Microsoft Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID now available
Microsoft unveiled a new keyboard last month, designed specifically for Windows 10 users. It's called Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID, and, just like its name suggests, it features a built-in fingerprint sensor that works with Windows Hello.
Microsoft did not reveal exactly when the Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID would be available, only saying that it is "coming soon." Well, that time has come, as the keyboard is now available in the US.
Most Windows 10 users still haven't been offered the Creators Update -- even owners of Surface devices
Microsoft says that in order for Windows 10 users to remain secure, "your device should be updated to the latest feature update."
The problem with this is that not everyone has been offered the latest feature update. Two months after it launched, the Creators Update continues to roll out at a glacial pace, meaning the majority of people running Windows 10 are still on the Anniversary Update, and that includes users of Microsoft’s own Surface range of devices.
As the original Windows 10 reaches end-of-service, Microsoft will start pestering you to update
It's quite some time since the launch of Windows 10 -- so long, in fact, that the original release has now reached the end of its life. Windows 10 version 1507 will no longer receive Microsoft's monthly security patches, so the company is about to start reminding hangers-on that they should update.
With so many malware attacks hitting the headlines recently, Microsoft is aiming to get as many people as possible upgraded to the latest, most secure version of Windows 10. At the moment this is Windows 10 Creators Update, but it won’t be long before Windows 10 Fall Creators Update is going to be pushed.
Windows 10's share grew by just 5 percent in a year
According to NetMarketShare’s figures, Windows 10’s share of the desktop operating system market remains pretty uninspiring, with growth much slower than you’d expect.
In fact in a year, the new OS has grown by just over 5 percent. In comparison, Windows 7 grew by 2 percent in the same time frame.
How to unlock any Windows 10 PC using a Samsung phone [Updated]
Much like Apple’s Handoff feature, Samsung’s Flow app lets you switch between different devices seamlessly. It originally only worked on Samsung phones and tablets, including the Windows 10-based Galaxy TabPro S, but an update means you can now use your smartphone to unlock any PC running the Windows 10 Creators Update.
You can also use Flow to perform other useful tasks, such as checking notifications across devices, and replying to messages directly.
This is Microsoft's cancelled Surface Mini
Microsoft came very close to launching a smaller version of its Surface slate three years ago. The Surface Mini, as it was rumored to be called, was expected to see the light of day alongside the Surface Pro 3, but mysteriously there was no sign of it at the software giant’s launch event in New York.
During the company's earnings report a few months after the launch event, Microsoft admitted it had been working on the diminutive device, but had decided "to not ship a new form factor" after all, although it didn’t give a reason. Due to the late cancellation, we never got to see what a Surface Mini would have looked like, but today details and images of it have finally surfaced (pun intended).
France drops Windows 10 privacy case after Microsoft changes telemetry settings
There have been lots of complaints about invasion of privacy since the release of Windows 10. Microsoft's telemetry lead to several lawsuits, including one from France's National Data Protection Commission which said Windows 10 was collecting "excessive personal data" about users.
But now the Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL) has decided to drop its case against Microsoft. The commission is happy that sufficient steps have been taken to reduce the amount of data that is collected and users are now informed about data collection.
Windows 10 Fall Creators Update will simplify enterprise device deployments
We've already seen that with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update Microsoft is aiming to strengthen security. The company has today revealed a number of other new features aimed at business users.
The flagship among these is Windows AutoPilot Deployment, a cloud service designed to simplify the deployment and management of new Windows 10 PCs.
Microsoft releases Windows 10 Fall Creators Update Build 16232 to the Fast ring
We’re back on the weekly release schedule, and after two jam-packed exciting new builds you might be forgiven for thinking the latest big Insider release would be a little light on new features and… you’d be wrong.
Build 16232 introduces some of the new security features which will be coming to the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, including Exploit Protection, and Controlled folder access in Windows Defender Antivirus. It also introduces improvements for Windows Defender Application Guard (WDAG).
Forget 'Steam Summer Sale' -- check out the Microsoft Xbox and PC 'Ultimate Game Sale'
Summer is here, meaning many folks will spend time outdoors at places like the beach, the park, or in the pool. Let's be honest though, not everyone is into going outside. If you are like me, rather than relaxing in the sand or playing in the water, you might choose to play video games, watch movies, or chat on IRC instead. There is no shame, guys.
Now is the time that Steam historically has its PC game sale for the summer, but the company is getting some major competition from Microsoft. The Windows-maker is once again having its own discount celebration called "Ultimate Game Sale." Unlike Steam, which only offers PC game deals, Microsoft is also offering Xbox One title discounts too. In fact, you can even go into a retail Microsoft Store to pick up the games.
Microsoft releases cumulative Windows 10 update for Insiders on the Slow ring, details changes for future builds
Windows Insiders on the Fast ring have received two major new builds recently, but as always it’s been much quieter for those on the Slow ring.
However, a new build is on its way, and in preparation for that, Microsoft has a released cumulative update KB4022716 to those on the Slow ring. Insider chief Dona Sarkar also reveals Insiders won’t get the forthcoming new build automatically.
Europe guts Google, and that's just wrong
Today the European Union gave Apple a great gift to celebrate iPhone's 10th anniversary (on June 29th): The ridiculous, record $2.7 billion fine, and associated sanctions, against Google that once again demonstrates the EU's small-minded oversight that wrongly regulates evolving technologies in a big world. The adverse antitrust ruling finds that the online titan favored its own online shopping services (and paying customers) over rivals.
In February 2010, with the EU Competition Commission's preliminary investigation starting, I rightly called "Google a dangerous monopoly". Seven years later, the competitive landscape has dramatically changed, and rapidly evolves. The Commission's action is too much, too late, and in the short-term can only benefit rivals like Apple that will dominate online activities and commerce as what we knew as traditional web search becomes something else.
How to get regular free security updates for Windows XP and Vista
Two months ago, in an effort to fightback against the WannaCry ransomware, Microsoft took the 'highly unusual' step of releasing a patch for Windows XP, the ancient operating system it stopped supporting back in 2014 (even though, as it turned out, it was really Windows 7, not XP, that was to blame for the spread of the devastating malware).
Then just two weeks ago, Microsoft included Windows XP and Vista -- another operating system it no longer supports -- in June's Patch Tuesday updates. Despite these recent actions, neither XP nor Vista are going to receive regular security updates from Microsoft, meaning users still running either OS remain at serious risk. However, the good news is there are a couple of tricks you can use to continue receiving security updates for both XP and Vista.
Google Chrome bests Microsoft Edge in new battery life tests
Ask Microsoft which browser offers the best battery life on Windows 10 and it will not hesitate to tell you that Microsoft Edge is the best. And it has the test results to prove it: on a Surface Book, for instance, Microsoft Edge lasts a couple of hours longer than Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, which is remarkable.
But, and there is a but, an independent test disputes Microsoft's claim. YouTuber Linus Tech Tips has pitted Microsoft Edge against Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Opera and discovered that it does not deliver as strong a performance as Microsoft claims.
SUSE Linux distributions now available for Windows 10 in the Store, but only for Insiders
During Build 2017, Microsoft delighted open source enthusiasts with a surprise announcement -- Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora, and SUSE) was coming to the Windows Store. If you were running Windows 10 (not including the crippled "S" version) you would soon be able to install a Linux distribution directly from the official software store. Exactly when these distros would become available was unknown, sadly.
Ubuntu and Fedora are still not yet in the Windows Store, but starting today, both SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 and openSUSE Leap 42 are -- sort of. You see, while they are technically in the store, you must be a Windows Insider running Windows 10 build 16190.0 or higher to install. If you are like me and you aren't running an Insider build because you prefer a stable experience, you are out of luck for now. Sigh.
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