March 15 Tech News Roundup
In today’s tech landscape, change is constant and sometimes downright bewildering for Windows users. From Microsoft retiring a familiar app to eerie Windows printing bugs and a fresh twist on Chrome extension security, here’s an in-depth look at what’s shaping our digital environment this March.
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Microsoft's Farewell to the Remote Desktop App
Microsoft has officially announced that it is retiring its Remote Desktop app. For years, the app allowed Windows users to securely connect to devices over the internet. However, Microsoft now wants users to transition to its new Windows app, which consolidates access to various cloud and virtualization services such as Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box.
Key Points:
• The new Windows app offers enhanced customization, dynamic display resolutions, and support for multiple monitors.
• Users must note that the revamped app excludes several crucial features – specifically, local Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections and support for personal Microsoft accounts. Oddly, these features remain available on the Mac, Android, and iOS versions.
• The official end-of-life for the Remote Desktop app is set for the end of May 2025, at which point it will be removed from the Microsoft Store and cease to receive updates.
Analysis:
This transition has drawn a mixed response. While Microsoft touts the unified experience and enhanced capabilities, many users are critical of the removal of core functionality that many have come to rely upon. After all, when did a trusted tool suddenly lose its ability to work on local networks? One might wonder if this change is more about strategic repositioning than technical merit.
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Amazon Prime Steps Up Its Ad Game
Amazon Prime is testing new interactive ad formats that aim to blur the line between streaming and online shopping. Although ads have long been a source of annoyance for viewers, the streaming giant is not shying away from pushing the envelope further.
What’s New?
• Interactive Ads: These innovative ads give users the option to click on a featured item—perhaps the stylish watch an actor is sporting on screen—and add it directly to their Amazon shopping cart.
• Pause Screen Ads: When a user pauses a video, an ad isn’t just left idle; it actively plays on the pause screen.
• Carousel Ads: While scrolling with a remote, users will be presented with a carousel of diverse products.
• Geographic Rollout: These ad formats are currently being rolled out for users in the United Kingdom.
Broader Implications:
The move reflects a broader trend in digital advertising, where interactivity is king and viewer engagement is measured not only in screen time but in direct commercial interaction. However, one may ask: at what cost does convenience come? As advertisers seek ever more creative (and sometimes intrusive) methods, the balance between viewer experience and revenue generation becomes ever trickier.
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The “Spooky” Windows Bug: Printers Gone Rogue
Imagine a scenario where your printer starts churning out pages of random text without any prompting. Windows 11 users now face such an eerie issue following a Windows Update. The bug, appearing in systems with the January 29, 2025 Preview Update or later, causes printers to execute print commands automatically.
Details:
• The bug has been observed on Windows 10 22H2, Windows 11 22H2, and 23H2. Notably, Windows 11 24H2 remains unaffected.
• Symptoms include unexpected printouts that sometimes start with odd strings like “POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.12.”
• The culprit? The interaction between the Print Spooler service and IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) messages over USB connections triggers these phantom prints.
• Microsoft’s Mitigation: For non-managed devices, a Known Issue Rollback has been issued. Enterprises with managed systems will need to adjust their Group Policy settings to sidestep the problem.
User Impact:
This unsettling glitch might leave users questioning not only their Windows printing services but also the broader reliability of the update process. It serves as a stark reminder that even mature platforms can experience unforeseen issues—and that vigilance is key when routine updates go awry.
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Warning: Polymorphic Chrome Extensions on the Prowl
In the ever-evolving cybersecurity arena, new challenges continue to emerge. Security experts at SquareX Labs have uncovered a novel strain of malicious Chrome extensions known as polymorphic extensions. Unlike traditional malware, these crafty intruders mimic legitimate extensions to infiltrate your browsing environment.
Mechanics of the Threat:
• Mimicry: These malicious extensions copy icons and behavior from trusted plugins, luring users into a false sense of security.
• Silent Surveillance: Upon installation, they prompt users to pin their icon while meticulously scanning for high-value extensions, such as password managers or financial tools.
• Hijacking in Action: Once a prized extension is detected, the polymorphic extension adapts—altering its icon to resemble the hijacked extension and then replacing login prompts with phishing attempts. Sensitive data is stealthily exfiltrated to remote attackers.
Prevention Tips:
• Always verify the authenticity of any Chrome extension through the official Web Store.
• Be wary of unexpected permission or interface changes in your browser extensions.
This attack model underscores that cybersecurity isn’t static. As malware evolves, so must the strategies we employ to protect our data. For Windows users especially, embracing robust security practices and verifying software sources becomes a non-negotiable part of daily routine.
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March 2025 Windows Security Updates: Fortifying the Ecosystem
Microsoft’s March 2025 Windows security updates arrive with a host of critical fixes. This month’s patch rollout addresses 57 vulnerabilities across various Microsoft products along with 10 security issues linked to third-party software.
Update Highlights:
• Affected Systems: Windows 10 versions 1809, 21H2, and 22H2; Windows 11 versions 22H2, 23H2, and 24H2.
• Notable Changes: Windows 10 users will notice the new Outlook app being installed automatically—a final bell for Windows 11’s version 22H2 Home and Pro as users prepare for forced upgrades to newer editions.
• Cybersecurity Focus: With an eye on both longstanding and emerging threats, these patches underscore Microsoft’s commitment to household security standards and enhanced system integrity.
For many, this update is a stark reminder that vigilance in patch management is a never-ending journey in today’s cyber environment. Maintaining up-to-date systems is integral not only for performance but for thwarting potential exploits that could jeopardize sensitive data.
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On the AI Front: OpenAI Calls for Ban on DeepSeek
In a move that interlaces technology and national security, OpenAI has tabled a proposal urging the U.S. government to ban DeepSeek—a Chinese AI platform. Citing potential ties to the Chinese government and alleged data theft to train its language models, OpenAI claims that banning DeepSeek is essential to preserving American AI innovations and guarding against authoritarian misuse.
Key Considerations:
• National Security Concerns: OpenAI argues that DeepSeek poses a threat beyond mere market competition, potentially compromising sensitive information and strategic innovation.
• AI Market Dynamics: This proposal highlights the tension between fostering a competitive digital marketplace and ensuring that technological advancements do not come at the expense of national security.
• Data Integrity: Allegations of data theft raise serious concerns about intellectual property rights and the ethical use of large language model training data.
While debates around such proposals are bound to intensify, the discussion draws attention to a broader challenge: how do we balance technological innovation with necessary security measures in an increasingly interconnected world?
──────────────────────────────
Wrapping Up: Navigating a Shifting Digital Landscape
This March has brought a medley of news that encapsulates the fast-paced and often unpredictable evolution of technology. Microsoft’s discontinuation of a once-reliable Remote Desktop tool juxtaposed with the introduction of a new, yet somewhat limited, Windows app invites scrutiny and debate from long-time users. Meanwhile, Amazon Prime’s foray into interactive advertising, a spookily malfunctioning printing bug in Windows, and emerging threats from polymorphic Chrome extensions remind us that the interplay between innovation and caution is more critical than ever.
For Windows users striving to stay ahead of these changes, keeping abreast of security patches, validating software authenticity, and understanding the broader shifts in technology policy are vital steps. As always, being proactive—not reactive—is the best cure for digital disquiet.
In this ever-changing technological arena, staying informed and vigilant remains your greatest asset. Stay tuned for more updates and expert insights to help guide you through the complexity of modern Windows and IT ecosystems.
Source: FileHippo News March 15 tech news roundup: Microsoft retires Remote Desktop app, Amazon Prime is getting more ads, Beware of polymorphic Chrome extensions
In today’s tech landscape, change is constant and sometimes downright bewildering for Windows users. From Microsoft retiring a familiar app to eerie Windows printing bugs and a fresh twist on Chrome extension security, here’s an in-depth look at what’s shaping our digital environment this March.
──────────────────────────────
Microsoft's Farewell to the Remote Desktop App
Microsoft has officially announced that it is retiring its Remote Desktop app. For years, the app allowed Windows users to securely connect to devices over the internet. However, Microsoft now wants users to transition to its new Windows app, which consolidates access to various cloud and virtualization services such as Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box.
Key Points:
• The new Windows app offers enhanced customization, dynamic display resolutions, and support for multiple monitors.
• Users must note that the revamped app excludes several crucial features – specifically, local Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections and support for personal Microsoft accounts. Oddly, these features remain available on the Mac, Android, and iOS versions.
• The official end-of-life for the Remote Desktop app is set for the end of May 2025, at which point it will be removed from the Microsoft Store and cease to receive updates.
Analysis:
This transition has drawn a mixed response. While Microsoft touts the unified experience and enhanced capabilities, many users are critical of the removal of core functionality that many have come to rely upon. After all, when did a trusted tool suddenly lose its ability to work on local networks? One might wonder if this change is more about strategic repositioning than technical merit.
──────────────────────────────
Amazon Prime Steps Up Its Ad Game
Amazon Prime is testing new interactive ad formats that aim to blur the line between streaming and online shopping. Although ads have long been a source of annoyance for viewers, the streaming giant is not shying away from pushing the envelope further.
What’s New?
• Interactive Ads: These innovative ads give users the option to click on a featured item—perhaps the stylish watch an actor is sporting on screen—and add it directly to their Amazon shopping cart.
• Pause Screen Ads: When a user pauses a video, an ad isn’t just left idle; it actively plays on the pause screen.
• Carousel Ads: While scrolling with a remote, users will be presented with a carousel of diverse products.
• Geographic Rollout: These ad formats are currently being rolled out for users in the United Kingdom.
Broader Implications:
The move reflects a broader trend in digital advertising, where interactivity is king and viewer engagement is measured not only in screen time but in direct commercial interaction. However, one may ask: at what cost does convenience come? As advertisers seek ever more creative (and sometimes intrusive) methods, the balance between viewer experience and revenue generation becomes ever trickier.
──────────────────────────────
The “Spooky” Windows Bug: Printers Gone Rogue
Imagine a scenario where your printer starts churning out pages of random text without any prompting. Windows 11 users now face such an eerie issue following a Windows Update. The bug, appearing in systems with the January 29, 2025 Preview Update or later, causes printers to execute print commands automatically.
Details:
• The bug has been observed on Windows 10 22H2, Windows 11 22H2, and 23H2. Notably, Windows 11 24H2 remains unaffected.
• Symptoms include unexpected printouts that sometimes start with odd strings like “POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.12.”
• The culprit? The interaction between the Print Spooler service and IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) messages over USB connections triggers these phantom prints.
• Microsoft’s Mitigation: For non-managed devices, a Known Issue Rollback has been issued. Enterprises with managed systems will need to adjust their Group Policy settings to sidestep the problem.
User Impact:
This unsettling glitch might leave users questioning not only their Windows printing services but also the broader reliability of the update process. It serves as a stark reminder that even mature platforms can experience unforeseen issues—and that vigilance is key when routine updates go awry.
──────────────────────────────
Warning: Polymorphic Chrome Extensions on the Prowl
In the ever-evolving cybersecurity arena, new challenges continue to emerge. Security experts at SquareX Labs have uncovered a novel strain of malicious Chrome extensions known as polymorphic extensions. Unlike traditional malware, these crafty intruders mimic legitimate extensions to infiltrate your browsing environment.
Mechanics of the Threat:
• Mimicry: These malicious extensions copy icons and behavior from trusted plugins, luring users into a false sense of security.
• Silent Surveillance: Upon installation, they prompt users to pin their icon while meticulously scanning for high-value extensions, such as password managers or financial tools.
• Hijacking in Action: Once a prized extension is detected, the polymorphic extension adapts—altering its icon to resemble the hijacked extension and then replacing login prompts with phishing attempts. Sensitive data is stealthily exfiltrated to remote attackers.
Prevention Tips:
• Always verify the authenticity of any Chrome extension through the official Web Store.
• Be wary of unexpected permission or interface changes in your browser extensions.
This attack model underscores that cybersecurity isn’t static. As malware evolves, so must the strategies we employ to protect our data. For Windows users especially, embracing robust security practices and verifying software sources becomes a non-negotiable part of daily routine.
──────────────────────────────
March 2025 Windows Security Updates: Fortifying the Ecosystem
Microsoft’s March 2025 Windows security updates arrive with a host of critical fixes. This month’s patch rollout addresses 57 vulnerabilities across various Microsoft products along with 10 security issues linked to third-party software.
Update Highlights:
• Affected Systems: Windows 10 versions 1809, 21H2, and 22H2; Windows 11 versions 22H2, 23H2, and 24H2.
• Notable Changes: Windows 10 users will notice the new Outlook app being installed automatically—a final bell for Windows 11’s version 22H2 Home and Pro as users prepare for forced upgrades to newer editions.
• Cybersecurity Focus: With an eye on both longstanding and emerging threats, these patches underscore Microsoft’s commitment to household security standards and enhanced system integrity.
For many, this update is a stark reminder that vigilance in patch management is a never-ending journey in today’s cyber environment. Maintaining up-to-date systems is integral not only for performance but for thwarting potential exploits that could jeopardize sensitive data.
──────────────────────────────
On the AI Front: OpenAI Calls for Ban on DeepSeek
In a move that interlaces technology and national security, OpenAI has tabled a proposal urging the U.S. government to ban DeepSeek—a Chinese AI platform. Citing potential ties to the Chinese government and alleged data theft to train its language models, OpenAI claims that banning DeepSeek is essential to preserving American AI innovations and guarding against authoritarian misuse.
Key Considerations:
• National Security Concerns: OpenAI argues that DeepSeek poses a threat beyond mere market competition, potentially compromising sensitive information and strategic innovation.
• AI Market Dynamics: This proposal highlights the tension between fostering a competitive digital marketplace and ensuring that technological advancements do not come at the expense of national security.
• Data Integrity: Allegations of data theft raise serious concerns about intellectual property rights and the ethical use of large language model training data.
While debates around such proposals are bound to intensify, the discussion draws attention to a broader challenge: how do we balance technological innovation with necessary security measures in an increasingly interconnected world?
──────────────────────────────
Wrapping Up: Navigating a Shifting Digital Landscape
This March has brought a medley of news that encapsulates the fast-paced and often unpredictable evolution of technology. Microsoft’s discontinuation of a once-reliable Remote Desktop tool juxtaposed with the introduction of a new, yet somewhat limited, Windows app invites scrutiny and debate from long-time users. Meanwhile, Amazon Prime’s foray into interactive advertising, a spookily malfunctioning printing bug in Windows, and emerging threats from polymorphic Chrome extensions remind us that the interplay between innovation and caution is more critical than ever.
For Windows users striving to stay ahead of these changes, keeping abreast of security patches, validating software authenticity, and understanding the broader shifts in technology policy are vital steps. As always, being proactive—not reactive—is the best cure for digital disquiet.
In this ever-changing technological arena, staying informed and vigilant remains your greatest asset. Stay tuned for more updates and expert insights to help guide you through the complexity of modern Windows and IT ecosystems.
Source: FileHippo News March 15 tech news roundup: Microsoft retires Remote Desktop app, Amazon Prime is getting more ads, Beware of polymorphic Chrome extensions
