Factory Tech News

Toys “R” Us Canada Confirms Customer Data Breach Following Online Data Dump

Toys “R” Us Canada has confirmed a significant data breach affecting customer information. The company disclosed that attackers accessed a customer database and subsequently published stolen data online, according to breach notification statements.

Data Breach Confirmed by Canadian Retailer

Toys “R” Us Canada has confirmed that attackers successfully accessed a customer database and published stolen personal information online, according to breach disclosure notices sent to affected customers. The company reportedly discovered the security incident on July 30 after the intruders claimed to have posted the stolen customer data on what sources describe as “the unindexed internet.”

by Owen HoltOctober 23, 2025November 2, 2025

Innovation Science Technology

Egypt Advances Tsunami Early Warning System with Seismic and Infrasound Technology

Scientists are combining traditional seismic monitoring with atmospheric infrasound detection to create Egypt’s first local tsunami early warning system. The research analyzes 32 Mediterranean earthquakes to determine optimal alert timing and accuracy. Infrasound technology reportedly provides faster detection than conventional methods.

Breaking New Ground in Tsunami Preparedness

Egypt is taking significant steps toward developing its first comprehensive tsunami early warning system, according to recent research published in Scientific Reports. The study focuses on rapidly detecting earthquakes in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, where seismic activity could potentially generate tsunamis affecting Egypt’s northern coastline. Researchers analyzed data from 32 earthquakes measuring magnitude 5.5 or greater that occurred between 2012 and 2023.

by Owen HoltOctober 23, 2025November 2, 2025

Business Software Startups

N-able CEO Outlines Strategy for Channel-First Growth and Business Outcome Focus

N-able’s chief executive detailed the company’s evolution toward becoming a fully channel-driven organization during a recent industry conference. The strategy centers on helping partners shift conversations from technical features to business outcomes for midmarket clients.

Channel Strategy Evolution

N-able CEO John Pagliuca has outlined ambitious plans to transition the company to a completely channel-based sales model, according to reports from the 2025 XChange Best of Breed conference in Atlanta. Speaking with The Channel Company Chief Content Officer Stuart Sumner, Pagliuca revealed that the company currently operates at approximately 85% channel and 15% direct midmarket sales, but sources indicate this ratio is expected to shift to 75%/25% in the medium term.

by Harlow WesleyOctober 23, 2025November 2, 2025

Gaming Software Technology

Linux-Based Bazzite OS Reportedly Enhances Performance on ASUS ROG Ally X Handheld

Technology enthusiasts have successfully installed the Linux-based Bazzite operating system on ASUS’s ROG Ally X handheld gaming device. According to reports, this alternative OS offers faster wake times, greater user control, and potential energy savings compared to the default Windows implementation. The experiment addresses ongoing concerns about whether Microsoft’s operating system is limiting the hardware’s gaming potential.

Alternative Operating System Tested on Gaming Handheld

Technology creators have reportedly installed Bazzite, a SteamOS-like operating system based on Linux, on the recently launched ASUS ROG Ally X handheld gaming device. This experiment, according to sources familiar with the project, was conducted to determine whether the device’s Windows implementation might be limiting its gaming performance and user experience.

by Harlow WesleyOctober 23, 2025November 2, 2025

AI Innovation Software

Microsoft Revives Clippy Spirit with New AI Assistant Mico in Copilot Fall Update

Microsoft’s new Mico assistant brings playful interaction to Copilot with shape-shifting animations and subtle nods to the classic Clippy. The Fall Release expands functionality with memory features, group conversations, and specialized health responses.

Animated Assistant Evokes Nostalgic Connections

Microsoft is reintroducing playful personality to its AI offerings with Mico, a new animated assistant that sources indicate carries forward the spirit of the long-retired Clippy while addressing historical criticisms. According to reports, the shape-shifting orb appears when users interact vocally with Copilot, designed to be less intrusive than its predecessor by reacting to conversations rather than interrupting them. The rollout reportedly begins in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, with a hidden feature that temporarily transforms Mico into the classic paperclip shape when tapped repeatedly.

by Harlow WesleyOctober 23, 2025November 2, 2025

Business Software Startups

Worldpay and Affirm Expand Partnership to Bring BNPL Options to SaaS Platforms

Worldpay for Platforms is integrating Affirm’s buy now, pay later technology into its embedded payments offering for software companies. The expanded partnership aims to provide more flexible payment options to merchants and consumers through SaaS platforms. This move comes as shoppers increasingly turn to payment flexibility amid economic pressures.

Strategic Partnership Expansion

Worldpay has integrated Affirm’s buy now, pay later technology into its embedded payments platform for software companies, according to reports from a recent press release. The expanded partnership will make Affirm’s payment solutions available to Worldpay for Platforms’ network of more than 1,000 SaaS companies and their merchant customers.

by Harlow WesleyOctober 23, 2025November 2, 2025

Innovation Research Science

Researchers Voluntarily Embrace Open Data Practices Beyond Mandatory Requirements

A comprehensive analysis of over 8,000 journal articles reveals researchers are increasingly adopting open research practices beyond policy requirements. More than half of authors included Data Availability Statements, while a third in some disciplines openly shared research data. The findings suggest a cultural shift toward greater research transparency and collaboration.

Voluntary Open Research Adoption Exceeds Expectations

Researchers are increasingly embracing open research practices voluntarily, motivated by factors beyond policy mandates, according to a new analysis by Taylor & Francis and DataSeer. The investigation, which examined more than 8,000 journal articles published in 2023, found adoption rates surpassing expectations across multiple open research indicators.

by Owen HoltOctober 23, 2025November 2, 2025

Innovation Science Technology

Ancient Magnetic Field Instability Puzzles Scientists Studying 500-Million-Year-Old Rocks

Scientists have uncovered evidence of extraordinary magnetic field behavior during Earth’s Ediacaran period 500 million years ago. The findings challenge conventional understanding of planetary magnetic dynamics and could reshape theories about early Earth conditions.

Unprecedented Magnetic Variability Discovered

Researchers examining ancient rock formations have documented what sources describe as “chaotic” behavior in Earth’s magnetic field approximately 500 million years ago. According to reports published in Science Advances, the Ediacaran period featured magnetic fluctuations unlike anything seen in older or younger geological layers, presenting a significant puzzle for scientists studying planetary evolution.

by Owen HoltOctober 23, 2025November 2, 2025