Wednesday Newsbytes: Microsoft Testing Ads in Start Menu; Windows 11 Updates Causing User Woes; FCC to Force ISPs to Disclose Real Costs & Speeds; Ex-Microsoft Employee Calls Windows 11 Start Menu Comically Bad… and more
Every day we scan the tech world for interesting news in the world of technology and sometimes from outside the world of technology. Every Wednesday, we feature news articles that grabbed our attention over the past week. We hope you find this week’s ‘Wednesday Newsbytes’ informative and interesting!
Microsoft Beta Test Puts Ads in the Windows 11 Start Menu
The ads will show up for a ‘small set’ of Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel in the US.
Microsoft is experimenting with putting ads in the Windows 11 Start menu.
Ads will appear in the Recommended section of the start menu, a spot typically reserved for file suggestions. As part of the test, it also now proposes apps from the Microsoft Store.
Currently, the ads will only appear for a “small set” of Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel in the US, and will only appear on consumer devices, not devices managed by an organization.
If you’d rather not see the ads, turn them off by going to Settings > Personalization > Start and turning off the toggle for Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more.
In a blog post announcing the test, Microsoft added a reminder that it regularly tests new experiences and concepts that may never get released. Those who do try it are being asked to provide feedback on how and if they like it…
Windows 11 KB5036893 issues: Install fails, white screen, and more for some users
Windows 11 KB5036893 could fail to install for some people with 0x800705b9, 0x800f0823 and cause other problems, according to reports received by Windows Latest. As always, multiple people reached out to Windows Latest to highlight their problems with Windows 11’s monthly updates. This time, we’re talking about April 2024 Patch Tuesday.
Microsoft rolled out Windows 11 KB5036893 on April 9 for version 23H2 and 22H2 with tons of bug fixes, and Windows 11 Moment 5 turned on by default. However, multiple users told Windows Latest that they’re unable to install the April 2024 Patch Tuesday update due to various unhelpful messages:
0x800705b9
0x800f0823
0x8007007e
0x800f081f
0x8000ffff
0x800f0984
0x80073701These error messages do not help anyone find the root cause of the problem. I’m not seeing this installation error on my device, but I had the same problem with last month’s optional update, which might explain why some users see the errors with the April 2024 Patch.
On my device, I was able to fix the Windows 11 installation issue by simply downloading the Media Creation Tool…
The FCC says these labels are intended to display “clear, easy-to-understand, and accurate information” about a provider’s internet prices, introductory rates, data allowances, and broadband speeds.
Between promotions and technical jargon, paying for internet access can get complicated quickly. These labels aim to hold providers accountable to customers and expose fine print about data caps or hidden charges that otherwise would’ve been overlooked.
Some providers, like Google, already have rolled out these labels. Others will need to do so by Wednesday. Providers with 100,000 or fewer subscriber lines have an October 10, 2024 deadline. Google is the first provider to unveil its label.
Google said it will update its labels to reflect the FCC’s guidance by the 2024 deadline. For now, here’s what Google’s 1 Gig label looks like:
Read more at Cord Cutter News.
An ex-Microsoft employee calls the Windows 11 Start Menu “comically bad”
Things kicked off when ex-Microsoft employee Andy Young on X made a post criticizing the Start menu. He notes that his hardware is very much up to speed, with a Core i9 CPU and 128 GB of RAM, and yet the Start menu still took longer than he liked to process things.
In a separate post, he is quick to rectify that he loves Windows, and doesn’t lament his work for it. Instead, he wants Windows to be “as good as it once was,” which anyone who still isn’t over Windows XP can likely relate to. Still, he’s keen to discuss the Start menu’s shortcomings to anyone interested…
Microsoft takes note of Andy Young’s post
With over 600 reposts and 6000 likes on his original post, it wasn’t long until Microsoft took note of Andy Young’s lamentations. Scott Hanselman, the VP of Developer Community at Microsoft, swooped into the replies to offer their aid. However, it seems that Andy was already in the process of getting things fixed…
In a new interview, Apple tried defending its decision to sell 8GB RAM in $1099 laptops, while offering upgrades for $200 a piece.
Apple turned the laptop world on its head with the launch of its home-grown ARM-based silicon. The M2 and M3 laptops offer impressive performance in a cool, power-efficient chassis, complete with great battery life. However, in standard Apple fare, they aren’t shy to nickel and dime their customers.
Apple’s M3 laptops start with 8GB RAM as standard, which isn’t exactly enticing by modern standards. The equivalently-priced Surface Pro 9 comes with 16GB, as well as a touch screen, an inking digitizer, and full-blown Windows by comparison. Various other Windows laptops in the same price range often also come with 16GB as standard, but can often be easily updated for as little as $40. Apple’s 8GB RAM upgrades cost an inexplicable $200 apiece. 8GB of Corsair DDR6 SODIMM laptop RAM costs just $40 on Amazon. So, what excuses are Apple offering us here?
In an interview with IT Home (via 9to5 Mac), Apple says that most users don’t need more than 8GB RAM, apparently…
Thanks for reading this week’s Wednesday Newbytes. We hope these articles were informative, interesting, fun, and helpful. Darcy & TC
I saw this on Kim Komando’s site. Thought you might be interested:
Saw this one coming: Cybercriminals are posing as employees of the password manager app LastPass to hack your passwords. It starts with an email from “support@lastpass” about “unauthorized access.” The fake site they send you to grabs your real master password. With all the security incidents at LastPass within the last couple of years, I’m not surprised. If you use it, give Keeper Security* a try instead
We are not fans of Kim; she’s a sensationalist. Read a non-sensationalized version here. Kim has made a ton of of money with these kinds of tactics – a lot more than we do by telling the truth while trying hard not to scare people. About 33 million people (worldwide)use LastPass. Do you realize there are (and have been “Cybercriminals”) posing as IRS agents, Social Security employees, police & FBI officers and more… and she writes about LastPass. The really big news in scams is criminals using AI voice cloning to clone the voices of friends and family members. See more about that here.
We appreciate your comment, we just have a little problem with the source.