October 2023
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Microsoft will no longer support the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 21H2 (October 2021 update) and Windows Server 2012 after October 10.
Effective October 10, 2023, Duo will no longer support Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2. See Guide to Duo end-of-life and end-of-support plans for more information. This will affect users of Remote Desktop with Server 2012 using RDGateway for remote access.
Windows 11 23H2 is expected in November. It will turn on Copilot by default.
If you use Windows 11, be sure you are on Windows 11 22H2 because it will minimize problems with the upcoming updates.
The latest Windows 11 (Moment 4) update is rolling out now with over 150 new features. Most of the big changes are coming earlier than expected.
Snipping Tool adds the ability to identify text in an image (using AI, of course) and then extract that text to the Clipboard.
The new Adaptive Dimming feature is designed to dim the screen (saving energy) if the sensor determines your attention is directed elsewhere.
AI-enhanced tools in Paint.
Improvements to the volume mixer in Quick Settings allow audio customization per app.
It will add native support for RAR and 7-zip file formats.
The new Outlook on Windows is free on any Windows device (formerly Windows Mail).
The September Windows updates will install the new Windows Backup app on both Windows 10 and 11.
This is despite the notice that Windows 10 22H2 is the final release, with no further feature updates. It will show on the start menu:
This is not actually a backup program. It seems designed to help migrate settings from Windows 10 to Windows 11. It only works with a Microsoft personal account and backs up specific folders and in-store applications to your personal OneDrive account.
We recommend you ignore it. At the present time, there is no way to remove it.
Microsoft is Rolling out Support for Passkeys in Windows 11
Based on FIDO standards, Passkeys are a more secure replacement for passwords.
On Windows, passkeys are created through Windows Hello. Users can manage their saved passkeys by heading to Start > Settings > Accounts > Passkeys.
Apple, Google, and others now offer Passkeys as an alternative to passwords.
Microsoft Office Add-ins are being promoted with the addition of a fixed ‘Get Add-ins’ item to the File menu.
Microsoft is killing WordPad in Windows after 28 years.
Everything Microsoft announced at its Surface and AI event.
You can watch the event here.
OneCalendar displays a chronologically ordered list of edited OneNote pages, making it easy to find recent work. Download OneTastic and OneCalendar from https://getonetastic.com/.
macOS Sonoma is now available.
The annual Mac update adds desktop widgets, new screensavers and a Game Mode.
Engadget’s in-depth preview of the latest version of macOS.
Apple iOS 17 was released. This is a relatively large release: depending on your device it may offer 4GB to 6GB of data to download. Review your free space and backup before upgrading. You may have to hard-shut it down and reboot it after install.
Apple’s iPhone lineup now consists of the iPhone SE ($480), iPhone 13 ($600), iPhone 14 ($700), iPhone 15 ($800), and iPhone 15 Pro ($1000) -each with 128GB of storage.
Owners of iPhones or any other Apple devices with the Lightning jack may want to act now if you need accessories. Apple may be pulling such accessories off the shelf quickly – to be replaced by their USB-C accessories. iPhone 15 devices have switched from Lightning to USB-C.
Amazon announcements at its 2023 Devices and Services event.
Hulu’s streaming bundle prices are going up again.
Starting in early 2024, Prime Video shows and movies will include limited advertisements.
Unless you pay an additional $3/Month.
Rocket Money manages your subscriptions to help you stop paying for things you no longer need – for a subscription fee. You can join for free, manage your subscriptions, and then cancel.
The FCC plans to restore net neutrality rules.
When net neutrality rules are enforced, internet service providers are not allowed to block or give preference to any content. They can’t throttle access to specific websites or charge streaming services for faster service.
Elon Musk Disables Option to Report Misinformation On X/Twitter.
X reportedly cuts half of its election integrity team.
The world’s first 3D-printed salmon is now in stores.
CHATBOTS and AI
“… Microsoft is announcing our new Copilot Copyright Commitment. As customers ask whether they can use Microsoft’s Copilot services and the output they generate without worrying about copyright claims, we are providing a straightforward answer: yes, you can, and if you are challenged on copyright grounds, we will assume responsibility for the potential legal risks involved.” blog.
The White House issued a Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights.
Amazon Announces Alexa AI Updates
Amazon Is Using Your Conversations With Alexa to Train AI.
An NYPD security robot will be patrolling the Times Square subway station.
AI-generated e-book spam is now in the Kindle store.
Hackers were using chatbots to create fake e-books — mostly novels full of gibberish — and posting them into the Amazon Kindle Unlimited (KU) service. They then launched scripts to “read” their works, getting paid by Amazon.
A Guide to Generating Fantasy Novels with GPT-Author
Actor Tom Hanks Warns of Ad With AI Imposter
SECURITY
QR codes embedded in images bypass email security tools that scan a message for known malicious links, allowing the phishing messages to reach the target’s inbox.
Fake Cisco Webex Google Ads abuse tracking templates to push malware.
When looking to source software, it is a good practice to always skip promoted results on Google Search and only download directly from the software developer or a well-known, trusted site.
CISA warns of attacks using Microsoft Word, Adobe bugs.
Adobe warns of critical Acrobat and Reader zero-day exploited in attacks. Be sure to update.
Cars Are the Worst abusers of Privacy
“…they can collect … your medical information, your genetic information, to your “sex life”, how fast you drive, where you drive, and what songs you play in your car.
…most (84%) of the car brands we researched say they can share your personal data — with service providers, data brokers, and other businesses we know little or nothing about. 76% say they can sell your personal data.
Subaru’s privacy policy says that even passengers have “consented” to allow them to use — and maybe even sell — their personal information just by being inside. Tesla says: you can opt out of data collection, but it might break your car.
National Student Clearinghouse data breach impacts 890 schools.
Microsoft AI researchers accidentally exposed terabytes of internal sensitive data.
Experts Fear Crooks are Cracking Keys Stolen in LastPass Breach.
HUMOR
Tim Torian