Updated, lightweight Microsoft Store offers faster downloads and multi-app parallel installations
In response to user feedback, Microsoft has launched Microsoft Store installers for web with refined workflow and faster app downloads.
The changes only apply to Store apps installed directly from apps.microsoft.com, but for anyone using this approach rather than the Microsoft Store app, there are great improvements to the UX. Fewer clicks are now needed to locate and install an app, individual installations are faster, and parallel installation of multiple apps are possible.
Netflix says it will no longer share details of subscriber numbers
In a letter to shareholders, Netflix says that it is to stop reporting quarterly membership numbers. The company will, mostly, keep details about subscriber numbers to itself from Q1 2025, it announced.
Although Netflix will instead start to report the amount of time users spend on its platform as well as information about revenue growth, the company says that it will still share "major subscriber milestones as we cross them". In its shareholder letter, Netflix also boasts that it is generating very substantial profit and free cash flow.
Microsoft releases preview version of Office 2024 for Windows and macOS -- download it now!
Having just issued a reminder to users of the non-subscription Office 2016 and 2019 about the impending end of support, Microsoft has now released the first preview of Office LTSC 2024.
There are advantages and disadvantages to using the long-term serving channel edition of Office, not least of which is that it is available for a one-time payment. While users miss out on some of the features of Microsoft 365 and the suite receives far fewer updates, this version remains a great option for businesses and organizations who want to avoid the disruption of unwanted changes from more frequent updates. Here's how to get hold of the Microsoft Office 2024 preview right now.
Cisco warns of serious CLI command injection vulnerability in its Integrated Management Controller
A serious security vulnerability exists in Cisco Integrated Management Controller (IMC) which can be used by an attacker to elevate privileges to root.
The company has issued a warning about the vulnerability and acknowledged the availability of proof-of-concept exploit code for it. The high severity warning is accompanied by the release of patches, as well as a note that there is no workaround other than a software update.
The next Bitcoin halving is imminent and price volatility is likely
For only the fourth time, there is a Bitcoin Halving on the horizon. Occurring -- roughly -- every fours years, the first took place in November of 2012, the second in July of 2016, and the third in May of 2020. The next is due on April 19 or 20.
The exact date and time is not known as a halving takes place every 210,000 blocks, and it is a mechanism designed to make Bitcoins rare. But just what does it mean in practice for both miners and investors? While it is hard to predict precisely what will happen, market volatility is likely to be the order of the day.
Microsoft tries to calm fears after Edge update also appeared to install Copilot in Windows Server
Microsoft caused concern when it released an update to its Edge browser. Despite having decided not to add its AI-powered assistant Copilot to Windows Server 2025 because of complaints from admins, users were upset to find that Copilot suddenly appeared in the list of installed apps for Windows Server 2022.
What's going on? Nothing sinister, insists Microsoft. The company has scrabbled to calm the fears of administrators saying that while a package called "Microsoft chat provider for Copilot in Windows" may well show up, Copilot has not actually been installed and it is not collecting any data.
Google Drive finally gets dark mode on the web
It has been an extraordinarily long time coming, but Google has finally decided to flip the switch on dark mode for Drive on the web.
Much like AI is at the moment, the spread of a dark mode option for apps and websites was something of a cultural and technological phenomenon a few years ago. Quite why it has taken Google such a long time to jump back on this particular bandwagon is anybody's guess, but dark mode will be welcomed by Google Drive users none the less. Here's what you need to know.
Microsoft issues reminder about end of support for Office 2016 and Office 2019
For anyone who is using Office 2016 or Office 2019, there is just 18 months of support remaining. Microsoft has reminded users about the October 2025 date for end of support and warned that this could leave individuals and organizations exposed to security issues. Also affected are Exchange Server and Skype for Business Server.
Microsoft says that as of mid-October next year it will no longer provide security fixes, bug fixes, or technical support. The advice -- it will not surprise you -- is to upgrade to Microsoft 365 to access the likes of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams.
New, higher pricing for Microsoft Dynamics 365 kicks in in October
Users of Microsoft Dynamics 365 have larger bills on the horizon. Microsoft has just announced the first price increase in over half a decade, with leaps of between 10 and 16 percent.
As well as pointing to the period of time that has elapsed since the last increase, Microsoft justifies the upcoming hike by stressing how Dynamics 365 has transformed CRM and ERP . New pricing comes into effect in October.
Google is making it harder to block ads on YouTube
Anyone using a third-party app to block ads on YouTube is likely to find that their viewing is interrupted. Google has announced that it is further clamping down on ad-blocking tools which are seen by many people as a handy way to avoid paying for YouTube Premium.
The company says that by blocking ads with apps that violate its terms of service, users are starving creators of an income stream and, of course, failing to line Google's pockets.
More people can now upgrade to Windows 11 after Microsoft lifts Intel Smart Sound Technology compatibility block
After almost two-and-a-half years, an issue that prevented some people with Intel 11th Gen Core processors from upgrading to Windows 11 has finally been addressed.
Microsoft has quietly announced that compatibility issues with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers and Windows 11 have been "resolved externally". Until now, there has been a compatibility hold in place for devices with both an Intel 11th Gen Core processor and certain versions of the Intel SST driver, but now this has been lifted, it is possible for owners of such systems to upgrade to Windows 11.
Microsoft 'improves' Windows 11 by bringing ads to the Start menu in the US
In a move which is likely to be greeted with a hostile reception, Microsoft is continuing its obsession with injecting advertising into Windows. The company is using Windows Insiders signed up for Beta Channel to test the controversial addition of ads in the Windows 11 Start menu.
For now, this is a trial which is limited to beta testers in the US, but even if the most negative feedback is forthcoming, it is hard to imagine that Microsoft will back down and not roll out Start menu ads to all Windows 11 users.
Windows 11 slammed for its 'comically bad' performance even on high-end hardware
Just about everyone who has used Windows has at some time complained that it is slow. The sluggish performance of Windows 11 -- in particular the Start menu -- has even been noted by an ex-Microsoft developer who worked on the creation of the operating system.
Software developer Andy Young has bemoaned the "comically bad" performance of the Windows 11 Start Menu despite using what would objectively be considered high-end hardware. He is leading calls for Windows "to be as good as it once was".
Build 2024: Microsoft plans to enhance PowerToys with new AI tools
Artificial intelligence is just about impossible to avoid, and not content with packing Windows with AI-powered features, Microsoft is doing the same with PowerToys.
Details are currently a little thin on the ground, but the popular collection of utilities is due to gain a new module called Advanced Paste. Microsoft has not yet revealed much about the upcoming tool, but the schedule of events for next month's Build conference includes a session called "PowerToys Advanced Paste with Local AI".
Microsoft is up to its old tricks yet again -- Windows 10 users harassed with full-screen Windows 11 upgrade warnings
Microsoft, it seems, never learns. Despite having repeatedly riled users by pestering them with ads for its products the company seems intent on continuing to use Windows to badger people.
The latest example of this is a full screen message displayed to Windows 10 users inviting them on a "new journey with Windows". The nag screen serves as a reminder that support for Windows 10 comes to an end in 18 months, but it is also being used to promote Windows 11 -- even on computers that are not able to run the latest version of the operating system.
Sofia Elizabella's Bio
Sofia Wyciślik-Wilson is a queer, transgender journalist based in Poland. She has been writing about technology for more than two decades, and after years working for magazines, her writing moved online. She is fueled by literature, music, nature, and vegetables. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter and Mastodon. If you like what you read, you can Buy her a Coffee!
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