Cloud-based call recording is coming to Skype, but will you use it?
The next release of the Skype VOIP client will add call recording for both voice and video chats, bringing users a feature that has been available to businesses for years. Until now, home users who wanted to record calls had to use third-party software, but once August rolls around, that's all going to change.
Microsoft’s foldable ‘Andromeda’ pocket device may never surface
Unnamed sources say Microsoft’s unannounced two-screen “Andromeda” project may be put on hold indefinitely. Executives made the decision over the last several weeks to not include the software components and services used by Andromeda in the next Windows 10 feature release.
Alexa for PC invades your notebook, signs a truce with Cortana
It's only recently that digital assistants have been invading enemy territory, with Cortana firing the initial salvos with clients for iOS and Android. Now, Alexa for PC is arriving on Windows 10 notebooks, and we tested her on the first to ship with Alexa pre-installed, the Acer Spin 5 2-in-1.
Apple fixes MacBook Pro keyboard issue — sorta
Apple's MacBook Pro has had keyboard reliability issues since 2016. The 2018 MacBook Pro boasts a quieter keyboard than earlier models - but what's touted as a new feature actually may be a fix for an old problem. It that's the case, Apple's not telling. A 2018 model teardown uncovered a surprising coverup.
Microsoft calls for Congress to regulate use of facial-recognition tech
Microsoft's president and chief legal officer argues that the use of facial-recognition technology needs regulation. This will help put the public at ease and ensure that the technology is only used for its intended purpose. Microsoft urges Congress to assemble a commission of experts to help.
Apple’s newest MacBook Pro is now $150 off if you’re a student
Apple only launched its refreshed MacBook Pro this week, but deals are already starting to pop up for the powerful Mac notebook. Students can now score a discount of $150 through Best Buy, bringing the starting cost for a Touch Bar-equipped model with an 8th-generation Intel processor down to $1,649.
Microsoft’s pressure-sensitive software keyboard is ripe for dual-screen laptops
Microsoft is working on a new virtual keyboard that recognizes pressure to make it easier to type on glass. The keyboard may be useful on tablets, phones, and a new crop of dual-screen devices that will show up this year. It will be a great fit on Andromeda, if Microsoft ever decides to launch that device.
Microsoft patent paves way for a touch- and smudge-free tablet future
While touchscreens are great for navigating on smartphones and tablets, your greasy fingers leave annoying prints on the surface, blurring the view. Microsoft aims to change that by implementing a design that relies on touch-free input. This design appears in a granted patent published on July 10.
Netgear router bug let hackers steal classified documents on drones, tanks
Documents from the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army were stolen by a hacker who used a simple exploit on a Netgear router after finding that its admin password had not been changed from the default. Those documents were then offered up for sale on the dark web alongside aerial drone footage and training manuals.
Apple’s sticky key problem isn’t going away on the 2018 MacBook Pro
Apple introduced a new third-generation keyboard when it launched the 2018 MacBook Pro, but it didn't address a major user pain point that caused the keys on last year's model to become sticky and unresponsive. There's no engineering fix, and Apple is instead promoting a quieter typing experience this year.
Need the FCC to handle a problem? A formal complaint will cost you $225
The FCC voted on a new rule intended to streamline informal and formal complaints. The change sees informal complaints referred back to the original company and formal complaints costing $225. Critics argue that the agency is simply trying to skirt its obligations to protect consumers.
Google Chrome now consumes more memory due to a new Spectre fix
Version 67 of Google’s Chrome browser for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS now includes a new security feature called Site Isolation. This new component protects web surfers against Spectre-based attacks on the internet but for a price: 10 to 13 percent more system memory consumption.
Bring magic to your desktop with a $699 external GPU for MacBook Pros, iMacs
Blackmagic Design teamed up with Apple to create an external graphics card enclosure with a built-in AMD Radeon Pro 580. Called the Blackmagic eGPU, it connects to Mac devices via a Thunderbolt 3 port (40GBps). It’s available now through Apple’s online shop and its brick-and-mortar stores.
New MacBook Pros are the most powerful laptops Apple has ever made
Apple has debuted a new generation of MacBook Pro laptops. Available in both 13- and 15-inch form factors, the new notebooks sport the most powerful hardware Apple has ever included in a laptop. Eighth-generation CPUs, up to 32GB of RAM, and 4TB of storage are available, with a newly designed keyboard.
Intel upgrades the entry-level workstation market with six-core Xeon E CPUs
Intel now provides 10 new processors under the Xeon E-2100 Series brand targeting entry-level workstations. The new CPUs are an ideal upgrade for companies who haven’t refreshed their workstation hardware in three to five years, providing the latest 8th Gen processor technologies.
Is there a new ‘next-generation’ Windows OS just around the corner?
An announcement by AMD and Synaptics that discusses their new biometric fingerprint sensor technology hinted at more than just new security. During the announcement they mentioned a "next-generation" Windows, which could mean Windows Core OS, Windows Polaris, or some other form of new Windows OS entirely.
Google’s Chrome desktop browser is about to receive a major facelift
If you subscribe to Google’s nightly build of Chrome “Canary,” the latest release for Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS now sports a much-needed facelift thanks to the new Material Design user interface. It’s set as the default, providing enhancements to the boring outdated Chrome look.
AT&T to sell the Magic Leap One Creator Edition AR headset in U.S. this summer
AT&T said it signed a deal to be the exclusive wireless distributor of Magic Leap’s products in the United States. First up to bat will be the Magic Leap One Creator Edition headset that will be sold in select stores in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco this summer.
Mac Mini could make a comeback this year with a rumored refresh
After more than three years, Apple may breathe new life into the Mac Mini this year. Along with a rumored refresh across its Mac computer family, the Mac Mini is speculated to be get an update that brings a new processor, delivering better performance. A refresh is also planned for the MacBook, MacBook Pro, and iMac.
Money-laundering ‘Bitcoin Maven’ receives one-year prison sentence
Theresa Tetley of Los Angeles, also known as the Bitcoin Maven, gets sentenced to one year in prison. The prison term is down from the 30 months that she faced for running an unlicensed money transmission business and, in at least one instance, exchanging Bitcoin for cash that came from illegal means.
Hackers can purchase government login credentials for cheap on the dark web
McAfee recently discovered that hackers have access to many organizations that have weak credentials when using Microsoft’s Remote Desktop component in Windows-based systems. Access to these organizations can be bought for little money through specific shops on the dark web.
Congress demands answers over Gmail fiasco, data collection on phones
Congress is now demanding answers from Apple and Google regarding data collection on iOS and Android devices. Both Apple CEO Tim Cook and Alphabet CEO Larry Page received letters from the Energy and Commerce Committee seeking explanations about how these devices use recorded audio and more.
Microsoft’s Surface Mobile Mouse is the ideal companion for your Surface Go
Along with introducing the $399 Surface Go, Microsoft revealed a new Surface Mobile Mouse you can pre-purchase now for $35. The peripheral will ship on August 2 in platinum, burgundy, and cobalt blue colors, matching the colors offered with the new Surface Go Signature Type Cover.
AMD’s second-gen Ryzen Threadripper CPUs could rip into stores in August
AMD’s next-generation Ryzen Threadripper desktop processors for enthusiasts will supposedly launch in August. We already knew they were on the way given AMD introduced the Threadripper 2000 family during Computex, but now unnamed sources close to AMD are providing an actual launch date.
The Surface Go tablet unofficially leaks online
Thanks to a new leak online, the name and specs for Microsoft's new Surface tablet have been revealed: The Surface Go. Starting at $400, the new tablet takes the Surface line in new direction, looking to compete more with the iPad than a traditional laptop replacement. That is, according to the leak.
AMD’s next batch of Ryzen desktop CPUs may focus on better power efficiency
Although AMD introduced its second-generation Ryzen desktop processors in April, a recent leak shows another batch is on the way that will focus on better power efficiency. One of the processors in question is the Ryzen 7 2700E, which appeared in the 3DMark database with a 45-watt power draw.
An Apple fan took six months to cross-stitch the original Mac’s Control Panel
Clearly one of Apple’s biggest fans, Glenda Adams recently jumped on Twitter to showcase a hand-stitched version of the original MacOS Control Panel. More specifically, she stitched each pixel as seen on the original screen, taking nearly six months of “on and off” hand-stitching.
Think you’re an Apple fan? This collection of prototypes has you beat
If you thought you were Apple’s biggest fan, Hap Plain likely has you beat. He owns more than 250 prototypes manufactured by the company spanning PowerBooks, iBooks, iPhones, iPods and “pretty much everything in-between.” It may be the largest private collection of Apple prototypes in the world.
Timehop data breach may have compromised 21 million email addresses
Timehop revealed that it experienced a cyberattack that occurred on July 4 after the company discovered suspicious activity on its servers. The attacker was able to breach Timehop's network by obtaining an administrative login credential that was not secured by multi-factor authentication.
Watch artist rendition of a pixelated, dancing Donald Glover made on a 1987 Mac
A video on Instagram showcases an animation of Donald Glover performing his dance pulled from the This is America music video (aka Childish Gambino). What makes this animation unique is that its creator used Apple’s old Macintosh SE all-in-one PC along with the MacPaint and MacroMind Director.
Fans petition Microsoft to save the Surface Phone from cancellation
Fans of the Surface Phone are hoping that a new petition will deter Microsoft from canceling the device. The Surface Phone was rumored to launch later this year with a pocketable and innovative dual-screen design. It was said to be canceled because Microsoft did not see a compelling reason to bring it to market.
Cryptocurrency may be why you still don’t have Nvidia GTX 11 Series graphics
Unnamed sources point to the current overabundance of add-in graphics cards as to why you’re not already seeing Nvidia’s new GeForce GTX 11 Series on store shelves. Nvidia reportedly has around one million chips ready for release but is holding back because there is simply no room for next-gen cards.
Apple registers 10 unannounced MacBook and iPad devices overseas
French website Consomac discovered that Apple just registered upcoming MacBooks and iPads with the Eurasian Economic Commission. The filings are a requirement for encrypted devices that will be sold in Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia. They list 10 models altogether.
Your body heat can help attackers steal your password in new attack
Hackers have a new way to steal your login by looking at heat traces left behind on each key using a $400 FLIR infrared camera. Touch typists are less susceptible to this type of attack than those who hunt and peck at each key, but those who type with acrylic nails are virtually immune to this type of password theft.