Notepad has a major security flaw that leaves Windows PCs vulnerable to hackers
A major security flaw discovered in Windows PCs involves one of the operating system’s simplest apps: Notepad. The flaw allows hackers to take over entire computers. Microsoft has released a patch for this Notepad flaw, however, as part of the August 2019 edition of Patch Tuesday.
Photos of Samsung’s upcoming Windows laptop have leaked online
Samsung might be working on a new Galaxy Book laptop and it might not look much like its predecessor, the Galaxy Book 2, at least according to a few recently leaked photos. It’s called the Galaxy Book S, and it features a clamshell design and a display with thin bezels on its sides.
Turns out the Windows 1.0 teaser tweet was all about Stranger Things after all
On Monday July 1, Microsoft’s latest social media campaign launched with 80s-style music, a throwback to past versions of Windows OS, and an odd Windows 1.0 announcement. The cryptic posts have been finally revealed to be announcements for Microsoft’s collaboration with Netflix’s Stranger Things.
Microsoft opts to save Cortana by freeing it from Windows
Microsoft has recently released Cortana as a standalone app in the Microsoft Store, and by doing so it seems like the technology company is trying to save its flagship voice assistant by setting it free from Windows. Cortana needs to be more competitive and a separate app might do the trick.
Apple has a plan to save Mac gaming, but it’s not the one you want
2019 is going to be a busy year for Mac gamers, with developers dropping support while Apple launches Apple Arcade. What lies in store for those of us who love our Mac games?
Microsoft wants to put an ad for Office right on your keyboard
Screenshots of a dedicated Office key concept have surfaced and have us wondering why Microsoft won’t leave well enough alone when it comes to Windows keyboards? The Office key concept was spotted via a survey Microsoft sent out asking some users for feedback regarding their use of the key.
Apple working with Microsoft? Service strategy puts iCloud on Microsoft Store
Want to sync your files between Apple and Microsoft devices? It’s easier than ever now that iCloud has come to the Microsoft Store. Apple and Microsoft rarely team up, but the two rivals have come together to bring iCloud for Windows to the Microsoft Store for the first time.
NSA warns about Windows exploit, ignores its own role in creation of malware
In a rare occurrence, the National Security Agency (NSA) has published a statement urging people to update their older Windows systems to protect against the BlueKeep vulnerability. The NSA does not typically comment on cybersecurity vulnerabilities in commercial products.
Older versions of Windows have critical vulnerability, should be updated ASAP
If you're running an older version of Windows, it's vital to update it as soon as possible. Microsoft has warned about a critical security issue called BlueKeep. This vulnerability is a particular concern because the vulnerability is wormable, similar to the WannaCry malware from 2017.
Your laptop can fold, but can it bend? Lenovo’s next-gen ThinkPad is flexible
Lenovo is going a step further than Samsung's Galaxy Fold with its first foldable computer. It unfolds out to offer a 13.3-inch screen, but when folded up it resembles a compact notebook. It can be used as a tablet or a traditional laptop. Here's what it's like to use.
Microsoft revamps its Windows Terminal app with emojis, themes, and more
Microsoft has announced a new update to its Windows Terminal app, giving it some more modern features that will help make it look more like a Windows 10 app. The new Windows Terminal app is available now, and comes with tabs, themes, and more, including support for emojis.
Why Windows users will never let Microsoft kill their beloved MS Paint
Despite repeated threats to remove it, Microsoft this month confirmed that MS Paint will remain a part of Windows for now. Why are users still in love with a simple graphics editor that first shipped almost 35 years ago? Digital Trends set out to find a convincing answer.
Microsoft finally accepts that nobody safely removes USB devices
The latest v1809 update for Windows 10 brought with it a number of changes, one of which altered the way Windows deals with USB devices. Instead of Better performance mode, it will now make it safer to quickly remove USB drives so you no longer need to trigger it manually via the notifications menu.
Huawei has a bold Plan B should tensions affect its software relationships
Huawei has its own software for smartphones and computers prepared, should its relationship with Google and Microsoft be adversely affected by ongoing tensions between it and the U.S.. The software's existence has long been discussed, and has now been confirmed by Huawei's CEO Richard Yu.
Microsoft continues open-source effort, releases Windows Calculator code
Microsoft is showing its continued goodwill to the open-source community, a group that was once shunned in the company's early days. With the company's latest decision, Windows Calculator code has been made available, but that might not be the most important news coming from the company.
In the age of Alexa and Siri, Cortana’s halo has grown dim
Over the past few years Cortana has been seeing a somewhat slow but painful death. It even will even be separated from Windows 10 search in the upcoming April 2019 Update. All that considered, here’s a few reasons why we think the voice assistant is on its way to an eventual doom.
Debunking Dark Mode: Here’s why it won’t improve your laptop’s battery life
Dark Mode is known to improve battery life for certain devices, like a smartphone with an OLED screen. Does that apply to laptops, as well? To find out we tested two laptops, one running Windows and one running MacOS. Read our definitive conclusion.
Microsoft leans on A.I. to resume safe delivery of Windows 10 Update
Microsoft is starting to push out the October 2018 Update after halting the latest build of Windows 10 after problems were widely reported initially. Now that those issues have been resolved, Microsoft is using artificial intelligence to ensure that the update gets pushed safely to all compatible PCs.
Microsoft to separate Cortana from search with the next version of Windows 10
Microsoft is decoupling Cortana from search in the taskbar with the next version of Windows 10 and is currently beta testing it with its Windows Insiders. The change will allow Microsoft to innovate on each of the two key Windows feature independently and was officially announced in a blog post.
Steam to drop support for Windows XP and Vista on January 1
As 2018 draws to a close, Valve is set to remove Windows XP and Windows Vista from its Steam digital storefront and gaming platform. Starting January 1, both aged Windows operating systems will no longer be supported by Steam, forcing anyone trying to game on those outdated platforms to upgrade.
You’ll soon be able to run Windows and Chrome OS on your Chromebook
Chromebooks may finally get access to the long in-development dual boot feature previously known as Project Campfire. Although not officially announced by Google as of yet, several commits within the Chromium repository suggest it could be far along in development and we may see it announced in early 2019.
Hitting ‘Check for updates’ in Windows 10 opts you into beta releases
Microsoft revealed this week that clicking the Check for updates button in Windows can opt you in to testing beta code for your operating system. They argue that people who click the button are advanced users who are seeking updates, so they will be updated to the latest optional release.
NSA tools are still letting hackers take over unpatched systems
NSA hacking tools stolen more than two years ago are still being used in new and dangerous ways. Hackers are using the tools to go after systems previously protected behind routers, potentially leaving as many as a million PCs around the world vulnerable. Make sure your PC and router are well patched.
Your new PC may have shipped with an unsupported version of Windows 10
Microsoft's recalled Windows 10 October 2018 Update may have caused some of its PC partners to ship tablets and laptops with an unsupported version of Windows 10. This issue largely affects the new crop of ARM-based Always-Connected PC devices, though it may have caused launch delays for some AMD and Intel systems.
Bing, Windows search evolve into new, cross-platform Microsoft Search
Microsoft is upgrading the search experience on Bing, in Windows, and in its Office platforms, augmenting the results with more contextual suggestions, including commands, web results, and application features, which can all be accessed at the click of a button. The rollout is set to begin immediately.
Security flaw on modern PCs could leave your encrypted data exposed
Cybersecurity researchers discovered that weaknesses in the firmware of modern PCs and Macs could allow hackers to revive the decade-old cold boot attack to steal sensitive data from your computer. However, to gain access to the exploit, hackers will need physical access to your device.
More than 60 percent of Steam gamers have finally moved to Windows 10
Windows 10 is the most popular operating system among gamers on Valve's online game service Steam. The operating system beat out Windows 7 to claim the top spot, and now accounts for more than 60 percent of the market share. Windows 7 is still more popular among non-gamers.
There’s now an app to relive your Windows 95 nostalgia on a modern PC
You can now relive all your Windows 95 nostalgia through an app designed to run on your new Windows 10, MacOS, or Linux computer. Created by a Slack developer, the app allows you to run popular titles, like Minesweeper, and even comes with floppy disk support!
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.
Happy 20th birthday, Windows 98! Here’s why we loved you
Windows 98 turns 20 today! Despite being two decades old, the OS brought important changes and innovations that we still feel today. While a customizable Start menu and Quick Launch shortcuts in the taskbar made Windows 98 feel more personal, support for USB peripherals made the OS feel even more powerful.
SwiftKey is coming to Windows 10 to improve touchscreen typing
Microsoft’s latest Insider Preview build of Windows 10 makes it easier to type on glass. SwiftKey integration is now part of Insider Preview build 17692, bringing support for swiping gestures, autocorrect, and word prediction. This should help Windows tablets and convertibles be more competitive against Android slates and iPads.
There’s a whole world outside Windows, and Microsoft finally gets it
At its annual Build developers conference, Microsoft showed how its no longer walling off its services to Windows PCs. Microsoft 365 is a new cloud-based initiative at Microsoft to bring its platforms to as many devices as possible, regardless of what company makes it. The good news? That's always a good thing for us.
Here’s how to watch the Microsoft Build 2018 day two keynote
Microsoft's annual developer conference, Build 2018, is finally upon us. The keynote speech, delivered by CEO Satya Nadella, was yesterday, but day two starts up again at 8:30 a.m. PT today, Tuesday May 8. Here's how you can catch the livestream, and be on top of any surprising developments the moment they happen.
A Snipping tool looks to be the star of Windows 10’s next release
With the release of a new WIndows 10 Insider Preview build today showcasing screen snipping enhancements as its central feature, we can expect that the next major release of Windows 10 will make it easier to capture, annotate, and share screenshots. Insiders can grab the new preview build today.