“Microsoft is releasing its Windows Defender antivirus scanner for Google Chrome this week. The software giant has released a Chrome extension, that includes a list of malicious URLs that will be blocked in Chrome.”
Instagram plans new long-form video hub to compete with YouTube & Snapchat Discover
“Following a report yesterday suggesting Instagram was adding support for videos up to 1 hour in length, TechCrunch now offers additional details on the company’s video plans. The report likens Instagram’s video plans to Snapchat’s Discover feature…”
VPNFilter malware infecting 500,000 devices is worse than we thought
“Two weeks ago, officials in the private and public sectors warned that hackers working for the Russian government infected more than 500,000 consumer-grade routers in 54 countries with malware that could be used for a range of nefarious purposes.”
Disneyland to put new limits on park visits for some annual passholders
“Disneyland announced the first of what could be sweeping changes coming to its annual passport program that will limit – for the first time – which parks some passholders can visit on specific days.”
IoT device pairing raises privacy concerns for home AI
“Thanks to smart speakers like the Amazon Echo and Google Home, having artificial intelligence-powered devices in your home is no longer the novelty it might have been just a few years ago.”
Microsoft Office 2019 kills off OneNote desktop app in favor of Windows 10 version
“Microsoft is planning to launch Office 2019 later this year, and the company is changing the way OneNote is bundled. The note taking app currently has a desktop version included in Office 2016, and a separate Universal Windows App for Windows 10.”
Phone tracking firms LocationSmart and Securus under fire for data breaches
“Securus Technologies is a Texas-based company, specializing in providing and monitoring calls to prison inmates. Securus came into the spotlight earlier this month, when a former Missouri sheriff was found using the company’s service to repeatedly to track people without a warrant.”
NVIDIA SHIELD TV Oreo update starts rolling out today
“Shield TV owners, rejoice! Starting today, Nvidia is pushing out the Oreo OTA update to our favorite Android TV box. Along with the latest version of Android, you’ll get a whole host of additional features, including an all new UI. Exciting times, indeed. Shield Experience Upgrade 7.”
Do it now! Protect your router from Russian hackers
“U.S. officials have warned Russian hackers have targeted home and business routers and other devices. Kim Komando has tips on keeping intruders out. Kim Komando, for USA TODAY”
Verizon’s secret new unlimited plan is so good you need an invite
“Thanks to competitive pressure from T-Mobile (pre-merger T-Mobile, that is), all four major carriers in the US now have unlimited plans. Sure, they’re expensive and come with a bunch of caveats — like the fact that they’re not truly unlimited! — but customers love them very dearly.”
