After a Tuesday off for personal reasons, there is a lot of news to catch up on from the last several days. We have a lawsuit against Google, emergency patches from Microsoft, another huge Ransomware attack, a new Nintendo Switch model, and Canadian Cellphone companies doing what they do… gouge customers.
Google Facing Lawsuit over Google Play Store
Earlier this week a lawsuit was filed against Google by 36 US States and the District of Columbia, alleging that the 30% fee Google takes on the Play Store is anti-competitive. This is very similar to the lawsuit that Epic Games filed vs Apple, which is going through the courts.
Google published a blog post defending itself, saying that users do have choice on Android, and that every Android device can install apps from outside of Google Play, and even install other app stores entirely. The company is seeking to take a position that is different than what Apple faces with it’s App Store, since there are no other ways to install apps on iPhones and iPads.
It remains to be seen if Google’s defense will be successful. While Google is correct, it is also true that an overwhelming majority of devices running Android are required to use Google’s Play Store as part of Google’s Mobile Services, and the 37 Attorneys General allege that that requirement is anticompetitive.
We’ll be reporting on this for quite some time.
https://www.theverge.com/2021/7/7/22567532/google-play-store-antitrust-lawsuit-state-ag-app-fees
Microsoft Issues Emergency Patch After Security Vulnerability in Windows Printing was Discovered
Microsoft issued an emergency patch for Windows and Windows server this week after an easy to exploit vulnerability in the Windows Print Spooler, which is the component of Windows that controls printing, was discovered. The vulnerability was severe enough that the company even issued a patch for Windows 7, which has now been out of support for about 18 months.
The patch was effective in preventing most vectors of attack against the Print Spooler, however security researchers have discovered that there are still some vulnerabilities, which may lead to another emergency patch.
This is the biggest vulnerability found in Windows in quite some time, and the speed in which Microsoft is attempting to address it shows how serious it is. If you’re on Windows, please ensure you are fully up to date.
Another Significant Ransomware Attack Strikes
Late last week there was a new Ransomware attack that hit hundreds of companies, worldwide. The attack was carried out through a vulnerability in software developed by Kaseya, an IT managed service provider. The group REvil took credit for the attacks, and demanded $70 Million USD to unlock the data it had control over.
As long as companies continue to pay ransoms, and law enforcement remains unable to catch these groups, attacks like these are going to become more common, and that is good for no one.
https://www.theverge.com/2021/7/5/22564054/ransomware-revil-kaseya-coop
Nintendo Announces New Switch Model With OLED Display
Nintendo suddenly announced a new model of its extremely popular Switch console. The updated model, called the Nintendo Switch (OLED model) has some small and subtle improvements over the existing model.
The main improvement is in the name of the console. the new Switch includes a 7 inch OLED display instead of a 6.2 inch LCD found on the existing model. The display remains 720p, but the new display should be higher quality, brighter, and of course a little bit larger. Other improvements to the Switch are an increase from 32 to 64GB of internal storage, a redesigned kickstand that works a lot like the kickstands on Microsoft’s Surface tablets, and improved speakers. The dock for connecting to a TV also now features a built in ethernet port for a wired internet connection.
There are no improvements to the processor or graphics of the Switch, meaning this model should perform identically to the previous models of the console.
This is very much an incremental improvement, and not something existing Switch users should be rushing out to get, but it is a solid choice for first time buyers.
The Nintendo Switch (OLED model) will go on sale on October 8th for $450. The existing Switch will remain on the market at the same $400 price point, as will the handheld only Switch Lite for $260.
https://www.nintendo.com/en_CA/switch/oled-model/
Amazon Opening Robot Powered Warehouse in Alberta
Amazon will be building a new warehouse in Parkland County, near Edmonton Alberta. This warehouse will be fully automated, and will use robots instead of humans to move products in the facility. This doesn’t mean there will be no new jobs, however. Amazon says it will be hiring over 1,000 skilled IT workers in both full and part time jobs with various skillsets to design, build, and run the warehouse.
https://mobilesyrup.com/2021/07/08/amazon-plans-to-open-robot-operated-warehouse-in-alberta/
Bell Raising Connection Fee to $50
Connection fees are among the biggest scams from the bit 3 cellular providers in Canada. The companies, along with their sub brands all charge significant fees just to create a new account on their network. Bell and Virgin have now raised their connection fee to $50 from $45. That means someone who wants to set up a new line on Bell or Virgin, or move from Telus or Rogers, will have to pay $50 for that privilege. The fact that this fee is usually waived for online activations shows how unnecessary it is, and how it is just a pure profit grab for people who go into a store for service.
Unfortunately, because of the landscape in this country, it is likely that Rogers and Telus will both increase their connection fees as well, as every time one of the big three does it, the others follow suit shortly thereafter.
https://mobilesyrup.com/2021/07/07/bell-virgin-mobile-connection-fee-50/