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Fox News
4 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
Windowless jets offer digital experience on future flights
Print Close By Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report Published June 05, 2025 With the unveiling of Otto Aviation's Phantom 3500, humans are heading toward a future of windowless jets. The aircraft is redefining air travel by eliminating traditional windows in favor of a sleek, aerodynamic design, something many engineers are surely happy about. It's a radical approach, but it's one that, on top of improving fuel efficiency and reducing drag, will still offer some of the best views using digital technology. Join the FREE "CyberGuy Report" : Get my expert tech tips, critical security alerts and exclusive deals, plus instant access to my free "Ultimate Scam Survival Guide" when you sign up! Why is windowless design such a big deal for aircraft? Most travelers don't realize that windows are structural weak points in an aircraft. They require extra reinforcement, add weight and disrupt the smooth flow of air over the fuselage (the main body of the plane). This increases drag, a resistance force that makes flight less efficient. By removing windows, the Phantom 3500's surface allows air to flow with minimal turbulence, helping the aircraft achieve what Otto Aviation describes as "full laminar flow characteristics." HYPERSONIC JET PROMISES NYC TO LONDON IN UNDER AN HOUR This is a major contributor to its impressive aerodynamic performance. The windowless design is not just for aesthetics. Otto Aviation specifically engineered the fuselage to optimize laminar flow, using lightweight materials and smooth surfaces to further reduce drag and fuel consumption. SOLAR-POWERED AIRCRAFT ACHIEVES GROUNDBREAKING 22-HOUR AUTONOMOUS FLIGHT How Phantom 3500 gives windowless passengers stunning digital views A common concern with windowless aircraft is claustrophobia. To address this, the Phantom 3500 features high-definition digital screens along the cabin walls and ceiling. These displays stream real-time video from cameras mounted on the aircraft's exterior, offering passengers a panoramic, immersive view of the skies. Otto Aviation refers to this system as Super Natural Vision, a proprietary technology that replaces traditional windows with state-of-the-art digital displays, seamlessly integrating real-time external views for a unique in-flight experience. The spacious, luminous cabin measures 800 cubic feet with a 6-foot-5-inch ceiling, comfortably accommodating four or more passengers in a luxurious, flexible layout. The cabin can seat up to nine passengers, depending on configuration, and is designed to maximize comfort and functionality. Freed from the constraints of window placement, the interior can be customized for relaxation, productivity or entertainment, ensuring passengers enjoy the journey as much as the destination. CHINESE WEARABLE EVTOL JETPACK MAKES HISTORIC FIRST FLIGHT Phantom 3500 sets new standard in jet fuel efficiency and performance The Phantom 3500 builds on flight tests from Otto's Celera 500L prototype and Dassault Systèmes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform. By sustaining laminar flow, the aircraft aims to improve fuel efficiency by 35%. This allows it to maintain high-speed performance while consuming less fuel, making it one of the most aerodynamically efficient aircraft ever developed. It operates in the transonic range (Mach 0.8–1.2), balancing speed and efficiency. It can also reach a cruising altitude of 51,000 feet, significantly higher than most commercial airliners, which typically fly between 30,000 and 40,000 feet. Thanks to its streamlined fuselage and optimized aerodynamics, the Phantom 3500 burns 50% less fuel than conventional business jets. This reduction in fuel consumption translates to lower operating costs and a significant decrease in carbon emissions. The Phantom 3500's wings achieve complete laminar flow, allowing for smoother airflow and reduced drag, enabling the aircraft to take off from runways as short as 3,500 feet, nearly doubling the number of accessible airports in the U.S. alone compared to similar-sized jets. GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE SUBSCRIBE TO KURT'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR QUICK VIDEO TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES Kurt's key takeaways The Phantom 3500 gives us a glimpse of where air travel could be headed. With its focus on efficiency and those stunning digital screens offering panoramic views, flying might soon feel more immersive and enjoyable than ever. If this jet lives up to its promise, the window seat could become a thing of the past, and the future of aviation might get a lot greener and faster, too. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Would you trade traditional airplane windows for high-definition digital screens showing real-time views? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover. Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Print Close URL
Fox News
16-05-2025
- Fox News
How to free up space on a PC
Print Close By Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report Published May 16, 2025 Using a PC is all fun and games until you run out of storage. We've all been there, and the problem becomes more frequent if you've been using your PC for years. Over time, the hard disk starts filling up with everything, including PDFs, video files, random screenshots, and duplicate photos transferred from an SD card or your phone. Once your PC's storage fills up, it slows down because the resources required to process tasks become limited. I will discuss some proven methods to reclaim valuable space and improve your computer's performance. If you're not a PC user, find more ways to free up space on these devices: iPhone | Android | Mac JOIN THE FREE CYBERGUY REPORT: GET MY EXPERT TECH TIPS, CRITICAL SECURITY ALERTS, AND EXCLUSIVE DEALS — PLUS INSTANT ACCESS TO MY FREE ULTIMATE SCAM SURVIVAL GUIDE WHEN YOU SIGN UP! Empty recycle bin When you delete something on your PC, it remains in the Recycle Bin and still takes up space on your hard disk. The Recycle Bin usually holds deleted files for 30 days, but if you need to free up space right away, emptying it is a good first step. Note that "Recycle Bin" is the term used on Windows. To free up disk space from the Recycle Bin: Search for Recycle Bin on your desktop and right-click it. on your desktop and right-click it. Select Empty Recycle Bin . . Confirm the deletion. HOW TO FREE UP SPACE ON YOUR ANDROID BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR PCS & MACS — CYBERGUY PICKS 2025 Delete unnecessary apps After clearing the Recycle Bin, the next step is to delete unnecessary apps. Unused applications take up valuable storage space and can slow down your system. Removing them will free up space and improve performance on your Windows PC. Go to Settings Click Apps Select Installed apps . . Sort apps by size to find large ones. to find large ones. Click an app and select Uninstall. WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOUR PC HAS A VIRUS Delete the files you don't need Take some time to go through your files and delete anything you no longer need. Old documents, large video files, duplicate photos, and outdated downloads can take up a surprising amount of space. If you are unsure about deleting certain files, move them to an external drive or cloud storage before permanently removing them from your Windows PC. Open Settings Click System. Select Storage. YOUR IPHONE HAS A HIDDEN FOLDER EATING UP STORAGE SPACE WITHOUT YOU EVEN KNOWING Check the boxes for items like temporary files, downloads and recycle bin. Click Remove files . . You can also use Disk Cleanup: Type "Disk Cleanup" in the Start menu, select a drive and choose files to delete. Enable Storage Sense on Windows If you're using Windows, Storage Sense is a built-in feature that can automatically free up space by removing temporary files and old items from the Recycle Bin. How to enable storage sense on Windows: Open Settings and go to System > Storage . and go to . Click on Storage Sense and toggle it On . and toggle it . Under the Configure cleanup schedules section, choose how often it should run (every day, week or month). Once enabled, Storage Sense will automatically clean up space based on your preferences. DOES YOUR WINDOWS 11 PC KEEP RESTARTING? LET'S FIX THAT FRUSTRATING PROBLEM Transfer files to external storage Choose the right external drive: Opt for an external hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD) that suits your needs. SSDs offer faster speeds and better durability, while HDDs provide larger capacities at lower costs. Opt for an or solid-state drive (SSD) that suits your needs. SSDs offer faster speeds and better durability, while HDDs provide larger capacities at lower costs. Transfer files: Connect your external drive, copy your files to it and verify that all files are successfully transferred. Connect your external drive, copy your files to it and verify that all files are successfully transferred. Delete original files: After verifying the transfer, delete the original files from your PC to free up space. On Windows, use File Explorer to delete files and empty the Recycle Bin. On Mac, use Finder to move files to Trash and then empty it. Consider cloud storage Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive offer convenient, flexible options for storing large files without consuming your laptop's limited space. These services allow you to securely store your photos, videos and documents in the cloud, freeing up valuable storage on your device. One significant advantage of cloud storage is accessing files from any device with an internet connection, whether on your phone, tablet or another computer. Most cloud services provide a certain amount of free storage (typically between 2GB and 15GB) before upgrading to a paid plan. For instance, Google Drive offers 15GB of free storage shared across Google services, while Dropbox provides 2GB for free with options to upgrade for more space. OneDrive provides 5GB for free, but Microsoft users can get additional storage through Office 365 subscriptions, granting access to the Microsoft Office suite. Additionally, cloud storage services come with features like automatic syncing and backup, making it easier to organize and safeguard your files. This can be particularly helpful for large photo and video libraries, which can be set to upload automatically from your phone or computer. With features like file versioning and collaboration tools, cloud platforms offer more than just storage — they enhance productivity and allow seamless file sharing with friends, family or colleagues. Finally, many cloud storage providers offer encryption and other security measures to protect your files for added peace of mind. However, it would be best always to take extra precautions, such as enabling two-factor authentication and using strong, unique passwords, to ensure your data is safe. Kurt's favorite cloud services can be seen here. Protect your data: Essential security steps after managing storage After you've freed up space on your PC-whether by deleting old files, moving data to an external drive or leveraging cloud storage, it's just as important to make sure your valuable information stays secure. The following steps will help you protect your files and personal data from cyber threats and accidental loss. 1. Use strong passwords: Create unique, complex passwords for all your accounts and devices. Consider using a password manager to generate and store secure passwords. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 here. 2. Enable encryption: Encrypt your external hard drives and cloud storage accounts to add an extra layer of protection to your data. 3. Implement two-factor authentication ( 2FA ): Enable 2FA on all accounts that offer this feature, especially for cloud storage services. 4. Install and maintain strong antivirus software: Use a strong antivirus program and keep it updated to protect against malware and other security threats. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices . 5. Regularly update your operating system and applications: Keep your devices and software up to date to ensure you have the latest security patches. 6. Be cautious with public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information when connected to public networks , or use a VPN for added security. Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service can enhance your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers and third parties to intercept your data, especially on public Wi-Fi. A VPN masks your IP address, helping to obscure your location and online activity. While VPNs don't directly prevent phishing emails, they reduce the exposure of your browsing habits to trackers that may use this data maliciously. With a VPN, you can securely access your email accounts from anywhere, even in areas with restrictive internet policies. For best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices 7. Backup your data regularly: Create multiple backups of your important files, including at least one offline copy. 8. Use secure file transfer methods: When sharing files, use encrypted transfer methods or password-protected links. By following these steps, you can significantly enhance the security of your data and protect yourself from potential cyber threats. Kurt's key takeaway Your PC's storage can fill up fast, but you can always free up some space. I personally prefer storing images and videos that take up too much space on an external drive. This way, I can access them whenever I need to while keeping my PC storage free. If an external drive feels like too much of a hassle, you can always opt for cloud storage. Windows supports a range of cloud storage options, including its own services like OneDrive. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP What's the most surprising thing you've found taking up space on your computer? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover. Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Print Close URL
RNZ News
11-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
The rise of robots: Job takers or life savers?
Photo: 123RF/Alexander Limbach The robots are no longer coming - they're already here. From rice-sized brain surgeons to caregivers for the elderly, humanoid machines powered by artificial intelligence have begun performing jobs once thought to be uniquely human. But as companies race to replace human workers with machines, will robots free us from drudgery, or render us redundant? Speaking with Sunday Morning's Jim Mora, two-time Emmy Award-winning tech journalist Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson said the answer might be both. He explains that in China, robots are not only building cars but are being designed to serve as household assistants. "Their goal is to merge AI brains and these human-like movements that they're capable of doing, and turn them into essentially, assistance in our own homes. "This could be a real profound breakthrough in the way we live independently as we get older. "And that all sounds fabulous. But, when you make these robots super smart… at what point do you worry about these robots saying, 'we have our own goals now'?" While the vision of robotic caregivers may feel futuristic, their entry into the workforce is already underway. Goldman Sachs expects] the robot market to be worth as much as US$205 billion by 2035, while a JP Morgan report predicts that 2026 will be the "Year of Physical AI". Knudson said there's no doubt this technology will kill jobs, citing a Citigroup estimate that a factory robot may cost as little as $20,000 - an investment quickly recouped when compared with human wages and benefits. And while some industry experts argue the rise of robots will actually create new jobs, Knutsson is sceptical. "That's complete garbage. That's the HR department at big companies." In some organisations, he noted, managers are now required to prove that AI can't do a job before hiring a human. Yet not all developments are bleak. Knutsson described a recent breakthrough involving a rice-sized robot] capable of performing brain surgery, accessing parts of the brain unreachable by human surgeons. "This is real. They're actually performing this, and it shows some extraordinary promise," he said. "You go, okay… when are we going to see that save my life if I have a brain tumour? "We're looking at less than a year." This heralds the dawn of a medical revolution, he said, as miniature robots, super-intelligent diagnostic systems, and precision surgical tools promise to extend life and improve patient outcomes. But will the robot revolution improve human wellbeing or condemn us to the unemployment line? Future regulation, said Knutsson, will determine the answer. "The biggest problem is... there are very few checks and balances," he warned, particularly in the US, where innovation is outpacing legislation. "You're gonna innovate a lot faster... but the negatives are the thing's gonna come back and turn around against you faster than you even know." While the European Union has introduced comprehensive AI regulations, what's missing, Knutsson argued, is a coordinated global effort. "Once it's out there, it's done, and we're done," he said. "It's inevitable that these machines will surpass us… unless we rein it in and use it to our benefit." But if machines perform all essential tasks, what will be left for people to do? "The human race wasn't designed for endless leisure time," Mora noted. Knutsson agrees. "When are you most satisfied in life? It's when you succeed at doing something… for your community." If technology takes away our ability to contribute, he said, it may also rob us of meaning. Whatever the future, he said one thing is clear - the robots are coming. And they're not just here to help, they're here to stay. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
