incident Archives

BetaBeacon

May 21, 2025

Google I/O 2025: Android Auto and Automotive OS Get Smarter

Google introduced major updates to Android Auto and Android Automotive OS at Google I/O 2025, signaling a push into the connected car space. Gemini AI is making its in-car debut, offering natural voice controls and contextual awareness. Navigation apps can integrate Gemini for voice-driven navigation and search. App categories are expanding across platforms, with weather apps out of beta, games entering beta, and video apps on the roadmap. Google is providing new tools and templates for developers to streamline car app development. The roadmap includes features like audio-only playback for video apps while driving and Quick Share between phone and car. The Android-powered car is becoming a standard, inviting developers to build innovative experiences beyond navigation and playlists.

Winsage

May 21, 2025

Windows 10’s latest update packs a nasty bug, and while your system might be safe, it’s vital you check now

Windows 10 users are experiencing issues with the May update, which has a bug affecting business laptops with Intel vPro processors. This bug can cause update installation failures and repeated automatic repair attempts. Microsoft has released an emergency fix, KB5061768, which users should apply before installing the May update. The problem stems from the termination of the lsass.exe service, leading to automatic repair failures and potential lockouts for users with Device Encryption or BitLocker. To recover, users may need to disable Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) and Intel VT for Direct I/O in BIOS settings, which typically requires the BitLocker recovery key. A workaround allows users to disable Intel TXT without changing Intel VT settings. Users can access BIOS by pressing keys like F2, F10, or F12 during startup, navigate to the Intel TXT setting, disable it, and then restart their PC to install the emergency patch. It is recommended to install the emergency fix before downloading the May update. Similar bugs have occurred in previous updates for Windows 10 and 11. Windows 11 users should note that a clean install of version 24H2 automatically applies Device Encryption, which requires careful management of Microsoft account credentials for recovery keys.

Tech Optimizer

May 20, 2025

Shuswap resident scammed out of $9,000 by fake antivirus software representative

A resident of Blind Bay lost ,000 in a computer fraud scheme after being persuaded by a caller claiming to represent Norton antivirus. The victim, whose identity is confidential, was convinced to withdraw money from her bank account and deposit it into a Bitcoin account. Local police are investigating the case and have highlighted the importance of public awareness regarding such scams. Resources for recognizing and avoiding fraud include the BC RCMP Frauds and Scams, Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Canadian Telecoms Association, and Competition Bureau of Canada.

Tech Optimizer

May 20, 2025

The ol’ antivirus virus scam | Scam of the Week

A reader received a fraudulent email that appeared to be from Norton, claiming they had a subscription for a service they never signed up for. The email included a reminder about an automatic renewal for a Norton Ultimate Plus plan and provided a phone number that could lead to scams. EECU, a local credit union, warned its members about this scam and advised them to verify the authenticity of such invoices with their bank to prevent identity theft.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

Minecraft inspired NFL 2025 schedule release removed due to licensing and tasteless joke

The Los Angeles Chargers and the Indianapolis Colts used Minecraft to unveil their 2025 NFL matchups. The Colts' video was taken down due to a licensing conflict with Microsoft, which owns Minecraft. The Colts included a crude joke about Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill and an insensitive clip, leading to their apology for exceeding rights with Microsoft. Hill's agent stated that Hill found humor in the situation. The Chargers' video properly credited Microsoft, raising questions about the Colts' adherence to licensing agreements.

Tech Optimizer

May 19, 2025

A spoof antivirus makes Windows Defender disable security scans

A researcher known as es3n1n explored Windows security mechanisms to bypass antivirus software validation checks in the Windows Security Center (WSC). He used tools like dnSpy and Process Monitor to analyze how legitimate antivirus solutions register with WSC. He confirmed that WSC validates the signatures of processes calling its APIs. Previously, es3n1n faced controversy when his project, no-defender, was removed from GitHub due to a DMCA takedown request from a software vendor.

AppWizard

May 16, 2025

Tyreek Hill breaks silence over controversial Colts Minecraft schedule video

The Indianapolis Colts released their 2024 schedule through a Minecraft-themed video, which included a scene featuring a pixelated dolphin in a Tyreek Hill jersey being intercepted by a Coast Guard boat. This was interpreted by many as a reference to Hill's past legal issues, leading to negative backlash. The Colts deleted the video and apologized to both Hill and Microsoft for exceeding their licensing rights. They later released a more cautious backup video. Hill humorously responded on social media, suggesting the Colts should have kept the original video up. The incident highlights the need for NFL teams to balance creativity with sensitivity in their content.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

Colts delete Minecraft-themed video over Microsoft rights, Tyreek joke

The Indianapolis Colts removed their recently released schedule video due to exceeding their rights with Microsoft and including an insensitive clip involving Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill. The video, which showcased the Colts' 2025 schedule in a Minecraft theme, included mockery of various NFL teams and players, leading to backlash. The Colts are set to host the Dolphins in their season opener this year. In contrast, the Los Angeles Chargers successfully released a Minecraft-themed video after obtaining permission from Microsoft, avoiding controversy.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

A year later, research reveals Google’s AI Overviews ‘reimagined’ Search

Recent research from BrightEdge indicates that Google's AI Overviews have resulted in a 49% increase in search impressions, although click-through rates have declined as these overviews appear in about 11% of search queries. Jim Yu, CEO of BrightEdge, noted that rather than diminishing traditional search, AI is evolving it. Google has been refining its AI Overviews since May 2024, focusing on improving reliability and addressing inaccuracies. The AI includes in-line links for source verification, enhancing credibility. Despite challenges, such as the "glue cheese on pizza" incident, Google is committed to improving the AI's discernment of legitimate queries. The functionality of AI Overviews has recently expanded to include one-tap actions for users seeking contact information related to the Galaxy S25 series.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

NFL schedule release: Colts delete their ‘Minecraft’-inspired video, after Chargers do exact same thing

The Indianapolis Colts and the Los Angeles Chargers both created "Minecraft" themed videos to roast their upcoming opponents during the NFL schedule release day. The Chargers have a history of using pop culture in their videos, while the Colts' similar approach led them to delete their video shortly after posting it, likely due to the resemblance to the Chargers' content. The Chargers' video included a disclaimer for using "Minecraft," which the Colts' version lacked, raising potential trademark concerns. The Colts later released a backup video featuring players guessing their opponents. Other teams, like the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Jets, also employed various creative strategies for the schedule release.