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Winsage
June 3, 2025
Microsoft is implementing changes in Windows 10 and Windows 11 for users in the European Economic Area (EEA) to address criticism regarding the promotion of Microsoft Edge. These changes, in response to the Digital Markets Act, include: - A broader range of link and file types will be included when users set their default browser via the “Set default” button, covering link types such as ftp, http, https, read, and file types like .htm, .html, .mht, .mhtml, .shtml, .svg, .xht, .xhtml, .xml. - The default browser will be pinned to the Taskbar unless users opt out. - Users can set the .pdf file type default for compatible browsers. - There will be fewer prompts to revert to Edge, and users will not receive reminders to reinstall Edge if it is uninstalled. - The Bing app will use the default web browser instead of defaulting to Edge. Additionally, enhancements to Windows Search will allow: - Apps to provide web search results directly within Windows Search. - Automatic enabling of web search providers upon app installation. - Viewing results from multiple web search providers simultaneously with scoping tabs for refined searches. - Reordering of web search providers in Settings. These updates are being rolled out in Windows Insider builds and are expected to reach retail versions by early June. It is uncertain if these changes will be extended to other regions.
Winsage
June 3, 2025
Microsoft is adjusting its approach in the European Economic Area (EEA) to comply with the Digital Markets Act by implementing several updates. Microsoft Edge will no longer solicit users to set it as their default browser, although reminders may still appear temporarily. This change began with an Edge update on May 29. Additionally, users who uninstall Microsoft Edge will not receive prompts to reinstall it, except for progressive web apps using Edge technology. Microsoft is also introducing an option to uninstall the Microsoft Store, with updates for previously downloaded applications continuing. This feature is expected to be available later this year for Windows 10 and 11 users.
Winsage
June 3, 2025
Microsoft is aligning its Windows 10 and 11 operating systems with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) for users in the European Union. In March 2024, Microsoft launched a Digital Markets Act Compliance website detailing plans to adapt Windows and LinkedIn. Recent updates include: - Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) can associate a wider range of file and link types with their default web browser, including ftp, http, https, .htm, .html, and .xml. New options for “Pin to Taskbar” and “Pin to Start” will also be available. - The Windows Search feature will allow applications to provide web search results directly within the interface, enabling users to filter and reorder results. - EEA users will have the option to uninstall the Microsoft Store app, while apps downloaded from the Store will continue to receive updates. Users can reinstall the Store app later. - The Bing and Start Experiences apps will direct web content to the user's default browser instead of Microsoft Edge, which will no longer prompt users to set it as the default unless opened directly. If Edge is uninstalled, other Microsoft applications will not suggest its reinstallation, except for Progressive Web Apps installed via Edge.
AppWizard
May 28, 2025
Google is enhancing the Android Auto experience by integrating its Gemini technology and introducing new car app templates for developers. The updated Spotify app will feature "Spotify Jam," allowing passengers to contribute to the car's playlist and control audio output. Users can activate the Jam feature by pressing a button and joining via a QR code. The updated Spotify app is expected to roll out in the coming months, with Amazon Music and YouTube Music also set to adopt the new templates. Video applications will soon support an audio-only mode for listening while driving, and Quick Share will enable content sharing between smartphones and vehicles. Google plans to implement passkeys and credential manager APIs for security enhancements and will enable video and web browser apps on older Android Auto platforms.
Winsage
May 26, 2025
Microsoft ceased security updates for Windows 7 in January 2020, leaving the operating system vulnerable to exploits. As of 2025, using Windows 7 poses significant risks, including challenges with modern applications and increased susceptibility to malware. Windows 11 offers enhanced security, performance, and compatibility, making it a safer alternative. Users still on Windows 7 should consider upgrading to a more secure operating system or alternatives like Linux, which continue to receive updates and support.
AppWizard
May 23, 2025
NotebookLM is Google's AI tool that allows users to curate and manage information by dictating sources for insights. The recently launched NotebookLM Android app offers a functional experience with features like smooth animations and the ability to switch between Google accounts, but lacks essential functionalities such as robust note creation and the Discover feature available on the web. Users have reported slower processing times for Audio Overviews on the app compared to the web interface. Despite initial disappointment, there is hope for improvement and users are optimistic about future updates that may enhance the app's capabilities.
Tech Optimizer
May 23, 2025
Cloudflare, in collaboration with Microsoft and international law enforcement, has dismantled the infrastructure of LummaC2, an information-stealing malware service. This initiative led to the seizure and blocking of malicious domains and disrupted digital marketplaces used by criminals. Lumma Stealer operates as a subscription service providing threat actors access to a central panel for customized malware builds and stolen data retrieval. The stolen information includes credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, and sensitive data, posing risks of identity theft and financial fraud. Lumma Stealer was first identified on Russian-language crime forums in early 2023 and has since migrated to Telegram for distribution. Its proliferation is facilitated by social engineering campaigns, including deceptive pop-ups and bundled malware in cracked software. Cloudflare implemented measures to block access to Lumma's command and control servers and collaborated with various authorities to prevent the criminals from regaining control. Mitigation strategies for users include restricting unknown scripts, limiting password storage in browsers, and using reputable endpoint protection tools. The operation has significantly hindered Lumma's operations and aims to undermine the infostealer-as-a-service model contributing to cybercrime.
AppWizard
May 14, 2025
Google is implementing new features to enhance security for Android users against phone call scams. Users will be restricted from sideloading applications or granting sensitive permissions while on a call with an unknown contact, receiving a notification that states, “This setting is blocked to protect your device.” Google has also prevented users from disabling its Play Protect security service during calls. These measures are available for devices running Android 16. Additionally, Google is piloting a feature for banking apps in the UK that alerts users of a “likely scam” when accessing these apps while sharing their screen with an unknown caller. Users can choose to end the call or face a 30-second delay before accessing their banking app’s screen. This feature will roll out for devices running Android 11 and newer. These updates build on existing scam protection tools, including AI that identifies potential scam callers and integrates scam detection into Google Messages.
Winsage
May 13, 2025
The current landscape of artificial intelligence interactions includes cloud-based tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, but some users, especially developers, prefer running large language models (LLMs) locally. Ollama provides a solution for this preference. To run LLMs effectively, hardware requirements include a GPU, with larger models needing more computational power. For example, Google's Gemma 3 has a 1 billion parameter model requiring 2.3GB of VRAM and a 4 billion parameter version needing over 9GB. Meta's Llama 3.2 has similar requirements. A modern PC with at least 8GB of RAM and a dedicated GPU can utilize Ollama. To install Ollama on Windows 11, users download the installer from the official website or GitHub and follow the installation process. Once installed, it operates in the background, indicated by an icon in the taskbar, and can be accessed via localhost:11434 in a web browser. Ollama primarily uses a command-line interface (CLI), requiring users to use PowerShell or WSL. Key commands include "ollama pull" to install LLMs and "ollama run" to execute them. For instance, to install the 1 billion parameter Google Gemma 3 LLM, users would enter "ollama pull gemma3:1b". Running the models opens a chatbot interface for user interaction, and exiting can be done by typing "/bye". Setting up Ollama is user-friendly and requires minimal technical expertise.
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