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Microsoft

Here's How To Put An End To Passwords Here's How To Put An End To Passwords
Here's How To Put An End To Passwords Tired of forgetting your passwords? You’re not alone, and the solution might finally be in sight. For years, juggling online passwords has felt like a never-ending struggle, but the push for a password-free world is gaining serious momentum.  Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Apple are accelerating efforts to make passkeys, the next-generation way to sign in, mainstream.  The FIDO Alliance, an industry group dedicated to reducing reliance on passwords, has spent more than 10 years championing this shift. Passkeys work by letting you sign in with built-in device security, s…
PlayStation 5 Price Jumps As Trump Tariffs Hit Imports: Here's How Much PlayStation 5 Price Jumps As Trump Tariffs Hit Imports: Here's How Much
PlayStation 5 Price Jumps As Trump Tariffs Hit Imports: Here's How Much PlayStation 5 consoles are about to get more expensive in the US as President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs fuel price hikes for many products. The recommended retail price for the PS5 will increase to $549.99, the Digital Edition will cost $499.99, and the PS5 Pro will go up to $749.99, Sony announced on Wednesday, Aug. 20. The higher prices will begin on Thursday, Aug. 21. While Sony didn't directly point to Trump's tariffs in its announcement, the duties have increased the costs of many imported goods, especially from countries that produce many electronics. "Similar to…
Impostor Scams Skyrocket Among Older Adults, FTC Warns: What To Do Impostor Scams Skyrocket Among Older Adults, FTC Warns: What To Do
Impostor Scams Skyrocket Among Older Adults, FTC Warns: What To Do Scams targeting older Americans are surging, causing victims to lose millions of dollars to scammers posing as government officials or trusted companies. The number of victims age 60 and older who lost more than $100,000 has increased by more than 700%, the Federal Trade Commission said on Thursday, Aug. 7. Those high-value thefts jumped from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024. Older adults who lost at least $10,000 also dramatically rose by more than 300%. "While younger consumers also have reported these scams, older adults were much more likely to report these ex…
Cyber Breach Hits Agency In Charge Of US Nuclear Arsenal Cyber Breach Hits Agency In Charge Of US Nuclear Arsenal
Cyber Breach Hits Agency In Charge Of US Nuclear Arsenal The agency in charge of the nation’s nuclear arsenal was swept up in a cyberattack targeting Microsoft’s SharePoint software, according to a brand-new report. A person familiar with the breach told Bloomberg that the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), which designs, maintains, and dismantles the US nuclear weapons stockpile, was among the agencies affected.  The Energy Department, which oversees the NNSA, confirmed that multiple systems were impacted but described the effect as limited. The breach began affecting the Department of Energy on Friday, July 18, an agency spo…
TikTok Ban Delayed Again Despite Doubts About Trump's Legal Power: Reports TikTok Ban Delayed Again Despite Doubts About Trump's Legal Power: Reports
TikTok Ban Delayed Again Despite Doubts About Trump's Legal Power: Reports TikTok will reportedly stay available in the US for at least three more months despite legal questions surrounding President Donald Trump's authority to keep delaying enforcement of the ban. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump will sign an executive order to extend a pause on the ban for 90 more days, CNBC reported. An extension would push the Thursday, June 19, deadline to Wednesday, Sept. 17. The divest-or-ban bill became law in April 2024. The ban's enforcement has been postponed for a third time under Trump, who once advocated for banning the popular video app. The …
NY Times Brings Content To Amazon's AI Platforms In New Licensing Deal NY Times Brings Content To Amazon's AI Platforms In New Licensing Deal
NY Times Brings Content To Amazon's AI Platforms In New Licensing Deal The New York Times has agreed to let Amazon use the prestigious newspaper's coverage in its artificial intelligence products. The Times announced its new licensing agreement with Amazon in a news release on Thursday, May 29. The deal allows Amazon to use Times content like news reporting, NYT Cooking stories, and The Athletic's sports coverage for AI features like real-time summaries and excerpts. That content will appear across Amazon services, including direct links to Times platforms. "This broadens the companies' existing relationship, and will bring additional value to Amazon cus…
Many People Fear Cyberattacks But Don't Protect Themselves Properly, Survey Says Many People Fear Cyberattacks But Don't Protect Themselves Properly, Survey Says
Many People Fear Cyberattacks But Don't Protect Themselves Properly, Survey Says Most online users say they're worried about data breaches, but still skip basic ways to improve their cybersecurity, according to a new survey. The Acronis Data Privacy in 2025 Survey polled nearly 2,500 adults in the US and seven other countries, finding that many aren't doing enough to protect their personal data. The Swiss tech company found that while 64% of respondents listed data breaches as their top online privacy concern, only one-third back up their data daily or weekly. Fewer than half (46%) said they use security features like two-factor authentication. "Perhaps …
Massive Data Breach Exposes 184 Million Accounts: What To Know Massive Data Breach Exposes 184 Million Accounts: What To Know
Massive Data Breach Exposes 184 Million Accounts: What To Know A cybersecurity researcher has uncovered a massive trove of compromised login credentials, raising new alarms about the scope and scale of InfoStealer malware campaigns. The exposed Elasticsearch database contained more than 184 million unique usernames and passwords. It was not password-protected or encrypted, and it was publicly accessible when discovered earlier this month. The database included login details tied to popular platforms such as Microsoft, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.  It also contained services with potentially greater stakes, including banking portals, health …
Hackers Infect 394K+ Computers, Microsoft Disrupts 'Most Popular Infostealer': What To Know Hackers Infect 394K+ Computers, Microsoft Disrupts 'Most Popular Infostealer': What To Know
Hackers Infect 394K+ Computers, Microsoft Disrupts 'Most Popular Infostealer': What To Know A global cybercrime tool used to steal passwords and drain bank accounts was shut down in a major takedown led by Microsoft and federal authorities. The tool called Lumma Stealer had infected more than 394,000 Windows computers worldwide between March and May, Microsoft said in a blog post on Wednesday, May 21. Hackers used the malware to target schools, hospitals, banks, and gaming communities, often holding victims for ransom or committing financial fraud. A federal court order allowed Microsoft's digital crimes unit to seize more than 2,300 web domains that powered the malware's ope…
PayPal Launches AI Chat Shopping: Here's How The New Feature Works PayPal Launches AI Chat Shopping: Here's How The New Feature Works
PayPal Launches AI Chat Shopping: Here's How The New Feature Works An artificial intelligence search engine will soon help Americans buy products, book trips, and check out with PayPal or Venmo in online chats. Perplexity is teaming up with the financial technology giant for the new chat-based shopping experience, PayPal announced on Wednesday, May 14. The service is expected to be available in the US in the summer. Shoppers can make purchases within chat prompts on Perplexity Pro. "This partnership unlocks new possibilities, where conversations now drive commerce," said PayPal president and CEO Alex Chriss. "We're making it easy and secure…
Microsoft Laying Off Thousands Of Workers In Biggest Job Cuts Since 2023 Microsoft Laying Off Thousands Of Workers In Biggest Job Cuts Since 2023
Microsoft Laying Off Thousands Of Workers In Biggest Job Cuts Since 2023 Microsoft is laying off about 6,000 employees as it restructures to "enhance efficiency" and reduce layers of management. A spokesperson for the tech giant confirmed the global layoffs to the Daily Voice on Tuesday, May 13. Microsoft had about 228,000 employees at the end of June 2024, according to market data firm Statista. The company said it regularly adjusts its workforce "to meet the strategic demands of the business." "We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace," the spokesperson said. The layoffs …
Bill Gates To Donate Nearly All His Wealth In 20 Years: 'Too Many Urgent Problems To Solve' Bill Gates To Donate Nearly All His Wealth In 20 Years: 'Too Many Urgent Problems To Solve'
Bill Gates To Donate Nearly All His Wealth In 20 Years: 'Too Many Urgent Problems To Solve' Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said he'll give away virtually all of his fortune and permanently close his foundation by the end of 2045. Gates announced his massive philanthropy plans in a blog post on his website on Thursday, May 8. The billionaire also said the third-largest charitable foundation in the world will be shuttered on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2045. The Seattle businessman said he'll donate more than $100 billion over the next 20 years in what he calls the "last chapter" of his career. The Gates Foundation was created in 2000 by Gates and his ex-wife Melinda Gates French. …
Xbox Console, Game Prices Rise As Trump's Tariffs Hit Gamers: Here's What You'll Pay Xbox Console, Game Prices Rise As Trump's Tariffs Hit Gamers: Here's What You'll Pay
Xbox Console, Game Prices Rise As Trump's Tariffs Hit Gamers: Here's What You'll Pay Xbox video games, consoles, and accessories are now more expensive as gamers navigate higher production costs and mounting trade pressure from President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs. The Xbox Series X now costs $599.99, up from $499.99, Microsoft announced on Thursday, May 1. The cheaper Series S 512GB model is up to $379.99, while the 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition console price jumped to $729.99. Some new, first-party games are expected to cost $79.99 by the holiday season. "We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given ma…
Trump Administration Exempts These Electronics From Tariffs Trump Administration Exempts These Electronics From Tariffs
Trump Administration Exempts These Electronics From Tariffs In a reversal that could impact some of the world’s biggest tech brands, President Trump has carved out key electronics from his sweeping new reciprocal tariffs. Click here for a new, updated story - Trump Now Says There Will Be 'No Exceptions' On Tariffs For iPhones, Other Chinese Electronics Smartphones, laptops, memory chips, and other consumer electronics will be exempt from the latest round of tariffs targeting Chinese imports — easing fears of a sudden jump in prices on popular tech products. According to new guidance released on Friday, April 11 by US Customs and Border…
Trump's Tariffs Hit Nintendo: Switch 2 Preorders Delayed, Video Game Giant's Stock Tumbles Trump's Tariffs Hit Nintendo: Switch 2 Preorders Delayed, Video Game Giant's Stock Tumbles
Trump's Tariffs Hit Nintendo: Switch 2 Preorders Delayed, Video Game Giant's Stock Tumbles The Nintendo Switch 2 was hit with a Mario Kart "red shell" as preorders for the highly anticipated video game console have been delayed due to President Donald Trump's sweeping new tariffs. Preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 won't start on their scheduled date of Wednesday, April 9. A Nintendo spokesperson confirmed the delay to the Daily Voice on Friday, April 4. Nintendo said the pause won't affect when the portable console will be released. "Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and e…
Market Freefall Deepens After Trump's Sweeping Tariffs Despite Moderate Job Gains In March Market Freefall Deepens After Trump's Sweeping Tariffs Despite Moderate Job Gains In March
Market Freefall Deepens After Trump's Sweeping Tariffs Despite Moderate Job Gains In March Unemployment inched up in March – slightly higher than economists expected – as stock markets crashed and Big Tech companies saw their worst single-day loss on record in response to President Donald Trump's aggressive new tariffs. March's unemployment rate was 4.2%, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Friday, April 4. That was slightly higher than the 4.1% forecast as the labor force participation rate also rose, CNBC reported. The US added 228,000 nonfarm payrolls in March, significantly higher than the Dow Jones estimate of around 140,000. The BLS also reduced …
Goodbye, Skype: Microsoft Sets Final Day For Video Chat App That Changed Internet Goodbye, Skype: Microsoft Sets Final Day For Video Chat App That Changed Internet
Goodbye, Skype: Microsoft Sets Final Day For Video Chat App That Changed Internet Microsoft is shutting down Skype, marking the end of the once-dominant video and voice chat service as the tech giant shifts focus to its Teams platform. Skype, which revolutionized online communication after launching in 2003, will be officially retired, Microsoft said in a blog post on Friday, Feb. 28. The final day Skype will be active is Monday, May 5. The company is encouraging users to switch to Microsoft Teams, where they can log in with their Skype credentials to retain chats and contacts. "During the transition period, Teams users can call and chat with Skype users and Skype users…
Microsoft 365 Raises Prices For First Time In 12 Years: Here's Why Microsoft 365 Raises Prices For First Time In 12 Years: Here's Why
Microsoft 365 Raises Prices For First Time In 12 Years: Here's Why The Microsoft 365 bundle price is increasing in the U.S. for the first time in a dozen years as the tech giant adds artificial intelligence tools into longtime products like Microsoft Word. The cost of Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions will rise by $3 per month, the company said in a blog post on Thursday, Jan. 16. It's the first price change since the software bundle launched in 2013 under the name "Office 365". Existing subscribers will see the adjustment at their next renewal. "We understand that our customers have a variety of needs and budgets, so we’re committ…
Mass Global Tech Outage Grounds Flights, Causes Chaos With Banks, Stock Markets, Media Mass Global Tech Outage Grounds Flights, Causes Chaos With Banks, Stock Markets, Media
Mass Global Tech Outage Grounds Flights, Causes Chaos With Banks, Stock Markets, Media A major tech outage is causing issues worldwide, including grounding flights. Banks, stock markets, and media outlets are also being affected on Friday morning, July 19. An update by cybersecurity technology company CrowdStrike appears to be the cause of device outages for millions of Microsoft Windows device users. Several major US air carriers, including Delta, United, and Spirit are under a full ground stop, according to the FAA. "Several airlines have requested FAA assistance with ground stops until the issue is resolved," the agency said. Microsoft has said it is taking "mitigation …
HS Sweethearts Killed In Out-Of-State Crash; Fundraiser Seeks To Transport Remains Back To NY HS Sweethearts Killed In Out-Of-State Crash; Fundraiser Seeks To Transport Remains Back To NY
HS Sweethearts Killed In Out-Of-State Crash; Fundraiser Seeks To Transport Remains Back To NY Sam Cullen and Suzie Kedar were planning on spending the rest of their lives together when tragedy struck. The Long Island natives and Farmingdale High School sweethearts were killed in a car crash in Washington State on Thursday, May 2. Details about the wreck were not immediately available. Their deaths came just two days after the 28-year-old Cullen, a Petty Officer in the US Navy stationed outside of Seattle on Whidbey Island, picked up an engagement ring that he planned on giving to Kedar, according to relatives. “They had plans on Friday morning to look at houses together with a real…
NY Woman Wires $49K To Scammer Posing As Microsoft Employee NY Woman Wires $49K To Scammer Posing As Microsoft Employee
NY Woman Wires $49K To Scammer Posing As Microsoft Employee A New York woman was scammed out of tens of thousands of dollars over the phone. The 85-year-old Long Island resident, of North Hills, was using her computer when she received a prompt to call a phone number, according to Nassau County Police. A man on the other end claimed to be a Microsoft employee and instructed her to go to her bank and transfer $49,000 to another bank account, which she did.  Once the transfer was complete, the man then instructed the victim to send him a copy of her driver’s license and the bank receipt for the transfer, police said. Nassau County Police said …
Brand-New Forbes Rankings Reveal Richest NY Residents Brand-New Forbes Rankings Reveal Richest NY Residents
Brand-New Forbes Rankings Reveal Richest NY Residents The richest people in America are revealed in a new Forbes 400 ranking, which includes over a dozen New Yorkers. To come up with its 41st annual list of the 400 wealthiest Americans, the outlet consulted with a variety of sources, including financial advisors, Securities and Exchange Commission documents, court filings, attorneys, and news articles. Researchers looked at assets held, including public and private companies, as well as personal property like car collections, yachts, planes, and jewelry. Debts and charitable giving were also factored in, Forbes said. The top 20 people on th…
Alert Issued For Android Glitch That Could Block 9-1-1 Calls From Going Through Alert Issued For Android Glitch That Could Block 9-1-1 Calls From Going Through
Alert Issued For Android Glitch That Could Block 9-1-1 Calls From Going Through An urgent alert has been issued regarding Android phones that could cause devices to “freeze” when making an emergency call. The glitch apparently causes Android phones to lock up when attempting to make a 9-1-1 call as the device attempts to share location with emergency service officials, rather than connecting with police or other agency. According to officials,  “unintended interaction” between Microsoft Teams and the Android operating system renders cell phones unable to place outgoing calls to 911. Any Android user who has Microsoft Teams installed on their …
$2 Million Wedding Set For Bill Gates' Daughter In Northern Westchester $2 Million Wedding Set For Bill Gates' Daughter In Northern Westchester
$2 Million Wedding Set For Bill Gates' Daughter In Northern Westchester The red carpet is being rolled out in Northern Westchester as billionaire Bill Gates has arrived in the region for a star-studded event as his daughter gets married as part of a multi-million dollar affair. The 65-year-old Microsoft founder and his entourage made their way to New York City on Thursday, Oct. 14 in advance of a planned $2 million wedding for Jennifer Gates at the family’s 124-acre $16 million horse farm in North Salem Gates bought his daughter following her graduation from Stanford University. Jennifer Gates, age 25, is set to marry professional equestrian Nayel Nassar during…
Tech Industry Eyes Next Big Thing Amid Drop In Smartphone Sales Tech Industry Eyes Next Big Thing Amid Drop In Smartphone Sales
Tech Industry Eyes Next Big Thing Amid Drop In Smartphone Sales Now that more than 80 percent of American adults own smartphones, tech industries are developing the next big thing. Prompted by a drop in smartphone sales over the past two years, many technology companies - including Apple, Microsoft, Google, Facebook, and Amazon - to get back to research and development, CNBC reported. So what will the next big thing be, according to tech companies? Augmented reality or AR is otherwise known as mixed reality. Here is a still from a video by Apple showing how its new AR (augmented reality) platform will display on a smartphone.Apple This isn’t the…
Police Issue Warning For 'Virus Alert' Scam For Those Online Police Issue Warning For 'Virus Alert' Scam For Those Online
Police Issue Warning For 'Virus Alert' Scam For Those Online While all eyes are on COVID-19, a different type of “virus scam” has been making the rounds. Law enforcement officials issued a warning of a new scam involving hackers who attempt to dupe people on the Internet who are browsing the web. According to police, those who have been victimized unexpectedly got a “virus alert” on their desktop designed to look as if it came from Microsoft that took over the entire browser page. The victim then called “Microsoft” at the 800-641-7676 number provided on the browser window, at which point the scammer said that the user probably had a virus and would …
Tech Entrepreneur Tony Hsieh, 46, Dies From Injuries In CT House Fire Tech Entrepreneur Tony Hsieh, 46, Dies From Injuries In CT House Fire
Tech Entrepreneur Tony Hsieh, 46, Dies From Injuries In CT House Fire Tony Hsieh, the retired CEO of online shoe and clothing retailer Zappos, died at age 46 from injuries sustained in a fire at a Connecticut home. The blaze broke out on Wednesday, Nov. 18 in New London,  and Hsieh died from his injuries on Friday, Nov. 27 at Bridgeport Hospital with his family by his side, according to KLAS 8 News Now in Las Vegas, where Zappos' headquarters is located. Hsieh retired as Zappos CEO in August 2020 after 21 years. Before joining Zappos, he sold LinkExchange, an Internet advertising network, to Microsoft in 1998 for $265 million. Hsieh, a Harvard graduate …
COVID-19: YouTube Limits Video Quality To Ease Internet Traffic COVID-19: YouTube Limits Video Quality To Ease Internet Traffic
Covid-19: YouTube Limits Video Quality To Ease Internet Traffic With millions of people around the world confined to their homes due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, YouTube announced it will be adjusting its default video quality to ensure that there is sufficient bandwidth for all users. YouTube videos will automatically stream in standard definition for at least a month, as health officials work to curtail the spread of COVID-19, which has infected nearly 60,000 people in America alone. Other streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+ have taken similar steps overseas, though it is unclear if they will take effect stateside. “We continue to w…
New Forbes Rankings Of 400 Wealthiest Americans: Trump Takes Another Plunge New Forbes Rankings Of 400 Wealthiest Americans: Trump Takes Another Plunge
New Forbes Rankings Of 400 Wealthiest Americans: Trump Takes Another Plunge Donald Trump has been trumpeting a strong economy since he became the 45th president, but his own wallet has taken a big hit since he started his run for chief executive. More than $1 billiion, to be precise.  Trump has dropped 11 places from last year in the brand-new Forbes magazine annual rankings of the wealthiest 400 Americans. With a net worth of $3.1 billion,  Trump is now the 259th-richest person in the 2018 Forbes 400. He was 248th in the 2017 Forbes 400 when his net worth fell from $3.7 billion when he was in 156th place in 2016 and down from $4.5 billion in 2015. A drop in the …