That didn't take long: just days after launching a dedicated Copilot app for Android, Microsoft has restored balance to the universe again by making the same app available for those users who prefer iPhones and iPads.
As initially spotted by The Verge, the Copilot app for iOS and iPadOS seems to be an exact replica of the Android one, and is also free to use. The same rules apply: you can use it in a limited fashion without logging in, but signing into a Microsoft account gives you more prompts and more features (like image generation capabilities).
If you do sign in with a Microsoft account, then you can enable the latest and greatest GPT-4 model from Microsoft's partner OpenAI. Responses will generally be slower but better, and bearing in mind that ChatGPT customers have to pay to get the GPT-4 version, this is a pretty good deal from Microsoft.
While it's a notable move from Microsoft to give Copilot its own app, this hasn't come out of nowhere: pretty much all of the functionality here was previously available in the Bing apps for Android and iOS, so little has changed in terms of what you can do.
Copilot everywhere
If you're completely new to generative AI, these tools can produce text and images based on a few user prompts. You can get Copilot to do anything from write a poem about TechRadar to produce an image of a glowing Apple iPhone.
You can also get Copilot to query the web – if you need party game or travel ideas, for example – and have it explain complex topics in simple terms. It's a bit like a supercharged version of Google Assistant or Siri from Apple.
Microsoft is continuing to push forward quickly with upgrades to Copilot, as it knows that the likes of Apple and Google are busy improving their own generative AI tools. It looks inevitable that AI will be one of the hottest tech trends of 2024.
And if you don't want to install Copilot on your phone, you can find it in plenty of other places too. The same features are still available as part of Bing on the web, and Copilot has also now been added to Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Right now this Moosoo 2-qt air fryer is just $37.99 at Walmart. That's ridiculously cheap even for an air fryer from a lesser-known brand. Reviews on the store page are generally positive too though at just 2-quarts it's fairly small, and its cooking capabilities don't come close to rivaling those of the best air fryers.
Alternatively, if you're budget can stretch a little further we'd recommend this Ninja AF101 air fryer at Amazon. It's $79.99 which is $50 less than its usual $129.99 price and offers twice the cooking capacity and better results.
Today's best air fryer deals
Moosoo 2-quart air fryer:was $49.81 now $37.99 at Walmart
This small air fryer won't be the best out there but it is ridiculously cheap at just under $40. If you're on a tight budget and only need to cook small amounts then this could be a solid pickup. That said...View Deal
Ninja AF101 4 quart air fryer:was $129.99 now $79.99 at Amazon If you can afford to spend $40 more you can get an air fryer that boasts twice the space and much stronger cooking credentials. This Ninja model has been cheaper before but this current price is the best it has been in 2023.View Deal
In our review of the entry-level Ninja air fryer we gave it four stars. We celebrated its cooking abilities, though it lost points for being small and a little pricey. At this discounted price it's much better value for money, and while size is still an issue that's only a problem for larger families.
If you're living alone, or don't need to cook much in this air fryer the 4 quart size shouldn't be much of an issue. If anything its compact size could be a good thing as it won't take up space on your worktop.
If you are looking for a more sustainable and eco-friendly bed, an organic mattress is an excellent option. Here are the best organic mattresses you can buy right now, chosen by our sleep experts.
Considering the all-foam version of the brand's top tier mattress? Here's what's changed, what hasn't and what to really consider before adding it to your cart.
Getting a new computer is super exciting, whether you've picked up a new gaming rig or an updated laptop. But getting the new hardware invariably means that you now have some old gear hanging around. Sure, you could put it in a cupboard or the garage and forget about it, or you could send it to the scrapheap instead. But wouldn't be better to find a cool new use for it?
There are plenty of different ways to turn an old PC or laptop into something useful, including the doorstop that more than a few old machines have found themselves becoming. But there are some real ways that old computers can make themselves useful, and best of all they normally won't cost you a penny.
The possibilities are almost endless, but we're going to focus on a handful of the most interesting ways an old computer can find a new lease of life in your home or office.
The home fileserver
This is one that's particularly handy if you're a family or working in a small office, both instances where giving people quick and easy access to information can be a huge win. Whether those files are MP3s of your music collection or the latest business proposal, having them to hand at all times is easy with a fileserver.
Many people use things like Raspberry Pis or network-attached storage (NAS) devices for this kind of thing, but you can set your old computer up to do the same job without buying any additional hardware. You can of course use the same operating system that's already installed, likely a flavor of Windows, or you can install software built for the job. Amahi is one solution, as is FreeNAS, and as ever, Google is your friend.
The web server
(Image credit: Amazon)
Setting up a web server on the internet is surprisingly cheap these days, but where's the fun in letting someone else do it for you? Thanks to fast always-on home internet connections there are now few reasons that you can't host your own server and provide web pages to the internet yourself.
Setting up a web server will give you the chance to learn more about cool technology like Linux as well as how the internet actually works — including the dastardly world of DNS. If you're technically inclined, setting up a web server can be a rewarding experience and you can then self-host a website via WordPress or one of the many different solutions without spending a penny.
The learning PC
If you're learning how computers work there are few better ways to do it than with a machine that you aren't worried about breaking — and your newly-old PC or laptop is the perfect example.
Whether you want to get to know how to fix problems with Windows or get to grips with the command line and Linux — and the many different versions thereof — a PC that you don't need to work at the end of the day is vital. It takes the pressure off and gives you the room you need to make mistakes and learn from them.
The firewall and ad-blocker
(Image credit: Pixabay)
Similar to the idea of hosting your own website or fileserver, you can also turn any old computer into a firewall for additional control over how your devices connect to the internet.
PiHole is software that can be run on just about anything — not just a Raspberry Pi, as the name suggests — and then configured to block ads and control what websites different devices can access. This can be a real boon if you have kids and want to prevent their personal phones and tablets from reaching specific websites and services, for example. And like the rest of our examples, this won't cost a thing to get up and running and you'll even learn a thing or two in the process.
Distributed computing
If none of those ideas get you excited, you could always turn to distributed computing as a way to put that old computer to good use.
Distributed computing projects use the collective power of computers all around the world to crunch numbers in an attempt to solve complicated problems. Those problems include trying to locate extraterrestrial intelligence and helping with scientific research.
All you have to do is install a piece of software on your old computer and set it on its way. It'll use its CPU and GPU to crunch numbers and solve problems, much in the same way that cryptocurrencies can be mined.
Which brings us to...
The crypto miner
(Image credit: Manuel Medir/Getty Images)
There are tons of dedicated mining rigs out there, but you can use any computer. The more powerful the better, and strong GPUs are preferred. But while the days of making your fortune from mining crypto in your home are probably gone, it still might be something that you want to get into — again, it's a learning experience as much as anything.
Really old computers are going to struggle here, so keep that kind mind. And sometimes just buying crypto is a better option. But where's the fun in that?
Donate to a worthy cause
The final option on our list might be the best of all because it means that kids who might otherwise not have access to a computer get the opportunity to use one.
Many local schools or libraries will be more than grateful for a free computer, so long as it's fully working and doesn't look like it's been kicked around the yard.
Don't have a school or library to hand? There are plenty of charities that will accept your old hardware, and this is a great way to move on your old computer if you no longer need it yourself.
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Cybersecurity researchers from McAfee hae uncovered over a dozen malicious apps lurking in the Google Play Store.
The researchers claim these apps were carrying a potent piece of malware, capable of stealing sensitive data from the infected Android devices and possibly even running ad fraud.
The apps were downloaded at least 330,000 times.
Accessibility Service
According to the researchers, the backdoor is called “Xamalicious”, and has so far been discovered in thee following apps:
- Essential Horoscope for Android – 100,000 installs
- 3D Skin Editor for PE Minecraft – 100,000 installs
- Logo Maker Pro – 100,000 installs
- Auto Click Repeater – 10,000 installs
- Count Easy Calorie Calculator – 10,000 installs
- Dots: One Line Connector – 10,000 installs
- Sound Volume Extender – 5,000 installs
After being labeled as malicious, Google removed these apps from its app repository.
While Google's action is commendable, the move doesn’t protect users who already downloaded the apps in the past, with some reportedly having been available for download since mid-2020. They will have to remove those manually and use an anti-virus program or cleaner to remove up any loose ends.
The majority of the victims were found in the US, the UK, Germany, Spain, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina.
To operate properly, the malware asks the victim to grant it Accessibility Service permissions, which is often a red flag and should help most people identify a malicious app from a legitimate one.
That being said, with Accessibility enabled, the malware is able to grab device and hardware information, including Android ID, brand, CPU, model, OS version, language, developer options status, SIM details, and firmware. Furthermore, it can identify the device’s physical location, ISP name, organization, and services. It also comes with a few features to help it determine if it’s installed on a genuine device or an emulator.
Finally, the malware can pull a second-stage payload from the C2 server.
Every year since its inception, hackers have stolen more cryptocurrencies than the previous year, until 2023, new research has claimed.
Data presented on the REKT platform, which keeps track of all the different crypto-related hacks and thefts, says that in 2023, hackers stole a total of $1.83bn.
“This amount, though dispersed across various incidents, underscores the persistent vulnerabilities and challenges within the DeFi ecosystem,” De.Fi wrote in its paper, TechCrunch reported. “2023 stood as a testament to both the ongoing vulnerabilities and the strides made in addressing them, even as interest in the space was relatively muted by the ongoing bear market in the first half of the year.”
Weakest link
The biggest incident happened on Multichain, with more than $230 million lost on the bridge in early July. Other notable mentions include Euler Finance ($196m), Mixin Network ($142m), and Poloniex ($122m).
While almost $2 billion is a lot of money, this is the first time ever that hackers stole less compared to the previous year. Blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis reported $3.8 billion stolen last year, and $3.3 billion stolen in 2021. Most of the cash stolen in these incidents went to Lazarus Group, a notorious North Korean state-sponsored threat actor, which is said to be helping fund the country’s nuclear program with the stolen money.
“It isn’t a stretch to say that cryptocurrency hacking is a sizable chunk of the nation’s economy,” Chainalysis said at the time.
REKT tracks hacks and crypto breaches to mid-2011, and in total more than $77 billion have been stolen. At the same time, $6.6 billion has been recovered by law enforcement and other agencies.
While the networks of the biggest chains, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, remain secure, surrounding infrastructure is where most hacks happen, with lending protocols, bridges, and similar, remaining the industry’s weakest link.
Now that the holiday season is winding down, it's time to prep for the year ahead. Unfortunately, like the rest of us, you've probably amassed a lot of junk throughout the year. There's a reason why spring cleaning is a thing in the first place.
Spring cleaning isn't an easy chore, but you can get through it easier and with less fuss when you have the right tools. A cordless vacuum, for example, will make the job more effortless since they tend to be lighter and cord-free.
True, there's a steep price of admission for that type of vacuums, making them a little pricier than their wired counterparts, but you can get one for less by scoring a great deal now. Christmas deals may be over, but now, many retailers are trying to get rid old stock to make room for new products, which means you can still get a cordless vacuum for less.
And with Walmart holding it's Can't Miss Clearance sale, less means up to 75% off the retail price.
I'm not kidding. I found five highly-rated cordless vacuums at Walmart that are now so cheap, they're almost too good to be true. And they're just the perfect tools to get through that inevitable spring cleaning you have to do easier, quicker, and with less effort from you.
Up to 75% on cordless vacuums from LG, Shark and more
Shark Cordless Pro Stick:was $299.99now $159 at Walmart Save $140.99 - Praised by verified customers for its powerful suctioning on both hard and carpeted flooring, easy set up, and long battery life of up to 40 minutes, this Shark vacuum cleaner is understandably a little pricier than others. Luckily, with Walmart's clearance sale, you can get it for almost 50% off with this deal that knocks $140 off its retail price. This is probably the best choice out of the deals on this roundup, if you're not seeking a budget-basement price.View Deal
Wyze Cordless Stick Vacuum: was $199now $78 at Walmart Save $121 - Wyze is known for its fantastic yet very affordable smart home products, but did you know it makes home appliances as well. This budget-friendly cordless vacuum cleaner from its home appliances line is lauded for its light weight, great maneuverability, and a battery that's detachable. It's already affordable, but it's even cheaper now with this Walmart clearance sale that gives you $121 in savings. That's such a large discount, you're getting more of it than what you're paying for the vacuum.View Deal
LG Cord Zero A9 Cordless Stick Vacuum: was $344now $179 at Walmart
Save $165 - If you want a more premium product, this cordless vacuum from LG might be for you. It's great for carpeted flooring and homes with sensitive family members. It comes with a 5-step filtration system to filter 99. 99% of dust, a whopping 50-hour battery life, and an adjustable wand length. Users love it for its powerful and effective suctioning as well as its ease of use. At its retail price, it's pretty expensive. However, thanks to this Walmart end-of-the-year deal, it's almost 50% off, making it a must-grab now. View Deal
INSE Cordless Vacuum Cleaner: was $348.99now $87.37 at Walmart Save $261.62 - You may not be familiar with this brand, but if there's one thing I learned from this job is that even unknown brands can deliver excellent products. This one, which has more than 4,000 reviews on Walmart, is a great value according to customers, praising it for its durability, effective suctioning. good battery life, and great design. With this 75% discount from Walmart, it's a better value than ever. This is a great option if you don't have very demanding vacuuming needs.View Deal
HART 20-Volt Cordless Stick Vacuum: was $168now $86 at Walmart Save $82 - Another highly-rated cordless vacuum at Walmart, this one from Hart is a crowd-favorite, thanks to its washable filter that traps over 99.9% of dust and allergens - something that you only typically find in pricier vacuums. Customers says that it's got powerful suctioning as well, great for all types of flooring and for cleaning up pet hair. With this $82 Walmart deal, it's almost half off, making it an even better value.View Deal
Dell has added an AMD-powered server to its ranks of high-performance computing portfolio for AI workloads.
Alongside an Nvidia-powered version, customers can soon snap up a new version of the Dell PowerEdge XE9680 fitted with eight AMD Instinct MI300X accelerators. This helps businesses train and run their own in-house large language models (LLMs) – offering 1.5GB of high-bandwidth memory (HBM3) and over 21 petaFLOPS of performance.
Customers can also scale systems they deploy with the global memory interconnect (xGMI) standard, and connect AMD's GPUs over an Ethernet-based AI fabric with a Dell PowerSwitch Z9664F-ON. It follows Dell's launch of the unit fitted with Nvidia H100 GPUs earlier this year.
Dell adopts an open approach to AI infrastructure
This comes alongside a new standard called Dell Validated Design for Generative AI with AMD. It's a mouthful, but is essentially a framework for organizations wishing to run their own hardware and networking architecture to run LLMs.
Dell customers could use the solution to build generative AI platforms with various frameworks that guide the integration of the technology as well as physical installation and optimization for performance.
It also uses AMD ROCm powered AI frameworks, which is an open source package of drivers, dev toolkits and APIs compatible with AMD Instinct accelerators. They include popular frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow and OpenAI Triton – which all have native support on the PowerEdge XE9680 that's fitted with the AMD accelerators.
Dell's continued push for standards-based networking, as a member of the Ultra Ethernet Consuortium (UEC), means it's adopted a more open approach to that adopted by Nvidia.
Although an AI infrastructure industry leader, Nvidia differs from AMD in that the latter advocates for an open Ethernet for AI – in which switches from different vendors can interoperate together on the same system. Likewise, Dell wants businesses to take an open approach across the compute, fabric as well as storage components needed to power generative AI models in-house.
The new hardware and services that comprise Dell's latest AI push are set to be available during the first half of next year, the company said.
