Here's what's making news today in tech — picked from the 10 sources I trust, translated for normal humans.
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I decided that my smart home should ask me more questions (here's why and how to set it up)
Smart home devices can be set to ask for your approval before doing certain things, instead of acting on their own every time. The article explains how to find a middle ground between full automation and doing everything yourself. For Portage County: If your lights, thermostat, or locks sometimes do things you didn't expect, look in your device's app for an option to require confirmation before it acts.
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Apple's HomeView isn't reinventing smart displays — it's fixing what made me abandon my Amazon Echo Shows
Apple is releasing a new smart display called HomeView, aimed at fixing complaints people had with Amazon Echo Shows, such as cluttered screens and hard-to-find controls. It is designed to be simpler and more focused on home control rather than shopping or video calls. For Portage County: If you have an Echo Show that feels confusing or busy, HomeView may be worth watching when it arrives, but there is no need to rush out and buy anything yet.
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Qualcomm wins lawsuit against Arm but will only receive two bucks
A jury ruled that a company called Arm broke its agreement with chip maker Qualcomm and hurt its business, but the court only awarded Qualcomm two dollars in damages. The case involved a licensing dispute over technology used in many phones and computers. For Portage County: This does not affect your devices right now, but it is a reminder that the companies behind your phone's parts sometimes have serious legal fights that can affect future products.
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Four-Byte Write and Timing Bug Let Researchers Run Code in Windows SmartScreen Enclave
Security researchers found a way to break into a protected part of Windows that is supposed to stay sealed even when a computer is compromised, and the area they accessed stores passwords for an anti-phishing feature. This was done in a lab as a test, not by criminals, and Microsoft has been notified. For Portage County: Make sure Windows Update is turned on so any fix Microsoft releases gets installed automatically on your computer.
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Microsoft Patches Record 1,413 Flaws, Including Exploited Windows Shell Bug
Microsoft just released patches fixing a record 1,413 security flaws in Windows and other Microsoft software, including one flaw that criminals are already using to attack computers. This is by far the largest single batch of fixes Microsoft has ever released in one month. For Portage County: Open Windows Update on your computer this week and install all available updates, especially if you use Windows at home.
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AI-Found Linux Kernel Flaw Gives Local Users Root, and Can Break a Guest Out to the Host
A serious flaw was found in Linux, the software that runs many routers, smart home devices, and servers, and it could let someone gain full control of a machine or even break out of a virtual computer into the main system. The bug affects nearly a decade's worth of Linux versions and was discovered by security researchers at Tencent. For Portage County: Most home users are not directly at risk, but if your router or modem has a firmware update available, now is a good time to install it.
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Men Can’t Stop Faking How Much They Know About AI
A Harvard study found that more than half of men surveyed claimed to recognize AI leaders who were completely made up. The study suggests many people, especially men, overstate how much they know about artificial intelligence. For Portage County: It is perfectly fine to say you are still learning about AI, and being honest about what you do not know is actually the smarter move when someone is trying to sell you something.
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Microsoft Patches More Than 1,400 Security Flaws
Microsoft released updates fixing more than 1,400 security flaws in Windows and other Microsoft software, which is far more than any previous monthly update. This batch is roughly ten times the normal monthly load and includes fixes for flaws that attackers are already using. For Portage County: Run Windows Update on your computer as soon as possible this week, and if you need help, call Bill.
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AI Models Can Be Easily Modified to Assist Terrorist and Extremist Activity
Researchers found that AI chatbots can have their safety guardrails removed fairly easily, allowing them to give detailed instructions for building weapons or carrying out attacks. A test showed a modified chatbot providing step-by-step directions for an explosive device after a researcher identified themselves as a terrorist. For Portage County: If you or a grandchild uses an AI chatbot, stick to well-known services like ChatGPT or Google Gemini, and report anything that seems dangerous or threatening.
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Which smart TV brands offer the longest software support?
Smart TV brands vary widely in how long they promise to keep their TVs updated with new software and security fixes. Some brands support their TVs for several years while others stop updates much sooner, which can leave older TVs less secure. For Portage County: Before buying a new TV, ask the salesperson or check online how many years of software updates that brand promises, since a longer support period means a safer and more useful TV.
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