform very basic practical tests to legally ride one.

Zero DSR/X

(Image credit: Zero Motorcycles/James Archibald)

Better still, Zero has designed its bikes so additional power can be unlocked at dealer level, so the machine gets more potent as the rider ticks off the various licenses and legalities required to ride the most powerful bikes.

With that in mind, the DSR model is A2 license compliant in the UK, producing 70hp of peak power (44hp of continuous power), hitting a 93mph top speed and delivering 100 miles of range on the highway. 

Finally, the range-topping DSR/X is designed for full motorcycle license holders and offers a whopping 100hp of peak power (48hp continuous), a 112mph top speed and 107 miles of Highway commuting range.

All 2024 Zero models are now manufactured at IMI in the Philippines, as opposed to Zero’s smaller and less capable facilities in California. According to the brand, this has enabled them to increase production capacity, drastically improve quality control and cut the delivery lead times down to a matter of weeks, rather than months. 

Silent assassin

Zero DSR/X

(Image credit: Zero Motorcycles/James Archibald)

I’ll be the first to admit that adventure bikes aren’t really my cup of tea. As a vertically-challenged human being, they are often tall, heavy and daunting things to throw a leg over, but Zero does a fantastic job of disguising this.

At just 828mm, it is among the lowest standard seat heights out there, coming up slightly shorter than the Ducati Multistrada V2 and BMW F 900 GS Adventure. The overall ergonomics of the DSR range are well thought out – the handlebars are within easy reach and the chassis seems to cocoon around the rider.

Better still, the chunky battery pack, which makes up a large percentage of the bike’s overall weight, is mounted low down, so the centre of gravity feels well balanced. Pulling up at lights, it's amazing how well you can balance the machine using just mild brake and throttle inputs.

Granted, the 235kg wet weight is by no means light, but it is disguised well and, being electric, the rider can select both forward and reverse parking modes, which assist in moving the bike at a crawling pace via the throttle.

Out on the open road, the DSR/X I tested felt extremely well planted and predictable, with that low center of gravity helping to confidently tip the bike through corners. Plus, with 113hp on tap, it absolutely rocketed from rest to 60mph.

Zero DSR/X

(Image credit: Zero Motorcycles/James Archibald)

Zero offers a number of riding modes that are easily selected via a toggle switch on the bars. There’s Eco, which sees maximum regenerative braking and a slightly milder throttle power delivery to eke the most out of the batteries.

A Sport mode kills off the regenerative braking completely and unleashes full power, making it ride like a thumping two-stroke machine of yesteryear with little in the way of engine braking. 

Rain mode ensures the rear wheel doesn’t spin up at every opportunity thanks to gentle throttle mapping and Normal sits somewhere in the middle of everything.

Canyon mode, on the other hand, can be configured via the brand’s excellent Cypher III+ OS and smartphone app, which allows full control over all performance, Bosch-engineered traction control and ABS perameters. As standard, it sees maximum power and max regen braking offered.

This was my preferred setting, as it felt the closest to a large internal combustion engine bike – one that offers a decent amount of engine braking when rolling off the throttle.

One bike to rule them all

Zero DSR/X

(Image credit: Zero Motorcycles/James Archibald)

As previously mentioned, Zero prides itself on the fact that its machines can grow alongside the rider. Admittedly, mechanically restricting an ICE bike so it is A2-license-friendly has been the norm for many years, but Zero arguably goes several steps further.

For example, many of Zero’s models can be restricted via software so they are compatible with the most basic riding licenses, despite looking and feeling like a "full-size" bike. These can then be tweaked to unlock more power as the licensing allows. Alternatively, don't bother unlocking the power but bask in the fact that your bike doesn't look like a learner-friendly scooter or moped.

What’s more, even the charging speed of the battery pack isn’t set in stone, as customers can option an additional "Charge Tank" that increases the rate at which the bikes devour electricity. But we'll get into that later.

Above all else, Zero wants to get away from the fact that its offerings simply make for excellent, economically-sound commuter machines, despite the obvious savings that can be made on fuel and maintenance (they require an average of just 45 minutes servicing per year), and instead ram home the fact they are also enjoyable motorcycles to ride in their own right.

Zero DSR/X

(Image credit: Zero Motorcycles/James Archibald)

This really comes through with the latest models, which now feel like genuine internal combustion engine contenders, rather than the slightly cheap and rattly toys of previous generations. 

Hopping on and off the various models in the DS line-up, it was easy to feel the performance differences between them all, but the overarching feeling of riding a premium adventure motorcycle permeated through the entire range.

The Showa suspension system offers full adjustment over 190mm of travel, meaning it felt capable of soaking up some mild off-road terrain. The J-Juan brakes offered plenty of stopping power, especially given the blending with the regenerative braking system, while all bikes came fitted with premium Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires for maximum traction and heated grips, selected via the OS.

Wafting along the blacktop in near silence only seemed to heighten the senses and add to the therapeutic nature of riding a motorcycle. Get a good helmet and there's little need for ear plugs, just wind noise and the open road. It's quite the experience. 

Range anxiety

Zero DSR/X

(Image credit: Zero Motorcycles/James Archibald)

Despite automotive manufacturers pushing EVs for over a decade now, range anxiety is still one of the biggest stumbling blocks for potential owners. If you thought it was bad in the four-wheeled world, try convincing ardent bikers to make the electric switch.

Dale Robinson, Zero’s Country Manager, told me Zero sold just 300 bikes in the UK last year, citing Covid and the tough market conditions in general as reasons, but in reality, it’s because many bikers just aren’t interested.

This is compounded by the fact that the DSR/X model I tested starts at $22,995/£20,950 (or around AU$35,000), making it more expensive than similar gasoline bikes from Triumph, Ducati and BMW.

But perhaps the biggest issue is charging speeds, because most Zero models charge at around 3kW, which is painfully slow by modern standards. Even the average home wall charger now kicks out 7kW.

Zero DSR/X

(Image credit: Zero Motorcycles/James Archibald)

Zero will extend to 6kW charging speeds in the more expensive models and this figure can be extended further by selecting an optional 6kW Charge Tank, which eats into the lockable storage space but means the fastest rapid charging is around 13kW.

Alternatively, Zero also offers a 3.6kWh Power Tank, which adds a little extra battery capacity, but this can’t be specified if you option the Charge Tank. It begs the question why Zero doesn’t just offer the fastest charge speeds to everyone and be done with it, but it’s likely a way of keeping base prices down.

Whichever option you choose, riding big miles will still require most owners to hang around for 45 minutes to an hour in order to brim a battery from most public fast charging outlets, which will feel too long for many, especially considering the highway range is only around 100 miles. That’s a stop every hour or so during those longer adventures.

Zero DSR/X

(Image credit: Zero Motorcycles/James Archibald)

That said, it is possible to eke a lot more from the battery packs, especially when cruising around town in stop/start traffic. During our test ride, we managed several hours of twisting country roads with just one charge in between.

Robert Portman, marketing specialist for Zero said: “If you return home with anything more than 10 per cent battery, you’ve wasted time charging,” suggesting that riders should only brim for what they need. 

Despite this, it still rules out the most adventurous, continent-crossing missions, unless you are prepared for frequent and relatively long stops.

The future is bright

Zero DSR/X

(Image credit: Zero Motorcycles/James Archibald)

In the big bike world, EV progress has been slower than it has in both passenger cars and even small capacity scooters, where things like battery swap tech and leasing deals have made them more attractive than petrol equivalents.

Ownership of larger capacity electric bikes is expensive, the range is still limited, charging is slow and, in many regions, insurance costs can be astronomic, simply because brokers have no real data upon which to set prices.

These are all very real struggles Zero faces to this day, but at least the company doesn’t have to worry about the quality of its product. The Zero DSR/X is a joy to ride and can genuinely compete with petrol-powered rivals from established brands in terms of performance and ride quality. 

In fact, I’d argue it’s even easier to live with and would provide the perfect introduction to motorcycling for many, removing the potentially daunting thought of a big, snarling combustion engine and replacing it with something altogether smarter and more serene.

If the future of electric motorcycling can progress at the unrelenting pace Zero has set, things look genuinely exciting. We are just not quite there yet. 

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The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has only been on sale for a few days, but there's already one customer that we know about who's uns...

Check your new Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra for any issues with peeling paint

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has only been on sale for a few days, but there's already one customer that we know about who's unsatisfied with their watch – due to some fairly rapid paint peeling on the back of the device.

This peeling report was made on Reddit (via Android Authority). It seems little chips in the surface coating on the underside of the watch are visible, though the watch hasn't been used for any  kind of exercise or gym work.

At least one other Reddit user has reported the same issue, and it seems to be limited to the gray version of the smartwatch. It appears that the other Galaxy Watch Ultra casing colors, white and silver, may not have the same problem.

It's worth pointing out that there are very few reports of this issue at the moment – and Samsung support has replaced the watch that was affected. However, it might be worth double-checking your own Galaxy Watch Ultra, if you've already picked one up.

Keep watch

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

The internals of the Galaxy Watch Ultra (Image credit: Samsung)

We didn't notice any paint chipping or peeling issues in our own Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra hands-on. In fact, we called it "probably Samsung's best watch yet", and we'll be continuing to monitor any wear and tear that appears on our model.

Clearly, if the device is going to become a permanent fixture in our best smartwatches list, then it needs to be able to keep its finish for much longer than a few days. This isn't a problem that we've seen on competing devices like the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Samsung is clearly proud of its new premium smartwatch, and has posted two images of the internals of the wearable. You can see most of the circuitry on show, alongside explanations of what each different component does.

There's been no official word from Samsung yet about the issue, but if there are any more developments, then we'll let you know here. The Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch FE have also been launched recently, with no problems reported.

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Along with being the world's fastest and most exhilarating, it's probably fair to claim that Formula 1 is also the most data-centri...

"Dealing with a tsunami of information"— Alteryx and McLaren on what Formula 1 can teach your business about getting the most from data analytics

Along with being the world's fastest and most exhilarating, it's probably fair to claim that Formula 1 is also the most data-centric sport around today.

With the ten teams constantly looking for anything to give them an advantage, and sessions and races often decided by tenths of a second or less, making the most of the data generated from Formula 1 cars has never been more important.

McLaren has enjoyed a stellar season so far, and joined forces with its official partner Alteryx to tell TechRadar Pro more about how data can help its race for the championship.

Mountains of data

"Organizations have more data than ever before - but still, the vast majority aren't getting the maximum value out of that data," notes Alan Jacobson, Chief Data and Analytics Officer (CDAO) at Alteryx, revealing over 80% of industrialized data goes unused - offering a "huge opportunity" to use this data to make better decision.

“The good news is, nearly every organization I meet with clearly understands that the ability to use data and analytics to drive business results is more important now than really ever before.”

However, Jacobson adds some businesses have been slow to deliver this transformation, "because it turns out that transformation is hard - it’s difficult to get an entire workforce upskilled and ready to go - so it's figuring out how to go on the journey that's the challenge."

And when it comes to a journey, McLaren is certainly well set. The team has not won a Formula 1 constructors championship since 1998, but has seen an incredible rise in the last few seasons to challenge for the title in 2024, culminating in its recent dominant 1-2 with Oscar Piastri and Landon Norris at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

mclaren f1 car

(Image credit: Shutterstock/ Jay Hirano Photography)

Speaking to TechRadar Pro, Dan Keyworth, Director, Business Technology at McLaren Racing, notes there are 300 sensors on a single Formula 1 car, generating over 250 million data points per car per race weekend (equivalent to 11 billion over the course of a season) - meaning the team is, "dealing with a tsunami of information."

“We have this winner mindset, so we know what our target objectives are at all times,” he adds, noting taking a greater look at its data has helped not just the drivers or pit stop crew, but the 1200 McLaren Racing employees.

"If you understand what your pursuit of winning is, then apply that to supply chain, logistics, finance, engineering, your HR and people team - you can start to understand what data analytics can do to really elevate your business."

Best of the best

McLaren and Alteryx clearly have a deep-rooted relationship, with the latter not only helping to boost efficiency and productivity in the team, but in potentially more surprising use cases such as data scientists looking to improve how they visualize workflows and save time coding.

"They’re the best of the best, and they’re really embracing the tools," Keyworth notes.

He also highlights how Alteryx has helped the team with testing and development - a critical task in such a fast-moving sport. With new regulations set to govern Formula 1 from 2026, the teams are effectively soon set to be working on three entirely different builds for the current season, next season, and an all-new build for 2026.

Keyworth notes how McLaren has used the estimated 250 million data points generated by each car per race to build an entire digital twin of the car for testing. Alteryx is then able to help “stitch” all of the delta data sources together to find differences between this digital twin and its simulation runs against the real world car to help find any marginal gains.

"We’re constantly analyzing that data, constantly critiquing ourselves…(and) we're always looking for those fine margins,” he says.

Jacobson agrees, noting how IT leaders really have to recognize they have to change the way they think, as "fundamentally, the goal is to change business processes to drive efficiencies and better outcomes.”

"It’s really an exciting time for IT leaders to help their organizations use this data."



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It's fair to say the steady drip of Google Pixel 9 leaks is turning into something of a flood at the moment, and the latest unauthori...

The official Pixel 9 Pro cases have leaked – and point to an unexpected new color

It's fair to say the steady drip of Google Pixel 9 leaks is turning into something of a flood at the moment, and the latest unauthorized reveals show off the official Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL cases – revealing a surprising extra color at the same time.

These renders come courtesy of well-known leaker @OnLeaks and Android Headlines, and show how the rather large camera shelf bumps on the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are going to be protected by the curved contours of these silicon cases.

If these colors are right, we're looking at Charcoal, Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose for the color options as well as Aloe – that matches one of the options for the Google Pixel 8a, though up until now we weren't expecting it for the Pixel 9 Pro.

Perhaps there are still some surprises in store ahead of the official reveal of these phones, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, August 13. We will of course be bringing you all of the news and announcements as they happen.

XL size

Google Pixel 9 Pro case leak

The Pixel 9 Pro cases may look something like this (Image credit: @OnLeaks / Android Headlines)

As for the Pixel 9 Pro XL cases, there's just Charcoal, Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose here – so no Aloe. That suggests there might be an exclusive color heading for the Pixel 9 Pro, with the standard Pixel 9 color options different again.

It looks as though these cases are going to be pretty similar to the official cases we've seen from Google for past Pixel phones, with a smooth and rubbery exterior, and a soft fabric finish on the inside to keep your handset well protected.

At this rate there's not going to be anything new for Google to say when its scheduled launch event rolls around. As well as official teases, we've heard plenty about the upgraded specs we can look forward to, and the potential designs of these phones.

As well as the four phones in the Pixel 9 series – so the two mentioned above, plus the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold – it's likely that we'll also see the arrival of the Pixel Watch 3 and the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 at the same event.

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Every week in tech is a busy week, so there's no real surprise that the last seven days have been packed with news and leaks: we've...

ICYMI: the week's 8 biggest tech news stories, from the Galaxy Z Fold 6 to OpenAI SearchGPT

Every week in tech is a busy week, so there's no real surprise that the last seven days have been packed with news and leaks: we've seen major stories around ChatGPT, Spotify, Apple, Google, and more besides.

Here at TechRadar, we've also found time to publish two major reviews: for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and for Deadpool and Wolverine, the latest movie from Marvel (which may mark a turning point in its fortunes).

We understand that you might not have time to check TechRadar all day every day – we all live busy lives – so here's our in-case-you-missed-it round-up of everything important that happened in tech across the last week.

8. We reviewed the Galaxy Z Fold 6 – and were mighty impressed

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 half folded

The new Z Fold 6 (Image credit: Future)

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is Samsung's new flagship foldable for 2024, and while we didn't get a huge upgrade in every area, the overall improvement over the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is noticeable. It's quite simply the best foldable that Samsung has ever put out.

As always, our full Galaxy Z Fold 6 review is as comprehensive as possible: find out how the foldable scores in all the areas that matter, including performance, battery life, and durability (a crucial consideration in a foldable phone).

7. OpenAI told us when ChatGPT’s new Voice Mode will finally launch

A hand holding a phone showing the ChatGPT voice mode

Voice Mode is coming (Image credit: OpenAI)

A new Voice Mode for ChatGPT was announced in a flurry of hype back in May, but some issues – including a spat with Scarlett Johansson – pushed the launch back. Now OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has said an early testing version will launch sometime next week.

ChatGPT can already talk to users, but the new Voice Mode means "real-time, natural conversations with AI" – so it's going to be almost exactly like talking to a human being, with pauses, interruptions, and all the inconsistencies of everyday conversation. In theory, at least – and it'll likely only come to a small group of Plus subscribers to start with, ahead of a full launch later this year.

6. Spotify teased a new ‘Deluxe’ tier with better sound quality

Hand holding a phone with the Spotify app logo

A more expensive Spotify tier is on the way (Image credit: Shutterstock)

While ChatGPT's new Voice Mode has been delayed, it's got nothing on Spotify's lossless audio tier, which was first teased all the way back in February 2021. More than three years later, it seems that this new extra-premium streaming plan is still in the works.

In the latest Spotify earnings call, CEO Daniel Ek made reference to a "deluxe" version of Spotify that's on the way, with a higher price tag attached, but he stopped short of saying when we might be able to sign up to it – so be prepared to keep waiting for the upgrade.

5. We called Deadpool and Wolverine ‘the best Marvel movie in years’

Logan and Wade Wilson walk out onto a deserted street in Marvel's Deadpool and Wolverine movie

The stars of the show (Image credit: Marvel Studios)

There's a lot riding on the new Deadpool and Wolverine movie from Marvel, as two of its most bankable characters team up – and based on our full review of the movie, fans of the two franchises (and the MCU in general) will get plenty of enjoyment from this movie.

While it's sometimes "overly chaotic", the movie is a "gloriously gory, riotously funny, cameo-stuffed, and surprisingly endearing flick" – though it may not be enough to fully reverse the fortunes of the MCU. Note that our review comes with mild spoilers inside.

4. A new Google Nest thermostat was spotted in a new leak

Nest Learning Thermostat

Google's thermostat may get a new design (Image credit: Future)

It's been quite some time since we were treated to a new Google Nest thermostat, but another model might be imminent, based on a new leak – and it looks as though the familiar Nest thermostat interface we've grown used to is set for a substantial revamp.

If this leak is accurate, the upcoming Nest thermostat will have a rounded rather than a flat glass face, and may adopt touchscreen controls for the first time in the series. It also looks as though an overdue update to the Nest temperature sensor is in the offing as well.

3. CrowdStrike told us what caused the great computer crash of 2024

Crowdstrike logo

It's not been a great week for CrowdStrike (Image credit: Shutterstock / rafapress)

The Windows IT outage caused by a faulty CrowdStrike software update was one of the biggest in history – and while most systems are now back up and running as normal, lessons are going to have to be learned to prevent any similar catastrophes in the future.

CrowdStrike issued its first review of the incident this week, telling us more or less what we already knew: that a content configuration update, ironically designed to keep computers better protected, then led to a mass Windows ecosystem crash.

2. Apple Maps landed on the web to tempt us from Google Maps

Apple Maps on the web (Public Beta)

Apple Maps has launched on the web, finally (Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

Apple Maps has finally arrived on the web, albeit in beta form, giving Google Maps even more to worry about. The update benefits Windows users in particular, as they can now easily get at most Apple Maps functionality inside any standard browser window.

You're now able to get walking or driving directions on Apple Maps on the web, as well as swap between three map styles (standard, satellite, or hybrid), look up details about businesses, and explore curated guides to specific spots from the Apple Maps team. A lot of features are missing, including Look Around, but it's a solid first step.

1. OpenAI took on Google with a new AI-powered search engine

SearchGPT

The search engine scene is changing (Image credit: Getty Images)

We could be set for a pretty major shake-up in terms of how we find information on the web. Bing started giving its AI results more priority on search pages this week, and we also got our first look at the new search engine from ChatGPT developer OpenAI: SearchGPT.

Right now you need to get on a waiting list to use SearchGPT, and it's been described by OpenAI as a "temporary prototype". Even so, if the service takes off, it could disrupt more than two decades' worth of tradition in terms of how we go about searching the web.



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Cybersecurity is undoubtedly one of the most pressing topics on the business agenda. The number of malicious attacks is constantly growing...

Ironic paradox: why cybersecurity is a constant battle

Cybersecurity is undoubtedly one of the most pressing topics on the business agenda. The number of malicious attacks is constantly growing, driven by the digitalization of operations. According to the IMF, it doubled since the pandemic. In 2023, the number of data breaches increased by 20 percent compared to 2022.

All these attacks can compromise sensitive information of both companies and their clients, halt business operations and result in significant financial losses for entities. According to an IBM report, the average cost of a data breach for a venture was $4.45 million in 2023. This is an all-time high, representing a 2.3 percent increase from last year and a 15 percent increase from 2020. Some companies experience an even heavier financial burden. For instance, US credit reporting agency Equifax paid more than $1 billion in penalties after a major data breach in 2017 that affected about 150 million consumers.

Moreover, malicious activities not only cause immediate financial losses for companies but also affect their performance in the long run. One significant consequence is that they undermine a company's reputation. This, in turn, can decrease a firm’s chances for future funding or compromise its client base growth. Additionally, organizations often have to patch a breach at a significant cost. For instance, one of the leading global marketplaces for in-game goods lost 11 million dollars worth of goods. This incident altered its revenue increase and repelled a significant portion of its audience. That happened as the company had to stop operations and strengthen the security of the platform.

Two forces

In an attempt to prevent these issues, businesses try to put increasingly sophisticated barriers in place for potential hackers. This is evident from the amount of spending on various cybersecurity tools. According to recent data, in 2023, it reached around $80 billion. In comparison, the total spending was $71.1 billion in 2022. Moreover, the number is expected to account for $87 billion this year.

Companies invest in a wide array of solutions, including advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time threat detection systems. But here is when the ironic problem arises: with every advancement in cybersecurity, malicious actors innovate and escalate their tactics. They analyze technologies deployed by entities to protect their assets and find weak spots to breach protection.

For instance, the rise of quantum computing holds promise for stronger encryption methods. Yet, it also poses a potential threat, as cybercriminals may harness quantum capabilities to break current encryption standards. Similarly, multi-cloud architecture while offering increased risk resilience by spreading data across multiple platforms, also presents an expanded attack surface. The broader network perimeter introduces more points of vulnerability. No surprise that according to Microsoft, securing all cloud-native applications and infrastructure throughout their lifecycle is a challenge for many businesses. Their report shows that in 2023, the average organization had 351 exploitable attack paths that threat actors could use to access high-value assets.

This cat-and-mouse game, however, is evident among larger companies. What we see as another growing trend is that while big firms are increasing layers of protection, hackers are increasingly shifting their focus to small and medium enterprises. The latter usually have fewer resources to invest in cybersecurity. That makes them an easy target for malicious actors. As of 2023, 31% of small and medium-sized companies experienced a cybersecurity breach in the past 12 months alone.

Another paradox is that those malicious organizations are usually small-scale entities themselves, contrary to popular belief. Therefore, these so-called private sector offensive actors often have limited resources, compared to those of Microsoft or any other large firm. They, however, do not really need big budgets, because searching for vulnerabilities in a software is a much less complicated and cheaper process than creating it. Think of it this way: it is much easier to check 30 homeworks for a single teacher than to prepare the same amount of papers from scratch by one student. While there is no doubt that big malicious actors are indeed present in the field, their real influence on cybersecurity is much less than the impact of thousands or even tens of thousands of independent hackers.

Continuing journey

Given this paradox, businesses must adopt a holistic and proactive approach to cybersecurity. Organizations should invest in comprehensive security frameworks that encompass prevention, detection, and rapid response to any suspicious activities.

Employee training is also paramount. Human error remains one of the weakest links in cybersecurity. In fact, 95 percent of modern cybersecurity breaches are caused by people’s mistakes, such as setting weak passwords. Moreover, only one-third of breaches identified in 2023 were detected by a company’s own security team. This means that organizations must train their employees to recognize and respond to potential threats, which will help reduce the number of successful attacks.

Furthermore, collaboration is key. Public and private sectors must work together to share intelligence and develop unified strategies to combat cyber threats. Information sharing can lead to more robust defenses and a collective understanding of emerging threats.

It is important that all of this be done continuously. Companies must regularly monitor the cybersecurity field, adapt, and modernize—or even radically change—solutions, doing so faster than malicious actors. Slightly paraphrasing the famous words of cybersecurity expert Bruce Schneier, security is a process, not a one-time product.

We've listed the best patch management software.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro



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Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl developer GSC Game World has announced a two-month delay for emergency bug-fixing. The highly-anticipated f...

Stalker 2 gets hit with another delay painfully close to its intended September release date

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl developer GSC Game World has announced a two-month delay for emergency bug-fixing.

The highly-anticipated first-person shooter was intended to release on September 5, 2024. It'll now launch roughly two and a half months later, on November 20 instead. The game is still set to launch on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC and day one on Xbox Game Pass.

As reported by IGN, Stalker 2 director Yevhen Grygorovych released the following statement about the latest delay: "We know you might be tired of waiting, and we truly appreciate your patience. These two additional months will give us the chance to fix more ‘unexpected anomalies’ (or simply ‘bugs’, as you call them).

"We are always grateful for your ongoing support and understanding - it means the world to us. We’re just as eager as you are to finally release the game and for you to experience it for yourself."

This isn't the first time Stalker 2 has received a sizeable delay. Back in January, it was announced that the game would miss its original Q1 2024 release date "for the sake of yet another wave of polishing." At the time, it was then slated to launch nine months later in September.

Despite all the setbacks, including a rather terrifying office fire late last year and, of course, the ongoing war in the developer's home country of Ukraine, it seems that fans are remaining excited for Stalker 2. The game won PC Gaming Show 2023's 'Most Wanted' award, so it does appear that the hype is still alive and well for the anticipated shooter.

Until November, then, you may want to tide yourself over with the Stalker: Legends of the Zone trilogy pack which includes all the original games. It also made them available on PlayStation and Xbox consoles for the first time.

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The cyber landscape, just like the political landscape, has created a pressure cooker of activists looking to create disruptions. Since Nov...

DDoS: The tool of Hacktivism

The cyber landscape, just like the political landscape, has created a pressure cooker of activists looking to create disruptions. Since November last year, it was reported that nearly 6 billion data breaches had been recorded. As businesses and governments prepare for the infamous hacking methods of malware, ransomware, and trojan horses, it is easy to forget about the “less shiny” techniques, such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS).

DDoS attacks are malicious attempts to disrupt the normal traffic of a targeted server, service, or network by overwhelming it with a flood of internet traffic. Unlike malware, DDoS isn’t designed to steal or hold hostage your sensitive information, but rather to cause disruption. Hacktivists aren’t necessarily motivated by monetary gains alone but rather to send a message, cause a nuisance, and distraction.

And with high levels of political activity being caused by the global elections, regional conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, and ongoing tensions in the Middle East, DDoS attacks will likely be a key tactic used to disrupt governments and businesses.

The growing threat of DDoS attacks

DDoS has been used in a wide range of purposes such as targeting mobile communications in Ukraine, hospitals in Romania, as well as cultural and information-based sites such as the recent attack on The Internet Archive.

Botnets for hire on the Dark Web have made it easier than ever for malicious actors to launch their own attacks on institutions. Simply, you can find a provider and pay for an hourly service that can be used to attempt to bring down a network. With the right know-how and motivations, DDoS attacks can be mounted on any online network.

The world is simmering with controversy from elections, environmental crises, to economic tensions. Digital disruptions have become the new form of protest. Hacktivists are now planning DDoS attacks on European political parties, as seen in the recent high-profile attacks from Ziyaettin against the campaign website of Jean-Luc Melenchon, who is currently running in the France Presidential race.

According to a recent report from Vercara, hacktivists are planning DDoS attacks on European political parties campaigning policies that oppose the hacktivist’s interests.

Details of two significant DDoS attacks focused on political websites in the Netherlands were disclosed to the public occurring on June 5 and 6. The first attack peaked at 115 million requests per hour, with one targeted site receiving 73,000 requests per second for a duration of four hours. 

Following the attack, the hacktivist group 'HackNeT' claimed responsibility for the attacks on their telegram channel, identifying their targets as PVV (Party for Freedom) and FvD (Forum for Democracy).

The importance of robust cybersecurity measures

DDoS attacks present themselves as a tool for hacktivists looking to send a message by disrupting your ability to communicate with your audience. Whether that be a politician's website to share their policies, a massive corporation to conduct business or even a website to share the history and culture that has been shared on the internet.

The significant disruptions caused by DDoS attacks underscore the need for a robust defense. A DDoS attack initially presents itself as a sudden slowdown or unavailability of a site or service. However, recognizing the difference between attacks and performance issues caused by legitimate traffic is crucial. This means the first step in addressing this challenge is a thorough investigation.

Why effective collaboration is vital

A proactive and aggressive approach to cybersecurity is not only effective but necessary against motivated hackers. By protecting yourself against any cyberattacks you will not only fortify your own security but ensure the safety of your users.

A strong relationship between yourself and your security providers is a key partnership in this current cyber landscape. Knowing you can trust the systems in place allows businesses to operate online freely and with the reassurance that your hard work won’t be completely destroyed.

The month of June saw a substantial increase in DDoS attacks targeting Vercara customers with a 288% increase compared to May 2024. Without substantial protection in place, this could have been detrimental to business continuity.

This highlights the need to protect against such incidents. Implementing proactive defensive measures entails adopting resilient network security protocols, utilizing DDoS mitigation services, and staying vigilant against emerging threats.

The hidden dangers of malware, Trojan horses, and spyware demand attention, but the simplicity and effectiveness of DDoS attacks make them a critical threat that cannot be ignored. And the rise of sophisticated hacktivist groups like NoName and their associates as well as SN_BLACKMETA and RipperSec highlights the urgent need for continuous monitoring and intelligence sharing on both national and international levels.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro



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Recent layoffs in the tech industry, impacting hundreds of employees , have sparked concerns about the future of work in the age of automat...

Balancing human automation with machines

Recent layoffs in the tech industry, impacting hundreds of employees, have sparked concerns about the future of work in the age of automation. Technological advancements envision a future where intelligent machines handle repetitive tasks, freeing humans for more creative and strategic work, not replacing them all together. This being said, the tech industry's layoffs paint a concerning picture.

The peril of premature automation

The core concern lies in the temptation to over-automate before technology is truly ready. While AI and automation is making significant strides, its capabilities are still under development. Replacing skilled professionals with immature technology can be a gamble; unproven systems might not be able to handle the complexities of real-world situations.

Imagine a critical system tasked with managing a complex network. An anomaly arises, something the AI wasn't programmed to recognise. Without the human intuition and experience to diagnose and solve the issue, the consequences could be severe. Rushing to automate tasks with unreliable technology can lead to a cascade of inefficiencies, project delays, and ultimately, lost revenue.

Human logic, problem-solving skills, and adaptability remain crucial. Complex systems, especially those in early stages, require human oversight and intervention. Highly trained professionals can troubleshoot issues, identify unforeseen problems, and make necessary adjustments.

A call for valanced innovation

The answer is not abandoning automation altogether, but embracing a more balanced approach. Industries can move forward responsibly by viewing emerging technology as a tool to complement and accelerate human capabilities, rather than to replace them. Company leaders should invest in training programs that equip employees with the skills needed to thrive alongside AI, such as data analysis, critical thinking, and the ability to manage complex systems.

As AI continues to evolve at breakneck speed, its ethical implications can’t be put to the back burner. Transparency, accountability, and responsible development must become the cornerstones of AI creation and deployment. Accountability becomes paramount when AI makes mistakes, as they inevitably will. Who is responsible for those errors? The programmers? The companies deploying the technology? A clear framework for accountability is essential.

Achieving strategic equilibrium

From a business to business standpoint, achieving and maintaining equilibrium between human expertise and intelligent automation is key for sustaining a competitive advantage. In the current commercial landscape, enterprises that can synthesize the distinct strengths of human ingenuity and machine capabilities will be better positioned to drive innovation and deliver superior solutions to their clients and strategic partners. Rather than perceiving automation as an encroachment upon the workforce, forward-thinking organizations recognize the opportunity to empower their personnel with advanced tools and insights, thereby enabling them to concentrate on higher-value tasks and strategic initiatives.

By creating a culture that prioritizes continuous learning and skill development, companies can nurture a workforce adept at seamlessly collaborating with artificial intelligence and automation, leveraging their complementary capabilities to outperform competitors who fail to achieve this synergy. Ultimately, the enterprises that embrace this balanced approach will be the ones poised to thrive in the era of Industry 5.0 and beyond.

Integrating IT and OT through intelligent automation

As intelligent automation increases in operational technology verticals like manufacturing oil, gas, and utilities, seamlessly integrating information technology (IT) and OT systems becomes crucial. Traditionally, IT has spearheaded the adoption of automation and artificial intelligence. However, OT systems encompass intricate physical processes and machinery that demand specialized domain expertise.

Fully automating such complex operations without human oversight could lead to critical failures and disruptions. The solution lies in intelligent automation that can harmonize with human operators' domain knowledge and ability to handle unanticipated scenarios. This symbiosis enables optimized processes, enhanced anomaly detection, and efficient handling of routine tasks.

Achieving such integration is about creating secure boundaries with IT infrastructure, such as demilitarized zones (DMZ), to share information. Advanced sensors, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices, and edge computing capabilities must be incorporated to capture real-time data from OT environments. This data can then be processed and analyzed by AI/ML models running on IT systems, enabling predictive maintenance, process optimization, and real-time decision support.

The future of work is not a zero-sum game between humans and machines. It's a collaborative effort, a symphony where each plays complementary roles working together to achieve what neither could alone. By being strategic about industry 5.0, businesses can unlock a new level of productivity and innovation.

We've listed the best AI tools.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro



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