YouTube Playables is Now Available to Premium Subscribers

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November 29, 2023

YouTube has announced the launch of ‘Playables’, a new feature that integrates a variety of mini-games directly into its platform. This initiative, aimed at YouTube Premium subscribers, marks the video-sharing giant’s foray into the burgeoning gaming industry.

Playables, as the feature is aptly named, offers an array of 37 mini-games, accessible through both YouTube’s mobile and desktop applications. This innovative approach allows users to engage in games without the need for additional downloads or installations. The selection includes popular titles like Angry Birds Showdown, Brain Out, Daily Solitaire, and The Daily Crossword, as well as several arcade classics, catering to a broad audience with diverse gaming preferences.

Initially trialed with a select group of users in September, YouTube has now rolled out Playables to all its Premium members. However, this gaming venture is set to be a temporary offering, with the games available only until March 28th, 2024. Premium subscribers can explore and enjoy these games in the Playables section, located under the Explore tab on YouTube.

YouTube’s entry into the gaming space with Playables places it among several tech giants who have recently ventured into this lucrative market. This trend has seen companies traditionally not associated with gaming attempting to carve out a niche for themselves. However, the path has been challenging for some. Google’s Stadia, for example, was a much-hyped project that ultimately ceased operations in January. Similarly, Amazon has scaled back its gaming ambitions, with significant job cuts in its free games division.

For YouTube Premium subscribers, accessing Playables is straightforward. On mobile devices, users can open the YouTube app, navigate to the ‘You’ tab, tap the ‘Settings’ icon, select ‘Try new features’, and enable the ‘Play games on YouTube’ option. On the web, subscribers can visit YouTube, click their profile picture, choose ‘Your Premium benefits’, and find the option to enable ‘Play games on YouTube’. The games are then available under the ‘Explore’ tab.

Salesforce Integration: The Key to Streamlining Your Sales Process

By

Alice Johnson

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November 29, 2023

In today’s fast-paced business world, companies constantly look for new ways to optimize their processes and improve efficiency. The sales process is one crucial aspect that can significantly impact a company’s success. Ensuring communication between departments and leveraging tools that promote collaboration and productivity is vital, and this is where Salesforce integration becomes invaluable in streamlining your sales process. By integrating Salesforce with business applications, companies can achieve improved efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.

Contents

1 Streamline Data Management with Salesforce Integration
2 Enhance Collaboration with Cross-application Integration
3 Forecasting and Nurturing of Leads
4 Enhance Customer Satisfaction with Integrated Support Systems
5 Harness Data Analytics Through Integration
6 In Conclusion

Streamline Data Management with Salesforce Integration

Effective data management lies at the heart of any sales process. Data makes decision-making or identifying trends and customer preferences easier. Salesforce integration provides the means to consolidate and synchronize data from assorted sources seamlessly. Integrating Salesforce with your CRM system or other external tools like email marketing platforms or lead generation software ensures that all relevant contact information leads, opportunities, and customer interactions are easily accessible in one location, eliminating the need for data entry or switching between applications while maximizing efficiency.

Enhance Collaboration with Cross-application Integration

Seamless collaboration among departments within a company is crucial for achieving seamless sales processes. However, isolated systems often hinder teamwork due to restricted data. When you integrate Salesforce, you can bridge gaps and facilitate real-time information sharing among applications. For instance, you enable team collaboration by integrating your CRM system with project management software or internal communication tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams, improving efficiency in tasks such as lead qualification, opportunity management, contract negotiation, and order processing. As a result, you can expect quick turnarounds and enhanced customer experiences.

Forecasting and Nurturing of Leads

To effectively manage your sales funnel, it is crucial to have sales tools that enable forecasting and targeted nurturing of leads at every stage. Salesforce provides various sales tools, including opportunity management, pipeline forecasting, territory management, and lead nurturing. However, integrating Salesforce with sales tools can optimize your sales funnel management. Consider integrating Salesforce with marketing automation software to enhance lead generation and nurture campaigns. This integration ensures a transition from marketing to the sales phase while providing an experience for prospects through the seamless transfer of leads and data between systems. By integrating Salesforce with e-commerce platforms, you can achieve accurate time synchronization of product information, pricing details, orders, and inventory data. Does this streamline the flow of processing orders? It ensures that customers receive accurate product availability and delivery status updates.

Enhance Customer Satisfaction with Integrated Support Systems

Seamless communication plays a role in acquiring new customers and ensuring their ongoing satisfaction. Integrating Salesforce with customer support tools can transform your sales processes by enabling proactive customer service. Integrating your CRM with helpdesk or ticketing systems allows for quick response times to customer inquiries or issues. Support agents gain access to customer information, such as previous interactions and purchase history, enabling them to assist while maintaining consistency across various channels. For improvement, consider integrating telephony systems or live chat platforms into Salesforce, facilitating real-time communication with customers across touchpoints while centralizing all conversations within the CRM system.

Harness Data Analytics Through Integration

Data analytics has become a crucial component of decision-making in businesses. By integrating Salesforce with BI platforms or data visualization tools, organizations can extract valuable insights from the amount of sales-related data they accumulate. Analytics integration empowers real-time reports that offer insights on conversion rates, revenue forecasts, pipeline performance, and customer behavior. Organizations can use this analysis to identify patterns or trends that present opportunities to refine their strategies and enhance performance.

In Conclusion

Today, businesses strive for excellence by streamlining the sales process. Integrating Salesforce provides a viable solution that improves efficiency, collaboration, accuracy, and customer satisfaction. By consolidating data from sources, optimizing sales funnel management, and incorporating support systems and data analytics tools, companies can empower their sales teams to make well-informed decisions. Ultimately, Salesforce integration is the key to unlocking the potential of your sales process in the modern era.

Amazon Q: A New AI Assistant to Transform Business Data Queries

By

Amaya Simon

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November 29, 2023

Amazon has introduced ‘Q’, an AI-powered chatbot specifically tailored for business applications.

Q, which is now available in public preview at a starting price of $20 per user per year, is built on 17 years of accumulated AWS knowledge. It is designed to assist AWS customers by providing answers to complex queries like, “How do I build a web application using AWS?” The chatbot offers a list of potential solutions, each accompanied by reasons, making it a comprehensive tool for problem-solving.

Adam Selipsky, AWS CEO, highlighted the ease of interaction with Q during his presentation. He pointed out that Q is not just a question-answering tool but a comprehensive assistant informed by an understanding of a company’s systems, data repositories, and operations. Businesses can customize Q by integrating it with their specific apps and software, such as Salesforce, Jira, Zendesk, Gmail, and Amazon S3 storage instances. This customization allows Q to index all connected data and content, enabling it to learn about a business’s unique organizational structures, core concepts, and product names.

The capabilities of Q extend beyond answering questions. It can generate or summarize content, including blog posts, press releases, and emails. Additionally, Q can perform actions on behalf of users through configurable plugins. These actions include creating service tickets, notifying teams in Slack, and updating dashboards in ServiceNow. To ensure accuracy and prevent errors, Q requires users to review and approve actions before they are executed.

Q’s integration with other Amazon services, such as AWS Supply Chain and QuickSight, a business analytics service, further enhances its utility. In these applications, Q can offer visualization options for business reports, reformat them automatically, or provide detailed analyses on data referenced in reports. For Amazon Connect, Amazon’s contact center software, Q now powers customer service agents with proposed responses and follow-up actions, streamlining the customer support process.

Security and privacy are paramount in Q’s design. Selipsky emphasized that Q’s responses and actions are fully controllable and filterable, ensuring that it only returns information that a user is authorized to see. Admins can restrict sensitive topics and filter out inappropriate content, addressing concerns about data security and privacy.

Q’s introduction is a response to the growing demand for AI-driven solutions in business environments. It competes with similar offerings like Microsoft’s Copilot for Azure and Google Cloud’s Duet AI. However, Q’s comprehensive range of features, from business intelligence to programming and configuration, sets it apart.

Nvidia and AWS Launch Fastest Cloud AI Supercomputer with 16,384 GH200 GPUs

By

Amaya Simon

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November 29, 2023

Nvidia and AWS Launch Fastest Cloud AI Supercomputer

Nvidia has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch what is now the fastest cloud AI supercomputer. This cutting-edge system utilizes an impressive 16,384 GH200 GPUs, known as the Grace Hopper Superchip, setting a new benchmark in high-performance computing.

Since their collaboration began in 2010, Nvidia and AWS have both seen significant growth. Their latest venture is a strategic move to maintain their leadership positions in the rapidly evolving AI industry. The GH200 chip, which has recently seen a surge in demand, is expected to be deployed in large-scale systems globally.

This supercomputer, part of Project Ceiba, is based on Nvidia’s innovative “GH200 NVL32 Multi-Node Platform.” The design features 32 GH200 GPUs arranged in 16 trays within a single rack, accompanied by nine trays dedicated to NV-Link switches. The system’s liquid-cooled design ensures optimal performance in a compact space and will be offered as an Amazon EC2 instance. Project Ceiba, located in an AWS data centre in the United States — primarily serves Nvidia as a DGX cloud deployment platform for developing future solutions.

AWS customers will have access to a variety of Nvidia solutions, ranging from the GH200 racks to upcoming new solutions featuring the smaller Nvidia L40S and L4 GPUs. This diverse range of products ensures that AWS and Nvidia can meet the needs of various customer segments.

The collaboration between Nvidia and AWS is a significant step in the AI and cloud computing sectors. By combining Nvidia’s advanced GPU technology with AWS’s robust cloud infrastructure, they are redefining the standards for AI supercomputing in the cloud.

Empowering Every Age this Holiday Season: The Gift of Excellent Hearing with ELEHEAR Alpha Pro

By

Subith

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November 29, 2023

As the holiday season approaches, finding the perfect gift becomes a thoughtful endeavor. This year, consider giving the transformative gift of elevated hearing with the ELEHEAR Alpha Pro. This state-of-the-art hearing aid redefines the experience of hearing loss, catering to individuals of any age, and breaks down the stigma associated with hearing aids.

ELEHEAR Alpha Pro: Revolutionizing Hearing for All Ages

The ELEHEAR Alpha Pro stands out as a true innovator in the realm of hearing devices. More than just a gift, it represents a life-changing experience for anyone experiencing hearing loss, regardless of age.

AI Noise Reduction Technology: At the core of Alpha Pro’s capabilities is its revolutionary AI Noise Reduction technology. This advanced feature excels in distinguishing human voices from background noise, preserving the natural clarity of voices while minimizing distortion. The result is a lifelike auditory experience that transforms the way individuals engage with the world.

User Comfort: Designed with user comfort in mind, the Alpha Pro is both small and light, weighing just 3.8g and standing at 38mm. This sleek design ensures a seamless fit, allowing users to wear it throughout the day without discomfort.

Bluetooth Streaming Capability: The transition from a discreet hearing aid to a digital hub is effortless, thanks to the Alpha Pro’s Bluetooth streaming capability. Compatible with both iOS and Android, users can seamlessly connect to smartphones, tablets, and other devices, unlocking a realm of digital listening possibilities.

Personalized Auditory Journey: The ELEHEAR app’s “Adjustment” feature adds a layer of personalization to the Alpha Pro experience. Users can tailor their hearing settings, choosing from four distinct sound scenes for a truly immersive and personalized auditory journey. This customization empowers users to create an auditory experience that aligns with their preferences and enhances their overall quality of life.

Breaking Down Barriers: Affordable Excellence in Hearing

Beyond its technological prowess, ELEHEAR is committed to providing affordable excellence in hearing aids. The exclusive Holiday Deal makes giving the gift of hearing easier than ever. The Alpha Pro is now available for just $499, down from the original $999. This special offer includes a month of premium audiologist guidance service, a state-of-the-art wireless charger, and a set of ear caps and cerumen caps as complimentary gifts.

Encourage Empowerment and Reduce Stigma

The ELEHEAR Alpha Pro is a statement against the stigma surrounding hearing aids. By giving the gift of excellent hearing, you empower your loved ones to fully engage in life’s rich tapestry, irrespective of age. Break down barriers, reduce stigma, and embrace the joy of hearing with ELEHEAR.

This holiday season, let’s celebrate the gift of hearing, bringing joy and empowerment to individuals of every age. Visit the ELEHEAR website today and seize the opportunity to give the gift of excellent hearing at a special holiday discount!

Google Set to Delete Inactive Accounts Starting December, Urges Users to Review Their Accounts

By

Vishak

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November 28, 2023

Google has announced that it will start deleting inactive accounts from December 2023. This move, initially communicated in May, marks the end of a transition period and is part of Google’s efforts to enhance security across its services.

Google’s revised guidelines indicate that accounts which have remained inactive for a period of two years will be subject to deletion. This policy applies to all Google services, not just the free offerings. The rationale behind this decision is primarily security-driven. Inactive accounts, often neglected by users, become potential targets for unauthorized access and misuse. These accounts are particularly vulnerable as they are likely to lack recent security updates, including two-factor authentication.

Over the past few months, Google has been proactively informing users whose accounts are at risk of being deleted. These notifications have been sent via the email addresses linked to the Google accounts or through recovery email addresses. This approach is intended to prevent the deletions from catching users by surprise.

The deletion of an account results in the permanent loss of all data associated with it. Users who may have created a Google account in the past and have since stopped using it are advised to review these accounts. Often, these accounts contain important data that users may want to retrieve or secure before the deletion takes place.

Users who regularly use Google services, such as Gmail, Google Play, Google Drive, YouTube, or even conducting searches while logged into their account, are not affected by this policy. Regular usage of these services is recognized as active engagement, thus exempting these accounts from being deleted under the new policy.

India’s Ambitious Quest to Rival Taiwan in Chip Manufacturing Amidst Greater Challenges than China

By

Adwaith

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November 27, 2023

India to Rival Taiwan in Chip Manufacturing

India is positioning itself to become the next Taiwan in chip manufacturing, facing even more formidable challenges than its Chinese counterpart.

Taiwan currently leads the semiconductor manufacturing world, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) at the forefront. These two giants command more than 60% of the industry, with TSMC alone holding approximately 54% of the global market share. Their success is underpinned by advanced technological capabilities and extensive manufacturing facilities, including plants in Taiwan, the United States, and China, with further expansions planned in Arizona and Japan.

However, the looming threat of Chinese intervention in Taiwan poses a significant risk to this dominance, prompting TSMC to expand beyond its home turf. This geopolitical uncertainty has opened opportunities for other Asian nations, particularly India, to step in and potentially fill the gap.

India’s entry into the semiconductor arena is marked by both ambition and challenges. The country’s economic, industrial, and technical capabilities are well-recognized, with major tech companies like Apple, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft already established there. Additionally, tech giants AMD and Foxconn are set to make their presence felt in the Indian market.

The Indian government is actively working to attract chip manufacturers, with projections from Deloitte indicating that the Indian semiconductor market could exceed $55 billion by 2026. A significant development in this direction is the planned establishment of a cutting-edge chip manufacturing plant by Micron Technology, a leading American company specializing in memory chips, in India by 2024.

Despite these promising developments, India faces a steep path to achieving mass production capabilities comparable to Taiwan. Industry analysts, including Eric Chen, suggest that it could take India a decade to reach mass production of 28nm chips, a current industry standard. The primary challenge lies in swiftly setting up the necessary infrastructure, as a state-of-the-art chip manufacturing facility typically requires at least four years to become fully operational.

While the journey is laden with challenges, the potential rewards are enormous, not just for India but for the global tech landscape.

Navigating the CISSP Certification: A Roadmap for IT Professionals

By

Prabhul Kurup

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November 27, 2023

As an IT professional, you’re likely aware of the prestige and career advancement that comes with the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification. This globally recognized credential is not just a badge of honor; it’s a testament to your expertise and commitment to cybersecurity. In this article, we’ll guide you through achieving CISSP certification, offering a comprehensive roadmap to help you navigate this challenging yet rewarding path.

Contents

1 Understanding CISSP: The Gold Standard in Cybersecurity
2 Preparing for the CISSP Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide
3 The CISSP Exam: What to Expect
4 After the Exam: Maintaining Your CISSP Certification
5 Leveraging Your CISSP Certification for Career Growth
6 Your Path to CISSP

Understanding CISSP: The Gold Standard in Cybersecurity

CISSP, offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)², is a leading certification in information security. It validates an IT professional’s ability to design, implement, and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program.

CISSP is more than just a certification; it’s a career milestone. It opens doors to higher-level positions, increases earning potential, and sets you apart in the competitive IT job market.

The CISSP Domains: A Broad Overview

The CISSP certificate covers eight domains in its Common Body of Knowledge (CBK), each critical to the field of information security:

Security and Risk Management

It includes understanding and applying confidentiality, integrity, availability, security governance principles, compliance laws, professional ethics, and security policies. It also delves into risk management concepts, threat modeling, and business continuity planning.

Asset Security

This includes identifying and classifying information and assets, establishing appropriate handling requirements, and ensuring data privacy. It also covers information lifecycle aspects, such as data retention, destruction, and states.

Security Architecture and Engineering

It includes understanding and integrating security in the system lifecycle, applying secure design principles, and assessing and mitigating vulnerabilities in web-based, mobile, and embedded devices.

Communication and Network Security

Here, you’ll learn about designing and protecting network security. This encompasses secure network architecture design, communication channels, attacks, and defensive measures. It also covers the fundamentals of network components and TCP/IP networking.

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

IAM is all about managing identity and access control. Topics include physical and logical access control, identification, authentication, authorization mechanisms, identity as a service (IDaaS), and identity management implementation.

Security Assessment and Testing

It includes understanding security control testing, security process data collection, and analysis, as well as conducting or facilitating internal and third-party audits.

Security Operations

It includes understanding and supporting investigations, incident management, disaster recovery processes, and business continuity planning. It also covers resource protection techniques, such as patch and vulnerability management.

Software Development Security

This domain covers understanding and applying security in the software development lifecycle (SDLC), enforcing software security controls, and assessing the effectiveness of software security.

Understanding these domains is crucial as they form the basis of the CISSP exam and your future role as a security professional.

Preparing for the CISSP Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before you embark on your CISSP journey, ensure you meet the prerequisites. CISSP requires at least five years of cumulative, paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains.

Self-study: Utilize CISSP study guides, textbooks, and online resources. Books like the ‘CISSP Official Study Guide’ are invaluable.
Training courses: Consider enrolling in CISSP training courses offered by accredited providers. These courses provide structured learning and expert guidance.
Practice tests: Regularly take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the CISSP question format and identify improvement areas.
Join a study group: Participating can offer new perspectives and moral support.

The CISSP Exam: What to Expect

The CISSP exam is a rigorous test of your knowledge and endurance. It’s a 3-hour exam with 100-150 multiple-choice and advanced innovative questions. The exam uses a Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) format for English speakers.

After the Exam: Maintaining Your CISSP Certification

Passing the CISSP exam is a significant achievement, but the journey doesn’t end there. To maintain your certification, you must:

Earn and submit CPE credits: You’re required to earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits regularly.
Pay annual maintenance fees (AMF): This fee keeps your certification active and supports the (ISC)².

Leveraging Your CISSP Certification for Career Growth

With CISSP certification, you’re well-positioned to advance in your career. Opportunities in roles like Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Security Analyst, and Security Manager become more accessible.

Your Path to CISSP

Achieving CISSP certification is a challenging yet rewarding journey. It requires dedication, hard work, and a strategic approach to learning and exam preparation. As an IT professional, this certification can be a game-changer for your career, providing you with recognition and opportunities in the ever-growing field of cybersecurity challenges. Start your journey today and join the ranks of the world’s leading information security professionals.