1 Microsoft Hits Out2 Microsoft’s Push Against Apple If you’re out of the loop on this case, Apple is threatening to stop Epic accessing its iOS and macOS developer features, including for its Unreal Engine SDK. Apple says the company and the popular game Fortnite violate its App Store terms and conditions. Under the requirements of the App Store, developers must give Apple 30% of all revenue they make. As long as the freemium Fortnite was on the store, it was paying this revenue....

With the UWP ‘Windows Solitaire Collection’, Microsoft shook up the formula, introducing new visuals, new modes, daily challenges, and more. Some are fans of the additions, while others prefer the original, ad-free version. Either way, the app has just received a significant update after a period of stagnation. Microsoft is introducing an all-new progress system to the app to keep players invested. Simply, the app now has levels. Players gain experience from playing in each mode, from ‘Beginner’ at level one to ‘Grand Master’ at 100....

With cloud integration running deep, SQL Server 2022 provides more security and accessibility: “SQL Server 2022 is a core element of the Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform. The platform seamlessly integrates operational databases, analytics, and data governance. This enables customers to adapt in real-time, add layers of intelligence to their applications, unlock fast and predictive insights, and govern their data—wherever it resides.” This release is all about that bigger connection with Microsoft Azure....

With this backdoor access, hackers would be able to hide their presence without MSSQL’s connection logs. Even if admins know somethings is not right, they will not be able to detect the magic password attack. “Considering that administrative privileges are required for installing the hooks, skip-2.0 must be used on already compromised MSSQL Servers to achieve persistence and stealthiness,” ESET researchers said. Researchers for ESET said attacks that use the backdoor are implemented through a post-infection tool....

And that’s what’s going to happen in the near future, according to . Microsoft is reportedly working on a revamp of the Microsoft Store for Windows 10. Specifically, the store will get a slick modern design and some policy changes. So, this will be an update that will appeal to developers and end-users alike. It’s worth remembering that the Microsoft Store is more than just apps. It is also a storefront for Microsoft to sell services (Windows, Office, etc....

According to a new video found by WalkingCat, the Surface Neo and Surface Duo have technology aimed at helping the devices be more useful. For example, electromyography monitors the electrical activity of the users’ arm. This is done to assess if the Surface Neo does not put too much strain on the forearm. The second technology is EEG brain scans. In the video, a Microsoft engineers says the dual-screen nature of the Surface Neo and Surface Duo allows your brain to take in more information....

A report from Computer World reveals some Windows 10 users say the latest update has hurt the Surface Pen. Specifically, the peripheral is being hit with problems pairing with a device. Normally issues with the pen are caused by a failing battery, but it seems this is beyond that common gripe. Windows 10 can now not recognize the Surface Pen. Some users also report pinch to zoom is no longer working....

This means Microsoft Teams can now effectively replace Skype for Business Online and users will not miss out on features. While that’s true, Microsoft is not shutting the Online service yet. In fact, the company says it will help organizations transition to Teams through automated upgrades. Microsoft’s transition to Teams from Skype for Business is now in full swing. By catching the online version, Microsoft Teams is increasingly becoming a unified collaboration service....

The new ability will be introduced at the end of next month. Importantly, the integration will work both ways, so Skype users will also be able to connect with Microsoft Teams. Microsoft is arguably trying to reach consumers and entice them to Teams. Many users who use Skype for day-to-day business could probably benefit from Teams. It is worth noting there is already a free version of Microsoft Teams available....

In Microsoft Bing and Microsoft Edge, the new integration can be found in the Shopping tab. Here users can find listed Shopify products quickly. When a merchant adds a product, it will automatically be included on the Shopping tab for Bing and Microsoft Start for free. Microsoft and Shopify explain how the integration works in the announcement blog: “Using the improved Microsoft Channel app, merchants can easily connect with shoppers across the Microsoft network....

Of course, this is not good news, but it does make some sense. Microsoft services such as Windows, Azure, and Office are most driven towards enterprise. Hackers are more likely to target organizations than they are individual consumers. That said, it seems attackers took more of an interest in Microsoft during the third quarter. Through the second quarter, the company was the fifth most imitated brand. By the last quarter, the company took a 19% of all global phishing attacks....

“We heard your feedback and understand that sometimes websites that experience alleged copyright infringement issues have a difficult time gaining visibility into the problem and getting relisted.” Under the new process, webmasters using Bing can now see which of their webpages have had “copyright removal notices”. This will make it easier for webmasters to manage notices and appeal them. Bing will provide webmasters with more information on how DCMA takedowns impact their website....

Elsewhere on OneDrive for Android, the app has also received a new grid view that improves photos on the service. “In addition to a PIN Code, you’ll now be able to use your fingerprint to lock the OneDrive app,” Microsoft says. “We’ve improved our grid view to help your photos stand out and look their best as well as making it easier than ever to see what photos are getting backed up in the Photos tab....

If you are unfamiliar with Snip & Search, it was previously known as Screen Sketch. Microsoft rebranded the app last year with the release of Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803). Screen Sketch itself was a replacement for the older Snipping Tool and was integrated into Windows Ink. Snip & Search provides more power and functionality than its predecessors, including a keyboard shortcut (Win+Shift+S) for easy access. Additional features include creating screenshots in random shapes and an in-built image editor....

We have already seen that manifest with several new Windows 10 capabilities for Chrome. Now Edge developers believe Chromium’s mouse scrolling can be greatly improved. In fact, the company believe scrolling on Chrome is horrible and is caused by a bug. In a new proposal, developers say they will bring Edge’s “smooth Scrolling” that will solve Chromium’s “Janky” mouse scrolling. “Scrollbar scrolling using the mouse happens on the main thread in Chromium....

Microsoft is warning against Qakbot and Emotet, two malware families that do just that. Both focus on stealing online banking credentials from individuals and enterprises. The latest statistics suggest that 33% of Qakbot encounters are found on enterprise PCs, while 7% of victims are small and medium businesses. 29% are home users, so it’s a threat to pretty much everyone. Emotet seems to target individuals more frequently, at 61% home users, 10% enterprise, and 8% small and medium businesses....

The effort comes ahead of the launch of its next-gen console, the Xbox Series X. Any fixes in the near future will affect the Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox One X, but improvements to the underlying infrastructure will help all releases going forward. Find a vulnerability that has “a direct and demonstratable impact” on customer security, and you could net $20,000. Admittedly, you could also receive $500, but it all depends on the severity of the bug....

According to a report from BleedingComputer, bad actors have used the GootKit banking Trojan that help malware evade Windows Defender. GootKit uses a UAC bypass and WMIC commands to help executable malware remain undetected by Microsoft’s antivirus tool. If you are unfamiliar with GootKit, it is a Trojan that infiltrates a system and tries to lift online banking details. This is achieved through video capture and by redirecting unwitting users to fake banking websites....

When media is played, the media controls from the Android phone will now be available on Windows through Your Phone. Microsoft has been consistently expanding the capabilities of Your Phone since it launched in 2018. Many users would have preferred to have a fully featured app from the start, but at least more functionality is available now. Controlling media files is one of the tools that makes the Your Phone something people will be willing to use....

As with previous franchise tie-ins, Ben 10 content is now available for download from the Minecraft Marketplace. There are two different modes available to download: Story and Free Roam. Those are self-explanatory but Microsoft says the Story mode involves: “In Story Mode, you will need to step up and face an epic challenge. Ben, Gwen, and Grandpa Max need your help recovering lost alien DNA from the Omnitrix. Transform into all of Ben’s alien heroes to defeat iconic villains like Vilgax, Zombozo, and Kevin 11 as the story unfolds....