News

New hack exploits sketchy Microsoft Office documents

Confirmed by Microsoft

Published

September 9, 2021

Luigi Leonardo

A lot of PC users work around a simple rule of thumb for security: Don’t open files from sources you don’t trust. For most, avoiding sketchy executable (or .exe) files can prevent a host of attacks already. However, malicious parties can already hide their software inside the most innocuous of files including photos. Now, users have to avoid sketchy Microsoft Office files too. A new attack is exploiting a Microsoft Office vulnerability to install malware through Office documents.

As confirmed by Microsoft, malicious parties can attach ActiveX controls to innocuous Microsoft Office files. Then, the file uses the victim’s Internet Explorer to opens the attacker’s bad webpage. The page can then automatically download malware onto the user’s computer.

Currently, the attack affects Windows Server 2008 users and those running Windows 8.1 through 10. Users can easily avoid the attack by opening the suspected file through Protected View. The security-centric mode prevents downloaded files from accessing the internet or any other connectivity features.

Alternatively, users can also disable ActiveX, rendering the exploit’s main tool useless. Bleeping Computer, which also reported on the exploit, shared the workaround here.

Though Microsoft has acknowledged the exploit, the developer has not officially patched out the vulnerability yet.

That said, amid all the workaround solutions, nothing beats the tried-and-tested words of wisdom: Don’t accept, download, or open sketchy files from unknown sources.

Gaming

Nreal can project an ultrawide monitor using AR tech

Will soon support Windows

Published

March 23, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

For a good number of PC users, there just isn’t enough space for a huge monitor. An emerging category of devices is making things easier for those with problems of space. Nreal, a company that makes augmented-reality glasses, can project an ultra-wide image straight onto the lenses of its wearables for the user. Now, the company has announced that it will support Windows in the coming future.

Announced during the Game Developers Conference 2023, Nreal announced Nebula for Windows. Complementing the company’s wearables, Nebula for Windows will allow users to connect their glasses to their PC. Users can project a virtual ultra-wide screen right in front of them. They can upgrade their 16:9 screen into a curved 21:9 screen.

Additionally, users can take advantage of enhanced 3-DoF (or three degrees of freedom) tracking, which can make virtual cockpit games much more immersive than with standard monitors. To showcase this capability and more, Nreal is presenting two sample AR games during the conference. These two games, Nreal Tower and In Wonder will maximize what the company’s products — especially the Light and the Air — can do.

Currently, Nreal has not announced when Nebula for Windows will launch. However, it is still a big boon for gamers who want to upgrade their setup but don’t have the funds or the space to do so.

Apps

Bard is now available to try for Google One users

Join the waitlist now

Published

March 22, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

The race for artificial intelligence is a hot trail. Amid the unbridled popularity of ChatGPT, several companies have started pushing their own language models out the gate. Google, eager to compete in the emerging industry, has now opened Bard to users.

Today, Google has started issuing invitations to Google One subscribers for a chance to try the new chatbot. Subscribers can enter a waitlist to test the technology for themselves.

In essence, Bard acts the same as ChatGPT. Users can talk to the bot conversationally, and it will respond perfectly, as if you were talking to another human being. It’s a language learning model. By talking to so many users, the model can learn the best way to reply to certain prompts.

Although Google has access to its search engine, Bard is currently meant to complement it. The company warns users that the chatbot is still prone to occasional mistakes. As an example, it gave the wrong scientific name for a plant. While this example is innocuous, there can be more nefarious errors that the developers are still trying to fix. With a wider test now open to the public, Google hopes to fix more egregious mistakes ahead of a wider launch.

For now, if you subscribe to Google’s premium subscription service, you can wait in line to try out the new technology.

Gaming

EA is delisting classic Battlefield games

And Mirror’s Edge

Published

March 22, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

EA is a mixed bag nowadays. Formerly one of the biggest names in gaming, the company’s public reception is more varied these days. However, no one can argue against the studio’s earlier eras with more notable titles. Unfortunately, that era is coming to a more definitive close. EA is officially delisting a few notable Battlefield titles and the original Mirror’s Edge from digital stores.

In an official statement from the company, EA has announced the retirement of four online titles this year. Starting April 28, users will no longer be able to buy Battlefield 1943, Battlefield: Bad Company, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, and Mirror’s Edge online. Additionally, the online services for these games will cease on December 8.

Still going strong today, the Battlefield franchise is EA’s answer to the Call of Duty franchise. While the latter focuses on more arcade-like shooting, Battlefield tries to infuse more strategic gameplay into historical and modern-day shooting.

On the other hand, Mirror’s Edge is a classic first-person parkour adventure. At the time, the title was notable for its fluid movement and easy-to-read visuals. It even spawned a sequel, Mirror’s Edge Catalyst.

Anyone who owns these titles can still play through them after April. However, come December, players can only go through the offline single-player campaigns of these games.

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