Banks are competing for home loan business with offers of cash - and even some people who stay with their current banks are getting them, brokers say. Read...

A new firmware update has rendered some HP LaserJet printers inoperable, even when using HP’s own toner, Ars Technica reports. The update, version 20250209, was released on March 4, 2025 for HP’s LaserJet MFP M232 to M237 series. According to HP, the update includes security enhancements, updates to meet regulatory requirements, and general improvements and bug fixes. There’s no mention of any changes to how the printers handle HP toner. Despite this, users have started reporting Error Code 11 and a flashing toner indicator after updating their printer firmware. On HP’s support forums, frustrated customers are reporting that their printers with HP-branded toner have suddenly stopped working, despite attempts to clean the connectors and reinstall the toner cartridges. HP has acknowledged that a problem exists, with a company spokesperson commenting: “We are aware of a firmware issue affecting a limited number of HP LaserJet 200 Series devices and our team is actively working on a solution. For assistance, affected customers can contact our support team at: https://support.hp.com.” However, HP hasn’t confirmed how many users are affected, and the exact extent of the problem remains unclear. This is far from the first time HP firmware updates have caused havoc for users. In May 2023, an update caused several HP OfficeJet printers to stop working completely and display a blue screen for weeks. HP also has a controversial policy of blocking printers that use non-original ink and/or toner, which has been criticized by both customers and consumer organizations. The company has also been criticizes for its shady business models, like always-online printers and subscription ink. Further reading: HP adds AI to its printers for some reason Read...

Automation and AI are revolutionising IT management, enabling professionals to escape mundane tasks and boost productivity, paving the way for greater innovation. Read...

Extreme Networks has appointed Anisha Vaswani as its inaugural Chief Information and Customer Officer, aimed at aligning IT strategy with business growth. Read...

The battle over parking forces customers and staff to park miles away, say business owners. “By the time they walk to us they are gasping for a cup of tea.” Read...

Some attendees are already showing strong interest in the government`s plans for Public Private partnerships, the Finance Minister says. Read...

As AI reshapes the business landscape, Employment Hero emphasises embedding AI into operations, urging firms to adapt or risk losing out on future success. Read...

The Palmerston North business owner faces charges related to just over $300,000 paid to his company for for window installations that never eventuated. Read...

Intel has named tech veteran Lip-Bu Tan the company’s next chief executive officer, the company said Wednesday. He will take over on March 18, Intel said. Tan will succeed Michelle Johnston Holthaus and David Zinsner, the two executives who had served as co-chief executive officers in the wake of former CEO Pat Gelsinger’s departure. Both will remain with the company. Though Tan has held a number of positions, he is most known for his role as chief executive of Cadence Design Systems from 2009 until 2021, which designs the EDA software used for designing chips. Tan won the SIA’s Robert N. Noyce Award for his contributions to the semiconductor industry. Tan was also considered to be one of the front-runners for the Intel job. Tan was also a board member at Intel, but resigned last August to “reprioritize personal commitments” he said, according to Bloomberg. Holthaus will remain with Intel as the head of Intel Products, while Zinsner will remain as an executive vice president and chief financial officer. “I am honored to join Intel as CEO,” Tan said in a statement. “I have tremendous respect and admiration for this iconic company, and I see significant opportunities to remake our business in ways that serve our customers better and create value for our shareholders.” Updated at 2:00 PM PT with additional details. Read...

Business owners are worried about safety at a busy intersection where trucks `thunder` through town. Read...