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Now users can connect to Android Phones via hotspot on Windows 11

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Tech giant Microsoft has launched a Windows 11 preview build with an update for “Phone Link” that will allow users to directly link their computer to their Android phone through a mobile hotspot.

hotspot
Image Source: gizbot.com

The “Phone Link” feature of Windows 11 will soon allow laptops and desktop computers to instantly connect to your smartphone. The new feature only works with a restricted range of Android phones. Phone Link, which was made public as a component of the Windows 11 25231 preview build for Windows Insiders, will now enable the hotspot on your smartphone right from your desktop.

Microsoft noted in a blog post, “We’re excited to announce that you can now instantly access your mobile phone’s hotspot on your PC via the Phone Link app. The instant hotspot feature lets you securely start and connect to your phone’s Wi-Fi network without touching your phone.

When your phone is within range it will appear in the Wi-Fi network list on your PC where a single click turns on the phone’s hotspot and connects to it. No more remembering and typing passwords or searching for hotspot settings on the phone. This provides an easier and faster way to repeatedly connect to your hotspot when you are on the go.”

According to Android Authority, Windows Central has reported that Microsoft is now releasing a Windows 11 preview release that is exclusively available to the company’s Insiders on its Dev Channel.

This preview’s build version offers a few improvements and fixes. With this upgrade, users will now be able to use the Windows Wi-Fi bar to instantly link Windows 11 to the mobile hotspot on their phone.

The feature is comparable to Apple’s macOS and iPhones, which enables seamless hotspot connection without requiring passwords between the two devices. When both Apple devices are linked to the same Apple ID, users can link their Macbook to their iPhone hotspot.

Since Windows and Android belong to distinct ecosystems, the same has not yet been possible on those platforms. However, now Windows PCs and Android devices can sync via the Phone Link app. The app was first released in 2018 under the name “Your Phone,” which allowed users to get texts and other alerts from their smartphones on their PCs.

The Phone Link feature, however, is presently restricted to Samsung smartphones with Android 12 and above. Users must have a laptop or PC running Windows 11 (22H2 Build 22621), Wifi, Bluetooth, and the Phone Link app((v1.22082.111.0) in order to use this new feature.

A Samsung Galaxy device with One UI 4.1.1 (or higher) like Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy S21, or Galaxy S22 is also required. Reports suggest that Microsoft might eventually decide to support additional devices like the Surface Duo.

To modernize the experience, the Preview Build also contains changes to the System Tray and tablet-optimized taskbar. The UWP app icons’ appearance has been fixed, and the font in the Wi-Fi portion of Quick Settings has been made uniform. Another bug that caused applications like Windows Terminal and Paint to crash whenever users attempted to display a tooltip was also patched by Microsoft.

Over the past few years, Samsung has intensified its partnerships with Google and Microsoft. For over a year, Samsung was the only company to provide the Wear OS 3 OS, and now the Samsung Galaxy phones are the first to receive the new Microsoft Phone Link feature.

google

Google To End Support for Windows 7, 8.1 in 2023

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Google will stop Chrome support on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 from February 7, 2023, onwards.

Google
Image Source: engadget.com

Both Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 won’t support Chrome 110, which is set to go live on February 7th. On Windows 7 and 8.1, earlier releases of Chrome will still work, but users will be unable to install updated builds, which will incorporate new enhancements and security upgrades.

Users of these operating systems won’t receive any new updates, but earlier Chrome versions will continue to work. Google advised transitioning to Windows 10 or Windows 11 in order to continue receiving Chrome updates. However, this may be challenging for those whose systems don’t support more modern versions of Microsoft’s operating system, companies that are still using Windows 7 or 8.1, and individuals who can’t afford to purchase a new computer.

Google had to eventually stop providing support, though. The company noted that its plan coincides with Microsoft’s decision to cease extended support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 from January 10th onwards. Microsoft officially stopped support for Windows 7 in 2011, although due to the product’s popularity, it provided additional years of extended support.

Google noted, “With the release of Chrome 110 (tentatively scheduled for February 7th, 2023), we’ll officially end support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. You’ll need to ensure your device is running Windows 10 or later to continue receiving future Chrome releases. This matches Microsoft’s end of support for Windows 7 ESU and Windows 8.1 extended support on January 10th, 2023.”

Data indicates that Windows 7 is still being used on a large number of devices, even though it was originally launched in 2009 and Microsoft formally ended support for it in 2020. As late as last year, it was estimated that at least 100 million PCs were still running Windows 7. That might pose a serious security concern because many users may soon have both an outdated operating system and a web browser.

According to a recent report, Google Chrome is the most vulnerable browser currently in use, with over 303 vulnerabilities and a combined total of 3,159 vulnerabilities as of 2022.

According to the report, the findings were based on information drawn from a database covering the period from January 1 to October 5. Of the five days in October, only Google Chrome had vulnerabilities, including CVE-2022-3318, CVE-2022-3314, CVE-2022-3311, CVE-2022-3309, and CVE-2022-3307. The CVE program monitored security vulnerabilities and weaknesses on various platforms. The report stated that the vulnerabilities could cause memory corruption in a system, however, the database does not provide information about them.

Google Chrome is a cross-platform web browser created by Google. It was created using open-source technologies from Mozilla Firefox and Apple WebKit. It was first made available in 2008 for Microsoft Windows. With a market share of almost 65 percent, Google Chrome is the most popular web browser, followed by Safari (18%) and Microsoft Edge (4.32%).

iCloud web interface

Apple launched its new redesigned iCloud Web Interface

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A new iCloud web interface has been released by Apple for beta testers. Apple has revamped its iCloud website at http://www.icloud.com. Even though the upgrade is still in beta, it is open to all users, so they may go to beta.icloud.com and sign in using their Apple ID account.

iCloud web interface
Image Source: macrumors.com

Users can access their apps and data like images, files, mail, contacts, and more, using iCloud.

Users will be led to the newly designed web-based iCloud interface after successfully logging in with their valid Apple ID credentials. The new interface has apps displayed as customizable tiles that resemble the widgets on an iPhone’s home screen.

All of Apple’s iCloud apps, including Mail, Calendar, Contacts, Photos, Drive, Reminders, Notes Pages, Keynote, Numbers, and Find My, are accessible quickly with this feature. Users can also monitor their iCloud Storage, iCloud Plan, and Data Recovery.

Customization is, of course, the main appeal of the new design. The preview page’s content can all be customized, exactly like the home screen on the iPhone. The redesign allows for customization; thus, a “+” will add objects to the screen display and a “-” would delete a tile already present.

As a result, users can change the tile size to suit their needs by making it smaller or larger. The re-design also makes iCloud+ tools like custom mail domains and Hide My Email easier to access. A “Data Recovery” tool can help users recover bookmarks, calendars, contacts, and iCloud Drive files that have been deleted in the last 30 days.

Although the majority of users won’t use the iCloud web interface as their primary interface, it might be useful for getting data when the user is using a non-Apple device or isn’t logged in. The apps’ user interfaces and functionalities are unchanged. Even though the revamped iCloud preview is still under beta testing, the limited amount of testing felt stable. There is no date for its official launch yet.

Recently Apple also started testing a significant revamp of the iCloud Mail web interface that more closely matched the design changes introduced in macOS Big Sur. With a sleeker UI and thicker icons, the new design resembled the Mail app on the Mac and iPad.

Recently Apple disclosed that it will be raising charges for certain of its services.  Apple TV Plus will now cost two dollars more, and Apple Music will cost one dollar more. This is a risky move on the part of the company, especially given that the pricing of its music streaming service has remained the same since its launch in 2015.

Although many people will probably keep utilizing its services, the pricing shift might have a significant influence on the industry. Spotify recently announced that it will think about raising its subscription fee in the United States, but first, it needs to talk to its label partners.

Apple had quite a busy week with the release of new versions of macOS Ventura, iOS 16.1, iOS 16.2 beta, and iPadOS 16.1. In the past month, Apple launched new iPads, iPhones, Apple 4KTVs, and other products.

Mac Pro

Apple’s new Mac Pro to come with 48 CPU core M2 chip

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According to rumors, the upcoming Mac Pro would feature chip alternatives “that are at least twice or four times as powerful” as the unreleased M2 Max. According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple has accelerated testing of the new Mac Pro in anticipation of its expected release next year.

mac pro
Image Source: daijiworld.com

As per Gurman, the “M2 Ultra” and “M2 Extreme” in-house chips, which are newer and more potent, will be used in the machine. The two models include 256GB of memory, 76 and 152 GPU cores, and 24 and 48 CPU cores, respectively. The rumored M2 Max is anticipated to have 12 CPU cores and 38 GPU cores, in contrast to the base M2’s 8 CPU cores and 10 GPU cores.

Gurman also revealed a Mac Pro configuration that Apple is actively testing. The device has 192GB of memory, 24 CPU cores, and 76 GPU cores. It utilizes macOS Ventura 13.3, whose initial release is scheduled for this coming Monday. The $5,999 Mac Pro was last released by Apple in 2019, and it is scheduled for an upgrade soon.

Before Apple introduces the new Mac Pro, there may be an upgrade for the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros in addition to a new Mac mini. He claims that the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips will be featured in Apple’s most recent high-end laptops, whereas the Mac mini launch will feature the same M2 silicon as in the 2022 MacBook Air. Gurman also points out that Apple has also tested a Mac mini M2 Pro

This summer saw the debut of the first Apple M2 processor, which compared to the Apple M1 provided up to 35% higher performance in graphics tasks and up to 8% greater efficiency in multi-threaded CPU-focused operations.

With the introduction of the M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M1 Ultra chips, Apple expanded the M1 family, and it is anticipated that it will continue to expand the 5nm M2 range in a similar manner. The M1 Ultra, the top model in the Apple M1 line, included a 64-core GPU and a 20-core CPU.

The Apple M2 chip was introduced at WWDC 2022 and has since been incorporated into many of Apple’s product offerings. The new iPad Pro 2022 is the latest edition to the M2-powered family.

Apple’s new iPad Pro comes with an M2 chip along with the world’s most advanced mobile screen, professional camera, Thunderbolt, Face ID, and a four-speaker sound system.  It also has a next-generation Apple Pencil hover experience.

While Apple Silicon has revitalized entry-level desktop Macs, MacBooks, and even iPads, Mac Pros are still limited to Intel architecture (max 24 CPU cores). However, if Gurman’s reporting is right, Apple has a major move planned for the Mac Pro.

Apple’s new Mac Pro is anticipated to launch sometime in the following year, and thanks to the company’s new M2-series CPUs, it may end up becoming the most powerful laptop the company has ever released.

Halloween Terror Event

Overwatch 2 Halloween Terror Event: Complete Details

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Overwatch 2’s Spooky Season has kicked off. Thank goodness, Blizzard didn’t remove one of our favourite events with the Overwatch 2 update. However, some things have changed this year, which will not please everyone. To alleviate some of your concerns: Yes, there are free rewards as well. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2022 Halloween Terror event, including how to get free rewards and spooky new skins.

Halloween Terror event
Image Source: charlieintel.com

The Halloween Terror event began on October 25 and will end on November 9.

Everything New in Overwatch 2’s Halloween Event

Blizzard has eventually and officially announced this year’s Halloween Terror event in a recently posted blog post. For the past six years, all Halloween collectables such as spooky skins and spays have been awarded for completing challenges or made available in event loot boxes. However, now that Overwatch 2 is free to play and features a battle pass system with numerous in-game purchases, the annual event appears to be a little different this year.

The worst-case scenario has occurred. Apart from a few twitch drops, it is nearly impossible to obtain Halloween items without spending actual money. Of course, all previous Halloween-themed items will be available for purchase throughout the event.

This year’s Halloween Terror event includes the following new features:

  • Legendary Executioner Junker Queen Skin
  • New PvE Mode – Junkenstein’s Revenge: Wrath of the Bride.
  • Legendary Witch Kiriko Skin
  • Legendary Cursed Captain Reaper Skin
  • Halloween Themed Collectables

The latest PvE Mode is a 4-player co-op sequel to Junkenstein’s Revenge’s original game mode. kiriko, Sojourn, Ashe and Junker Queen appear to be the playable heroes showing pure female power.

Get Free Halloween Skins

The fact that you can just hardly get anything without going to spend actual cash on Overwatch 2 is something that everyone despises. Legendary skins are extremely costly. The majority of them cost around 1900 or 2000 Overwatch money, which is about 20 USD which is insane, right? Let’s see what the prizes are for Halloween event skins this year.

At the very least, Blizzard added a few Twitch Drops and free stuff for us, so everyone has a chance to receive something for free. Players can obtain the Cursed Captain Reaper Skin free as an apology for the botched launch of Overwatch 2.

We may not receive skins as a reward for completing in-game challenges, but we do receive Twitch Drops! They will be available on all channels streaming Overwatch 2 from October 25 to 6 November at 11:00 a.m.

After two hours of watching your favourite Twitch streamers, you will be guaranteed a Werewolf Winston spray and the iconic Werewolf Winston skin.

Hero Changes and Adjustments

Ashe

Corrected a problem where the ‘Little Red’ skin and emote performed a broken animation.

Bastion

  • Bastion has been reintroduced into Overwatch 2.
  • Fixed a problem with Bastion’s configuration: Artillery, in which an unlimited number of charges could be fired
  • weapon of Bastion should not vanish when using the configuration: Artillery

Junkers Queen

Friendly abilities should no longer deflect or send back jagged blades.

Kiriko

  • The ‘Tanpopo’ skin is now available for purchase and use.
  • Kiriko’s Heroic pose is now readily accessible.
  • Swift Step no longer consistently cleared negative side effects.
  • Kitsune Rush no longer correctly reduces the cooldown of Baptiste’s Immortality Field.

General Bug Fixes

  • Players were generally keeping 30 per cent, on control cards, of the ultimate charge between rounds, which was fixed.
  • Fixed a bug in which checkpoint cards didn’t shift always, to overtime correctly.
  • The ‘vs.’ screen no longer appears in Competitive.
  • It has been resolved that players could not invite other participants to a custom game.
  • Fixed an issue where text chat was unavailable to PC gamepad users.
  • When you use Pause Match in Custom Game, other menu buttons are no longer disabled.
  • Over time Kill Cams were not working properly.
  • In the Push game mode, players should no longer be able to get trapped under TS-1.
  • Fixed an issue where controllers couldn’t scroll.
iPad Ultra

Apple May Launch its Biggest Tablet 16-Inch iPad Ultra, in 2023

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Apple, not long ago, added a new model to its iPad Pro lineup. The new iPad Ultra Pro features Apple’s M2 chip, making it the most powerful iPad by far. Apple may go one step further next year and launch a larger 16-inch display model.

iPad Ultra
Image Source: nextpit.com

Highlights

  • Apple may be developing an iPad with a 16-inch display.
  • It’s presumed to be called the iPad Ultra.
  • The iPad Ultra, Apple’s largest tablet, will be launched next year.

According to reports, Apple is working on a model that could effortlessly be called the iPad Ultra, with the largest screen on an iPad, and plans to release it in 2023.

The upcoming iPad model, according to The Information, “would further blur the line between the iPad and MacBook,” because the tablet would have the same screen size as the company’s largest laptop. While there is no official name for the iPad in development, based on Apple’s new naming convention for large gadgets, it is safe to call it the iPad Ultra.

According to the report, Apple may unveil this iPad in the final quarter of next year, but this timeframe is subject to change.

For quite some time, rumours of a large-screen iPad have begun circulating. Mark Gurman, from Bloomberg, reported last year that Apple was working on a 14- to 15-inch iPad that would be available sometime within the next year or two.

Ross Young, another executive who is a supply chain analyst and has frequently been accurate about Apple-related developments, backed up Gurman’s claim, saying Apple could release a 14.1-inch iPad Pro with a Mini LED panel and ProMotion new technology as sooner as next year.

However, this is the first time we’ve heard of a 16-inch iPad model, which would essentially be a keyboard-less MacBook except if you add the Magic Keyboard. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which not long ago received an upgrade to include Apple’s M2 processor which is the largest iPad in Apple’s lineup.

Apple also released iPadOS 16, which includes features like Stage Manager that help make multitasking, more refined and simple.

In some ways, Apple is gradually transforming the iPad into a laptop that would also function similarly to a MacBook, which is also what users have been requesting. An earlier report suggested that Apple was developing a version of macOS that would only run on the iPadOS. For what it’s worth, it may be a bright spot for iPad users.