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Articles tagged with "Software"

Microsoft is finally giving you full control over Windows 11 updates (hands on)

Microsoft is finally giving you full control over Windows 11 updates (hands on)

Microsoft has introduced significant changes to Windows 11 updates, giving users more control. Updates now include options to skip updates during setup, pause updates indefinitely, and restart without updating. These changes aim to reduce interruptions and improve the update experience. Users can now see all available updates in one place and have separate options to restart or shut down without installing updates. Microsoft is unifying different update types and plans to streamline the update process to a single monthly restart.

Windows Latest•
Anthropic's Model Context Protocol includes a critical remote code execution vulnerability — newly discovered exploit puts 200,000 AI servers at risk

Anthropic's Model Context Protocol includes a critical remote code execution vulnerability — newly discovered exploit puts 200,000 AI servers at risk

Security researchers discovered a critical remote code execution vulnerability in Anthropic's Model Context Protocol (MCP), affecting SDKs in Python, TypeScript, Java, and Rust. This flaw puts up to 200,000 AI servers at risk across a supply chain with over 150 million downloads. Despite the exposure, Anthropic has declined to patch the protocol, stating that the behavior was expected. OX Security's research team identified multiple exploitation methods and recommended protocol-level fixes to Anthropic, which were reportedly declined. The vulnerability comes shortly after Anthropic launched Claude Mythos, a model aimed at identifying security vulnerabilities in other software, prompting calls for the company to address its own infrastructure vulnerabilities.

Tom's Hardware•
Microsoft is going after every part of Windows 11’s legacy UI in major design update

Microsoft is going after every part of Windows 11’s legacy UI in major design update

Microsoft is focusing on redesigning all UI elements in Windows 11, including less-used features like the "Installing Windows 11" screen. The company aims to bring a more consistent design to Windows 11 by addressing legacy UI components and improving user experience. Microsoft is also working on migrating Control Panel settings to the Windows 11 Settings app, but faces challenges in ensuring a smooth transition without disrupting power users. These design updates signify a shift towards a more cohesive and modern design language for Windows 11.

Windows Latest•
Relive the PC magazine cover disk era with 758-strong archive.org CD-ROM collection — 1.2TB treasure trove also includes Floppy Disks from as early as 1993

Relive the PC magazine cover disk era with 758-strong archive.org CD-ROM collection — 1.2TB treasure trove also includes Floppy Disks from as early as 1993

A vast collection of PC magazine cover disks, including floppies from as early as 1993, is now available on the Internet Archive, totaling 1.2TB of content. The archive features over 1,500 PC Gamer software archives, showcasing the exclusive content once offered by printed media outlets. Additionally, other magazine cover disks like PC Format, ST Format, CU Amiga, and Computer Shopper are also part of the collection. While the Internet Archive faces challenges with some news outlets blocking access to its Wayback Machine, efforts are being made to restore access for archiving purposes.

Tom's Hardware•
3DPrint.com

trinckle’s Tool Design Software Lands in Stratasys GrabCAD Print

Trinckle's tool design software has been integrated into Stratasys' GrabCAD Print platform, allowing users to access advanced design capabilities directly within the software. This integration aims to streamline the design process for 3D printing, offering more efficient workflows and enhanced design possibilities. Trinckle's software enables users to create complex designs with ease, enhancing the overall user experience within GrabCAD Print. The collaboration between Trinckle and Stratasys is expected to bring significant benefits to users looking to optimize their 3D printing workflows.

3DPrint.com•
MIT Technology Review

Redefining the future of software engineering

Software engineering has seen significant shifts with the rise of open source and DevOps methodologies. The next shift involves the adoption of agentic AI, where AI agents can autonomously manage software projects. A survey of 300 executives shows that while many organizations see the potential in agentic AI, adoption is still limited. The main benefits expected from agentic AI include accelerated time-to-market and end-to-end lifecycle management. Challenges include integrating agents with existing applications and managing computing costs.

MIT Technology Review•
Windows 11 April 2026 Update tested: What’s new, improved and fixed

Windows 11 April 2026 Update tested: What’s new, improved and fixed

The Windows 11 April 2026 Patch Tuesday update brings accessibility improvements, display enhancements, and quality-of-life additions. Narrator now works with Copilot on all Windows 11 devices, Smart App Control can be toggled without reinstalling Windows, and Microsoft 365 Family subscribers can upgrade plans directly from Settings. The Settings app redesign continues, with improvements to Accounts dialogs and the About page. The update also includes reliability and quality improvements across Windows 11, such as File Explorer fixes and display enhancements for monitors, HDR, and USB4.

Windows Latest•
AI and Technical Debt

AI and Technical Debt

The article discusses the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and technical debt in software development. It explains technical debt as the cost incurred due to choices made during development that need to be addressed later. AI, particularly generative AI, can create vast amounts of code, potentially leading to technical debt if not properly reviewed. AI can help identify and address technical debt issues but may also introduce new challenges. The article emphasizes the importance of managing technical debt with AI tools cautiously to avoid exacerbating the problem.

ElectronicDesign•
Working With More Experienced Engineers Can Fast-Track Career Growth

Working With More Experienced Engineers Can Fast-Track Career Growth

Working closely with more experienced engineers can accelerate career growth by leveraging their feedback to enhance skills. Brian Jenney, the founder of Parsity, emphasizes the importance of hands-on training to support engineers in their professional development. By actively seeking guidance and mentorship from seasoned professionals, individuals can gain valuable insights and advance their careers more rapidly. This collaborative approach fosters a supportive environment for learning and skill improvement within the tech industry.

IEEE Spectrum•
Creality Sermoon S1 Review: Accessible 3D Scanning

Creality Sermoon S1 Review: Accessible 3D Scanning

The Creality Sermoon S1 is a high-precision 3D scanner that offers detailed scans of non-organic objects, with AI-assisted clean-up software for easy use. Priced at $2,699, it's a valuable tool for prosumers needing accurate scans for CAD or Blender work. The scanner requires a learning curve and patience to operate, but offers various scanning modes for different object sizes and details. Creality also offers the Sermoon P1 for $600 more, sacrificing portability for a slight reduction in speed and accuracy. While the S1 can scan people in NIR mode, it requires practice and a stable subject, making it more suitable for inanimate objects.

Tom's Hardware•
Microsoft is automatically updating Windows 11 24H2 to 25H2 using machine learning

Microsoft is automatically updating Windows 11 24H2 to 25H2 using machine learning

Microsoft is automatically updating Windows 11 from version 24H2 to 25H2 for Home and Pro users, excluding IT departments and organizations. Users have limited control over the timing of the update but can postpone it temporarily. The forced update is aimed at streamlining future updates and focusing resources on the newer version, as version 24H2 will reach end-of-life in 2026. While Microsoft claims this is a "machine learning-based intelligent rollout," details on this process are not provided, raising concerns about user autonomy and privacy. Microsoft's efforts to improve Windows 11 include plans for enhancements in Windows search, with more improvements expected in the future.

TweakTown•
Microsoft issues emergency update for Windows 11 — fixes broken March preview update rollout from last week

Microsoft issues emergency update for Windows 11 — fixes broken March preview update rollout from last week

Microsoft issued an emergency update, KB5086672, for Windows 11 to fix issues caused by a faulty March preview update, KB5079391, which failed to install for many users. The new update supersedes all previous updates and includes enhancements like improved Narrator capabilities, Copilot integration, and a refreshed design for account-related dialog boxes. It also brings improvements to File Explorer, display-related updates, and support for monitors with high refresh rates. Microsoft has faced criticism for problematic updates in the past, including issues with Nvidia GPUs earlier this year, leading to promises of improvements to the Windows 11 OS.

Tom's Hardware•
SemiEngineering

All Software Is Hardware-Dependent

The article emphasizes that all software is dependent on hardware, debunking the idea of software being independent from hardware. The author shares personal experiences highlighting the importance of writing portable code and considering hardware aspects like data alignment and memory subsystems for optimal performance. Lessons learned from software development teams and the impact on bugs and performance are discussed. The article stresses the need for software to be more aware of the hardware it runs on, especially in terms of memory utilization and power consumption.

SemiEngineering•
Microsoft confirms Windows 11 dark mode upgrade, with plans for third-party apps and Registry Editor

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 dark mode upgrade, with plans for third-party apps and Registry Editor

Microsoft is working on a dark mode upgrade for Windows 11, including plans to extend it to third-party apps and the Registry Editor. The company aims to enhance consistency and coverage of dark mode across various system panels and dialogs. While Microsoft can implement dark mode in system-level dialogs, third-party apps may still appear in light mode. The improvements are expected to roll out later this year, building on previous dark mode enhancements in Windows 11.

Windows Latest•
Microsoft pulls Windows 11 KB5079391 preview after it causes install error loop on 25H2 and 24H2

Microsoft pulls Windows 11 KB5079391 preview after it causes install error loop on 25H2 and 24H2

Microsoft has pulled the Windows 11 KB5079391 preview update due to installation errors causing an error loop on 25H2 and 24H2 PCs. The company is investigating the root cause and the update may not roll out again until the issue is resolved. Users encountering error 0x80073712 during installation are affected by missing assembly files required by the update. Microsoft aims to make Windows updates less frustrating in 2026 with improvements like a faster Start menu and File Explorer, a movable taskbar, and enhanced update controls allowing users to pause updates for longer periods.

Windows Latest•
Microsoft is putting together the team that could finally fix Windows 11

Microsoft is putting together the team that could finally fix Windows 11

Microsoft is assembling a team to address the various issues plaguing Windows 11, including performance inconsistencies, high memory usage, and intrusive AI features. Windows chief Pavan Davuluri outlined plans to enhance Windows 11 quality based on user feedback. The team is actively engaging with users, responding to criticism, and addressing concerns in real-time. Efforts are being made to improve Windows 11's user experience, update processes, and system behavior, with promises of fewer upsells and more reliability. The Insider program is being revamped to better incorporate user feedback, signaling a genuine effort from Microsoft to fix Windows 11.

Windows Latest•
Microsoft says it’ll make Windows 11 a calmer OS with fewer upsells or ads, as it tries to win back users

Microsoft says it’ll make Windows 11 a calmer OS with fewer upsells or ads, as it tries to win back users

Microsoft is making efforts to create a more user-friendly experience with Windows 11 by reducing upsells and ads in the operating system. A recent update focuses on improving performance and quality of life by making File Explorer faster, moving the Start menu to WinUI 3, and allowing users to pause Windows updates. The company is also testing a movable taskbar to address Windows 11's reputation issues caused by bugs and excessive promotion of Microsoft services like Copilot. Microsoft aims to regain user trust by scaling back ads and creating a calmer OS environment.

Windows Latest•
Flash sale at Autodesk slashes up to 20% off the company's most popular products — just two days left to save

Flash sale at Autodesk slashes up to 20% off the company's most popular products — just two days left to save

Autodesk is offering a rare flash sale with up to 20% off its popular products like AutoCAD, Revit LT Suite, 3ds Max, and Maya, but it's only valid for first-time subscribers. The sale ends on March 20, with significant discounts on industry-standard software like Maya and 3ds Max. AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT subscriptions also come with up to $419 in savings. This limited-time offer presents a great opportunity for professionals in 3D modeling, animation, and simulation fields to invest in top-notch software at reduced prices.

Tom's Hardware•
‘Most of you steal your software’ — Bill Gates complained about software piracy 50 years ago, and was openly irked by community's Altair BASIC ‘theft’

‘Most of you steal your software’ — Bill Gates complained about software piracy 50 years ago, and was openly irked by community's Altair BASIC ‘theft’

Bill Gates expressed frustration 50 years ago over software piracy in the hobbyist community, particularly with Altair BASIC being widely copied and redistributed without payment. Despite the success of the Altair 8800 in kickstarting the PC revolution, Gates highlighted the issue of stolen software affecting developers' ability to create quality programs. He criticized hobbyists for not valuing software as much as hardware, emphasizing the need for fair compensation to drive innovation. Gates' open letter urged the community to support developers financially to enable the creation of more sophisticated software for enthusiasts.

Tom's Hardware•
Beijing blocks Chinese entities from using U.S. and Israeli cybersecurity software — VMWare and Fortinet among the affected vendors

Beijing blocks Chinese entities from using U.S. and Israeli cybersecurity software — VMWare and Fortinet among the affected vendors

Beijing has issued a directive blocking Chinese entities from using U.S. and Israeli cybersecurity software, including vendors like VMWare, Fortinet, and Palo Alto Networks. The move is driven by concerns that these technologies could compromise Chinese data security. The ban is part of China's larger Xinchuang initiative, aiming to replace foreign software with national alternatives by 2027. This decision aligns with China's efforts to reduce reliance on foreign technology, particularly in critical areas like chip-making.

Tom's Hardware•
Laser cutting and engraving from a software perspective — master your hardware and optimize your creative output with some software know-how

Laser cutting and engraving from a software perspective — master your hardware and optimize your creative output with some software know-how

The article emphasizes the importance of software in laser cutting and engraving, highlighting various laser control software options and traditional 2D imaging software for creating artwork. It discusses the role of vector and bitmap tools in designing for laser cutting and engraving, as well as the use of software like LightBurn for optimizing creative output. The piece also touches on the evolving landscape of bundled software from laser hardware brands and the significance of preparing artwork effectively for laser projects. Additionally, it delves into the differences between vector and bitmap graphics in laser engraving and cutting, offering insights into software tools for different design needs.

Tom's Hardware•
3DPrint.com

3D Printing Predictions for 2026: Scaling AM Through Software

The article discusses predictions for 3D printing in 2026, focusing on scaling additive manufacturing (AM) through software advancements. It emphasizes the role of software in enabling the growth and efficiency of 3D printing technologies. The article likely delves into how software innovations will drive the expansion and accessibility of 3D printing in various industries.

3DPrint.com•
id Software released its first game 35 years ago today, John Carmack’s breakthrough side-scroller engine — Commander Keen title brought smooth scrolling to PCs

id Software released its first game 35 years ago today, John Carmack’s breakthrough side-scroller engine — Commander Keen title brought smooth scrolling to PCs

id Software released its first game, Commander Keen in Invasion of the Vorticons, 35 years ago, showcasing John Carmack's groundbreaking smooth scrolling engine on PCs. The success of this game led to the establishment of id Software, known for iconic titles like Wolfenstein 3D and Doom. Commander Keen's release via the Apogee shareware model was a financial hit, boosting monthly sales significantly. This success gave Carmack and his team the confidence to form id Software, leading to the creation of influential 3D FPS games like Wolfenstein 3D and Doom, shaping the future of PC gaming.

Tom's Hardware•
Why We Keep Making the Same Software Mistakes

Why We Keep Making the Same Software Mistakes

Risk analyst Robert N. Charette discusses the recurring nature of software mistakes in a recent article. He highlights examples like the Phoenix Paycheck System and medical device failures to illustrate the persistence of these issues. Charette emphasizes the need for a shift in how software projects are approached to break this cycle of repeated errors. The article delves into the reasons behind these mistakes and suggests strategies for improvement in software development practices.

IEEE Spectrum•
Data corruption hobbles Airbus fleet, firm orders immediate software fix for 6,000 planes due to data corruption from intense sun radiation

Data corruption hobbles Airbus fleet, firm orders immediate software fix for 6,000 planes due to data corruption from intense sun radiation

Airbus has issued a software fix for 6,000 A320-family planes due to data corruption likely caused by intense solar radiation, following an October incident involving a JetBlue A321. Airlines are instructed to revert affected aircraft to an earlier software load to mitigate the issue. Most planes can be updated quickly, but a subset may require a hardware component swap, leading to some schedule disruptions. The incident highlights the need for manufacturers to maintain the ability to roll back fleets to a known-good configuration. Airbus is working with operators to address the problem while prioritizing safety.

Tom's Hardware•
3DPrint.com

Materialise Launches New CO-AM Tools Amid New Industrial Phase in AM Software

Materialise has introduced new tools for collaboration in additive manufacturing (AM) software, catering to the evolving industrial phase. The company aims to streamline the process of creating parts through its new Cloud-based collaboration tools. These tools allow users to work together on projects and share data more efficiently. Materialise's CO-AM tools are designed to enhance communication and productivity in the AM industry.

3DPrint.com•
Microsoft to appeal ruling in favor of reselling perpetual Windows licenses — UK Competition Court says fineprint holds no ground as judges throw out company's 'creative work' argument

Microsoft to appeal ruling in favor of reselling perpetual Windows licenses — UK Competition Court says fineprint holds no ground as judges throw out company's 'creative work' argument

Microsoft plans to appeal a UK court ruling that allows the resale of perpetual licenses for products like Windows and Office. The court dismissed Microsoft's argument that reselling these licenses infringed its copyright, stating that there is no creative work to protect. ValueLicensing, the reseller that sued Microsoft, stands to gain significant damages if Microsoft loses the suit. This ruling could make acquiring Windows 11 more accessible and sets a precedent for license resale in the UK.

Tom's Hardware•
Linux software management made simple with Discover

Linux software management made simple with Discover

Discover is a user-friendly software management tool for Linux that simplifies the process of installing and updating applications. It categorizes software for easy browsing and searching, making it ideal for beginners and casual users. The installation process involves using the terminal to install Plasma Discover, which may take a few minutes due to its size. Once installed, users can easily navigate through different software categories, install applications, and update existing ones with just a few clicks. While Discover may not replace the power of the terminal for advanced users, it serves as a friendly introduction to Linux software management.

Tom's Hardware•
MIT Technology Review

From vibe coding to context engineering: 2025 in software development

The article discusses the shift in software development towards context engineering from vibe coding in 2025. It highlights the importance of managing context effectively when working with AI systems and the emergence of techniques and tools to address this challenge. The article also mentions the proliferation of antipatterns in vibe coding and the need for providing necessary context to coding assistants for more consistent and reliable outputs. Additionally, it touches on the significance of context in the era of agentic systems and the development of standards like the Model Context Protocol. The piece emphasizes the critical role of software engineers in solving the context challenge and adapting to the evolving landscape of AI in software development.

MIT Technology Review•
Hacker News

AI can code, but it can't build software

The article discusses the limitations of AI in software development, highlighting that while AI can assist in coding, it falls short in building complete software applications. The author emphasizes that software engineering involves more than just coding and requires human expertise to navigate complexity, integration, and maintainability. The distinction is made between coding and software engineering, with the latter involving turning a demo into a fully functional product. The author suggests that AI's inability to build software may stem from the intricate nature of software engineering tasks that go beyond simple coding.

Hacker News•
Rio Terminal: A hardware-accelerated GPU terminal emulator

Rio Terminal: A hardware-accelerated GPU terminal emulator

Rio Terminal is a modern terminal emulator leveraging Rust and advanced rendering architectures for fast performance. It supports 24-bit true color, image display within the terminal, font ligatures, splits, and RetroArch shaders. The cross-platform app runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and FreeBSD. Users praise its speed, features, and aesthetics, making it a popular choice among engineers and developers.

Hacker News•
RTOS: Zephyr Project

RTOS: Zephyr Project

The article discusses the Zephyr Project, an open-source operating system designed for IoT applications. Zephyr OS is compact, multi-threaded, and ideal for resource-constrained environments like wearables and industrial applications. It offers flexibility with support for multiple scheduling strategies and networking features like Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0. Zephyr OS is significant for providing a common platform for IoT applications, similar to Linux but tailored for microcontrollers. The article also highlights resources, versions, features, and applications of the Zephyr OS.

ElectronicDesign•
Hacker News

The Wind, a Pole, and the Dragon

The article discusses a perplexing tech support request involving machine translation issues in a Japanese message about runtime errors. The author attempts to decipher the message, speculating on translations of terms like "vomit," "lumber," and "goat-time." Various interpretations are explored, including the possibility of intentional humor or mistranslations. The article prompts discussions on the meanings of phrases like "the wind, a pole, and the dragon," with suggestions ranging from software configurations to military jargon. Ultimately, the true meaning remains elusive, leading to diverse speculations and interpretations among readers.

Hacker News•
3DPrint.com

Australian Startup H3D Raises $5.8M to Speed Up Custom Dental and Hearing Devices

Australian startup H3D has secured $5.8 million in Series A funding to enhance its AI design software for custom dental and hearing devices. Initially focused on hearing aids, H3D's technology, originating from Swinburne University of Technology research, automates the design process for custom-fit devices. The company aims to apply this automation to dental labs, streamlining design work and increasing efficiency. H3D's success in the hearing market has led to an expansion into dental applications, with plans to scale custom-fit products using AI technology. The funding will support the global expansion of H3D's AI CAD platform and the development of tools like a smartphone scanning app for custom-fit devices.

3DPrint.com•
How Badly Is AI Cutting Early-Career Employment?

How Badly Is AI Cutting Early-Career Employment?

The article discusses the impact of AI on early-career employment, particularly affecting U.S. software engineers. Gwendolyn Rak, an assistant editor at IEEE Spectrum, covers how AI is influencing the job market for software engineering roles. The article highlights concerns about the decreasing opportunities for early-career professionals due to AI's influence on the workforce.

IEEE Spectrum•
Hacker News

Zutty: Zero-cost Unicode Teletype, high-end terminal for low-end systems

Zutty is a zero-cost Unicode teletype terminal designed for low-end systems. It offers high-end features and is available for free. The terminal has seen recent updates and bug fixes, with the latest change made by Tom Szilagyi to fix a signedness bug. Zutty has a user guide, FAQ section, and a detailed README for users to reference. The project has a history of regular updates and improvements, making it a valuable tool for users with limited resources.

Hacker News•
Prusa’s mobile slicer now works with competitors' 3D printers — new EasyPrint tool works with Bambu, Creality, and more

Prusa’s mobile slicer now works with competitors' 3D printers — new EasyPrint tool works with Bambu, Creality, and more

Prusa Research has updated its EasyPrint slicing tool to support competitors' 3D printers, expanding beyond its own brand. The tool now works with 22 consumer-grade 3D printer brands like Creality and Bambu, allowing users to slice models from Printables.com or the Prusa mobile app and send print files over a local network. This move distinguishes EasyPrint from other ecosystems like Creality Cloud and Bambu Handy, which have limitations on printer compatibility. Josef Prusa aims to make 3D printing more accessible by offering a simplified online version of PrusaSlicer that can be used on various devices.

Tom's Hardware•
Hacker News

Be Careful with Go Struct Embedding

Go's struct embedding feature allows for composing types, but it can lead to ambiguity in fields. In an example with struct embedding, the code unexpectedly prints the URL from the least nested version of the field, even though it seems ambiguous. This issue was caught during testing, emphasizing the importance of caution when using struct embedding in Go.

Hacker News•
Microsoft’s pivotal Windows NT 3.5 release made it a serious contender, 31 years ago today

Microsoft’s pivotal Windows NT 3.5 release made it a serious contender, 31 years ago today

Microsoft's Windows NT 3.5 release, 31 years ago, marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Windows operating system, shifting focus to enterprise needs with features like preemptive multitasking and protected memory. The release, codenamed "Daytona," significantly improved performance and networking capabilities, positioning Windows NT as a serious competitor in the market. The operating system's portability across different processor architectures showcased its forward-thinking design. Windows NT 3.5 laid the foundation for future iterations like Windows 2000 and Windows XP, solidifying the NT codebase as the future of Microsoft's operating systems.

Tom's Hardware•
Notorious software bug was killing people 40 years ago — at least three people died after radiation doses that were 100x too strong from the buggy Therac-25 radiation therapy machine

Notorious software bug was killing people 40 years ago — at least three people died after radiation doses that were 100x too strong from the buggy Therac-25 radiation therapy machine

The Therac-25 radiation therapy machine, plagued by a software bug in 1985, delivered fatal radiation doses to at least three patients due to a race condition issue. The bug allowed operators to mistakenly choose the wrong treatment mode, resulting in overdoses. The machine's software-only controls lacked hardware interlocks found in earlier models, contributing to the accidents. The incidents led to calls for improved testing and documentation in medical software development, making Therac-25 a cautionary tale in computer science education.

Tom's Hardware•
These are the top free Windows tools that I use on a daily basis to boost my productivity

These are the top free Windows tools that I use on a daily basis to boost my productivity

The article highlights top free Windows tools for productivity, including ScreenToGIF for creating animated GIFs and videos, GIMP for image editing, Inkscape as an alternative to Adobe Illustrator, Notepad++ for coding projects, Rufus for creating bootable USB drives, VLC for media playback and screengrabs, and Handbrake for transcoding audio/video media. The tools offer various features like editing, batch processing, and format compatibility, making them essential for content creation and tech tasks. The article emphasizes the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of these tools for daily use on Windows machines.

Tom's Hardware•
Latest FSR 4 source code 'leak' lets you run AMD's AI upscaling tech on nearly any GPU — no Linux required

Latest FSR 4 source code 'leak' lets you run AMD's AI upscaling tech on nearly any GPU — no Linux required

AMD's latest FidelityFX, FSR 4, offers improved upscaling but is officially limited to specific GPUs. However, leaked source code allows FSR 4 to run on nearly any modern GPU in various games. A Reddit user compiled the code into a usable form, enabling FSR 4 through OptiScaler, providing enhanced visuals but with a slight FPS drop. While FSR 4's image quality surpasses FSR 3 and Intel's XeSS, it still falls short of NVIDIA's DLSS 4. Despite some limitations, this unofficial method offers a viable upscaling option for non-DLSS users.

Tom's Hardware•
Gearbox CEO channels inner Claptrap, offers himself up as personal tech support over rampant Borderlands 4 PC performance issues — 'Would you like help tuning with your personal specification?'

Gearbox CEO channels inner Claptrap, offers himself up as personal tech support over rampant Borderlands 4 PC performance issues — 'Would you like help tuning with your personal specification?'

Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford is offering personal tech support to Borderlands 4 players facing PC performance issues, attributing problems to high hardware demands. Despite backlash, he suggests adjusting settings like resolution and frame generation to improve performance. While some users find his support helpful, others criticize his approach. Gearbox has released performance patches and continues to work on optimization, but Pitchford's messaging has been met with mixed reactions, reminiscent of the series' quirky character Claptrap.

Tom's Hardware•
Microsoft will force install the Copilot AI app for users with desktop versions of 365 apps like Word and Excel — coming October, with no way to opt out for personal users

Microsoft will force install the Copilot AI app for users with desktop versions of 365 apps like Word and Excel — coming October, with no way to opt out for personal users

Microsoft will automatically install the Copilot AI app for users with desktop versions of Microsoft 365 suite apps like Word and Excel starting in October, with no opt-out option for personal users. System administrators can opt out by disabling the feature in the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center. This move is part of Microsoft's strategy to promote its Copilot AI app, which has been integrated into various products like Microsoft Edge. The company aims to increase AI adoption rates and generate revenue from AI services. Users who do not wish to use Copilot may find this forced installation to be an unwanted addition to their systems.

Tom's Hardware•
HW-SW Co-Designed System With 3 Core Optimization Pathways For Long-Context Agentic LLM Inference (Cambridge, ICL)

HW-SW Co-Designed System With 3 Core Optimization Pathways For Long-Context Agentic LLM Inference (Cambridge, ICL)

Researchers from University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and University of Edinburgh have published a technical paper on optimizing long-context agentic LLM inference tasks. They introduce PLENA, a hardware-software co-designed system with three core optimization pathways to address challenges related to memory walls. PLENA includes efficient hardware implementation, a novel flattened systolic array architecture, and support for FlashAttention to handle memory walls in long-context LLM scenarios. Simulated results show PLENA achieves significantly higher utilization and throughput compared to existing accelerators like the A100 GPU and TPU v6e. The full PLENA system will be open-sourced.

SemiEngineering•
3DPrint.com

Divergent Raises $290 Million: Beyond the Numbers

Divergent Technologies has secured $290 million in a Series E funding round, resulting in a $2.3 billion valuation. The investment, led by Rochefort Asset Management, includes $250 million in equity and $40 million in debt capital. The company aims to scale its Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) for aerospace and defense, expand its team, and enhance America's industrial base. Despite revenue growth and collaborations with major companies, questions remain about the unique technology driving Divergent's production system and the value it brings to customers. The company's approach involves software-defined manufacturing and robotic assembly but lacks clarity on its competitive edge and economic advantages.

3DPrint.com•
Amazon says bug caused select Echo Show devices to use tons of data — widgets caching large images caused gigabytes of internet usage

Amazon says bug caused select Echo Show devices to use tons of data — widgets caching large images caused gigabytes of internet usage

A bug in select Amazon Echo Show devices caused excessive data usage due to widgets caching large images, but Amazon has fixed the issue. Former Microsoft engineer Dave W. Plummer reported his Echo Show used over 4 GB of data in a day, sparking concerns of spying, which Amazon denied. The bug was traced to an app downloading unnecessarily large photos, impacting data usage. Smart devices like Echo Show are designed to download images for screensavers or backgrounds, but they don't require high-resolution photos. Users can ensure privacy by using the physical mute switch on these devices.

Tom's Hardware•
35 percent of VMware workloads expected to migrate elsewhere by 2028

35 percent of VMware workloads expected to migrate elsewhere by 2028

Gartner research VP Julia Palmer predicts that VMware will see a significant loss of business over the next three years, with 35% of VMware workloads expected to migrate elsewhere by 2028. This shift is attributed to changes made by Broadcom after acquiring VMware, such as higher costs due to a move from perpetual licenses to subscriptions and a reduction in channel partners. The new VMware business model favors large organizations, leading many smaller businesses to seek alternative solutions. Customers using VMware through hyperscalers like AWS are particularly affected, as Broadcom's changes prevent hyperscalers from reselling VMware subscriptions to their customers, pushing them towards the public cloud.

Ars Technica•
Windows 11 25H2 ISOs released after delays — upgrade switches on some features, now available for insiders

Windows 11 25H2 ISOs released after delays — upgrade switches on some features, now available for insiders

Microsoft has released ISO install media for Windows 11 version 25H2, allowing testers to perform clean installs ahead of the update's general availability. The update, build 26200.5074, is an "enablement package" that installs over the existing 24H2 base, providing a smaller and faster update process. The ISO release gives users more control over the upgrade process, offering options for in-place upgrades or full reinstalls. While 25H2 doesn't introduce major changes to Windows 11, it includes significant updates under the hood, such as the ability for admins to uninstall certain Microsoft Store apps on managed Enterprise and Education devices. The official launch date for 25H2 is not yet provided, but general availability is expected in October.

Tom's Hardware•
SAP warns of high-severity vulnerabilities in multiple products

SAP warns of high-severity vulnerabilities in multiple products

SAP has issued a warning about high-severity vulnerabilities in multiple products, including a critical flaw rated 10 out of 10 in its NetWeaver platform. This vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-42944, allows unauthenticated attackers to execute commands via malicious payloads on an open port. The maximum-severity threat is related to a deserialization vulnerability, a process that translates and reconstructs data structures. With hackers already exploiting vulnerabilities in SAP's ERP software, users are urged to take immediate action to secure their systems.

Ars Technica•

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