ICYMI: Companion devices unlock Windows, maybe new Xbox hardware, and a rotten Apple security flaw

News
By Seth Brodeur
last updated

A lot can happen in a week. Seven days might not seem like much, but it can be an eternity in the tech news cycle.

Between Windows news, hardware and software developments and Microsoft's fast-paced movements throughout the technology landscape, it's never easy to keep your hand on the pulse of technology. Not to mention everything that's going on right here at Windows Central!

Every week we're going to compile the biggest stories into one post, so you never fall behind – In Case You Missed It (ICYMI).

Windows

Windows

It was announced this week that official support Windows Vista will end in a year. Vista only runs on a relatively small slice of the world's PCs, so the effect should be minimal.

Microsoft is working on a Windows 10 security feature that will let you unlock your PC "companion devices." This means that you will be able to tap your phone to an NFC reader, initiate an unlock from your Bluetooth-paired smartphone, or clap your hands while wearing an approved fitness band to gain access to your computer.

Future builds of Windows 10 may also add troubleshooting information to the dreaded "Blue Screen of Death." Microsoft is testing including QR codes on the BSOD that will bring the user to a specific troubleshooting page.

And Microsoft rolled out Windows 10 build 10586.218 for PC in the form of a cumulative update. The update includes a host of fixes, stability improvements, and security patches.

Other notable items:

Microsoft

Microsoft

Microsoft

Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 received three Intel updates to help fix previous power management issues that have plagued device owners since their release.

We got a glimpse at what Microsoft's Word Flow keyboard for the iPhone looks like. The company also began taking sign-ups for beta users to test the feature on their devices.

The highly-anticipated Anniversary Update preview for the Xbox One may roll out in late May or early June, bringing the timing in line with the same update for the console's PC and smartphone counterparts.

Two recent FCC filings revealed what could be two new Xbox models. One filing using the current Xbox One's user manual hints at slim version of the console, while another with a different manual may be a successor to the current Xbox One.

The timing of the filings hints that the Xbox One Slim may debut at E3 2016. Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that the COO at GameStop, Tony Bartel, said that the launch of new consoles "seems imminent."

In legal news, Microsoft filed a suit against the U.S. federal government over the right to reveal data requests. The company feels that the government has overstepped their boundaries and are now breaking the First and Fourth Amendments by forcing Microsoft to keep those data requests secret.

And after pledging to improve pay equality back in 2014, Microsoft revealed that their efforts have started to pay off:

"Today, for every $1 earned by men, our female employees in the U.S. earn 99.8 cents at the same job title and level. Racial and ethnic minorities in the U.S. combined earn $1.004 for every $1 earned by their Caucasian counterparts. Breaking it down even further, African American/black employees are at $1.003; Hispanic/Latino(a) employees are at 99.9 cents; and Asian employees are at $1.006 for every $1 earned by Caucasian employees at the same job title and level, respectively."

Other notable items:

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

The latest numbers by Gartner and IDC are not pretty for PC sales. The groups show that shipments are down 9.6%-11.5% in Q1 2016 worldwide, especially in emerging markets. However, the numbers do not include transformable tablets, like the Microsoft Surface. It is also expected that most businesses will not begin to refresh their computers to Windows 10 until later in the year.

USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) announced a new protocol that would essentially authenticate Type-C cables and prevent non-compliant ones from causing harm to devices.

InFocus introduced their latest tiny PC, The Kangaroo Mobile Desktop Pro. The newest iteration of the Kangaroo, which retails for $199, offers a multitude of connection options, including an app that lets you use it on an iPhone or iPad.

Trend Micro revealed two critical security vulnerabilities in QuickTime for Windows, although there have been no known attempts to exploit them. Apple, the makers of QuickTime, have no plans to address the flaws, so both Trend Micro and the U.S. government's Computer Emergency Readiness Team are recommending current users uninstall the software.

Electronics giant Logitech has agreed to purchase wireless earbud maker Jaybird for $50 million. According to Logitech, the company plans to continue to "feed the Jaybird brand," so expect to see more Jaybird products in the future.

Meanwhile, chipmaker Intel is rumored to be cutting thousands of jobs by the end of 2016. There's no official word yet, but the cuts could be due to lackluster PC sales as well as future projections.

Other notable items:

Share your thoughts on this past week of news! And we'll be back again next week to do it all over again.

Seth Brodeur
Seth Brodeur