Microsoft Slams the Door

Summary

Microsoft has patched a loophole allowing Windows 11 installation on incompatible hardware, with recent builds requiring TPM 2.0 even for servers. Procreate pledges no AI integration, gaining favor with digital artists. Amidst AI photo editing controversies, HED introduces an AI-free photo feature. NPD confirms a data breach with conflicting reports on affected numbers. War Thunder promotes its historically accurate combat game. Intel's Arrow Lake CPUs leak, and Raspberry Pi launches a lighter, cheaper model. Zotac's Zone handheld gaming device is up for pre-order, and Google's Fitbit smartwatch production plans remain unclear. Tesla and a Chinese company are advancing in humanoid robot development.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Microsoft has patched a loophole that allowed users to install Windows 11 on PCs without meeting the hardware requirements, particularly the TPM 2.0 chip requirement.
• 🐱‍🏍 The recent Insider build of Windows now requires servers to have TPM 2.0 support, which could affect those who used workarounds to install Windows 11.
• 🛠️ There are still alternative methods to install Windows 11 without TPM 2.0, such as using the open-source utility Rufus.
• 🎨 Procreate, the company behind a popular art app, has pledged not to incorporate AI into their products, gaining support from digital artists concerned about AI training on their work without consent.
• 📸 AI photo editing and image processing features are raising questions about the authenticity of photos, with some preferring no AI involvement, as evidenced by the introduction of 'Process Zero' by the HED camera app.
• 📊 NPD Group has confirmed a data breach, but there is confusion regarding the extent of the breach, with estimates ranging from 134 million unique email addresses to only 1.3 million affected people.
• 🤖 Tesla is hiring trainers for its humanoid robot, Optimus, with specific height requirements, indicating the company's progress in developing its robot workforce.
• 🤖 A Chinese company, Unry, claims to have a mass production-ready bot capable of various tasks, suggesting advancements in robotics and potential competition for Tesla's Optimus.
• 🎮 Zotac Zone, a handheld gaming device resembling a Steam Deck, is now available for pre-order, featuring high-end specs including a 120Hz OLED screen and an $800 price tag.
• 🏭 Intel's upcoming Alder Lake S desktop CPU lineup is expected in October, with leaked information revealing additional SKUs and core Ultra models.
• 🍓 Raspberry Pi has launched a new, lighter 2 GB version of the Pi 5 for $50, a more affordable option for consumers looking for a budget-friendly mini PC.

Q & A

Why did Microsoft patch a loophole that allowed users to install Windows 11 on PCs without meeting the hardware requirements?

Microsoft patched the loophole to encourage users to upgrade their hardware or to download the Windows 11 OS on systems that officially support it, ensuring a more consistent and secure user experience.

What was the trick that allowed users to bypass the TPM 2.0 chip requirement for Windows 11 installation?

The trick involved tricking the OS's setup file into thinking the machine was a server, bypassing the TPM 2.0 requirement, which is not typically needed for servers.

What is the consequence of using the workaround to install Windows 11 on a system that doesn't officially support it?

Using the workaround could result in a non-functional system if Microsoft releases an update that requires TPM 2.0 support, even for servers.

Is there an alternative method to install Windows 11 without TPM 2.0, as mentioned in the script?

Yes, the open-source utility Rufus has its own workaround that allows the installation of Windows 11 without meeting the TPM 2.0 requirement.

What is Procreate's stance on AI integration in their products?

Procreate's CEO has publicly stated that they hate generative AI and have pledged never to add AI to their products, which has been well-received by digital artists.

Why are some artists and photographers becoming critical of AI tools in art and photography?

Artists and photographers are concerned about generative AI being trained on their work without consent and the ethical implications of AI-generated content.

What feature did the iPhone camera app HED introduce to address concerns about AI in photo editing?

HED introduced a feature called 'Process Zero,' allowing users to take photos without any AI or image processing.

What is the significance of the reported data breach at National Public Data (NPD)?

The data breach at NPD is significant as it exposed a large amount of sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, and raised questions about the company's data security measures.

What is the discrepancy between the reported number of affected individuals in the NPD data breach?

While initial reports claimed that data of 2.7 billion people was exposed, web security consultant Troy Hunt found about 134 million unique email addresses were involved, but NPD reported only 1.3 million people affected, suggesting a possible underestimation or misreporting.

What is War Thunder, and what makes it historically accurate in its vehicular combat game?

War Thunder is a free-to-play vehicular combat game that prides itself on historical accuracy, offering players the ability to pilot over 2,000 different vehicles with in-depth customization options.

What are the key specifications of Zotac's Zone, a handheld gaming device similar to the Steam Deck?

The Zotac Zone features a 120 Hz OLED screen, hall effect joysticks, a selfie camera, a kickstand, and an RGB strip on the back, with a price tag of $800.

What is the current status of Fitbit smartwatches according to conflicting reports from Google?

There is confusion surrounding the future of Fitbit smartwatches, with Tech Radar reporting their discontinuation, but Google later denying this without providing further details, and a Google representative indicating a shift towards trackers instead.

What are the unique features of the Chinese company Unry's humanoid robot, and how does it differ from Tesla's Optimus robot?

Unry's robot is mass production-ready, capable of jumping, jogging, withstanding kicks, soldering electronics, and flipping pancakes. It differs from Tesla's Optimus in that it is already available for purchase at a high price and does not require the extensive training that Tesla's robot might need.