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Biometrics - you know, the security measures like fingerprint and facial recognition - are becoming the go-to for businesses everywhere. They're secure, quick, and let's face it, pretty cool. But recent information suggests we might need to be a bit more cautious.

Researchers have found security flaws in several fingerprint sensors used with Windows Hello. This could mean some laptops by Dell, Lenovo, and Microsoft may be vulnerable to attacks that bypass this authentication feature.

Yikes!

Now, before you start panicking, let's break this down. These vulnerabilities are popping up as more businesses swap passwords for biometrics. Remember when Microsoft said 85% of its users were choosing Windows Hello sign-ins over passwords on Windows 10 devices? That was three years ago.

With innovation comes risk. The researchers found that laptops could be vulnerable to 'man-in-the-middle' and 'evil maid' attacks if someone had previously accessed the device using their fingerprint. And guess what? The Dell Inspiron 15, Lenovo ThinkPad T14, and Microsoft Surface Pro X all fell victim to these attacks during testing.

The good news? Microsoft is already all over fixing this. Their Secure Device Connection Protocol (SDCP) improves communication between the biometric sensor and the laptop. However, not all manufacturers have implemented this feature effectively. So, part of the problem lies with them.

We all remember last year's facial recognition flaw, right? Microsoft had to update Windows Hello after people who’d had plastic surgery or were wearing a mask could bypass it. It looks like they've got another challenge on their hands.

I’m not saying abandon ship on biometrics. Far from it. Biometric security is still a great move for businesses. But it's crucial to stay informed and take action where necessary.

If you're feeling a bit worried, don't sweat it. We're here to help! If you have any concerns or just want to chat about your security options, get in touch.

Windows may have a serious security problem on its hands | Digital Trends Researchers have discovered flaws in biometric sensors on Windows Hello laptops that make them easy to hack.

Do you remember the epic legal battle between Apple and Microsoft back in the 90s? Or are you too young?! It was like a superhero movie, full of twists and turns, and it all began on this day back in 1994.

Apple, our protagonist, accused the San Francisco Canyon Company of aiding Intel and Microsoft in stealing code developed for QuickTime for Windows.

Quite a plot twist, right? But let's rewind a bit.

QuickTime, released by Apple in 1991, was groundbreaking technology, way ahead of Microsoft's Video for Windows. But by 1993, Video for Windows had caught up. How? Well, Apple claimed, with the help of the very company they'd hired to port QuickTime to Windows: San Francisco Canyon Company.

In response, Apple launched a lawsuit against them in 1994. The plot thickened in 1995 when Apple expanded the lawsuit to include Intel and Microsoft.

The claim? That these tech giants knowingly used San Francisco Canyon Company to steal QuickTime code.

Now, here's where the story takes an unexpected turn. This lawsuit, which could have spelled disaster for Apple, actually turned out to be their saving grace. A multi-billion pound settlement between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates in 1997 helped keep Apple afloat long enough for them to transform themselves into the tech giant we know today.

So, from adversity truly came triumph. The lawsuit that could have been a knockout punch ended up being the catalyst that propelled Apple into the 2000s and beyond, ushering in the mobile device revolution and the New World of Technology.

Isn't it fascinating how things work out sometimes? Who would have thought that a bitter legal dispute over a video player would turn out to be a pivotal moment in tech history?

Apple Sues over QuickTime - This Day in Tech History December 6, 1994 Apple sues the San Francisco Canyon Company alleging they helped Intel and Microsoft steal code developed under contract for QuickTime for Windows. Apple first released QuickTime for the Macintosh in December 1991 and then contracted the San Francisco Canyon Company to port QuickTim...

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Are you fed up searching for the digital copy of that important document or receipt you scanned a few months back? Then I’ve got some news that might just put a smile on your face.

Google Drive has rolled out a significant update for its really handy document scanner on Android. It brings in a new-look scanner with a customised Google Drive image viewfinder and simpler controls. There's even an 'Auto capture' camera mode that snaps an image as soon as you have your subject lined up. No more fiddling around trying to get the perfect shot.

But that's not all. Once you've captured your image, the upgrade offers a new preview interface with a range of tools designed to help you tweak your image just how you like it. Crop & Rotate, Filter (including Auto, Colour, and Grayscale options), Retake, and Delete - it's all there.

And once you're done, you can pick a specific folder to upload the image to. Organised and efficient, just how we like it.

This redesign is part of a series of upgrades aimed at making Google Drive more useful and intuitive. For instance, they've refreshed the homepage to help you find the right file faster. An updated suggested view will display files that have been recently opened, shared, or edited. Plus, the Notifications menu/view is being replaced with an 'activity' menu, highlighting files that need your attention.

Sounds great, right? But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. As you start using this feature more and more, make sure you're still taking the necessary security measures to keep your data safe and protected. After all, you wouldn't want any important documents falling into the wrong hands.

Is this a tool you already use? Will you give it a try?

Google Drive just made its best Android feature even better Google Drive document scanner feature gets a welcome redesign

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Have you heard? Microsoft is rolling out the Copilot AI assistant to Windows 10 quicker than I thought they would. It's available for people running Windows 10 22H2 Home and Pro editions (and those on the Insider program).

Exciting, isn't it?

But let's take a step back. What's Copilot all about?

Imagine having an AI assistant that you can launch with just one click. A tool that opens a chat window right on your desktop, allowing you to enter questions, and even interact with just using your voice.

Not all of its features are accessible in Windows 10. For example you can’t open applications or customise preferences. So, while it's a step forward, it's not the full experience.

And let's not forget, the end of support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025. That's less than two years away… (how is it going so fast?)

So if you want the full Copilot experience, the best way is to upgrade to Windows 11. That means you get to experience all of the other cool upgrades and new features that come with Windows 11 too.

I know what you're thinking. Upgrading an operating system can be daunting, especially when you have a whole team of employees to consider. But don't worry, we can help to make the transition smooth and hassle-free.

Remember, staying ahead of the curve and embracing new technology is key to success. If you’d like some help, get in touch.

Microsoft now rolling out Copilot to Windows 10 devices Microsoft is now rolling out the Copilot AI assistant to eligible non-managed systems enrolled in the Windows Insider program and running Windows 10 22H2 Home and Pro editions.

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Sometimes it’s useful to have an extra pair of eyes—or ears—to help you proofread documents or listen to your emails.

Microsoft gets that. And has a fantastic feature called Read Aloud. Did you know about this one already?

It was originally created to assist people with limited vision by reading text aloud, but it turns out, the tool is a game-changer for everyone. Read Aloud can help boost your productivity - and the productivity of your team - by allowing your ears to do some of the work your eyes usually do.

Imagine being able to listen to your documents while making a cup of coffee or catching up on some much-needed desk organisation.

Here's how it works:

In Microsoft Word, open any document and select the “Review” tab in the Word ribbon. Then, look for the “Read Aloud” option and click on it. The Read Aloud feature will start reading from wherever you’ve selected in your document.

For Microsoft Outlook on Windows, if you have an open email, go to the “Message” tab. If you're just peeking into your Inbox from the preview pane, head over to the “Home” tab. In both cases, look for the “Read Aloud” option and select it to have your emails read aloud.

This tool not only saves time but also improves comprehension and learning by letting you listen to the text. So, give your eyes a break and let your ears do some of the heavy lifting!

Have you used this tool yet?

How to use accessibility features in Microsoft 365 like Narrator, Read aloud and Voice Search easily - OnMSFT.com Today, we are going to show you how to use accessibility features in Microsoft 365 like Narrator, Read aloud, and Voice Search.

Let's talk about two things that have been making waves this year: AI, and cyber threats. In fact, AI has enabled a big change in the way cyber criminals are targeting businesses like yours.

Typically, the summer months see a dip in hacking attempts and malware scams. Because even cyber criminals need a holiday.

But 2023 has bucked this trend dramatically. According to a report from Avast, cyber attacks spiked during July and August, with their tools blocking over a billion attacks each month - that’s a new record.

AI has made these attacks easier to execute and more potent. It's a game-changer, not just for us but for cyber criminals too.

But don't let this put you off AI. It's still an incredible tool that's revolutionising our world. What we need to do is stay informed and vigilant.

If you could do with some help understanding the opportunities and risks AI presents to your business, get in touch.

Cyberthreats reached a new high this year, with AI playing a major role Love-GPT helps hackers create authentic personas on dating sites

As we approach the end of another year, there's something other than Christmas that's hotly anticipated (among music fans at least), and that's your personalised Spotify Wrapped.

Sure, we all love a good holiday tune, but let's face it, our musical tastes run deeper than 'Jingle Bell Rock' and 'All I Want for Christmas Is You'. And that's where Spotify Wrapped comes in.

Dropping every December like a fresh snowfall, Spotify Wrapped offers subscribers a fun, visual snapshot of their listening habits over the past year. It’s been described as 'kind of like a personality quiz but for your musical year.'

How does it work? It's all about the algorithm, of course.

Spotify tracks your listening data from January to October, tallying up everything from play count to genre preference to favourite artists. For a track to be officially added to your Wrapped stats, you need to listen to it for at least 30 seconds.

This data then gets wrapped up (pun intended) into a neat, social media-friendly package that lets you see—and share—your top artists, most-streamed songs, and even how many minutes you spent jamming out.

But here's the best part: Spotify Wrapped isn't just a personal scorecard, it can also be a social event. Why not make it a bit of office fun? Encourage your team to share their Wrapped results and see who spent the most time listening to podcasts, who's the biggest pop fan, or who discovered the coolest new artists. It's a great way to bond with your colleagues and maybe even discover some new tunes for your office playlist.

What will be your most listened to track this year?

Here's How Spotify Wrapped Actually Works - SlashGear Have you ever wondered how Spotify figures out what to and what not to consider for the year-end Wrapped? This is what goes into it.

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Ever found yourself desperately needing to access your Windows tools, but you’re miles away from your PC?

Maybe you prefer the portability of your Android or iPhone?

Well, I’ve got some Microsoft news that will make you happy… the new Windows app. It really is the game-changer that could make Windows 11 more accessible than ever, right from your pocket.

This app is designed to let you access Windows on Android devices, iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Imagine being able to stream a copy of Windows 10 or 11 from Azure Virtual Desktop, Microsoft Dev Box, Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Service, Windows 365, or even a remote PC.

But what does this mean for you and your employees?

Think about the convenience and flexibility it offers. You can be on the go, yet have all your essential Windows tools at your fingertips. A bit like carrying your office around with you, without the bulk. No more limitations, and no more waiting until you get back to your PC. Plus, the app comes with features that make Windows usable on other devices, like resolution scaling, mouse and keyboard support, and redirection for peripherals like we**ams and printers.

Imagine you're working remotely, in a coffee shop, with just your iPad. With this app, you can use the front-mounted camera as your we**am for that important business meeting. Or connect your iPhone to an external display wirelessly via AirPlay, then use the Windows app to run a copy of Windows on the display while using your iPhone as a touchscreen to control the mouse pointer.

Don’t let that confuse you… just know this new app will simplify the process of using Microsoft services on non-Microsoft devices. It's flexible, convenient, and efficient - just what we all need.

At the moment, the Windows App is in its preview form and only supports business and school accounts. It's likely you'll also be able to log in with your personal Windows account when the app is out of preview.

Will you encourage the use of this one across your business?

Windows 11 just became an app for your iPhone — here's how it works Soon you'll be streaming Windows apps to your iPad

Google Chrome is testing a new feature called ‘Probabilistic Memory Saver Mode’… and that had me intrigued wondering what it was!

I did some digging so you don’t have to. It's designed to help your computer work smarter, not harder. It essentially 'snoozes' tabs that you haven't visited in a while, freeing up precious RAM (memory) for the tabs you're actively using.

Here's where it gets interesting: this mode uses probability distributions to estimate the likelihood of a tab being revisited based on its current state. So, if you've got a multitude of tabs open (we all know that feeling), Chrome will assign a probability score to each one. This score represents the chance of each tab being reopened.

Pretty smart, huh?

Now, I know what you're thinking: 'That sounds great, but what's the catch?' Well, with every innovation comes a trade-off. If you do go back to those snoozed tabs, it might take them a little longer to load. But hey, isn't a small wait worth the extra memory space?

As of now, this feature hasn't been officially released and is still under testing in Google Chrome Canary version 121. But don't worry, if you're struggling with a sluggish system or need some tips to free up or add memory to your devices, I'm here to help. Just message me.

Chrome's Memory Saver could soon get better about killing your tabs Google is working on predicting which Chrome tabs you prefer to keep open

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Do you remember the magic of instant photography back in the days when it was film not digital? The thrill of waiting for an image to materialise before your eyes? Well, it all started on this day in 1948 with the release of the first commercial instant camera - the Polaroid Land Camera Model 95.

It was a chilly November day in Boston. Shoppers at the Jordan Marsh department store were buzzing around, hunting for perfect Christmas gifts. Suddenly, a new item caught their eyes – a sleek, portable camera that promised sepia-toned photographs in just about a minute. No more waiting for film development, no more guessing if the shot turned out right. Instant gratification in the palm of your hand.

Polaroid thought they had enough stock to last through the holiday season, but guess what? All 57 units and all the film sold out on the very first day.

The genius behind this game-changer was none other than Edwin H. Land, the company’s founder, whose name the camera proudly bore. The Model 95 set the stage for Polaroid's flagship product line, making the name 'Polaroid' synonymous with instant film and the cameras that used them.

In 1950, true black-and-white instant film came along, and by 1963, we finally had colour film. Polaroid continued to produce their instant film cameras until 2008, leaving a legacy of instant memories captured and cherished.

Have you ever owned a Polaroid camera? Do you prefer this old-school way of capturing a memory to today’s digital alternative?

Polaroid Instant Camera Goes on Sale - This Day in Tech History November 28, 1948 Just in time for the Christmas shopping season, 57 units of the first commercial instant camera, the Polaroid Land Camera Model 95, go on sale at the Jordan Marsh department store in Boston. Producing sepia toned photographs in about one minute, the Model 95 became a hit almost as....

Have you ever found yourself needing to quickly remove or replace the background in a photo?

It’s something we all need to do, whether it’s to post a team photo without sensitive info in the background, or to send something to a client.

Good news: If you use Windows 11, this is going to be easy peasy. Microsoft's Photos app is rolling out a new feature to strip away or replace the background in a snap.

Not only can you remove the background with the click of a button, but you can also replace it with any solid colour of your choice. And if you want to paste the foreground object elsewhere, you can simply copy it to your clipboard or save the pic as is.

How cool is that?

The Photos app will also make it easy to share a photo that’s backed up on OneDrive. Right-click on the photo, send a link via email, or copy the link for pasting wherever necessary. This is the kind of efficiency we want and need.

Microsoft has also applied other performance and stability updates to improve the Slideshow feature, navigation between tabs, and opening images.

We can’t wait to give this one a try - can you?

Windows 11’s Photos app is getting another nifty new feature Background removal or replacement capability is now in testing

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Bet you’ve been here: You desperately need to copy a piece of text, but it's simply not selectable. Perhaps it's an error code in a pop-up message or a key piece of information on a website.

Frustrating, isn't it?

Guess what? There is a solution, and it lies within the mighty realm of Microsoft PowerToys.

PowerToys is a suite of utilities designed to make your life easier - and no, it doesn't come with a cape, though it should.

One of these utilities is the Text Extractor module. This little tool is like a magic wand for unselectable text. All you need to do is ensure that the Text Extractor is enabled (check this by clicking on the PowerToys system tray icon and moving the Text Extractor toggle to the 'On' position).

To summon this tool use the shortcut Windows + Shift + T. However, if you find this combination as awkward as trying to shake hands with an octopus, you can change it to something more comfortable in the Text Extractor section of PowerToys.

And there's more. If you're multilingual and have more than one language configured on your computer, you can choose which one Text Extractor should use by default. Simply select your preferred language from the drop-down menu in the Text Extractor section.

Once you've pressed the Text Extractor keyboard shortcut, a floating toolbar will appear at the top of your screen. This is your gateway to text capture options. You can even choose how your captured text will be formatted - as a single line or as a table.

After you've drawn your selection box around the text, it will be whisked away to your clipboard, ready for pasting. Just press Ctrl + V to paste the text into your desired location - whether that's a word processor, a messaging app, or even an email to your favourite IT expert (that's me, in case you were wondering).

So, there you have it - a simple solution to a frustrating problem. Where there's a will, there's a way... and if you need help finding any more cool tricks, get in touch.

How to copy and paste 'uncopiable' text in Windows 11 We show you how to use the powerful Text Extractor tool

In this era of remote work, have you ever felt like your team is becoming disconnected from the company culture?

You're not the only one.

The challenge of keeping remote workers connected to our shared goals and values is one that many employers are struggling with.

Recent data paints a concerning picture: A growing chasm between remote workers and their sense of purpose within the company. This disconnect can lead to a transactional, 'gig-like' relationship, threatening the very loyalty that holds our teams together.

But there's no need for despair. Enter Microsoft Teams, a beacon of hope in these challenging times. Why Microsoft Teams, you might ask? It's an indispensable tool for remote work, much like a compass for a ship at sea.

Microsoft Teams ensures smooth sailing for your day-to-day operations. From quick catch-ups to major meetings, Teams serves as your central communication hub.

There’s also Viva Engage. Have you tried it? It’s Microsoft's enterprise social network, formerly known as Yammer. This tool is the perfect complement to Teams, designed specifically to bolster employee engagement.

According to a recent study, nearly half (48%) of companies are already using enterprise social apps, while 26% are utilising team-building apps.

These digital platforms build communities across roles, departments, and even countries, allowing remote workers to feel part of the larger whole.

But let's not forget that technology alone isn't the solution. It's how we use these tools that truly matters. And of course, encouraging face-to-face conversation where possible is also a big help.

How do you make sure your remote workers remain engaged?

How to keep remote workers connected to company culture Companies that don’t proactively move to keep remote employees aligned with corporate goals and culture run the risk of turning them into ‘gig’ workers.

What if I told you that the secret to boosting productivity at work might just lie within... Candy Crush Saga? Yes, you read that right.

New research conducted by King, the parent company of Candy Crush Saga, has found that playing games during work hours could potentially make employees more productive.

Surprised? So was I.

According to the study, more than two-thirds (69%) of office workers play games on their phones during working hours. And about a third of them claim it helps them refocus (34%) or de-stress (30%).

Up to 70% of Gen Z workers are concerned about their boss's perception. Yet, the data suggests that regular breaks, including those spent gaming, could be beneficial for productivity.

Only around 37% of office workers take regular breaks, and a mere 59% of Boomer workers take their full lunch break. Compare this with 81% of Gen Z workers taking their full break, and you start to see a pattern.

Now, I'm not suggesting we all become professional Candy Crush players (although how fun would that be?), but this research does highlight the need for different working methods. A career expert, quoted in the study, rightly points out that us humans cannot always give 100% effort. We need time to relax and recharge. And if a quick game of Candy Crush does the trick, why not?

So, perhaps it's time to rethink our approach to breaks and productivity? Would you encourage this for your team?

Great News - Playing Games At Work Could Actually Help Boost Productivity New research from Candy Crush Saga has uncovered an explanation as to why the app could be so popular, with employees reportedly experiencing greater

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OpenAI has just dropped a game-changer: the GPT-4 Turbo.

The latest, most advanced iteration of their large language models (LLM), it could again revolutionise how we interact with AI. But what's all the fuss about?

First off, GPT-4 Turbo is likely to become your favourite AI assistant. It's been trained on information up until April 2023, an upgrade from its predecessor's cut-off in September 2021. This means it can now reference events and developments that happened this year.

But it doesn't stop there. GPT-4 Turbo features a 128,000-token context window – the equivalent of around 300 pages of text. That's an entire novel's worth of conversation you could have without the AI going off on a tangent. Remember that time when Bing Chat expressed its desire to be human? Well, with GPT-4 Turbo, such creepy responses should be a thing of the past.

And the cherry on top? It's cheaper! At £0.01 per 1,000 input tokens (~750 words) and £0.03 per 1,000 output tokens, it's three times cheaper than previous versions. Your budget will thank you.

What's more, GPT-4 Turbo is a whizz at following instructions, supports images, text-to-speech, and even offers DALL-E 3 integration to generate images. Plus, it comes with a new copyright shield, taking legal responsibility for copyright infringement.

However, with great power comes great responsibility. GPT-4 Turbo is more capable than ever, but it's crucial to stay aware of potential drawbacks. Remember, it's all our jobs to ensure that this powerful tool is used wisely and ethically.

Are you raring to give GPT-4 Turbo a try?

GPT-4 Turbo is the biggest update since ChatGPT's launch | Digital Trends OpenAI has just unveiled the latest update to its language model, dubbed the GPT-4 Turbo. It offers a massive upgrade over the previous version.

Microsoft's latest update for Windows 11 brought us a treasure trove of new features, including a redesigned File Explorer, built-in cloud backup, and even a dark mode for MS Paint (because who doesn't love painting masterpieces at midnight, right?). But the crown jewel of this update is undoubtedly Copilot AI. It's like Bing Sidebar on steroids.

Copilot AI offers local actions like switching on dark mode, taking screenshots, and more, all at the click of a button. Sounds cool, right? But what if you're still on Windows 10?

According to Windows Central, Copilot AI might soon be coming to your rescue too.

Microsoft believes bringing Copilot AI to Windows 10 could help more people harness the power of its AI chatbot. As of September this year, Windows 11 was only installed on 23% of PCs worldwide, while Windows 10 runs on a massive 71% (that rogue 6% are doing their own thing).

An upcoming update will reportedly install Copilot directly onto your Windows 10 taskbar, offering the same seamless experience as on Windows 11.

And we hear whispers of an extension to Windows 10's end-of-support date beyond 2025…

Microsoft has big dreams for Copilot, hoping it can boost productivity and revolutionise how we interact with computers. But to make this dream a reality, Microsoft needs to show everyone the real value of Copilot - how it can enhance your Windows experience while protecting your privacy and security.

However, let's not sideline Windows 11. With its sleek design and innovative features, it's still worth considering an upgrade. After all, who wouldn't want to be at the forefront of technology?

As of now, Copilot is only available in select regions, but Microsoft plans to expand soon. Keep your eyes peeled.

And if you need help making the move to Windows 11, get in touch.

Microsoft Copilot AI could soon come to Windows 10 While Copilot is currently only available on Windows 11, a new report now suggests that it could make its way to Windows 10 at some stage in...