Inside one of the world's most advanced supercomputers

The Swiss city of Lugano is home to one of the world's most advanced supercomputers. BBC Tech Now visits a centre with the latest generation of high-performance computing to understand how the technology stays cool.
This video is from Tech Now, the BBC's flagship technology programme.

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Finextra

an hour ago

• Finextra

Deep Dive: How Shift4 Is Building a Global Commerce Platform: By Sam Boboev

In the fast-moving world of fintech and payments, few companies have transformed as dramatically in recent years as Shift4 Payments. Born as a small merchant processor in the late 1990s, Shift4 has rapidly evolved into a global 'commerce technology' player powering payments for over 200,000 businesses today. Its story matters now because Shift4 is at an inflection point: after years of hyper growth, strategic acquisitions, and expanding beyond its U.S. base, the company is positioning itself as a serious challenger to payment incumbents worldwide. In 2024 and 2025 alone, Shift4 has embarked on bold moves – from mega-acquisitions in Europe to launching its all-in-one point-of-sale platform internationally – that could reshape the competitive landscape of integrated payments. Moreover, founder and CEO Jared Isaacman is handing over the reins after 26 years, marking a leadership transition just as Shift4 pursues ambitious global targets. For fintech observers, Shift4 offers a compelling case study of software and payments convergence done right, and its next chapter will signal how far an upstart can go in challenging entrenched rivals. This deep dive provides a comprehensive look at Shift4's background, strategy, financial performance, expansion plans, and competitive context at this pivotal moment. Company Background and Evolution Shift4's journey began in 1999, when 16-year-old Jared Isaacman started a tiny payment processing business (then called United Bank Card) out of his parents' basement. Isaacman's early innovation was streamlining the clunky merchant onboarding process of the time – cutting setup from weeks to one day, and offering free card terminals with simple applications. This merchant-friendly approach fueled growth, and by 2012 the company rebranded as Harbortouch to emphasize its point-of-sale (POS) solutions alongside payment services. Through the mid-2010s, Isaacman's firm acquired several other payment and POS providers, expanding its reach in hospitality and retail payments. A major turning point came in 2017: the company (briefly renamed Lighthouse Network) acquired a Las Vegas-based payment gateway called Shift4 Corporation, a veteran player in hotel and restaurant payments, and adopted the Shift4 name for the combined entity. This merger of a merchant acquirer with a payment software gateway foreshadowed Shift4's future strategy of integrating software and payments. In June 2020, Shift4 Payments went public on the NYSE (ticker: FOUR) – one of the few fintech IPOs in the immediate aftermath of COVID's onset. Despite the pandemic's impact on its core restaurant and hospitality clients, Shift4's business rebounded strongly, even exceeding the aggressive targets set during its 2021 investor day. Over 2021–2023, the company aggressively broadened its offerings and vertical reach, both organically and via acquisition. It launched an e-commerce platform by acquiring 3dcart (rebranded Shift4Shop) in late 2020, and pushed into sports venues with the 2021 acquisition of VenueNext, a provider of stadium POS and mobile ordering tech. Shift4 also set its sights on new industry verticals – notably non-profits, gaming, and even space technology. It struck partnerships with major names like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (to handle donations) and Allegiant Travel (to extend its hospitality payments into airlines). In a headline-grabbing deal, Shift4 became the payments partner for SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service, a global opportunity that necessitated international payment capabilities. These initiatives signaled Shift4's intent to go beyond its SMB restaurant roots and serve large, complex merchants across a variety of sectors. By 2022, founder Jared Isaacman proudly noted that Shift4 had moved 'upmarket,' powering the entire POS and payments systems of massive resort properties and stadiums – customers that bring larger payment volumes and more stability than small businesses. Today, Shift4 bills itself as an 'integrated commerce' provider, combining payments with software solutions in a one-stop platform. The company claims to serve roughly one-third of all U.S. restaurants through its various POS brands, and has expanded into hospitality, retail, entertainment, and specialty markets. Headquarters remain in Pennsylvania, but Shift4's footprint is increasingly global – a result of its recent expansion strategy (detailed below). Notably, as of early 2025, Jared Isaacman announced plans to step down as CEO (while remaining a major shareholder and Executive Chairman) after being nominated to lead NASA – handing the CEO role to company president Taylor Lauber. This leadership transition caps a remarkable evolution: from a basement startup to a publicly traded, multi-billion dollar fintech with international ambitions. Disclaimer: Fintech Wrap Up aggregates publicly available information for informational purposes only. Portions of the content may be reproduced verbatim from the original source, and full credit is provided with a "Source: [Name]" attribution. All copyrights and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. Fintech Wrap Up does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the aggregated content; these are the responsibility of the original source providers. Links to the original sources may not always be included. For questions or concerns, please contact us at

Geeky Gadgets

an hour ago

• Geeky Gadgets

Even MORE iOS 26 Features Discovered!

Apple has officially introduced iOS 26 beta 1, providing a glimpse into its latest advancements and updates. This release highlights Apple's ongoing efforts to innovate, offering new features aimed at enhancing user experience while also presenting challenges typical of early-stage software. In the video below Zollotech gives us more details on the key updates, user feedback, and broader developments across Apple's ecosystem. Watch this video on YouTube. Key Features of iOS 26 Beta 1 The iOS 26 beta 1 introduces several notable features designed to improve personalization, functionality, and user interaction. These updates reflect Apple's focus on creating a more seamless and engaging experience: Custom Ringtones: Users can now personalize their devices with unique ringtones, allowing for greater customization and individuality. Users can now personalize their devices with unique ringtones, allowing for greater customization and individuality. Pinned Music Widgets: Quick access to favorite music is now easier, with full-screen album art support extended to third-party apps, enhancing visual appeal and usability. Quick access to favorite music is now easier, with full-screen album art support extended to third-party apps, enhancing visual appeal and usability. Enhanced Core Apps: Updates to Notes, Photos, Mail, and Safari include practical improvements such as undo/redo functionality and more dynamic album highlights. Updates to Notes, Photos, Mail, and Safari include practical improvements such as undo/redo functionality and more dynamic album highlights. Wi-Fi Aware API: Developers gain the ability to create AirDrop-like features for third-party apps, expanding connectivity and collaboration options. While these features are promising, the beta version has also revealed several issues. Users have reported: Severe battery drain and overheating, particularly during intensive tasks. Laggy performance, with frequent app crashes disrupting usability. Connectivity problems affecting Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and CarPlay functionality. These challenges underscore the experimental nature of beta software and the need for further refinement before a public release. iOS 18.6 Beta 1: A Reliable Alternative For users seeking stability over innovative features, iOS 18.6 beta 1 offers a more dependable experience. This update focuses on addressing critical issues from iOS 18.5 while laying the groundwork for future advancements: Improved Battery Life: Optimizations reduce overheating and extend device usage time. Optimizations reduce overheating and extend device usage time. Enhanced Connectivity: Network stability and performance have been significantly improved, making sure smoother operation. Network stability and performance have been significantly improved, making sure smoother operation. Context-Aware Siri: Early signs of AI-driven enhancements to Siri demonstrate Apple's progress in integrating intelligent features. Although it lacks the innovative features of iOS 26, iOS 18.6 beta 1 has been well-received for its focus on reliability and performance, making it a preferred choice for many users. Updates Across macOS and watchOS Apple's commitment to refining its ecosystem extends beyond iOS, with significant updates to macOS and watchOS: macOS Tahoe: This update signals the end of FireWire support, marking the retirement of a once-popular technology as Apple continues to modernize its software. This update signals the end of FireWire support, marking the retirement of a once-popular technology as Apple continues to modernize its software. watchOS 26: The Apple Watch now features an upgraded water ejection system that activates automatically when water is detected in the speaker, offering added convenience and protection for users. These updates highlight Apple's efforts to enhance functionality and maintain consistency across its devices, making sure a cohesive user experience. Apple's Broader Announcements and Initiatives In addition to software updates, Apple has made several noteworthy announcements that reflect its broader vision and commitment to innovation: Apple Camp: A creative program for children aged 6-10, focusing on filmmaking with iPads, emphasizes Apple's dedication to fostering creativity and education. A creative program for children aged 6-10, focusing on filmmaking with iPads, emphasizes Apple's dedication to fostering creativity and education. New Apple Store in Perth: The opening of a new store in Australia includes celebratory events and exclusive wallpapers, showcasing Apple's engagement with its global audience. The opening of a new store in Australia includes celebratory events and exclusive wallpapers, showcasing Apple's engagement with its global audience. Battery Label Updates: Changes to iPhone and iPad battery labels in the EU ensure compliance with evolving regulations, demonstrating Apple's adaptability to international standards. These initiatives illustrate Apple's efforts to connect with users worldwide while addressing regulatory and educational priorities. Innovative Applications and Challenges Apple continues to explore creative applications of its technology, pushing the boundaries of what its devices can achieve: iPhone Cameras in Formula 1: iPhones are being used to capture immersive footage for an upcoming movie, with a trailer available exclusively for Apple Vision Pro users, showcasing the potential of Apple's camera technology. iPhones are being used to capture immersive footage for an upcoming movie, with a trailer available exclusively for Apple Vision Pro users, showcasing the potential of Apple's camera technology. Regulatory Hurdles: iPhone mirroring remains unavailable in the EU due to ongoing regulatory challenges, highlighting the complexities of navigating international markets. These developments demonstrate Apple's ambition to innovate while addressing external constraints that impact its global operations. Mixed User Feedback and Future Expectations The reception to iOS 26 beta 1 has been mixed. While some users appreciate the new features and design enhancements, others have expressed frustration with the software's instability. Common complaints include poor battery performance, overheating, and frequent crashes, which detract from the overall experience. In contrast, iOS 18.6 beta 1 has garnered positive feedback for its stability and performance improvements. Benchmark tests reveal that iOS 26 beta 1 lags behind iOS 18.6 beta 1 in terms of efficiency, with background processing contributing to its battery issues. Looking ahead, Apple is expected to release iOS 18.6 beta 2 and iOS 26 beta 2 in the coming weeks. The public beta for iOS 26 is anticipated in early July, with a full release likely in September. Users considering iOS 26 beta 1 are advised to wait for future updates unless they are developers or testers prepared to navigate the challenges of early-stage software. Looking Ahead iOS 26 beta 1 offers a preview of Apple's vision for the future, showcasing innovative features and updates across its ecosystem. However, the release also highlights the challenges inherent in beta software, with significant bugs and performance issues requiring attention. Whether you're eager to explore new functionalities or prefer to wait for a more stable release, staying informed about Apple's developments will help you make the most of its evolving technology. Dive deeper into iOS 26 with other articles and guides we have written below. Source & Image Credit: zollotech Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.

Times

6 hours ago

• Times

A robot surgeon? I'll put my money on that

T hank you for waiting, the robot will see you now. Nine in ten keyhole operations won't need a human surgeon in the room within the next decade, according to the NHS. One in five operations are already carried out by robots, guided remotely, to improve outcomes while cutting costs. Science fiction is becoming surgical fact because robotic-assisted surgery can mean smaller incisions, reduced scarring and quicker recovery. There's no need to take my word for it: Sir Jim Mackey, the chief executive of the NHS, said: 'We are using every tool to ensure patients get the best possible treatment. Expanding the use of new tech, such as robotic surgery, will play a huge part.' Wes Streeting, the health and social care secretary, added: 'I know how important this is. The NHS saved my life from kidney cancer with an operation led by a world-class surgeon being helped by a robot.'