Catch up on this month\u2019s round-up of the latest hosting and tech news. Here\u2019s what we\u2019ve uncovered since our last edition.<\/p>\n
In a development that could eradicate latency, scientists have successfully achieved quantum teleportation, enabling near-instantaneous data transfer using existing fibre optic networks. Quantum teleportation is based on the principle of quantum entanglement, where two particles remain connected regardless of the distance between them. This means that data can jump instantaneously from one connected particle to another, no matter how far apart.<\/p>\n
Boffins at Northwestern University in the US managed to transmit photons carrying quantum data through 30km of congested fibre optic cables. By using a specific light wavelength to reduce interference, together with noise-cancelling filters, the researchers ensured that the photons could operate effectively alongside normal internet traffic.<\/p>\n
While not the first instance of quantum teleportation, it\u2019s the first to use a standard fibre optic network, making it a practical solution for quantum communication. Researchers now plan to extend transmission distances, investigate how \u2018entanglement swapping\u2019 can enhance security, and test the technology in real cable networks.<\/p>\n
With methane being far more potent than CO2, tackling methane emissions would speed up the UK\u2019s progress towards its 2035 target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 81% compared to 1990 levels. To this end, Cambridshire-based company, Levidian, has developed a unique Loop system that decomposes methane and transforms it into hydrogen and graphene.<\/p>\n
Both by-products have beneficial uses. Hydrogen can be used as a clean fuel that only gives off water vapour, while graphene is a highly versatile material that is extremely strong, very lightweight and has enormous potential in fields such as construction, aerospace and product and fabric design.\u00a0 Levidian\u2019s Loop system, while tackling methane emissions, also overcomes the challenges of producing high-quality graphene in multiple forms, an issue that has hampered graphene production for decades.<\/p>\n
A recent survey by IBM and Morning Consult has shown that nearly half of businesses see a return on investment (ROI) from their AI initiatives. This is especially true of companies that use open-source AI tools, of whom 51% report an ROI, compared to 41% of those deploying proprietary systems.<\/p>\n
Despite growing concerns over the costs associated with AI, 89% of respondents intend to either maintain or increase their AI spending in 2025, with only 5% contemplating cutting their budget. In terms of use, many companies are redirecting their AI focus towards IT operations, data quality management and product innovation.<\/p>\n
The research also reveals a significant increase in the adoption of open-source solutions, with 60% of businesses currently using open-source AI tools. Open-source accounts for around half of the AI applications used by larger businesses. In addition to ROI, companies also noted the wider strategic benefits of AI, such as innovation, the speed of software development and productivity improvements.<\/p>\n
CES is the world-leading consumer electronics exhibition held annually in Las Vegas. January\u2019s CES 2025 saw the introduction of a range of cutting-edge robots that bring together new functionality and sleeker designs. As consumer interest in robots increases, here are the highlights of this year\u2019s show.<\/p>\n
The Roborock Saros S70 is a tidying robot, equipped with an arm that picks up discarded household items, while Samsung’s Ballie navigates its environment, projecting images onto different surfaces, similar to the robot character BB-8 from Star Wars. LG’s Self-driving Home Hub, meanwhile, uses AI to control appliances and create personalised home environments. It understands natural language, moves around using visual recognition and even recognises its user\u2019s emotions.<\/p>\n
Perhaps of more practical use is Lemmy, an AI home assistant that helps the elderly to live more independently and the Hypershell Carbon X, which offers subtle exoskeleton assistance for those who take part in outdoor activities, improving people\u2019s mobility and endurance. Professional photographers, meanwhile, may be interested in the GENCY PB, a robotic assistant that automates over 90% of the commercial photography workflow, including AI-driven editing processes.<\/p>\n
Security outfit Reliaquest has detected a significant increase in fraudulent CAPTCHA attacks, where cybercriminals impersonate reputable services such as Google and Cloudflare to deceive users into executing harmful scripts.<\/p>\n
APT28, a group associated with Russian military intelligence, had employed fake CAPTCHA systems to carry out attacks on local government in Ukraine. However, the number of counterfeit CAPTCHA websites nearly doubled from October to December 2024, suggesting that templates for APT28 operations are likely being shared among cybercriminal networks.<\/p>\n
Known as \u2018Scam-Yourself\u2019 attacks, they encourage users to input harmful commands using CAPTCHA, triggering the installation of credential-stealing malware, such as Lumma Stealer. There has been a 600% increase in such attacks during the third quarter of 2024.<\/p>\n