Talk Fuse

    Software

    Software encompasses the digital tools, applications and systems that power modern life, from the artificial intelligence models reshaping how we work and create to the open-source projects offering alternatives to established platforms. This section covers developments across the full software landscape, including advances in machine learning, developer tools and infrastructure, cybersecurity concerns, and the underlying technologies that connect our digital world.

    The software industry is experiencing rapid evolution driven by artificial intelligence. Major technology companies are integrating new capabilities into widely-used applications, from interactive diagrams in chatbots to local file access in AI assistants. Simultaneously, developers continue building open-source alternatives to commercial software, whilst internet infrastructure providers work to expand the ecosystem of domain names and digital resources available online.

    Software developments matter to readers because they directly shape how we interact with technology daily, influence the tools available to businesses and creators, and raise important questions about security, privacy and competition in the digital economy. Whether through new features in familiar applications, emerging cybersecurity risks, or funding trends affecting startup innovation, software news determines how technology evolves and who benefits from it.

    • Anthropic proposes conditional opt-out for AI training on Australian content

      Anthropic is urging Australia to consider a conditional opt-out system for AI companies training models on copyrighted Australian material, after the government ruled out a broad text and data mining exemption. The ABC and SBS oppose giving AI firms easier access to news content, arguing they should face media rules and help fund journalism. Anthropic…

    • HPE and Nvidia tailor AI infrastructure to organisations’ needs

      HPE and NVIDIA have unveiled a portfolio of “AI Factory” solutions to help organisations implement AI infrastructure tailored to their specific requirements. The partnership addresses different AI ambitions—from frontier model training to high-volume inference and agentic AI—each requiring distinct infrastructure and operational expertise. The HPE AI Factory portfolio provides three tiers: HPE Private Cloud AI…

    • Amazon Refreshes Kindle Lineup with Slimmer Designs, Physical Page Buttons, and Color Options

      Amazon has refreshed its Kindle, Paperwhite and Colorsoft e-readers with slimmer designs, flush-front displays and new colour options. The range adds changes to screen design, storage and battery life, while double-tap page turning is available on some Signature Edition models. The basic Kindle is 6.8mm thin, weighs 140g, has 16GB of storage and is advertised…

    • Photon raises $4.5m to build AI agents for messaging services

      Photon, a startup building tools for AI agents that operate through messaging services, has raised $4.5 million in seed funding. Its founders argue that agents could reduce the need for standalone mobile apps by reaching users through services they already use, though CEO Daniel Tian says the transition will take time. The company says it…

    • Unpatched BlueKeep flaw exposed law firm’s CISO password during test

      A law firm’s chief information security officer’s password was exposed during a penetration test after the tester exploited an unpatched Windows flaw to access the firm’s systems. The incident showed how neglecting basic safeguards can undermine significant security spending and leave an organisation vulnerable. The tester, Joe Brinkley, said the firm had spent about half…

    • Amazon refreshes Kindle range with colour options and page-turn button case

      Amazon has launched refreshed Kindle, Paperwhite and Colorsoft models with slimmer designs, faster book opening and new colour choices. The range adds aluminium versions and a magnetic case with physical page-turn buttons, bringing back a feature associated with the Kindle Oasis. The new Kindles are about a millimetre thinner and open books 30 per cent…

    • Microsoft begins disabling Exchange Web Services ahead of 2027 retirement

      Microsoft is beginning to disable Exchange Web Services (EWS) in Exchange Online from today, with complete retirement on 1 April 2027. The legacy API, deployed since 2007 for email access and integrations, is being phased out because Microsoft says it no longer aligns with modern security, scalability and reliability requirements. The move forces organisations to…

    • Satlyt secures $8m to develop AI computing software for satellites

      Satlyt, a start-up founded by former Google and SpaceX product manager Rama Afullo, has raised $8 million to develop software that runs AI on satellites. It aims to let spacecraft from different operators share computing work in orbit, creating an open, cloud-like service without building its own satellites. The company has flown its software on…

    • Iran denies RAF Fairford terror link as Putin presses Ukraine invasion

      Iran denies involvement in suspected terror incident near RAF Fairford as Putin shows no sign of stepping back from Russia’s Ukraine invasion. Women comprise just 16 per cent of the UK cybersecurity workforce.

    • Lemmo’s first cargo e-bike uses a compact semi-solid-state battery

      Lemmo has introduced the Lemmo 3, its first cargo bike, with a semi-solid state battery that the company says is safer, smaller and longer-lasting than a conventional lithium-ion pack. The battery technology is notable because it may reduce fire risk while providing more range in a compact package. The 39kg step-through longtail has a 960Wh…