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the open tab.A fresh perspective on tech.The Daily Brief
The reading roomTuesday, 13 October 2026
YOUR DAILY RITUAL

The Daily Brief.

A considered view of the day.
Read a little. Leave a little more informed.

Download this edition ↓3 stories · 2 min briefing
01
AI · 3 min read

Copilot’s JetBrains update puts the controls up front

GitHub’s 10 October release gives teams a default-model choice and a way to stop tools starting automatically. Check your IDE version before updating.

  • Enterprise defaults preserve an explicit model choice.
  • Automatic MCP startup can be disabled.
  • Check the new minimum IDE version before updating.
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02
Gear · 3 min read

SmartThings brings control closer to home

Samsung’s 6 October update puts local device control alongside a refreshed home screen. The useful distinction is what stays on your home network and what needs the internet.

  • Local control needs a supported hub and the right home-network connection.
  • Remote access and backup power are separate questions.
  • Compare one supported everyday task before adding more routines.
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03
Connectivity · 2 min read

AI’s next network upgrade puts the plug in focus

Cisco and NVIDIA’s planned USFP connector brings bandwidth and maintenance into focus. The announcement describes a design, with compatibility and availability still to establish.

  • USFP is a planned connector, with an open specification still forthcoming.
  • Optical design ratios do not establish whole-service performance.
  • Ask for tested compatibility and available support before treating a proposal as a purchase option.
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