Welcome to another whirlwind day in the world of tech, where caffeine is our fuel and updates are as frequent as email alerts. Today, we dive headfirst into a digital jungle where Chrome extensions play hide-and-seek, Microsoft redefines 'ads,' and AdBlock extensions engage in some shady shenanigans. Buckle up, because it's going to be a bumpy ride!
Google's blunder here was epic in proportions. Instead of targeting the malware-laden clone, they removed the original, user-favored extension, leaving a user base of over three million scratching their heads. The culprit, EditThisCookies®, boasts a nefarious track record with obfuscated code that targets user data on Facebook and engages in phishing shenanigans. Why was the original axed? It appears the lack of support for Manifest V3—a newer web extension API—played a role.
If you're not a fan of these so-called suggestions (trust me, no one is judging you), there's a light at the end of the tunnel. Windows 11 users can take refuge in the settings app to turn off these notifications. Consider this your hack to a more peaceful OS experience.
Candor and accountability aside, Pie AdBlock not only repurposes these filter lists but allegedly substitutes some ads with others for monetary gain. Ublock Origin's open-source model thrives on transparency, so this is like mixing oil with water—they just don't gel.
If you're looking to skip out on Microsoft's upgrade parade or you're hauling older hardware, Linux offers itself as a trusty steed, ready to gallop into the sunset of secure, open-source computing. Interested? You can dip your toes in this realm without burning a hole in your wallet and contribute to a vibrant, user-driven ecosystem.
Engage with fellow WindowsForum.com community members, share your experiences, and keep the discourse flowing. After all, in this expansive digital conversation, every voice counts.
Source: FileHippo January 4 tech news roundup: Google removes legit Chrome extension instead of a malware, Microsoft displays yet another ad on Windows 11, Honey's Pie AdBlock extension comes under fire
The Curious Case of Chrome Extensions: Copycats and Mishaps
Ah, the Google Chrome Web Store. It's a bit like a flea market—full of hidden gems but an equal number of counterfeit products. Recently, a legitimate Chrome extension called EditThisCookie was removed from the Web Store, not because it did anything wrong, but because of a strange twist of fate concerning its less-than-legitimate doppelgänger, EditThisCookies®.Google's blunder here was epic in proportions. Instead of targeting the malware-laden clone, they removed the original, user-favored extension, leaving a user base of over three million scratching their heads. The culprit, EditThisCookies®, boasts a nefarious track record with obfuscated code that targets user data on Facebook and engages in phishing shenanigans. Why was the original axed? It appears the lack of support for Manifest V3—a newer web extension API—played a role.
A Quick Look at Manifest V3
Manifest V3 is like the bouncer at a club—it determines who gets in and who doesn’t. It's designed to make the Chrome ecosystem more secure by stymieing third-party developers' ability to collect user data without permission. While this sounds great on paper, its implementation proved controversial among developers, especially those behind ad blockers like uBlock Origin, which suddenly found themselves less effective or completely obsolete.Ads or 'Suggestions'? Microsoft's Semantic Dance on Windows 11
Now, moving from the hullabaloo of Chrome extensions to the placid land of Windows 11, we have Microsoft. They are prancing merrily to their own tune with a pop-up campaign promoting Xbox PC Game Pass. In Microsoft's eyes, these aren't advertisements—oh no—they're just warm "suggestions and tips." Imagine a parent 'suggesting' you eat your greens while wagging a spoonful of spinach at you. It’s kind of like that.If you're not a fan of these so-called suggestions (trust me, no one is judging you), there's a light at the end of the tunnel. Windows 11 users can take refuge in the settings app to turn off these notifications. Consider this your hack to a more peaceful OS experience.
Honey's Pie AdBlock: When Code Gets 'Drippy'
Ah, Honey—the service that claimed to save us from overspending only to trip over its own unquestionable practices. The latest storm brewing involves the Pie AdBlock extension, reportedly pilfering code from none other than uBlock Origin. Open-source aficionados are clutching their pearls, as using GPL-licensed code in a proprietary format directly violates intellectual property agreements.Candor and accountability aside, Pie AdBlock not only repurposes these filter lists but allegedly substitutes some ads with others for monetary gain. Ublock Origin's open-source model thrives on transparency, so this is like mixing oil with water—they just don't gel.
So, What's Next for Windows Users?
The online world is rife with upheaval, and Windows users feel the tremors with every click. For many, sticking with Windows 10 past its support deadline might not just feel rebellious but downright necessary. The strict system requirements for Windows 11, particularly those surrounding the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, have left a swath of users in a technological limbo.If you're looking to skip out on Microsoft's upgrade parade or you're hauling older hardware, Linux offers itself as a trusty steed, ready to gallop into the sunset of secure, open-source computing. Interested? You can dip your toes in this realm without burning a hole in your wallet and contribute to a vibrant, user-driven ecosystem.
Wrap-Up
Today's tech scene is a testament to staying nimble on this ever-shifting terrain. Whether it’s Chrome's cat-and-mouse game with extensions, Microsoft's semantic maneuvers, or the ethical quandaries posed by various adblockers, as a tech enthusiast, you have plenty on your plate. Remember, the more informed you are, the better choices you can make.Engage with fellow WindowsForum.com community members, share your experiences, and keep the discourse flowing. After all, in this expansive digital conversation, every voice counts.
Source: FileHippo January 4 tech news roundup: Google removes legit Chrome extension instead of a malware, Microsoft displays yet another ad on Windows 11, Honey's Pie AdBlock extension comes under fire
