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Apple at 50: Michael Scott, the company's first CEO, made bold and bad choices

Apple at 50: Michael Scott, the company's first CEO, made bold and bad choices

As Apple hits 50 years old, AppleInsider recounts the pivotal role of each of its CEOs, starting with the very first one, Michael Scott. He made bold choices, but he made them badly. Michael Scott, age unknown — image credit: Business Insider Steve Jobs was not Apple's first Chief Executive Officer. While he founded the company on April 1, 1976 , with Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne , Jobs had no experience running what was aiming to become a large company. So a CEO was needed, but actually Apple's first two chief executives are tightly interlinked. Mike Markkula would become the second one, but he hired the first — and then later persuaded that first to leave. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Is a $20 mechanical keyboard good enough? I bought one to find out

Is a $20 mechanical keyboard good enough? I bought one to find out

I’m not a huge PC gamer, which means I’ve never really considered buying a mechanical keyboard. In my experience, everyone I know who owns one has the fancy light-up kind for “serious” gamers. But recently I noticed how many cheap/affordable ones are available on Amazon, with numerous options going for less than $50. I even spotted one for just $20 and it looked pretty good—so much so that it felt like a bargain I shouldn’t pass up. So I jumped on it. I put in my order and waited to find out what all the fuss was about. Honestly, I don’t know what I was expecting. Could a mechanical keyboard really be a game-changer? Or would it be a disappointment that didn’t live up to the hype? How much of my experience would be “valid” considering I went for a bottom-barrel model? Would I even notice the cheaper build quality and lack of features? It was an experiment for me… and the results were mixed. As a mechanical keyboard virgin, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about Having worked in online publishing for decades, I’ve met a lot of people who are deeply passionate about technology—and so I’m used to being recommended products left, right, and center. I also love tech myself but I’m more of a skeptic, the opposite of an early adopter. I try to take a more objective view on what’s trending in the world of gadgetry and keep a level head when it comes to newfangled products. Here’s my “before” setup: an unassuming wireless membrane keyboard. Dave Parrack / Foundry Mechanical keyboards have obviously been around for a long time, stretching back as far as the 1970s, but when they became mainstream in the early 2010s, I was relentlessly pushed to try one by colleagues and friends alike. Not being a PC gamer—preferring the ease of console gaming—meant I was never persuaded to invest in one. However, the germ of the idea never quite died, thus I took a punt on it when I spotted this decent-looking mechanical keyboard for only $20. Will a cheap $20 mechanical keyboard be enough for me? It was a lot easier to keep out of the mechanical keyboard trend when everything was $100 and over, but there’s really no excuse not to give it a whirl when the entry price has come down so much. Sure, those cheapies are mainly Chinese brands that cut corners and skimp on essential features and maybe even neglect some safety precautions… But at $20, it’s hard to resist. And given how much time I spend on my PC as a working writer, I might as well try it out. If there’s even the tiniest potential for this peripheral to be an absolute game-changer that revolutionizes my productivity and makes me enjoy typing that much more, then I owe it to myself to see if that’s true. The Newmen GM611 mechanical keyboard , ready and waiting for me. Dave Parrack / Foundry The mechanical keyboard I ended up getting is the Newmen GM611 . Newmen may seem like a proper brand at first glance—it’s certainly better than so many of the nonsensical all-cap ones you often see on Amazon, like VRURC and JAJAFOOK —but it’s a China-based company like the rest. Peeking at its Amazon storefront reveals a specialization in keyboards, mice, and webcams. Not too bad so far. So I bit the bullet. I sent in my order and also snagged a USB-A-to-USB-C converter with it. When it arrived, I promptly plugged it into my PC and took it for a spin… What I like about the keyboard I like the mechanical keyboard’s appearance. It somehow manages to look sleek and robust at the same time. It’s small but perfectly formed, with the only real omission being a dedicated number pad. However, it looks great sitting on my desk in front of my PC, especially when the sun sets and the multicolored keycaps light up. Dave Parrack / Foundry I also found the act of typing quite satisfying. Maybe because it was novel and something different to what I’m used to, or maybe because the clacking noise made each button press feel more definitive. Once I built new muscle memory for the key layout and started tolerating the sound (more on this below), it was surprisingly enjoyable. It’s been a while since I felt this much satisfaction just from tapping away on keys. Plus, setting up the keyboard was simple and seamless, both on my Windows PC and on my Chromebook . I plugged it in… and it worked! Right away. No extra effort on my part. I’m sure that’s the case with almost any reputable keyboard these days, but I appreciated it given the extra-cheap nature of the one I bought. No wrinkles. What I don’t like about the keyboard The first thing that struck me—and the main thing I’ve come to dislike about mechanical keyboards—was the noise. The clackety clack as I typed away on the keys? Very distracting! Maybe I’ll start to like it after a while, but I can see (or, in this case, hear) why mechanical keyboards are designed more for gaming than writing. Dave Parrack / Foundry I also had to build new muscle memory because the keys were taller and more spread out than the typical low-profile layouts I’m used to. It also surprised me how much pressure was needed to trigger each key. (I’ve been using a bog-standard membrane keyboard since my Windows 7 days—a long time spent on the same keyboard! We don’t recommend membrane keyboards , by the way.) And since this is a cheap mechanical keyboard, the customization options are limited. It has 19 different LED backlight effects that I can cycle through, plus 5 brightness levels. But that’s all. I’ve seen more expensive mechanical keyboards with much more to them. Of course, this is more an observation than a complaint. Can’t really expect all that much from something that only costs $20, can I? Do I buy a better one? Or go back to my standard membrane keyboard? Ultimately, having used this cheap mechanical keyboard for a few weeks now, I have a choice to make. Do I carry on with it? Invest in a better, more expensive model? Or return to the membrane keyboard that came with my Windows PC and is showing its age? My setup again, except this time with my new mechanical keyboard. Dave Parrack / Foundry While I enjoyed the typing experience on my cheap mechanical keyboard, I’m not enamored enough on the whole to invest further on a “better” model. If I were to ever start gaming on a PC in a big way, it might make sense then. But for now? When I really only use my keyboard to type words for work? Not going to happen. That said, given how cheap this keyboard was, I’m pleased and have no regrets. I won’t be getting rid of it. It’s still going to take some time to get used to it—especially the noise—but I’ll be going back and forth between this and my old membrane keyboard, at least until that one dies. I do like the tactile typing. Maybe one day I’ll love it. Further reading: The best mechanical keyboards

Samsung Movingstyle M7 review: A monitor that rolls wherever its needed

Samsung Movingstyle M7 review: A monitor that rolls wherever its needed

At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Easy to assemble and move Includes TizenOS with remote control Good contrast ratio Less expensive than alternatives Cons Short power cord, no built-in battery Modest color gamut Lackluster HDR and motion clarity Our Verdict The Samsung Movingstyle M7 is a mobile display with a smart TV operating system. It’s not perfect, but it delivers on its core features and undercuts the competition on price. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Samsung Movingstyle M7 Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Most computer monitors are meant to be used at a desk, but the Samsung Movingstyle M7 is a different breed. It ships with a heavy, wheeled base and pole stand that makes it possible to use nearly anywhere in your home, at least so long as a power outlet is nearby. The monitor also has Samsung’s smart TV operating system and a long list of standard features including Wi-Fi, a remote control, and built-in audio. Read on to learn more, then see our roundup of the best monitors for comparison. Samsung Movingstyle M7 (M70F) specs and features Technically, the Samsung Movingstyle M7 isn’t really a monitor. It’s a bundle that includes the Samsung Smart Monitor M7 and the Movingstyle base. However, it’s not possible to buy the Movingstyle base alone. Display size: 32-inch 16:9 aspect ratio Native resolution: 3840×2160 Panel type: VA-LCD Refresh rate: 60Hz Adaptive sync: None HDR: HDR10 compatible Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB-C with DisplayPort and 65 watts of Power Delivery, 3x USB-A 2.0 Audio: 10-watt speaker system Extra features: Remote control, TizenOS, wheeled stand, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2 Price: $699.99 MSRP Samsung asks $699.99 for the Movingstyle M7, and it’s currently sold at that price online. That might seem expensive, as the Smart Monitor M7 that is bundled with the Movingstyle M7 retails for less than $250. However, the Movingstyle M7 is actually less expensive than competitive displays like the LG Smart Monitor Swing. Samsung Movingstyle M7 unboxing and assembly PCWorld monitor reviews don’t normally include a section dedicated to unboxing and assembly. With most monitors, the process is straightforward enough to skip. The Samsung Movingstyle M7, with its large floor stand, is a bit different. The monitor arrived in a single outer box containing two inner boxes: one with the Samsung M7 monitor, which can be purchased separately, and one with the Movingstyle stand. Both were tightly packed and the stand’s base weighs nearly 40 pounds, so unpacking takes some effort. I managed to unpack it solo, but it would be best to have someone help. Once everything is out of the box, assembly is straightforward, though it does require tools (which are included). First, the power cord is cabled through the tall pole stand, then the pole attaches to the base with screws and the monitor mount clamps onto the neck. The mount’s vertical position offers a good degree of adjustment. Matthew Smith / Foundry Finally, the monitor attaches to the mount with a VESA bracket, which screws to the back of the monitor. The bracket slides onto the mount and a final screw secures them tightly together. Setup definitely takes some doing. It took me about half an hour from start to finish. However, aside from the tightly packed box, I don’t have any complaints. The assembly instructions were useful and the various pieces screwed or clamped together without issue. Samsung Movingstyle M7 design Once assembled, the Samsung Movingstyle M7 has a clean, if obviously unusual, aesthetic. It is basically a 32-inch monitor mounted to a pole, so it is not exactly subtle, though the white colorway and curved design help it blend into a typical home environment. Matthew Smith / Foundry Samsung pitches this monitor squarely at home users, though it would also work well in a conference room. It is envisioned as a mobile display that can move between a kitchen, a home office, or a guest room as needed. The wheeled stand provides that mobility, allowing the monitor to be positioned where it is needed and rolled aside when it is not. The wheels are small and the clearance on the base is slim, however, so the stand will only roll on flat surfaces like hardwood or tile. One of my biggest concerns before I assembled the Movingstyle M7 was its stability. Fortunately, the stand holds up well in normal use. The base weighs almost 40 pounds, which is roughly four times the weight of the monitor itself, so an accidental bump or jostle is not going to send it to the floor. A determined shove can still tip it, though, so I would be cautious about using this monitor in a home with young children or a rambunctious dog. You will also want to think about the power cord. The Movingstyle M7 doesn’t include a battery and so requires a connection to a power outlet. Samsung’s marketing materials show the monitor with a lengthy white cord, but my review unit shipped with a black cord roughly 10 feet long. Though the wheels on the base make the monitor mobile, you won’t always need to move it for use, as the mount also adjusts for swivel, tilt, and height—though the height adjustment requires unclamping the mount from the pole, which is a bit finicky. The mount also supports 90 degrees of rotation into portrait orientation for those who want to use it that way. Curious readers might wonder if the Movingstyle stand can be used with other monitors. This is physically possible, as it uses a standard 100x100mm VESA mount, but the monitor’s documentation warns against it. I suspect that’s because the weight of the monitor attached has an impact on stability and Samsung doesn’t want to be liable for a too-heavy monitor tipping over. In any case, Samsung doesn’t sell the stand alone. It’s a complete package. Though the wheels on the base make the monitor mobile, you won’t always need to move it for use, as the mount also adjusts for swivel, tilt, and height… Samsung Movingstyle M7 connectivity Connectivity is not the Samsung Movingstyle M7’s most important feature, and it shows. The monitor offers two HDMI 2.0 video inputs and a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort alternate mode. The absence of a standard DisplayPort input may frustrate users who want to connect a desktop PC, though that is probably a less common use case for a monitor like this. The USB-C port also functions as an upstream data connection, linking to three downstream USB-A 2.0 ports. The monitor also has Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2. The Wi-Fi connection allows the monitor to stream content directly from the internet without a connected PC, and the Bluetooth connection supports peripherals including game controllers. The monitor also supports AirPlay for wireless video from Apple devices. Samsung Movingstyle M7 menus and features The Samsung Movingstyle M7 is a full-fledged smart monitor running Samsung’s Tizen OS, the same operating system used by Samsung’s smart televisions. The monitor also ships with a wireless remote control. For all practical purposes, this makes it a 32-inch smart TV. It can stream content from all the major streaming apps, access Samsung’s own services, and run cloud gaming platforms without any external device connected. Matthew Smith / Foundry These features are always at least somewhat useful, but they are particularly useful here. The Movingstyle M7 can function as a fully independent display that needs nothing more than a power outlet and a Wi-Fi connection. I expect a lot of owners will purchase this monitor with no intention of ever connecting an external video source. The Tizen experience is serviceable. As with other Samsung smart monitors I have reviewed, the operating system can feel sluggish when opening settings menus and navigating between options. The interface leans heavily on icons paired with labels that are sometimes truncated and lose meaning out of context. Tizen is of course optimized for a television experience, so your opinion of it will depend on how much you intend to use the Movingstyle M7 as a TV versus a monitor. It’s frustrating if you only want to use the display as a monitor, as everything from setup (which requires Wi-Fi) to changing brightness takes longer than it should. The included remote is essential. However, there’s a multidirectional joystick and a few buttons tucked around the rear center of the display that can serve as a backup if the remote goes missing or you need to make a quick adjustment. In practice, though, you will want the remote in hand for nearly everything. Matthew Smith / Foundry Samsung Movingstyle M7 audio The Movingstyle M7 includes a 10-watt speaker system that delivers serviceable audio quality. Maximum volume is okay for a home office or guest bedroom, but it falls short in larger spaces like a living room or kitchen, especially if you are actually cooking and competing with background noise. Audio quality is clear but flat so more dynamic content like music and movies sound hollow. This is normally the part of a monitor review where I recommend external speakers and mention that most monitors don’t have great speakers, if they have any at all. The catch here is that using external speakers with the Movingstyle M7 is more complicated than usual. Any speakers you pair with this display should ideally move with it, but the stand doesn’t have a mount for them, so you’ll need to give your audio setup some thought. Samsung Movingstyle M7 SDR image quality Samsung’s Movingstyle M7 in fact pairs the stand with the Samsung Smart Monitor M7, which can be purchased on its own (the stand, however, is only available as part of the Movingstyle M7). The Smart Monitor M7 is an affordable monitor with an MSRP of $400, which is often slashed to $250 or less. So, how does its image quality stack up? Matthew Smith / Foundry I measured a maximum SDR brightness of 329 nits which, as the graph shows, is a fine but middle-of-the-road value. This level of brightness is much more than what’s required in most rooms. However, the Movingstyle M7’s mobility means it’s more likely to be used in a living room or kitchen with a lot of ambient light and no way to reduce it. In those situations, the monitor’s SDR brightness can prove merely adequate. Matthew Smith / Foundry Contrast is a win for the Movingstyle M7, as the Samsung Smart Monitor M7 has a Vertical Alignment (VA)-LCD panel. This type of panel can deliver lower levels of brightness in dark scenes, which improves overall contrast and provides a more immersive image. Of course, the Movingstyle M7 won’t match an OLED display, which will look far more alluring and pack more detail into dark scenes. Still, the Movingstyle M7 performs well enough to provide enjoyable contrast in a wide range of movies and games. Matthew Smith / Foundry Unfortunately, the Movingstyle M7’s color gamut is a weakness. I measured a gamut that spanned only 97 percent of sRGB and 78 percent of DCI-P3. As the graph shows, this is a fairly narrow color gamut for a modern display and it’s where the Smart Monitor M7’s low price is most apparent. The narrow color gamut is obvious in real-world use. Content looks unsaturated and lacks the impact it would have on a display with a wider color gamut. It’s passable, but it’s not going to impress viewers who are even moderately critical about image quality. Matthew Smith / Foundry Color accuracy is better, though the story has nuance. My testing found a very low color error across most colors, but a high color error (delta 6.3) in cyan. Subjectively, I thought the monitor lacked the ability to show much nuance in the blue-cyan range, causing colors in this range to seem particularly muted and unremarkable. The Movingstyle M7 results were once again solid in gamma and color temperature. I measured a gamma curve of 2.2, which is what I expect to see at default settings. I also measured a color temperature of 6700K, which is only a tad off the target of 6500K. That means the image looks a bit cooler than what’s ideal but is generally well-balanced. Sharpness is good, too, as the monitor delivers 3840×2160 resolution. If anything, the monitor tends to look a bit sharper than most 4K monitors in normal use. That’s because I typically viewed the monitor from further away than a desktop monitor. I was often at least 4 feet away from the Movingstyle M7 when viewing it. At that distance, a 32-inch display with 4K resolution looks remarkably crisp. The Movingstyle M7’s overall SDR image quality is not remarkable but holds up well enough. It provides solid contrast and a well-balanced image with generally good color accuracy. However, the monitor’s color gamut and brightness could be better. The vast majority of monitors in the same price range will have better image quality but, of course, they also won’t have a mobile stand. Samsung Movingstyle M7 HDR image quality The Samsung Movingstyle M7 technically supports HDR, as it can accept an HDR10 signal. However, aside from the mention of HDR10 support in the monitor specifications, Samsung doesn’t mention HDR. That’s for good reason. While an HDR10 signal can be viewed, it doesn’t look great due to the monitor’s limited brightness and color gamut. I wouldn’t say that HDR content looks better than SDR at all—just a bit different in terms of overall color presentation. In short, the Movingstyle M7 isn’t a good choice if HDR is at the top of your list of priorities. Samsung Movingstyle M7 motion performance I can say the same for the Movingstyle M7’s motion performance. The display has a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz and doesn’t offer adaptive sync, so motion fluidity isn’t great in modern PC or console games. I also noticed a lot of motion blur, which reduced motion clarity. To be clear, the motion performance looked fine for movies and shows. But if you’re interested in attaching a PlayStation, Xbox, or gaming PC, you’ll likely be disappointed. Is the Samsung Movingstyle M7 worth it? The Samsung Movingstyle M7 is a niche monitor that does what it was designed to do. It’s easy to assemble, moves across flat surfaces without trouble, and has a stand that makes the monitor usable almost anywhere you have open floor space. At a glance the $700 MSRP might seem steep, but it’s not bad for this type of display. LG’s StandByMe and Smart Monitor Swing are both currently priced around $800 at retail. You might save money if you go the DIY route and choose a stand and monitor independently, but the end result is unlikely to look as attractive (and in some cases will be downright ugly). If you want a large mobile display that you can position nearly anywhere the floor space is available, the Samsung Movingstyle M7 is a sensible choice.

OpenAI will notify authorities of credible threats after Canada mass shooter's second account was discovered

OpenAI will notify authorities of credible threats after Canada mass shooter's second account was discovered

OpenAI has vowed to strengthen its safety protocols and to notify law enforcement of credible threats sooner in a letter addressed to Canadian authorities, according to Politico and The Washington Post . If you’ll recall, Canadian politicians summoned the company’s leaders after reports came out that it didn’t notify authorities when it banned the account owned by the Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia mass shooting suspect back in 2025. Some of OpenAI’s leaders have already met with Candian officials, and British Columbia Premier David Eby said Sam Altman had also agreed to meet with him. While OpenAI has yet to announce changes to its rules, Ann O’Leary, its vice president of global policy, reportedly wrote in the letter that the company will tweak its detection systems so that they can better prevent banned users from coming back to the platform. Apparently, after OpenAI banned the shooter’s original account due to “potential warnings of committing real-world violence,” the perpetrator was able to create another account. The company only discovered the second account after the shooter’s name was released, and it has since notified authorities. Further, OpenAI will now notify authorities if it detects “imminent and credible” threats in ChatGPT conversations, even if the user doesn’t reveal “a target, means, and timing of planned violence.” O’Leary explained that if the new rules had been in effect when the shooter’s account was banned in 2025, the company would have notified the police. OpenAI will also establish a point of contact for Canadian law enforcement so it can quickly share information with authorities when needed. The Canadian government sees OpenAI’s decision not to report the shooter’s original account as a failure. It threatened to regulate AI chatbots in the country if their creators cannot show that they have proper safeguards to protect its users. It’s unclear at the moment if OpenAI also plans to roll out the same changes in the US and elsewhere in the world. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-will-notify-authorities-of-credible-threats-after-canada-mass-shooters-second-account-was-discovered-112706548.html?src=rss

French e-commerce marketplace ManoMano notifies its customers of a data breach affecting 38M; the company said the incident involved a third party subcontractor (Bill Toulas/BleepingComputer)

French e-commerce marketplace ManoMano notifies its customers of a data breach affecting 38M; the company said the incident involved a third party subcontractor (Bill Toulas/BleepingComputer)

Bill Toulas / BleepingComputer : French e-commerce marketplace ManoMano notifies its customers of a data breach affecting 38M; the company said the incident involved a third party subcontractor —  DIY store chain ManoMano is notifying customers of a data breach that was caused by hackers compromising a third-party service provider.

Pokemon Lego Sets Launch Today: Here's How to Order

Pokemon Lego Sets Launch Today: Here's How to Order

Pokemon Lego Sets Check out the first Lego Pokemon sets See at Lego Store Lego has unveiled three Pokemon building sets themed around Kanto region legends from Generation 1. All three models are part of Lego's display series for collectors and experienced builders, and they're all available to order now. The most affordable model in the lineup is a 587-piece posable Eevee figure for $60. From there, the price jumps to $200 for Pikachu and Poke Ball , a 2,050-piece dynamic model with a buildable lightning bolt stand. For Pokemon fans with disposable income, check out the massive 6,836-piece Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise diorama . Priced at $650, the model comes with three large buildable figures and a modular stand themed around each Pokemon. If you purchase the Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise Lego set, you'll get an exclusive freebie while supplies last: the Kanto Region Badge Collection . The 312-piece set includes replicas of the eight badges from Pokemon Red/Blue inside a clamshell case. Lego Insiders will also have the chance to get a 233-piece Mini Pokemon Center at launch. Continue Reading at GameSpot

Equinix and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board agree to acquire atNorth Holding, a pan-Nordic data center operator, valuing atNorth at $4B including debt (Bloomberg)

Equinix and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board agree to acquire atNorth Holding, a pan-Nordic data center operator, valuing atNorth at $4B including debt (Bloomberg)

Bloomberg : Equinix and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board agree to acquire atNorth Holding, a pan-Nordic data center operator, valuing atNorth at $4B including debt —  Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Equinix Inc. have agreed to acquire atNorth Holding AB, a pan-Nordic data center operator owned by Partners Group Holding AG.