TheGeneral Israel Putnam Housein Danvers, Massachusetts, was built circa 1648 by Lieutenant Thomas Putnam on farmland that then consisted of 100 acres. In 1692, his youngest son,Joseph Putnam, lived here, inheriting the property over his half-brother,Thomas Putnam, Jr. (1652-1699), causing friction within the family. During the infamous witch trials and hysteria in Salem Village, Joseph Putnam was one of two people who took notes during the examinations of the first three to be accused of witchcraft in 1692 Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne, and Tituba. From that point forward, he was one of the most outspoken opponents of the proceedings, which put him in direct conflict with most of the Putnam family, especially that of his half-brother Thomas. Fearing accusations against him by his half-brother, Joseph was said to have kept horses saddled at all times, ready to escape at a moments notice. He was never accused, though Thomas Putnam was responsible for the accusations of 43 people, and his daughter was responsible for 62. In 1718,Israel Putnam, the son of Joseph Putnam, and later Commander of the colonial troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill, was born in this house. It is the only extant structure with direct ties to Commander Putnam. During theBattle of Bunker Hill, Putnam is thought to have ordered William Prescott to tell his troops, Dont fire until you see the whites of their eyes. This command has since become one of the American Revolutions notable quotations. It was given to make the best use of the low ammunition stocks that the troops had. The Putnam House remained in the family into the 20thcentury, and due to highway and commercial expansion, the property now sits in the middle of a cloverleaf intersection of two highways.The house was given by the Putnam family to the Danvers Historical Society in 1991, but as of 2020, the Putnam family once again owns the property. The house is not holding up well and I could not locate plans for restoration or preservation of it online. This house deserves to be preserved.

Illustration for Self Care For Winter by Suzy Reading, published by Octopus Books. All images courtesy of Rosanna Tasker, shared with permissionWonder and Warmth Emanate from Rosanna Taskers Vivid IllustrationsDecember 3, 2024IllustrationKate MothesSwathed in patterned coats, overlooking expansive vistas, or reveling the joys of solitude, the characters in Rosanna Taskers illustrations (previously) delight in simple pleasures. Emphasizing the potential of color and contrast to create a sense of warmth and depth, figures bask in glowing interiors, and landscapes fade into the blue of distance.Taskers figures are often camouflaged or miniaturized by their towering surroundings, whether wandering among stacks of textiles or strolling through a grove of trees. Recently, Ive been enjoying playing with pattern, light and depth, she tells Colossal. Im always aiming for the balance of challenging my comfort zone while also staying true to my natural style.Illustration for Singing HolidaysWhile she cant yet divulge some of the exciting projects in the works for the coming year, Tasker is currently working on another illustration for Singing Holidays, which plans music-focused tours around Europe and elsewhere. She enjoys working with clients that provide open briefs and lend their full trust. For example, Singing Holidays gives her the space to really experiment with my work and create images that are mostly self initiated, while still having some parameters or starting points to work withinwhich is my favourite type of commission and when I feel most creative, she says.Prints and calendars are available in Taskers online shop, and you can explore more work on both her website and Instagram.Illustration for Good HousekeepingIllustration for Self Care For Winter by Suzy Reading, published by Octopus BooksIllustration for Singing HolidaysIllustration for Self Care For Winter by Suzy Reading, published by Octopus BooksIllustration for Singing HolidaysIllustration for Singing HolidaysIllustration for Singing HolidaysIllustration for Self Care For Winter by Suzy Reading, published by Octopus BooksNext article

All images courtesy of Abi Castillo, shared with permissionNature Alights on Cheerful Faces in Abi Castillos Ceramic SculpturesDecember 3, 2024ArtCraftKate MothesWhether sprouting flowers for spectacles or summoning bluebirds, Abi Castillos playful characters mirror our inner selves, one another, and the world around us.When I was little, they called me Big Eyes, a name I received with pride, since it is an inheritance from my paternal grandmother, whom I barely knew but who stood out for her big eyes and powerful gaze, Castillo (previously) says in a statement. Carrying this legacy makes me aware of the importance of knowing where I come from and where I belong.Through standalone sculptures and functional objects, Castillo emphasizes the act of seeing. Eyes are everywhere, looking back at the viewer as a reminder to reflect on what the artist describes as this ephemeral, hectic, and hostile life. She adds, Each of my characters also holds a reflection of myself, of my connection with nature and of that little girl that I still carry inside Castillo is looking forward to moving to a larger studio soon, and she is currently busy making new sculptures, experimenting with different techniques to explore new shapes and formats, like jewelry. Find more on her website, and stay up-to-date on Instagram.Previous articleNext article

Published December 3, 2024 10:00am EST close CyberGuy: Windows bug leaves computer Wi-Fi vulnerable to hackers Kurt Knutsson explains how to keep your Windows computer safe and the security risks of online retail giant Temu. Computers are a significant investment, especially for those on fixed incomes. Fortunately, with proper care and maintenance, older computers can remain secure and functional for years. Let's address a concern from Connie in Rochester, Minnesota, who wrote to us about her older computer's vulnerability to hackers:"I'm still using Windows 7 on my 2013 computer. It says I have Security Essentials, but I saw somewhere that it ended in 2023? When I click on it, it says it's scanning, but am I protected or not? I pay yearly for MSN extra and use an iPhone 14. All the worrisome reports make a senior citizen a little nervous. What's your advice? A new computer? Will your virus protection be compatible with my old computer? I'm not keen on spending more on a new computer on a fixed budget."This question is relevant to many users with older computers. Let's dive deeper into the situation and provide some comprehensive advice for Connie and others in similar situations.Enter bysigning up for my free newsletter. Cybersecurity on laptop screen (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Dangers of using outdated operating systemsUsing Windows 7does pose significant security risks. Since Jan. 14, 2020, Microsoft hasstopped providing security updates and technical support for Windows 7. This means that any new vulnerabilities discovered in the operating system will not be patched, leaving your computer exposed to potential attacks.Since the start of 2023, 47 vulnerabilities have been discovered in Windows 7. Cybercriminals actively target outdated operating systems because they're more likely to be unpatched and vulnerable. Without official support, Microsoft is no longer compelled to disclose formal vulnerabilities, making it harder for users to stay informed about potential security risks.Connie, you mentioned that you have Microsoft Security Essentials installed. Unfortunately, this software also stopped receiving updates on January 14, 2020. While it may still scan your computer, it's not providing up-to-date protection against new threats. A woman typing on a Windows PC (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What can you do?Given the security risks, it's advisable to take action. Here are some options to consider:1) Upgrading your operating system or computer: While its possible to continue using Windows 7 with a third-party antivirus, its generally recommended to upgrade to a newer operating system for the best security.If your current computer meets the system requirements, you could consider upgrading to Windows 10 or even Windows 11. However, if a new computer isnt in your budget right now, using a supported antivirus on your Windows 7 machine is a good step.2) Install strong antivirus software: If upgrading isn't possible immediately, install a strong, reputable, up-to-date antivirus software that's compatible with Windows 7. However, keep in mind that this is a temporary solution and doesn't address all the vulnerabilities in the operating system itself. There are several antivirus programs that continue to support Windows 7.Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.3) Consider a new computer: While it's understandable that you're on a fixed budget, investing in a new computer might be the most cost-effective solution in the long run. New computers come with the latest operating systems and security features, providing better protection against current threats. You can see our picks for a variety oflaptop computers anddesktop computers (at a variety of price ranges). If you decide to upgrade and get a new computer, check outhow to securely get rid of your old PC or Mac. A woman typing on her laptop (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Is it really that dangerous?You might be wondering if it's really that dangerous if you're careful about what you download. The truth is, even if you're cautious, you're still at risk. Modern malware can be incredibly sophisticated. There's a type of threat called a "persistent threat" that can hide on your machine indefinitely, continuously monitoring your computer and stealing information without you even knowing it.The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.What about your iPhone and MSN Extra?Let's address two other points you made in your email to us. Your iPhone 14 is not affected by the Windows 7 issue. Apple regularly updates its iOS software, providing security patches for supported devices. So, make sure your iPhone's software is up to date to ensure you have the latest security features. Here's how:Open theSettings appTapGeneralSelectSoftware UpdateIf iOS 18.1 or later is available, tapDownload and InstallThen tap eitherUpdate Now or Update Tonight Steps to update iPhone software (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)As for MSN Extra, while it may provide some additional features, it doesn't compensate for the lack of operating system security updates.Kurt's key takeawaysLook, Connie, I know all this tech stuff can be overwhelming, but here's the deal: While we can't make your computer 100% hacker-proof, these steps will definitely up your security game. Keep your eyes peeled when you're checking emails or downloading stuff, especially if it's from someone you don't know. Now, about getting a new computer. I get it, it's not cheap. But think about it this way: It's like insurance for your digital life. The headache and costs of dealing with a hacked computer? Trust me, that's way worse. In this day and age, when we're all connected 24/7, keeping your digital self safe is super important. So, if you can swing it, seriously think about upgrading your system or getting a new computer with all the latest security bells and whistles. Bottom line? Taking these steps isn't just about protection. It's about giving yourself peace of mind every time you hop online. And let's face it, that's pretty priceless.What are your biggest challenges when it comes to maintaining your devices and why? Share your tech hacks by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Published December 3, 2024 6:00am EST close 'CyberGuy': Robotic shorts give your legs a boost to walk farther and tire less Tech expert Kurt Knutsson reveals how WalkON enhances walking and jogging with sensors and artificial tendons. Imagine slipping on a pair of shorts that could make walking feel like a breeze, almost as if you've instantly shed 20 pounds. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, get ready to have your mind blown! Scientists at the Technical University of Munich have cooked up something that might just change the game for anyone who's ever wished walking was a little easier.They call it the WalkON system, a pair of high-tech shorts that's not your average gym wear. These bad boys can cut down the energy you need for a stroll or jog by up to 18%! Whether you're a spring chicken or in your golden years, these shorts could be a game-changer, especially if stairs have become your nemesis or long walks leave you winded.Enter bysigning up for my free newsletter. Woman wearing WalkON system (Technical University of Munich) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How the robotic shorts workThe WalkON system combines sensors, artificial tendons and smart motors to enhance your natural walking motion. It starts with advanced sensors embedded in the shorts that continuously monitor the stress on your tendons. These sensors are incredibly precise, picking up on subtle changes in your movement, including how fast youre walking and the angle of your hips.Connected to these sensors are two thin artificial tendons that extend from your thighs to a specially designed waist belt. These tendons play a crucial role in how the system assists you. When you start to walk, the shorts analyze your gait pattern and can even detect the moment you transition from standing to walking. As each leg enters the "swing phase," the system knows exactly when to kick in.At just the right moment, small but powerful motors activate and gently pull on the artificial tendons. This action helps lift your thigh, reducing the effort needed by your hip flexor muscles, making it feel much easier to move. Whats really impressive is how adaptable WalkON is; whether you prefer a slow stroll or a brisk jog, the system adjusts its level of assistance based on your speed and leg weight. All of this happens seamlessly, so you experience a natural enhancement to your movement rather than feeling like youre being pushed or pulled by a machine.Best gifts forMen |Women |Kids |Teens |Pet lovers Man wearing WalkON system (Technical University of Munich) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Benefits of the robotic walking shortsThe WalkON system significantly reduces energy expenditure by 18% for young people walking uphill. For older individuals walking on level ground, it decreases energy expenditure by 10%. This reduction in energy expenditure is equivalent to the feeling of instantly losing 22 pounds or 13 pounds, respectively. The system allows you to walk slowly or jog, providing versatility in movement. Participants in tests reported high satisfaction with the device, giving it a mean rating of 6 out of 7 for its ability to assist while maintaining a sense of control. WalkON system (Technical University of Munich) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Target demographicsThe WalkON system can benefit anyone seeking to increase their mobility; however, it shows particular promise for older adults who may experience declining physical capabilities. Additionally, individuals weakened by illness can find significant advantages in using WalkON to enhance their mobility and independence. Furthermore, the device is designed for those looking to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of users. Woman wearing WalkON system (Technical University of Munich) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Comparison to other exoskeletonsUnlike traditional rigid exoskeletons, WalkON's soft, flexible design offers several advantages over its more cumbersome counterparts. Conventional exoskeletons often feature rigid frames that can be difficult and time-consuming to put on, limiting their practicality for daily use.In contrast, WalkON's soft robotic shorts can be put on quickly and easily, similar to regular clothing, and are more than a mechanical device. Professor Lorenzia Masia, the lead researcher, aptly compares WalkON to an electric bike for walking. This analogy highlights the system's ability to enhance natural movement without overpowering it, making mobility more accessible and appealing to a wider range of users. The lightweight, tendon-driven design of WalkON allows for a more natural range of motion, adapting to the user's movements rather than constraining them.Furthermore, WalkON's compact and unobtrusive nature addresses a common concern with exoskeletons: social acceptance. Its design allows it to be worn discreetly under regular clothing, potentially increasing user comfort in social situations. This feature, combined with its efficiency in reducing metabolic cost, positions WalkON as a more practical solution for everyday use compared to bulkier exoskeleton systems. Woman wearing WalkON system (Technical University of Munich) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Availability and costGiven the current stage of development and testing, it's likely that WalkON could be available to you within the next three to five years, pending further research and regulatory approvals.While no exact price point is yet available, we can compare it to other assistive technologies. Current exoskeletons can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000-plus. However, given WalkON's simpler design and intended widespread use, it's possible that it could be priced more affordably, perhaps in the range of $5,000 to $15,000 when it first hits the market. As with many technologies, the price could decrease over time as production scales up. Woman wearing WalkON system (Technical University of Munich) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Kurt's key takeawaysThe WalkON system's potential to enhance mobility for people of all ages, particularly older adults and those with health challenges, is immense. By making movement easier and more efficient, WalkON could encourage more active lifestyles, potentially improving overall health and quality of life for many individuals. While questions about availability and cost remain, the development of WalkON is a promising sign that we're moving towards more accessible and user-friendly mobility assistance solutions.If you could design your own mobility assistance device, what features or capabilities would you include and why? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

The United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), alongside the National Security Agency (NSA), the FBI, and cyber agencies from Australia, Canada and New Zealand have published a joint security guide for communications services providers (CSPs) in the wake of a series of China-backed incursions on major US telcos.Initially reported in October, and confirmed last month, the incidents saw household names including AT&T and Verizon attacked by an advanced persistent threat (APT) group tracked as Salt Typhoon.The audacious campaign saw Salt Typhoon operatives break into their targets systems and then went on to steal customer call record data. The group was able to compromise the private communications of a number of unnamed individuals primarily involved in government or political activity, and also copied some data that was subject to US law enforcement requests pursuant to court orders.According to the Wall Street Journal, which first broke the story, Salt Typhoon may have been actively harvesting data from its victims for a period of several months.The new guide sets out a number of actions that defenders working in the communications sector should be taking to identify strange behaviour, root out vulnerabilities and threats, and respond to cyber incidents. It also provides guidance on how to reduce their exposure to vulnerabilities, improve secure configuration habits, and cut down the number of likely entry points.The PRC-affiliated cyber activity poses a serious threat to critical infrastructure, government agencies, and businesses. This guide will help telecommunications and other organizations detect and prevent compromises by the PRC and other cyber actors, said CISA executive assistant director for cyber security, Jeff Greene.Along with our US and international partners, we urge software manufacturers to incorporate Secure-by-Design principles into their development lifecycle to strengthen the security posture of their customers. Software manufacturers should review our Secure by Design resources and put their principles into practice.Bryan Vorndran, assistant director at the FBI Cyber Division, added: Threat actors affiliated with the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) have targeted commercial telecommunications providers to compromise sensitive data and engage in cyber espionage.We strongly encourage organisations to review and implement the recommended measures in this guide and to report suspicious activity to their local FBI field office.These hacks are a reminder that domestic communications infrastructure is critical to our national security, said Tim Perry, head of strategy at Prepared, a US-based supplier of assistive technology to emergency call handlers and first responders.State actors have the resources and the motivation to exploit our network vulnerabilities, quietly infiltrate our communications networks and collect our most sensitive data. Thats why local, state and federal law enforcement agencies whether they are running wiretaps, supporting law enforcement sensitive operational communications or just administering their local 911 system must remain up to date on the latest cyber threats.The full guidance, which can be accessed via the CISA website, is also highly pertinent to any organisation running on-premise enterprise equipment, particularly operators of critical national infrastructure (CNI), which should be implementing it as a matter of course.Besides those tasked with defending communications networks, it sets out steps that network engineers who may not necessarily be steeped in cyber security best practice could, and should, take.These include scrutinising and investigating any strange configuration modifications or alterations to devices such as switches, routers or firewalls, inventorising these devices, implementing network flow monitoring, limiting exposure of management traffic to the public internet, monitoring user and service account logins for anomalies, and implementing secure, centralised logging.Engineers may also wish to set up an out-of-band management network physically separated from the operational data flow network, implementing access control lists (ACLs), deploy stronger network segmentation with router ACLs, stateful packet inspection and the like, harden and secure virtual private network (VPN) gateways, implement end-to-end encryption, and much more.It also includes guidance specific to a number of Cisco-specific features known to have been exploited by Salt Typhoon, including applying hardening best practice to all Cisco operating systems, such as IOS XE and NX-OS.Read more about the Salt Typhoon attacksGovernment agencies confirmed Wall Street Journal reports that China-backed threat actors breached telecommunication providers and access data for law enforcement requests.TechTarget Security's Risk & Repeat podcast discusses how Salt Typhoon breached several major telecom companies and accessed data related to law enforcement requests.After US senator Richard Blumenthal warned tech companies that deep ties to China pose national security risks as cyber attacks rise, experts say it's time to pick a side.

As 2024 winds down, artificial intelligence (AI) has definitely been one of the years biggest game-changers in business. 65% of companies are already using gen AI, and its evolving almost every day. But as exciting as this technology is, theres one critical question that many businesses still need to answer: What does AI actually mean for us?For tech experts, the answer may be obvious. But the truth is, AI means different things to different people. What one person says in the tech department could be completely different to somebody in marketing or HR. Even the person sitting next to you could give you a completely different answer. And if your organisation doesnt have a clear, shared understanding of AI, your business wont be able to unlock its full potential.AI offers the essential building blocks to help businesses evolve, but first, as business leaders, you need to figure out what it really means for your organisation.AI is everywhere, but defining it in a single sentence? Nearly impossible. Thats because AI isnt one thing its a whole range of technologies, from machine learning and natural language processing to computer vision and robotics. Its a tool that can automate mundane tasks, enhance decision-making, and boost efficiency. However, the ways AI can be used differ dramatically from one organisation to the next.For some companies, like Natwest, AI might be a virtual assistant handling customer queries. For others, such as Rolls Royce, it could be predictive maintenance to help predict when parts will fail to reduce downtime. There are endless possibilities, but without a clear understanding of how AI applies to your specific business, it wont become a reality.Without a shared definition of AI, different teams might be pulling in different directions. Your IT team could be thinking about AIs technical potential, while Marketing sees it as a tool for customer insights. Thats like two people heading off on a journey one is driving to Switzerland, and the other is on a sleigh to the North Pole. Youll never get to the same place if you dont agree on where youre going.This is why defining AI and having a clear AI strategy for your organisation is crucialit brings everyone together with a common understanding, ensuring youre all working towards the same goal.So, how do you go about defining AI in a way that will actually drive transformation? First things first: stop assuming everyone in the business already understands it.CommunicationCommunication is the key to getting this right. Start by talking to everyone in the organisation, not just the tech teams. Ask people in every department, marketing, operations, and HR, what they think AI is and how they believe it could help them. And dont stop there. Speak to your customers, too. Their perspective is vital because understanding what AI means for them will help you shape your strategy.Ensuring a shared understanding helps to highlight where knowledge gaps exist so you can fill them. Second, it surfaces where people really see AIs value both internally and externally. Maybe your employees are excited about using AI to automate tedious tasks, while your customers are eager for more personalised experiences. This insight can guide how you define the use of AI in your business.VisionRemember, defining AI isnt just about the technology its about the vision. Ask yourself, What do we want to achieve with AI?. Do you want to be a leader in AI-powered customer service? Or is your goal to use AI to make smarter business decisions? The clearer your definition, the more aligned your teams will be, and the more focused your AI strategy will become.StrategyWith everyone aligned on what AI means and what its capable of, youll be able to create targeted solutions that drive real transformation. No more guesswork. AI becomes a strategic tool that empowers your teams and delivers measurable value. And with tools like Microsofts Copilot, AI is becoming more accessible to non-technical teams, allowing anyone in the business to build apps and automate workflows.Using AI strategically, with a clear purpose will set businesses apart in 2025. The companies that thrive will be the ones that have taken the time to define AI clearly, ensuring that everyone, from the c-suite to customer service, knows exactly how it fits into the business.The 12 Days of AIOn the first day of AI, we explore how AI is being used in marketing, the benefits and key use cases, as well as concerns and how marketers can best take advantage of the technology.As we approach 2025, the best gift your business can give itself is a clear, actionable definition of AI. Its not enough to dabble in AI technologiesyou need to take the time to define what AI means for your organisation, your employees, and your customers.AI has the power to transform how you work, how you serve your customers, and how you grow your business. But that transformation can only happen if everyone in the organisation understands AI and how it fits into the bigger picture.So, let 2025 be the year your business moves from AI hype to AI strategy. By defining AI clearly and aligning your teams around that definition, youll be positioned to lead in the age of digital transformation.Janet Robb is director of customer enablement at ANS, a digital transformation provider and Microsofts UK Services Partner of the Year 2024. Headquartered in Manchester, it offers public and private cloud, security, business applications, low code, and data services to thousands of customers, from enterprise to SMB and public sector organisations.

The Marshall Woburn 3 costs more than its feature set might suggest, but the powerful performance and elegant look make it a solid buy, especially for $80 off.

New reports point to the Korean giant unveiling its first smart glasses during a January Unpacked event alongside the expected Galaxy S25 series. Here's what we know.

Google's Pixel TabletEwan SpenceGoogles latest Pixel smartphones are picking up critical acclaim and commercial success. Yet one of the eagerly awaited updates looks to be cancelled. Those waiting for a second Pixel Tablet will be disappointed that the immediate follow-up to last years Android tablet has been cancelled.Writing for Android Authority, Kamila Wojciechowska reports on the now-cancelled Pixel Tablet 2s specs. There were some welcome upgrades from the first Pixel Tablet, as well as some sought-after accessories. Still, the specs make one thing clear: the Pixel Tablet 2 was more of an S update to the original hardware rather than a full next generation tablet to follow on from the Pixel Tablet.Potential Pixel Tablet 2 UpgradesThe Pixel Tablet was sold as part of Googles smart home suite. Given that, the low refresh rate of the LCD screen was seen as a weak point of the package. While the LCD side of the equation would have stayed the same, the Pixel Tablet 2 was set for a 120Hz display, along with a ten percent increase in brightness.The Pixel Tablet 2 was expected to ship with the Google Tensor G4 system-on-chip. This is the same chipset found in the latest Pixel handsets (the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold). The G4 is tuned towards delivering the best generative AI software on Android, including Googles Gemini AI. The original Piel Tablet was launched before Googles big public push of Google AI, so the Tablet 2 would have been the first Pixel Tablet that was arguably "designed for AI."Traveling With The Pixel Tablet 2One of the key upgrades was going to be connectivity. Whereas the first Pixel Tablet was Wi-Fi only, the Pixel Tablet 2 was scheduled to offer both a Wi-Fi and a Wi-Fi+5G model. Although the Pixel Tablet was pitched as part of a connected household, the lightweight design makes it attractive as a portable option.MORE FOR YOUA cellular connection was not the only productivity upgrade that was hoped for. Unlike other tablet manufacturers, Google did not release a keyboard that works with the Pixel Tablet. Resourceful users could use a Bluetooth-enabled keyboard, but an all-in-one solution is preferred. The now-cancelled Pixel Tabelt 2 was set to have a Pixel Keyboard launch alongside it. With Google bundling a Pixel Tablet Speaker in the first retail unit, a keyboard could have been bundled with the tablet.The Wider Impact Of The Pixel TabletPerhaps the biggest impact of the Pixel Tablet 2 cancellation is in the ecosystem. Androids support of large-screened devices falls behind Apples efforts to keep iPad hardware tightly connected. With the Pixel Tablet launch, Google made a strong statement of support to its Android partners that tablets were part of its consideration. The cancellation of the Pixel Tablet 2 diminishes that commitment.Google is likely working on its next tablet, what was once thought of as the Pixel Tablet 3. Theres a strong chance that whenever the next Pixel Tablet is launched, it will be marketed as the Pixel Tablet 2. For now, Googles upgrade to its largest Pixelbe it the small Pixel Tabelet 2 step up or a Pixel Tablet 3-esque leap remains under lock and key in Mountain View.Now read the latest Android news, including from the Pixel Tablets competition, in Forbes weekly Android Circuit news digest...