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It seems a “configuration error” at the Microsoft News team and the Microsoft Movies section of the app. Users reported seeing weird notifications that pointed to a possible virus. The messages included “Test notification,” “this test notification,” and “this is test notification” among others. Windows 10 was saving these messages into the Action Center. When clocked on the notifications would launch Microsoft News. However, once launched the app would fail with a “an error occurred” messages....

Torrent Freak says the Windows Store is full of apps that allow access to pirated content. In a report, the outlet says the apps are universal across PC, mobile and Xbox. They allow users to get quick access to pirated movies, TV shows, and more. The report says the available pirated content is not even available on traditional (legal) streaming services. As well as many movie and TV apps, there are also services for pirated music....

In its Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) advisory confirming the bug, the company says it has known about it since September 24. That is when SOCRadar told Microsoft about the problem. MSRC says the BlueBleed problem stems from a misconfiguration in the Azure Blob Storage bucket. The bug allowed data between Microsoft and customers to be available publicly. This data includes email addresses, names, company names, file attachments, phone numbers, and the contents of emails....

Specifically, when a user attempts to connect to a hotspot, Windows will drop the connection and no access the internet. This is a problem coming from the Patch Tuesday release on June 14. That means anyone who has already installed KB5014697 could be affected. The problem is happening across Windows server and client versions, including both Windows 11 and Windows 10. Not even Windows 7 has escaped this bug. Microsoft does currently offer a workaround until a permanent fix is available: “After installing KB5014697, Windows devices might be unable use the Wi-Fi hotspot feature....

This comes right from the top, with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella saying the following: “We’re adding new gamers to our ecosystem, as we execute on our ambition to reach players wherever and whenever they want, on any device. We saw usage growth across all platforms, driven by strength off-console. PC Game Pass subscriptions increased 159 percent year over year. And with Cloud Gaming, we’re transforming how games are distributed, played, and viewed....

According the Guardian, Microsoft Round Island One, a subsidiary of the company based in Ireland, used its status as a resident of Bermuda to avoid paying full taxes. Importantly, Microsoft Round Island One appears to be something of a shell company. It has no employees other than directors and is a tax resident in the tax-free island of Bermuda. While Bermuda is a territory of the UK, it does not have corporation tax like in the United Kingdom....

1 Microsoft Hits Out2 Microsoft’s Push Against Apple If you’re out of the loop on this case, Apple is threatening to stop Epic accessing its iOS and macOS developer features, including for its Unreal Engine SDK. Apple says the company and the popular game Fortnite violate its App Store terms and conditions. Under the requirements of the App Store, developers must give Apple 30% of all revenue they make. As long as the freemium Fortnite was on the store, it was paying this revenue....

With the UWP ‘Windows Solitaire Collection’, Microsoft shook up the formula, introducing new visuals, new modes, daily challenges, and more. Some are fans of the additions, while others prefer the original, ad-free version. Either way, the app has just received a significant update after a period of stagnation. Microsoft is introducing an all-new progress system to the app to keep players invested. Simply, the app now has levels. Players gain experience from playing in each mode, from ‘Beginner’ at level one to ‘Grand Master’ at 100....

With cloud integration running deep, SQL Server 2022 provides more security and accessibility: “SQL Server 2022 is a core element of the Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform. The platform seamlessly integrates operational databases, analytics, and data governance. This enables customers to adapt in real-time, add layers of intelligence to their applications, unlock fast and predictive insights, and govern their data—wherever it resides.” This release is all about that bigger connection with Microsoft Azure....

With this backdoor access, hackers would be able to hide their presence without MSSQL’s connection logs. Even if admins know somethings is not right, they will not be able to detect the magic password attack. “Considering that administrative privileges are required for installing the hooks, skip-2.0 must be used on already compromised MSSQL Servers to achieve persistence and stealthiness,” ESET researchers said. Researchers for ESET said attacks that use the backdoor are implemented through a post-infection tool....

And that’s what’s going to happen in the near future, according to . Microsoft is reportedly working on a revamp of the Microsoft Store for Windows 10. Specifically, the store will get a slick modern design and some policy changes. So, this will be an update that will appeal to developers and end-users alike. It’s worth remembering that the Microsoft Store is more than just apps. It is also a storefront for Microsoft to sell services (Windows, Office, etc....

According to a new video found by WalkingCat, the Surface Neo and Surface Duo have technology aimed at helping the devices be more useful. For example, electromyography monitors the electrical activity of the users’ arm. This is done to assess if the Surface Neo does not put too much strain on the forearm. The second technology is EEG brain scans. In the video, a Microsoft engineers says the dual-screen nature of the Surface Neo and Surface Duo allows your brain to take in more information....

A report from Computer World reveals some Windows 10 users say the latest update has hurt the Surface Pen. Specifically, the peripheral is being hit with problems pairing with a device. Normally issues with the pen are caused by a failing battery, but it seems this is beyond that common gripe. Windows 10 can now not recognize the Surface Pen. Some users also report pinch to zoom is no longer working....

This means Microsoft Teams can now effectively replace Skype for Business Online and users will not miss out on features. While that’s true, Microsoft is not shutting the Online service yet. In fact, the company says it will help organizations transition to Teams through automated upgrades. Microsoft’s transition to Teams from Skype for Business is now in full swing. By catching the online version, Microsoft Teams is increasingly becoming a unified collaboration service....

The new ability will be introduced at the end of next month. Importantly, the integration will work both ways, so Skype users will also be able to connect with Microsoft Teams. Microsoft is arguably trying to reach consumers and entice them to Teams. Many users who use Skype for day-to-day business could probably benefit from Teams. It is worth noting there is already a free version of Microsoft Teams available....

In Microsoft Bing and Microsoft Edge, the new integration can be found in the Shopping tab. Here users can find listed Shopify products quickly. When a merchant adds a product, it will automatically be included on the Shopping tab for Bing and Microsoft Start for free. Microsoft and Shopify explain how the integration works in the announcement blog: “Using the improved Microsoft Channel app, merchants can easily connect with shoppers across the Microsoft network....

Of course, this is not good news, but it does make some sense. Microsoft services such as Windows, Azure, and Office are most driven towards enterprise. Hackers are more likely to target organizations than they are individual consumers. That said, it seems attackers took more of an interest in Microsoft during the third quarter. Through the second quarter, the company was the fifth most imitated brand. By the last quarter, the company took a 19% of all global phishing attacks....

“We heard your feedback and understand that sometimes websites that experience alleged copyright infringement issues have a difficult time gaining visibility into the problem and getting relisted.” Under the new process, webmasters using Bing can now see which of their webpages have had “copyright removal notices”. This will make it easier for webmasters to manage notices and appeal them. Bing will provide webmasters with more information on how DCMA takedowns impact their website....

Elsewhere on OneDrive for Android, the app has also received a new grid view that improves photos on the service. “In addition to a PIN Code, you’ll now be able to use your fingerprint to lock the OneDrive app,” Microsoft says. “We’ve improved our grid view to help your photos stand out and look their best as well as making it easier than ever to see what photos are getting backed up in the Photos tab....

If you are unfamiliar with Snip & Search, it was previously known as Screen Sketch. Microsoft rebranded the app last year with the release of Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803). Screen Sketch itself was a replacement for the older Snipping Tool and was integrated into Windows Ink. Snip & Search provides more power and functionality than its predecessors, including a keyboard shortcut (Win+Shift+S) for easy access. Additional features include creating screenshots in random shapes and an in-built image editor....