Windows 10 update adds support for continuity functions via Your Phone app
Microsoft is rolling out the Your Phone app with its latest Windows Insider Preview build, making it easy for PC users to view photos captured on their smartphones from their desktops. This update doesn't come with all the features Microsoft promised when the app initially debuted earlier this year.
If you own a 2018 MacBook Pro, you will want to maintain data backups
Due to a new logic board design on the 2018 MacBook Pro, Apple's existing tools to recover data stored on the computer's solid-state drive won't work. Owners of the 2018 MacBook Pro will want to be vigilant about maintaining backups of their system to prevent unrecoverable data in the event of logic board failure.
Google Docs’ A.I. grammar checker will fix your poor writing habits
Google is taking on Grammarly by launching its own grammar checker in Google Docs. The grammar suggestions are powered by artificial intelligence to identify problems with spelling and grammar as you type, and works in a similar way to Google Translate by "translating" bad English to proper English.
Facebook suspends data firm claiming access to 1 trillion conversations
Though Facebook found no wrongdoing, the social network is proactively suspending data analytics firm Crimson Hexagon's access to data on its network. Facebook wants to know if data collected by the firm, which counts the US and Russian governments as clients, was used for surveillance.
Microsoft stops a Russian attempt at hacking 2018 midterm elections
Less than a week after the United States indicted 12 Russian military officers for their involvement in hacking the 2016 election, Microsoft discovered that the same state intelligence agency tried to use the same phishing tactics to target at least three candidates in the upcoming 2018 midterm elections in the U.S.
Apple quietly confirms 2018 MacBook Pro keyboard ships with anti-debris design
Apple quietly fixed the MacBook Pro's sticky key problem when it announced the quieter keys on the new 2018 models. The new keyboard, which comes with a membrane underneath each key to dampen noise and keep debris away, is exclusive to the 2018 MacBook Pro, and owners of older laptops are left out in the cold.
Millions of health records may be at stake in ransomware attack
LabCorp reported that it may have been a victim of a data breach, and the FBI confirmed that it was notified of the ransomware attack on one of the nation's largest medical labs. LabCorps sees more than 115 million patients annually, potentially leaving a lot of patients vulnerable if the breach was successfully.
Apple repair program won’t upgrade older MacBook Pros to new keyboard
If you own a MacBook Pro model prior to last week's refresh and suffer from the widely documented keyboard problems, don't expect Apple to give you a free keyboard upgrade when you take your notebook in for repair. Apple said that the quieter third-generation keyboard is an exclusive feature for its 2018 notebooks.
FCC proposal could help Google Fiber roll out to more cities
The FCC is considering a change on how utility poles are managed. Instead of requiring new service providers consult with existing utilities on a pole to make changes, the new proposal shifts the work burden to new providers, like Google Fiber. This change could help accelerate the deployment of gigabit internet.
Microsoft calls for Congress to regulate use of facial-recognition tech
Microsoft's president and chief legal officer argues that the use of facial-recognition technology needs regulation. This will help put the public at ease and ensure that the technology is only used for its intended purpose. Microsoft urges Congress to assemble a commission of experts to help.
Apple’s newest MacBook Pro is now $150 off if you’re a student
Apple only launched its refreshed MacBook Pro this week, but deals are already starting to pop up for the powerful Mac notebook. Students can now score a discount of $150 through Best Buy, bringing the starting cost for a Touch Bar-equipped model with an 8th-generation Intel processor down to $1,649.
Apple’s sticky key problem isn’t going away on the 2018 MacBook Pro
Apple introduced a new third-generation keyboard when it launched the 2018 MacBook Pro, but it didn't address a major user pain point that caused the keys on last year's model to become sticky and unresponsive. There's no engineering fix, and Apple is instead promoting a quieter typing experience this year.
Need the FCC to handle a problem? A formal complaint will cost you $225
The FCC voted on a new rule intended to streamline informal and formal complaints. The change sees informal complaints referred back to the original company and formal complaints costing $225. Critics argue that the agency is simply trying to skirt its obligations to protect consumers.
Timehop data breach may have compromised 21 million email addresses
Timehop revealed that it experienced a cyberattack that occurred on July 4 after the company discovered suspicious activity on its servers. The attacker was able to breach Timehop's network by obtaining an administrative login credential that was not secured by multi-factor authentication.
Fans petition Microsoft to save the Surface Phone from cancellation
Fans of the Surface Phone are hoping that a new petition will deter Microsoft from canceling the device. The Surface Phone was rumored to launch later this year with a pocketable and innovative dual-screen design. It was said to be canceled because Microsoft did not see a compelling reason to bring it to market.
EU decides to save Wikipedia and internet memes, for now
Members of European Parliament voted against a controversial copyright law that was designed to protect content owners and publishers, but could also make it difficult to share memes and internet news. If passed, the law could also shut down Wikipedia. Parliament will revisit the vote in September after more debate.
Your body heat can help attackers steal your password in new attack
Hackers have a new way to steal your login by looking at heat traces left behind on each key using a $400 FLIR infrared camera. Touch typists are less susceptible to this type of attack than those who hunt and peck at each key, but those who type with acrylic nails are virtually immune to this type of password theft.
Microsoft’s Surface Tablet clears final hurdle before launch
Microsoft may be close to launching the Surface Tablet. The device, which is known by Model 1824, has just recently been cleared by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, indicating that a launch could be happening soon. The FCC filing suggests that Microsoft may rely on Intel chips to power its low-cost slate.
Despite promising to stop sharing your data, Facebook continues to do so
Facebook wasn't fully honest when it said that it would restrict its data sharing practice in 2015. In its letter to Congress, Facebook revealed that data sharing actually continued, and that 61 technology companies have had access to its users' friends data, including names, genders, and birth dates.
A second massive Comcast outage leaves customers without service this month
Comcast is experiencing a second massive outage this month. The outage is taking out phone, internet, and video service for both residential and business customers across the country. Comcast blames a partner for accidentally cutting its fiber line, though an estimate was not provided for when service is expected to be restored.
Data breach reveals some police departments aren’t prepared for active shooters
A massive data breach affecting active shooter training facility ALERRT could provide insights into how some police departments across the country are unprepared of handling active shooter situations. The leak also contained personal information about officers, which could be dangerous if it fell into the wrong hands.
Microsoft calls its foldable Andromeda device “disruptive”
Leaked internal documents reveal that Microsoft considers its highly anticipated dual-screen Andromeda a disruptive device that will usher in a new form factor. Considered a pocketable PC, Andromeda is expected to help Microsoft bridge the gap between phones and laptops, and it could launch later this year.
Apple reiterates why touchscreens won’t be coming to Macs anytime soon
It might be a touchy subject for loyal Apple users, but Apple continues to state that it has no plans on making a Mac or MacBook with a touchscreen despite support for iOS apps on the upcoming MacOS Mojave release. Apple said that adding a touchscreen would compromise the user experience on laptops and desktops.
Windows 10 Mail will let you handwrite your email with a stylus
Now, you don't even have to send a thank you note through the post office. Microsoft is updating its Mail and Calendar clients on Windows 10 to support handwriting, allowing you to jot down your appointments or pen that personal note with your stylus. The update is rolling out members of the Windows Insider program.
Firefox’s new Monitor service will let you know if you’ve been hacked
Firefox will alert its users if they've been hacked. By integrating popular web service Have I Been Pwned with Firefox Monitor, users can check to see if their email address is part of a larger data dump on the dark web. If it is, you'll get a notification in your inbox and tips on how to secure your accounts.
Happy 20th birthday, Windows 98! Here’s why we loved you
Windows 98 turns 20 today! Despite being two decades old, the OS brought important changes and innovations that we still feel today. While a customizable Start menu and Quick Launch shortcuts in the taskbar made Windows 98 feel more personal, support for USB peripherals made the OS feel even more powerful.
MacBook DIY keyboard repairs don’t void your chance of a free replacement
Apple has a fix for sticky keys on the latest MacBook and MacBook Pro keyboards. Apple will repair or replace the keyboard on affected laptops for up to four years from the date of purchase. It's unclear, however, if the repair addresses the underlying reason of why the keyboards are failing in the first place.
Microsoft’s new USB-C port could enable even slimmer Surface products
Microsoft could make even thinner Surface Pros, Surface Books, Surface Tablets, and Surface Phones in the future thanks to a new USB-C design patent. By removing the top and bottom plates of a USB-C port enclosure, Microsoft's Surface products could benefit from a stronger port design and thinner form factor.
IBM’s new supercomputer doesn’t just take orders — it can argue back
Robots are finally smart enough to understand humans and talk back. By leveraging artificial intelligence, IBM's Project Debater is a supercomputer that can take on human opponents in a debate -- and win! Although humans have better delivery, Project Debater was able to make better arguments with more facts.
Iowa man gets 20-year prison sentence for trying to steal a domain at gunpoint
Sherman Hopkins Jr of Iowa got a 20-year prison sentence for attempting to steal the dotiforstate.com domain during an armed home invasion robbery in 2017. During the incident, Hopkins shot the victim once in the leg, but the victim wrestled the gun from him. Hopkins was subsequently shot multiple times in the chest.
Another Mac-less Apple event has come and gone
Apple's WWDC keynote is over, but as the company focused more on software this time around, Mac hardware was once again overlooked. There were a number of machines we were looking for updates to, whether it was the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or even the Mac Mini. Unfortunately, we came out empty-handed once again.
BMW racing to patch 14 security vulnerabilities found in its cars
BMW is offering security patches through over-the-air and in-dealer updates after researchers discovered 14 vulnerabilities affecting car models dating as far back as 2012. Some of these vulnerabilities are critical and could allow hackers to remotely gain root access to the car's ConnectedDrive computer.
Samsung’s speedier Chromebook Plus V2 now comes with a second camera
Samsung's Chromebook Plus V2 will arrive on June 24 at $499 at Best Buy with new features. The second-gen Chromebook Plus V2 will retain the stylus, convertible form factor, and premium build from the original, but now comes with a faster Intel processor, spill-resistant keyboard, and a secondary camera.
Comcast gives the internet a victory, ends throttling — for now
Comcast gave the internet a victory and ends its practice of throttling heavy users, citing a stronger network that's capable of handling congestion. However, Comcast also said that it reserves the right to reverse its decision. Heavy users are still subjected to data caps and overage charges.
Microsoft Office’s new redesign puts web and desktop versions on equal footing
Microsoft is giving Office a big overhaul, and a new ribbon will accompany the new design. As part of its efforts to bring consistency to various versions of Office designed for the web, mobile, and desktop platforms, Microsoft will roll out a smarter search box, new icon colors and graphics, and a new ribbon.
Intel’s powerful new 8-core processor could land in desktops this September
After unveiling a 28-core processor at Computex, Intel may be working on two high-end processors that will give desktop owners more computing power. An eight-core processor based on the Coffee Lake Refresh architecture is slated for mainstream users this September, while enthusiasts may get a 22-core chip this fall.