It’s been three years since Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 7, but Microsoft allowed enterprise and education customers who wanted to continue using the operating system to pay for up to three years of extended security updates. Now time is up – Microsoft has ended extended security support for Windows 7, as well as […]
security
Lilbits: LastPass customer data stolen (included encrypted password vaults) and what you can do about it
You probably know that you should have a unique, secure password for every site you visit (unless you’re already living in the post-password world of passkeys). You also probably know that there’s no way you’re going to remember all of those unique passwords, which is why we have password managers like 1Password, LastPass, Dashlane, Bitwarden, […]
Google brings more features to Pixel Phones (including VPN and AI-enhanced calls for the Pixel 7)
Google is rolling out updates for Pixel phones that bring both the latest security patches, but also a bunch of new features… although some of the most useful new features are limited to the latest Pixel phones. For example, the latest Google Pixel Feature Drop allows Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro owners to use […]
Lilbits: Android security vulnerability, encrypted group chat for Google Messages, and Apple’s extended reality OS
A serious vulnerability was disclosed this week that could allow malware complete access to Android phones when you install an app that looks completely legitimate. Google and affected device makers have taken steps to mitigate the issue, which some folks have apparently known about for years. But it’s a good time to remember that there’s […]
StarFighter Linux Linux laptop goes up for pre-order with Intel or AMD and QHD or 4K display options
Linux PC maker Star Labs is taking pre-orders for a new thin, light, and powerful laptop called the StarFighter. Not only does it ship with your choice of Linux distributions pre-installed, but it’s also extraordinarily customizable. You can opt for Intel or AMD processor options. The webcam is detachable. You get a choice of display panels. […]
Lilbits: Signal drops SMS, Microsoft launches Surface Studio 2+, more Apple services coming to Windows, and Intel layoffs ahead?
Thanks to falling demand for PCs and increased competition from rival chip makers, it looks like Intel may be planning to layoff thousands of employees soon.  In addition to the introducing the new Surface Pro 9 and Surface Laptop 5 today, Microsoft has unveiled a Surface Studio 2+ for creative professionals… but it’s a kind of […]
Star Labs StarFighter is a 3.1 pound Linux laptop with a 16 inch 4K display and Intel or AMD processor options
Linux PC maker Star Labs has announced that it’s next laptop will be a powerhouse that also has a few nifty privacy and security features. The StarFighter laptop has a 16 inch, 4K display, support for up to an Intel Core i9-12900H or AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor, up to 64GB of RAM, and up […]
Lilbits: Microsoft’s new 5G portable computing device, Honor Pad X8 tablet, and Avast buys a popular browser extension
A series of recent listings on the FCC website show that Microsoft has a new “portable computing device” on the way. Since the good stuff like pictures and user manuals are locked away behind confidentiality agreements, all we really know is that it supports WiFi 6E, Bluetooth, 4G LTE, and 5G wireless networking. Could it […]
Apple’s new Lockdown Mode brings enhanced security to iPhone, iPad and Mac users facing targeted attacks
Apple has introduced a new security feature that most people are probably never going to use… but which could come in handy if you’re a journalist, activist, or government worker at high risk of a sophisticated, targeted attack. Lockdown Mode, which will roll out this fall to iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura, essentially […]
Maybe 2022 is the year passwordless sign-ins will take off (Apple, Google, and Microsoft to expand support for FIDO)
A handful of tech companies have been trying to kill the password for years… but this could be the year when it actually starts to happen. Apple, Google, and Microsoft have announced that they’re expanding support for passwordless sign-ins using a standard created by the FIDO Alliance and the W3C. In a nutshell, instead of […]