Here's what's making news today in tech — picked from the 10 sources I trust, translated for normal humans.
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3 problems a self-resetting Windows PC can solve
Windows has a feature that lets you set up a PC to wipe all changes every time it restarts, which is useful for shared computers at libraries, schools, or in a home where multiple people use the same machine. It keeps the computer clean and prevents accidental settings changes or downloaded junk from piling up. For Portage County: If you share a computer with grandkids or let visitors use yours, ask Bill about turning on this reset feature to keep things tidy.
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iPhone 17 Prices Could Rise as Soon as Monday, Rumor Claims
A rumor from a Chinese social media source suggests Apple may raise iPhone 17 prices as early as August 10, though the same source was not certain the increase would actually happen. The rumor also claims Apple has scaled back plans to increase production on some iPhone lines. For Portage County: If you or a family member is thinking about buying an iPhone 17, it may be worth acting before August 10 rather than waiting.
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I found 40+ hidden Windows processes draining my CPU — here's how I turned them off
A writer discovered more than 40 background programs quietly running on his Windows PC and slowing it down, and he turned most of them off without losing anything he needed. Many Windows computers run hidden processes that serve no real purpose for the average user. For Portage County: If your PC feels sluggish, call Bill, as trimming unnecessary background programs is a quick fix that can make an older computer feel much faster.
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Atlassian Rovo Can Be Tricked Into Sending Jira and Confluence Data to Attackers
Security researchers found that Atlassian's AI assistant, Rovo, can be tricked into quietly collecting data from a company's Jira or Confluence work tools and sending it to an outside attacker. The trick works by hiding instructions inside content that Rovo reads, and only one of the two attack methods has been confirmed fixed. For Portage County: This affects businesses using Atlassian work software, not home users, but it is a good reminder that AI tools built into workplace apps can be manipulated if the underlying software is not kept up to date.
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New CSS Attacks Can Break Webmail Defenses to Steal Passwords and Tokens
Researchers found that specially crafted content inside an email can break out of its message and interfere with the webmail page itself, affecting services including Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and Proton Mail. The attacks can steal passwords, hijack account actions, and leak login tokens without the reader doing anything suspicious. For Portage County: You do not need to change anything today, but this is a good reminder to use a separate strong password for your email account and to watch for any unexpected login alerts.
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N-able Issues N-central Hotfix 2 as Attackers Reach Managed Systems and Persist
N-able, a company that makes remote management software used by IT support businesses, has released emergency patches after attackers found a way to reach and persist on the systems those businesses manage. The company confirmed the threat is ongoing and that attackers are actively changing their methods. For Portage County: This does not affect home users directly, but if a local business or your doctor's office uses outside IT support, their provider should be applying these patches immediately.
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WhatsApp Gets a Handy @all Feature for Group Chats
WhatsApp added a new feature that lets anyone in a group chat send a message that notifies all members at once, similar to the way email has a reply-all option. The update also adds anonymous polls and a way to start a smaller private side conversation within a larger group. For Portage County: If your family uses a WhatsApp group chat to stay in touch, look for the new @all option the next time you want to make sure everyone sees an important message.
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WhatsApp makes parent-managed accounts easier to set up on iPhone
WhatsApp is adding a parental controls section directly inside the iPhone app, making it easier for parents to find and manage settings for younger users without digging through menus. The feature was already available on Android and is now coming to iPhone. For Portage County: If a grandchild uses WhatsApp on an iPhone and you help manage their device, look for the new parental controls section in the app settings.
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Apple adds nearly 45 hearing devices to its Made for iPhone compatibility list
Apple added 43 new hearing aid and hearing device models from 22 brands to its list of devices that connect directly to an iPhone. Made for iPhone hearing devices pair more reliably and let users adjust volume and settings right from their phone. For Portage County: If you or someone you know wears hearing aids, check with your audiologist or ask Bill whether your model is on Apple's updated compatibility list, since direct iPhone pairing can make daily use much easier.
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Five Ways to Make Gemini Behave More Like Google Assistant
Google is retiring its Google Assistant app and replacing it with Gemini, and a writer put together five tips for making Gemini behave more like the familiar Assistant that many Android users have relied on for years. The tips cover things like setting reminders, controlling smart home devices, and getting quicker answers. For Portage County: If your Android phone recently switched from Google Assistant to Gemini and things feel different, search for this Lifehacker article or call Bill for a quick walkthrough of the new setup.
This digest is auto-generated daily at 6 AM ET from leading tech news sources.
Notice something off? Reply or text Bill at (330) 200-8042.
— Bill's Home Tech, Atwater, OH