Author: Onur Demirkol

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Wonderlust: What to expect from Apple event September 2023

The annual Apple event is getting closer and closer each day, and the expectations are pretty high. The Wonderlust event will take place on September 12, and the excitement is spread throughout the world as we all want to know what the company will announce. Today, we listed some of the devices that will probably be announced at the Apple event in September 2023. We recently covered how to watch the Apple Wonderlust event, and now it is time to explain what to expect. Here is everything you need to know about it!

Apple Event September 2023: What will be announced at Wonderlust?

The Apple event in September 2023 is one of the most anticipated technology events of the year, as usual. Below, you will find a combination of experts’ expectations and certain leaks put together to assist you with what better to expect from the Wonderlust event. Here is what you need to know!

iPhone 15, Plus Pro, Pro Max

The next iPhone 15 series is anticipated to maintain Apple’s tradition of releasing a new iPhone series in four different variations. But there will soon be a big shift since Apple will finally switch the lightning port for a Type-C port. The European Union’s need for IT businesses to adopt a standardized charging connector is what motivated this move.

The most expensive variant, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, is said to include a new periscope camera lens among its alleged features. This change is projected to improve zoom capabilities considerably, filling a gap in the iPhone’s camera features compared to its Android rivals.

In addition, the Dynamic Island, a pill-shaped cutout rather than the notch that has been present for the last six years, is expected to be added to the standard iPhones, which was last year’s major talking point.

USB-C AirPods

The charging case for the next AirPods Pro 2 is expected to undergo major modification. The AirPods Pro 2 is anticipated to ship with a USB-C charging case rather than the Lightning one used in the first model. This adjustment is in line with Apple’s overall transition to USB-C since the iPhone 15 is expected to replace the Lightning port with a USB-C connection.

No further hardware modifications are expected outside this update to the charging port. As a result, it is believed that the AirPods Pro 2 will provide comparable features and functionalities to those of its predecessors, with the new charging case serving as the primary distinction.

Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2

The Apple Watch Series 9 is anticipated to be the next regular edition of the Apple Watch. While it may not provide any revolutionary improvements, some significant enhancements are planned. According to sources and leaks, the Series 9 may feature a new pink color option, diversifying the current options.

The new S9 processor, which is believed to deliver improvements in performance and economy, will likely be found within the Series 9. This would improve battery life, which would help users of smartwatches with a prevalent issue.

There are reports about a second-generation Apple Watch Ultra in addition to the Series 9. This tough smartwatch, which was unveiled last year, may get an upgrade with a speedier processor and perhaps a black titanium coating, which would give improved durability and appeal.

Armored Core 6 patch notes for September 11: All the balance changes you have been waiting for

Armored Core 6 patch notes for September 11 are out, and it looks like the developers have worked on stabilizing the game rather than adding more features or content to it.

Since its release, Armored Core 6 has become very popular and is surely one of the biggest hits of the year. However, there are many things to adjust, add, or drop in the game to offer a better experience. Recently, the developers dropped another update to make sure players are enjoying the game to the fullest. The latest update includes balance adjustments, bug fixes, and more. Let’s delve into it and tell you everything the official Armored Core 6 patch notes announcement includes!

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Armored Core 6 patch notes: Update 1.002

Here are the official Armored Core 6 patch notes for September 11, which also goes by the name Update 1.002:

BALANCE ADJUSTMENTS

  • Weapon Unit balance adjustments:
    • MA-J-200 RANSETSU-RF: Increased attack power/rate of fire, decreased reload time.
    • LR-036 CURTIS: Increased attack power, decreased reload time.
    • RF-024 TURNER: Increased attack power/projectile speed, decreased reload time.
    • RF-025 SCUDDER: Increased attack power/projectile speed, decreased reload time.
    • MA-J-201 RANSETSU-AR: Increased attack power/projectile speed, decreased reload time.
    • MG-014 LUDLOW: Increased attack power/total rounds/projectile speed, decreased recoil and reload time.
    • DF-MG-02 CHANG-CHEN: Increased attack power/total rounds/projectile speed, decreased reload time.
    • MA-E-210 ETSUJIN: Increased attack power/total rounds/projectile speed, decreased reload time.
  • Adjusted certain attacks performed by the enemy units AAP07: BALTEUS, IA-13: SEA SPIDER and IB-01: CEL240.

BUG FIXES

  • Fixed a bug that prevented certain weapons from dealing damage to the boss of the mission “Destroy the Weaponized Mining Ship”.
  • Fixed a bug that caused the boss of the mission “Prevent Corporate Salvage of New Tech” to be unable to detect the player.
  • Fixed a bug that caused certain enemies to not be displayed correctly during the mission “Survey the Uninhabited Floating City”.
  • Fixed a bug that caused certain enemies and background objects to be displayed incorrectly during the mission “Attack the Old Spaceport”.
  • Fixed a bug that caused vertical missiles and certain coral weapons to deal unintended amounts of damage.
  • Improved camera controls when spectating online arena battles.
  • Fixed a bug that caused the punch animation to not be displayed correctly on the opponent’s screen during online arena battles.
  • Other bug fixes.
  • [Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S / Steam] Fixed a bug that caused the game to enter offline mode and unable to save progress after the device recovers from sleep mode.
  • [Steam] Fixed the text displayed onscreen after selecting “Quit Game” from the System Menu on the title screen.
  • [Steam] Fixed a bug causing certain bosses to be rendered incorrectly.
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The version number of this update shown at the lower right corner of the Title Screen will be as follows:

App Ver. 22

Regulation Ver. 1.02.1*

Featured image credit: Armored Core 6

How to get the CoD Mobile Popcorn medal

If you’re a Call of Duty Mobile enthusiast, you’re likely familiar with the joy of unlocking medals. Among the numerous medals available in CODM, the Popcorn Medal stands out as one of the more popular and attainable ones. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to earn this prestigious medal. So, let’s dive right in and show you how to get the CoD Mobile Popcorn medal!

CoD Mobile Popcorn medal
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What is the CoD Mobile Popcorn medal?

The Popcorn medal is a Multiplayer medal in COD: Mobile that players can achieve by securing multiple kills with a single grenade. In the game, various Seasonal and Daily challenges within the Events section may necessitate earning the Popcorn medal as part of their requirements to unlock free rewards.

How to get the CoD Mobile Popcorn medal

Unlocking the Popcorn Medal in Call of Duty Mobile is a straightforward task, especially when you know the ropes. To claim this honor, you’ll need to achieve a particular feat within the multiplayer game mode. Specifically, your mission is to eliminate two or more enemies simultaneously using a grenade. Please note that this medal is exclusive to multiplayer mode and cannot be earned in the Battle Royale setting.

Now, let’s break down the steps to acquire the Popcorn Medal:

Getting the Popcorn Medal in Call of Duty Mobile is quite simple if you follow these steps. Your goal is to do something special in the multiplayer game mode. You need to use a grenade to take out two or more enemies at the same time. Just remember, you can’t get this medal in Battle Royale mode; it only works in multiplayer mode.

Let’s break down how to earn the Popcorn Medal:

CoD Mobile Popcorn medal
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Step 1: Get Some Frag Grenades

To begin, you’ll need Frag Grenades. Make sure you have them ready in your Lethal pouch. These grenades are the tools you’ll use for this mission.

Step 2: Join a Multiplayer Match

Next, jump into a multiplayer match. You can pick any multiplayer mode you like, but we recommend Domination. It’s easier to do this in Domination because there are more players in a smaller area.

Step 3: Aim for Multi-Kills with Grenades

Now, it’s time to take action! While you’re playing in the multiplayer match, look for chances to throw your Frag Grenades just right. You aim to remove two or more enemies with one grenade blast. Be patient and wait for the perfect moment to strike.

Step 4: Claim Your Popcorn Medal

When you successfully blow up two or more enemies with a single grenade, you’ll earn the Popcorn Medal. It will show up on your screen, letting you know that you’ve achieved it. Congratulations, you’ve unlocked the Popcorn Medal in Call of Duty Mobile!

CoD Mobile Popcorn medal
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How to see your CoDM medals

Now that you’ve added the Popcorn Medal to your collection, you might be curious about your other medals or what’s next on your medal-hunting journey. Fear not; checking your medals in Call of Duty Mobile is a breeze:

  1. Click on your profile name, located at the top-left corner of the screen.
  2. Navigate to the third tab, labeled “Achievements.”
  3. Inside the Achievements section, click on the “Medals” tab in the navigation bar.
  4. Scroll down to find the Popcorn Medal or any other medal you wish to inspect.

With these simple steps, you can easily keep track of your medal progress and stay motivated to unlock even more prestigious honors.

Featured image credit: Call of Duty Mobile

Here is how to get the Starfield Mantis ship

Starfield is one of the latest hits in the gaming industry, as many people from all around the world are enjoying the latest title. While it is easy to figure out most quests in the game, sometimes players need help to complete certain tasks. Today, we will show you how to get the Starfield Mantis ship in the game. Here is what you need to do!

Starfield is a big space game where you can do all kinds of exciting things. One of the coolest things is getting a new spaceship. You have a few options: you can build one, buy one from certain people, or find one in the wild and make it yours. In this guide, we’re going to help you get your hands on the Mantis Ship, also known as the Razorleaf. You’ll need to complete a special side quest involving the Mantis’s hideout to do that. Let’s get started on your journey to snag the Mantis Ship in Starfield!

Starfield Mantis ship
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How to get the Starfield Mantis ship

To kick off your quest for the Mantis Ship in Starfield, you’ll need to find a note on a defeated enemy that says, ‘Secret Outpost!’ This note will trigger the ‘Mantis’ quest for you. Some folks say the outpost is always in the same place, called Denebola I-b, but waiting until you find the note is safer.

Starfield Mantis ship
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Getting inside the Outpost and claiming the Mantis Ship

Once you’re inside the outpost, you’ll have to fight your way past the bad guys to reach the Mantis Ship in Starfield. After that, you’ll face some tricky traps. It might be a little hard for you to get past it, but you will eventually find the right way. Besides, there are guides on the internet that can help you out. Once you’ve conquered the traps, you’ll find yourself in the Mantis’s lair. You might want to prepare for surprises once you get there.

Getting to the Mantis Ship from here is pretty straightforward. Head to the far side and use the control panel. After that, leave the complex, go to the ship in the main game world, hop in the pilot’s seat, and make the Mantis Ship yours.

With this easy-to-follow guide, you’re all set to start your journey to grab the awesome Mantis Ship in Starfield. Stay determined, and soon, you’ll be zooming through the stars in your very own Razorleaf. We hope you enjoyed reading our how to get the Starfield Mantis ship guide!

Featured image credit: Bethesda

Microsoft Teams adds live translated transcripts for premium users

Microsoft has recently expanded a Teams feature and now serves its users better. According to the latest blog post by the tech giant, premium Teams users can now use live translated transcripts. You might think you have already had the feature for a year now, but you are wrong, as the new one has added a different capability.

For Teams Premium users, there is now the added capability of translating the meeting transcript into a language different from the one spoken during the meeting. You have a choice of over 30 languages currently supported for translation. The transcript will be presented in the side panel of the meeting, enhancing the productivity and inclusivity of your meetings.

Since October 2022, Microsoft has offered Teams members live caption translations. To access live conference transcripts, the business is launching a new feature for Microsoft Teams Premium subscribers this week.

Organizations participating in Microsoft Teams Public Preview and Microsoft 365 Targeted Release users with a Teams Premium license presently have access to this capability.

“We’re very pleased to announce that Microsoft Teams Public Preview and Microsoft 365 Targeted Release users with a Teams Premium license can now use live translated transcript in Teams meetings,” Microsoft said in the official announcement.

How to use the new Teams feature

In order to use the new feature, you obviously need to be in a meeting. To get your live translated transcript, there must be a chat full of different ideas and messages, and that is when the new Teams feature works its magic. Here is how to use it.

  1. Open Microsoft Teams.
  2. Start or join a meeting.
  3. Click “More.” (It is placed between “Camera” and “Apps.”)
  4. Go to “Record and transcribe.“
  5. Hit “Start transcription.”
  6. When it starts, click on Settings.
  7. Select “Transcript.”
  8. Hover your mouse over to “Transcription Language,” and choose your preferred language from the list.
Credit: Microsoft

Availability

Users must be part of either the Teams Public Preview or Microsoft 365 Targeted Release programs to use this feature. They should also have a Teams Premium license and use the Teams client on Windows, macOS, or through a web browser (Edge or Chrome). It’s worth noting that other participants in the meeting do not necessarily need to be part of the Teams Public Preview.

To activate the Public Preview in your Teams client, IT administrators should configure an update policy that enables the “Show preview features” option.

For the Targeted Release program, global administrators can access the Microsoft 365 admin center and choose to grant specific individuals access to Targeted Release or enroll the entire organization in the program.

Megan Fox to voice the legendary MK1 Nitara character

According to the latest trailer, Megan Fox will be the voice behind the MK1 Nitara character, which will be making its return to the lineup after several years.

Following the announcement of Mortal Kombat 1, rumors began circulating online regarding potential celebrity castings in the game. One such rumor suggested that actress Megan Fox would have a role in MK1 in some capacity.

Speculation ranged from the possibility of NetherRealm and WB Games, including Megan Fox’s Jennifer’s Body character as downloadable content (DLC), to skepticism about the rumor’s credibility. Travis Scott’s name had also surfaced in connection with the game, adding to the intrigue surrounding potential celebrity involvement.

Megan Fox will voice the MK1 Nitara character

NetherRealm Studios has officially revealed Nitara as a playable character in Mortal Kombat 1, with Megan Fox providing the character’s voice for the game.

This marks Nitara’s return to the roster after 17 years, with her last playable appearance in Mortal Kombat Armageddon. Her character design in MK1 has been updated, notably missing her eye patch and featuring red hair. However, she retains her iconic wings, and her armor now has a more ornate and demonic aesthetic.

Nitara made her debut in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance as a vampire from Outworld. She’s a relatively obscure character in the series, with only a few appearances in games and other media. Her return in Mortal Kombat 1 marks her comeback to the series after 17 years, with a redesigned look that retains her iconic wings but features more demonic-looking armor.

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In the trailer, you can see Nitara’s fighting style, which primarily involves aerial combat and showcases a blood seal mechanic. Some snippets of the game’s story are also shown, hinting at her anti-hero nature and apparent alignment with the game’s villains.

Megan Fox’s involvement in Mortal Kombat is notable, as she has expressed her love for the franchise in the past. She once mentioned that playing Princess Kitana in the series was one of her dream video game roles. In the trailer, Fox calls Mortal Kombat “one of the greatest video games of all time,” indicating her excitement at being a playable character rather than just making a guest appearance or cameo.

Megan Fox voice acting

The MK1 Nitara character is not Megan Fox’s first-ever voice acting experience. The famous actress previously voiced Mikaela Banes in the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: The Game and Transformers: The Game video games. Fox played the character herself in both movies and voiced the same character in video games, too. Transformers was one of the best movies she did in her career, as her fame almost doubled after it went live. Now, Megan Fox will be voicing the MK1 Nitara character, and it will surely be interesting to hear her voice in a fighting game. Fox might be involved in a similar project in the future.

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All confirmed MK1 characters

Do you want to know which characters will make a debut or return to the lineup? Here are all the confirmed characters, including the latest MK1 Nitara character that Megan Fox voices. Here are all of the confirmed MK1 characters:

  • Ashrah
  • Baraka
  • Ermac
  • General Shao
  • Geras
  • Havik
  • Homelander
  • Johnny Cage
  • Kenshi
  • Kitana
  • Kung Lao
  • Li Mei
  • Liu Kang
  • Mileena
  • Nitara
  • Omni-Man
  • Peacemaker
  • Quan Chi
  • Raiden
  • Rain
  • Reptile
  • Scorpion
  • Shang Tsung
  • Sindel
  • Smoke
  • Sub-Zero
  • Takeda
  • Tanya

MK1 Kmaeo characters

Now, let’s move onto the KAmeo characters in Mortal Kombat 1. Here is the full list:

  • Cyrax
  • Darrius
  • Frost
  • Goro
  • Jax Briggs
  • Kano
  • Kung Lao
  • Motaro
  • Sareena
  • Scorpion
  • Sektor
  • Shujinko
  • Sonya Blade
  • Stryker
  • Sub-Zero

Featured image credit: Mortal Kombat

These Asus routers need to be updated due to a critical vulnerability

According to recent news, a couple of Asus router users are at high risk as these devices carry important vulnerabilities

Several Asus routers have been identified as having critical vulnerabilities, with a Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) score of 9.8 for some. In contrast, others are rated as “high” severity with CVSS scores of 8.8.

Three remote code execution flaws with critical severity have been found in the ASUS RT-AX55, RT-AX56U_V2, and RT-AC86U routers. If security upgrades are not installed, these flaws might possibly provide threat actors access to the devices.

These routers are well-liked high-end devices that customers with high-performance requirements and gamers alike use. The vulnerabilities are linked to format string vulnerabilities and have a CVSS v3.1 score of 9.8 out of 10.0. These weaknesses can be exploited remotely and anonymously, allowing for arbitrary device actions, service interruptions, and remote code execution.

Asus router models that are at risk

According to Bleeping Computer, the three vulnerabilities that were disclosed earlier today are:

  • CVE-2023-39238: Lack of proper verification of the input format string on the iperf-related API module ‘ser_iperf3_svr.cgi’.
  • CVE-2023-39239: Lack of proper verification of the input format string in the API of the general setting function.
  • CVE-2023-39240: Lack of proper verification of the input format string on the iperf-related API module ‘ser_iperf3_cli.cgi’.

“The above issues impact ASUS RT-AX55, RT-AX56U_V2, and RT-AC86U in firmware versions 3.0.0.4.386_50460, 3.0.0.4.386_50460, and 3.0.0.4_386_51529 respectively,” BC added.

The Taiwan Computer Emergency Response Team/Coordination Center (TWCERT/CC) has disclosed eight vulnerabilities in these Asus routers. If successfully exploited, these vulnerabilities can allow attackers to carry out actions like command injection and remote code execution (RCE).

When user input inside the format string parameters of specific functions is not adequately verified or sanitized, format string vulnerabilities might arise. They may result in information leakage and code execution, among other security problems. In order to take advantage of these flaws, attackers usually send specially designed input to the susceptible devices, focusing on certain administrative API operations in the case of the ASUS routers.

How to protect yourself against hackers

The only thing you need to do is to update your Asus routers so that you will not be the target of hackers. Here are all the necessary links for you to update your router, published by Bleeping Computer:

The firmware updates for these routers were all rolled out in the current year, starting with the AX56U_V2 receiving its firmware update in May 2023, followed by the RT-AC86U in July 2023, and the RT-AX55 in August 2023.

If your router is affected, it’s crucial to check your current firmware version promptly. After confirming and, if necessary, updating it, it’s advisable to disable remote access to your router.

Microsoft’s OneDrive event date is finally set

Microsoft had been planning on holding an online OneDrive event. After a leaked video teaser surfaced online, the company had nothing to do but reveal the details of the event. According to Microsoft’s announcement, the online OneDrive event will be held on October 3.

Microsoft has scheduled an event for October 3, 2023, where it will unveil new features and enhancements for OneDrive. This event, titled “The Future of File Management,” is part of Microsoft’s Teams Live Event platform and will provide a first-hand look at the upcoming OneDrive improvements. The enhancements are expected to include faster file access, improved organization, and enhanced security, among other things.

While the event is primarily targeted at IT administrators, partners, and Microsoft 365 enthusiasts, anyone interested in OneDrive and its future developments can join. Jeff Teper, who leads the product, design, and engineering teams for Microsoft 365 and other OneDrive product members, will be presenting the new features. There will also be a Q&A session where attendees can delve into topics like roadmaps, insider access, employee distribution, and tenant access.

“Join Jeff Teper and the OneDrive product team as they showcase the next generation of file management across Microsoft 365. See the new enhancements to OneDrive and discover the benefits of faster file access, better organization, simpler collaboration, and improved file security across Microsoft 365. Plus, we’ll give a sneak peek at our AI plans which include new search, sharing, and information queries across all your files in OneDrive,” Microsoft’s official announcement read.

Microsoft OneDrive event information

Here is the official information released directly by Microsoft:

Get an event reminder and important follow-up information after the event by signing up for the OneDrive newsletter. 


OneDrive Presenters

Microsoft’s OneDrive event was leaked prior to the announcement

The video clip posted by “WalkingCat” on X suggested that Microsoft may have some updates or announcements regarding OneDrive on October 3. OneDrive recently received a refreshed look on its web platform, and it has been adding features like AI-powered file recommendations for users. Additionally, recent developments related to Xbox console integration with OneDrive have allowed automatic uploads of game clips and screenshots to users’ OneDrive accounts. It seems that Microsoft is continuing to improve and expand the capabilities of OneDrive, and we can expect to learn more about these developments on October 3.

Here is the leaked video:

Microsoft has been gradually incorporating more user-friendly features into OneDrive, aligning it more closely with the native File Explorer experience on Windows. Nothing is official yet, so we might see some surprises once the event date comes.

Ex-Huawei exec reveals the new “alleged” HarmonyOS PC

Wang Chenglu, who previously worked as President of the Consumer BG Software Engineering Department, revealed that HarmonyOS PC is in the works. Huawei wants to take the crown off of Microsoft’s head.

According to a surprising allegation, the world of personal computing is about to get a new operating system called HarmonyOS PC from Huawei, which has tech enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. This bold step enthuses those who love Huawei and are interested in the newest technological advancements.

Wang Chenglu, a well-known person in Huawei’s software industry, is the spark behind this historic transition. Wang Chenglu has a long experience with Huawei and has held important positions such as President of the Consumer BG Software Engineering Department and Director of the AI and All-scenario Intelligence Business Unit. He also developed the ground-breaking HarmonyOS and made significant contributions to the creation of EMUI.

The fact that Wang Chenglu left Huawei last year to lead the development of HarmonyOS technology at Kaihong Digital, a business specializing in IoT operating systems, shows a genuine dedication to uncovering the enormous potential of HarmonyOS.

While concrete details regarding the release date of HarmonyOS for PCs remain elusive, and the question of whether Huawei or the open-source community will be at the helm lingers, the horizon of 2023 appears promising, casting a hopeful light on this eagerly awaited development.

HarmonyOS PC

HarmonyOS PC comes after all the other devices you can imagine

Let’s rewind a bit. Back in 2019, HarmonyOS made its debut as a versatile operating system that could handle all sorts of devices. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of operating systems, with its multi-device, multi-framework architecture that lets you use it smoothly across different gadgets.

It started out on smart TVs but quickly spread its wings to smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and even smart vehicles. People loved how it made their tech life simpler.

In 2021, Huawei kicked things up a notch. They went all out to make HarmonyOS even better and started offering an open-source version called OpenHarmony, opening the door to more innovation.

But here’s the twist – Huawei didn’t bring HarmonyOS to its MateBook laptops. Why? Well, they still had Windows in their back pocket, and they weren’t ready to say goodbye yet. So, Huawei laptops continued to rock Windows.

HarmonyOS PC

Windows is the sole leader

In the world of operating systems, where you’ve got Android, iOS, macOS, ChromeOS, Linux, and more, Windows stands tall as the second most popular OS, right behind Android. As of April 2023, Windows claimed a hefty 28.29% market share, sandwiched between Android and iOS.

When it comes to strategy, Huawei might take a page from its smartphone playbook. They could start by launching HarmonyOS for PCs in China before taking it global, just like they did with their smartphones, where they smoothly transitioned over 100 Android models to HarmonyOS.

But the real test? It’s whether HarmonyOS can win hearts and minds outside China, where folks are used to Windows and macOS ruling the roost.

Now, there’s a juicy tidbit about a possible Microsoft move – they might be brewing up something called “Windows 12.” If Huawei goes ahead with HarmonyOS for PCs, we’re in for an exciting showdown between HarmonyOS and Windows 12. Early reports suggest HarmonyOS runs like a dream on an HP notebook, with developers going the extra mile to ensure it works with all sorts of hardware.

EU says “Russian disinformation” worsening on social media platforms

A recent report showed that social media companies failed to prevent “Russian disinformation,” and it looks like Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube might be in trouble.

The EU Commission’s report highlights the failure of social media companies to effectively counter “large-scale” Russian disinformation campaigns following the invasion of Ukraine. The report notes that the influence and reach of Kremlin-backed accounts have continued to grow in 2023. It also points out that Russian disinformation has increased on platforms like Twitter, especially following Elon Musk’s acquisition of the company. It suggests that this rise may be linked to the dismantling of Twitter’s safety standards, news from BBC read.

The report raises concerns about the spread of false information related to the war in Ukraine by official Kremlin social media accounts. It’s worth noting that the BBC approached Twitter, Meta, TikTok, and YouTube for comment, but as of now, there has been no response from these platforms.

These findings underscore the ongoing challenges social media companies face in combating disinformation and maintaining safety standards on their platforms, particularly in the context of geopolitical events and evolving ownership structures.

EU continues to add “tougher” rules

The introduction of tougher rules under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) for large online platforms has added pressure on social media companies to take a more proactive stance in policing content, particularly disinformation and hate speech. The DSA’s stricter rules apply to “very large” platforms with at least 45 million monthly active users.

The EU Commission’s report suggests that if the DSA had been in effect earlier, social media companies might have breached their legal duties and faced potential fines. The report also highlights a tweet from Elon Musk in which he announced that his platform, Twitter, would no longer “limit” Kremlin-run accounts.

Twitter’s decision to “limit” accounts in the past and its reluctance to ban many Kremlin-run profiles have raised questions and received criticism. This contrasts with the platform’s actions against other high-profile figures like former President Donald Trump.

Facebook is already in trouble with EU regulations

Meta’s introduction of paid subscriptions as a potential compromise in addressing data privacy and advertising regulations in Europe reflects the company’s efforts to find common ground. Offering users the choice to pay for an ad-free experience on Facebook and Instagram could be a way for Meta to alleviate the concerns of EU regulators while diversifying its revenue sources.

“Those who pay for Facebook and Instagram subscriptions would not see ads in the apps, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the plans are confidential. That may help Meta fend off privacy concerns and other scrutiny from E.U. regulators by giving users an alternative to the company’s ad-based services, which rely on analyzing people’s data, the people said,” read a recent report in New York Times.

The success and implementation of this paid subscription model will depend on various factors and negotiations with EU authorities. Meta’s willingness to explore alternative approaches to resolving its ongoing challenges highlights the importance of balancing data privacy, advertising practices, and user experience in the contemporary digital landscape.

Meta’s ongoing efforts to reconcile with European authorities are a significant part of the broader global discussion surrounding digital rights and regulatory frameworks. This journey underscores the complexities and evolving nature of the relationship between tech giants, regulators, and user expectations in the digital age.

Meta’s efforts to address data privacy concerns in the European Union have included allowing users to opt out of targeted advertising, with proposals to potentially shift to an opt-in system for everyone in the region. Additionally, the delay in releasing its Threads social platform in Europe reflects the company’s concerns about regulatory changes, particularly the Digital Markets Act, which places restrictions on the reuse of personal user data, including names and locations.

These actions illustrate Meta’s proactive approach to adapting its services and practices to comply with evolving EU regulations. The company is navigating a complex landscape of data protection and digital market regulations, reflecting the broader challenges faced by tech companies in the European market.