protocols

AppWizard
December 20, 2024
Google is releasing Android 16, which includes the WritingTools API that allows app developers to control the use of AI writing tools. The API introduces two methods: isWritingToolsEnabled() and setWritingToolsEnabled(), enabling applications to manage AI interactions with specific text fields. By default, AI writing tools are enabled, but developers can disable them in sensitive areas such as password fields and email addresses. This aims to standardize practices across Android keyboards, as not all third-party keyboards currently follow similar protocols. The API is part of a broader set of innovations in Android 16 Developer Preview 2, which also includes enhanced haptic controls, searchable cloud media items, and an adaptive refresh rate API.
Winsage
December 17, 2024
Linux is generally considered to offer superior security compared to Windows, with the author having experienced only one significant security incident in nearly three decades of use. 1. Windows 10 includes Windows Defender as a default firewall, while many Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu and Fedora, do not have their firewalls enabled by default. Linux firewalls allow for detailed configurations, although default settings are often sufficient for most users. 2. In Windows, administrative tasks can often be performed with a simple confirmation, whereas Linux requires users to enter their password for administrative actions using the sudo command, enhancing security. 3. Windows 10 has limited user-configurable permissions, while Linux provides comprehensive control over file and folder permissions through both command line and GUI options, contributing to its enhanced security reputation. 4. Antivirus and antimalware solutions are essential for Windows users to protect against threats, while Linux does not require such software due to its design prioritizing user permissions and advanced security measures. 5. Linux responds rapidly to vulnerabilities, often releasing patches within hours, unlike Windows, which may take weeks to address vulnerabilities and follows a Patch Tuesday schedule for updates.
Winsage
December 14, 2024
Luigi Mangione, 26, was charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and was apprehended in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after evading authorities. He was found with counterfeit identification and a 3D-printed firearm. The U.S. government indicted 14 North Korean nationals for fraudulent IT operations aimed at funding the country's nuclear ambitions, generating an estimated million while stealing sensitive information. Microsoft’s AI Recall Tool faced privacy concerns after capturing sensitive data, prompting the company to postpone its launch and enhance security measures. Cleo file-sharing software warned customers about a vulnerability exploited by cybercriminals using malware named Malichus. The U.S. government imposed sanctions on Chinese hackers accused of hijacking thousands of firewalls, targeting critical infrastructure, and offered a million bounty for information leading to their apprehension.
Winsage
December 13, 2024
A report suggested that Microsoft had relaxed its minimum system requirements for Windows 11 installations, but this claim is unsubstantiated. The actual support document referenced does not provide new instructions for installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs and instead outlines the consequences of such attempts. This document has been available since the launch of Windows 11 and was updated to include guidance on reverting to Windows 10 for users who upgraded without meeting the requirements. The document does not mention any changes regarding the requirement for TPM 2.0, which remains a critical requirement for Windows 11 installation. Microsoft has reaffirmed that the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 are unchanged and that the installer will reject attempts to upgrade or install on non-compliant PCs. The updated support article clarifies that the minimum system requirements remain in place and advises users who installed Windows 11 on unsupported devices to roll back to Windows 10.
Winsage
December 10, 2024
Microsoft has stepped away from the mobile arena, but a community is exploring running Windows on smartphones. It is now possible to install Windows 11 on select modern smartphones with Arm architecture through the Renegade Project, which provides specialized UEFI firmware for devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon SoCs. This firmware allows users to switch between various operating systems, including Windows. The installation process is complex and requires specific tools and configurations. Supported devices include the Nokia Lumia 950, 950 XL, Surface Duo, and Duo 2. A Reddit user successfully installed Windows 11 on a Xiaomi POCO X3 Pro, experiencing some touchscreen glitches but overall smooth performance. However, drawbacks include poor battery life of about 2.5 hours, lack of fast-charging support, and overheating issues. Microsoft’s last mobile OS, Windows 10 Mobile, was released in 2015, with official support ending on January 14, 2020.
Winsage
December 7, 2024
Microsoft has expanded its Windows Recall feature to Copilot+ PCs with AMD and Intel chipsets, following its initial availability on Snapdragon devices. The feature is currently in a preview stage for Windows Insiders and allows users to capture and revisit specific snapshots of their work. Microsoft has implemented privacy and security measures, including data encryption, turning Recall off by default, and requiring Windows Hello biometrics for recording sessions. Recall is also part of Microsoft's bug bounty program to address security vulnerabilities. The rollout was delayed from June to October and then to November before being launched in a limited capacity.
Winsage
December 7, 2024
Microsoft is urging users to transition to Windows 11 as the deadline for Windows 10 support approaches, with a key requirement being that PCs must have Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 for installation. Many older PCs do not meet this requirement, which will remain unchanged before the end of Windows 10 support in October 2025. As of November 2024, Windows 10 holds 61.8 percent of the Windows market share, while Windows 11 has 34.9 percent. TPM 2.0 enhances security through advanced encryption and key management, and is integrated with features like Secure Boot and Windows Hello for Business. Microsoft recommends organizations evaluate hardware for TPM 2.0 compatibility, plan and budget for necessary upgrades, and update security policies to incorporate TPM 2.0. An extended support program for Windows 10 is available, but it is not indefinite. TPM 2.0 is deemed essential for maintaining a secure IT environment and is part of a broader Zero Trust strategy.
Winsage
December 7, 2024
A zero-day vulnerability has been discovered by researchers at Acros Security, affecting all versions of Windows from 7 to 11 and Windows Server 2008 R2 and later. This vulnerability targets the Windows NT LAN Manager and allows attackers to obtain a user's NTLM credentials by having the user view a malicious file in Windows Explorer. Currently, there is no official patch from Microsoft. The 0patch platform has released a free "micropatch" for users to protect their systems until an official fix is available.
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