html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd" Table of ContentsTable of ContentsA fantastic Iron Man-themed designMediaTek power and more techWhat about the Poco X7?One to buy?I love special edition smartphones, but theyre quite hard to get right. Some dont make all that much sense, while others are wonderfully over-the-top yet really niche collaborations.Thankfully, Pocos Iron Man Edition of its new X7 Pro has absolutely nailed the formula. Announced at CES 2025, I had the chance to see it in person and its fantastic.Recommended VideosAndy Boxall / Digital TrendsPoco could have gone mad with the design, but it has held back (slightly) and created something eye-catching but not too ridiculous. It all centers around a relief (a design technique where a flat image appears to be 3D) of Iron Mans famous helmet on the back of the phone, which is so effective you immediately run your finger across it, expecting to feel it raised above the phones otherwise flat rear panel. The design of Iron Mans Arc Reactor surrounds the helmet relief, and an Avengers logo sits at the bottom of the phone.The photos dont do the colors or design justice, as its even more vibrant in person, and I love the combination of finishes from matte to glossy, plus the careful use of gold accents. Theres a case included in the special presentation box both are covered in fun nods to the Iron Man character which crucially doesnt cover up the fantastic details on the back of the phone, yet will still provide important corner protection in the event of a fall. Its great to see an IP68 dust and water resistance rating for the X7 Pro, too.Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsOn the day the Poco X7 Pro Iron Man Edition was announced, I took it to see what someone immersed in the world of comics and collectibles thought of it. Kate Miwk, owner ofMiwk Books, not only thought the phone would be a highly prized collectible but also said she would absolutely use it, even after a few moments scrolling through the menus and checking out the Iron Man design. Its fine for me, a tech journalist, to say its cool, but its even better when someone who works in the comic and collectible world agrees. It shows that Poco has made something special here.1 of 3Andy Boxall / Digital Trends Andy Boxall / Digital Trends Andy Boxall / Digital Trends Poco got the Iron Man Editions design right, but what about the technology? The Poco X7 Pro has a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra processor, a chip announced at the end of December 2024, making it one of the very first phones to use it. Its equipped with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage space and powered by a hefty 6,000mAh battery with Pocos HyperCharge fast charging to take it from zero to 100% in around 42 minutes.On the front is a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass 7i over the top, which shows Android 15 and Xiaomis HyperOS interface. The software has been given an Iron Man-themed makeover, too, with custom wallpaper and specially designed icons. Its a typical Poco look, as its popular gaming phones always have a busy, colorful, and highly stylized look to Android.1 of 3Andy Boxall / Digital Trends Andy Boxall / Digital Trends Andy Boxall / Digital Trends There are two cameras on the back: a 50-megapixel Sony IMX882 with optical image stabilization (OIS), along with an 8MP wide-angle camera. On the front is a 20MP selfie camera. Other X7 Pro features include an in-display fingerprint sensor, dual speakers, Bluetooth 5.4, 5G connectivity, and face unlock.Poco X7 Pro PocoThe Poco X7 range is divided into three different models the special X7 Pro Iron Man Edition seen here, the normal X7 Pro, and a Poco X7. If you dont choose the Iron Man Edition, the Poco X7 Pro comes in black, green, or yellow with a black stripe. Plus, theres the option to buy a version with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage space.If you choose the Poco X7 there are some feature differences between it and the X7 Pro to consider. It has a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra processor plus a 5,110mAh battery and 45W wired fast charging, and although the screen is the same size, its curved at the sides and uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for protection. Otherwise, it has the same main camera, selfie camera, IP68 rating, and software.Poco X7 PocoThe Poco X7s design is noticeably different and not just because of the curved screen, as the Poco logo has an unusual embossed design, and theres a vegan leather rear panel option too. The phone comes in silver, green, or black with yellow highlights. The Poco X7 starts at $249 and the Poco X7 Pro at $299, with the top 12GB/512GB version priced at $369. The desirable Poco X7 Pro Iron Man Edition costs $399. Poco does not sell its phones in the U.S., and has confirmed that sadly, the Iron Man Edition will not be available in the U.K. while we expect other models to be sold there.Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsI havent spent enough time with the Poco X7 Pro to fully evaluate it yet, but its clear the processor makes Pocos busy software smooth and fast to respond, and the screen is suitably colorful and bright. However, I am so impressed with the Iron Man Editions design because its not totally insane and instead rather well-judged and sensibly executed.Will it be the first in a range of Marvel-themed Poco phones where we will one day be able to build our own Avengers team using just special edition models? Whatever happens, the Iron Man Edition is a great start and one of the most desirable special edition smartphones Ive seen in a while.Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsOnePlus 13 versus iPhone 16 Pro Max: specsOnePlus 13 versus iPhone 16 Pro Max: design and displayOnePlus 13 versus iPhone 16 Pro Max: performanceOnePlus 13 versus iPhone 16 Pro Max: camerasOnePlus 13 versus iPhone 16 Pro Max: battery and chargingOnePlus 13 versus iPhone 16 Pro Max: software and updatesOnePlus 13 versus iPhone 16 Pro Max: price and availabilityOnePlus 13 versus iPhone 16 Pro Max: verdictA new Android phone has been released: the OnePlus 13. Like its predecessor, the OnePlus 12, this latest model is expected to rank among the top Android phones of the year, much like the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, regarded as one of the best Apple phones this year. Crammed full of the latest in hardware and technology, these two big-screen smartphones share a lot in common but have a lot of differences, too not least a big gulf in price.How do these phones compare to one another? Should you save money on the OnePlus 13, or go all-out on the big-ticket iPhone? We took a look to find out.Recommended VideosOnePlus 13iPhone 16 Pro MaxSize162.9 x 76.5 x 8.5mm163 x 77.6 x 8.25mmWeight210 grams221 gramsScreen size and resolution6.8-inch 1440p OLED120Hz adaptive refresh rate3168 x 1440 pixels800 nits typical, 4,500 nits peak6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLEDProMotion with 120Hz dynamic refresh rate2868 x 1320 pixels2000 nits brightnessOperating systemAndroid with OxygenOSiOS 18 w/Apple IntelligenceStorage256GB and 512GB256GB, 512GB, or 1TBProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 EliteApple A18 ProRAM12GB or 16GB8GBCamerasRear:50-megapixel main50MP ultrawide50MP 2X zoomFront32MPRear:48MP main48MP ultrawide12MP telephotoFront:12MPWater resistanceIP69IP68Battery and charging6,000mAhFast charging 100W (TBA in the U.S.)Fast wireless charging (50W)Reverse wireless charging4,685mAhFast charging with a 20W adapter or higherFast wireless charging (15W)Reverse wireless chargingColorsBlack Eclipse, Midnight Ocean, and Arctic DawnWhite Titanium, Black Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert TitaniumPriceFrom $900From $1,200RelatedApple iPhone 16 Pro Max Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsThe OnePlus 13 and the iPhone 16 Pro Max might both be flagship devices, but they showcase distinct design philosophies. The OnePlus 13 features a slightly rounded display and a sleek camera module that seamlessly integrates into the back of the phone. It boasts a vibrant 6.82-inch AMOLED panel with a sharp resolution of 3168 x 1440 pixels and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has Apples signature flat-edged design with a more pronounced squared-off camera bump. Although its 6.9-inch OLED display is slightly larger, it has a lower resolution of 2868 x 1320 pixels. However, it still provides the same 120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and animations.Both smartphones have premium build qualities. The OnePlus 13 features a glass back paired with an aluminum frame, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max continues to utilize a durable titanium frame and glass construction. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference: The OnePlus 13 offers a more ergonomic feel with its curves. At the same time, the iPhone 16 Pro Max presents a classic and angular aesthetic.The reviewer of the OnePlus 13 highlighted some unusual features with this phones display. One of these is its ability to run two different refresh rates simultaneously; for example, it can display at 120Hz for a game in a small window while using a lower refresh rate for less-demanding applications, like messaging, on the main screen. Additionally, the phone includes a mode designed for use when wearing gloves or when your fingers are wet.However, there are some issues with how the screen and software handle upward swipes. Users may experience inconsistency sometimes, swiping up opens an overview of apps, while other times, it minimizes the current app into a floating window. This unpredictability can be frustrating, and retrieving a minimized app is not intuitive.The iPhone wins here, largely because of the early display issues with the OnePlus 13.Winner: iPhone 16 Pro MaxAndy Boxall / Digital TrendsThe OnePlus 13 is powered by the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, specifically designed to handle intensive tasks with remarkable efficiency. This chipset delivers impressive benchmark scores and excels in gaming and multitasking scenarios. With RAM options ranging from 12GB to an extraordinary 16GB, the OnePlus 13 ensures seamless multitasking capabilities, allowing users to switch between demanding applications effortlessly. The device also has a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, enhancing the overall visual experience, especially during gaming or when scrolling through content.On the flip side, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by Apples A18 Pro chip, a powerhouse in its own right. Known for its remarkable real-world performance, this chip provides a fluid and responsive user experience that many users find unbeatable. Although it has only 8GB of RAM less than the OnePlus 13 Apples unique hardware and software integration approach allows the iPhone 16 Pro Max to optimize performance exceptionally well. This results in a device that feels fast and smooth under any circumstance, whether browsing, playing graphics-intensive games, or using productivity applications. The Pro Max also boasts a Super Retina XDR display, which offers stunning color accuracy and brightness, further elevating the visual experience.Both devices have lightning-fast storage solutions, ensuring quick app launches and file transfers. They also support the latest connectivity options, including 5G, which enhances their capabilities for streaming, gaming, and downloading content at incredible speeds.Ultimately, while both smartphones deliver top-tier performance, the OnePlus 13 may have the edge in raw power and multitasking thanks to its superior RAM options and processing capabilities. Conversely, the iPhone 16 Pro Max provides an optimized real-world usage experience, making it ideal for users who value seamless integration and reliability in their daily tasks. Whether you lean toward the dynamic Android ecosystem of the OnePlus or the refined iOS experience of the iPhone, both options are exceptional choices for those seeking high performance in a smartphone.Winner: OnePlus 13Nirave Gondhia / Digital TrendsThe OnePlus 13 features a triple camera setup with three 50-megapixel lenses: a primary lens, an ultrawide lens, and a 3x telephoto lens. These lenses were co-developed with Hasselblad to enhance color science, resulting in vibrant, detailed images with accurate colors, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a triple camera system with a 48MP primary sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with a 5x optical zoom. Apple focuses on computational photography, utilizing its powerful A18 Pro chip to deliver sharp, well-exposed images with excellent dynamic range.While the OnePlus 13 offers higher resolution sensors and more versatile zoom capabilities, the iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in portrait mode and low-light photography due to its advanced image-processing techniques.Ultimately, both phones deliver exceptional camera performance. The OnePlus 13 is known for its vibrant colors and detailed textures, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max prioritizes overall image quality and the advantages of computational photography.Winner: TieAndy Boxall / Digital TrendsThe OnePlus 13 boasts a significantly larger battery capacity of 6,000mAh compared to the iPhone Maxs 4,685mAh. This increased capacity allows for longer usage, making it ideal for power users. Additionally, OnePlus continues its tradition of offering rapid charging speeds, featuring 80W wired charging that quickly recharges the battery. It also includes 50W wireless charging for added convenience.In our tests, we watched a 2160p video on YouTube for about 30 minutes, depleting only 4% of the battery. Similarly, an Asphalt 9: Unite gaming session of the same duration used the same battery. These impressive figures show the energy efficiency of the battery, especially during everyday tasks. With around two hours of general use, the battery typically remains above 70% from a full charge throughout the day, allowing for two or even three days of light use without needing to charge.Even after more than four hours of screen time, we found that the OnePlus 13 still had around 50% battery by the end of the day. This performance makes the phone an excellent choice for those who need a device that can handle heavy usage without frequent recharging.In comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro Max features fast-charging capabilities, offering a maximum of 27W for wired charging and 25W when using MagSafe. However, Apple emphasizes optimizing its software and hardware for improved efficiency, which may lessen the difference in real-world performance, even with a smaller battery capacity. The iPhone can certainly compete with the OnePlus phone regarding battery power, even though it falls short in charging speed, and this is an important point to consider.Overall, the OnePlus 13 has an advantage in battery size and charging speeds, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max relies on effective power management to ensure respectable battery life.Winner: OnePlus 13Christine Romero-Chan / Digital TrendsThe OnePlus 13 and iPhone 16 Pro Max offer distinctly different software experiences and update policies, catering to user preferences and priorities.The OnePlus 13 operates on OxygenOS, a customized version of Android that combines the familiar near-stock Android interface with additional customization options. This aspect allows users to tailor their devices to their liking, offering features such as customizable themes, icon packs, and enhanced multitasking capabilities. Users generally find OxygenOS to deliver a smooth and responsive experience, making everyday tasks effortless. OnePlus update track record has been somewhat inconsistent over the years. The company has historically provided fewer years of major Android updates and security patches than its competitors. This inconsistency can leave users concerned about the longevity and security of their devices.In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max runs on Apples tightly controlled operating system, renowned for its simplicity and user-friendly design. iOS 18 offers a cohesive experience that integrates with Apples hardware ecosystem, which includes iPads, Macs, and services like iCloud and Apple Music. This integration ensures users can easily transition between devices and share data effortlessly. One of the most significant advantages of using an iPhone is the longevity of software support; typically, iPhones receive major iOS updates for five to six years and regular security updates throughout their lifespan. This consistent support gives users peace of mind regarding device security and feature enhancements over time.Ultimately, the OnePlus 13 offers a more customizable and versatile Android experience, ideal for users who enjoy personalizing their devices. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro Max provides a stable and user-friendly environment with industry-leading software support, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing a cohesive ecosystem and long-term reliability. Each device has its strengths, and the best choice will depend on the users preferences and needs.Winner: iPhone 16 Pro MaxYou can save money by choosing the OnePlus 13, which is at least $300 cheaper than the iPhone 16 Pro Max before any discounts. The OnePlus 13 has 256GB or 512GB storage options, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of storage. Both models come in a variety of colors. As a newer phone, the OnePlus 13 may be in limited supply in the short term. In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, introduced in September 2024, is widely available and may have discounts.Christine Romero-Chan / Digital TrendsTheres no denying that the OnePlus 13 and the iPhone 16 Pro Max are both incredible smartphones, each with its unique strengths and features. For many consumers, deciding which one to buy will ultimately determine whether you identify as an Android or iOS fan, regardless of the other distinguishing factors.For anyone not heavily tied to a particular operating system, several key points must be considered. The OnePlus 13 stands out with its top-tier specifications and performance, all without the premium price tag often associated with flagship devices. It boasts a larger battery capacity, which means you can enjoy extended usage throughout the day, and it supports faster charging speeds, allowing you to quickly recharge and get back to using your device. Additionally, OnePlus has a reputation for its fluid user interface and customization options, giving users a more personalized experience.On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is intricately woven into the Apple ecosystem, offering unparalleled synergy with other Apple products such as the Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac. This integration means features like Handoff, AirDrop, and iCloud work seamlessly, providing a fluid experience across devices. Plus, interfaces remain consistent and intuitive, making navigating easier for users. Further, Apples commitment to long-term software support ensures that users will receive software updates for several years, potentially saving money in the long run since you wont need to upgrade your device as frequently.Ultimately, the choice between the OnePlus 13 and the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes down to individual needs, lifestyle preferences, and what you value most in a smartphone. If you prioritize performance and customization at a competitive price, the OnePlus 13 might be the better choice. Conversely, if you seek a cohesive user experience within the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 16 Pro Max could be the more appealing option.Buy the OnePlus 13:Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max:Editors Recommendations

The Chinese-owned app is battling for survival as a deadline looms over its fate.

The company said it has never sold data collected by Siri or used it for advertising purposes.

pastoral nomads, please stop here Archaeologists just mapped a Bronze Age megafortress in Georgia This recently mapped Bronze Age fortress is just one among hundreds. Kiona N. Smith Jan 9, 2025 7:00 am | 1 This orthographic photo shows the inner fortress walls and some nearby structures. Credit: Erb-Satullo et al. 2025 This orthographic photo shows the inner fortress walls and some nearby structures. Credit: Erb-Satullo et al. 2025 Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreA sprawling 3,500-year-old fortress offers tantalizing clues about a culture that once dotted the southern Caucasus mountains with similar walled communities.Archaeologists recently used a drone to map a sprawling 3,500-year-old fortress in the Caucasus Mountains of southern Georgia. The detailed aerial map offers some tantalizing clues about the ancient culture whose people built hundreds of similar fortresses in a mountainous region that spans the modern countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. Based on their survey and excavations within the fortress walls, Cranfield University archaeologist Nathaniel Erb-Satullo and his colleagues suggest the fortified community may have been a place where nomadic herders converged during their yearly migration, but the evidence still leaves more questions than answers. This map shows an aerial map of the ancient megafortress at Dmanisis Gora. Credit: Erb-Satullo et al. 2025 An abandoned ancient megafortressThe half-buried Bronze Age ruins of Dmanisis Gora perch on a windswept promontory a few kilometers away from a cave where Homo erectus (or a close relative) lived 1.8 million years ago. Deep, steep-sided gorges run along two sides of the promontory, and sometime between 1500 and 1000 BCE, people stacked boulders into a double layer of high, thick walls to block off the end of the plateau from the plains to the west. Sheltered between the 4-meter high, 2.5-meter wide walls and the 60-meter-deep gorges, people built dugout houses, then later aboveground stone ones, along with stone animal pens and other buildings.Outside the walls lay a more sprawling, less densely packed settlement, sheltered by another wall to the west. That outer wall was as high and wide as the inner ones, and it stretched a full kilometer from the edge of one gorge to the edge of the other. Between the walls, homes and other buildings formed small compounds with open space between them. Fenced fields, animal pens, and graves dotted the area.Erb-Satullo and his colleagues recently mapped the whole fortress with their DJI Phantom 4 RTK drone. Eleven-thousand aerial images, stitched together with software into orthographic photos and digital elevation maps, revealed that the fortified community was much larger than the team had initially suspected. The innermost walls shelter an area of about 1.5 hectares, but the other wall encloses a total of 56. And a partial wall, which may have been destroyed in the past or simply started and never finished, would bring the total fortified area to around 80 hectares.Because of its size, it was impossible to get a sense of the site as a whole from the ground, Erb-Satullo and his colleagues explain in a press release. This aerial photo shows the outer fortress wall, with the outlines of several collapsed structures in the foreground, looking west. Credit: Erb-Satullo et al. 2025 A world of fortresses and nomadsAlthough the fortress is hugeseveral times than the area of the nearby medieval town of Dmanisi, a major trading post during the Middle Ages that once boasted a cathedral and a castleits just one of hundreds that dot the southern Caucasus mountains, most of which havent been surveyed or excavated in detail.These examples suggest that the Damanisis Gora mega-fortress, while exceptional in size, is not entirely without parallel, write Erb-Satullo and his colleagues in their paper.These fortresses tended to take advantage of features like gorges and hilltops for natural defenses, supplementing those with walls of unworked boulders stacked without mortar. Within the walls, crafters cast elaborate bronze work and made gray and black pottery burnished to a shine (though reds and buffs got more popular over time). They sewed using bone needles, and they wore beads of bone, carnelian, copper, and faience (a type of ceramic).The people who lived and died in these walled communities buried their dead in mounds called kurgans, in massive stone-built tombs called cromlechs, or smaller stone-lined graves called cists (pronounced kist). One of these cist graves lies near the main gate of the inner fortress, positioned such that anyone passing through the gate would have passed directly by it. Its occupant went to the next life with beads, copper-alloy arrowheads, and pottery. In the inner and outer fortress, a mix of all three types of graves dot the area; theres no defined graveyard to separate the dwellings of the dead from those of the living.Smaller, narrower stone walls mark the boundaries of fields, both within and outside the walls of the fortified community. Some of those fields were plowed and fenced long after the fortress had crumbled into rubble; aerial photos reveal where plows tore into the foundations of ancient structures. But others may date to the Bronze Age and early Iron Age heyday of Dmanisis Gora.A settlement of migrants?For a large part of the community, however, making a living meant herding livestock, a life of constant migration between highland pastures in the summer and winter grazing in the lowlands.Erb-Satullo and his colleagues are still trying to understand how the constant seasonal motion of pastoral herders relates to settled life behind stone walls. But at the moment, their best idea is that the area between the inner and outer walls may have been a seasonal settlement for herders passing through. Dmanisis Gora lies on the route ancient herders would have followed each spring and autumn.One possibility is that Dmanisis Gora served as a staging ground for pastoral groups during transitional periods in the spring and autumn, write Erb-Satullo and his colleagues. In an earlier paper, following some excavations at the site in 2022, they suggested, Its large outer settlement may have expanded and contracted seasonally.A seasonal stopover for migrating herders and their flocks may explain some puzzling quirks of the outer fortress. People went to the trouble of building stone buildings and pens, which suggests a permanent settlement rather than a temporary camp, but they didnt leave behind many artifacts. In the innermost section of the fortress, archaeologists have unearthed two distinct layers of construction and discarded objects: tens of thousands of potsherds, beads, needles, and ritual items. But in the area between the innermost and outer walls, finds are sparse. That may mean that people stayed in the outer fortress regularly enough to justify stone buildings, but they probably didnt stick around for very long.That gave rise to the idea that the outer area may have been seasonal quarters for nomads, who took shelter behind the walls with their herds during the twice-yearly trek from lowland to highlands back again. To be sure, Erb-Satullo and his colleagues will need to study Dmanisis Gora more closely and make detailed maps of similar sites.With the site now extensively mapped, further study will start to provide insights into areas such as population density and intensity, livestock movements, and agricultural practices, among others, says Erb-Satullo in a press release. This orthographic photo shows the inner fortress walls and some nearby structures. Credit: Erb-Satullo et al. 2025 A tale of resilience and ruin?Another question on Erb-Satullo and his colleagues minds is how settlements like Dmanisis Gora weathered the Bronze Age collapse: a wave of invasions, famines, earthquakes, and economic and political upheaval that wreaked havoc on civilizations in Mesopotamia, the Nile Valley, and along the Mediterranean at the beginning of the 1100s BCE.At Dmanisis Gora, radiocarbon dates and the types of pottery and construction suggest that life carried on without a hitch (or at least not one that shows up in the archaeological record so far) even as the rest of the world was violently transitioning from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age. Erb-Satullo and his colleagues suggest that something about the blend of mobility and fortified settlement may have given the fortress-building people of the Caucasus some resilience against the tides of 12th-century collapse. But thats another question that will ultimately require more evidence to answer.Meanwhile, reminding us that no civilizationno matter how resilientis actually permanent, the aerial photos reveal where plows had torn up the ruins of some ancient structures, long since collapsed. An abandoned barn on the site, built over what may once have been the homes of herders between pastures, fell into decay around the 1700s or 1800s CE, and fields where stone houses and graves once stood were being plowed and farmed during the Soviet era in 1972.Antiquity, 2017. DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2024.197 (About DOIs).Kiona N. SmithScience correspondentKiona N. SmithScience correspondent Kiona is a freelance science journalist and resident archaeology nerd at Ars Technica. 1 Comments

John Edwards, Technology Journalist & AuthorJanuary 9, 20256 Min ReadPanther Media GmbH via Alamy Stock PhotoDisaster recovery technologies are designed to prevent or minimize the data loss and business disruption resulting from unexpected catastrophic events. This includes everything from hardware failures and local power outages to cyberattacks, natural disasters, civil emergencies, and criminal or military assaults.As AI continues to transform and enhance a seemingly endless array of tasks and functions, it should come as no surprise that the technology has caught the attention of disaster recovery professionals.Preparation and ResponseJoseph Ours, AI strategy director at Centric Consulting, says AI can assist disaster recovery in two essential areas: preparation and response. "In many respects, speeding disaster recovery means planning and preparing," he observes in an email interview. Ours notes that a growing number of government agencies and insurance companies are already routinely performing these tasks with AI assistance. "They use predictive and classification models to analyze historical data and environmental factors to determine potential risk."AI-enabled resiliency planning provides speed and precision that traditional methods lack, says Stephen DeAngelis, president of Enterra Solutions, an AI-enabled transformation and intelligent enterprise planning platform provider. "AI's ability to process large volumes of data quickly allows it to detect anomalies and potential risks earlier," he explains in an online interview. Unlike conventional disaster recovery plans, AI-powered solutions are adaptive, updating in real-time as conditions change. "This means companies can pivot their strategies almost immediately, reducing the time needed to return to normal operations and ensuring minimal disruption to the supply chain."Related:Automatic DetectionIn businesses, AI-enhanced disaster recovery automatically detects anomalies, such as ransomware-corrupted data, allowing technicians to skip over unusable files and focus on clean, viable backups, says Stefan Voss, a vice president at data protection and security firm N-able. "This eliminates the time-intensive, manual review process thats standard in conventional recovery methods."AI can also improve boot detection accuracy, ensuring that machines will bounce back successfully after recovery, Voss says in an email interview. "Well-trained AI models can significantly reduce false positives or negatives, enhancing technician confidence in the reliability and efficiency of the restored systems," he explains. "With AI-driven accuracy, organizations can recover systems faster, with fewer errors, and minimize downtime."Related:AI solutions rely on access to high-quality data to generate accurate predictions. "When data is siloed or incomplete, models are likely to produce less reliable results," DeAngelis warns. To ensure success, he advises businesses to establish robust data management practices before implementing AI solutions. "Today, we're seeing innovators develop sophisticated techniques, such as advanced data modeling, to bridge critical data gaps and enhance AI accuracy."Getting StartedAn important first step toward using AI in disaster recovery is conducting a comprehensive assessment of current supply chain vulnerabilities. "Identify critical points of failure and gather historical data on past disruptions," DeAngelis suggests. Next, collaborate with an AI partner to build predictive models that simulate various disaster scenarios, such as geopolitical risks or extreme weather events. Focus on implementing AI tools that integrate seamlessly with existing systems, allowing for smooth data flows and real-time updates. "A phased approach is ideal, beginning with pilot projects and scaling up as the organization gains familiarity with the technology."Related:Voss says the next step should be identifying any existing challenges in the disaster recovery process. "For example, if your main goal is increasing recovery testing accuracy, look for AI tools designed to improve boot detection and guarantee reliable system restoration," he suggests. "On the other hand, if the goal is precisely detecting backup anomalies, focus on AI solutions that specialize in identifying compromised or corrupted data quickly and accurately."After clearly defining the issue at hand, seek out the AI solution that will meet your needs, Voss advises. "Always start with your pain points and let AI provide the answer, not the other way around."ChallengesAI disaster recovery can offer significant advantages, yet it also comes with several serious drawbacks. High development and integration costs can be a barrier, especially for small businesses, Voss says. "The skills shortage in AI expertise makes it difficult for organizations to develop or maintain AI-driven systems."Remember, too, that even with well-trained models, AI is far from infallible. False positives or negatives can occur, potentially complicating recovery efforts, Voss warns. "Additionally, an over-reliance on AI can reduce human oversight, making it imperative to strike a balance between automation and manual processes."Perhaps the biggest drawback is that some disasters arrive as unpredictable black swan-type events. "In this case, AI is neither a benefit nor contributor to the failure to respond because, by their very nature, humans would struggle to respond adequately as well," Ours says.A Competitive EdgeA proactive investment in AI not only mitigates risk but can turn challenges into competitive advantages, DeAngelis says. He notes that by being prepared to adapt quickly when disruptions occur, enterprises can maintain continuity and even capture market share from less-prepared competitors. "As we've seen from recent events, such as the US port strike, hurricane-related supply chain impacts, and the ongoing pressures of inflation, businesses that leverage AI to build resilience are better positioned to thrive in uncertain environments."About the AuthorJohn EdwardsTechnology Journalist & AuthorJohn Edwards is a veteran business technology journalist. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and numerous business and technology publications, including Computerworld, CFO Magazine, IBM Data Management Magazine, RFID Journal, and Electronic Design. He has also written columns for The Economist's Business Intelligence Unit and PricewaterhouseCoopers' Communications Direct. John has authored several books on business technology topics. His work began appearing online as early as 1983. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, he wrote daily news and feature articles for both the CompuServe and Prodigy online services. His "Behind the Screens" commentaries made him the world's first known professional blogger.See more from John EdwardsNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also LikeWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore Reports

Frank Kim, SANS Institute Fellow January 9, 20255 Min ReadEmre Akkoyun via Alamy StockAdopting zero-trust security architectures is increasingly becoming a corporate imperative, with zero trust serving as the recommended approach for building resilience against the evolving nature of enterprise threats. This shift represents more than just implementing the latest and greatest best-of-breed tools. Its a foundational shift away from perimeter-based security controls and external network defenses that were not designed for todays threat landscape.More than 80% of all data breaches today are attributed to human error or negligence, making human risk a pressing security concern amid the rise of hybrid work environments. A zero-trust architecture limits the damage that a compromised user can cause by segmenting the organizations security environment into smaller, isolated zones that restrict the ability to access sensitive data across the entire ecosystem. Unfortunately, the path to effective implementation has proven challenging. Forrester research found that more than 63% of enterprises are struggling to implement zero-trust frameworks, and Gartner predicts that by 2026 only 10% of large enterprises will have a mature and measurable zero-trust program in place.This heightens the role of the transformational CISO to the forefront. CISO success today requires more than being a pure technologist from the SOC room. They need to serve as transformational leaders who are capable of navigating shifting organizational priorities to foster collective buy-in amongst executive leaders, establish effective processes with business line stakeholders, and develop versatile security teams. Cultivating this company-wide alignment is critical to alleviating the roadblocks that hinder zero-trust adoption today.Related:Articulating Zero Trusts ValueNearly 50% of IT professionals describe collaboration between security risk management and business risk management as poor or nonexistent, according to NIST research. As CISOs, its our job to bridge this divide by framing zero trust as an enabler of business agility, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage rather than focusing on technical specifications. Leveraging scenario-based planning and risk quantification techniques can effectively articulate the value of zero trust in terms that resonate with various stakeholders -- correlating the ramifications of cyber incidents to high-value outcomes that impact their department. Marketing leaders, for example, might better appreciate zero trust when they understand how it prevents customer data breaches that result in brand reputational damage.Related:CISOs should establish regular touchpoints with business unit leaders to understand their workflows, pain points, and growth initiatives. This collaborative approach helps identify opportunities where zero trust can enhance business processes rather than hinder them. By securing visible support from the C-suite, CISOs can overcome initial resistance and ensure the necessary resources are allocated for successful implementation. It also helps strengthen organizational buy-in across all employees, giving the company a platform to address concerns, share implementation progress, and maintain alignment with business objectives.Minimizing Organizational FrictionSuccessful zero-trust adoption requires a carefully orchestrated change management strategy. Rather than pursuing lower-risk areas, organizations often achieve better results by starting with mid-risk priorities and moving methodically toward more complex challenges. This approach prevents implementation paralysis and drives meaningful security advancement.Clear communication at every stage is essential. Regular updates, user awareness training, and open feedback channels help maintain transparency and address concerns proactively. When employees realize that zero trust can streamline their access to resources while maintaining security, resistance typically diminishes. The key lies in balancing security requirements with user experience. Modern implementations should leverage automation and contextual access controls to make security seamless. Implementing single sign-on solutions alongside zero-trust principles can enhance both security and convenience, making the transition more palatable for end users.Related:In addition, developing a comprehensive change impact assessment helps identify potential friction points before they emerge. This involves mapping current workflows, understanding dependencies, and creating mitigation strategies. Regular user satisfaction surveys and feedback sessions enable continuous refinement of the implementation approach, ensuring that security measures align with operational needs while maintaining robust protection.Positioning Practitioners for SuccessThe technical complexity of zero-trust architectures demands a targeted focus on skill development amongst security practitioners. With practitioners often wearing multiple hats across architecture, implementation, operations, and monitoring, they must be all-around defenders who are capable of seamlessly transitioning between functional roles. This requires a strong foundational knowledge spanning both on-premises and cloud security domains. Security teams must understand the organization's end-to-end security environment, from network tools to cloud applications, endpoints, and data storage systems.Investment in targeted learning is crucial here. Prioritize formal trainings and upskilling programs that build team-wide competencies and implement cross-training initiatives that facilitate knowledge sharing to reduce key person dependencies and develop operational resilience. Establishing a dedicated zero-trust center of excellence can accelerate this skill development by providing guidance and support to other security team members while maintaining documentation and best practices.The path to zero trust is a continuous journey of organizational transformation. While technical implementation remains crucial, the transformational CISO's ability to bridge cultural gaps, foster organizational alignment, and develop comprehensive team capabilities will determine the success of zero-trust initiatives. As cyber threats continue to evolve and regulatory pressures mount, organizations that successfully execute this cultural and technical transformation will be better positioned to protect their critical assets and maintain business continuity in an increasingly complex threat landscape.About the AuthorFrank KimSANS Institute Fellow Frank Kim is a SANS Fellow where he leads the Cloud Security and Cybersecurity Leadership curricula to help shape and develop the next generation of security leaders. Previously, he served as the organizations CISO where he led the information risk function for the most trusted source of cybersecurity training and certification in the world.See more from Frank KimNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also LikeWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore Reports

AI tools will enable significant productivity and efficiency benefits for organizations in the coming year, but they also will exacerbate privacy, governance, and security risks.

Quantum computers could use heat to eliminate errorsChalmers University of Technology, Lovisa HkanssonA tiny cooling device can automatically reset malfunctioning components of a quantum computer. Its performance suggests that manipulating heat could also enable other autonomous quantum devices.Quantum computers arent yet fully practical because they make too many errors. In fact, if qubits key components of this type of computer accidentally heat up and become too energetic, they can end up in an erroneous state before the calculation even begins. One way to reset the qubits to their correct states is to cool them down. AdvertisementSimone Gasparinetti at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden and his colleagues have delegated this task to an autonomous quantum refrigerator for the first time.The researchers built two qubits and one qutrit, which can store more complex information than a qubit, from tiny superconducting circuits. The qutrit and one of the qubits formed a fridge for the second target qubit, which could eventually be used for computation.The researchers carefully engineered the interactions between the three components to ensure that when the target qubit had too much energy, which caused errors, heat automatically flowed out of it and into the two other elements. This lowered the target qubits temperature and reset it. Because this process was autonomous, the qubit-and-qutrit fridge could correct errors without any outside control. Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox.Sign up to newsletterAamir Ali, also at Chalmers University of Technology, says this approach to resetting the qubit required less new hardware than more conventional methods and yielded better results. Without any significant quantum computer redesign or introduction of new wires, the qubits starting state was correct 99.97 per cent of the time. In contrast, other reset methods typically only manage 99.8 per cent, he says.This is a powerful example of how thermodynamic machines which deal with heat, energy and temperature can be useful in the quantum realm, says Nicole Yunger Halpern at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Maryland, who worked on the project.Conventional thermodynamic machines like the heat engine sparked a whole industrial revolution, but so far quantum thermodynamics hasnt been very practical. Im interested in making quantum thermodynamics useful. This arguably useful autonomous quantum refrigerator is our first example, says Yunger Halpern.Its nice to see this machine implemented and useful. The fact that it is autonomous, so it does not require any external control, should make it efficient and versatile, says Nicolas Brunner at the University of Geneva in Switzerland.Micha Horodecki at the University of Gdask in Poland says that one of the most urgent problems for quantum computers built with superconducting circuits is making sure the machines dont heat up and subsequently make errors. The new experiment opens a path for many similar projects that have been proposed but never tested, such as using qubits to build autonomous quantum engines, he says.The researchers are already looking into whether they could build on their experiment. For example, they might create an autonomous quantum clock or design a quantum computer with other functions automatically driven by temperature differences.Journal referenceNature Physics DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41567-024-02708-5Topics:

Comment and TechnologyWe need to stop ignoring young people's firsthand experience with artificial intelligence. They are already at the sharp end of its development, says Mhairi Aitken 8 January 2025 Adri VoltNext month, world leaders will gather in Paris for the AI Action Summit, the latest in a series of high-profile international events on artificial intelligence. Previous ones have brought together heads of state, senior policy-makers and CEOs of tech companies to discuss how to tackle the risks of advanced AI technologies. But there is one group that has so far been entirely missing from these processes, and it happens to be the one that will be most affected by advances in AI: children.Children are consistently the most underrepresented group in decision-making processes relating to AIs design, development and deployment,