Apple could make MagSafe a reality on USB-C MacBooks if it really wanted
Apple has a patent that could bring back MagSafe functionality to the company's newest MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops. While Apple's latest notebooks abandoned all legacy ports -- including the MagSafe -- in an effort to embrace the USB-C future, Apple's innovation calls for an adapter that can bring back MagSafe.
Another Facebook fail: Bug caused it to publicly share 14M private messages
Facebook blamed a bug for making the private posts from 14 million users public during a four-day period. Facebook said it has fixed the problem and is beginning to notify affected users to check their posts. The latest incident comes with the now infamous Cambridge Analytica breach still fresh in people's minds.
Google prepares an always-connected Chromebook to take on Microsoft
Google is working on adding eSIM and Project Fi support to future Chromebooks, which will challenge Microsoft's Always Connected PC platform. A code commit reveals Google's ambition in in adding LTE data connectivity, and by not requiring a physical SIM cards, Chromebook manufacturers can save space on their devices.
Congress has until Monday to save net neutrality and keep the internet open
With net neutrality set to expire Monday, June 11, Senate Democrats are calling on House Speaker Paul Ryan to schedule a vote in the House of Representatives to preserve rules governing an open internet. Even if the bill passes the House of Representatives, it still needs President Trump's signature to become law.
Microsoft’s Surface Pen may never need recharging in the future
Microsoft's patent for a solar-powered Surface Pen means you'll never need to recharge or replace the battery in your stylus again. Rather than collect ambient light and convert it into energy, Microsoft's invention calls for the Surface Pen to collect light emitted from the LCD screen on your Surface Pro.
Google Pixelbook now on sale for $750, its lowest price ever
If you've been eyeing Google's premium Pixelbook hardware, now is the time to buy. The $250 discount applies only to the entry-level Pixelbook, which ships with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB storage, and 8GB RAM, and the deal is good through Google's online store, Amazon, and Best Buy. The Pixelbook Pen is extra.
FBI: Reboot, reset your router immediately to prevent cyberattacks
To protect yourself from the VPNFilter malware, the FBI urges all users to reboot their routers. To be extra cautious, you can also perform a factory reset to restore your router to factory conditions and permanently clear out all traces of the malware. If infected, the malware can steal and wipe out your data.
Intel hopes to kick-start dual-screen Windows 10 market with its own designs
Intel is looking to kick-start the dual-screen computing trend with its Tiger Rapids concept. Combining a traditional LCD panel with an E Ink display, Tiger Rapids is geared toward digital inking and is powered by Intel's Kaby Lake processors. The secondary E Ink display gives this concept 15 hours of battery life.
TSA hopes Windows 10 upgrades will keep its systems safe for travelers
The Transportation Security Agency hopes that its update to Windows 10 will improve cybersecurity for the department and keep American travelers safer. The agency also upgraded its laptops and desktops, and may move its custom software to the cloud, leveraging the software-as-a-service model.
The sound of destruction: Malicious video, audio files could attack laptops
Playing a malicious audio file for as little as 12 seconds through your PC's speakers can cause data corruption and drive damage, so you may not want to click play on random video or audio files. The attack relies on inaudible ultrasonic sound waves and targets hard disk drives, making older laptops vulnerable.
Apple is most definitely working on augmented reality glasses
Apple is hiring an engineer to design user interfaces for AR experiences, suggesting that the iPhone-maker is continuing its work on the development of mixed reality glasses. This person will help "define and deliver the foundation for the next paradigm of user interfaces and entirely new interaction models," Apple said.
Dell is reportedly working on its dual-screen version of the Surface Phone
Dell is working on a dual-screen computing device code-named Januss. It's unclear if Januss is designed as a dual-screen laptop, like Microsoft's canceled Courier project, or if it will be a modern smartphone like the rumored Microsoft Surface Phone. The best news is Januss could arrive later this year.
Reddit beats out Facebook to become the third-most-popular site on the web
Recent data scandals have given Facebook a beating as Reddit now surpasses the social network to become the third-most-visited destination on the internet in new rankings published by Alexa. Reddit now trails Google and YouTube, but it still outranks its rivals since users spend more time on the site.
Nvidia set to begin construction of 750,000-square-foot Voyager campus
Nvidia is set to expand its Santa Clara, California headquarters by starting construction on a 750,000-square-foot building called Voyager next month. Voyager shares a similar dramatic sculptural roof as the recently completed Endeavor, and both buildings will be home to more than 5,000 employees.
One social media user attempts to cash in by auctioning off all his Facebook data
Forget the middleman! One social media user figures if Facebook can sell his data to advertisers, then why shouldn't he be able to. Oli Frost extracted all his information on Facebook using tools that the social network provided and listed his data for auction on eBay. But how much is Frost's data worth?
Apple flexes its design muscles with a patent filing for a ‘living hinge’
Apple is continuing work on a MacBook living hinge design, according to an updated patent filing, and the result may appear on future notebooks. The living hinge would allow Apple to strengthen the most highly stressed point on a clamshell design to deliver a stronger, more durable notebook.
Microsoft patent could make playing ‘NBA 2K18’ in VR feel more realistic
Microsoft filed for an AR accessory patent, and it's a drag! But that's a good thing for VR experiences. Dubbed the side clutch, the accessory mimics resistive forces through its haptic feedback motors to make interacting inside virtual worlds feel more realistic. It's just the law of physics at work.
Apple’s macOS reaches a historic milestone in its life span
The period of time that MacOS has been powering Apple's Mac hardware is now just as long as Apple's historic reliance on its classic Mac operating system. The original Mac OS was in service between 1984 and 2001, and MacOS replaced it in 2001. Today, both OSes have been used continuously for 17 years and 29 days now!
Judge rules it’s unconstitutional for Trump to block critics on Twitter
Finding that Twitter is a public forum when used by a public official. a federal judge in New York ruled that President Trump may not block critics. Although the president has blocked users in the past, the judge ruled this amounted to a violation of First Amendment rights of those who criticized him.
Apple Store hints you shouldn’t buy a new MacBook Pro until after WWDC
If you're in the market for a new MacBook Pro, you may want to hold onto your money for a little longer. A ship date of June 5 for the base 13-inch Pro laptop model hints that Apple could announce an updated edition at the company's WWDC event on June 4. A processor refresh is expected on the new laptop.
Data-stealing bug prompts Comcast to shut down Xfinity activation website
Comcast shuts down its Xfinity activation portal after learning of a bug that may have displayed a customer's address, Wi-Fi name, and network password. Although Comcast claims that it doesn't believe any customer was compromised, it's probably best to buy your own router than to lease one from Xfinity.
Microsoft’s latest Windows 10 Insider Preview release all about fighting malware
Microsoft's latest Windows Insider Preview build places a heavy focus on fighting malware and virus. The biggest change with build 17672 is that third-party antivirus software must run as a system protected process. If it doesn't, then Windows 10's built-in Windows Defender Antivirus will be enabled.
Microsoft Build and Google I/O are over. Which came out on top?
Both Microsoft and Google offer competing visions on how computing can shape the future. Both companies used AI in their demos, but Google took a consumer approach while Microsoft is directing its efforts at developers and the enterprise market.
Need a nudge? Gmail’s new email reminder system goes live
Google's new Gmail Nudge feature is now live. Nudge leverages Google’s artificial intelligence scanning to gently remind you to reply to important emails so you don’t forget. We'll show you how to spot a nudge in your inbox, and how to turn it off if you don't want the feature enabled.
Chromebooks will start to feel more like Windows, but in a good way
Google adds more productivity features, improved app support, and better multitasking to Chrome OS to make Chromebooks a better alternative against systems running Windows 10 or MacOS. These new Chrome OS features make Chrome OS feel just as natural in notebook or tablet form factors.
Like the internet? Google wants to attach it to your face
Google announced the new WebXR APIs to help developers create augmented and virtual reality experiences for the browser. The move will create a more immersive web experience, allowing VR and AR content to be viewed on mobile VR headsets, desktop VR devices, and on the mobile web through Magic Window.
Microsoft is giving Always Connected PCs a performance boost and more apps
Microsoft is about to give its Always Connected PC platform a huge boost in performance. By allowing developers to create 64-bit apps that will run natively -- rather than through an emulator -- Windows 10 systems running on Windows on ARM will benefit from faster apps, and hopefully, see more apps.
Samsung’s wireless mixed reality headset could launch this year
Get ready to cut the cord to your mixed reality glasses! Samsung is reportedly working with Microsoft to launch a wireless mixed reality headset. The device will support both augmented and virtual reality technology, and it could launch this fall at the IFA show, ahead of Apple's rumored 2020 debut.
Microsoft wants Cortana and Alexa to be friends. Is that cool or just awkward?
Microsoft shows how easy it is to summon Alexa from your Cortana-enabled Windows PC. Even though Cortana may benefit from Alexa's skills, Microsoft still needs to figure out how to make its assistant easier to access on a phone, a challenge given that Microsoft doesn't have a smartphone platform anymore.
Windows is back on your phone, and this time it’s a good thing
Microsoft's new mobile strategy brings Windows 10 to your phone, enabling better integration of iOS and Android with the PC. The new Your Phone app lets you view your phone's content on your desktop, while the Timeline experience is coming to mobile, provided you use the Microsoft Edge browser.
Chrome’s search bar may soon display pictures for your browsing pleasure
Google is testing a redesigned search bar that features images in the search suggestions. The descriptive images and text shown in the auto-suggested results would make it more useful for users to find what they need, and you can try out this new experience on the Chrome Canary channel today.
Cambridge Analytica closes as former executives create another data company
The Facebook data breach scandal was too much for Cambridge Analytica to weather, and the company announced it is shutting down. After reports that Cambridge Anayltica had misused consumer data, the company says it was not able to attract new clients, and it lost existing business due to negative media coverage.