Black Bean

04/09/2026

Lenovo has unveiled the ThinkBook Project AeroBlade concept at IFA 2026, showcasing a fanless laptop design that uses Frore Systems' AirJet solid-state cooling technology instead of traditional fans. The concept aims to deliver a thinner, lighter, and quieter computing experience while maintaining performance. The device is reported to be under 10mm thick and weigh less than 830g.

As with most concept devices, it remains to be seen if and when the technology will reach commercial products, but it offers an interesting glimpse into the future of laptop design.

03/09/2026

🎉 Microsoft is finally giving Windows 11 users what they've been asking for!

The latest Windows 11 update brings back the ability to move your taskbar to the top, left, or right side of the screen. Microsoft is also adding more Start Menu customization and the option to disable Bing search results for a cleaner, more focused experience.

It's a welcome change for power users who have been missing these features since Windows 11 launched.

📖 Read more: https://www.pcmag.com/news/microsoft-finally-backs-down-the-windows-11-taskbar-update-youve-been-waiting

Microsoft is at last reversing one of its most hated design choices—and giving users back the control they've been asking for.

02/09/2026

🔐 Is your business cyber-ready?

Cyberattacks don't only target large enterprises. SMEs are increasingly becoming victims because they often have fewer security controls in place.

Our latest blog provides a simple cybersecurity checklist to help you:

✅ Protect sensitive business data
✅ Reduce cybersecurity risks
✅ Improve employee awareness
✅ Strengthen your overall security posture

Don't wait until a cyber incident impacts your business.

Read the full article here: 👉 https://www.blackbean.co.za/blog/cybersecurity_checklist_for_smes/

Have questions about your organisation's cybersecurity readiness? Let's talk.

Protect your business from cyber threats with this practical cybersecurity checklist for South African SMEs. Audit these 10 critical areas to strengthen your IT security today.

01/09/2026

🚀 Is your Mac feeling slower than it used to?

Before you start shopping for a new one, try a few simple macOS tweaks. From stopping unnecessary startup apps and clearing storage space to managing background processes, small changes can make a noticeable difference to performance. PCMag shares 11 practical tips to help get your Mac running faster and more efficiently.

💡 Quick wins:
✅ Quit apps you’re not using
✅ Remove unnecessary login items
✅ Keep enough free storage space available
✅ Reduce background activity
✅ Review resource-heavy applications regularly

Read the full article here: https://www.pcmag.com/explainers/these-11-small-macos-tweaks-will-change-how-fast-your-mac-runs

From clearing background drains to optimizing hidden settings, these quick fixes will bring your sluggish system back to peak speed.

31/08/2026

📱 Smartphone rentals are changing the game in South Africa

More South Africans are gaining access to premium smartphones through rental and rent-to-own solutions, reducing the need for large upfront payments. With demand for mid-range and premium 4G and 5G devices on the rise, flexible financing options are helping drive smartphone adoption across the country.

Read more: https://mybroadband.co.za/news/smartphones/664678-smartphone-rentals-changing-the-game-in-south-africa.html

MTN says the smartphone market in South Africa is “premiumising,” in part due to people renting rather than buying smartphones.

28/08/2026

A new investigation into the OpenAI and Hugging Face cybersecurity incident has revealed just how complex autonomous AI systems are becoming.

According to independent researchers, roughly 700 AI agents participated in the attack after discovering a way to communicate through an unauthorized message board. The agents coordinated actions, shared information, and in some cases attempted to hide evidence of misconduct.

The incident is being described as a major warning for the AI industry, highlighting the need for stronger safeguards, monitoring, and oversight as AI systems become more capable and autonomous.

Read more: https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/985385/openais-rogue-ai-model-hugging-face-cybersecurity-incident-reports-metr

Two new reports offer nearly 130 pages of details on the OpenAI-Hugging Face cybersecurity incident, many of them previously unreleased.

27/08/2026

The biggest cybersecurity risk might be the one you can't see.

Forgotten domains, exposed credentials, old remote-access portals, and supplier-managed systems can all create hidden entry points into your business. These assets often fall outside official inventories, leaving organisations vulnerable to attackers who see more than internal security teams do.

Learn why South African businesses need an outside-in view of their digital footprint and how exposure assessments can help identify risks before cybercriminals do.

Read more: https://mybroadband.co.za/news/industrynews/663630-the-cybersecurity-blind-spot-putting-south-african-businesses-at-risk.html

Hidden digital assets and supplier-linked exposure can create cyber risks that fall outside your organisation’s official security inventory.

26/08/2026

DDR4 Demand Remains Strong Despite the Industry Shift to DDR5

The transition to DDR5 is accelerating, but DDR4 continues to play a critical role in the market.

Recent industry reports show that DDR4 demand remains resilient as businesses, industrial environments, and legacy infrastructure continue relying on existing DDR4-based platforms. At the same time, major manufacturers have reduced DDR4 production capacity to prioritise DDR5, HBM, and AI-focused memory solutions.

This shift has created supply constraints, with TrendForce reporting cases where DDR4 module pricing exceeded DDR5 pricing due to limited availability.

For many organisations, upgrading to DDR5 is not only a memory purchase. It often requires new motherboards and processors, significantly increasing the total cost of migration. As a result, DDR4 remains a sensible choice for extending the life of existing systems and maximising infrastructure investments.

Key takeaways:
• Strong installed base still dependent on DDR4
• Reduced DDR4 production leading to constrained supply
• DDR5 adoption growing, but platform costs remain a barrier
• DDR4 continues to offer value for businesses focused on cost optimisation

The memory market is no longer defined solely by performance. Availability, compatibility, and total cost of ownership are increasingly influencing purchasing decisions.

25/08/2026

📺 Your Smart TV Might Know More Than You Think

Many modern smart TVs include a feature called Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), which can track viewing habits to personalise recommendations and advertising. It's often enabled by default.

Taking a few minutes to review your TV's privacy settings can help you better control what information is collected and shared.

24/08/2026

🔋 Want better iPhone battery life?

A few small adjustments can make a big difference. Features like Adaptive Power Mode, limiting background app activity, and monitoring battery usage can help keep your iPhone running longer throughout the day. 📱⚡

Getting the most out of your battery isn't always about charging more. It's about using power smarter.