Microsoft confirms Windows 11 Sun Valley 2 RTM build number and hints at release date
Windows 11 users have been eagerly awaiting the release of the first feature update for the operating system. Due for release later this year, we already know quite a lot about the Sun Valley 2 update, but information posted in Microsoft's Hardware Certification portal reveals more.
We already knew that Sun Valley 2 is due for release in the second half of the year -- hence the fact it is also known as Windows 11 version 22H2. But posts relating to the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program not only reveal the build number of the RTM version, but also gives us a better idea of when we can expect Sun Valley to be released.
Microsoft is making it easier to manage your software licenses in Windows 11
Having already introduced a new subscription management feature to the Accounts section of Settings, Microsoft is taking things further with the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25126.
The latest build has just been launched on the Dev Channel, and it sees the roll out of new account settings page improvements as well as numerous fixes. The change in Settings means that it is easier to see details of all supported Office perpetual products linked to your account, in addition to Microsoft 365 subscriptions
DuckDuckGo has been quietly permitting Microsoft trackers in its 'private' web browser
Many internet users with concerns about online privacy have turned to DuckDuckGo with the impression that the browser will enable them to enjoy the web without having their activity tracked. But a discovery by a security researcher reveals that things are not as private as users would have hoped and expected.
DuckDuckGo was spotted allowing data to be transmitted via Microsoft trackers to LinkedIn and Bing ad domains. What's more, DuckDuckGo admits that an agreement exists between itself and Microsoft that allows trackers from the Windows-maker on third-party sites.
Warning: You should stop using Tails Linux NOW!
We here at BetaNews often sing the praises of Tails, as the Linux-based operating system allows you to surf the web more privately. This is particularly important for those living under oppressive governments, such as China and Russia, but it can be beneficial for all internet users -- even those in the good ol' USA.
Sadly, it seems we must warn against using Tails for now, as it has been discovered that there is a significant vulnerability in the operating system. More specifically, a vulnerability was found in the Firefox and Tor web browsers, which are core aspects of Tails 5.0. The vulnerability is so severe, that the Tails developers are asking users to suspend use of the Live distribution entirely until a Tails 5.1 ISO is released next week.
Lexar SL660 BLAZE Gaming Portable SSD features RGB lighting
How do you make a portable SSD a "gaming" drive? Just add RGB lighting, of course! Today, Lexar launches a new solid state drive that it claims is designed for gaming. Is that just marketing? Yes and no. Called "SL660 BLAZE," the USB 3.2 Gen2x2 SSD features RGB lighting and comes with a really cool stand to prop it up. While the drive itself has a USB-C connector, it comes with both a USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cable in the box.
Besides the RGB lighting gimmick (which is very cool), the SL660 BLAZE actually can benefit gamers that need to store games on both PC and console. The drive offers respectable read speeds of up to 2,000MB/s and write speeds of up to 1,900MB/s. Of course, the drive can be used by anyone that wants a fast and attractive SSD -- it isn't just limited to gaming.
Business-critical systems going unsecured and unmonitored
According to a new poll 40 percent of enterprises don't include business-critical systems such as SAP in their cybersecurity monitoring. In addition, a further 27 percent are unsure if systems are included in their cybersecurity monitoring at all.
The survey from Logpoint also shows only 23 percent say the process of reviewing SAP logs for cybersecurity events or cyberthreat activity is automated through SIEM, with almost 19 percent still doing so manually.
Identity-based attacks are top threat to businesses
Ransomware, software supply chain attacks, data breaches, and more have become an almost daily occurrence in an increasingly challenging threat landscape.
Automated threat detection company Blumira has released a new report based on its security detections which reveals that identity-based attacks and living off the land behaviors were the top threats organizations faced in 2021.
Consumers want digital identity verification from online brands
Providing a digital identity to create an online account or complete a transaction is becoming more commonplace globally and consumers are now expecting this as part of their engagement with a business.
Research carried out by Opinium for Jumio surveyed 8,000 adult consumers split evenly across the UK, US, Singapore and Mexico. It finds that 57 percent now say they have to use their digital identity 'constantly' or 'often' to access their online accounts.
Microsoft releases preview of KB5014019 update for Windows 11 bringing new features and fixes
For Windows 11 users who like to live on the edge, Microsoft has released a preview version of the KB5014019 update that will be made available to a wider audience when Patch Tuesday next rolls around.
This is an optional, non-security update, that not only addresses a number of problems that have emerged in the operating system, but also introduces Windows spotlight on the desktop which Microsoft says "brings the world to your desktop with new background pictures". There are also tweaks to Widgets, and improvements to the Family Safety verification experience.
Website shadow code represents major risk for enterprises
A new report from web application protection specialist Source Defense highlights the risk presented by the use of third and fourth party code on corporate websites.
The digital supply chain means that highly dynamic and unpredictable scripts and code from third parties and beyond, permeate every aspect of a business's web presence. This shadow code has led to some high profile breaches including the British Airways hack in 2018.
The Windows 11 Microsoft Store opens up to all Win32 apps... oh, and ads, too
Among the plethora of announcements to come out of Build 2022, Microsoft had quite a bit of news relating to the Microsoft Store in Windows 11. With a sly dig at rivals, the company pointed out that developers are able to use their own in-app commerce engines and retain one hundred percent of revenue. But the announcements about what is new are far more noteworthy.
While developers and users alike will welcome full Microsoft Store support for Win32 apps, news about the arrival of Microsoft Store Ads is likely to prove more divisive. But this is not the end of the Store-related announcements.
Microsoft announces Project Volterra to breathe life into Windows on Arm
In addition to revealing that Windows 11 users can look forward to installing third-party widgets later this year, Microsoft also used Build 2022 to announce Project Volterra.
Project Volterra is a developer-focused device powered by a Snapdragon processor, which looks remarkably similar to a Mac Mini. Featuring an integrated neural processing unit, the developer device will provide, Microsoft devs, opportunities to explore various AI scenarios.
Microsoft announces that third-party widgets are coming to Windows 11 this year
At its Build 2022 event, Microsoft confirmed what we have heard rumored for some time -- that third-party widgets will soon be making their way to Windows 11.
Although the company has not given an exact date, it says that "later this year" it will be possible for developers to start building their own widgets. It is possible -- probable, even -- that this will be linked to the release of the Sun Valley 2 feature update for Windows 11 in the coming months.
Logitech launches MX Master 3S mouse and a pair of MX Mechanical keyboards
Logitech's MX Master wireless mice are very popular with consumers, but I am not a big fan. Don't get me wrong, these mice are very well-made, but they are a bit too big for my small hands. Not to mention, I find some of the extra bells-and-whistles like the clickable thumb rest and thumb scroll-wheel to be unnecessary and distracting. In other words, not everyone will enjoy using an MX Master mouse.
Today, Logitech launches its latest such mouse -- the MX Master 3S. As the name suggests, it is only a slight improvement over the existing MX Master 3; it apparently isn't worthy of an "MX Master 4" moniker. What makes the 3S better than the 3? Essentially, it has up to 90 percent quieter clicking and an improved 8,000 DPI optical sensor. In other words, if you already have an MX Master 3, upgrading to the S variant would be a bit silly.
Apple Music finally comes to Google's Waze
If you have ever driven a car and needed directions, there's a good chance you have tried Waze. The Google-owned service is very popular thanks to its crowdsourced traffic information -- any user can report traffic jams, police speed traps, and more. It really is a useful app that can reduce travel times.
One of the coolest features of Waze is the ability to integrate with music-streaming services, such as Spotify, so you don't have to exit the navigation app to interact with music controls. This isn't just for convenience, but for safety purposes too. Sadly, the wildly popular Apple Music has not been compatible with the aforementioned Waze feature, but today, this finally changes.
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