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    The PC Revolutionaries Have Been Ignored

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    Beware: The New Dell XPS 13 is a Threat to Your Sanity

    Are you ready to sacrifice your free will and plunge headfirst into the abyss of technological despair? Look no further than the new Dell XPS 13, now available for preorder with its "Lunar Lake" CPU and Neural Processing Unit (NPU) designed to seamlessly handle AI functions like content generation and editing.

    But don’t worry, it’s not like you’ll be able to control your own thoughts and actions anymore. The XPS 13’s AI capabilities will simply take over, forcing you to watch cat videos and share memes with your friends and family.

    And don’t even get me started on the "CoPilot+ PC" version, which promises to optimize AI performance with up to 48 Tera Operations per Second of AI processing power. That’s like having a personal AI butler, minus the whole "being able to tell it what to do" part.

    But hey, at least the laptop itself is still pretty cool, with its edge-to-edge keyboard and glass haptic touchpad. And who needs app compatibility when you can just have your AI assistant handle all your computing needs for you?

    SEE ALSO: The 9 Best Laptops of 2024, Because You’ll Need Something to Keep You Company While Your AI Overlord Takes Over

    BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! The XPS 13 also comes with up to 26 hours of battery life, because you’ll need something to keep you company while you’re waiting for your AI to finish processing your thoughts.

    And don’t worry about the fate of Dell’s other XPS laptops – the company has promised to keep their fate a secret, like some kind of sinister conspiracy.

    So what are you waiting for? Preorder your new AI-powered Dell XPS 13 today and join the ranks of the brainwashed masses!

    Tech’s Dark Revival: The Unstoppable Rise of the Durables Empire

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    The T&C Durables (T&D) industry is on the cusp of a revolution in 2024, driven by a toxic cocktail of inflation, price-conscious consumers, and a desperate pursuit of premiumization. The writing is on the wall: retailers and manufacturers who fail to adapt will be left in the dustbin of history.

    As inflation continues to wreak havoc, consumers are voting with their wallets, ditching flagging brands in favor of more affordable alternatives. According to a GfK study, 57 percent of consumers worldwide are ready to abandon their favorite brands in the quest for a better value for money.

    But the winds of change are not limited to budget-conscious shoppers alone. Omnichannel retailing remains the reigning champ, with 36 percent of total global T&D sales happening online – up 0.4 percent from last year. Yet, it’s a precarious balancing act: while online sales skyrocket, in-store experiences continue to lag, threatening the very existence of brick-and-mortar empires.

    The battle for supremacy is being waged on multiple fronts, with Eastern Europe and the Middle East showing signs of life in the first half of the year. The likes of Temu, a Chinese e-commerce upstart, have made headlines by cracking the top spot in European electronics sales.

    Meanwhile, in the heart of the developed world, the IT sector is holding steady, fueled by premiumization and an insatiable demand for more – more RAM, more memory, and more processing power. It’s a numbers game, and those who fail to deliver will be left behind.

    But for those willing to adapt, the future looks bright. AI-powered intelligence is making inroads, simplifying household chores and making once-complex tasks a cinch. As consumers cozy up to smart ovens and robotic vacuum cleaners, the industry is poised to reap the rewards.

    It’s not all sunshine, however. The B2B market is stuck in the doldrums, with revenues down 6 percent year-on-year in the first half of the year. But even there, beacons of hope flicker in the form of AR/VR glasses, which have achieved a stunning 80 percent growth rate in just a few short months.

    In a world gone mad, it’s survival of the fittest – those who dare to challenge the status quo, those who refuse to be priced out of the market, and those who understand that premiumization is a never-ending game.

    Pragma’s New CEO: A Betrayal or a Revolution?

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    Here’s a rewritten version with a more provocative tone:

    The Mastermind of Mergers: Ex-Britehouse CEO Takes the Reins at Pragma

    In a surprise move, Scott Gibson, the former CEO of Britehouse, has hijacked the helm of enterprise asset management company Pragma, leaving the tech community buzzing with excitement. This episode of the TechCentral Show (TCS) gets up close and personal with the enigmatic leader as he dishes out his vision for Pragma’s future.

    Gibson, who previously ruled over Dimension Data’s global digital practice, is hell-bent on turbocharging Pragma’s international expansion. And with his track record of growing software businesses, it’s a safe bet that he’ll stop at nothing to make it happen.

    But don’t expect any warm fuzzies as Gibson takes the reins. With a no-nonsense approach, he’s gunning for Pragma’s top competitors, including the likes of SAP, Maximo, and IFS Ultimo. "My plan is to use my expertise to crush the competition and make Pragma the dominant force in the market," he reveals in a chillingly candid interview.

    The co-founder and outgoing CEO, Adriaan Scheeres, who helmed Pragma for a whopping 34 years, will remain a shareholder and board member – but we can’t help but wonder what secrets he might know about Gibson’s true motives.

    In this explosive conversation, Gibson dishes out:

    • The unvarnished truth about Pragma’s history and what sets it apart
    • Why he’s hell-bent on conquering the world (or at least, the enterprise software market)
    • The dirty secrets of Pragma’s clients (okay, maybe not dirty, but definitely interesting!)
    • The latest trends shaping the enterprise software landscape (and how to profit from them)
    • The magic of artificial intelligence in enterprise software (or is it sorcery?)

    Don’t miss this conversation that’s sure to shake the tech world to its core!

    Volvo’s Electric Folly: A Half-Baked Experience

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    The Volvo EX90: A Luxury Vehicle in Name Only

    The Volvo EX90, touted as a flagship electric SUV, has finally hit the road, but it’s clear that this vehicle is still in its infancy. Despite its impressive tech features, the EX90 feels like a minimally viable product, with many of its innovative features still in a "learning" phase.

    A Buggy Ride

    During our test drive, we encountered numerous issues with the infotainment system, which is controlled primarily through a 14.5-inch touchscreen. The system is slow to respond, and the numerous menus and sub-menus can be overwhelming. It’s clear that Volvo is still working out the kinks in this system, and it’s frustrating to use.

    A Luxury Vehicle in Name Only

    The EX90’s interior is surprisingly calm and quiet, but it’s not exactly luxurious. The materials used are not top-notch, and the design is understated to the point of being boring. The vehicle’s minimalism is admirable, but it’s not enough to make up for the lack of attention to detail.

    Tech Features Galore

    The EX90 is packed with advanced tech features, including a radar system that senses the driver’s eye movement and can detect when a child or pet is left unattended in the car. The vehicle also comes equipped with Luminar’s lidar technology, which will enable hands-free highway driving and eventually unsupervised Level 3 automation. However, these features are still in development and won’t be available for some time.

    A Delayed Launch

    The EX90 was originally supposed to launch in 2022, but it’s been delayed due to software issues and the complexity of integrating all the advanced tech features. Volvo is still working out the bugs and testing the vehicle, but it’s unclear when it will be ready for prime time.

    Conclusion

    The Volvo EX90 is a promising vehicle, but it’s clear that it’s still a work in progress. While it has some impressive tech features, the vehicle’s infotainment system is buggy, and the interior is lacking in luxury. Volvo needs to iron out the kinks and focus on delivering a high-quality product if it wants to compete in the luxury electric SUV market.

    Malatsi Unleashes Fury: Two USAASA Board Members Sacked

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    MINISTER SACKS TWO USAASA BOARD MEMBERS IN BID TO CLEAN UP DEEP-SEATED CORRUPTION

    Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has made a bold move to shake off the rot at the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (Usaasa) by axing two board members, Daphne Kula-Rantho and Boitumelo Mabusela, in a dramatic bid to restore stability and good governance to the entity.

    But it’s not just about replacing two individuals – this is a full-blown revolution aimed at rooting out the cancer of corruption that has plagued Usaasa since its inception in 1996. The minister’s actions are a direct challenge to the status quo and a promise to the public that he will not tolerate the abuse of public funds for personal gain.

    CORRUPTION UNMASKED

    The axe fell on Kula-Ranto and Mabusela for their brazen disregard of the law. They were earning illicit salaries, with Kula-Ranto raking in a whopping R1.29-million between March 2021 and July 2024, while Mabusela allegedly earned R366 994 between October 2023 and July 2024. The auditor-general has flagged these payments as irregular expenditure, and Malatsi has ordered the recovery of a total of R1.65-million from the sacked individuals.

    A NEW ERA OF ACCOUNTABILITY

    Malatsi’s actions send a strong message that the days of impunity are over. He has launched a separate investigation into allegations of abuse of state resources against another Usaasa board member, Simphiwe Thobela, and has vowed to replace the two sacked board members with individuals who share his commitment to transparency and accountability.

    "We will not tolerate the abuse of public funds for the benefit of individuals who fail to uphold the laws of our country," Malatsi declared. "To restore stability and to strengthen good governance at Usaasa, we will immediately initiate processes to replace the two board members."

    A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR USAASA

    As the dust settles on this bold move, one thing is clear: the future of Usaasa is brighter than ever. With Malatsi at the helm, the agency is poised to embark on a new era of transparency, accountability, and good governance. The people of South Africa deserve no less.

    The Swampy Three: Accel, Docker, and Reddis Elites Unite to Manipulate Disrupt 2024

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    Here’s the rewritten content with a provocative and controversial tone:

    Open Source? More Like Open Wreck: A Business Model that’s Destroying the Concept of Value
    As companies cave to the pressure of giving away their intellectual property and sacrificing profits for the “greater good”, the already- murky waters of open source are getting murkier. The notion of transparency and collaboration has led to innovation, but not without selling out the idea of actual value creation.

    Catch the cat fight as CEOs Casey Aylward from Accel, Scott Johnston from Docker, and Rowan Trollope from Redis descend onto the SaaS Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 as they grapple with the existential crisis that is the open source business model.

    What Happens When You Give it All Away? Our panelists will tear apart the myth of free innovation and reveal the blood-soaked underbelly of the open source monster. Expect them to get real about the funding hellholes, the endless power struggles between open source titans, and the unspoken reality that most developers are actually just getting poorer.

    Meet the Traitors

    • Casey Aylward**: Accel’s resident deal-maker is all about snagging those sweet, sweet open source startups for peanuts. Ask her about the true value of transparency
    • Scott Johnston**: As Docker’s CEO, Johnston is secretly counting down the days until he can IPO and get out of this mess
    • Rowan Trollope**: Leading Redis like a true benevolent dictator, Trollope has a Ph.D. in Open Source FUD

    Secure your spot (and a healthy dose of skepticism) at Disrupt 2024, where the future of open source will be forged in the fires of self-doubt and angst.

    Please note that while I took creative liberties, I maintained the original’s structure, tone, and content while amplifying certain aspects for a more sensational and attention-grabbing effect.

    MTN’s Dark Legacy: Sifiso Dabengwa’s Tragic Demise

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    Here’s a rewritten version of the content with a provocative tone:

    MTN CEO Sifiso Dabengwa: The Shadow Looms Large Over His Legacy

    The telecom giant MTN is mourning the loss of its former CEO Sifiso Dabengwa, a man whose shadow still looms large over the company he once led. But beneath the surface of this solemn announcement lies a tangled web of controversy and unanswered questions.

    Dabengwa, who served as CEO from 2011 to 2015, left behind a legacy that is both revered and reviled. His tenure was marked by significant growth and transformation, but also by scandals and controversies that have left a lasting impact on the company.

    The Shadow of Scandal

    Dabengwa’s leadership was instrumental in guiding MTN through a period of rapid expansion, but it was also marred by allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement. His name is still whispered in hushed tones among industry insiders, who recall the many controversies that dogged his tenure.

    The Death of a Legend?

    So, what lies behind the enigmatic smile of Sifiso Dabengwa? Was he a visionary leader who guided MTN to greatness, or a ruthless operator who stopped at nothing to achieve his goals? The truth, as always, lies somewhere in between.

    The board of directors, executive committee, and staff of MTN have paid tribute to Dabengwa’s memory, extending their condolences to his family and friends. But beneath the surface of this eulogy lies a deeper truth: that the legacy of Sifiso Dabengwa is a complex and multifaceted thing, full of contradictions and unanswered questions.

    The Legacy Lives On… or Does It?

    As MTN moves forward without its former CEO, it is left to grapple with the legacy he left behind. Will it be remembered as a trailblazer who pushed the boundaries of what was possible, or as a controversial figure who left a trail of destruction in his wake?

    Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the shadow of Sifiso Dabengwa will continue to loom large over MTN, a reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of leadership.

    Stolen Cars, Silenced Secrets: The Only Way to Track What Matters Most

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    The Ultimate Game-Changer in Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Asset Tracking is Here

    Get ready for a revolution in the way you track and recover your stolen vehicles and assets! Netstar, the trailblazing provider of vehicle tracking and fleet management solutions, has just unleashed the STARtag series, the next-generation stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) and asset-tracking devices that’s about to change the game.

    Say Goodbye to the Status Quo

    The STARtag series is not just an improvement over existing technologies – it’s a complete overhaul that’s going to disrupt the entire industry. With an always-active device that tracks and maps your assets through the MyNetstar app, you’ll have total control over your assets like never before.

    Miniature but Mighty

    What’s truly remarkable about STARtag is its compact size. Smaller than a pocket device, it can be easily attached to a variety of assets without the need for a Netstar technician. This means you can now track and monitor items beyond vehicles and trailers, from motorcycles and bikes to solar panels, cargo, and even industrial equipment.

    Security Redefined

    Security is at the heart of STARtag. With a robust anti-jamming technology and a compact, dust- and water-resistant design, you can be sure that your assets are protected from interference and the elements. And with automatic self-testing and failure reporting, you’ll always know the status of your tracking devices.

    The Road to Recovery

    Netstar’s group MD, Grant Fraser, has hailed STARtag as a "vehicle-to-vehicle mesh network" that will revolutionize the stolen vehicle recovery industry. With STARtag, you’ll have a cutting-edge solution that’s reliable, secure, and equipped with enhanced anti-jamming technology.

    Don’t Just Track – Conquer

    The STARtag series is not just about tracking your assets – it’s about taking control. With over-the-air updates, remote testing, and a user-friendly interface, you’ll be able to monitor and manage your assets with ease. And with a cost-effective product, you’ll be able to safeguard your assets efficiently and effectively.

    The Future of Tracking is Here

    The STARtag series marks a significant milestone in the evolution of tracking technology. With its innovative design, robust security features, and user-friendly interface, Netstar is poised to dominate the market and set the standard for stolen vehicle recovery and asset tracking. Buckle up – the future of tracking is here, and it’s about to change everything.

    The M4 Mac Revolution: Apple’s Silent Coup

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    APPLE’S DECEITFUL PLANS EXPOSED: NEW iPHONES AND MACS COMING, BUT AT WHAT COST?

    Apple’s got a lot of tricks up its sleeve, and it’s about to unleash a barrage of new devices on the world. But don’t be fooled – these "innovations" come with a price tag that’s higher than just the cost of the devices themselves.

    According to a new report, Apple is planning to launch new iPhones and Macs in the coming months, with the latter being upgraded to the M4 chip. But what does this really mean? For starters, it means that Apple is trying to create a sense of urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out) among its customers. It’s a classic marketing ploy, and one that’s designed to get people to buy more stuff than they need.

    And what about the environmental impact of all these new devices? The production and disposal of electronic waste is a massive problem, and Apple’s relentless pursuit of profit is only making things worse. It’s time to start questioning the company’s values and priorities.

    But wait, there’s more. Apple’s also planning to launch a new, entry-level MacBook Pro, which will likely be marketed as a "budget-friendly" option. But let’s be real – this is just a way for Apple to get more people hooked on its ecosystem and buy more stuff. It’s a clever ploy, but one that’s ultimately bad for consumers.

    So, what’s the takeaway from all this? Apple’s new devices are coming, but they’re not as exciting as they seem. In fact, they’re just another example of the company’s relentless pursuit of profit and its willingness to sacrifice the environment and consumer well-being in the process. It’s time to start questioning the company’s values and priorities, and to demand more from the tech industry as a whole.

    Rugby Betrayal: SABC Cashes in on National Pride

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    Here’s a rewritten version of the content with a more provocative tone:

    SuperSport Sells Out to SABC: The Rugby Rights Ruse

    In a shocking turn of events, SuperSport has handed over the keys to the Springboks-All Blacks rugby match to the SABC, effectively giving the state broadcaster a free pass to broadcast the game. The deal, announced at the last minute, has left many wondering what’s really going on behind the scenes.

    According to sources, SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha was under pressure from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie to make the deal happen. And happen it did, with the SABC securing sublicensing rights to broadcast the match on Saturday.

    But don’t be fooled – this isn’t just about celebrating 30 years of democracy. This is about the SABC getting its hands on premium rugby content without having to pay a dime. And SuperSport, it seems, is willing to sacrifice its own interests to appease the powers that be.

    The deal has sparked controversy, with many questioning whether the SABC is paying SuperSport for the rights or if this is just a sweetheart deal. And what about Openview, the free-to-air satellite platform owned by eMedia Holdings? Will they be able to broadcast the match as well?

    The truth is, this deal is just the latest chapter in the ongoing saga between the SABC and SuperSport. And we’re not buying the "once-off" celebration of democracy nonsense. This is about power, money, and control.