communication Archives

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Get all the power of MS Office for life—and for less than $30

Microsoft Office 2019 is available for a one-time payment of .97, representing an 86% discount off the regular price of 9.99. This package includes Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows, which features Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access, and OneNote, but does not include Microsoft Teams. The purchase grants lifetime access, future updates, and customer support, and is valid for installation on one Windows PC. Upon purchase, users receive links and software license keys via email for downloading within seven days.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Ready to ditch Windows? ‘End of 10’ makes converting your PC to Linux easier than ever

Support for Windows 10 will cease on October 14, 2025. Microsoft's strategy encourages users to buy new computers. Linux is recognized for its speed and security. The End of 10 campaign provides resources and support for users transitioning from Windows 10 to Linux, offering links to local PC shops and user groups. The campaign outlines five reasons to consider upgrading to Linux: cost-effectiveness, lack of intrusive ads or privacy concerns, environmentally friendly options, community support, and enhanced user control. End of 10 maintains a calendar of events for user support across various countries and is supported by a group of contributors. Public communication channels are available, and the initiative encourages collaboration with Free and Open Source Software communities.

Winsage

June 21, 2025

This Windows safety feature is crashing Google Chrome

Microsoft's Family Safety feature has caused issues for users of Google's Chrome browser, leading to crashes or failures to launch on Windows systems since June 3. Chrome support manager Ellen T confirmed that the problem is linked to Microsoft Family Safety, stating that Chrome cannot run when this feature is enabled. Other browsers, like Firefox and Opera, are unaffected. Users have found a temporary workaround by renaming the Chrome executable file or disabling the "filter inappropriate websites" setting in Family Safety, though this compromises parental controls. There has been no official communication from Microsoft regarding a fix, and a Chromium engineer noted on June 10 that no updates have been received from Microsoft about resolving the issue.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

Understanding Android 14 Privacy Changes: Key Insights

The introduction of Android 14 features a sophisticated permissions model that requests app permissions only when needed, allowing users to choose between "approximate" and "precise" location access. Apps handling transactions must justify their need for real-time access. Background location usage must be disclosed in Play Store listings, and developers must complete Data Safety Forms. Android enforces scoped storage, isolating apps in sandboxed environments to reduce data leakage risks. Visual indicators for microphone and camera usage were introduced in Android 12, and Android 14 requires apps to specify the nature of access. In-app transactions in gaming apps must meet elevated security standards, including encryption and biometric logins, and undergo audits under PCI DSS. Background access for location services requires clear justification, and developers must submit a Permission Declaration Form. Google Play mandates disclosure of third-party SDKs and their data practices. User awareness is emphasized through concise permission dialogs and Data Safety summaries in Play Store listings. Secure login protocols like OAuth 2.0 are required for sensitive applications, with stronger encryption mandates. Apps for children must comply with COPPA and GDPR-K regulations, with manual reviews by the Play Store. Google's Privacy Sandbox initiative aims to enhance privacy in advertising practices, with expected rollout in 2024.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft boosts default security of Windows 365 Cloud PCs

Microsoft is enhancing its Windows 365 Cloud PCs with new security features starting in May 2025. All newly provisioned and reprovisioned Cloud PCs using a Windows 11 gallery image will have Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), Credential Guard, and Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI) enabled by default. VBS creates a secure environment to protect system processes, Credential Guard secures authentication credentials, and HVCI ensures only verified code runs at the kernel level. Additionally, beginning in the latter half of 2025, clipboard, drive, USB, and printer redirections will be disabled by default on newly provisioned and reprovisioned Cloud PCs to mitigate security risks, although IT administrators can re-enable these features if needed.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Pixel AI tipped to supercharge your Gboard with instant edits and more

Google is preparing to roll out enhancements for Gboard, including a feature called "SmartEdit" that uses generative AI for voice-driven editing, allowing users to add, remove, or replace words with their voice. Another rumored feature, "Magic Cue," may integrate with Gboard's clipboard to recognize relevant information in apps like Gmail for easier data sharing. Magic Cue has previously been known as "Pixel Sense" and "Pixie" and aims to provide time-saving actions. Additionally, a "favorites" list for Emoji Kitchen will allow users to save their favorite emoji combinations. These features are still in development.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

This Microsoft feature is accidentally ‘blocking’ Google Chrome on Windows – The Times of India

Microsoft's Family Safety tool is causing disruptions for users trying to launch Google Chrome on Windows devices, with issues reported since June 3. Users with the Family Safety feature enabled experience Chrome failing to open or crashing. Alternative browsers like Firefox and Opera are unaffected. Chrome support manager Ellen T confirmed the issue is linked to the Family Safety feature. Microsoft has not issued a public statement or timeline for a fix, and a workaround involves renaming the Chrome executable or disabling the "filter inappropriate websites" option in Family Safety.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Windows 10 is dying as scams skyrocket. We asked a security expert for advice

In this week's episode of The Full Nerd, hosts Adam Patrick Murray, Alaina Yee, Will Smith, and guest Mike Danseglio discuss the end of Windows 10 and its security implications, the rise of scams, and various online security concerns. They explore user transitions to Windows 11, Linux, and vulnerabilities in communication methods. A recent vulnerability allows hackers to steal encryption keys from AMD Ryzen CPUs, prompting firmware updates for users of the Ryzen 3000 series or newer. Asus Armoury Crate users are advised to update due to a critical flaw that could grant hackers administrative rights. Cloud gaming is gaining traction among gamers under 40, provided latency issues are resolved. DDR4 memory prices are rising, indicating a decline of AMD’s AM4 platform. Anker has recalled older power banks due to fire hazards, and Framework has launched a new 2-in-1 DIY laptop. AMD has shared promising benchmarks for its upcoming Ryzen Threadripper 9000 series.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

New Android 16 update could impact Dexcom G6 mobile app usage, Dexcom warns

Dexcom has warned that users of its G6 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) app should avoid downloading the Android 16 operating system update, as it may disrupt app functionality. Users of the Dexcom G7 will not be affected by this update. The Android 16 update is currently available for select Android smartphones, and ignoring the warning could lead to issues with app performance critical for diabetes management.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Russia prepares to get rid of WhatsApp and possibly Telegram

On June 10, the Russian Parliament passed legislation to establish a new messenger application called Max, developed by VK, aimed at integrating state services. Minister of Digital Development Maksut Shadayev announced that VK has created a "fully Russian messenger" that matches or exceeds foreign counterparts. The app will enable users to utilize electronic signatures for document signing, verify identity, age, and eligibility for benefits, and will be required for educational services and communication in schools. It may shift user behavior away from popular Western apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. The app is compared to China's WeChat, offering messaging, social networking, search, and payment systems. Concerns exist that it may mirror WeChat's issues with censorship and surveillance, especially given VK's past collaborations with Russian authorities.