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Let me ask you a question: What do you picture when you think of ‘the cloud’? Fluffy white formations floating in a blue sky? Or perhaps a digital realm where your data goes to hibernate?

I bet you didn’t think of a sheet of glass, did you?

Microsoft’s Project Silica could change how data is stored in the cloud. It’s been four years since we first heard about this game-changing initiative. Back then, they managed to squeeze the entire 1978 Superman movie onto a piece of glass no bigger than a drink coaster.

Fast forward to today, and they’re not just storing superhero flicks. This technology can now hold a huge 7TB of data. That’s around 3,500 movies or 1.75 million songs. Enough entertainment to last you over half a year or keep you humming along for 13 years.

But it’s not just about storing your favourite tunes or films. Microsoft is repositioning Project Silica as a revolutionary cloud storage solution. Unlike our current magnetic media that has a finite lifespan (and isn’t too kind on the environment), this glass storage is resilient, sustainable, and designed to last 10,000 years.

Data is written onto the glass using a laser system and read back using a quick-moving microscope and AI decoding. It’s even got a hi-tech robot to fetch and retrieve the glass panels when needed.

There’s still work to be done before Project Silica is ready for the big leagues. But just imagine the possibilities: A world where your data is stored not in some intangible cloud, but on a tangible, resilient piece of glass. A world where data storage is not just efficient, but also sustainable.

Think this could be revolutionary? Or dangerous in the wrong pair of (slippery) hands?

#ProjectSilica #CloudStorage #SustainableTech

Ever wondered what skills AI could help you learn?

Maybe it’s a complex coding language? Perhaps you’re hoping to master the art of multitasking?

Here’s a fun twist: Mark Zuckerberg recently used AI to learn… how to braid his daughter’s hair.

Yes, you read that right.

In a promotional clip for Meta’s new Smart Glasses Collection with Ray-Ban, Zuckerberg gives us a glimpse into his hair-styling adventures. ‘Hey Meta, how do you make a braid?’ he asks, as his smart glasses guide him through the steps. The result? A neat little braid, and a proud dad who’s just leveled up in hairstyling. And then with a verbal command he gets his glasses to take a photo and send it.

It’s a charming and humorous example of AI stepping in to lend a hand (or in this case, an extra pair of eyes). But it also raises a question: Beyond braiding and baking, how much more can AI contribute to our daily lives? Is there a boundary that separates useful from intrusive? And how can we ensure that AI serves us without sidestepping our privacy?

While the jury is still out on these questions, one thing is clear: AI is here to stay, evolving and transforming our lives in ways we could never have imagined.

So tell me, what skills would you like AI to help you with, now and in the future? If Zuckerberg can learn to braid with AI, who knows what else we can achieve!

#AI #FutureOfWork #MetaGlasses

Let’s go back to the 2nd of November 1988 – 35 years ago today – an infamous day in the history of the early internet.
Young Robert Morris, a Cornell University student, embarked on a research project. His goal? To find out just how big the early internet really was.

So, he launched a self-replicating worm (a harmless one, he thought) to help him count the number of computers connected to it.

Simple, right? Sadly no.

Due to a tiny hiccup (read: programming error), this ‘Morris Worm’ took on a life of its own. Instead of politely knocking on each computer’s door and asking, ‘Are you connected to the internet?’, it kept relentlessly barging in, again and again, causing the digital equivalent of a traffic jam.

The result?

Around 6,000 machines (10% of the internet at that time) ended up infected. Government and university systems faced significant downtime for two days. It was a huge wake-up call that the internet would need security.

Morris, unfortunately, didn’t get a pat on the back for his ambitious project. Instead, he was dismissed from Cornell, given three years probation, and handed a $10,000 (just over £8,000) fine. A steep price to pay for an experiment gone wrong, wouldn’t you say?

So, as we commemorate the anniversary of the Morris Worm, let’s remember: With great power (or programming skills) comes great responsibility. And if you ever plan to launch your own digital worm, make sure it knows when to stop knocking!

#TechHistory #MorrisWorm #InternetTrivia

Here’s a riddle for you: What’s worse than your coffee machine breaking down on a Wednesday morning?

Falling victim to tech support fraud.

“What’s tech support fraud?”, you ask.

You’re working away when a pop-up appears on your screen. It looks like a security alert from a trusted company like Amazon or Microsoft. It convinces you to call a freephone number and before you know it, you’ve handed over control of your computer – and your wallet – to scammers.

Sounds like a nightmare, right?

Good news. Amazon and Microsoft have teamed up with India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to combat this menace. They’ve conducted intensive searches, seized devices, and frozen numerous bank accounts.

Their joint mission: to create a safer online ecosystem for all of us.

But while they’re doing their bit, we need to do ours too. How? By me educating you, and you educating your team about these scams. Look out for red flags, like unsolicited pop-ups or calls. And if you suspect you’ve been targeted, don’t panic – head to Microsoft’s website for guidance, or better still give my team a call.

#TechSupportFraud #Microsoft #Amazon

Picture this: It’s the year 2030. You’re at your desk, but instead of typing away on your computer or checking your phone for updates, you’re interacting with an AI assistant that not only understands what you’re trying to do, but also helps you get it done.

Sounds like something out of a movie, right?

Well, according to Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, this could be our future reality. At Microsoft’s recent Envision Tour, Nadella boldly claimed that AI will be ‘bigger than the PC, bigger than mobile.’ He can see a future where AI doesn’t take jobs but aids people in doing their jobs better.

The star of the show was Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant. From speeding up coding processes to integrating into GitHub, it’s clear that Copilot isn’t just a fancy gadget—it’s a tool designed to make our work easier.

But here’s the million-dollar question from me: Can you see AI taking over jobs, or do you agree with Nadella’s vision of AI as a work aid?

As business owners, we always have to stay one step ahead of the game. And if AI is indeed going to be so important in the future, then it’s crucial we understand how it can benefit our businesses and employees.

After all, who wouldn’t want a personal assistant that never takes a break?

But let’s not get too carried away. Nadella’s vision, although exciting, relies heavily on the accessibility of AI technology. And while the idea of having a personalised tutor or doctor in our pockets sounds amazing, it’s still a bit of a stretch from the current reality of what AI can and can’t do.

So, what’s your take? Do you think AI will be that much of a game-changer within a decade?

#Microsoft #AI #FutureOfWork

WhatsApp is currently testing a new feature that could change the way we communicate – but is it really what your business needs?

Meet WhatsApp’s self-destructing voice note feature. You record a voice note, send it, and then…it vanishes into thin air. No chance to replay, no option to save or forward. It’s here one moment, gone the next.

This new feature, called ‘View Once,’ is being touted as a “new layer of privacy” by Meta.

But before you get too excited, let’s take a step back. Is this really the best tool for sharing sensitive business information? Think about it. Yes, the voice note disappears after being listened to once, which could potentially reduce ‘the risk of your personal or sensitive information falling into the wrong hands.’ However, doesn’t the idea of a vital piece of business info disappearing after one listen sound a bit…risky?

Let’s face it, WhatsApp is great for casual chats and catching up with friends, but when it comes to business communication, there are better, more secure options out there. Business-specific collaboration apps, for example, offer features designed specifically for secure data sharing and team collaboration. So while WhatsApp’s new feature may sound enticing, it might not be the best fit for your business needs.

In short, while WhatsApp’s self-destructing voice notes feature is an interesting addition, it’s essential to remember that not all that glitters is gold. For secure, reliable business communication, stick to tools made for the job. After all, you wouldn’t use a hammer to fix a computer, would you?

So, what do you think? Will you be trying out this new feature? Or would you like some help finding a more suitable business-specific app?

#WhatsApp #NewFeature #BusinessCommunication

Do you ever feel like you’re drowning in a sea of emails? Like your inbox is a beast that can’t be tamed? Well Microsoft has just thrown you a lifeline.

Say hello to ‘Classic Outlook for Windows – Summarise by Copilot’. Yes, it’s a mouthful, but don’t let that put you off. This new feature is designed to boost your productivity by taking Large Language Models (LLMs) and Outlook data and turning them into your personal email summarising sidekick.

Imagine… instead of wading through lengthy email threads, you get a neat summary of the key points. It’s like having a personal assistant who reads your emails for you and gives you the TL;DR version. And who wouldn’t want that?

This tool was added to the Microsoft 365 roadmap on 12th October, and it’s due to launch in March next year. Not long till you can give it a go.

Whether you’re an email ninja or an inbox avoider, ‘Summarise by Copilot’ is here to make your life easier. With this feature, you’ll be able to conquer your inbox and stay on top of your emails like never before.

Will you be counting down the days till this is released?

(P.S. If you find yourself summarising this post to your colleagues, you’re definitely ready for ‘Summarise by Copilot’)

Often find yourself lost in a sea of tasks, meeting notes, and brainstorming ideas? Wish there was a way to streamline your work and boost productivity? Well, Microsoft heard our silent cries for help and has come up with a solution: Microsoft Loop.

Think of it as your digital assistant, ready to help you manage projects and collaborate effectively.

Another tool?! Yes. But Microsoft Loop’s interface is as simple and intuitive as it gets. No steep learning curves here, just smooth sailing into the world of organised, efficient work.

To get started, all you need is a Microsoft account. No fancy software or apps needed. Just hop online, sign in, you’re in the Loop.

Once you’re in, you’ll see a dashboard with different views for workspaces, recent components, and pages.

Creating a workspace is as easy as clicking the ‘Add new workspace’ button. Think of it as setting up a new office, but without the hassle of moving furniture and arguing over who gets the window seat.

Next, create a page within your workspace. This is where the magic happens. Pages are like virtual whiteboards where you can jot down ideas, create task lists, or document project progress. You can even add a little flair with an icon or cover image – because who said work can’t be fun?

And there you have it! Your first steps into the wonderful world of Microsoft Loop. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and let me know how you find it.

Have you ever dreamed of a world where you could change out of your work attire at the push of a button? Well, we’re inching closer to that reality.

Meet Dr. Christine Dierk, an Adobe research scientist who made quite the entrance at this year’s Adobe Max conference. She strutted her stuff in a fashion statement that was more than just a style choice—it was a technological marvel.

Project Primrose is a brainchild of Dr. Dierk, who holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from U.C. Berkeley and, fun fact, is also a talented seamstress.

It’s a revolutionary concept that combines the worlds of fashion and technology in a way we’ve never seen before. This isn’t your grandma’s knitting project. Imagine a wearable, flexible fabric that can display dynamic patterns on demand. Your favourite floral print shirt could transform into a sleek pinstripe pattern in seconds.

Talk about a fusion of passions!

Now, I know you’re thinking, ‘How does this affect my business?’ Well, imagine the applications. Uniforms that can adapt to different settings or events, promotional clothing that can update with your latest marketing campaign, or even a morale-boosting ‘fun shirt Friday’ where employees can express their creativity.

But it’s not just about what you wear. This technology can be applied to various surfaces, creating interactive environments that could revolutionise the way we engage with our surroundings.

Sure, it’s still a proof of concept, and there’s no word yet on when it will hit the market. But isn’t it exciting to think about the possibilities?

If you wanted to play the Happy Birthday song, how would you do it? Back in 2001, it would’ve probably been using your iPod.

Can you believe it’s been 22 years since Steve Jobs introduced us to the little gadget that could hold a whopping ‘1000 songs in your pocket?’ It was October 2001, and little did we know, our lives were about to change. Forever.

Remember Firewire connectivity? It made charging and high-speed music synchronisation a breeze. It was like having a personal DJ right in your pocket. And let’s not forget its size. Thanks to that tiny 1.8′ drive, the iPod was the pocket-sized wonder that outshone its bulkier MP3 competitors.

But oh, the heartbreak when we discovered it only worked with Macintosh computers. But you know what they say, necessity is the mother of invention. And boy, did Windows users invent. They hacked their way into iPod bliss, proving that where there’s a will (and a killer playlist), there’s a way.

And then, just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, in came the iTunes Music Store in 2003. It revolutionised the music AND computer industry.

So, why am I going on this nostalgic journey? Because the iPod is more than just a gadget. It’s a testament to innovation, tenacity, and the power of a great product. As business owners, we can all learn from this. We too can create products and services that not only meet needs but change industries, and who knows, maybe even the world.

Do you remember the first song you downloaded?