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Brand-New Era of Design: Gifts & Surprises Unboxed at Canva Create Event

Brand-New Era of Design: Gifts & Surprises Unboxed at Canva Create Event

Canva is a popular online graphic design tool known for making design accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience or budget.Last week Canva “Unboxed a Brand-New Era” at their Canva Create event. The event brought excitement to Canva’s worldwide user community when they unveiled ten gifts and a few bonus surprises that will help everyone create beautiful and effective designs with ease. The gifts are now available for everyone to use in Canva’s Visual Suite.

Let’s look at the whole range of new features they unboxed!

Gift #1 - Magic Design

One of the most exciting new features is the Magic Design tool. The tool provides inspiration to designers who may be having difficulty imagining an ideal design or locating the perfect template. With Magic Design, all you need to do is upload an image, choose a style, and watch as it transforms into a stunning design across a selection of personalised templates that can be edited and downloaded.

Gift #2 - Magically generate a presentation

Generate your next Canva Presentation effortlessly with Magic Design. Simply provide a brief idea and let the intuitive tool create an outline, slides, and content for your professional-looking slide deck. Magic Design quickly fills out your story, allowing you to focus on adding personal touches and details to make your presentation stand out. Say goodbye to tedious and time-consuming presentation creation and hello to an unforgettable presentation with Magic Design.

Gift #3 - More magic in Magic Write

Introducing Magic Write in Canva Docs Building on the success of Magic Write for Canva Docs, Canva made the game-changing tool available across the entire Visual Work suite. Whether you are creating websites, presentations, social media posts, or brainstorming on a whiteboard, Magic Write will streamline your workflow without the need to switch between various platforms to create compelling copy. Magic Write, can summarise wordy blurbs and add ideas to strategy decks without missing a beat. And that is not all! Magic Write is now available in 18 languages, making it one of the first globally accessible generative AI tools.

Gift #4 - Translate designs

Canva’s new Translate feature allows you to create designs to share globally. Easily incorporate text into your design, select your desired language, swiftly convert your text, and make any necessary adjustments for a flawless result.

Gift #5 - Magic Eraser & Magic Edit

The Magic Eraser tool makes photo editing quicker and simpler than ever before. Users can effortlessly eliminate any undesired objects from their pictures. Moreover, the Magic Edit feature allows users to easily substitute one element with another by selecting the desired location and describing it to the editor.

Gift #6 - Text to Image has Evolved

Text to Image, has had a boost. The process is even more enchanting than before. Text to Image helps you create unique images from a simple description. So if you’ve ever envisioned a visual concept but struggled to locate a corresponding image, Text to Image can bring it to life in a matter of seconds. Since Text to Image was launched last year, Canva’s user community has generated over sixty million images using this feature. The latest update delivers better quality outputs with images now having 16 times higher resolution, albeit at a reduced generation speed of approximately 68%. Additionally, there are exciting new styles, such as analogue Film, which evokes a retro flashback vibe, and Retrowave, which transports you to a cyberpunk future.

Gift #7 - Draw

After receiving numerous requests from their user community, Canva has introduced a novel method of sketching that can be applied to any type of design. Moreover, the new feature has an automated shape-smoothing function that recognises the user’s creation, making it effortless to highlight points in presentations or plan for upcoming projects on whiteboards. With a few clicks, users can choose their preferred brush and adjust its colour and weight to enhance their designs and give their concepts a more prominent presence. But that’s not all; Canva will soon launch an update that will match users’ sketches with elements from their library, transforming rough drafts into polished illustrations!

Gift #8 - Create an Animation

With the increasing prominence of video on all channels, Canva is simplifying the process of producing polished and captivating videos with just a few clicks.

The Create an Animation feature brings your story to life. Simply draw the path that you want your animation to take and adjust its speed along the way. Users can experiment with this tool on their social media post designs, presentations, and videos!

Gift #9 - Beat Sync

Another amazing tool that you are sure to love is Beat Sync. With this simple yet powerful tool, you can add the perfect music track to your video content to make it more dynamic and engaging. Beat Sync, can easily synchronise your footage to the beat of your music track with just one click, saving you time and effort.

Gift #10: Brand Hub

Canva’s new Brand Hub enables teams to create on-brand designs within the Canva editing experience. The Brand Hub includes the Brand Kit, which brings together all brand assets, controls, and workflows to maintain consistency as content needs grow. Users can upload and store all core brand elements in one place, accessible from the Canva Editor, making it easy for anyone to create on-brand designs. Brand Guidelines can be added to help teams understand how to use all brand assets. Brand Folders allow users to set up unique branding, templates, and controls within specific projects. In contrast, Brand Controls can be set within project folders to manage access to fonts, colours, templates, and assets. Canva’s new Template Assistant checks the quality of template designs and highlights potential issues. With the asset-replacing feature, users can update any component of their brand identity with just one click, and the change will be reflected across all existing and new designs.

Canva's Bonus Gifts

Based on many requests from professional designers, Canva added some other handy new features to Canva including:
• layers: Rearrange elements and make changes without affecting other layers
• Layout guides: Have more control over your layouts by consistently aligning elements. Choose from pre-set layout guides or create your own.
• Gradients: Add depth and character to your design with customisable gradients.
• Position Panel: Get precise with advanced positioning and sizing tools to align elements, reorder layers and even out spacing between elements.
• Alt Text: Describe your designs, providing extra content to remove barriers to usability while adding SEO-friendly metadata.
• New Fonts: Canva is partnering with font foundry Monotype to add 953 popular Latin fonts and 191 non-Latin fonts to their content library

Canva’s AI tools and workspace features are a significant leap forward for the online design platform. Canva has simplified many conventional design tasks to make it easy for everyone to create professional designs. So whether you are a content creator, social media marketer, or just someone who loves to create, Canva is a brilliant tool to use.

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Vulnerabilities found in WooCommerce Payments Plugin – Update immediately

Vulnerabilities found in WooCommerce Payments Plugin – Update immediately

The Wordfence Threat Intelligence team has identified a critical-severity vulnerability in the WooCommerce Payments plugin that could allow an unauthenticated attacker to take over a website. The vulnerability has been patched in the latest version 5.6.2, which users should update immediately.

The vulnerability was caused by a flaw in the plugin’s authentication system that allowed an attacker to impersonate an administrator and gain full control over a website without any user interaction or social engineering. The Wordfence team developed a Proof of Concept and released a firewall rule on March 23, 2023, to protect their premium customers.

The WooCommerce Payments plugin is widely used, with over 500,000 installations, so this vulnerability is a significant threat. Wordfence advises all users to update to version 5.6.2 immediately to ensure the security of their websites.

It has not yet been confirmed whether the weakness in the plugin was detected by the developer or external sources. It’s also unknown whether anyone is using the flaw for malicious purposes, but the WordFence team foresee a significant increase in assaults when cybercriminals are able to access the Proof of Concept.

If your website has Wordfence Premium, Wordfence Care, or Wordfence Response installed, your website should already be protected by the firewall rule released on March 23, 2023. If your site is running the free version of Wordfence, the rule will become available on April 22, 2023.

It is recommended that this information be forwarded to colleagues and friends who may be using the WooCommerce Payments plugin on their website. If you believe your site has been compromised, don’t worry – KeyTech have you covered with our professional and reliable website cleaning services.

We care about your business and the safety and security of your website, so please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you ever need assistance. We’re always here to help with a knowledgeable and friendly approach.

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Microsoft’s warning regarding ‘Critical’ issues. Check your PC ASAP

Microsoft’s warning regarding ‘Critical’ issues. Check your PC ASAP

Microsoft has released a new warning regarding ‘Critical’ issues with Windows 10 & 11 – it is advised that you check your PC as soon as possible.

Attention, Windows users! This week Microsoft has swiftly issued urgent warnings, encouraging you to update your systems to the latest version of Windows 11.

Why the sense of urgency? There have been multiple critical security flaws discovered, with two out of eighty bugs considered extremely dangerous – they have been dubbed “Zero-day” risks! This means that hackers have already identified these vulnerabilities and are exploiting unprotected systems as we speak. Don’t wait, update now to secure your system from these unwanted virtual intruders!

One critical vulnerability, codenamed CVE-2023-24880, has been found lurking within older Windows versions! This flaw enables daring hackers to outsmart security measures and orchestrate elevated privilege attacks. Picture this: your PC, under siege, granting these nefarious cyber intruders full access to confidential data they should never possess.

The safety of your data and your computer’s security is our priority, and that is why we are here to remind you about the importance of keeping your Windows software up-to-date.

Due to the seriousness of this latest patch, we urge you to ensure your Windows is up to date ASAP. Even though many computers will run these updates automatically overnight, it is always good to double check. To do this, simply go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and click on “Check for updates.”

If you’re already up-to-date, you’re safe and sound. But if an update is waiting, don’t hesitate – install it now for a secure and enhanced computing experience.

Unfortunately, Microsoft no longer supports technical issues, software updates and security updates for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users. This puts millions of devices at a greater risk of potential attacks. Don’t fall among the vulnerable – join the movement in ensuring a safer digital world by keeping your software updated.

Revolutionising Business with AI: Boosting Productivity for Hybrid and Office Workforces

Revolutionising Business with AI: Boosting Productivity for Hybrid and Office Workforces

In today’s fast-paced and increasingly competitive business landscape, the quest for efficiency and productivity is taking centre stage. Companies are continuously searching for innovative ways to enhance the work experience of their employees while minimising costs. Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, which has emerged as a game changer in automating business processes and streamlining workflows, both in the office and in a hybrid working model. In this post, we’ll explore some revolutionary AI technologies that have proven to save time and money, making staff more productive and ready for the future of work.

virtual attendant

1. AI-powered Virtual Assistants

Virtual assistants like Google Assistant, Siri, and Amazon Alexa have already made their way into our daily lives. Now, AI-powered virtual assistants are revolutionising the workplace—empowering users to manage their tasks, meetings, and priorities more effectively. These virtual workplace assistants can schedule meetings, remind staff of deadlines or appointments, and even help draft emails. By managing tasks on an employee’s behalf, AI-powered virtual assistants save time, increase productivity, and improve the employee experience.

Intelligent Document Processing

2. Intelligent Document Processing

AI-driven optical character recognition (OCR) technology can now automate the process of scanning, extracting, and digitising information contained in documents. This speeds up operations by reducing the need for manual data entry and streamlining the handling of critical information. Additionally, natural language processing (NLP) technology can analyse text data and identify essential elements like dates, names, or specific phrases. By automating these processes, employees can allocate their time to more valuable tasks and reduce human errors.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

3. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

RPA leverages AI technology to automate repetitive and monotonous tasks traditionally handled by humans. RPA not only reduces the time spent on these tasks, but it also increases accuracy and efficiency. Furthermore, RPA can be applied to various departments, including human resources, procurement, and accounting, enabling staff to focus on strategy, decision making, and innovation.

AI Customer Support

4. AI-driven Customer Support

Customer support is a vital aspect of any business. By employing an AI-powered chatbot, businesses can offer instant support and problem-solving capabilities to their customers. Chatbots can handle routine queries and troubleshoot common issues, reducing the workload of customer service staff and enabling them to focus on more complex inquiries. Furthermore, since chatbots are available 24/7, customers can get assistance at any time, improving overall customer satisfaction.

AI-based Workforce Analytics and Management

5. AI-based Workforce Analytics and Management

Understanding employee behaviour and performance is crucial for optimising productivity. AI-driven workforce analytics tools can identify patterns and trends in employee work habits or performance, providing invaluable insights for managers. This information can be used to devise targeted training programs or incentive schemes, improving employee engagement and performance. Additionally, AI-powered scheduling and resource management tools can help managers assign tasks, track progress, and balance workloads more effectively in a hybrid working environment.

Artificial Intelligence technologies have proven to be key enablers in transforming workplaces and automating a wide range of business processes. By adopting AI-powered solutions, businesses can save time and money while enhancing employee productivity, both in the office and in a hybrid working paradigm. The AI revolution is here, and it is up to us to harness its potential and empower our organisations for a more efficient, cost-effective, and streamlined future.

Windows 11 update brings AI-Powered Bing to the taskbar

Windows 11 update brings AI-Powered Bing to the taskbar

Windows 11 has an array of enhanced features for its users, including some exciting surprises. With the new AI-Powered Bing integration on your taskbar and improved touch optimisation, you’ll be able to access information quickly while enjoying a seamless experience with tabs inside Notepad! And don’t forget about that awesome screen recording feature – perfect for capturing important moments! There’s something here for everyone – so get exploring today!

Windows 11 users now have a quick new way to get answers with the surprise addition of an AI-Powered Bing integration on their taskbar. The Bing icon will appear in the search box, which enables you to initiate conversations right from Edge, providing they have access to the Bing preview. This innovative feature comes just a couple of weeks after the “new Bing” launched and then the rolling out of Bing on mobile and in Skype conversations. Soon, Microsoft will be ready to demo its ChatGPT-like AI in Office apps too!

But wait, there is more!
Bing isn’t the only big news in the latest update of Windows 11. Microsoft has been busily optimising Windows 11 to ensure the best user experience – both for keyboard and touch-based devices. Meta and Spotify are bringing their third-party options into play, while a tablet-optimized taskbar makes navigating with your finger that much easier! When disconnecting a keyboard from a device like a Surface Pro, you will discover the new compact and simplified taskbar design for effortless navigation.

An official screen recording tool is another convenient feature in the latest Windows 11 update! You can find this handy feature within the Snipping Tool. You can capture your entire screen or crop any specific applications. This is the perfect addition for users who want to grab high-quality recordings of their gaming adventures through Xbox Game Pass.

Are you a Notepad fan? Well, you will be pleased to hear that Windows 11 is elevating your user experience with full tab support. Microsoft has also included Braille display support and voice access features out of preview to improve accessibility plus energy-saving laptop toggles for optimal efficiency.

And more to come…
Windows Insiders are eagerly testing the new Phone Link app for iOS, allowing iPhone users to connect to Windows 11 via Bluetooth to send and receive iMessages, make/receive calls and get notifications.

Microsoft is taking strides to make improve its built-in Teams application even easier for people to preview videos and navigate conversations quickly. Microsoft also gave the Quick Assist app a fresh design, making remote technical assistance simple and accessible if you need to provide technical assistance to your family members!

With the latest Windows 11, users can now benefit from a host of new features. To access them now, simply check for updates through Windows Update. Otherwise, Microsoft will roll out the updates on March 14th via their monthly security update release in March 2023.

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Windows Insiders can now preview Phone Link for iPhone

Windows Insiders can now preview Phone Link for iPhone

Microsoft has made a groundbreaking move to support Apple iPhones -iMessage in particular- in the latest update to the Windows 11 Phone Link app that is currently available to a small percentage of Windows Insiders.

This incredible new development has some limitations and is quite basic compared to what is available for Android phones, but it is a step in the right direction that could open up even more features and support in the future like photos integration and group chat capabilities.

The app uses Bluetooth to Link Windows to iPhones, passing commands and messages to the user’s messages app. This means iPhone users can send and receive messages straight from their Windows 11 device. They can also make and receive calls and see their phone’s notifications.

This new Phone Link support for iOS comes alongside a big Windows 11 update (available to everyone this month) that brings exciting features like AI-powered Bing on the taskbar, a screen recording feature, better touch optimisations and more!

Microsoft is excited to give a select group of Windows Insiders the chance to preview their latest feature. As part of this, they will be increasing its availability over time based on feedback gathered from these first testers. Are you eager to get in and check out what Microsoft has been working on? Become a Windows Insider.

This new Phone Link support for iOS comes beside a big Windows 11 update which is available to everyone this month. The big update brings exciting features like AI-powered Bing on the taskbar, a screen recording feature, better touch optimisations, tabs inside Notepad and more!