UK government switches to Google rather than Microsoft for cloud storage
The UK's HMRC -- the government department responsible for tax -- is switching allegiances in its choice of cloud storage providers. Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs is switching to Google Apps as more and more departments move away from Microsoft services.
Earlier in the year, the Cabinet Office and Department for Culture, Media and Sport ruled out using Office 365, but found Google offered more suitable collaboration options. As reported by The Register, the move illustrates the government's increased trust in Google's ability to securely store sensitive data offshore.
Forget cables, the Internet of Things could be powered by Wi-Fi
There is currently a battle underway over the Internet of Things. Samsung has its ARTIK platform while Huawei is pinning its hopes on its tiny LiteOS -- and Microsoft has Windows 10's AllJoyn feature which could prove pivotal in the widespread uptake of the IoT.
There is still plenty of scope for innovation, and it seems that the next great leap forward for connected devices could be the delivery of power over Wi-Fi. A team of US researchers have developed a technique that can be used to power small devices without the need for wires or battery changes.
Leaked Windows 10 Build 10135 release notes herald Microsoft Edge and more
Another set of release notes for Windows 10 have been leaked online by Wzor -- this time for build 10135. Despite being just five increments up from the build that's currently publicly available, there are still a few changes of note, including the official arrival of Microsoft Edge in place of Project Spartan.
As well as the name change for Microsoft's latest browser, the Snipping Tool also receives an update introducing a delayed screen capture option. Skype is now brought front and center thanks to preinstallation on the desktop, and there are all manner of bug fixes.
Microsoft simplifies its service agreements and privacy statements
When signing up for an online service or installing new software, it's common to be confronted by a privacy statement as well as a service agreement. It goes without saying that few -- if any -- people bother to read through these as they are not only lengthy, but also packed to bursting with legalise. Microsoft wants to change that.
Starting at the beginning of August, the Microsoft Services Agreement and the Microsoft Privacy Statement will be updated so they are easier to understand. Microsoft stresses that the essential content of the documents will not change, just the way it is presented, and the language in which it is written. Covering products as diverse as Bing, Cortana, Microsoft accounts, OneDrive, Outlook.com, Skype and Xbox Live, this is Microsoft's latest bid to be more transparent to customers.
Facebook Lite gives a social fix without eating mobile data
With its Internet.org project, Facebook is trying to not only spread into new parts of the world by bringing the internet to places where it is not currently available. With a focus on minimal data usage to help keep down costs, it was only a matter of time before a stripped down version of the Facebook app appeared.
Today is the day that Facebook Lite arrives. As the name suggests, this is a data-light version of the familiar Facebook app, and it starts its life on Android devices. It is designed with developing markets in mind, and today it starts the rollout process in Asia before it spreads further around the globe.
Yahoo kills Pipes, Maps, and some TV and Music services in prioritization drive
Yahoo today announced that it is fine-tuning its focus moving forward, and this means that some products and services are being dropped. In its Q2 2015 progress report, the company explains that it looking to dedicate its energy and resources to "search, communications and digital content".
One of the most surprising casualties is Yahoo Maps -- the site will close at the end of June. Despite the closure, maps will still be supported by other Yahoo products such as Flickr, but it illustrates Google's dominance in this arena. Other victims of the cull include Yahoo Pipes, Yahoo Mail on old versions of iOS, as well as Yahoo Music and Yahoo TV in some regions.
Microsoft updates Office 2016 on Windows Preview with new features
Microsoft has released an update for Office 2016 on Windows Preview. It's only a month or so since the public preview of Office 2016 appeared, and Microsoft says that there are already one million people using it. Today's update brings a few new features with a focus on collaborative work.
We first heard about plans for Office 2016 a few months ago, and we've already seen the release of Office 2016 for Mac Preview, as well as Office 2016 IT Pro and Developer Preview. This update sees Microsoft making good on its promise to keep delivering new feature to the Office suite.
Apple Watch available from retail stores in two weeks
When the Apple Watch first went on sale, there was a huge rush to get hold of them. This led to frustration with delayed deliveries, but this could be set to come to an end. Apple’s wearable is due to hit retail stores before the end of June.
Starting on 26 June, in addition to existing countries, the Apple Watch will be available to purchase in Italy, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland and Taiwan from Apple stores, some Apple Authorized Resellers, as well as online.
Microsoft revamps Skype for Outlook.com
It's not long since Microsoft started the rollout of a redesigned version of Outlook.com, and today the company gives Skype for Outlook.com a revamp. The update brings tighter integration between Outlook.com and the messaging tool.
In beta for the time being, the updated version of Skype for Outlook.com aims to make it easier to use the two tools together. It’s the same update that was rolled out on a preview basis to a limit number of users last month, but now it’s being made available to everyone.
Microsoft reveals new Windows 10 devices
Windows 10 is now less than two months away, and today at Computex 2015 Microsoft unveiled the latest range of devices designed with the operating system in mind. Taking to the stage in Taipai, Microsoft's Nick Parker revealed a collection of desktops, laptops, and tablets that will run Windows 10.
The latest version of Microsoft's operating system aims to be all things to all people, and this is something that is reflected in the diversity of devices on show today. In addition to traditional PCs, the 2-in-1 convertible range continues to grow, and there are tablets from a number of Microsoft partners. There's hardware from lots of familiar names, but also from lesser-known companies.
Tim Cook lashes out at the government, Facebook and Google over privacy
We live in an age where people are more concerned about and more aware of privacy issues than ever before. Speaking at EPIC Champions of Freedom event in Washington, DC, Apple CEO Tim Cook criticized the government for seeking to implement backdoors into encryption techniques. He also hit out at Google and Facebook with their ad-dependant business models for infringing upon privacy.
He said that Apple wants to be different, saying: "We believe that people have a fundamental right to privacy. The American people demand it, the constitution demands it, morality demands it". Cook was at pains to stress that Apple should be viewed differently to other companies, assuring people that -- unlike others -- the company "doesn’t want your data".
The new Nokia 105 is Microsoft's cheapest phone
You don't get much for $20 these days, but you can pick up a Nokia 105. This is the latest budget phone offering from Microsoft which sees the company trying to get more people around the world connecting with each other.
Of course, for $20 expectations should not be set too high -- this is an extremely basic phone, but that is very much the point. This is a handset designed as an entry point into phone ownership, and it harks back to the halcyon days of the likes of the Nokia 3310.
USA Freedom Act passes unamended, limiting NSA surveillance after Snowden revelations
Today the US Senate passed the USA Freedom Act without amendments, signalling the start of the significant surveillance reform that has been called for since Edward Snowden blew the whistle on the agency's activities. It had already been determined that the bulk collection of phone metadata was illegal, and the expiry of Section 215 of the Patriot Act at the end of May brought this data collection to an end anyway.
The USA Freedom Act sets in concrete the end of the phone data collection program and is seen as a major victory for privacy advocates. It will come as good news to Snowden himself who will undoubtedly feel a sense of relief that his risk-taking paid off. The bill is still to be signed into law by President Obama, but this is now little more than a formality.
Facebook expands AI research program
Mark Zuckerberg's Facebook is more usually associated with social networking, but the company has its fingers in plenty of other pies as well -- including Internet.org. Now the company is expanding its Facebook AI Research (FAIR) program to help with the automatic sorting and analysis of pictures, videos, text, and other data.
Facebook already has research teams looking into artificial intelligence in Menlo Park and New York, and the expansion sees the creation of a new team in Paris. The aim is create system that make it easier to manage the ever-growing quantities of data that are generated day in, day out by Facebook users.
Facebook adds support for OpenPGP email encryption
Facebook can send out quite a lot of emails to its users in the course of an average day. Notifications can fly in thick and fast letting you know about friend requests, replies to your posts, messages from contacts, and the like, and it's possible -- nay likely -- that these will contain delicate personal information.
To help calm the fear of those with privacy concerns ("why are they using Facebook?", you might well ask) Facebook today announces the introduction of OpenPGP encryption support. This gives users the opportunity to protect communication from Facebook by encrypting it so it cannot be read by unauthorized parties.
Sofia Elizabella's Bio
Sofia Wyciślik-Wilson is a queer, transgender journalist based in Poland. She has been writing about technology for more than two decades, and after years working for magazines, her writing moved online. She is fueled by literature, music, nature, and vegetables. You can find her on Bluesky and Mastodon. If you like what you read, you can Buy her a Coffee!
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