Intel unveils Quantum Software Development Kit Version 1.0

After launching its beta version in September 2022, Intel has released version 1.0 of the Intel Quantum Software Development Kit (SDK).

The SDK is a full quantum computer in simulation that can also interface with Intel’s quantum hardware, including Intel’s Horse Ridge II control chip and Intel’s quantum spin qubit chip when it becomes available this year. The kit allows developers to program quantum algorithms in simulation, and it features an intuitive programming...

2 March 2023 | Developer

App Bundles will help trim Google TV apps

While it’s that time of year when most of us will put on some weight, Google is putting apps for its TV platforms on a diet.

Google has announced that apps for Google TV and Android TV will require the use of Android App Bundles (AABs) by May 2023.

App Bundles were introduced to Android in November 2020 to replace Android Package Kits (APKs).

According to Google, AABs offer the following benefits:

Smaller size – AABs are around 20 percent smaller...

22 November 2022 | Android

GitHub Copilot will enable developers to code using their voice

A new GitHub Copilot feature will enable developers to code using their voice.

Copilot was introduced last year and uses AI to help speed up mundane coding tasks by suggesting how to complete lines.

Behind the Copilot feature is an AI model developed by OpenAI called Codex. OpenAI claims that Codex has a broad knowledge of how people use code and is “significantly more capable than GPT-3” in generating code.

Microsoft-owned GitHub announced at its annual...

10 November 2022 | Development Tools

Security leaders believe companies should face consequences for releasing insecure software

Someone sitting at a computer screen.

Organisations plan to invest in DevSecOps in 2023, and the level of urgency for them to do so has grown.

In a recent survey conducted by the Neustar International Security Council (NISC), 93% of participating information technology and security professionals reported that DevSecOps would be a significant budgeting priority in the coming year, with 55% emphasising it would be a very significant priority with their organisation.

Additionally, 86% of respondents agree that...

2 November 2022 | Developer

The importance of being accessibility-first for effective UX design

Web design has seen a huge evolution in recent years, with accessibility and inclusion front of mind in the offline world impacting a more human side of software development. This means rethinking the approach to design, ensuring that the steps within processes address accessibility issues. Yet some tech companies are stuck in a previous era, before inbuilt product accessibility and their websites remain inaccessible to all users, particularly those with disabilities.

According to...

26 September 2022 | UX/Design

Better app security cannot start with tools

There is a common trope in science fiction movies where robots start to think for themselves and launch a war with humans for control of Earth.

These storylines come from a familiar place. We continue to see robots, machines, and technological tools replace many traditional jobs requiring a human touch. Many industries, such as manufacturing, rely heavily on these devices, with automation a growing threat to the workforce.

Technological tools remain critical to software...

20 September 2022 | Development Tools

Play Store blocks users in Russia from purchasing or updating paid apps

Google is blocking users in Russia from purchasing or updating paid applications as the fallout continues from the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

The company paused billing for Russian users on 10 March 2022 due to sanctions imposed on the country. That decision impacted new app purchases, as well as in-app purchases and subscription payments.

However, Google has now updated its policy and says that it is “blocking the downloading of paid apps and updates to paid...

6 May 2022 | Android

As demand for enterprise apps booms, agility can be found in low-code solutions

For the modern business, the ability to adapt to rapidly shifting changes within your industry, supply chain and workforce is crucial to long-term success. How quickly a business can pivot to make the most of trends and adapt to changing circumstances is made easier by embracing digital transformation and seeking out tools to make your business more flexible and scalable and therefore more effective, sustainable and profitable. 

As Gartner predicts that low-code will account...

5 May 2022 | Platforms

Spring4Shell vulnerability could have ‘a larger impact’ than Log4j

A newly-discovered zero-day vulnerability known as Spring4Shell could have “a larger impact” than Log4j.

Log4j made waves in recent months as the vulnerability in the popular open-source logging library enabled attackers to break into systems, steal passwords and logins, extract data, and infect networks with malicious software.

However, attention is now shifting to the Spring4Shell exploit.

Spring4Shell is a zero-day remote code execution (RCE)...

31 March 2022 | Frameworks

Apps will soon need to be submitted to the App Store using Xcode 13

Apple has reminded developers that apps will soon need to be submitted to the App Store using Xcode 13.

From 25 April 2022, Apple will only accept the submission of apps that are built using the latest version of its IDE.

“iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS apps submitted to the App Store must be built with Xcode 13, which includes the SDKs for iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and watchOS 8,” wrote Apple on its developer site.

Apple goes on to tout how Xcode 13 enables developers...

16 March 2022 | App Stores