Ask The Tech Guys 2013: Leoville on the Moon

Can we have a Windows experience tailored for enterprise efficiency? Paul, Richard, and Mikah unpack the freshest updates from Windows 11's March 2024 Patch Tuesday, dissect Microsoft's transparency behind Midnight Blizzard's November attack, and speculate on Microsoft's much-anticipated Surface/AI event. Plus, Paul offers insights from his time with Copilot Pro's custom GPT builder.

Windows 11

• Patch Tuesday new features: Phone Link settings is renamed to Mobile devices, USB 80 Gbps support, more - Windows 10 users get some love (hate?) too
• Microsoft confirms that Moment 5 will be delivered in the March preview update, fully deployed in late April
• Microsoft details how it is changing Windows in the EU - and now we all want to move to the EU
• Beta (last week): New Copilot actions experiment
• Dev and Canary: Unified Teams experience, Copilot updates to more people, Power Automate via Copilot in Windows, Live Captions quick settings tile, progress bars in Taskbar icons, File Explorer file copy improvements, etc
• Beta (today): Most frequently used apps now appear in Recommended

Microsoft

• Microsoft continues to dribble out details about that Russia-sponsored hack and the news is predictably getting worse each time
• We have an event! March 21st will focus on Copilot, Windows, and Surface

AI

• Microsoft brings Custom GPT Builder to Copilot Pro subscribers
• Here comes Copilot for Security. April 1 rollout is perfect
• Teams app developers get AI capabilities via a free Microsoft toolkit
• Opera Feature Drops to bring new AI features early to Opera One
• EU moves to the AI Act

Microsoft 365

• Microsoft finally spells out its commercial deployment schedule/plans for the new Outlook. Let the complaining continue
• Skype is updated with new Channels features, prompting questions about Skype still being alive
• Parallels Desktop for Mac is updated with Clipboard and game improvements for Windows VMs

Xbox

• Some Activision QA works vote to unionize
• More Microsoft Studio titles come to Boosteroid, that service you only heard of because of the Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard

Tips & Picks

• Tip of the week: Time zone math
• App pick of the week: Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story is now available! Plus, Joplin (a Notion alternative)
• RunAs Radio this week: Understanding Large Language Models with Jodie Burchell
• Brown liquor pick of the week: Bushmills 21
  

Hosts: Paul Thurrott, Richard Campbell, and Mikah Sargent

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• VMware needs immediate patching
• Midnight Blizzard still on the offensive
• China is quietly "de-American'ing" their networks
• Signal Version 7.0, now in beta
• Meta, WhatsApp, and Messenger -meets- the EU's DMA
• The Change Healthcare cyberattack
• SpinRite update
• Telegram's end-to-end encryption
• KepassXC now supports passkeys
• Login accelerators
• Sites start rejecting @duck.com emails
• Tool to detect chrome extensions change owners
• Sortest SN title
• Passkeys vs 2FA

Show Notes - https://www.grc.com/sn/SN-965-Notes.pdf

Hosts: Steve Gibson and Mikah Sargent

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You can submit a question to Security Now at the GRC Feedback Page.

For 16kbps versions, transcripts, and notes (including fixes), visit Steve's site: grc.com, also the home of the best disk maintenance and recovery utility ever written Spinrite 6.

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Why do closed captions occur ahead of what's happening on your TV? A listener wants to know how Mikah has MoCA set up throughout his home. What are some alternatives to Artifact News after they shuttered the service? Plus Sam Abuelsamid talks about the newly announced Rivian R2 & R3 and answers a viewer's question about towing with an EV vehicle!

• Palantir wins US Army contract for battlefield AI.
• Roku effectively disables your TV unless you agree to new 'Dispute Resolution Terms'.
• A listener inquires how Mikah has his MoCA internet set up at home.
• Why is the closed captioning on my Britbox streaming service going ahead of what's happening on screen?
• How can I stop Apple from combining text messages from two devices into one thread?
• Sam Abuelsamid and the Rivian R2 & R3
• Sam Abuelsamid sticks around and helps to answer a question about if it's worth getting an electric truck that can handle towing camping gear.
• An update from the person who called about getting a better broadcast signal with an indoor antenna.
• I hear Google is getting rid of cookies. Won't the web be bad without cookies?
• What's the next alternative to Google News since Artifact News shuttered?
• Can I use the smartLav+ microphone from Rode on my Android phone during a video or phone call?
• Does BitWarden (a sponsor of the TWiT network) support filling out credentials when opening desktop applications?
• What service should I use to set up my phone for international travel?

Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

Guest: Sam Abuelsamid

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Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2015

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U.S. lawmakers are once again pushing ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a ban within the country. The Center for Countering Digital Hate published a report on AI images generated being used to create election disinformation. A Microsoft AI engineer warns the FTC about safety concerns with Microsoft's Copilot Designer. And some of the new features & products Apple has announced over the past few weeks!

• Abrar Al-Heeti joins Mikah this week! She talks about U.S. lawmakers making another push to get ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a ban within the country. Could this push get TikTok banned within the U.S., or at least divest the company?
• Mikah covers the report published by the Center for Countering Digital Hate, where the organization tested popular AI image tools and how they help contribute to disinformation during election periods.
• Emma Roth of The Verge stops by to share her coverage of the safety concerns brought up by a Microsoft engineer over Microsoft's Copilot Designer of its safety issues and flaws.
• And finally, Dan Moren of SixColors.com talks about Apple's announcement of M3 13" & 15" MacBook Airs and the iOS 17.4 update.

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Abrar Al-Heeti

Guests: Emma Roth and Dan Moren

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When you navigate to the reset options on your iPhone or iPad, you're presented with a list of options for resetting different aspects of your device. Mikah Sargent explains what each reset option does and shows you how to perform the necessary reset for your scenario.

Return iPhone settings to their defaults - Apple Support - https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/return-iphone-settings-to-their-defaults-iphea1c2fe48/ios#:~:text=Go%20to%20Settings%20%3E%20General%20%3E%20Transfer,of%20your%20content%20is%20removed.

If your iPhone or iPad won't connect to a Wi-Fi network - Apple Support - https://support.apple.com/en-us/111786#:~:text=Reset%20your%20network%20settings,%3E%20Reset%20%3E%20Reset%20Network%20Settings.

Save keystrokes with text replacements on iPhone – Apple Support - https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iph6d01d862/ios#:~:text=Go%20to%20Settings%20%3E%20General%20%3E%20Transfer,returns%20to%20its%20default%20state.

Move apps and widgets on the Home Screen on iPhone – Apple Support (UK) - https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iphd2fc8ce30/ios#:~:text=Go%20to%20Settings%20%3E%20General%20%3E%20Transfer,that%20came%20with%20your%20iPhone.

About privacy and Location Services in iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS - Apple Support - https://support.apple.com/en-us/102515#:~:text=If%20you%20would%20like%20to,until%20you%20grant%20them%20permission.

Host: Mikah Sargent

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This week on Ask The Tech Guys, Leo and Mikah answer a viewer's question about producing their own audiobook. What's the easiest way to get your family to use password managers? Plus, Scott Wilkinson talks about The Verge's coverage on physical media, and Johnny Jet talks about how you really should only share a picture of your boarding pass after your flight! Also we celebrate the life of Bob Heil, who passed away recently.

• Bob Heil passes away at the age of 83.
• As nationwide fraud losses top $10 billion in 2023, FTC steps up efforts to protect the public.
• Crash of the Titan: a short history of Apple's doomed car project.
• What's the best way to produce an audiobook with my iPhone?
• How can I start getting my family to use password managers to protect themselves better online?
• Scott Wilkinson talks about physical media and the release of Oppenheimer in 4k UHD on Blu-ray.
• Leo shares the Anker 250W Power Bank and the NIxplay Digital Display he purchased in response to a few callers from a couple of weeks ago.
• Is there a way to filter photos based on specific custom parameters?
• Johnny Jet shares some updates on what's been happening with him and some tips on what you shouldn't be sharing on social media when traveling.

Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

Guests: Scott Wilkinson and Johnny Jet

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Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2014

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The latest AI controversy with Google's Gemini, President Biden's new executive order restricting the sale of personal data, issues with popular but insecure video doorbell cameras, and more.

• Google's AI Controversy with Gemini: Reed Albergotti of Semafor discusses the backlash against Google's Gemini AI for generating biased content. Google CEO Sundar Pichai's response and the challenges of correcting AI behavior are explored.
• Apple's Project Titan Cancelation: Mikah focuses on Apple's decision to cancel its self-driving car project, Project Titan, reallocating resources to its AI division. The market's reaction and the implications for Apple's future in AI are discussed.
• Biden's Executive Order on Personal Data: Engadget's Karissa Bell explains President Biden's executive order banning the bulk sale of sensitive personal data to certain countries. The geopolitical context and potential impacts on privacy and national security are analyzed.
• Security Concerns with Video Doorbells: Mikah highlights a Consumer Reports study by TWiT-alumn Stacey Higginbotham that revealed security flaws in popular video doorbells, underscoring the risks of unencrypted personal data and the importance of consumer vigilance in product choices.

Host: Mikah Sargent

Guests: Reed Albergotti and Karissa Bell

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You can now use a VPN app on your Apple TV! Gone are the days of complex network configurations — now you need only install a VPN app, follow the directions, and turn it on. Mikah Sargent walks you through the process of installing, enabling, and uninstalling a VPN on your Apple TV.

Apple TV User Guide - https://support.apple.com/guide/tv/welcome/tvos

Host: Mikah Sargent

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In this week's episode of Ask The Tech Guys, Leo and Mikah answer questions about streaming local news without cable, windows management on macOS, using eSIMs for international travel, improving TV antenna reception, and more. Dick Debartolo also joins to showcase photo backdrop kits that let you simulate exotic locations in your own home.

• AT&T Outage: Leo and Mikah delve into the recent nationwide AT&T outage, discussing its causes and broader implications for network reliability.
• SpaceX's Lunar Lander: The conversation shifts to SpaceX's lunar lander mishap and the creative solution that ensured its mission continued.
• Lunar Library: An exploration of the lunar library concept, aiming to preserve human knowledge on the moon, is discussed, highlighting its significance and contents.
• HomePod Alarm Sounds: A listener's question about customizing HomePod Mini alarm sounds leads to a discussion on using the Home app for customization.
• Pirate Ship Bedroom Decor: The Giz Wiz Dick Debartolo showcases how tapestry can be used for an inexpensive yet effective makeover.
• Google Speakers Management: Dick poses a question about managing responses from multiple Google speakers in different rooms, leading to advice on enhancing device response accuracy through settings adjustments.
• Cord-Cutting & Local News: A caller is looking for options for streaming local news like MSNBC without a cable subscription. Leo and Mikah recommend services like Peacock, YouTube TV, and Local Now.
• iOS Auto-Brightness: An iPhone user receives suggestions on resolving inconsistent auto-brightness problems, and Mikah shares his custom Auto-Brightness Shortcut.
• ISP Woes and Modem Upgrades: Annoyances when ISPs forcibly "update" modems and suggestions for replacements.
• Password Managers: Struggles exporting iCloud Keychain passwords from an iPhone to other password managers, pros and cons for Chome's password manager, and Leo demonstrates how passkeys improve login security.
• Over-the-Air TV: A caller running into issues with his TV antenna wire placement gets recommendations on antenna types and optimization tips.
• eSIMs for Travel: For a caller preparing for a trip abroad, Leo and Mikah recommend eSIM services like GigSky and Airalo for easy international cell data.
• macOS Window Management: A Mac user struggling to keep track of many open windows learns keyboard shortcuts and Mission Control tools, and Leo shows his preferred fullscreen app workflow.

Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

Guest: Dick DeBartolo

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Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2013

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What is the Amazon Echo Hub, and how is it different from Amazon's current Echo lineup? If you own a Wyze camera, you may have received a notification of a security incident with the company. A review of Microsoft Copilot Pro. And Apple releases their Sports app and announce that iMessage is getting post-quantum encryption.

• Jennifer Pattison Tuohy of The Verge joins Mikah to talk about her review of the Amazon Echo Hub and the difference between this device and the overall Echo lineup from Amazon.
• Wyze announced a security incident with its devices that allowed a very small group of its users to access thumbnail images from other users.
• Chris Hoffman of The Intelligence & Computerworld chats with Mikah about his review of Microsoft Copilot Pro, the technology behind this offering from Microsoft, and what it can do.
• Finally, Apple released its very own sports app called Apple Sports, and Mikah explains the idea behind iMessage getting post-quantum encryption and what it means for the app.

Host: Mikah Sargent

Guests: Jennifer Pattison Tuohy and Chris Hoffman

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