It’s been reported that although Apple will unveil a more conversational Siri with iOS 19 at WWDC 2025, many other planned features, including this upgrade, will actually be delayed until iOS 19.4 launches in spring 2026.

Various reports indicate that Apple’s improved “LLM Siri,” designed to rival AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini, aims to handle complex requests and enable natural interactions. However, despite its unveiling at WWDC 2025, it is not expected to launch publicly until iOS 19.4 in spring 2026.

In the meantime, incremental updates will enhance Siri’s capabilities. iOS 18.2, arriving in December 2024, will integrate ChatGPT into Siri for improved responses. Later updates, such as iOS 18.4, will add on-screen awareness and per-app controls, although full conversational features will not appear until the LLM Siri release in 2026.

The delays highlight Apple’s cautious approach to deploying advanced AI, ensuring thorough testing and alignment with its privacy and security standards. This measured strategy aims to deliver a refined and reliable experience to users.

For businesses, the upgraded Siri promises improved customer service, streamlined workflows, and better accessibility. However, they will need to wait until 2026 to fully utilise these advancements while leveraging interim improvements from upcoming iOS 18 updates.

While Apple’s plans for a more advanced Siri are promising, the extended timeline highlights the need for businesses to adapt gradually. Monitoring updates in iOS 18 and preparing for iOS 19.4’s features will ensure readiness to integrate the new Siri into operations effectively.

Cybersecurity company Bitdefender’s Antispam Lab reports that 77 per cent of Black Friday-themed emails in 2024 are scams, up from 70 per cent in 2023.

Bitdefender reports that these scams target consumers worldwide, with the US and Europe receiving 38 per cent and 44 per cent of such emails respectively. Two-thirds of these messages originate from the US, with significant activity also traced to Europe and Asia.

Scammers are tailoring their attacks to diverse demographics. For example, tech enthusiasts in Spain were targeted with malware-laden emails impersonating Fnac, delivering the Grandoreiro banking Trojan. Fashion shoppers received phishing emails promoting fake Ray-Ban discounts, while survey scams exploiting brands like Tesco and Costco sought sensitive details from grocery shoppers.

The variety of tactics, from counterfeit luxury goods to phishing surveys, demonstrates how cybercriminals are now exploiting regional and consumer preferences to maximise their reach.

Businesses can reduce their exposure by employing robust email filtering systems, training staff to spot phishing attempts, and using advanced security tools to flag suspicious links and emails. Regular updates to security protocols and proactive awareness campaigns are essential to staying ahead of these evolving threats.

Dutch climate technology startup Skytree is providing the technology for the world’s first 100 per cent wind-powered Direct Air Capture (DAC) hub in Texas.

Project Concho Using Skytree Technology

Dubbed ‘Project Concho’, this ambitious project seeks to redefine carbon removal from the air by using cutting-edge DAC systems with renewable energy on an unprecedented scale. Set in Tom Green County, the project combines the expertise of innovators in carbon capture and renewable energy to address the now urgent need for scalable climate solutions. With its unique design and bold objectives, Project Concho could potentially provide a boost to combatting global CO₂ emissions.

What Is Direct Air Capture?

Direct Air Capture is a technology that removes carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. Unlike traditional carbon capture methods, which focus on emissions from industrial sources, DAC targets ambient air, i.e. it’s a tool for addressing legacy emissions. Once captured, CO₂ can either be stored underground or utilised in various industrial applications. While DAC technology is still in its infancy compared to other climate solutions, its potential to combat climate change at scale has drawn increasing attention and investment globally.

The Vision Behind Project Concho

Using a patented modular system called ‘Stratus’, Skytree’s advanced DAC technology, which is at the heart of Project Concho, enables the efficient capture and permanent storage of CO₂. What is particularly unusual about it in the DAC world is that it’s powered entirely by a wind farm built by Spanish renewable energy firm Greenalia, ensuring the project operates with a minimal environmental footprint.

When & How Much Carbon Will It Capture?

The initial phase of the project, scheduled to commence in 2028, aims to capture 30,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, with plans to scale up to a staggering 500,000 tonnes per year. This scalability is central to Skytree’s modular design, which allows additional units to be seamlessly integrated as the project grows. As Elena Nikonova, Vice President of Skytree North America, says, “Deploying DAC at scale is necessary to drive down costs across the value chain and achieve greater impact.”

According to Statista.com “Global GHG emissions have continued to rise and reached a new high of 53 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO₂e) in 2023”. This would mean that even at full capacity of 500,000 per year, this would require (many tens of) thousands of these (full-scale) projects to be running simultaneously aroundthe world, clearly a very ambitious task indeed! However, it is a start.

The Symbiotic Energy-DAC Relationship

A unique aspect of Project Concho is its synergistic relationship with the wind farm. DAC facilities are known for their high energy demands, which often make them financially and operationally challenging. However, Project Concho guarantees a consistent offloading of excess wind energy, ensuring stable revenue for Greenalia while securing low-cost renewable power for the DAC hub.

This mutually beneficial arrangement not only reduces operational costs for the DAC facility but also enhances the economic viability of wind energy projects. Alexandre Alonso, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Greenalia, has hailed this model as a “game-changer” for renewable energy partnerships.

Economic and Policy Context

The project has received significant support from the US government, reflecting a broader surge in DAC investments spurred by favourable policies and subsidies. For example, the Biden-Harris Administration recently announced $1.8 billion in funding for DAC technologies, adding to the lucrative 45Q tax credit established in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. Under this credit, operators can earn up to $180 per metric tonne of CO₂ captured and stored.

This policy framework, coupled with private investment, has positioned the United States as a global leader in carbon removal efforts. Skytree’s CEO, Rob van Straten, has previously noted in interviews that the US (at present) offers a unique combination of industrial demand and governmental backing, creating fertile ground for projects like Project Concho.

Benefits of the Project

If successful, Project Concho could set a new standard for integrating renewable energy and carbon capture technology. Its wind-powered approach not only minimises the carbon footprint of the DAC process but also demonstrates the feasibility of large-scale renewable energy utilisation in industrial applications.

The project is also expected to generate revenue through the sale of carbon credits, providing a financial incentive for industries to offset their emissions. By capturing and permanently storing CO₂ underground, it could directly contribute to global climate goals, such as limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Project Concho’s scalable design could pave the way for similar ventures worldwide, particularly in regions with abundant renewable energy resources. As Nikonova says, this project “opens the door to even more ambitious and transformative carbon removal projects.”

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its promise, it’s worth noting that Project Concho faces some challenges. The high upfront costs of both wind farms and DAC facilities remain a significant barrier, even with government subsidies. Critics also argue that DAC technologies divert attention and resources from more established and cost-effective climate solutions, such as renewable energy expansion and reforestation.

There is also scepticism regarding the reliance on carbon credits as a revenue model. For example, while they provide financial incentives for emissions reduction, carbon credits have been criticised for enabling industries to continue polluting rather than transitioning to cleaner practices. Ensuring transparency and accountability in the carbon credit market will be crucial for the long-term success and credibility of projects like Project Concho.

What About The ‘Trump Factor’?

The future of Project Concho and similar initiatives could, however, face a starkly different reality under the incoming Trump administration. Trump’s scepticism toward climate change (he once famously called it a “hoax”) and his track record of rolling back environmental regulations raise serious concerns about the level of federal support such projects might receive in the next few years. For example, Trump’s previous withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and reduced funding for renewable energy development highlight a likely focus on fossil fuels rather than progressive climate solutions like DAC. Without supportive policies or subsidies, the financial viability of large-scale carbon capture hubs could be severely undermined.

Will It Really Make A Dent?

Even with robust backing, some question whether DAC technologies can scale up quickly enough to meet the urgent need for carbon removal. Current DAC facilities capture only a minute fraction of the billions of tonnes of CO₂ emitted annually. To meet the IPCC’s target of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C, carbon removal technologies must achieve dramatic growth, something experts believe will require both significant technological advances and global political will. Additionally, the energy-intensive nature of DAC means that without renewable power integration, its environmental benefits could be negated. While initiatives like Project Concho show promise, their impact may be too limited unless accompanied by broader systemic changes.

Reduce Emissions First

Many critics also argue that more emphasis should be placed on reducing emissions at their source rather than relying on carbon capture to clean up the aftermath. Strategies such as transitioning industries to renewable energy, implementing stricter emissions standards, and investing in public transport and energy efficiency may offer immediate and cost-effective solutions. While DAC and similar technologies are valuable tools in the fight against climate change, their role must be complementary. Reducing emissions outright is not only faster but also addresses the root cause, making the overall climate effort far more sustainable.

Other Major Carbon Capture Projects

Project Concho is actually one of a growing list of ambitious carbon capture initiatives worldwide. Others include, for example:

Orca Plant, Iceland. Operational since 2021, this facility uses geothermal energy to capture and mineralise CO₂. It has a capacity of 4,000 tonnes per year but plans for significant expansion.

Boundary Dam, Canada. A coal-fired power station retrofitted with carbon capture technology, capable of capturing 1 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.

Porthos Project, Netherlands. A pipeline network under development to transport and store CO₂ emissions from industrial facilities beneath the North Sea.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

The potential of Project Concho to reshape the landscape of carbon capture and renewable energy integration is undeniable in that it represents a bold step forward in addressing the complex challenge of global CO₂ emissions. By harnessing the power of wind energy to drive innovative DAC technology, the project demonstrates how industries can work together to create scalable, potentially impactful solutions. The promise of capturing up to 500,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint highlights the ingenuity at the heart of this initiative, not to mention the ambition.

However, the challenges and criticisms cannot be overlooked. High costs, energy demands, and reliance on carbon credits present hurdles that must be navigated with care. Additionally, the political landscape, particularly under a Trump administration sceptical of climate science, could pose significant obstacles to the kind of support such projects need to thrive. These uncertainties make it clear that carbon capture cannot serve as a standalone solution. It must complement a broader strategy that prioritises reducing emissions at their source.

Project Concho, therefore, highlights both the potential and the limitations of current carbon capture efforts. While it offers a promising glimpse into a future where renewable energy and DAC technology work in tandem, it also reveals the urgent need for systemic change. A multifaceted approach i.e., combining bold innovation, supportive policies, and a relentless focus on reducing emissions, may be essential if we are to meet the scale of the climate crisis. Although Project Concho may appear to be a crucial piece of the puzzle, the world must not lose sight of the bigger picture.

Losing all your LinkedIn data (profile, connections, posts etc) could be a major blow for many business people, so this video explains how to back everything up. The best part? It’s free!

[Note – To Watch This Video without glitches/interruptions, It’s best to download it first]

Sticky Notes in Windows allows you to jot down reminders, ideas, or to-do lists and keep them open on your desktop for quick reference. Here’s how to Use Sticky Notes:

Open Sticky Notes:

– Press Win + S, type Sticky Notes, and open the app.

Create a New Note:

– Click the + icon to create a new note. Type your reminder or task. You can colour cose it and even add an image.

Keep Notes Visible on the Desktop:

– Once created, the note will remain open on your desktop until you manually close it. Arrange it anywhere on your screen, and it will stay even after you restart your computer (as long as Sticky Notes is re-enabled).

Access Saved Notes Later:

– Sticky Notes automatically saves your content to your Microsoft account or local storage. To reopen your notes, open the Sticky Notes app again, and all previous notes will appear.

Amazon has announced the launch of a U.S. beta of its new Haul Store, an online shopping experience designed to rival low-cost e-commerce giants Temu and Shein.

Products at $20 or Less 

The Haul platform is to be integrated into the Amazon Shopping app and offers a range of products priced at $20 or less, with most items under $10. While promising affordability, the initiative marks a departure from Amazon’s hallmark of rapid delivery, instead opting for a model that’s consistent with the popular budget shopping apps, i.e. providing low-cost products with longer shipping times (one to two weeks).

Amazon Haul 

Amazon Haul, therefore, is the company’s foray into the world of ultra-budget shopping, offering a curated selection of low-cost products across categories such as fashion, home goods, lifestyle items, electronics, and more. Currently only available in beta to U.S. customers through the Amazon Shopping app and mobile web, the platform aims to provide shoppers with an affordable and engaging experience.

Distinct Shop Within Amazon’s Broader App

The Haul store has been designed to function as a distinct shopping ecosystem within Amazon’s broader app. It features a grid-style interface that diverges from Amazon’s usual product list display, similar to layouts used by Shein and Temu, the companies that it’s clearly positioned to compete against. This design choice, coupled with vibrant marketing that highlights “crazy low prices” and “worth the wait” delivery times, positions Amazon Haul as a direct competitor in this niche segment.

Products Covered By Amazon’s Guarantee 

One factor which may provide reassurance and tempt more customers to try it (who may have been worried about the potential for bad experiences with the popular Chinese budget apps) is the fact that all items purchased through Amazon Haul are covered by Amazon’s ‘A-to-z Guarantee’, i.e. ensuring buyers receive products in the expected condition or receive a refund.

How To Access Haul 

Customers can access the store by searching for “Haul” in the Amazon app, using the main menu, or visiting www.amazon.com/haul via a mobile browser. As mentioned, at the moment it’s just for U.S. customers.

Why Launch Amazon Haul Now? 

Amazon’s decision to enter the ultra-budget market reflects its efforts to counter the growing popularity of Shein and Temu, which have capitalised on their ability to offer mass-produced, low-cost items directly from Chinese manufacturers. For example, according to data from app intelligence firm Appfigures, Temu and Shein rank among the most popular apps for U.S. users aged 18 to 24, with Temu achieving nearly 42 million downloads in 2024 alone!

Speaking about the launch of Amazon Haul, Dharmesh Mehta, Amazon’s Vice President of Worldwide Selling Partner Services, said, “Finding great products at very low prices is important to customers, and we continue to explore ways that we can work with our selling partners so they can offer products at ultra-low prices. Amazon Haul aims to help make shopping fun, easy, and affordable, all backed by Amazon’s A-to-z product guarantee so customers can shop with confidence.” 

The Business Model 

Amazon Haul leverages the retail giant’s network of third-party sellers to offer inexpensive goods. Many of these products are sourced directly from overseas manufacturers, primarily in China, and by shipping items directly from suppliers to customers, the platform reduces intermediary costs. However, one trade-off of this approach is that it means longer delivery times, ranging from one to two weeks, which contrasts sharply with the next-day or same-day delivery options Amazon customers typically enjoy.

Bulk Savings For Large Orders 

To keep prices low, Haul offers bulk savings for larger orders, with discounts of 5 per cent for purchases over $50 and 10 per cent for orders exceeding $75. Delivery is free for orders over $25, while smaller purchases incur a shipping fee of $3.99. Amazon also offers free returns on items priced above $3 within 15 days, with over 8,000 convenient drop-off locations across the U.S.

What Sets Haul Apart? 

While Temu and Shein have built their brands around low prices, they have faced criticism over product quality, customer trust, and regulatory scrutiny. Amazon aims to differentiate itself by integrating the Haul store into its existing ecosystem, thereby bringing the trust and reliability associated with its name to a market often viewed with scepticism.

Amazon also screens sellers on the Haul platform to ensure products meet safety and compliance standards. This added layer of oversight is likely to reassure customers, particularly those hesitant to purchase from lesser-known retailers.

Also, Amazon’s established logistics network and customer support infrastructure provide an additional layer of convenience. The A-to-z Guarantee covers every purchase, ensuring that buyers can shop with confidence, a feature not always guaranteed on competing platforms.

Challenges 

Despite its obvious potential, Amazon Haul faces some perhaps significant challenges. One of the primary hurdles is the extended delivery times. For a company synonymous with speed, the one-to-two-week wait could deter customers accustomed to receiving their orders within days.

There are also now some broader geopolitical and regulatory concerns. For example, in the U.S., the Biden administration has proposed measures to close tax loopholes that benefit platforms like Temu and Shein. Specifically, the “de minimis” rule allows imports valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free, enabling companies to maintain razor-thin margins. Should this exemption be removed or modified, Haul’s operational costs could rise.

Adding to these pressures, incoming President-elect Donald Trump has proposed a 60 per cent tariff on Chinese imports, further complicating the economic landscape for platforms dependent on goods shipped from China. These challenges could clearly impact Haul’s ability to sustain its low-cost model while maintaining profitability.

Environmental concerns may also prove to be a worry for Amazon Haul. For example, platforms like Temu and Shein have been criticised for the waste generated by fast fashion and low-cost manufacturing. If Amazon fails to address similar concerns, it risks damaging its reputation.

Potential Market Impact 

The launch of Haul by such a powerful company and brand could significantly disrupt the discount retail sector. By tapping into its existing customer base, Amazon appears to be uniquely positioned to attract budget-conscious shoppers who may have otherwise turned to Temu or Shein. Also, the platform’s integration within the Amazon app should ensure a seamless user experience, potentially drawing in customers who already trust the Amazon ecosystem.

However, the success of Haul will depend on its ability to balance affordability with quality and reliability. Early customer feedback will be crucial in shaping the platform’s future. That said, Amazon’s commitment to refining the Haul experience suggests that it is prepared to make adjustments to meet consumer expectations.

Looking Ahead 

Amazon Haul represents a bold move by the e-commerce giant to capture a share of the ultra-low-cost market. While its established brand and customer trust give it a competitive edge, the platform must navigate a host of challenges, from regulatory changes to shifting consumer preferences.

As Dharmesh Mehta noted, “It’s early days for this experience, and we’ll continue to listen to customers as we refine and expand it in the weeks and months to come.” If successful, Amazon Haul could redefine how consumers perceive ultra-budget shopping, setting new standards for affordability and trust in the process.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

Although Amazon Haul is an ambitious venture, it’s tempting to believe that if any company is well-positioned to carve a significant slice of the ultra-low-cost market currently dominated by Temu and Shein, it must be Amazon. By leveraging its extensive logistics network, established customer trust, and seller partnerships, Amazon has clearly positioned Haul as a compelling alternative for budget-conscious shoppers. Its integration within the familiar Amazon ecosystem, coupled with the assurance of its A-to-z Guarantee, looks certain to provide a level of confidence that its rivals may struggle to match.

However, the challenges facing Haul are neither small nor inconsequential. The departure from Amazon’s hallmark rapid delivery to longer shipping times, although consistent with the budget shopping model, represents a gamble. Whether its existing customer base will tolerate the trade-off for lower prices remains to be seen. Additionally, geopolitical uncertainties, such as proposed tariffs on Chinese imports and potential changes to tax exemptions, could pose additional hurdles that may impact the platform’s operational efficiency and pricing structure.

That said, Amazon’s effort to address issues of quality and customer trust, particularly in a market often criticised for its lack of oversight, stands as a strong differentiator. However, concerns about environmental impact and sustainability in an age of increasing scrutiny over fast fashion and waste may test the company’s commitment to its broader corporate values.

Ultimately, the launch of Amazon Haul is a calculated risk in a fiercely competitive space.