Funky Mouse

More exciting news from Microsoft. The AI-powered Designer app, which is like Canva, is now available to everyone on iOS and Android. This app is fantastic for easily creating visuals, even if you’re not a design pro.

Designer lets you generate images and designs with simple text prompts. Just type in what you need, and the app does the rest. It’s available in more than 80 languages on the web and as a free mobile app and Windows app.

As a business you can share templates with your team. It also offers powerful editing tools. Upload a photo and transform it with different styles, or use the upcoming “replace background” feature.

Integration with Microsoft tools is another big plus. The Designer app is coming to Word and PowerPoint through Copilot, allowing you to create visuals directly within your documents. Soon, you’ll even be able to create banners for your documents based on their content.

Plus, Microsoft Photos on Windows 11 is getting a deeper integration with Designer. You can edit photos, erase objects, remove backgrounds, and auto-crop images right within the Photos app.

Have you tried it yet?

Microsoft's AI-powered, Canva-like Designer app lands on iOS and Android | TechCrunch Microsoft's AI-powered Designer app is officially available to all users on iOS and Android, the company announced on Wednesday.

Can you believe it’s been 26 years since the original iMac G3 hit the market, on this day in 1998? This game-changing computer, with its vibrant 'Bondi Blue' design, broke away from the boring beige boxes that dominated the tech world.

Apple's $100 million ad campaign featuring Jeff Goldblum highlighted the iMac's ease of use and internet connectivity. Goldblum asked if other computer companies had been in 'thinking jail' making only beige products. The iMac was all about simplicity and innovation.

But it wasn't just about looks. The iMac was the first successful computer to drop old-school tech like legacy ports and floppy drives, embracing USB ports and setting a new standard for connectivity.

Do you remember the fun promotions? There were midnight launches, radio giveaways, and even 'golden tickets' hidden in some iMacs for a tour of an Apple factory.

Happy anniversary iMac. You not only made tech fun and accessible but also paved the way for the modern, sleek designs we love today.

Did you own one of these?

The Original iMac Goes on Sale - This Day in Tech History August 15, 1998 After three months of anticipation, the original iMac G3 goes on sale. The “Bondi Blue” iMac became well-known for its colorful case, which bucked the industry norm beige. However, it is also known for being the first commercially successful computer to eliminate the use of legac...

Last month’s Windows 10 update (KB5040427) brought essential security fixes, but some people are experiencing serious issues like blue screens and reboot loops. This problem seems to happen when BitLocker encryption is enabled.

If you’re affected, entering your BitLocker recovery key should get your system back on track. You can find this key by logging into the BitLocker recovery screen portal with your Microsoft account.

Additionally, another update (KB5040525) is causing memory issues and application crashes. Since this update is optional, I’d recommend not installing it manually for now.

While these issues are being investigated by Microsoft, it might be a good time to consider upgrading to Windows 11. Windows 11 offers enhanced security features, better performance, and a more modern interface.

Have you experienced this issue with your business’s Windows 10 machines?

July Windows 10 update causes blue screen reboot loops, here's the fix The important security update KB5040427 is crashing Windows 10 computers.

I’ve heard that a new threat has emerged on the dark web. It’s called the Darkgate Autoit Converter Crypter. This sophisticated malicious software (malware) is designed to bypass Windows Defender and most antivirus software.

The malware changes its code with each build, making it incredibly difficult for traditional antivirus to detect. It’s also designed to avoid detection in analysis environments, allowing cyber criminals to carry out their attacks without interference.

Why should you care?

The high price of this malware ($2,000/£1550 for a month, $6,000/£4650 for six months) reflects its advanced capabilities and the potential damage it can cause to your business.

So, how can you stay protected?

Keep your software and systems up to date, regularly back up your data, and invest in advanced cyber security that offers real-time protection and threat detection. Educate your team about phishing scams and suspicious emails, as these are common entry points for malware.

Remember, my team and I are always on hand to help with this. Get in touch.

Darkgate Autoit Converter Bypasses Windows Defender & Most Antiviruses A new tool known as the Darkgate Autoit Converter Crypter has emerged on the dark web, posing a significant threat to computer systems worldwide.

Want to make your workday easier? The ‘Draft with Copilot’ feature in the Edge browser just got an upgrade that could help. It’s an AI assistant at your fingertips, ready to help you compose text on any topic instantly.

When you right-click on an empty text field in Edge, you can now choose ‘Draft with Copilot.’ This opens a window where you simply enter your desired topic, click ‘Generate,’ and watch Copilot do the heavy lifting.

It's perfect for quickly drafting emails, reports, or any text you need on the fly. Plus, you can easily change the tone and length to suit your needs.

Currently, this feature supports US English, but Microsoft plans to expand to more languages soon. While it's a fantastic tool for generating text quickly, remember to review and personalise the content to make sure it grabs your readers' attention.

Copilot’s integration into Edge is just one example of how AI can streamline your daily tasks. Have you tried it yet?

Microsoft Edge browser could get a nifty upgrade for Copilot that’ll help you compose text on a topic instantly ‘Draft with Copilot’ feature has been upgraded to work with empty text fields in the browser, at least in testing

Hacking is a real threat to your business. If you don’t prioritise your cyber security, you risk losing data, facing ID theft, and more. But how can you tell if you’ve been hacked?

First, watch out for pop-up messages and antivirus warnings. These can often be malware pretending to be helpful alerts. If you see one, don’t click.

Another sign is if friends or colleagues tell you they’ve received spam from your email. This means a hacker might be using your account to spread malware.

New and unexpected software on your computer is also a red flag. This could be malicious software installed by hackers. Similarly, if you get notifications about account changes you didn’t request, check things are secure.

Slow performance and frequent crashes can indicate that malware is running on your computer, using up resources. Changes to your web browser, like a new homepage or unexpected toolbars, are another sign of trouble. Lastly, if your we**am activates on its own, someone might be spying on you.

How can you protect your computer?

First, keep your operating system up to date. Let your device install updates automatically.

Running security software is crucial too.

Always use strong, unique passwords for each account to prevent one breach from leading to others. Implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) where you get a login code on another device, adds an extra layer of security.

Finally, avoid using public or unsecured WiFi. These networks are easy targets for hackers. If you must use them, avoid logging into sensitive accounts.

My team and I help businesses round here stay secure. We do all the work so they don’t have to. Can we keep your business secure?

7 signs your computer has been hacked, and 5 ways to prevent it Here are several of the most common signs that your computer has been hacked, as well as tips on preventing your computer from getting hacked.

A fascinating piece of tech history happened on this day back in 1991. Astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis sent the first ever email from space using an Apple Macintosh Portable computer.

When you think about all the technological marvels that made this possible, it’s really mind-blowing.

Astronauts Shannon Lucid and James C. Adamson used the AppleLink online service to send this historic message:

'Hello Earth! Greetings from the STS-43 Crew. This is the first AppleLink from space. Having a GREAT time, wish you were here,…send cryo and RCS! Hasta la vista, baby,…we’ll be back!'

I love this. What piece of tech history or innovation has inspired you in business?

The First E-mail From Space - This Day in Tech History August 9, 1991 Astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis, mission STS-43, use an Apple Macintosh Portable computer to send what is considered the first e-mail from space. Using the AppleLink online service, Atlantis astronauts Shannon Lucid and James C. Adamson sent the following message: Hello E...

Recently, an auction began featuring one of the rarest pieces of console gaming history: A Gold Nintendo World Championships game cartridge from 1990. It was produced as an exclusive prize for Nintendo Power magazine readers, and only 26 were ever made.

The auction for this ultra-rare item opened back in July, and there’s a big buzz. Back in 2014, one of these cartridges sold for more than $100,000 (around £76,800) on eBay.

The bidding for this piece is set to end on the 17th August.

For those unfamiliar, these game cartridges were part of the 1990 Nintendo World Challenge, an event that toured 29 US cities to find America's top gamers. Competitors played timed versions of Super Mario Bros, Tetris, and Rad Racer on these special game cartridges. The gold versions, presented to contest winners, have become legendary among collectors.

What's interesting from a business perspective is the investment potential of such rare items. In recent years, we've seen a surge in the value of vintage gaming cartridges. A sealed copy of Super Mario Bros sold for $660,000 (£511,600) in 2021, and a rare original run of Legend of Zelda fetched $870,000 (£674,400). The rarity and nostalgia associated with these items make them highly sought after, not just by gamers but by investors looking to diversify their portfolios with unique assets.

Whether you're a gaming enthusiast or not, this is a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected items can turn into valuable assets. Tell me, what would your top bid be?

Ultra-rare NES Gold Nintendo World Championships cartridge auction sits at $77,000 — one of only 26 ever made 26 produced, only 13 believed to still be in existence

I’ve got another winner from Microsoft to tell you about… Microsoft Edge will help extend your device's battery life. How? With the new integration of Windows 11's built-in Energy Saver mode.

Here’s what it means for you and your team.

Microsoft Edge already offers an “Efficiency mode” that helps reduce the need to constantly charge laptops and tablets. Now, with the integration of Energy Saver, Edge will automatically switch to power-saving mode when your device’s battery drops below 20%. This means less worry about finding power and more focus on getting work done.

The new feature will help limit visual effects and animations, which are notorious for draining battery life. If Energy Saver is available but not yet active on your PC, Edge will prompt you to turn it on, making sure you get the most out of your battery.

For devices with limited resources, Microsoft is also testing a RAM usage control feature in Edge. This allows you to set a specific amount of memory for Edge to use, which is great for maintaining performance on older or less powerful devices.

With these updates, you and your team can enjoy longer battery life, smoother performance, and less stress about running out of power.

Will you try this out straight away?

Microsoft Edge could use Windows 11's built-in Energy Saver to increase battery life Microsoft Edge could use Energy Saver to increase battery life while browsing. The browser plans to integrate it with the Efficiency mode.

Have you heard about the Planner app in Teams? It’s a fantastic tool for organising tasks and keeping your team on track. And it’s about to get even better with new Copilot features.

Copilot is your virtual assistant, powered by generative AI. It will also be more reliable in providing updates about your project’s progress, due dates, and who’s assigned to what.

In addition, managing tasks will become much smoother. Adding subtasks and linking tasks to specific goals and buckets will become easy, breaking down large projects into more manageable pieces.

If you’re not sure what to ask Copilot, new suggested prompts can guide you, highlighting what questions you can ask. Soon you’ll be able to create a whole new plan just by typing in a single text prompt. Imagine setting up goals, buckets, and a detailed work breakdown all at once. This will save so much time, right?

If you’re already using Microsoft Teams but don’t have a Project Plan license, you can start a 30-day free trial and test out Copilot in Planner. It’s easy. Just open the Planner app in Teams, click on the diamond icon in the app, and follow the prompts to start your free trial.

Have you tried Planner yet? What do you think?

Microsoft adds more features to Copilot in Planner preview release for Teams Microsoft has revealed that the preview version of Copilot for its Planner app in Teams is now available for all Project Plan users. It's also added some new features based on early user feedback.

There's a cyber threat you might not have heard of - Account Takeover (ATO) attacks.

It's when cyber criminals gain unauthorised access to your online accounts. This can expose sensitive data, enable financial theft, and allow further attacks. And it’s happening more than you might think – ATO attempts skyrocketed by 427% last year.

Cyber criminals use sophisticated techniques to steal your login details, often using generative AI. This AI can create incredibly realistic phishing emails that appear to be from someone you trust, tricking even the savviest people into giving up their details. It's what’s making the attacks so dangerous.

Imagine a cyber criminal gains access to the email of a senior person in your business. They can send fraudulent messages to employees, partners, or clients. And it’s not just a hypothetical scenario – 75% of businesses reported at least one ATO attack last year, and more than a third faced more than five incidents.

So, how do you protect your business? Here’s my advice.

Encourage employees to use complex passwords generated randomly and stored in a password manager.

Use Multi Factor Authentication where you get a login code on another device. It’s not foolproof but it adds an extra layer of security.

Invest in advanced security tools that can detect unusual activities and potential threats.

Give your team regular training on recognising and avoiding cyber threats.

Remember, being proactive is always your best defence. If my team can be proactive for you, get in touch.

Mitigating the growing threats of account takeover attacks in 2024 How to understand why ATO attacks are top cyber threats

Today we celebrate a major milestone in tech history – the anniversary of IBM's first desktop computer, the System/23 Datamaster, introduced on 28th July 1981.

It was designed for small businesses, doubling as a word processor and data processor. The best part? It could be set up by employees without needing a tech specialist. Imagine how revolutionary that was back then.

Though it’s now a historical footnote, the Datamaster played a crucial role in shaping the future of computing. The brilliant minds behind it were quickly reassigned to the top-secret IBM PC project. Their experience with the Datamaster, especially the Intel 8085 processor, directly influenced the development of the iconic IBM PC and its choice of the Intel 8088 processor.

Raise a glass to the IBM System/23 Datamaster and the incredible advancements it paved the way for.

IBM's First Desktop Computer - This Day in Tech History July 28, 1981 IBM introduces their System/23 Datamaster desktop computer, only two weeks before they introduce their IBM PC. Geared towards small business for use as a word processor and data processor, the computer was designed to be set up by end-users without the need of a computer specialist. Wh...

Do you have a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy?

With more employees using their personal devices for work, you need to understand the risks and how to keep your business safe.

Lots of companies have reduced the number of in-office PCs, letting employees bring their own laptops or devices. While that could be good for budget, there are some things you need to consider - most importantly, the right security to protect business and customer data.

Criminals target employees through emails, calls, and voice messages in order to steal sensitive information. Whether personal devices are used in the office or remotely, they must have robust, ongoing security measures to keep your data safe.

Personal devices often lack the same protection as corporate ones. It’s important to make sure that all personal devices have security features installed and that they’re regularly updated.

Access control is another concern. Personal devices are more susceptible to unauthorised access by family (children!) or friends. Implement strict access controls and make sure devices are used exclusively for work when accessing company data.

Mixing personal and work data can lead to privacy issues and compliance breaches. Make your employees aware of these risks and provide guidelines on separating personal and work data.

While BYOD can seem cost-effective upfront, the potential security risks and costs associated with data breaches or attacks can outweigh these savings. Investing in secure, company-managed devices might save money in the long run.

Carefully weigh up the pros and cons before deciding. My team and I can help you do that. Get in touch.

Why You Must Consider the Security Risks of BYOD Microsoft's Alan Slothower discusses the risks posed by increasing BYOD policies in enterprises

I’ve got an unusual one today: The first-ever Miss AI has been crowned. Kenza Layli is an AI-powered influencer created by a Moroccan marketing agency. She just won the title at the World AI Creator Awards (WAICA), beating out more than 1,500 virtual models in this groundbreaking virtual beauty pageant.

Kenza Layli is a digital persona with more than 200,000 Instagram followers. She promotes women's empowerment and environmental conservation, and also showcases Morocco's culture and cutting-edge technology. Her content is available in seven languages and has captured the attention of a global audience.

The Miss AI competition judged participants on aesthetics, online influence, and technical proficiency. Kenza's victory not only earned her creators $5,000 (around £3,850) and PR services but also highlighted the transformative potential of AI in marketing and branding.

So why does this matter to you? The rise of AI influencers like Kenza Layli represents a significant shift in how businesses can engage with their audiences. AI models work 24/7, have tailored engagement and can adapt quickly to trends, making them powerful tools for marketing and customer interaction.

As AI technology advances, do you think we’ll see the lines between human and AI influencers blur even more? Kenza's win sets a new precedent and showcases the possibilities of AI in creating compelling, influential digital personas.

Would you ever leverage AI influencers for your business?

The world's first Miss AI has been crowned Moroccan virtual influencer Kenza Layli wins Miss AI beauty pageant

How many times have you mispronounced someone’s name in a Microsoft Teams meeting? It happens to the best of us and can be quite embarrassing. Microsoft has a new feature that could save us all from those awkward moments: Real-time name mispronunciation detection in Teams.

This innovative technology, described in a recent patent, automatically detects when you mispronounce a colleague's name and notifies you instantly. It works smoothly during online meetings by listening carefully and comparing the names spoken with a reference pronunciation.

Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it?

Here’s how it works: Before the meeting begins, it gathers the names of all participants and creates a custom language model. During the meeting, if a name is mispronounced, the system compares the audio to the correct pronunciation and gives you a pronunciation score. If your score is low, indicating a wrong pronunciation, you'll get a notification to help you correct it. Plus, you can practice saying the name until you get it right, making future interactions smoother and more respectful.

This feature adapts to the nuances of human speech and cultural name variations, showcasing advancements in speech recognition and machine learning. It’s a perfect example of how technology can bring us closer together by making sure everyone feels seen and respected.

I don’t have a date for the rollout of this one yet, but of course I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, if you need a hand getting started with Teams, I can help - get in touch.

Microsoft wants to enhance Teams with a name mispronunciation detector, according to patent Microsoft Teams will have a name mispronunciation in the future, according to a patent recently discovered by us.

I’ve got some news about Windows 11. Some people have noticed some stuttering and sluggishness in the interface, especially with Task View previews and Quick Settings. These are minor issues, but they can still disrupt your workflow. Microsoft has listened and is rolling out fixes later this year.

If you're still using Windows 10, it's a great time to consider upgrading to 11. Minor bugs aside, the new operating system is designed to be faster and more efficient. It looks better, too.

Windows 11 has new features that aren't available in 10. These include virtual desktops for better multitasking, improved snap layouts for organising your windows, and seamless integration with Microsoft Teams. Windows 11 has advanced security features to protect your business data from cyber threats.

Future-proofing your business tech is another important reason to upgrade. By moving to Windows 11, you're making sure your systems are up-to-date with the latest technology and prepared for future updates and improvements.

Switching your business to Windows 11 is straightforward but if you’d like to make the move with minimal disruption, let my team help. Get in touch.

Finally, Windows 11’s 24H2 update is going to fix a bunch of annoying bugs that make using the OS feel like a chore Fed up with stuttering and glitchy parts of the interface? You wouldn’t be alone

Ever called a company and had to deal with an AI assistant? If you didn't love it, you’re not on your own. A recent survey found that 64% of customers would rather not deal with AI in customer service, and 53% would switch to a competitor that didn’t use AI.

Are you guilty of using AI assistants for your customers?

While AI can bring countless benefits like faster responses and cost savings, it's clear that customers are not fully on board yet. Many worry that AI will make it harder to reach a real person, which is a big deal for those needing personalised help. They also worry about AI giving wrong information and handling their data securely.

So, what's the takeaway?

AI can definitely help your business, but it’s all about balance. Make sure your AI systems are designed to assist, not frustrate. For instance, AI chatbots should clearly tell customers they can be connected to a human if needed. This builds trust and ensures a smooth experience.

AI bots can handle routine queries efficiently, freeing up your human agents for more complex issues. This is great for productivity. But remember, customers still value the personal touch.

Incorporate AI thoughtfully, and let your customers know they're always just a step away from speaking to a real person. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds – efficient service and happy customers.

If you’re not quite ready for AI customer service yet, there are lots of other ways you can adopt AI in your business to speed up processes and boost productivity, all without annoying your customers. Can we help you explore this? Get in touch.

Survey finds most people would rather switch companies than deal with AI customer service Gartner reports 53% of consumers would look at the competition if they are dealing with AI assistants on the phone

There's yet another scam going around on Facebook. This one’s targeting people with fake Windows desktop themes. These ads look legit but they hide some nasty malware (malicious software) that can steal your passwords and other sensitive info.

Cyber criminals are using Facebook business pages and ads to promote these fake themes. They're not just stopping at themes either – they're also pushing downloads for pirated games, software like Photoshop, and even AI tools. When you click on these ads, they take you to what looks like a real download page. But instead of the software you wanted, you get a zip file full of malware.

The ads come from both new and hijacked pages, sometimes with thousands of ads for each campaign. Names like 'blue-softs,' 'xtaskbar-themes,' and 'awesome-themes-desktop' are common. These pages are often run by people in Vietnam or the Philippines and they're really good at making their ads look trustworthy.

If you think you might have fallen for one of these scams, don't panic. Here’s what you should do:

Disconnect from the internet to prevent further data theft.

Run a full system scan with a reliable antivirus program to detect and remove the malware.

Change your passwords immediately, especially for sensitive accounts like email, banking, and, of course, Facebook.

Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts where it’s available. This adds an extra layer of security.

Alternatively, get in touch and we can help.

And to avoid falling victim in the future, always be cautious about downloading anything from ads or sources you're not familiar with. Stick to official websites and trusted sources.

Have you seen these ads doing the rounds?

Facebook ads for Windows desktop themes push info-stealing malware Cybercriminals use Facebook business pages and advertisements to promote fake Windows themes that infect unsuspecting users with the SYS01 password-stealing malware.

Did you know you can scan documents to create PDFs from your iPhone using the Notes app? Yep, and there’s no need for extra apps or software. I know a lot of people who have found this really useful.

First, open the Notes app and start a new note by tapping the icon in the lower right corner. Then, select the Attach icon (the paper clip) and tap on Scan Documents. Position your iPhone over the document you want to scan, ideally on a plain surface for better accuracy. Notes will automatically detect the document, highlight it with an orange overlay, and scan it, saving a thumbnail in the lower-left corner.

If you have multiple pages, just move on to the next one. After scanning all pages, tap Save in the lower right corner.

To edit, tap on the thumbnail to adjust margins, switch to greyscale, rotate, or delete scans. If you’re happy with the scan, tap Done in the top left corner, then Save.

You can also convert existing documents in other apps like Files, Safari, or Photos, to PDFs. Open the file, tap the Share icon, and choose either Markup or Print. With Markup, you can even draw on the PDF before saving. If you choose Print, long-press the thumbnail to generate a PDF, then tap the Share icon to save it.

This simple method helps you keep your documents organised and easily accessible. It’s not a business solution but it is handy if you only do this now and again.

Try it out today and let me know how helpful it is.

How to create PDFs on iPhones Create a new PDF using Apple Files or Notes.

Ready for a big upgrade to Microsoft Excel on the web? It’s getting a major makeover, designed to make your workflows smoother and more efficient.

So, what's new? Excel is getting a sleek, 'Simple. Easy. Delightful' visual overhaul. This means slightly larger and less rigid sheets, columns, and rows, aligning with the more modern look of the rest of Microsoft 365.

The menu bars are now raised and simplified, offering fewer options for a clearer view. Plus, the colours in data fields are more vibrant, while the overall theme has shifted from the iconic green to a more neutral light grey.

But that's not all. There are some cool new features to look forward to as well. The new quick resize option allows you to easily adjust rows and columns by hovering over the border to bring up resizing handles, improving data visibility and presentation.

Adding rows and columns is now simpler with small circles that appear when you hover over a header, making it quick to add or remove fields. The drag and drop feature lets you move entire rows and columns with ease. The streamlined unhide feature allows you to display hidden rows and columns with a single click.

Additionally, you can freeze panes to keep important information in view no matter how far you scroll, and the new quick highlighting option lets you signify important fields with just a few clicks.

These updates are designed to make Excel more intuitive and user-friendly. The new features are rolling out to everyone who uses Microsoft Excel for web now. Have you tried it out yet?

Modernized Excel Grid New enhancements to the Excel for the web grid experience.