Simon Batt-Senior Author

Simon Batt

Senior Author

February, 2019
Computer Science BSc
Windows, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence
  • 996
    articles
  • 657
    News
  • 273
    Features
  • 7
    Lists
  • 59
    Guides

About Simon Batt

Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech.

Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart, Listverse, and MakeTechEasier. However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he has been working with it and its sister website, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity topics.

Latest

woman paying using qr code on scanner scam
This Tiny Free App Helps Me Avoid Malicious QR Codes

I can't tell you how handy this tiny, free, QR code scanning app is.

2
outside mwc 2025 at fira barcelona
MakeUseOf's Best of MWC 2025 Awards

These are the best phones and accessories we found on the show floor at MWC 2025.

1
Google Chrome logo in front of a desk with articles and a highlighter
Google Chrome Is Finally Killing Your Favorite Extensions: Now What?

The options are few, but present.

3
Two AI agents speaking using GibberLink.
Watch Two AI Chatbots Speak to One Another in an Unintelligible Language

It sounds a little like dial-up.

2
Microsoft Onedrive and Google Photos apps on Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
You Can Now Search Through Video Transcripts on Google Drive

Finding a specific spot in a video has never been easier.

A screenshot of the fake AI coffee mug video
This AI-Generated Geode Mug Went Viral for All the Wrong Reasons

The internet’s latest design fail is AI-powered.

1
Laptop with Windows 10 Start Menu open, overlaid with a colorful Copilot logo
Finding AI Tools on the Microsoft Store Just Got a Lot Easier

A revamped AI Hub is here to help.

woman paying using qr code on scanner scam
How I Spot Fake QR Codes and Keep My Data Safe

QR codes are super useful, but they're super easy for scammers to use.

1
The Gemini logo on a background.
Google Gemini Gets a Huge Memory Boost, but There's a Catch

Let Gemini do all the remembering for you.

Finger tapping on YouTube mobile app
YouTube Came Dangerously Close to Leaking All User Emails, but One Person Stopped It

The attack used Pixel Recorder, of all things.

bitwarden password manager install page on smartphone screen
I'm a Security Expert, and This Is My Favorite Free Password Manager

I've used so many password managers over the years, and this is the one I always come back to.

4
Steam logo overlaid on a game library screen, highlighting a diverse collection of video games available on the platform.
This Attack Proves That Not Even Steam Is Safe From Malware

Be careful what you download.

A laptop with a shopping cart indicating online shopping and a warning sign.
A Data Leak Has Struck eBay, Shopify, and Amazon Users: Here’s What Was Revealed

Keep an eye out for scams in the future.

The NordVPN 5-years audit image
An Independent Audit Shows This Major VPN Takes Privacy Seriously
VPN

We knew it was good, but now we have the proof.

1
facebook marketplace scam alert sign with logo
This New Scam Sends Scary Facebook Emails to Phish Your Details

Don't get fooled by a fake copyright claim.

deepseek ai chatbot download page apple app store
The DeepSeek App Doesn't Send or Store Data Securely: Here's What Researchers Found

Be careful how you prompt.

google app on smartphone screen with google logo in background
Google Is About to Make Its AI Search Results Even Better

Advanced reasoning is on its way.

deepseek ai chatbot download page apple app store
Scammers Are Capitalizing on the Deepseek Hype to Steal Your Data

There are thousands of fake websites ready to take your personal details.

The Gemini logo with a helix design
Google Gemini's Newest Update Makes It Feel Like You're Calling a Robot

Google Gemini is calling. It's for you.

google app on smartphone screen with google logo in background
Scammers Are Using Malicious Google Ads to Steal Your Microsoft Account

Be careful what you click on.

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