Parallels Archives

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Windows Weekly 927: Up to Stuff

Leo, Richard, and Paul discussed Microsoft's recent innovations, including the Windows 11 Feature Tracker, insights from Microsoft Build, advancements in consumer AI, and updates from the gaming sector, particularly Xbox. A new free newsletter offers three time-saving tips every Friday, and subscribers receive complimentary copies of Paul Thurrott's Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides. The Windows 11 Feature Tracker aims to be a comprehensive resource and may evolve into a web app or wiki. The Windows Insider Program's Beta build for 23H2 introduces changes to file new tabs and new windows, while a nostalgic taskbar icon scaling feature is returning in the Dev and Beta (24H2) versions. Intel has discontinued its Unison app and service. The Build session catalog emphasizes AI developments, with sessions covering Windows Copilot Runtime and productivity enhancements. Microsoft unveiled new Copilot features at a consumer AI event, including web actions and memory personalization, and integrated Copilot Search into Bing. Concerns about AI's impact on human intelligence were discussed, particularly in relation to a Twitter debate on Microsoft's AI demo of Quake II. Microsoft announced an Xbox Games Showcase for June, with updates to the Edge Game Assist feature and GTA V available on Game Pass starting April 15. The Nintendo Switch 2 will support ray tracing and DLSS, though its release is delayed due to tariff challenges. Apple Music for Windows now supports Dolby Atmos, and notable software includes Notion, Typora/iA Writer, and Proton Pass. This week's RunAs Radio episode focuses on Application Risk in Security Copilot. The Heart Cut #02 from the East London Liquor Company is recommended for a unique tasting experience.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

Windows 365 Link Cloud PC now available for $349.99

Microsoft has launched the Windows 365 Link, its first cloud PC, available for purchase in the U.S. at a price of .99. The device features an Intel N250 processor, 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and 64GB of UFS storage. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-A 3.2 Gen1, USB-A 3.2 Gen2, USB-C 3.2, Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, and DisplayPort 1.4. It measures 120 x 120 x 30mm. The device requires a stable internet connection for optimal performance, and its hardware specifications may not meet the demands of intensive tasks. In comparison, Apple's Mac Mini, priced at 9, features an M2 chip, 8GB of unified memory, and 256GB of SSD storage. Microsoft claims that Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop can save employees 6 to 12 minutes daily and organizations between .1M and .2M over three years through BYOPC programs. The Windows 365 Link is aimed at businesses integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem, offering a cost-effective solution for cloud-managed workstations.

TrendTechie

April 4, 2025

Особый Minecraft появился на торрентах. Такого не покажут в кино

The film adaptation of "Minecraft," starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, was leaked online a day before its official release. The leaked version, labeled as the "Director’s Cut," is an unfinished draft with incomplete graphics and special effects. It features scenes that align closely with the theatrical release but lacks polish, showing issues like actors' hands merging with 3D characters and visible filming equipment. This incident parallels a similar leak of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" in 2009, which also showcased unpolished effects and led to changes in the film's ending before its release.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered review

The Last of Us Part 2 features a narrative that explores themes of vengeance and the moral dilemmas of violence, focusing on characters Abby and Ellie who are caught in a cycle of revenge amidst conflicts involving the military junta FEDRA, the Washington Liberation Front, and the Seraphites. The game introduces several enhancements in its recent PC release, including ultrawide support, HDR, enhanced graphics options, improved accessibility settings, and a new “speech to vibrations” feature. It also includes new gameplay modes such as a guitar-playing feature for Ellie and a roguelite mode called No Return, which emphasizes strategic resource management in randomized combat encounters. Despite its rich audiovisual presentation and engaging combat, the game has faced performance issues on PC, particularly with an RTX 3060 Ti, and its narrative has been criticized for being clichéd and for its handling of violence and power dynamics. A day-one patch is expected to address some of these performance concerns.

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

Nintendo got a Bloodborne spiritual sequel before PC even got the first game

FromSoftware is developing a new game titled The Duskbloods, set for release in 2026, which is a spiritual successor to Bloodborne. The game features gothic architecture, beast transformation mechanics, and characters that can morph into monstrous forms, including a miniature T-Rex. It incorporates vampiric themes where vampires can siphon power from defeated foes. The gameplay will include elements like runes, firearms, and a focus on steampunk technology, with characters using jetpacks and a functioning train. The game is exclusive to Nintendo Switch.

Tech Optimizer

March 31, 2025

Traditional EDR can’t keep up with modern cyber threats

By 2025, the global cost of cybercrime is projected to reach .5 trillion annually. Many organizations continue to use outdated Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions, which are increasingly ineffective against sophisticated cyber threats. EDR was introduced in 2013 but has struggled to keep pace with evolving attack techniques. Traditional EDR is reactive, responding to incidents after they occur, and relies on known Indicators of Compromise (IoCs), which limits its effectiveness. Real-world examples of traditional EDR failures include a misconfigured update to CrowdStrike’s Falcon EDR causing an IT outage, the Akira ransomware exploiting an unsecured webcam, the Medibank breach despite multiple alerts from EDR, and the BlackCat ransomware attack on Henry Schein. These incidents highlight the inadequacy of traditional EDR in preventing modern threats. The next phase of endpoint security is Preemptive Endpoint Protection (PEP), which actively prevents attacks rather than just detecting and responding to them. PEP utilizes proactive strategies like Automated Moving Target Defense (AMTD) and Adaptive Exposure Management (AEM), and research indicates that organizations using proactive security save 30% more on breach costs compared to those relying solely on reactive measures.

AppWizard

March 29, 2025

The new game from former Grand Theft Auto producer Leslie Benzies is coming in June, and boy it sure looks like a Rockstar game

Build a Rocket Boy has announced that its game, MindsEye, will be released on June 10, 2025, for PC and consoles simultaneously. The game is set in a near-future desert metropolis called Redrock City, featuring a narrative centered around Marco Silva, a tech genius, and Shiva Vega, the city's mayor. The game emphasizes a tightly crafted story about technology and ambition, contrasting with the open-ended nature of traditional GTA titles. Players can pre-purchase MindsEye on Steam for £55/€60, receiving a deluxe edition upgrade that includes exclusive cosmetics and a premium pass for additional missions and challenges throughout 2025 and early 2026.

AppWizard

March 29, 2025

Google Maps taps Gemini for an ‘Ask about place’ chip with directions and more

Google is introducing a new feature in its Maps application called the "Ask about place" chip, powered by its AI model, Gemini. This feature allows users to ask questions about a selected location, providing information such as directions and travel details. The feature is currently being tested and may not function perfectly at all times. Additionally, Google is working on another update to improve user-friendliness, which will display essential information like parking availability and estimated time of arrival (ETA) upon setting a destination.

Tech Optimizer

March 26, 2025

Video: Why didn’t CCI see Microsoft Defender as anti competitive?

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) ruled that Microsoft's integration of its antivirus software, Microsoft Defender, with the Windows operating system does not pose a significant threat to market competition. A complaint claimed that this practice gave Microsoft an unfair advantage and hindered third-party antivirus developers. Microsoft defended its actions as standard industry practice, stating that users can still choose to install alternative antivirus solutions.

AppWizard

March 25, 2025

Trump officials discussing war plans on messaging app lambasted as ‘amateur hour’

A congressman described the situation as "FUBAR," reflecting disarray over revelations that Trump administration officials discussed military strategies in a Signal app group chat. Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic was inadvertently included, and the chat involved Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz discussing potential military action against Houthi rebels in Yemen. Brian Hughes from the National Security Council confirmed the authenticity of the group, which raises concerns about national security protocols and potential violations of the Espionage Act. The chat included discussions critical of European nations regarding U.S. military support. Goldberg noted skepticism about the chat's authenticity due to the use of emojis, and Senator Ruben Gallego criticized the professionalism of the dialogue.