Microsoft rolls out new ‘font store’ in latest Windows Insider Update

It’s everyone’s favorite semi-monthly and sometimes semi-weekly event: Windows Insider update time. The latest build rolling out to Insiders in the Fast Ring aims to completely revamp how you discover, manage, and customize the fonts on your PC. That doesn’t sound very exciting, but it’s a big change to a part of Windows that has remained largely unchanged for years.

“You may be familiar with the Fonts control panel, which you could use to see the fonts that are currently installed, or to install or uninstall fonts. That control panel hasn’t been able to show off newer font capabilities, such as color fonts or variable fonts, and a refresh has been needed. In Build 17083, we’re providing a new Fonts page within Settings,” the Windows Insider blog reports.

The first part of the font revamp is a new and improved Font control panel. Here you can search the fonts installed on your PC and tweak the details of OpenType fonts on your system. You can set custom preview text, adjust its size, width, and other individual characteristics.

Additionally, the new font control panel is accompanied by a new font store which will show up in the Windows Store. Here you can search for, purchase, and install fonts right from the Windows Store.

“Along with the new Settings experience, we are introducing fonts as a new content type in the Microsoft Store. To find them easily, there is a link from the Fonts page in Settings directly to the Fonts collection in the Store,” the blog post reads.

There’s no word yet on which fonts will show up in the store, or if individual font foundries will be allowed to sell their fonts on the Windows Store — or if its just a curated selection of premium Microsoft fonts.

In addition to all the changes to the way Windows handles fonts, there’s an important behind-the-scenes change included in Build 17083. When was the last time an app on your PC crashed? Did you click the “send report” button on the error window your system popped open? Well, Microsoft is getting a little more transparent about what actually gets sent over when you click “send report.”

“We value your privacy. Our commitment is to be fully transparent on the diagnostic data collected from your Windows devices and provide you with increased control over that data. As part of this commitment, we’re adding two new features in this build for Windows Insiders which can be found under Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & feedback,” reports the Windows Insider blog.

That’s right. Now you can dig into your diagnostic settings and have a look at exactly which information is getting sent to Microsoft. Not only is it a good move for the sake of transparency, it’s never a bad idea to get a closer look at what caused an application to crash.

As always, there are quite a few smaller updates included in this Insider build, the details for which you can check out over at the Windows Blog.

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AT&T calls on Congress to create new net neutrality laws — but why?

AT&T and other internet service providers spent millions upon millions of dollars lobbying against net neutrality in the lead up to the Federal Communications Commissions’ vote to reclassify it as a Title I utility, effectively giving ISPs much more power over how the internet works. Now, AT&T seems to be trying to claim credit for being a pro-net-neutrality provider by calling on Congress to pass new neutrality laws.

AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson proposed the so-called “Internet Bill of Rights” in a series of full-page ads in large newspapers like The Washington Post and The New York Times, and in a blog post on the AT&T website. In the letter, Stephenson argued that new net neutrality laws would not only protect consumer rights, but would also establish more “consistent rules of the road” for ISPs and tech companies. Until that happens, Stephenson says that AT&T will honor an open internet without blocking, throttling, or hindering access to content online.

Of course, AT&T may claim that it’s committed to an open internet, but it, along with the likes of Verizon and Comcast, spent years fighting against net neutrality. AT&T alone spent a whopping $16 million lobbying against net neutrality in 2017, and as a report from Engadget notes, while the company argues that the FCC’s regulation changes depending on which party is in power, AT&T is also arguing for stricter rules at a time when Congress is far less likely to pass net neutrality laws given its makeup.

It’s also possible that AT&T is worried about how states will treat net neutrality. One blanket federal law that benefits ISPs will be much easier to deal with than dozens of state laws that may or may not favor the company depending on which state it is. The FCC has said that it will take states to court if they try to circumvent its decisions, but companies like AT&T have no guarantees that will work.

Further, AT&T said that laws should prevent blocking and throttling of websites — and made no mention of whether or not ISPs should be able to speed up content based on being paid off from tech companies. That’s kind of a big deal — and its one of the things that net neutrality advocates fear could start happening.

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FDA-approved robotic exoskeleton magnifies wearers’ strength by tenfold

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently gave its stamp of approval to Cyberdyne. But don’t worry: Skynet isn’t on the cards just yet. In fact, it’s a Japanese robotics company that just so happens to have the same name as the company from the Terminator movies, which is responsible for blowing up mankind.

What the FDA has specifically given its approval to is HAL, which is also the name of a fictitious AI villain (from Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey). Cyberdyne’s HAL is short for Hybrid Assistive Limb, and refers to a lower-body exoskeleton that can enhance users’ strength and stability. HAL involves sensors that attach to the users’ legs, which detect bioelectric signals sent from the brain to the muscles, triggering the exoskeleton to move. Cyberdyne calls it “the world’s first robotic medical device.” It has previously been marketed as a medical device in the European Union and Japan, but the FDA’s medical clearance in the United States back up HAL’s therapeutic effects.

Here at Digital Trends, we’ve previously covered a number of robotic exoskeletons that are designed to help people with lower-limb disabilities to walk again. Unlike many other of these robotic exoskeletons, HAL combines voluntary and autonomous control to aid with the rehabilitation process, with the goal of allowing people to walk without the use of it. When people use the technology, it is the individual whose nervous system is controlling the exoskeleton, not some independent control. Nonetheless, it is able to take the intention of the users and magnify their strength by a factor of 10 — supporting both its weight and that of the wearer while they move around.

A nonmedical device version of Cyberdyne’s exoskeleton is also available, although currently not in the U.S. In Japan, though, close to a thousand units have been sold to aid people doing heavy lifting as part of their jobs. Hopefully in the future, possibly based on the recent FDA approval, this product will also make its way to the states. That way we’ll no longer need to risk our backs every time a buddy asks us to help move their heavy couch!

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Here’s how to use Apple Pay with your iPhone, Apple Watch, or Mac

Whether you’re shopping online or in your favorite neighborhood store, you’re probably going to use a credit or debit card to make your purchase. If you’re one of the nearly 90 percent of people who prefer to use a credit or debit card for purchases, Apple Pay may be the perfect solution. Apple Pay allows you to store your frequently used credit, debit, and rewards cards on your favorite Apple device.

If you’re new to Apple Pay or just have questions about the service, we have you covered. Here’s how to set up and use Apple Pay for purchases online and in-store.

Supported Apple Pay devices

Apple Pay is supported on most modern devices — iPhone models from the iPhone SE to the current iPhone X are supported and all Apple Watches support Apple Pay. The fifth-generation iPad, iPad Pro, iPad Mini 3 and 4, and the iPad Air 2 work with Apple Pay. As for Macs, if your computer is capable of running MacOS Sierra or later, you should be fine.

Banks that support Apple Pay

Apple Pay is supported by most financial institutions and credit card companies in the U.S. Apple provides an up-to-date list of all financial institutions that accept Apple Pay.

Stores, websites, and apps that support Apple Pay

Apple Pay is supported by hundreds of brands and websites, including 7-Eleven, GameStop, Etsy, Staples, Toys “R” Us, and Fandango, with more being added all the time. You can find the current list of supported retailers here, or visit our exhaustive list of companies that accept Apple Pay here. Many third-party apps also allow you to use Apple Pay. You can check some of those apps out here. Of course, if you buy apps or other digital items from Apple, you can always use Apple Pay to purchase music, movies, apps, books, and more.

How to set up Apple Pay

You can add eight cards to Apple Pay across your various supported devices, if you intend to use it on, say, your iPhone and Apple Watch,  you need to add your cards to both devices.

How to add cards to iPhone and iPad

On your iPhone, open the Wallet app. On your iPad, go to Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay. Tap Add Credit or Debit Card. If you don’t have Touch ID or a passcode already set up, you will be asked to do so.
Tap Continue. If you want to use the card you have on file with iTunes or the App Store, you just need to enter the security code on the back of your card.
 To add a different card to your account, tap Add a Different Card. You then have the opportunity to either use your camera to scan your card, or you can enter the card details manually.
 Tap Next to have your card information verified. You may be prompted to contact your bank to complete the verification process. One verification is complete, tap Next and you’re all set to use Apple Pay.

How to add cards to Mac

 To add a card to your Mac, you need to go to System Preferences > Wallet & Apple Pay, then click Add Card.
Follow the on-screen instructions. If you want to use the card you have on file with iTunes or the App Store, you just need to enter the security code on the back of your card.
To add a new card, simply enter your card details and click Next.
Apple will attempt to verify your card. You may need to contact your bank to complete the verification process.
Once your card has been verified, click Next to complete the setup process.

How to add cards to Apple Watch

To add a card to your Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone. Go to the My Watch tab and select the watch you’re going to use with Apple Pay. Tap Wallet & Apple Pay > Add Credit or Debit Card.

Follow the on-screen instructions to add your card, or enter the security code associated with the card you already use with iTunes.
Tap Next and your information will be verified. In some cases, your bank may need more information.
After your information is verified, tap Next once again to finish the setup process.

How to add a rewards card 

You can also add various rewards cards to the Wallet app to use with Apple Pay. Instead of choosing Add Credit or Debit Card, you want to add it as one of your Passes instead. Once added, you can have it appear automatically in a store by opening the Wallet app, tapping the card and the “i” icon, and turning on Automatic Selection.

If you have any issues adding a card to any of your devices, try restarting your device. Then, make sure it’s running the latest version of iOS, WatchOS, or MacOS. Also consider removing the card, then adding it again.

How to use Apple Pay in stores

It’s easy to spot retailers that accept Apple Pay. Stores that accept Apple Pay will have one of these logos on the door or at the register near its contactless reader:

To use Apple Pay in stores, you will need to have your iPhone or Apple Watch present.

If you have an iPhone with Touch ID, just place your finger on the Touch ID scanner and hold the phone near the reader (within one inch) until you see Done accompanied by a check mark.

• To use a different card for your purchase, just tap the default card when it appears before you authenticate with Face ID.

iPhone X users will double tap the side button and glance at your phone. Hold your phone close to the contactless reader until you see Done accompanied by a check mark.

• To use a different card for your purchase, hold your phone near the reader without placing your finger on Touch ID. When your card appears, you can tap it to swap with another card in your wallet. Once your card is selected, place your finger on Touch ID to finish the payment.

To pay using your Apple Watch, double-click the side button and hold the watch near the reader until you see the word Done and the accompanying check mark.

• To change cards on the Apple Watch, double-click the side button before holding it near the reader. When your default card appears, swipe left or right to change cards. Hold your watch near the reader to continue with your payment.

Note: If you’re prompted to choose between credit or debit, choose credit. Apple explains that, if you’re asked for the last four digits on the card, use your Device Account Number instead. To find this on your iPhone, open the Wallet app, pick your card, then tap the “i” icon. For the Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone, then tap Wallet & Apple Pay > your card.

How to use Apple Pay in apps

There is a growing number of apps that accept Apple Pay. You will know if you can use the service when you see one of the buttons below while checking out, or Apple Pay is one of the optional payment methods:

To pay, tap whichever button appears within checkout, or simply select Apple Pay as your preferred checkout method.
If you want to pay with a different card, just tap the “>” icon next to your default card.
On your iPhone or iPad, rest your finger on Touch ID to confirm the payment. On the Apple Watch, double-click the side button. When the payment process is complete, you will be met with the same Done confirmation and check mark you encountered previously.

How to use Apple Pay in Safari

Using Apple Pay in Safari is actually pretty easy, though, you still need an iPhone, iPad, or a Mac that supports the feature.

Make a payment using an iPhone, iPad, or a MacBook Pro with Touch ID

Tap the Apple Pay or Buy with Apple Pay button.
Double-check your billing, shipping, and other information.

To use a different card on iPhone or iPad, tap the “>” next to the selected card.
To use a different card on the MacBook Pro, press the up or down arrows next to the current card.

When you’re ready to confirm your purchase and pay:

On iPhone and iPad, rest your finger on the Touch ID scanner. If payment is accepted, you will see Done and a check mark.
On the MacBook Pro, you will be given steps to follow on the Touch Bar. Rest your finger on the Touch ID sensor, as you would on an iOS device. If Touch ID is disabled, tap the Apple Pay icon, and you will be presented with steps to enable the feature. When your payment is complete, you will see a familiar message and check mark.

Make a payment using Mac

This is largely the same as using Apple Pay on a MacBook Pro, aside from a few small things that need to be checked first.

First, you need to be signed into the same iCloud account as your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. After that, you need to turn on Bluetooth in order for your Mac to utilize any credit or debit card added to your iOS device or Apple Watch.
Tap the Buy with Apple Pay or Apple Pay button, then check your information or change cards as you would on a MacBook Pro.
To pay, place your finger on your iPhone’s Touch ID sensor, or double-click the side button on the Apple Watch. When your payment is successful, you’ll be greeted with a familiar message and check mark.

How to check your transaction history

You can check your recent translations by opening the Wallet app. Initially, you will only be shown the last transaction made with a card. To see more than that, tap the card and the “i” icon, followed the Transactions tab.

Updated for current devices and iOS.

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Microsoft to intro a new Windows 10 app for a better look at its data collection

Just ahead of Data Privacy Day on January 28, Microsoft reports that it plans to introduce new and updated privacy features in Windows 10. More specifically, the company plans to inject its operating system with a new tool called Windows Diagnostic Data Viewer, and update the current Microsoft Privacy Dashboard. Both are planned for the next major Windows 10 update, but Windows Insider Program participants will get an early preview. 

The Windows Diagnostic Data Viewer will provide means for searching and viewing cloud-based diagnostic data related to your specific Windows 10 device. For a detailed list of Microsoft’s data collection, you can read the massively long list here. But here’s a watered-down chart showing the data you can access using the upcoming tool: 

Type 
Contents 

Common Data

Information such as the operating system version, the Device ID, device class, diagnostic level, and more

Connectivity and Configuration

Information related to the device capabilities, connected peripherals, preferences, network details, and so on

Product and Service Performance

Overall device health, performance, and reliability. This category also includes video and audio consumption functionality, and file queries

Product and Service Usage

Details regarding device, operating system, application, and service usage

Software Setup and Inventory

Details regarding device update information, installed applications, and install history

Microsoft says it doesn’t keep track of your viewing and listening habits, but rather how well those video and audio files play on your device. Still, as the list shows, Microsoft keeps quite a bit of information in the cloud pertaining to you and your Windows 10 device. Storing information about your installed programs and overall install history is a little creepy, hence why Microsoft wants to give you full control over your diagnostics data. 

Once it goes live, the Windows Diagnostic Data Viewer will appear as an app in the Microsoft Store. “The app’s Menu button opens the detailed menu,” the company explains. “In here, you’ll find a list of diagnostic event categories, which define how the events are used by Microsoft. Selecting a checkbox lets you filter between the diagnostic event categories.”

Microsoft adds that the upcoming Windows Diagnostic Data Viewer app will provide means to view, search, and filter diagnostic data. What the app doesn’t appear to provide, at least based on Wednesday’s brief introduction, is means for manually blocking specific data collection. Instead, Microsoft indicates that you can “take action” by using the event feedback tool. 

Meanwhile, the Microsoft Privacy Dashboard will feature a revamped Activity History page to better view all data linked to your Microsoft Account. This page will eventually play host to tools for viewing and managing media consumption data along with product and service activity. Microsoft will also implement tools for deleting specific items, and exporting all dashboard data. 

Given the Windows Diagnostic Data Viewer app and revamped Microsoft Privacy Dashboard are now rolling out to Windows Insiders, both will be tweaked based on participant feedback. The big “Redstone 4” update for the general public will likely arrive in March or April. 

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Chronicle, a cybersecurity firm, is the latest to join the Alphabet family

Chronicle is joining the Alphabet family alongside the likes of Google, Nest, and Waymo.

Google, Nest, and Waymo are some of the biggest names that live under the Alphabet conglomerate that was launched back in 2015, and on January 24, Chronicle became the latest to join it. Chronicle is a cybersecurity firm that first got started in the X moonshot factory nearly two years ago, but it’s now ready to launch as its own independent company.

Chronicle will be focused on two main areas, including the launch of a brand-new cybersecurity platform for enterprises and maintaining the VirusTotal malware intelligence system that Google purchased back in 2012.

Since Chronicle will be basing its new cybersecurity platform on the same infrastructure used by other Alphabet companies, it’ll have a few key advantages over its competitors, including faster data retrieval and the ability to offer companies larger storage amounts at lower costs. Add this together with machine learning technology improved search features, and Chronicle is already off to a pretty great start.

Chronicle says that it’s been working with a number of Fortune 500 companies to help shape its direction since it was first started in February of 2016, and some of its hires include cybersecurity expert Carey Nachenberg and Will Robinson, a Google engineer of 13 years.

Per Chronicle’s Stephen Gillett:

None of us have to settle for cybercrime being a fact of life, or for a reactive, expensive existence of cleanup and damage control. We’re looking forward to working with many organizations in the coming years to give good the advantage again.

AT&T proposes ‘Internet Bill of Rights’ after net neutrality’s death

Fitbit extends Pebble support through June 2018

Current Pebble owners can also get a $50 discount on the Fitbit Ionic.

In early December of 2016, Pebble was shut down after being acquired by Fitbit. Fitbit originally said that it’d continue to support the Pebble ecosystem until 2018, but the company has now extended that support for six more months.

The Pebble 2

The announcement came via Fitbit’s developer blog, and now Pebblers will be able to keep using their wearables like as they’ve been through June 30, 2018. However, after June 30, voice recognition features, SMS and email replies, timeline pins with third-party apps, the Pebble app store, forum, and CloudPebble development tool will all stop working.

As a former Pebbler, the Fitbit Ionic is a great smartwatch that’s worthy of your attention.

Although it’s sad to think that Pebble will actually be laid to rest this year, Fitbit really is going out of its way with this extension seeing as how it didn’t acquire any of Pebble’s hardware with the acquisition.

If you’re still rocking your Pebble but want to be sensible and admit that the end is nigh, Fitbit’s offering all current Pebble owners a $50 discount on the Fitbit Ionic. Anyone that purchased a Pebble prior to December 7, 2016, and chose to receive promotional info from Fitbit will receive an email about how to redeem this offer, but you can also fill out the form here.

As a former owner of the Pebble, Pebble Steel, Pebble Time, and Pebble Time Round, I sympathize with those of you that are still rocking a Pebble in early 2018. With that said, the Fitbit Ionic is a darn good smartwatch and absolutely worth checking out. Developer support for apps and watch faces is already quite strong, and the fitness tracking package is one of the best you’ll find on a wearable right now. Also, unlike most other smartwatches, the 4-5 days of battery life will make you feel right at home.

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New York governor signs executive order to protect net neutrality

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order today requiring any internet service provider with a state contract to honor the principles of net neutrality. In a statement the governor said, “With this executive order, we reaffirm our commitment to freedom and democracy and help ensure that the internet remains free and open to all.”

The FCC’s dangerous ruling goes against the core values of our democracy, and New York will do everything in our power to protect net neutrality and the free exchange of ideas.

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) January 24, 2018

According to the order, starting March 1st, any internet service provider entering or renewing a government contract will be required to sign a binding agreement ensuring that it will uphold the ideals of net neutrality and will not block, throttle or prioritize internet content. If they don’t, the companies will not be granted a state contract.

Montana Governor Steve Bullock signed a very similar order earlier this week and was the first to do so. The FCC’s net neutrality protection repeal specifically stated that states couldn’t override the FCC’s regulations with their own legislation and both states could see legal pushback from the agency. However, because these orders aren’t exactly laws requiring ISPs to adhere to net neutrality principles and are instead regulations that block ISPs from government contracts if the do decide to block or throttle traffic, these orders may actually exists within a legal loophole.

Other efforts to circumvent the FCC’s decision include a lawsuit brought forth by 22 state attorneys general and proposed legislation that would restore the 2015 protections repealed by the FCC.

Via: The Verge

Source: Governor Cuomo

Facebook, Google lobbyists push for diversity in response to Congress

Silicon valley has a diversity problem. Sexism and racism are everywhere in the technology sector, and it’s time to put an end to it. The Internet Association, a lobbying group for some of the biggest names in tech (think Amazon, Airbnb, Uber, Facebook, Google and Twitter) has promised to hire a new person to focus on these issues. According to Recode, the new push comes in response to the threat of regulation from the Congressional Black Caucus.

Two members of Congress wrote to the Association last November. In it, Emanuel Cleaver, II, and Bonnie Watson Coleman asked for more transparency and better policies to ensure the diversity of hires in the technology industry, ending with a bit of a threat. “If these issues go unchecked Congress will be left with few options and will demand increased regulations to address these issues,” they wrote.

The Internet Association’s leader Michael Beckerman responded to this missive with a letter of his own (it was obtained by Recode) on January 23rd. “It is important that the diversity of backgrounds and viewpoints among internet users is represented in the industry generally and our policy engagement specifically,” he wrote. Beckerman also promised a commitment to revealing more accurate data on who’s employed by its member companies.

Congressman Cleaver said that he was cautiously optimistic about the new hiring announcement. “The Internet Association has responded in a very serious and proactive manner to our concerns that there was no one guarding the guardians when it comes to the internet and its potentially negative effects on racial and gender bias,” he told Recode. “It is critical that this position be given a high level of authority and respect such that any perceived racial and gender biases can be immediately identified and addressed.”

Source: Recode

Logan Paul returns to YouTube with suicide prevention video

It has been a little over three weeks since YouTuber Logan Paul posted his now infamous Aokigahara forest video and aside from an apology, Paul has been largely silent on his channel. But today, Paul posted a new video, one that’s quite different from his usual content.

In the video, which isn’t monetized, Paul says the public backlash caused him to rethink the reach he has and made him want to learn about suicide, the resources available to those who are thinking about it and how others can help. He talks to Bob Forrest, founder of Alo House Recovery Centers, John Draper, director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Kevin Hines, a suicide attempt survivor and activist. He shares fives ways people can help those in their lives that might be considering suicide and also pledges to donate $1 million to suicide prevention organizations. While the video takes a much more serious tone than his previous daily vlogs, only time will tell if Paul has really learned a lesson or if this step in self-education “is just the beginning” like Paul promises in the video.

Though YouTube was slow to officially respond to Paul’s controversial video, it eventually decided to pull Logan’s Preferred status and put his original projects with the platform on hold. YouTube also announced that it would start manually vetting videos before adding them to its Preferred program.

If you or a loved one is considering suicide or would like emotional support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free and confidential resource available to you. You can call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or for Spanish speakers at 1-888-628-9454. The deaf and hard of hearing can call 1-800-799-4889.

Via: Polygon

Source: Logan Paul