cross-posted from: https://lemmy.blahaj.zone/post/32228521

Microsoft will provide free Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 in the European Economic Area through October 13, 2026, but with specific conditions[^1]. While users won't need to enable Windows Backup or use Microsoft Rewards points, they must sign in with a Microsoft Account at least once every 60 days to maintain access to updates[^2].

"If your Microsoft Account is not used to sign in for a period of up to 60 days, ESU updates will be discontinued, and you'll need to re-enroll by signing in using the same MSA," Microsoft confirmed[^3].

This change came after pressure from Euroconsumers, who argued that linking security updates to Microsoft's cloud services raised concerns under the Digital Markets Act[^4]. The free ESU program applies to Windows 10 version 22H2 devices in the EEA (European Union member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway)[^5].

Outside the EEA, users still must either enable Windows Backup, redeem Microsoft Rewards points, or pay approximately $30 for ESU access[^2].

[^1]: BleepingComputer - Microsoft will offer free Windows 10 extended security updates in Europe

[^2]: Windows Central - Microsoft will revoke free access to Windows 10's extended security updates in the EEA

[^3]: WindowsLatest - No, you'll still need a Microsoft account for Windows 10 ESU in Europe

[^4]: The Verge - Microsoft forced to make Windows 10 extended security updates truly free in Europe

[^5]: gHacks - Microsoft makes Windows 10 Extended Security Updates free, but only for users in one region

Aside from Alphabet’s own forays into AI, they’re also selling pickaxes to most other AI prospectors.

It’s a story deSouza likes to tell in numbers. In a conversation with this editor, he notes several times that nine out of the top 10 AI labs use Google’s infrastructure. He also says that nearly all generative AI unicorns run on Google Cloud, that 60% of all GenAI startups worldwide have chosen Google as their cloud provider, and that the company has lined up $58 billion in new revenue commitments over the next two years, which represents more than double its current annual run rate.

Asked what percentage of Google Cloud’s revenue comes from AI companies, he offers instead that “AI is resetting the cloud market, and Google Cloud is leading the way, especially with startups.”

The strategy extends beyond simple customer acquisition. Google offers AI startups $350,000 in cloud credits, access to its technical teams, and go-to-market support through its marketplace. Google Cloud also provides what deSouza describes as a “no compromise” AI stack — from chips to models to applications — with an “open ethos” that gives customers choice at every layer.

The approach reflects both opportunity and necessity. In a market where companies can go “from being a startup to being a multibillion-dollar company in a very short period of time,” as deSouza puts it, capturing future unicorns before they mature could prove more valuable than fighting over today’s giants.

“Companies love the fact that they can get access to our AI stack, they can get access to our teams to understand where our technologies are going,” deSouza says during our interview. “They also love that they’re getting access to enterprise-grade Google class infrastructure.”

Google’s infrastructure play got even more ambitious recently, with reporting revealing the company’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering to expand its custom AI chip business. According to The Information, Google has struck deals to place its tensor processing units (TPUs) in other cloud providers’ data centers for the first time, including an agreement with London-based Fluidstack that includes up to $3.2 billion in financial backing for a New York facility.

Competing directly with AI companies while simultaneously providing them infrastructure requires … finesse. Google Cloud provides TPU chips to OpenAI and hosts Anthropic’s Claude model through its Vertex AI platform, even as its own Gemini models compete head-to-head with both. (Google Cloud’s parent company, Alphabet, also owns a 14% stake in Anthropic, per New York Times court documents obtained earlier this year, though when asked directly about Google’s financial relationship with Anthropic, deSouza calls the relationship a “multi-layered partnership,” then quickly redirects me to Google Cloud’s model marketplace, noting that customers can access various foundation models.)

Poland has emerged as the largest buyer of drones from Taiwan, positioning itself as a key hub for Europe’s growing demand for non-Chinese defense technology, Bloomberg reported on September 25.

The country now accounts for nearly 60% of Taiwan’s drone exports, which surged to about $32 million through August this year—up from almost nothing in previous years. The United States ranks second, importing around $7 million worth over the same period.

Taiwanese drone manufacturer Ahamani confirmed that Polish demand is so strong it is planning to open a factory in the country, as reported by Bloomberg. The company also revealed that other international firms, including a major South Korean drone producer, have expressed interest in sourcing non-Chinese motors. ) on September 25.

The country now accounts for nearly 60% of Taiwan’s drone exports, which surged to about $32 million through August this year—up from almost nothing in previous years. The United States ranks second, importing around $7 million worth over the same period.

Taiwanese drone manufacturer Ahamani confirmed that Polish demand is so strong it is planning to open a factory in the country, as reported by Bloomberg. The company also revealed that other international firms, including a major South Korean drone producer, have expressed interest in sourcing non-Chinese motors.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/36494811

In the US, nearly 195,000 cars are also affected, while in BMW's home market of Germany, around 136,500 vehicles are impacted, the company said.

cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/4759550

Two 17-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of "state interference" in the Netherlands, prosecutors say, in a case with reported links to Russian spying.

The pair were allegedly contacted by pro-Russian hackers on the messaging app Telegram, Dutch media reported.

One of the boys allegedly walked past the offices of Europol, Eurojust and the Canadian embassy in The Hague carrying a "wi-fi sniffer" - a device designed to identify and intercept wi-fi networks.

...

The National Office of the Netherlands Public Prosecution Service confirmed court appearance, but told the BBC it could not provide details on the case due to the suspects' age and in "the interest of the investigation", which is ongoing.

...

The government has decided against recognising Palestinian statehood, retaining its "when not if" position at the United Nations General Assembly.

Its rationale is that with Hamas in place as the de facto government of the Gaza Strip and no clarity on next steps, there is not a fully legitimate and viable State of Palestine for New Zealand to recognise.

The decision leaves New Zealand with a handful of countries including Singapore, Japan, South Korea and the United States, who have not made the move.

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/38116613

Because even their diets are post-hog!

• Reddit— Private Front-End.

The cloud company said the token, dubbed NET Dollar, will enable instant, global transactions for autonomous agents online.

[Original article in German, this is a paraphrased summary.]

After Denmark, several drones have now been sighted again on Friday night in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany's most northern state.

[...]

According to Interior Minister Sabine Sütterlin-Waack (from the conservative CDU), the suspected espionage is now being investigated. The Interior Ministry is “in intensive and progressive exchange” with the Federal government and the Bundeswehr. The state police in coordination with the other northern German countries strengthens the drone defense. How many drones were sighted and where, the Minister made no information.

[...]

There have already been several incidents with drones in Schleswig-Holstein. Earlier this month, special police forces chained a freighter on the North Sea Canal. The ship is said to have served as a base for drone flights. On August 26, a drone is said to have been launched on board and steered via a naval ship to explore it and take pictures. The investigations are still ongoing.

In January, several drones are said to have flown over a Patriot air base in Schwesing near Husum (North Frisia county). In Brunsbüttel (Dithmarschen district), numerous illegal drone flights over critical infrastructure were sighted in August 2024. In this case, the investigation was stopped because no perpetrator could be identified.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/36435262