Microsoft releases its first Canary update in 2024. Windows 11 Build 26020 improves Voice Access commands, Narrator, and other voice options. Besides, it comes with improvements for sharing and printing. Finally, this build no longer has WordPad and Steps Recorder preinstalled - both are now deprecated. Finally, there is now an option to pause/resume printing jobs.
Author: Sergey Tkachenko
Microsoft Copilot app released for iOS and iPadOS
Microsoft has finally released its Copilot app for iOS and iPadOS, following the release of the Android version. This app, which is similar to the ChatGPT mobile app, provides access to Microsoft Copilot (formerly Bing Chat) as well as the DALL-E 3 AI model for creating images.
Google Chrome Web Store removes 3 fake VPN extensions that infect 1.5m users
Three counterfeit VPN extensions were discovered by security researchers at Reason Labs, with a total of 1.5 million installations. Google has since removed these plugins from the Chrome web store.
This concept from Dell shows how Copilot can manage Windows settings
Microsoft is reportedly working on a new version of artificial intelligence in Copilot for Windows. It can take the user experience with Windows 11 to the next level, allowing you to perform advanced actions and change system settings. Dell showcased a potential preview of the technology.
In 2024, Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 may get ARM chips and new design
Major updates are being made by Microsoft to its Surface Pro and Surface Laptop lines, including enhanced designs, new features, and next-generation technology.
Reminder: Next week Steam drops support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1
Starting from January 1, 2024, Steam, an online platform for purchasing computer games, will no longer support Windows 7 and Windows 8 systems. The majority of Windows users have already upgraded to either Windows 10 or Windows 11, with almost 95% of Windows desktop users using one of these two versions, according to StatCounter. Steam's own data indicates that as of November 2023, the number of users on Windows 10 and Windows 11 is 98.98%.
More than 13bn videos posted on YouTube with only 4% viewed more than 10k times
A team of researchers set out to determine the number of videos on YouTube, a challenging feat due to the complexity of estimating the volume of an internet platform. Undeterred, a group including Ethan Zuckerman, an Associate Professor of Public Policy, Communication and Information, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, along with other enthusiasts, embarked on the task. Their findings revealed that there are over 13.325 billion videos on YouTube.
The option to reinstall Windows 11 from Windows Update lands in Beta
Microsoft has quietly added the option to reinstall Windows 11 from Windows Update to Beta channel releases for Insiders. It was first announced in July 2023 as part of a Canary build. Now the Redmond software giant appears to be testing the new feature with a wider audience.
Microsoft has quietly released the Copilot app for Android
Microsoft has quietly made available the Copilot app for Android. The app has been around for almost a week now, and the company hasn't bothered to announce it widely. It allows using the company's AI chat bot on the most popular mobile platform. The apps provides the dialog-based UI, and doesn't require the Bing app.
Study: Windows 10 end of support will lead to a flood of electronic waste
A research study has indicated that the end of Windows 10's lifecycle will lead to a surge in e-waste. Analysts from Canalys have estimated that around 240 million PCs worldwide will be dumped into landfills due to the switch to Windows 11. This has raised concerns about the responsibility of vendors to prolong the lifespan of devices.
