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We're in deep water without more cable surgeons

We're in deep water without more cable surgeons

Times5 days ago
U ndersea cables are the spine of modern life. Imagine spending a day without being able to access anything digitally and you'll see why. These cables require a specialist workforce to install and repair them, and if you haven't heard of these workers it's because they do their jobs well. But this little known profession is struggling to replenish its ageing ranks. That should worry the rest of us.
Nearly 600 (571, to be precise) data cables on the world's seabeds power 21st-century life, and another 81 are being planned. Power cables, too, line the seafloor. That's a lot of cable, and a whole lot more than when the internet was young.
Three decades ago, Steven Jones followed his father into subsea cable-laying. 'It was a bit like a dead person's deal: you had to wait for someone to retire to get a job,' he told me. 'But then the field began expanding rapidly.' Rolling out cables (as thick as a thumb for data, or a forearm for power) on hundreds of miles of seabed along a detailed path is a precision job. Closer to shore, the cables have to be neatly buried. The job requires concentration and stamina, and it brings extraordinary rewards. 'You're involved in something physical and tangible,' Jones said. 'You're really making a mark.' Jones practically helped turn on some countries' digital switch. When he moved from laying to repairs, it was a lot busier than in his father's day. Back then, there were so few cables that weeks could go by without a call-up.
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How to Build a Custom AI Assistants with Microsoft Copilot 365
How to Build a Custom AI Assistants with Microsoft Copilot 365

Geeky Gadgets

time17 minutes ago

  • Geeky Gadgets

How to Build a Custom AI Assistants with Microsoft Copilot 365

Have you ever wished for an assistant that not only understands your unique workflow but also executes tasks exactly the way you would? Imagine automating your most time-consuming responsibilities—drafting polished emails, generating detailed reports, or even crafting professional social media posts—all with a tool that feels like an extension of yourself. With Microsoft Copilot 365, this isn't just a futuristic dream; it's a tangible reality. By building your own custom AI agent, you can unlock a level of productivity and personalization that goes far beyond the default Copilot experience. Whether you're a small business owner, a project manager, or simply someone looking to streamline their daily grind, this hands-on breakdown will show you how to turn Microsoft's AI-powered tools into your ultimate productivity ally. 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Smoking avatars and online games: how big tobacco targets young people in the metaverse
Smoking avatars and online games: how big tobacco targets young people in the metaverse

The Guardian

time41 minutes ago

  • The Guardian

Smoking avatars and online games: how big tobacco targets young people in the metaverse

In the image, a group of friends is standing in a bar, smoke winding upwards from the cigarettes in their hands. More lie in an open packet on the table between them. This is not a photograph taken before smoking bans, but a picture shared on social media of a gathering in the metaverse. Virtual online spaces are becoming a new marketing battleground as tobacco and alcohol promoters target young people without any legislative consequences. A report shared at the World Conference on Tobacco Control last month in Dublin set out multiple examples of new technologies being adopted to promote smoking and vaping, including tobacco companies launching digital tokens and vape companies sponsoring online games. It comes from a monitoring project known as Canary – because it seeks to act as the canary in a coalmine – run by the global public health organisation Vital Strategies. 'Tobacco companies are no longer waiting for regulations to catch them up. They are way ahead of us. 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In India, Agamroop Kaur, a youth ambassador at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, includes social media marketing when speaking to schoolchildren about the dangers of tobacco and vaping. She has seen vapes suggested as a 'wellness' item. 'I think educating youth on what an advertisement looks like, why it's false, how you might not even see that it's from the tobacco industry and it's [content posted by an] influencer is really powerful because then that builds a skill – so that when they're on social media, because they are digital natives, they're able to see all of that and know that it's fake and it's not something they should be attracted by. I think building those skills early from high school to middle school, and even younger, is really important.' The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control requires countries to implement bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. 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Create Stunning Product Ads in Minutes with AI : No Design Skills Needed
Create Stunning Product Ads in Minutes with AI : No Design Skills Needed

Geeky Gadgets

timean hour ago

  • Geeky Gadgets

Create Stunning Product Ads in Minutes with AI : No Design Skills Needed

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This is particularly beneficial for businesses that need to respond rapidly to market trends, seasonal demands, or promotional opportunities. By streamlining the creative process, AI allows you to focus on strategy and execution rather than production. Elevating Your Marketing with AI AI tools have fundamentally reshaped the way product ads are created, offering a fast, accessible, and cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes. By combining customizable prompts, advanced image enhancement, and post-editing options, you can produce professional-grade visuals tailored to your marketing needs. Whether you're designing e-commerce listings, social media posts, or promotional banners, AI ensures consistency, precision, and efficiency. Embrace these tools to streamline your workflow, reduce costs, and elevate your brand's visual identity across all platforms. Media Credit: Corbin Brown Filed Under: AI, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.

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