Windows 10’s Mail app may display an Office 365 ad for some users

guteksk7/Shutterstock

Windows 10 devices owners are now jumping on Reddit to complain about an advertisement showing up in the platform’s built-in Mail app. As shown above, it appears as a banner hovering above the Mail, Calendar, and People buttons on the menu stating “Get Office 365.” The only way to remove the banner is to close the menu altogether. 

We loaded up the Mail app, listed as version 17.9126.21425.0, and didn’t see the Office 365 banner. Many other Reddit members jumping into the complaint thread aren’t experiencing the advertisement either. But in our case, we do have an Office 365 subscription, yet many Reddit users aren’t Office subscribers and still don’t see the advertisement in the latest version of Mail. 

That said, Microsoft could be testing the feature with random customers. The move wouldn’t be surprising given that the company advertises its baked-in Microsoft Edge browser on the taskbar and notifications panel if you’re using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or some other browser. 

Advertisements on Outlook.com are understandable: It’s a free online service, and Microsoft prefers you take advantage of its money-making software suite. But customers are purchasing Windows 10 along with their device, and although all first-party apps are provided free of charge, advertising on paid software degrades the experience and service. We have enough advertisements scattered all over the web. 

“Windows isn’t free. Either you’re paying for it, or the OEM/systems integrator is paying for it,” one Reddit user argues. “Why is there a need to serve ads in a product which isn’t free? The money has already been made — ads are just milking it for more.” 

Google’s platform is different. On the internet, it’s backed by an advertisement system, investments, paid services, and so on. Android and Chrome OS are free, open-source operating systems fueled by advertisements, device sales, app sales, and data collection. Advertisements on free, open-source platforms are expected, like Gmail, not on a paid copy of Windows 10. 

Microsoft’s push to sell Windows as a service seems to be intensifying. Just last month, the company revealed that it is testing a new Mail app feature in a preview build of Windows 10 that automatically opens links in Microsoft Edge. Forget whatever you have set in Windows 10 as your default browser: All links in Mail will be pushed to Microsoft Edge. The company says it’s merely “testing” this feature. 

Microsoft’s in-app advertisement is an interesting turn given the company launched a campaign in 2013 targeting advertisements in Google’s Gmail service. The search engine giant was accused of using an algorithm to scan Gmail messages and generate custom advertisements based on discovered keywords. Microsoft jumped on the Gmail-bashing bandwagon.

“Outlook.com believes your privacy is not for sale,” Microsoft’s Stefan Weitz said at the time. “We believe people should have choice and control over their private email messages, whether they are sharing banking information or pictures of their family or discussing their medical history.” 

That choice and control should also include locking out Microsoft’s advertisements, even Microsoft Store app suggestions, on its paid operating systems. 

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Backpage.com was seized by the federal government

Classifieds website Backpage.com has been seized and disabled by the federal government. When you visit the website now, you’ll see a message saying it and all affiliated websites have been taken over “as part of an enforcement action by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the US Postal Inspection Service and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, with analytical assistance from the Joint Regional Intelligence Center.” The message goes on to name a handful of other enforcement groups involved in the action and states that more information will be provided by the US Department of Justice later this evening. Backpage is the second largest classifieds website.

Backpage has been the focus of law enforcement agencies for some time. The site’s co-founders have been hit with pimping, sex trafficking and money laundering charges multiple times and the site has been accused of knowingly playing host to sex and child trafficking. Last year, the website shut down its adult ad section ahead of a Senate hearing on its practices.

Backpage and sites like it inspired the controversial FOSTA-SESTA bills, which Congress passed last month. Touted as anti-sex trafficking legislation, the bill would impose criminal sanctions on websites that host loosely defined sex trafficking and sex work content. Many say it’s more about censorship than curbing sex trafficking and its opponents include the Department of Justice, the ACLU, the EFF, anti-trafficking groups and sex work organizations. Though it’s not even a law yet, some companies have preemptively made changes to their services. Craigslist shut down its personal section last month after Congress passed the bill.

An Arizona CBS affiliate reported that the FBI also raided the home of Backpage co-founder Michael Lacey today. The FBI has confirmed that law enforcement action is ongoing.

Via: BuzzFeed News

Twitter will show users its rules to discourage abuse

Twitter just promised to watch breaking events closely to curb trolling and fake news, but how does it stop users from getting trouble into first place? The answer might be simple: show people the rules before they do something wrong. It’s launching a study that will try publicizing its rules to see if it “improves civility.” Research shows that people are more likely to honor rules if they can clearly see them, Twitter argued, so it stands to reason that the same would be true for social networks.

The company wasn’t clear about how the test will work, but that’s intentional when publishing the details could theoretically skew the results. Twitter is keeping itself accountable by seeking approval from university ethics committees and submitting its strategy to the Open Science Framework. All results will be anonymized (there’s no risk of being singled out), and they’ll be published in an academic journal.

There’s no guarantee this will work, of course. A determined abuser could just ignore the rules and hope that Twitter fails to catch them (which, let’s be honest, happens often). A Russian bot operator certainly isn’t about to have a change of heart. However, this might dissuade ‘casual’ abuse by people who may only be dimly aware that there could be consequences for hurling insults and threats. As it is, this is just one part of a broader solution that includes better enforcement and technology — there’s no one obvious fix.

Via: The Verge

Source: Susan Benesch (Medium), Jack Dorsey (Twitter)

Best Buy may also have had customer data exposed

Yesterday, both Sears and Delta revealed that thousands of their customers may have had personal and financial information exposed. This was because the companies had entrusted data to the tech firm [24]7.ai, which itself suffered a several-week breach last fall and informed its clients last month. Lo and behold, another well-known corporation has had its customers’ data potentially compromised: Best Buy. Luckily, they anticipate that only a “small fraction” of overall online Best Buy shoppers may have had their information compromised.

In a statement, Best Buy confirmed that [24]7.ai provided a chat service that customers used from their phone or computer. The breach happened between September 27th and October 12th of 2017 and customer payment information from some of the tech firm’s companies may have been compromised, ergo those who used Best Buy’s chat service could have had their data exposed. The tech retail giant did not offer further information. Affected customers won’t be charged for fraudulent purchases and they will be providing free credit monitoring services if desired.

Via: CNBC

Source: Best Buy

Tim Cook outlines Apple’s view on privacy, encryption in MSNBC interview

During the “Revolution: Apple Changing the World” interview airing on MSNBC, Apple CEO Tim Cook gives his two cents on many issues facing the tech industry, most notably ones affecting competing giants Amazon and Facebook. That includes privacy and how Apple’s approach to the issue differs from others, which Cook has addressed before. If you were hoping to hear more about the missing-in-2018 new Mac Pro this isn’t the place, but here’s what he’s saying now to Chris Hayes and Kara Swisher about the company’s recent tussle with the FBI over encryption.

Cook: The only way to protect your data is to encrypt it. There is no other way known today. And so, if I were you, I would do business with no one that wasn’t doing that. Now, it is a thorny issue from a law enforcement point of view, because they may want to know what you’re saying, and I don’t have access to what you’re saying. And my view is kind of simple, is I don’t think that you as a user expect me to know what you’re telling people, right?

Hayes: Right.

Cook: I’m not eavesdropping on your messages and on your phone calls, and don’t think I should be in that position. And so, if they tried to compel us, as they did 2 years ago – they tried to force us to create a piece of software that would have it stolen, opened hundreds of millions of iPhones in the world. We said, “Hey, there’s lots of things technology can do. That one shouldn’t be done. It should never be created.” And so we refused. They said, “You can’t refuse. We can make you do it.” We said, “No, you can’t. It’s against the Constitution.” And – and right before they went to court, they dropped the case. And – and so if that same circumstance rose again, we would fight. Because this – this, again, is a value of America, right? You should not be able to compel somebody to write something that is bad for civilization. Right? This is a fundamental wrong.

Naturally, he also spoke directly about Facebook’s privacy flap, saying that if he were Mark Zuckerberg, he wouldn’t be in this position, and that it’s Apple’s view that the kind of detailed profiles at issue shouldn’t exist. When it came to Amazon, the discussion turns to a possible location for Apple to create a new site, beyond its HQ in California and facility in Texas. Basically, wherever it will be, you shouldn’t expect to see the kind of contest atmosphere that’s surrounded Amazon’s search for a city to host its second headquarters.

You can view the entire interview on MSNBC starting at 8 PM ET, with more information on MSNBC.com and Recode.com.

Apple Facing Lawsuit Over Heart Rate Sensor in Apple Watch

Apple is facing a lawsuit from Omni MedSci, a company that says Apple is infringing on its patented technology with the Apple Watch’s heart rate sensor, reports Axios.

Omni MedSci claims to have met with Apple from 2014 until 2016, but Apple ultimately ended discussions for a partnership and then reportedly used Omni MedSci’s patented technology.

Omni MedSci filed a lawsuit in the Eastern district of Texas today, claiming that Apple willfully infringed on its patents and asking for an injunction against Apple along with damages.

Apple first introduced the Apple Watch in 2015, and since its debut, the Apple Watch has featured a built-in heart rate sensor. Heart rate sensing is a key feature of the wrist-worn device, and recent studies have suggested it can be used to detect a wealth of health problems, like atrial fibrillation, early signs of diabetes, hypertension, and more.

Omni MedSci, the company suing Apple, is owned by Mohammed Islam, who in 2015 was described by a Detroit news site as a “poster child for a patenting professional.” He owns six companies and has collected more than 150 patents.

“There’s getting a patent and there’s getting a patent that will withstand litigation,” he told the site. “It’s an art form.”

Islam has expertise in optical and laster technology and appears to hold several related patents. His patent holding company, Cheetah Omni, has levied lawsuits against companies that include Fujitsu, Alcatel-Lucent, Huawei, Nokia, and Siemens.

In 2015, Islam said that Omni MedSci was working on a wearable glucose monitor that uses lasers to monitor blood sugar levels. At the time, he said that he had met with Apple about the product.
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Apple CEO Tim Cook on MSNBC Tonight at 5:00 PT/8:00 ET

Apple CEO Tim Cook is set to appear on MSNBC tonight at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time or 8:00 p.m. Eastern time in an interview called “Revolution: Apple Changing the World” with MSNBC’s Christopher Hayes and Recode’s Kara Swisher.

Much of what Tim Cook had to say was already covered in news stories earlier this week as the interview took place on March 28 and was covered by reporters who attended it live.

It will be well worth watching in its entirety, however, as Cook had a lot to say during the segment. He covered favored topics like education and coding, but he also commented on the current political climate in the United States and talked extensively about the ongoing Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal Facebook is facing.

Cook had some inflammatory words about Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, for example, stating “I wouldn’t be in this situation” when asked what he would have done in Zuckerberg’s shoes.

We could make a ton of money if we monetized our customers. If our customers were our product. We’ve elected not to do that. …We’re not going to traffic in your personal life.

Cook also said Apple’s customers are not the company’s product, and that “well-crafted” regulation “is necessary” to prevent another Cambridge Analytica-style scandal.

It’s clear to me that something, some large profound change is needed… I’m personally not a big fan of regulation because sometimes regulation can have unexpected consequences to it, however I think this certain situation is so dire and has become so large, that probably some well-crafted regulation is necessary.

Cook also commented on criticism over the fact that the iPhone is manufactured in China. “It’s not true that the iPhone is not made in the United States,” he said, referencing U.S.-based component manufacturers like Corning and Finisar. Cook also said Apple is always focused on job creation and doesn’t need political pressure to do the right thing.

“We know that Apple could only have been created in the United States. We know that. This company would not have flourished in any other country in the world. We love this country. We are patriots. This is our country and we want to create as many jobs as we can in the U.S. We don’t need any political pressure for that.”

Cook also discussed DACA, a fourth major U.S. campus that’s in development, the importance of coding, technology in education, lifelong education, and more.

We already have a full, detailed recap of what Tim Cook discussed during the interview, but should there be other interesting comments that were missed in earlier coverage, we’ll update this post.

We’ll also plan to provide an update if Recode and MSNBC make the interview available to watch for free after it airs. To watch the interview as it airs, you will need to tune into MSNBC through your cable package.

You can also watch on the NBC website or through the “Live” section of the NBC app, but cable authentication is required.

Tag: Tim Cook
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Fido Canada network review – a closer look at Fido plans

In 2004, mobile provider Fido was bought by its sole GSM competitor, Rogers, but it has remained a separate service ever since.

Fido currently runs on an LTE network with a 700MHz signal.

If you want to save some cash and stay away from the bigger (read pricier) providers, Fido is a tried-and-true discount brand. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the better Fido plans!

Fido mobile rates

Talk and text plans

Fido offers talk and text plans from $35 per month.

That’ll get you 500 minutes of calls and unlimited text when you bring your own smart or basic phone. Bump that up to unlimited calls for $45 per month.

If you’re looking for a new device, Fido can help there too. For additional monthly fees, you can save $300 to $500 on a new device. You can score some even bigger savings with a two-year contract, including some free phones from Samsung and LG.

Fido Pulse

If you want talk and text as well as data, Fido Pulse plans are what you’re looking for — why Fido chose to trademark a name for something as commonplace as that is anyone’s guess, but here we are.

Every Pulse plan comes with unlimited talk and text, with variations in data offerings.

A basic 1GB plan costs $50 per month when you bring your own phone. If you want a new phone, a “small” plan will cost $60, but get you up to $300 off a new phone, while a “medium” plan goes for $65 and saves you up to $500.

At higher price points, you can also get “large” and “extra large” plans. For example, a 5GB plan costs $70 per month when you bring in your own phone. With a “large plan, you’ll pay $100 per month and save up to $700 on a new phone. With an “extra large” plan, you jump up to $110 per month and save up to $900.

Data-only Fido plans

If you just need data for a tablet or to use Fido hotspots, you have options too. Get a Fido SIM card, put it into your device, and you’ll be all set to use your choice of two data plans.

Fido home internet

Fido home internet is currently only available in Ontario. (Canada’s favourite child always gets special treatment!)

If you’re the type of internet user who just checks their email and reads the news online (hi, dads of the world), Fido has a bare bones plan for $35 per month. What will that buy you? Not much. You’ll have 50GB of data and download speeds up to 5Mbps.

Moving up the food chain, you can have download speeds up to 30Mbps, with unlimited data, all for $50 per month.

To jump up to 75Mbps, still with unlimited data, you’ll be looking at $65 per month. If you want speed without needing unlimited data, $60 can also get you 75Mbps, with a data cap of 200GB (still not exactly skimpy on the data).

Final thoughts

Fido certainly isn’t your one-stop shop if you want a provider that does it all. With home internet only available in Ontario and no sign of TV offerings, it’s pretty safe to call Fido a mobile provider above all else.

Still, depending on what you’re looking for, Fido is a great way to save money while still having solid service and even getting a free or cheap phone thrown into the deal.

What do you think? Any Fido customers want to jump into the comments with their own first-hand experiences?

Skype’s call recording feature is made for podcasters

Here’s a little trade secret: podcasters and radio show hosts use Skype a lot. It’s helpful for adding remote guests with minimal fuss. You usually need to synchronize with a third-party app or device to record the call at the quality you’d like, though, and that can be a pain to set up. Mercifully, Microsoft is aiming to fix that. It’s readying a Skype for Content Creators mode that records calls directly through NDI-capable software like Wirecast, Xsplit and Vmix. The feature provides “clean” copies of all call participants that you can easily drop into audio and video production apps, so you can focus more on posting your show and less on double-checking everyone’s recordings.

The Content Creators feature is available in preview form now, and should be widely available in the summer for both Mac and Windows 10 users. This might not matter too much if you’re just recording basic one-on-one audio, but it could prove to be a lifesaver if you regularly produce podcasts, video blogs or permanent livestream recordings — you shouldn’t experience the horror of a missing recording or a mangled audio track.

Via: TechCrunch

Source: Skype Blog

The mind-reading AlterEgo headset (almost) promises telepathy with Alexa

Speaking to voice assistants, no matter how helpful they can be, is still not something the majority of us do on a daily basis. Especially in public. But what if you could “speak” to a voice assistant only by thinking about the words you want to say? Considerably less embarrassing. right? That’s the basic concept behind the AlterEgo, a prototype mind-reading wearable designed by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

How it works is extremely clever. OK, it doesn’t quite read your mind, but instead it reads something called subvocalization. This is the name given to tiny, almost imperceptible neurological and muscular movements made when we say words to ourselves, inside our head. Sixteen electrodes on the prototype AlterEgo headset sense these changes, and match the signals to data inside a special neural network, and eventually activate whatever task was requested.

The headset also has bone-conducting speakers — which use your skull to transmit sound into your inner ear, rather than actually putting an earbud in the canal — so you remain aware of the outside world while wearing it. At the moment the headset has 16 electrodes, and wraps around the side of the face, with a connection on the jaw and the back of the neck. However, the team has seen similar results from a model with only four electrodes, meaning it could easily become much smaller.

What’s in your head?

What has the AlterEgo been used for so far? The team has conducted various experiments, including playing a game of chess while “telling” the opponent’s moves to the wearable computer, and getting potential return moves spoken back. Cheating, yes; but a clear demonstration of what it can do. Additionally, the device can do simple math. Take a look at the concept video to see other applications.

Lead developer on the project, Arnav Kapur, said the idea behind AlterEgo was to build an internal computing platform that “feels like an internal extension of our own cognition.” Thesis adviser Pattie Maes added the headset could help us all benefit from smartphones and the internet, without being closed off from the world by looking down at a screen, or wearing earbuds. Thad Starner, a Georgia Tech professor, pointed out how helpful “silent speech” would be in situations where voices can’t be heard — people who work in noisy environments for example — and for those, possibly including military personnel, who rely on hand gestures to communicate when sound would give away their position, or even for people who don’t have the ability to speak at all.

For us, internally talking to Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa, and getting the same results as we would with a vocalized sound could change the way people think about these tools. Yes, the AlterEgo would have to shrink in size to become less intrusive — which do you prefer, speaking out loud to your phone, or wearing the AlterEgo — but the potential is exciting.

Currently the AlterEgo is a prototype used for research, and not available to buy; but it’s possible we could see the technology being investigated here in next-generation devices we use as regularly as we do smartphones today.

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