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Microsoft omits controversial workplace check-in feature from June Teams roundup
Winsage
July 3, 2026

Microsoft omits controversial workplace check-in feature from June Teams roundup

In June, Microsoft introduced several enhancements for Microsoft Teams, including new calling agents, brand impersonation protection, redesigned in-meeting controls, bot detection, a facilitator in Teams Rooms, and IntelliFrame people labels. A notable feature, "workplace check-in via Wi-Fi," is now generally available after initial criticism and a delayed rollout. SharePoint content shared through Quick Share retains permissions to enhance user privacy.
На торрентах появилась взломанная версия игры 007 First Light
TrendTechie
July 2, 2026

На торрентах появилась взломанная версия игры 007 First Light

The hacker known as voices38 has breached the Denuvo protection system in the game 007 First Light, which was released on May 27, 2026, approximately two weeks before the hack was reported. Voices38's method is a conventional executable "crack" that does not require users to disable security mechanisms, making it more user-friendly than previous attempts by the group DenuvOwO. Voices38 has also successfully bypassed protections in other high-profile games, including Pragmata, Stellar Blade, Resident Evil: Requiem, and Mafia: The Old Country. The effectiveness of DRM solutions like Denuvo is being questioned as hackers develop more sophisticated methods to breach these systems.
'Pure old-school Windows': Ex-Microsoft engineer shrinks down Notepad to 2.5 kilobytes with 'no bloat, no telemetry, no nonsense'
Winsage
July 1, 2026

‘Pure old-school Windows’: Ex-Microsoft engineer shrinks down Notepad to 2.5 kilobytes with ‘no bloat, no telemetry, no nonsense’

A former Microsoft software engineer, Dave Plummer, has launched TinyRetroPad, a minimalist text editing application designed as an alternative to the increasingly complex Notepad. TinyRetroPad is a fork of Tiny Editor, which was based on Plummer's earlier project, HelloAssembly. The application aims to provide a simple and efficient user experience, reminiscent of earlier Windows versions, by utilizing existing Windows components to maintain a small footprint. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with Notepad's growing complexity, prompting a search for lightweight alternatives. TinyRetroPad offers a compact interface without unnecessary features or telemetry.
ESA Lobbyist Calls Private Minecraft Servers Illegal During Hearing
AppWizard
June 30, 2026

ESA Lobbyist Calls Private Minecraft Servers Illegal During Hearing

Jennifer Gibbons, Vice President of State Government Affairs at the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), stated during a California State Senate hearing that community servers for Minecraft and Call of Duty are "illegal" and equate to "piracy." She mentioned that the ESA has pending lawsuits against private servers and that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has identified some private servers as notorious markets for piracy. Gibbons' comments were challenged by Assemblyman Chris Ward, who noted the existence of community servers for both games. An ESA representative later clarified that Gibbons was responding to a complex question and that private servers hosting copyrighted content without authorization infringe on the intellectual property rights of game publishers. The ESA reported a total revenue of ,614,556 in the fiscal year ending March 2025, with ,804,681 from member dues.
ESA Claims Private Minecraft Servers Are 'Illegal' and 'Piracy' in Stop Killing Games Hearing
AppWizard
June 30, 2026

ESA Claims Private Minecraft Servers Are ‘Illegal’ and ‘Piracy’ in Stop Killing Games Hearing

The California State Senate hearing on the Protect Our Games Act raised questions about the legality of private Minecraft servers. Assemblyman Chris Ward noted that games like Minecraft and Call of Duty have successfully used community servers, while Jennifer Gibbons from the ESA argued that these servers are illegal and unapproved by Microsoft, labeling them as piracy. Gibbons stated that the ESA has two lawsuits against private servers for infringing on intellectual property rights. In contrast, Minecraft's official stance encourages the creation of third-party servers, which are vetted for compliance with community standards. The ESA maintains that private servers infringe on publishers' rights. The USTR's Notorious Market Report referenced by Gibbons does not specifically target community servers for connecting friends but focuses on those bypassing subscription services. The Protect Our Games Act did not advance but will be reconsidered. An ESA representative later clarified that private servers hosting copyrighted content without authorization infringe on publishers' rights and highlighted concerns about safety standards on these platforms.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
June 29, 2026

Microsoft reveals Windows 11 taskbar feature that Windows 10 never had, two ways to shrink in testing

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 to potentially surpass Windows 10, including the introduction of a feature that allows users to restore a smaller taskbar, addressing user requests. The new Taskbar size setting enables users to adjust the taskbar's overall size, with options for "Small" resulting in a thinner taskbar and smaller icons. Additionally, Windows 11 will receive at least ten new features, including a movable taskbar that allows positioning on any side of the screen. The Start menu is also being improved, allowing size adjustments and the removal of ads, with changes such as renaming the “Recommended” section to “Recent.”
Microsoft is quietly reinstalling Copilot on Windows 11
Winsage
June 28, 2026

Microsoft is quietly reinstalling Copilot on Windows 11

Microsoft has resumed the automatic installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on eligible commercial Windows 11 devices that use Microsoft 365 desktop applications. The rollout began in mid-June 2026 and is expected to continue into early July. The app is delivered through the Office updater and is enabled by default, requiring organizations to opt out if they do not want it. This initiative excludes countries within the European Economic Area due to stricter regulations. The move aims to simplify access to AI tools but has faced criticism regarding user consent and control over software installations.
Banking Apps, No Google, and a Locked Bootloader: How iodé Makes Privacy Android Work for Everyone
AppWizard
June 26, 2026

Banking Apps, No Google, and a Locked Bootloader: How iodé Makes Privacy Android Work for Everyone

Brian from iodé discussed the project's goal of creating a user-friendly, privacy-focused Android distribution. Key features include a tracker blocker that enhances user privacy and two app stores—F-Droid and Aurora Store—to address app compatibility concerns. Users can uninstall pre-installed apps and experience reduced notifications and ads. iodé promotes sustainability by encouraging the use of refurbished devices and aims to support a wider range of devices beyond just Google Pixels. The user base is estimated at over 10,000 individuals across various countries, with a focus on privacy and usability. iodé offers integrated privacy features and monthly security updates, supporting over 60 devices.
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