It's getting ridiculous: We've already seen games running inside PDF files, AI models, and even Microsoft Word documents. Now, an indie developer has managed to create a fully playable version of Pong that renders across a staggering 240 Google Chrome browser tabs. And when we say tabs, we do really mean the tabs themselves; the favicons, specifically. Dubbed "Faviconic Pong," this unusual implementation comes courtesy of developer Nolen Royalty. It builds upon another unusual implementation in which a version of Flappy Bird was played solely within a single favicon. While that was impressive in its own limited way, Faviconic Pong takes things several notches higher with an even more bizarre implementation.The game essentially spreads the action between the main Chrome window showing the lower half of the screen, while the array of 240 tab favicons handles the upper portion. The classic Pong paddles, ball, and scoring all behave just as you'd expect it's just that those objects are not limited to the scope of a browser's viewport and can stretch to the myriad of tiny tab icons.It achieves this neat visual trick through clever AppleScript for macOS. The developer tapped into Google Chrome's internals, writing code that can precisely control the favicon for each tab and rapidly update the tiny icons to animate the ball's movement.For those interested in learning more, Royalty's development blog is an insightful read. To summarize, he started by using AppleScript to generate a precise grid of Chrome windows and tabs. Then, he worked on updating favicons quickly and overcoming browser throttling with web workers. To sync tabs, he switched from WebSockets to broadcast channels. Finally, he refined animations, optimized performance, and implemented Pong, making the ball and paddles move smoothly between the main window and tab bar. // Related StoriesIt's worth mentioning that the reliance on AppleScript means Faviconic Pong is currently limited to Macs.While the rendering may be split across a browser window and 240 tabs, the experience doesn't seem to suffer too much. The main viewport footage is smooth, though the framerate is noticeably lower in the tabs section.You can find the complete source code on GitHub. The developer admits that it's "awful" because it never left the prototype stage. But hey, anything to make better use of your unclosed browser tabs, I guess.

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsBring on the benefitsWorth the waitBack in 2008, Steve Jobs said that Apple had thought about adding a 3G modem to its laptops to give them wireless capabilities without needing a Wi-Fi connection. Yet the company eventually gave up on the idea because the chips would take up too much space inside Apples famously tightly packed laptops. For years, the idea seemed dead in the water.Now, it could finally come to fruition 20 years after Jobs candid claim. Its a remarkable turn of events and could bring numerous benefits to MacBook users.Recommended VideosThis idea has been put forward by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter. There, Gurman explains that Apple is planning to bring its in-house modem chip first demonstrated in the recent iPhone 16e to other Apple devices over the next few years. That would almost certainly include some of the best MacBooks, and if it does, it could bring a host of benefits. As someone who uses a MacBook every day, Im excited about what this might mean for Apples laptops over the next few years. If youre someone like me, it might even be a reason to upgrade.AppleThe most obvious advantage of adding a modem chip to the MacBook is that it would allow you to get wireless internet connectivity wherever you are, even without a Wi-Fi connection. Thats perfect for working on the go and is also ideal for helping you avoid the security risks of using unsecured public Wi-Fi in places like cafes and bars.And theres another key benefit that we can ascertain by looking at the iPhone 16e. There, Apple touted the battery boost its C1 chip brought to the phone, describing it as the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone.This has helped the iPhone 16e get better battery life than the iPhone 16, and theres no reason not to expect similar battery life increases in the MacBook. The MacBook is already one of the best laptops for battery life, so this move could further cement its excellence.I also wouldnt be entirely surprised to see MacBook performance improvements as a result of the introduction of Apples wireless chip. After all, better efficiency might mean better chip output thanks to the reduced energy being required for cooling. Im not expecting the modems performance contributions to be huge most of the uptick will come from changes to the Apple silicon CPU and GPU but even a slight gain here would be welcome.AppleDespite all that, Apples modem chips are not a panacea for the MacBook. For one thing, Gurman believes that the wireless performance of the C1 might not be on par with the Qualcomm chip it replaced. Well have to wait for in-depth testing to confirm or deny that, but if true, it might explain why Apple didnt make a huge fuss over the C1 when it announced the iPhone 16e.That said, the MacBook isnt actually expected to get the C1. Instead, well have to wait a few years before we see the first Apple-made MacBook modem make its first appearance. If you dont plan on upgrading for a while, that might not be much of a problem, but it means a delay for everyone else.When will we see it? Well, Gurman thinks the Mac will get Apples in-house modem in 2028 at the earliest. Evidently there are a few things for the company to iron out before that happens, and really, Im not too surprised after all, Apple has reportedly been working on the iPhones 5G chip for at least six years after buying Intels modem business in 2019.Romancev768If Apple sticks with its annual product upgrades, Id expect the first MacBook modem chip to be the C4. By then, Apple might have overtaken the capabilities of Qualcomms modems. That certainly seems to be Gurmans opinion, as the reporter believes Apple will surpass Qualcomm when the C3 chip debuts. That suggests that the C4 could be even better than anything Qualcomm can serve up, making 2028 the perfect time to bring a modem chip to MacBooks.The only frustrating part of this whole situation is the wait that MacBook fans will have on their hands for 5G connectivity. I know that these things take time to get right, especially if youre a company with strong perfectionist tendencies like Apple. But given all the benefits, Id love to see a 5G MacBook drop this year.Still, its good to know that its in the pipeline. The wait might be a test of my patience, but Im confident that itll be worth it.Editors Recommendations

Amazfit Active 2MSRP$100.00 Score Details Look past some features that don't work as well as advertised, and you get a premium-looking smartwatch with great battery life and solid fitness tracking at a price anyone can afford.ProsHuge feature set at a low priceLooks more expensive than it costsGreat battery lifeExcellent at basic fitness trackingZepp Flow AI can be usefulVery powerful vibration motorConsVoice commands are awkwardMany features are limited when disconnected from your phoneCant edit workouts once savedLimited customization for the watch faceSome delays in notifications and getting a GPS fixTable of ContentsTable of ContentsDesign: cheap in price, stylish in personA capable fitness tracker with some AI featuresAmazfit Active 2 offers battery life for days, pluralAmazfit Active 2 price and availabilityThe Amazfit Active 2 is brilliant at some things, but not othersThe Apple Watch is the most popular smartwatch sold today, but for everyone who loves the best smartwatch, many people prefer an alternative. Sure, some people will opt for the Galaxy Watch 7 or Pixel Watch 3, but these devices start at a fairly high price and some people dont want a smartwatch made by one of the big brands.Recommended VideosWhat if there was a much cheaper smartwatch that was still feature-rich? There is. What if it did more than just basic fitness tracking and used AI in some unique ways? It does. What if all this cost just $99? It does. The best part? It looks far more premium than its price and is one of the best affordable smartwatches that you can buy.RelatedOf course, there are caveats, and considering the price, things that the Amazfit Active 2 doesnt do as well as advertised. Yet, the price means youre almost tempted to forgive many of these. Heres the low-down on whether you should buy the Amazfit Active 2.Nirave Gondhia / Digital TrendsOne of the key appeals of the Amazfit Active 2 is likely to be its round display. The watch comes in two variants; the standard version costs $99, but for $30 more, you can get the premium version with an extra leather strap and a more durable sapphire crystal lens.The latter is the one that Ive been using, and I often forget just how stylish this smartwatch is. Ive had plenty of cheap smartwatches that did the basics but werent stylish enough, and I would happily wear this as an alternative to my Apple Watch Series 10. Its thin, lightweight and it takes a watch-first approach that I prefer over the competition.The Amazfit Active 2 is the most stylish affordable smartwatch and I cant believe it costs only $100.The Amazfit Active 2 isnt likely to win awards for its style, but Amazfit focused on a simple design that ensures it can fit with any outfit, or be worn for any occasion. The included leather strap is durable, but I found that it can shrink slightly when worn in the shower. Its easy enough to adjust, and it feels far more premium than it cost.Nirave Gondhia / Digital TrendsI sometimes struggle with the breathability of leather straps, but Ive had no issues with the Amazfit Active 2. The leather strap on the premium model doesnt display a classic patina, but its the type of watch that the budget-conscious can feel proud wearing. The strap also quickly shows stretch marks from where its been fed into the clasp mechanism, but you only notice this if youre looking for it.Every time I notice something that could be better, Im reminded that this is a $100 smartwatch and the Amazfit Active 2 is the most stylish affordable smartwatch ever, and I still cant believe it only costs $100.Nirave Gondhia / Digital TrendsThe primary goal of any smartwatch or fitness tracker is helping you understand your health and the Amazfit Active 2 does a decent overall job at this. It wont wow you if you want the granular details provided by Garmin or Fitbit, or the finesse of the Pixel Watch or Apple Watch, but it gets the job done.The Zepp app the companion app for the Amazfit Active 2 is fairly easy to use, and the Active 2 makes it easy to surface recent information directly from the watch. Each day youll get a Daily Readiness and Daily Sleep Insight score, both designed to help quantify how you slept, and how youre feeling.I like that you can also dig into your physical and mental recovery in more detail. Each of these has its score with historical tracking, and is accompanied by a detailed explanation of the metric, what factors can affect it, and how to improve it over time. If you are new to a smartwatch, the Amazfit Active 2 makes it easy to manage your basic health.If you are new to a smartwatch, the Amazfit Active 2 makes it easy to manage your basic health.Naturally, theres also a focus on AI, and I found that the Zepp Flow AI Assistant is far more capable than I expected it to be. Rather than offer basic features like Siri on the Apple Watch, Zepp Flow can control vast amounts of the watch experience with a simple voice command. Its built on ChatGPTs Portal and its a very impressive experience.Theres only one problem: for Zepp Flow to work including basic on-device tasks you must be connected to your phone. This makes it far less useful than it would be a standalone feature, but again, Im reminded that this product only costs $100.AI is also present throughout other parts of the Amazfit Active 2. The Zepp Coach is an AI-powered coaching algorithm that offers tailored guidance and personalized exercise plans based on your own needs. These arent as detailed or accurate as watches from Google or Gamin, but they somewhat suffice in a pinch.Theres also a Zepp Aura Premium plan and youll get presented with plenty of ads for it in the app. Theres no need to pay the $50 per year for it, as it mostly offers Zepp AI chatbots, white noise monitoring, and a sleep assessment. The app says that Zepp Aura Premium offers more detailed sleep reports, but the most useful information is available without it.Nirave Gondhia / Digital TrendsAsk any smartwatch owner about their biggest pet peeve and itll usually be the battery life. Its the one area that varies wildly between different devices, even those running the same platform.There are three categories of smartwatches when it comes to battery life. Watches from Apple, Samsung, and Google do it all but last for a day or two at most. Then there are hybrid watches that have limited functionality but last for a month on a single charge.Finally, theres the category that the Amazfit Active 2 fits into. It offers a huge amount of features and still gets respectable multiday battery life. Its rated at ten days but with everything turned on including all tracking and alerts, its closer to half this. Its not as good as promised, but its still better than most.Nirave Gondhia / Digital TrendsIt uses a proprietary circular charger that attaches to the back of the watch and charges via a Pogo pin connection and USB-C cable. Simply put, I hate this charger. Its small so its easy to lose as Ive done so three times already, and you cant easily buy a replacement. The magnets dont keep the watch in place so its easy to knock it off charge.The Active 2 offers great battery life that you dont have to charge as often, but the trade-off is that the charger is poor and its not easy to buy a spare.Nirave Gondhia / Digital TrendsThe Amazfit Active 2 is available in two models. The sport model costs $100 and is available in two colors, with either a black or a red silicone sports band.The premium model costs just $30 more and comes with a premium leather strap; this is the model Ive been using, and the watch itself also comes with sapphire crystal protection on the display. The premium model also includes a free red silicone band, offering you the ideal scenario for any occasion.Nirave Gondhia / Digital TrendsThe battery life and charging are symbolic of the experience as a whole. The Amazfit Active 2 promises a lot, and delivers on most of it, but does so without the polish of a more expensive smartwatch.Its ultimately about compromising in the right areas to build a great, affordable smartwatch and the Amazfit Active 2 delivers this in spades. Yes, its not the most advanced fitness tracker, it takes a while to lock onto your GPS and youll always need your phone nearby, and many of the advertised automatic workout detection modes dont work as well as youd expect.Nirave Gondhia / Digital TrendsNotifications can be delayed especially as the watch doesnt always connect to your phone when its nearby, and the voice commands require you to enunciate more than other smartwatches. The watch faces could be more customizable, and there are fewer apps on the watch that are also on your smartphone.Yet, it defies belief that this smartwatch does so much and costs just $100. Its premium and stylish and the bright display is a joy to use. Crucially, the Amazfit Active 2 focuses on blending a stylish classical design with smart features at a low price and it nails this experience. It offers exceptional value for a smartwatch with many of the same features as the Apple Watch for less than half the price. Theres little reason not to pick one up, especially as it works with both iOS and Android.Editors Recommendations

The company plans to create 20,000 jobs and build a factory in Houston to support its generative-AI system.

Policy shifts are compounding an already challenging growth picture for Illumina.

States regulating broadband ISPs fear wave of state laws after New Yorks $15 broadband mandate When the FCC isn't regulating, states have more power to impose broadband laws. Jon Brodkin Feb 24, 2025 7:00 am | 10 Credit: Getty Images | metamorworks Credit: Getty Images | metamorworks Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreNew York's law requiring Internet service providers to offer broadband for $15 or $20 a month has spurred legislative efforts in other states to guarantee affordable service for people with low incomes. So far, legislators in Vermont, Massachusetts, and California have proposed laws inspired by the New York requirement.Christopher Morrow, a newly elected Democratic state legislator in Vermont, introduced a bill on January 29 that is modeled on New York's law. "Affordability is a big issue in Vermont and there are many stories of children who couldn't study properly during COVID for lack of Internet," Morrow told Ars. "It exposed the digital divide. This is a small gesture to help folks out."Despite industry attempts to block the New York law and other broadband regulations, courts have made it clear that states can impose stricter requirements on Internet service when the Federal Communications Commission isn't regulating Internet providers as common carriers under Title II of the Communications Act. That's the situation right now after a federal appeals court blocked a Biden-era FCC order that classified ISPs as common carriers and imposed net neutrality rules.Even if the FCC had won that case, it likely would have deregulated the industry again under Brendan Carr, the new chair selected by President Trump. Broadband was also deregulated at the federal level during Trump's first term when then-Chairman Ajit Pai led a vote to rescind net neutrality rules and Title II regulation.New York goes beyond FCC rulesBack then, California and other states stepped in to impose their own net neutrality rules. In that case, the California net neutrality law was pretty much identical to the abandoned federal rules.By contrast, New York's law ordering ISPs to offer plans at specific prices was unlike any requirement imposed by the FCC. But the New York law survived court challenges for the same basic reason that saved the California net neutrality law: When the FCC isn't regulating, states can step in.It's not just net neutrality and price laws. Maine approved a broadband privacy law in 2019 that was similar to FCC regulations that were overturned by Congress and Trump in 2017. ISPs sued to block the Maine law but gave up in 2022 after losing court decisions.ISPs and their lobby groups opposed every FCC attempt to regulate broadband as a common carrier service but also argue there shouldn't be a "patchwork" of state laws regulating broadband. They urged the Supreme Court to strike down New York's law, saying that "other States are likely to copy New York once the Attorney General begins enforcing the ABA [Affordable Broadband Act] and New York consumers can buy broadband at below-market rates."The Supreme Court rejected the industry petition to review the law in December, and New York started enforcement the next month. Cable company Optimum failed to offer the required plans at first and had to update its marketing materials and internal processes after Ars pointed out that it wasn't complying.AT&Ts New York exitAT&T stopped offering its 5G home Internet service in New York entirely instead of complying with the law. But it would be much harder for AT&T to pull out of states where it offers copper or fiber-based Internet service. New York is outside AT&T's 21-state wireline territory.We asked AT&T if it plans to lobby against similar bills in other states and whether it would also pull service out of states that impose similar rules. The company declined to comment.This isn't the first time AT&T ended a service in protest of a state law. When California's net neutrality law prohibited ISPs from charging websites and online services for data cap exemptions (so-called "zero-rating"), AT&T ended its "sponsored data" program nationwide.AT&T claimed at the time that it was impossible to follow the law in only one state. "We regret the inconvenience to customers caused by California's new 'net neutrality' law," AT&T said in March 2021. "Given that the Internet does not recognize state borders, the new law not only ends our ability to offer California customers such free data services but also similarly impacts our customers in states beyond California."AT&T's claim was undermined by Verizon advertising data-free streaming on Verizon Wireless with a note that it is "not available in California." It seems that Verizon figured out a way to offer different features in different US states.AT&Ts claims were and continue to be falseWe asked AT&T if it still believes that it would be impossible to comply with the zero-rating rule only in California. We also asked AT&T if it is complying with all of the requirements in the California net neutrality law throughout the US since it argued that the Internet does not recognize state borders. AT&T declined to answer our questions, and a spokesperson said that "most of the things you asked about are industry-wide issues not specific to AT&T.""AT&T's claims were and continue to be false," Stanford Law School professor Barbara van Schewick, a prominent net neutrality supporter, told Ars. Van Schewick is also director of Stanford's Center for Internet and Society.The California net neutrality law is the only state-level law that matches all of the protections in the FCC rules that are no longer enforced, van Schewick said. But contrary to AT&T's claims, she says it's possible for ISPs to comply in California and implement other policies in different states."If an ISP decides to comply with California's net neutrality law nationwide, that's its choice. California's net neutrality law does not demand that," and "implementing net neutrality state by state isn't a technical challenge," she said.The credibility of AT&T's claims about the effects of a state law is relevant again because the broadband industry is using AT&T's exit from New York in a renewed attempt to get the Supreme Court's attention. Lobby groups filed a supplemental brief on January 17 urging the court to reconsider its denial of their petition."As we noted in our petition for rehearing, [New York's law] created a 'serious risk that... some providers will cease offering broadband service in New York rather than sell at a loss.' That risk has come to pass," the brief said. "AT&T has withdrawn its 5G fixed wireless home internet offeringAT&T Internet Airfrom New York because of the rate-regulation law."California mulls similar lawAT&T pulling its 5G home Internet service out of New York is nowhere near as significant as a wireline provider pulling service out of a state. The industry brief acknowledged that the service's availability in New York was limited to 10 cities and towns.AT&T would have a particularly tough time pulling wireline service out of California, which is the only state that hasn't granted AT&T's request for deregulation of old copper telephone networks. AT&T is trying to exit the copper business, even though it won't build fiber home Internet in half of its wireline footprint. But AT&T is still classified as a Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) in California, so its copper retirement could take much longer in that state.AT&T's fiber and copper-based Internet services could fall under a proposed California law to require low-cost plans. The California proposal is vague right now, thoughit doesn't yet specify required speeds or prices.The California bill submitted by Democratic Assemblymember Tasha Boerner on January 30 leaves those decisions for later. "It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would require broadband internet service providers to offer affordable home Internet to California residents," the bill says.A spokesperson for Boerner told Ars that the legislator's team is gathering more details as it waits to see what happens with the Supreme Court.One bill seeks 100Mbps requirementThe New York law requires ISPs with over 20,000 customers in the state to offer $15 broadband plans with download speeds of at least 25Mbps, or $20-per-month service with 200Mbps speeds. The plans must be offered to people who meet income-eligibility requirements.Morrow's bill in Vermont adopts the same speeds and prices. The Massachusetts bill submitted by Democrat Pavel Payano goes further, proposing that ISPs provide at least 100Mbps speeds for $15 a month or 200Mbps for $20 a month.Boerner's press release announcing the vaguer California bill said the "legislation comes at a pivotal time as roughly three million California households lost federal support" when Congress allowed the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and its $30 low-income discounts to expire last year. "Finding the right solution for California will require thoughtful engagement and collaboration from all sides of this issue," Boerner said.The nonprofit California Community Foundation will be involved in discussions. "We look forward to working with the Assemblymember to develop and pass the legislation," Shayna Englin, who directs the group's Digital Equity Initiative, said in Boerner's press release. Englin said the "bill offers the legislature an opportunity to swiftly respond to the cost-of-living crisis plaguing residents and reduce their financial burdens long-term."USTelecom claims ISPs are lowering pricesBroadband lobby groups can be expected to fight any state-level bills that require offering plans at specific prices to people with low incomes. "Any attempt by individual states to regulate prices or other parts of the broadband market will undermine all of the connectivity progress we have made, discourage investment, and end up hurting consumers," lobby group USTelecom told Ars.USTelecom represents AT&T, Verizon, Lumen (aka CenturyLink) and other telcos. It defended its members' prices. "Despite overall inflation soaring, broadband prices have been dropping while speeds are getting faster in today's extremely competitive communications market. Consumers get tremendous value from their broadband subscriptions," the group said.USTelecom's claim of dropping prices is based on an analysis the lobby group commissioned. The analysis uses a "BPI-Speed" index created by USTelecom, which is said to include "providers' most popular services between 100Mbps and 940Mbps."USTelecom says that real prices for offerings between 100Mbps and 940Mbps have dropped nearly 60 percent since 2015, but this is no surprise given the rising numerical value of what most people consider to be modern Internet speeds. Back in 2015, the cable industry opposed a plan to increase a federal broadband standard from 4Mbps to 25Mbps. The FCC now uses a standard of 100Mbps.A different price analysis by the Technology Policy Institute, an independent think tank, is based on government data and said that "from 2016 to 2022, average household spending on Internet services increased from about $54 per month to approximately $74. The increase could reflect changing preferences as people move to higher, more expensive tiers or price increases that we cannot observe in advertised plans."More state bills are expectedMorrow told Ars he is concerned about his bill facing opposition from Internet providers, though he noted Comcast already offers a low-cost plan in Vermont that "just needs to be advertised better." Morrow said he modeled his bill on the New York law and that he is optimistic about its passage."I am optimistic, but there is a lot going on right now, so it is certainly not guaranteed," he said.More state bills are expected. "A number of states will consider stepping into the vacuum left by the FCC and the courts deciding that the FCC does not have jurisdiction over broadband networks and Congress letting the ACP expire," New Street Research Policy Advisor Blair Levin told Ars. Levin was chief of staff to FCC Chairman Reed Hundt during the Clinton years and oversaw the writing of the US National Broadband Plan during the Obama administration."I expect more [states] will focus on helping low-income households than on net neutrality," Levin continued. "There may be other broadband-related issues that states may explore, including but not limited to network resiliency, public safety, and billing transparency."ISPs will fight the laws at the state level and urge the FCC to preempt them, Levin noted. But the FCC lost an attempt to preempt all state net neutrality laws during the first Trump administration, with a federal appeals court saying that "in any area where the Commission lacks the authority to regulate, it equally lacks the power to preempt state law."States should not view legal challenges as a major roadblock, van Schewick told Ars. "The case law is now abundantly clear that when the FCC is powerless to protect consumers online, the states can step in to protect their residents," she said. "They can create their own net neutrality protections, like California and others do, require affordable broadband options like New York, and institute broadband privacy protections like Maine. All of these laws have been upheld in court."Jon BrodkinSenior IT ReporterJon BrodkinSenior IT Reporter Jon is a Senior IT Reporter for Ars Technica. He covers the telecom industry, Federal Communications Commission rulemakings, broadband consumer affairs, court cases, and government regulation of the tech industry. 10 Comments

Lisa Morgan, Freelance WriterFebruary 24, 20256 Min ReadAleksia via Alamy StockSome companies are born cloud-first. Others are trying to become it. The latter takes adjustment and a smart strategy. A cloud-first approach is becoming more popular in an increasingly digital world where more data, analytics, and AI are becoming commonplace.A good cloud-first strategy should be deliberate. It should be clear that the cloud is the goal and the reason for the decision should be easy for its makers to defend. It should involve some process and culture change on the part of the impacted business units. Nobody should migrate to the cloud and expect things to operate the same as they always have, says Jeremy Roberts, senior research director at Info-Tech Research Group. If we wanted more of the same, why would we move to the cloud? This is a question every CIO should ask.The transition also must be iterative because what works in phase one wont work in phase two and beyond. Organizations should anticipate this. In addition, the transition from plan, to build, to run, to operate must be accounted for when resourcing the cloud transition.Cloud first means assuming that technology services will be delivered via cloud by default. The question isnt, Why the cloud? but Why not the cloud? says Roberts. For established organizations, this usually means transitioning services to the cloud as they reach the end of life, but for new organizations this can mean growing up in the cloud and eschewing traditional infrastructure wholesale.Related:Becoming cloud-first also means designing systems, applications, and processes to be inherently cloud native, with an emphasis on scalability, resilience and adaptability. According to Jeremy Ung, CTO at CFO software company BlackLine, it involves rethinking traditional engineering and IT silos, embracing a DevOps culture and harnessing cloud technologies such as elasticity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time data analytics at large scale to drive meaningful business outcomes.A successful cloud-first strategy requires a clear and actionable roadmap, prioritized workloads and a strong focus on security and compliance to protect organizational assets, says Ung. It is crucial to understand key metrics or KPIs that determine strategies, success and iterative milestones. Continuous learning, feedback loops, and customer-driven innovation are equally important to ensure sustained success and adaptability in an ever-evolving technological landscape.Herb Hogue, chief technology, solutions, and innovation officer at global systems integrator Myriad360, says becoming cloud first involves a deliberate shift in strategy to prioritize cloud technologies over traditional on-premises infrastructure.Related:This transition requires a comprehensive reassessment of existing systems and identifying areas where cloud solutions can provide superior agility, scalability, and cost efficiency. It includes planning for a phased migration of workloads, data, and applications to the cloud while establishing processes for optimization and performance monitoring, says Hogue. Additionally, adopting a cloud-first strategy entails fostering a cultural shift within the organization, where teams embrace collaboration, innovation and the flexibility of cloud-native operations.Challenges With Becoming Cloud-FirstIt can be difficult to change old ways when moving to cloud and becoming cloud-first, however. For example, organizations often face resistance to change and skill gaps as they adapt to a cloud-first model, particularly among teams unfamiliar with cloud technologies. According to Blacklines Ung, managing cloud costs effectively and not replicating anti-patterns or bad practices in the cloud and ensuring robust security during data migration are significant challenges that must be addressed to avoid disruptions. At the same time, its not just about technology.Related:A common mistake is treating the transition to cloud first as purely a technical shift, without addressing the cultural changes and upskilling required to make it successful, says Ung. Another frequent error is failing to engage key stakeholders early in the process, which can lead to misaligned goals, poor communication and delays in execution. The cloud-first train cant come back around to pick people up along the way, [so] everyone should be on board at the start.InfoTechs Roberts says the cloud can be expensive, complicated, difficult to recruit for and it can introduce compliance challenges. Therefore, it can ultimately fail to provide a net benefit.Common mistakes include letting vendors dictate the cloud transition timeline and end state, assuming the cloud is good merely because it is the cloud and offering optimistic timelines or value projections to the business and not effectively managing expectations around them, says Roberts.To avoid that fate, its important to have an articulable end state. In other words, its important to express what good looks like in defensible terms.Dont be afraid to take a big swing but be clear on what youre hoping to achieve and have an exit strategy. Its easier said than done, but effective cloud strategists steer the ship, says Roberts. They dont let others like vendors, or consultants, or internal stakeholders with limited portfolios make sweeping decisions. They take different perspectives into account but bring a holism that nobody else can. If done right, executing a cloud strategy can make a career. If done poorly, it can definitely be a setback."Myiad360s Hogue warns that legacy systems, which may carry technical debt, usually lack compatibility with cloud platforms, requiring extensive updates or replacements. Additionally, skill gaps within IT and other teams can impede the effective management of cloud solutions.Cost management is another challenge, as organizations may face uncontrolled expenses without proper planning and monitoring. And, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and maintaining robust data security during and after migration can be complex and resource intensive.A common mistake is over-engineering their cloud solutions, customizing platforms excessively, and creating unnecessary complexity and cost, says Hogue. Rushed migrations without adequate planning can lead to data loss, operational disruptions or inefficiencies. Neglecting to establish governance frameworks for resource allocation, security protocols and access management can result in vulnerabilities and diminishing returns on investment. Additionally, attempting to make one tool handle all business processes instead of leveraging specialized SaaS platforms often results in suboptimal performance and higher expenses.How To Increase Chances for SuccessTo succeed with a cloud-first strategy, organizations should adopt a flexible approach that evolves with rapidly changing cloud technologies.Establishing a strong security framework with features like encryption, access controls and continuous monitoring is critical to safeguarding data and systems. Its also vital to monitor return on investment by using cost-management dashboards to ensure expenditures align with value creation, saysHogue. Collaborating with experienced cloud providers can provide access to best practices and scalable solutions. Lastly, incorporating robust training and support ensures that employees and systems remain effective in leveraging cloud capabilities.Its also important to realize that no one person or department can ensure a successful implementation. A successful cloud-first strategy requires involvement from various organizational stakeholders. IT teams are crucial for handling technical execution, system integration and ensuring robust security frameworks, says Hogue. Finance teams must assess cost models to ensure the transition aligns with budgetary constraints and financial objectives. Input from business units is essential to tailor cloud solutions to operational needs, ensuring the tools and processes chosen enhance productivity and functionality. Adequate resource allocation for ongoing management and support is also critical, with teams trained to address the complexities of cloud environments.CIOs or CTOs must take a step back, analyze and prioritize cross-functional collaboration, particularly with engineering and product teams, to create a unified vision and drive the initiative forward rather than creating an unnecessary obstacle.My best advice is to trust your people and give them ownership of the process. When individuals feel empowered, they take accountability, which fuels results and most importantly innovation, says Hogue. By allowing your teams the freedom to make decisions, youll cultivate a high-performing culture and deliver meaningful outcomes that align with business goals.About the AuthorLisa MorganFreelance WriterLisa Morgan is a freelance writer who covers business and IT strategy and emergingtechnology for InformationWeek. She has contributed articles, reports, and other types of content to many technology, business, and mainstream publications and sites including tech pubs, The Washington Post and The Economist Intelligence Unit. Frequent areas of coverage include AI, analytics, cloud, cybersecurity, mobility, software development, and emerging cultural issues affecting the C-suite.See more from Lisa MorganNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also LikeWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore Reports

Tiago Miyaoka, Head of AI and Data Practice, AndelaFebruary 24, 20254 Min ReadAndrii Yalanskyi via Alamy StockA wave of IT job losses doesnt make bleak reading for 2025 -- quite the contrary, as the reality of AI kicks in and accelerates demand for IT pros.In 2024, the number of unemployed IT workers reached its highest point since the dot-com collapse of the early 2000s.Layoffs coincided with peak pessimism that generative AI would take developers jobs as enthusiasm for LLMs surged and the C-suite bought into automation.But dont misread the signs: Many tech layoffs hit business staff rather than frontline tech staff at companies repositioned for AI, cloud, and cybersecurity.While 2025 promises uncertainty, and businesses should expect the unexpected, two things will remain constant: demand for digital and the tech skills shortage.As a result, professionals with the right skills will command large and growing salaries. The only question is, which skills?Foundational ApproachRecruitment specialist Harvey Nash capped a gloomy 2024 with some chilling data, which expects the increase in recruitment will be at its lowest level since 2011. But theres a silver lining to these findings: recruitment is still happening. Analyst firm IDC predicts hiring will vary by sector, and recruitment in the UK will bounce back, with nearly half of IT and tech hiring managers planning to increase headcounts.Related:Digitalization is real, and CIOs and CTOs need skills and experience in AI, cloud and cybersecurity to deliver.After experimenting with AI, the focus for 2025 will be delivery: large-scale, day-to-day production to win and retain customers. And IT pros can expect to experience sharp growing pains as AI has proved difficult to deliver outside pilots or limited deployments. For all the recent AI successes, just as many systems failed to deliver as expected, produced inaccurate and unreliable returns, or introduced risk.This opens up opportunities for those with the skills and experience to design, build, and train models and for those capable of taking systems from pilot to production.But AI has broad applications, so what skills should IT pros be homing in on? According to one industry-backed report, foundational skills in AI literacy, especially in data analysis and prompt engineering, will be key.The hiring data and trends from Andelas talent marketplace align with this report, saying generalists are in huge demand. As such, it is important to build a solid grounding before plunging into the AI jobs market. A good example is Python.Getting ahead in a foundational technology such as Python means technologists can apply the mechanics of the possible to solve problems at a practical level. Python pre-dates AI so it has something akin to universal applicability in the world of programming. But AI and data mining have taken it to a whole new level, with libraries, like PyTorch, TensorFlow and Langchain, building the foundation in AI. Its ease of use and the growing set of libraries have seen the language rated most popular during the past year.Related:Six of the BestBut tech skill demand isnt limited to AI. Hidden in Andelas marketplace data were revealing insights on roles being sought by hiring managers -- and the salaries on offer. Our survey of more than 150,000 individuals identified the six highest-paid technology posts:Technical architectPrincipal software engineerAzure DevOps leadSenior DevOps engineerLead software engineerSenior back-end engineer (Java)We have seen clients pay $144,000 for a technical architect, making this the highest-paid position going into 2025. Interest in digital will mean salaries for those with foundational skills will remain steady or even increase.Behind these skills, however, lies a set of deeper capabilities sought by teams hiring global talent.Related:Take a principal software engineer. Recruiters are looking for experience with Java, Ruby on Rails, Python or Golang, knowledge of the three main cloud providers platforms, a firm grasp of containerization, and expertise in microservices and CI/CD.Senior back-end engineers should have these skills plus expertise in design patterns, data structures and algorithms, and unit testing.And technical architect -- one of the best-paid jobs this year? Familiarity of cloud computing technologies and providers platforms, an understanding of how CRM systems operate in the cloud, and a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles are prerequisites.AI and business uncertainty are influencing hiring -- just not for the worst.For anyone changing jobs in 2025, the advice is simple: Stay up to speed on new technologies while remaining well-grounded on foundational skills so employers can build the talent needed to get ahead on digital -- and you can land the salary you want.About the AuthorTiago MiyaokaHead of AI and Data Practice, AndelaTiago Miyaokais the head of AI and data practice at Andela, with more than five years of experience in data, cloud, machine learning, and AI. Holding a PhD. in applied math, Tiago has a technical background and during his professional career has contributed to the development and deployment of AI solutions in various organizations and industries, such as telecom, consulting and healthcare. At Andela, Tiago is dedicated to guiding companies on their data and AI journeys, ensuring that global technologists find their rightful place within these enterprises.See more from Tiago MiyaokaNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also LikeWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore Reports

A former Meta employee was hired in 2022 and had positive reviews for two years. They were shocked when they received a "low performer" rating and were laid off on February 10. The former employee said they're worried the label could hurt their job search and felt betrayed.This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with a former Meta employee who worked at the company for two and a half years. They spoke on condition of anonymity due to concerns about future employment. Business Insider has verified their identity, employment, and performance reviews at Meta. The following has been edited for length and clarity.I was hired by Meta in late 2022. During my time there, I received performance evaluations every six months, in which my ratings were always 'at or above expectation' or 'consistently met expectation.' Of course, I received small tweaks and feedback that are normal in any review, but I never received any signal that I was a low performer or that I was trending downwards.When Zuckerberg announced Meta would be laying off the lowest 5% of performers, I felt a general sense of anxiety, but I looked at the criteria they were going to apply and thought, "This doesn't apply to me. I've gotten really good ratings up to this point." I didn't consider I'd be in that bucket.I woke up to a layoff email at 5 a.m., and by 8 a.m. I'd lost all access to chatsThey sent an email at 5 a.m. PST, and by 8 a.m., we'd been locked out of our chats. I didn't get to say goodbye to my colleagues. The morning of my layoff, I felt despondent. I'd worked really, really hard to get this job, had worked long hours, and had put a lot of effort into supporting my team. I just felt this deep sense of defeat.And then I got angry. I was livid, like transcendentally livid. I can't even really put into words how it felt. I'd lost so much my confidence, my reputation, a substantial amount of unvested stock. I just remember being in bed, screaming into a pillow.I felt betrayed by the company I'd worked for, and they destroyed my confidence in the process.I have no idea how they decided I was a low performerI haven't received any documentation explaining how they got my "low performer" rating, so I don't have any official idea of why this occurred. I didn't get a signal from my manager. I just received the rating and the termination letter stating I was being let go.I'm so scared about how this "low-performer" label will affect my ability to find a new job.Right now, the zeitgeist is sympathetic to those of us who've been laid off, but I know it's going to impact future employment. It's already a tough job market, so I'm scared. I'm really, really scared.Because Meta clearly labeled people affected as "low performers," any hiring manager who looks at my end date will know. We are uniquely disadvantaged because this announcement was leaked and widely publicized.For the first week after my layoff, I couldn't even fathom the idea of updating my rsum or looking for jobs. I felt so hopeless that I could hardly even motivate myself to get out of bed. I already struggled with imposter syndrome, and this felt like Meta threw salt in the wound. I'm going to have to rebuild my self-confidence, and that's going to take time.I think this is going to be a moment to take a step back, recenter myself, and think about what I truly want for myself and my career. Right now, I know I value some sense of stability. I know no job is stable, but I really want my next role to be somewhere where I feel like leadership at least doesn't seem to have an openly hostile position toward its employees.My opinion on Mark Zuckerberg has completely changedI used to defend Mark Zuckerberg to people. I thought he was personable in company meetings and really funny. Now, I feel like that was just a facade.Between the layoff, removing DEI initiatives, and changes around content moderation, Mark Zuckerberg seems to be testing how many decisions he can make without retribution. Because Meta is such a big player in the tech industry, I'm concerned the company is creating an environment where other employers will follow suit.Tech used to be a place where companies took care of their employees and where we were supported, but now it feels like we're all in a meat grinder. It's really sad to see.Meta could already be backfilling these rolesMeta laid off thousands of employees and said they were going to start filling many of those roles with new people. I joined at a time when Meta's stock was lower, and like many of my coworkers, a portion of my compensation is tied to the value of the company's stock. I have questioned whether the "low performance" label was a way to let expensive employees go. I'm worried about speaking out for fear of retribution. I hope people are empathetic toward those impacted by layoffs six months or a year down the road. Nobody knows how long we'll be looking for a new job. I've heard horror stories of people applying to hundreds of jobs for over a year. I don't think that's going to be my position, but it indicates how hard the market is right now.I had a call with my dad the other day and told him I just don't know what to hope for right now. The rug was pulled out from under me. I don't know how to move forward from that.Meta did not respond to a request for comment by Business Insider.

Charlie Cox returns to play Matt Murdock in "Daredevil: Born Again."The new series sees him face off with a creepy serial killer called Muse from the comics.He also has to contend with his archnemesis, Kingpin.Charlie Cox is reprising his role as the blind lawyer-turned-vigilante Matt Murdock in "Daredevil: Born Again," several years after the Netflix "Daredevil" series was axed."Born Again" continues Murdock's story as an attorney trying to help the poorer citizens of New York by day, and fighting crime as a vigilante with enhanced senses by night.It's an exciting project for fans, who mounted a #SaveDaredevil campaign when Netflix canceled the show after its third season in 2018.But after Cox's hero made crowd-pleasing cameos in 2021's "Spider-Man: Now Way Home" and 2022's "She-Hulk," Marvel revived "Daredevil" as a show.Some fans were concerned that taking Daredevil from Netflix to Disney+ might result in a toned-down version of the violent hero.But Cox tried to reassure fans about the character's return during a press conference on February 22, which Business Insider attended.He said: "There's a thirst from fans for a quality, the identity, the fabric of the show we've had in the past. There's a worried desire, and I think they'll be happy."Here's everything we know about "Daredevil: Born Again."The first trailer for "Daredevil: Born Again" introduces the serial killer, Muse.The "Daredevil: Born Again" trailer released in JanuaryAlongside brutal action scenes, the trailer introduces Muse, a serial killer who paints murals using the blood of his victims.Muse debuted in the 2016 comics by Charles Soule and Ron Garney. The killer made an impression on fans because he used blood from 100 missing people to create horrific art murals in New York. Muse in the "Daredevil" comics. Marvel Entertainment/Ron Garney His brutal methods make him a real threat to Daredevil. He also has the ability to draw in any sensory information about himself, which makes it difficult for Daredevil to rely on his heightened hearing during combat.At the press conference, executive producer Sana Amanat said the series takes "heavy influence" from the comics."I will say, Charles Soule's 'Mayor Fisk' run is a good start. Always Frank Miller, of course, Brian Bendis and Ed Brubaker, any of their runs, frankly," she said.Marvel fans previously got a look at "Daredevil: Born Again" when it was shot on location in New York. Charlie Cox on set dressed as Daredevil next to Wilson Bethel dressed as Bullseye. METROPOLIS/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images Photos showing Cox in his new Daredevil costume surfaced online in February 2024 alongside Wilson Bethel as Benjamin Poindexter, also known as the villain, Bullseye.This suggests that Daredevil will face off with Bullseye again after their brutal conflict in "Daredevil" season three.The trailer also included a brief appearance from Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle, also known as The Punisher. He starred in Daredevil season two before getting his own Netflix solo series which ran for two seasons until 2019.Cox also teased Bernthal's return at the "Born Again" press conference.He said: "He has a couple of really great scenes, potentially iconic moments. There's a couple in the trailer. They're an absolute joy to shoot."I feel like Jon and Charlie are very different people, so it's really fun. We're very different people in some ways, but Daredevil and Frank are much more similar to one another than Charlie and Jon are, so it's fun to play with that. Often when I'm in a scene as Daredevil with Frank, he pulls me closer to a Daredevil that I'm frightened of and excited by.""Daredevil: Born Again" will be released on Disney+ in March 2025. Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock in "Daredevil: Born Again." Giovanni Rufino/Marvel Studios/Disney The "Daredevil: Born Again" trailer confirmed that the series starts streaming on Disney+ on March 4 in the United States.The show was originally due to have 18 episodes, but Marvel overhauled the project in October 2023 and condensed the season to nine, according to TV Line.Cox leads the "Daredevil: Born Again" cast, which includes Jon Bernthal, Deborah Ann Woll, and Elden Henson. Charlie Cox, Jon Bernthal, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, and Vincent D'Onofrio onstage at D23. Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney Some of the returning cast appeared onstage at D23 2024, where it was confirmed that Deborah Ann Woll and Elden Henson are returning to play the lawyers Karen Page and Foggy Nelson, respectively. And Bernthal and D'Onofrio will reprise their roles as Frank Castle and the Kingpin.It's reassuring for fans that the core cast of the Netflix "Daredevil" series is returning. This ensures that the series is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and that this isn't just a reboot.When speaking to Entertainment Weekly last August, D'Onofrio confirmed that "Born Again" directly references previous storylines."There are storylines that reach back to the original series. Where our characters are coming from, where we are, and where we're going, some of those threads lead back," he said.Woll echoed his sentiment and added: "What the characters went through still exists, that's still part of who they are, it's just that now we're catching up with them at a different point in their lives."In a separate interview with Rotten Tomatoes last August D'Onofrio also suggested that "Daredevil: Born Again" will be just as violent as the Netflix series.He said: "There are some things on this show that we go much further with than we did the original show. There's one thing in particular that my character does that I can't believe made it into the cut."Ayelet Zurer, who plays Kingpin's wife, Vanessa Fisk, is also in the cast. The actor told BI in February that Vanessa "took over" her husband's criminal empire when the series picks up.Margarita Levieva plays Murdock's love interest, Heather Glenn, and Kamar de los Reyes stars as a new vigilante called White Tiger.