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Datadog bets DIY AI will mean it dodges the SaaSpocalypse

6 days 18 hours ago
The theory is that its domain-specific model will beat generalist LLMs on results and economics

Datadog is close to releasing an updated AI model that it thinks will help it avoid the so-called SaaSpocalypse – customers using AI to build their own tools.…

Simon Sharwood

Firefox 149 Arrives with Built-In VPN, Split View, and Smarter Browsing Tools

6 days 18 hours ago
by George Whittaker

Mozilla has officially released Firefox 149.0, bringing a mix of new productivity features, privacy enhancements, and interface improvements. Released on March 24, 2026, this update continues Firefox’s steady push toward a more modern and user-focused browsing experience.

Rather than focusing on a single headline feature, Firefox 149 introduces several practical tools designed to improve how users multitask, stay secure, and interact with the web.

Built-In VPN Comes to Firefox

One of the most notable additions in Firefox 149 is the introduction of a built-in VPN feature. This optional tool provides users with an added layer of privacy while browsing, helping mask IP addresses and secure connections on public networks.

In some configurations, Mozilla is offering a free usage tier with limited monthly data, giving users a simple way to enhance privacy without installing separate software.

This move aligns with Mozilla’s long-standing emphasis on user privacy and security.

Split View for Better Multitasking

Firefox 149 introduces a Split View mode, allowing users to display two web pages side by side within a single browser window. This feature is especially useful for:

  • Comparing documents or products
  • Copying information between pages
  • Research and multitasking workflows

Instead of juggling multiple tabs and windows, users can now work more efficiently in a single, organized view.

Tab Notes: A New Productivity Tool

Another standout feature is Tab Notes, available through Firefox Labs. This tool allows users to attach notes directly to individual tabs, making it easier to:

  • Keep track of research
  • Save reminders tied to specific pages
  • Organize ongoing tasks

This feature reflects a growing trend toward integrating lightweight productivity tools directly into the browser experience.

Smarter Browsing with Optional AI Features

Firefox 149 also expands its experimental AI-powered features, including tools that can assist with summarizing content, providing quick explanations, or helping users interact with web pages more efficiently.

Importantly, Mozilla is keeping these features optional and user-controlled, maintaining its focus on transparency and privacy.

Developer and Platform Updates

For developers, Firefox 149 includes updates to web standards and APIs. One example is improved support for HTML features like enhanced popover behavior, which helps developers build more interactive web interfaces.

As always, these under-the-hood changes help ensure Firefox remains competitive and standards-compliant.

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George Whittaker

FCC Bans Imports of New Foreign-Made Routers, Citing Security Concerns

6 days 18 hours ago
New submitter the_skywise shares a report from Reuters: The U.S. Federal Communications Commission said on Monday it was banning the import of all new foreign-made consumer routers, the latest crackdown on Chinese-made electronic gear over security concerns. China is estimated to control at least 60% of the U.S. market for home routers, boxes that connect computers, phones, and smart devices to the internet. The FCC order does not impact the import or use of existing models, but will ban new ones. The agency said a White House-convened review deemed imported routers pose "a severe cybersecurity risk that could be leveraged to immediately and severely disrupt U.S. critical infrastructure." It said malicious actors had exploited security gaps in foreign-made routers "to attack households, disrupt networks, enable espionage, and facilitate intellectual property theft," citing their role in major hacks like Volt and Salt Typhoon. The determination includes an exemption for routers the Pentagon deems do not pose unacceptable risks.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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