Tag Archives: software

Technology

5 Of The Best Apps For Backing Up Photos And Videos

Microsoft OneDrive is a well-liked possibility for individuals who steadily use software program like Outlook, Wood, and PowerPoint. When you join Microsoft 365’s free plan, you’ll obtain 5GB of cloud storage and OneDrive picture and file backup skills. If you want extra storage, you possibly can improve to Microsoft 365 Basic for $19.99 per yr or $1.99 per 30 days, which provides you 100GB of storage together with the online and cell variations of Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and different Microsoft apps.

The Microsoft OneDrive app is sweet for those who’re on the lookout for an all-inclusive package deal that means that you can again up your photographs and movies together with different software program to assist with work, faculty, and different every day life actions. However, bear in mind that some options listed on the app’s preview web page are solely out there you probably have a paid subscription like entry to a complete folder on the app whereas being offline. Still, with such excessive evaluation scores, it could nonetheless be price it for you.

Reviews

Steam Deck OLED Review: Worth The Weight

Many handheld gaming devices use Windows 11 with additional software to improve the user experience, but Windows doesn’t work ideally with controllers and touchscreens. Valve’s solution to this issue was to create SteamOS, a Linux-based platform that offers a smooth and streamlined interface similar to that of Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch.

When using Steam’s own storefront and software ecosystem, the Steam Deck provides the best handheld gaming experience. The device boots up quickly and allows you to launch games without any hassle, offering a seamless experience like that of a game console. Despite running on Linux, the Steam Deck can play most games designed for Windows through a compatibility layer.

The only downside is that installing games from sources other than Steam, or alternative game launcher/stores such as Epic Games, Humble App, or GOG Galaxy, requires a somewhat convoluted process. This is understandable as Valve aims to promote the use of the Steam store and has tailored the entire experience around playing games from Steam.

Accessories and Peripherals

What To Do If Your Amazon Echo Isn’t Responding

To ensure your Echo is working optimally, it’s important to keep its software up to date. Software updates bring new features, fix bugs, and improve the overall functionality of your device. While Echo devices using Alexa typically receive software updates automatically when connected to the internet, an unresponsive Echo may not be able to download these updates. Manually checking for updates can help ensure your device is running the most recent software version and potentially resolve unresponsiveness issues.

Follow these steps to check for and install updates on your Echo:

1. Ensure your Echo is connected to WiFi.

2. Say, “Alexa, check for software updates” to trigger an automatic update check. If that doesn’t work, move on to the steps below.

Forcing a software update on a standard Echo:

1. Press the mute button on top of the device.

2. The light ring will turn red to indicate that muting is active.

3. Leave your Echo in mute mode for 15 minutes to an hour.

4. Alexa will alert you that it needs to perform an update.

5. Your device will then proceed to install the latest version of the software.

Forcing an update on an Echo Show:

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen and select the settings menu.

2. Navigate to Device Options and then select Check for Software Updates.

3. If an update is available, the Echo Show will automatically start the update process.

News, Technology

Google Offers 10 Years of Automatic Updates for New Chromebooks

Google has made a significant commitment by promising 10 years of software updates for new Chromebooks. This ensures that users can continue to enjoy the latest features and security enhancements for a decade.

In addition to the long-term software support, Google is also working on making future Chromebooks more sustainable. They are introducing software updates that will improve the charging process by making it more efficient and adaptive. They are also adding a battery-saver mode that conserves energy by turning off unnecessary processes, thereby extending the battery life.

Google is not just focused on product development; they are taking steps to ensure the responsible disposal of older Chromebooks. Organizations will have an easier time selling their older devices through dedicated resellers who will handle the collection and disposal process safely. Individual users can also take advantage of convenient recycling drop-off locations, available on Google Maps, to discard their old devices responsibly. These initiatives are expected to reduce ownership costs for Chromebook users, making the machines even more appealing.

Technology

Why Apple’s First Laptop Was A Terrible Failure

Apple’s first laptop, the Macintosh Portable, had a similar software to the Macintosh II, with a faster 16 MHz 68000 CPU. Although it received positive reviews, the Portable failed due to several reasons.

Firstly, the Portable was extremely heavy, weighing around 16 pounds. This made it inconvenient to carry around and defeated the purpose of a portable device. Additionally, the battery life suffered due to the introduction of backlit displays in later models.

Furthermore, the Portable’s exorbitant price range of $6,500 to $7,000, adjusted for inflation, made it unaffordable for most consumers. This high price tag was a major deterrent to potential buyers.

It’s no surprise that the Macintosh Portable failed to sell as well as Apple’s desktop computers at that time. Thankfully, Apple made significant progress towards their current line of successful MacBooks with the introduction of the PowerBook in 1991.

Image: Wojciech Pędzich via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY 4.0

ToyotaUk

Toyota Connected North America Announces Updates to Executive Leadership Team

The company strengthens its focus on software and AI development to support Toyota’s electrified mobility goals

PLANO, Texas (August 2, 2023) – Toyota Connected North America (TCNA) has announced changes to its executive leadership team in order to solidify its position as a hub for data and software innovation within Toyota. TCNA is renowned for its development and operation of Toyota Motor North America’s (TMNA) in-house telematics service provider, collaborating with TMNA and other Toyota companies worldwide to deliver data-driven services that enhance the driving experience for millions of customers of Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

As Toyota continues to transform its vehicles to be more connected and electrified, TCNA aims to offer services that align with Toyota’s global objective of becoming the preferred choice for consumers in the electrified mobility sector.

The following changes are effective immediately:

Christopher Yang has been promoted to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TCNA. He will report to Keiji Yamamoto, the President of Toyota Connected Corporation. Yang previously served as TCNA’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). In addition to his new role, Yang will continue in his current responsibilities as the Group Vice President of Business Development and Deputy General Counsel of Toyota Legal One at TMNA.

James George has been appointed as the new Senior Vice President and COO of TCNA, taking over Yang’s previous position. George will also join TCNA’s board of directors and will report to Christopher Yang. He will continue his existing responsibilities as the General Manager of EV Charging Solutions within the Business Development division at TMNA.

Kohta Arai, who currently leads global operations at TCNA, has been appointed as the Chief Liaison Officer of TCNA. Arai will report to Chris Yang and will be responsible for fostering collaboration between TCNA and other Toyota entities worldwide. Arai will continue in his role as the Head of Global Operations in Business Development at TMNA.

Nilay Davé will retain his position as General Counsel and will continue to oversee the legal teams at TCNA. Davé has also been appointed as the Chief Compliance Officer. In addition, he will continue his role as the leader of TMNA Legal’s technology transaction team.

The former President and CEO of TCNA, Steve Basra, left the company on June 30th, 2023.

Technology

How To Enable Macros In Microsoft Excel

If you can’t see the Developer tab in Excel, don’t worry. It’s not visible by default. However, depending on whether you share the software with others or not, you may not need to enable it. But if you find that the Developer tab is missing, follow these steps:

  1. If you are using Windows, click on File in the top menu and select Options from the drop-down menu.
  2. Choose Customize Ribbon and locate the Main Tabs section.
  3. Check the box next to Developer to turn on the Developer tab.
  4. If you are using macOS, click on Excel in the top menu and select Preferences from the drop-down menu.
  5. Choose Ribbon & Toolbar and find the Main Tabs section. Look for the Customize the Ribbon category.
  6. Check the box next to Developer to enable the Developer tab, and then click Save.

Make sure the Developer tab is now visible on the ribbon. If it is, you’re all set to start creating and running your macros. Keep in mind that the Developer tab will remain visible on the ribbon unless you either disable it in the Options menu or reinstall Excel.

Technology

iOS 17: Why You Should Wait Before Installing the Developer Beta

When it comes to beta software, bugs are expected. The whole purpose of a beta version is for users to discover and report issues, helping the company refine the software. While many bugs are small and get fixed quickly, there’s always the possibility of major ones. And for iPhone users, these major bugs can include battery drain, dropped calls, app crashes, unreliable Wi-Fi connection, and other bothersome problems.

If you own multiple iPhones, installing iOS 17 won’t be a big deal. You can simply install it on a device you don’t use daily. However, if you only have one iPhone that you heavily rely on for calls and daily tasks, installing the iOS 17 developer beta is a big risk. A serious bug could make your phone difficult or even impossible to use until Apple releases a fix. This fix could take several days, depending on the problem’s urgency and priority.

If you’re eager to test iOS 17 but don’t want to take such a risk, it’s best to wait for the iOS 17 public beta. This version will likely have resolved most of the major problems. Although you might still encounter some issues, they probably won’t be as severe. However, it’s important to remember that betas should never be installed on your primary devices. As advised by Apple, you should “install only on devices and systems that you’re prepared to erase if necessary.”

Motorsport

VW Group CEO Acknowledges Audi’s Lagging Position Compared to Competitors, Software Problems to Blame

The CEO of Volkswagen Group, Oliver Blume, has admitted that Audi is falling behind its rivals, with software issues being identified as the main culprit. In order to address this issue, the automaker will accelerate the development of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) for the luxury brand.

Blume made this statement about Audi’s current standing during the company’s Capital Markets Day. He specifically mentioned, “We have encountered significant software problems that have caused delays in the launch of our exciting electric products,” as reported by Automotive News Europe.


Volkswagen

Structural and personnel realignment at CARIAD

The Supervisory Board of CARIAD has approved a comprehensive realignment of the Volkswagen Group’s software subsidiary. Peter Bosch, previously responsible for manufacturing at Bentley and the Volkswagen AG representative on the Board of Scout Motors, has been appointed CEO. Supported by acknowledged software experts and a transformation team of experienced managers from the Volkswagen Group, CARIAD senior management and technology specialists will comprehensively advance the development of CARIAD.

Oliver Blume, CEO of the Volkswagen Group and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of CARIAD, commented: “Last year, we drew up a ten-point plan for operational and strategic areas of action within the Volkswagen Group. One key element is the realignment of CARIAD, and we have already made good progress. We are now setting the next milestones for advancing strategic, structural and personnel development. CARIAD focuses on the development of digital future technologies for the Group brands. We are stepping up the pace and broadening our approach to partnerships. This is designed to combine our competences with the best solutions on the market for the benefit of our customers. The outcome is even closer software-vehicle development interaction.”

In the past few years, experts from all over the world have been recruited and inspired with the ambition to develop a uniform operating system for all Group brands.

“When I took office in September 2022, I underscored that CARIAD is a key success factor for the Volkswagen Group. As one of the core elements in our 10-point plan, we have addressed key issues:

  • Sharpening CARIAD’S core competences
  • Revising the interfaces with the brands
  • Realistic sequences for the software architectures
  • Boosting effectiveness
  • Expanding strategic partnerships

We have taken important decisions on these issues in the past few months and have set our guardrails – for example, we have organized the software architectures and their timelines for our vehicle projects. We have drawn further specific conclusions on the basis of our thorough analyses, and are now advancing the in-depth development of CARIAD. We would like to thank Dirk Hilgenberg and his team for their passionate commitment and the progress they have achieved. We are already in talks with them about possible new roles within the Volkswagen Group,” Oliver Blume said.

Peter Bosch named new CEO

Peter Bosch assumes responsibility as CEO of CARIAD effective June 1, 2023. As the Member of the Board for Manufacturing at Bentley Motors since 2017, he shared responsibility for the successful restructuring and reorganization of the company. Peter Bosch is an experienced Volkswagen manager, having held several other posts within the Group, including roles within the Volkswagen brand. As a Member of the Board of Scout Motors, he was recently closely involved in establishing the manufacturer of full-electric R-SUVs and Pickups in North America. Within CARIAD, Bosch will also assume responsibility for Finance, Purchasing and IT.

“Peter Bosch is the right CEO at the right time,” Oliver Blume said. “He is a strategist, an enabler and a team player. He successfully proved that at Bentley. He knows the Volkswagen Group well and also has extensive experience in the fields of change and consulting.”

Going forward, the new CEO will be joined on the Board of Management by two acknowledged software experts. CARIAD will announce these appointments in the near future. The final Board Member is Rainer Zugehör, who retains his role as Chief People Officer (CPO).

In addition, an experienced Transformation Board is already in place to provide CARIAD with further support. This board brings together selected CARIAD managers to create a highly-competent team to shape the realignment. “The focus is on steering the transformation process and advancing cooperation between CARIAD and the Volkswagen Group brands – with a team spirit, fairness and passion,” Michael Steiner, Member of the Supervisory Board of CARIAD and responsible for development in the Volkswagen Group, said. According to Steiner, the Supervisory Board specifically focused on a team of experienced managers from all Volkswagen Group brands, CARIAD experts and new external managers.

The comprehensive realignment of CARIAD is based on five points:

  1. Restructuring of the CARIAD organization
  2. Accelerated execution of the E³ platforms
  3. Structural orientation to the development of software-defined vehicles (SDV)
  4. Intensified technology partnerships with strong tech players
  5. A new leadership and team model

Software based: the software-defined vehicle architecture

CARIAD will play an even greater role in developing the vehicles of the future, from software to hardware. For example, there are plans for an integrated project house with the Volkswagen and Audi brands to develop the next generation of software-defined vehicles.