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It’s been 15 incredible years since Google dropped the first stable version of our beloved Chrome browser in December 2008.

This week we celebrate a milestone that changed the way we surf the web.

Can you guess what it is?

It’s been 15 incredible years since Google dropped the first stable version of our beloved Chrome browser in December 2008.

Fast forward to today, and Chrome has become THE web browser, ruling the digital kingdom with grace and speed. With its sleek design, lightning-fast performance, and a universe of extensions, Chrome has made our online adventures smoother than ever.

Remember the days of clunky browsers and endless buffering? Thankfully, they’re a distant memory, thanks to Chrome. Now we can zip through web pages, stream our favourite shows without a hiccup, and browse the internet without a second thought.

But it’s not all about speed; Chrome has brought innovation galore. Tabbed browsing? Check! Incognito mode for those secret missions? Double check! A plethora of extensions and apps that personalise our browsing experience? Got that too!

Chrome has been a trusty sidekick on our digital journeys, from late-night research sessions to binge-watching cat videos. It’s been there for our online shopping sprees, our virtual hangouts, and even when we needed a quick translation of ‘where’s the nearest pizza place?’

So, happy birthday Google Chrome – our wingman on the web.

#GoogleChrome #15YearsOfChrome #HappyBirthday

Today’s news is a bit of a mixed bag.

Today’s news is a bit of a mixed bag. You know that trusty Microsoft 365 browser extension that millions of us have been using to easily access our Microsoft 365 apps and documents on the web? Well, it’s time to say ‘bye bye’ because it’s going to retire on the 15th of January.

I wish I could tell you the exact reason behind this retirement, but Microsoft hasn’t spilled the beans. They’re keeping it a bit of a mystery. But hey, at least they’ve given us a heads-up on when it’s happening.

In their own words, Microsoft said, ‘The Microsoft 365 browser extension (formerly named Office browser extension) is a free extension available on Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome that gives you access to your Microsoft 365 apps and documents on the web. This extension will reach retirement and end of support on January 15th, 2024.’

After that date, it won’t get any more security updates, bug fixes, or support. You won’t find it in the Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome web stores either. It’s a sad farewell to an old friend.

You may be wondering why they’re doing this. Microsoft could be trying to steer us towards other ways of accessing Microsoft 365. Take, for example, the Edge Sidebar, which already has a spot for Microsoft 365.

Both the Microsoft 365 browser extension and the Edge Sidebar do pretty much the same thing – quick access to Microsoft 365 apps and documents. Clicking on a document in either of them opens it in a new tab. But if you’re using Google Chrome and Microsoft 365, you might be feeling a little left out.

Oh, and there’s another cool thing to explore – the Edge Sidebar now has a Copilot icon and a shortcut to Copilot with Bing Chat (formerly known as just Bing Chat). It’s all part of Microsoft’s plan to guide us towards using Copilot, and it makes sense to direct us to the Edge Sidebar.

So, while we’re saying goodbye to the Microsoft 365 browser extension, we’re also opening the door to new possibilities. Microsoft simply wants us to have the best experience.

Will this change how you use Microsoft 365?

#Microsoft365 #NewBeginnings #BrowserExtensions

Amazon Web Services (AWS) unveiled Q, a powerful AI chatbot designed specifically for businesses

At its AWS re:Invent conference, Amazon Web Services (AWS) unveiled Q, a powerful AI chatbot designed specifically for businesses. What sets Q apart from the rest? According to Amazon, its focus on security and privacy, which makes it a fantastic tool for businesses of all sizes.

First things first, Q is all about helping businesses leverage their data to the max. With this chatbot, you can generate valuable content from your own company’s data. Imagine the possibilities!

Q comes in two subscription tiers that won’t break the bank – the Business option at just $20 (around £15) a month and the Builder option at $25 (around £20) a month. Let’s break down what each tier brings to the table:

Business option: This tier is your go-to if you want to streamline operations and boost productivity. Q helps you solve problems and uncover valuable insights from your company data.

Builder option: The Builder tier is tailored for developers or IT professionals. Here Q ups its game by assisting with debugging and coding. It can even help you decode unfamiliar lines of code and optimise them. That pesky Java upgrade? Q can handle that too!

Let’s talk privacy. AWS is serious about keeping your data safe. Rest assured, Amazon Q will never use your content to train its AI models. Your business secrets remain your own.

This new addition to AWS’s arsenal is a testament to their commitment to making complex tech accessible to everyone.

Sure, the market is competitive, with other companies offering their own chatbots for enterprises. But Q is here to make its mark with its unique blend of features and robust security.

Would you be tempted to choose Amazon Q over other AI chatbots for your business?

#AmazonQ #BusinessTech #AIAssistant

Google Drive is investigating reports that it lost files for a small number of people. Have you been affected?

Have you heard? Google Drive is investigating reports that it lost files for a small number of people. Have you been affected?

An increasing number of people are worried, and Google has confirmed that they are actively looking into it. While we don’t have all the details yet, Google mentions that it’s a sync issue with the Drive desktop app and has offered some recommendations while they work on a fix.

What should you do if you’re facing this problem?

Firstly, don’t click ‘Disconnect account’ in the Drive for desktop app and don’t move or delete the app’s data folder on your hard drive. Google also suggests making a copy of the app data folder.

Some people have taken matters into their own hands and found temporary solutions. But I’d advise waiting for Google’s official guidance.

This situation reminds us why having reliable backups is crucial. Even Google Drive can have problems.

You should create a simple 3-2-1 strategy for your business data: Three copies, stored on two different types of media, with one copy in a different physical location.

You can combine local hard drives with an off-site cloud backup for a rock-solid solution. Don’t forget; you can even make backups of your cloud storage files. For instance, with Google Drive, you can use Google Takeout to create a zip folder of your files elsewhere.

If you’ve already been affected by the Drive syncing issue, I understand it’s a bit late to make backups. However, it’s an excellent reminder for all of us to fine-tune our business’s backup plans.

If that’s something I can help you with, get in touch.

#GoogleDrive #BackUp #LostData

Let’s talk about two things that have been making waves this year: AI, and cyber threats.

Let’s talk about two things that have been making waves this year: AI, and cyber threats. In fact, AI has enabled a big change in the way cyber criminals are targeting businesses like yours.

Typically, the summer months see a dip in hacking attempts and malware scams. Because even cyber criminals need a holiday.

But 2023 has bucked this trend dramatically. According to a report from Avast, cyber attacks spiked during July and August, with their tools blocking over a billion attacks each month – that’s a new record.

AI has made these attacks easier to execute and more potent. It’s a game-changer, not just for us but for cyber criminals too.

But don’t let this put you off AI. It’s still an incredible tool that’s revolutionising our world. What we need to do is stay informed and vigilant.

If you could do with some help understanding the opportunities and risks AI presents to your business, get in touch.

#CyberSecurity #AI #StaySafeOnline

Monitoring your music…how does it work? It’s all about the algorithm, of course.

As we approach the end of another year, there’s something other than Christmas that’s hotly anticipated (among music fans at least), and that’s your personalised Spotify Wrapped.

Sure, we all love a good holiday tune, but let’s face it, our musical tastes run deeper than ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ and ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’. And that’s where Spotify Wrapped comes in.

Dropping every December like a fresh snowfall, Spotify Wrapped offers subscribers a fun, visual snapshot of their listening habits over the past year. It’s been described as ‘kind of like a personality quiz but for your musical year.’

How does it work? It’s all about the algorithm, of course.

Spotify tracks your listening data from January to October, tallying up everything from play count to genre preference to favourite artists. For a track to be officially added to your Wrapped stats, you need to listen to it for at least 30 seconds.

This data then gets wrapped up (pun intended) into a neat, social media-friendly package that lets you see—and share—your top artists, most-streamed songs, and even how many minutes you spent jamming out.

But here’s the best part: Spotify Wrapped isn’t just a personal scorecard, it can also be a social event. Why not make it a bit of office fun? Encourage your team to share their Wrapped results and see who spent the most time listening to podcasts, who’s the biggest pop fan, or who discovered the coolest new artists. It’s a great way to bond with your colleagues and maybe even discover some new tunes for your office playlist.

What will be your most listened to track this year?

#SpotifyWrapped #ListeningTastes #FunFriday

Ever found yourself desperately needing to access your Windows tools, but you’re miles away from your PC?

Ever found yourself desperately needing to access your Windows tools, but you’re miles away from your PC?

Maybe you prefer the portability of your Android or iPhone?

Well, I’ve got some Microsoft news that will make you happy… the new Windows app. It really is the game-changer that could make Windows 11 more accessible than ever, right from your pocket.

This app is designed to let you access Windows on Android devices, iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Imagine being able to stream a copy of Windows 10 or 11 from Azure Virtual Desktop, Microsoft Dev Box, Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Service, Windows 365, or even a remote PC.

But what does this mean for you and your employees?

Think about the convenience and flexibility it offers. You can be on the go, yet have all your essential Windows tools at your fingertips. A bit like carrying your office around with you, without the bulk. No more limitations, and no more waiting until you get back to your PC. Plus, the app comes with features that make Windows usable on other devices, like resolution scaling, mouse and keyboard support, and redirection for peripherals like webcams and printers.

Imagine you’re working remotely, in a coffee shop, with just your iPad. With this app, you can use the front-mounted camera as your webcam for that important business meeting. Or connect your iPhone to an external display wirelessly via AirPlay, then use the Windows app to run a copy of Windows on the display while using your iPhone as a touchscreen to control the mouse pointer.

Don’t let that confuse you… just know this new app will simplify the process of using Microsoft services on non-Microsoft devices. It’s flexible, convenient, and efficient – just what we all need.

At the moment, the Windows App is in its preview form and only supports business and school accounts. It’s likely you’ll also be able to log in with your personal Windows account when the app is out of preview.

Will you encourage the use of this one across your business?

#Microsoft #WindowsApp #Android

Google Chrome is testing a new feature called ‘Probabilistic Memory Saver Mode’

Google Chrome is testing a new feature called ‘Probabilistic Memory Saver Mode’… and that had me intrigued wondering what it was!

I did some digging so you don’t have to. It’s designed to help your computer work smarter, not harder. It essentially ‘snoozes’ tabs that you haven’t visited in a while, freeing up precious RAM (memory) for the tabs you’re actively using.

Here’s where it gets interesting: this mode uses probability distributions to estimate the likelihood of a tab being revisited based on its current state. So, if you’ve got a multitude of tabs open (we all know that feeling), Chrome will assign a probability score to each one. This score represents the chance of each tab being reopened.

Pretty smart, huh?

Now, I know what you’re thinking: ‘That sounds great, but what’s the catch?’ Well, with every innovation comes a trade-off. If you do go back to those snoozed tabs, it might take them a little longer to load. But hey, isn’t a small wait worth the extra memory space?

As of now, this feature hasn’t been officially released and is still under testing in Google Chrome Canary version 121. But don’t worry, if you’re struggling with a sluggish system or need some tips to free up or add memory to your devices, I’m here to help. Just message me.

#GoogleChrome #TechNews #MemorySaver

Do you remember the magic of instant photography back in the days when it was film not digital?

Do you remember the magic of instant photography back in the days when it was film not digital? The thrill of waiting for an image to materialise before your eyes? Well, it all started on this day in 1948 with the release of the first commercial instant camera – the Polaroid Land Camera Model 95.

It was a chilly November day in Boston. Shoppers at the Jordan Marsh department store were buzzing around, hunting for perfect Christmas gifts. Suddenly, a new item caught their eyes – a sleek, portable camera that promised sepia-toned photographs in just about a minute. No more waiting for film development, no more guessing if the shot turned out right. Instant gratification in the palm of your hand.

Polaroid thought they had enough stock to last through the holiday season, but guess what? All 57 units and all the film sold out on the very first day.

The genius behind this game-changer was none other than Edwin H. Land, the company’s founder, whose name the camera proudly bore. The Model 95 set the stage for Polaroid’s flagship product line, making the name ‘Polaroid’ synonymous with instant film and the cameras that used them.

In 1950, true black-and-white instant film came along, and by 1963, we finally had colour film. Polaroid continued to produce their instant film cameras until 2008, leaving a legacy of instant memories captured and cherished.

Have you ever owned a Polaroid camera? Do you prefer this old-school way of capturing a memory to today’s digital alternative?

#Polaroid #HistoryOfPhotography #InstantGratification

Have you ever found yourself needing to quickly remove or replace the background in a photo?

Have you ever found yourself needing to quickly remove or replace the background in a photo?

It’s something we all need to do, whether it’s to post a team photo without sensitive info in the background, or to send something to a client.

Good news: If you use Windows 11, this is going to be easy peasy. Microsoft’s Photos app is rolling out a new feature to strip away or replace the background in a snap.

Not only can you remove the background with the click of a button, but you can also replace it with any solid colour of your choice. And if you want to paste the foreground object elsewhere, you can simply copy it to your clipboard or save the pic as is.

How cool is that?

The Photos app will also make it easy to share a photo that’s backed up on OneDrive. Right-click on the photo, send a link via email, or copy the link for pasting wherever necessary. This is the kind of efficiency we want and need.

Microsoft has also applied other performance and stability updates to improve the Slideshow feature, navigation between tabs, and opening images.

We can’t wait to give this one a try – can you?

#Microsoft #Windows11 #PhotosApp

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