Tech News Roundup for September 23, 2021
Here are a few of the tech stories I’ve found interesting over the last couple days.
European Union Proposal May Force All Mobile Devices to Use USB-C. Apple is Upset.
This is a long ways of, and may not happen, but a new proposal from the European Union would regulate device charging in an attempt to reduce e-waste. The EU proposal would mandate that all mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, etc be charged via the USB-C connector that almost every phone not made by Apple already uses. Apple disagrees with the proposal, as it sells tens of millions of devices every year that still use its lightning connector.
The proposal is light on specific detail, which means this may not be as comprehensive as it sounds. This only covers wired charging, meaning that wireless charging would not be applicable, and a company like Apple could just choose to ditch a wired charger altogether, and go with magsafe charging only for its phones. It also doesn’t specify whether or not the physical device must have the USB-C connector, only that it must charge via USB-C. The European Union had a voluntary program that dates back almost a decade, using the MicroUSB connector. Apple participated in that program by including a MicroUSB to Lightning adapter in the box with several iPhones. This proposal does not make clear whether that would be an acceptable solution.
There is also the potential of unintended consequences to a regulation like this. USB-C is the best connector we have today, but what if a new, better connector were developed that was superior to USB-C. Would companies be forbidden from implementing new technology because of regulation in the EU? There is a chance a rule like this could stifle innovation.
The proposal today begins a 24 month consultation period in the EU, so the earliest we could see this implemented would be in late 2023. This will be worth Following
Facebook CTO Steps Down
Facebook CTO Mike Schroepfer is stepping down after 13 years with the company. He will leave his role in 2022, with Andrew Bosworth replacing him. Bosworth heads up Facebook’s hardware division, and the company has been focusing on hardware products over the past couple years, so this move makes sense.
https://www.engadget.com/facebook-cto-steps-down-2022-205051710.html
Massive Microsoft Exchange Vulnerability Revealed
A significant vulnerability in Microsoft’s Exchange email platform has been irresponsibly disclosed, leading to an unpatched vulnerability currently in the wild. A flaw in Exchange Autodiscover, which is the part of Microsoft’s email system that lets it resolve to the correct server with just an email address, can allow bad actors to steal credentials. There is currently no fix for this vulnerability.
The term irresponsible disclosure is used because the researcher who found the vulnerability disclosed it to the public before Microsoft, not giving the tech giant an opportunity to fix the vulnerability before disclosure. This could lead to exploits of the vulnerability where it did not need to happen. This is not a good outcome for the security community, or Microsoft.
Microsoft Commits to Updating the Year Old Surface Duo to A Year Old Version of Android
The Surface Duo launched last year with Android 10, shortly before Android 11 released to the world. Over a year later, and Microsoft’s first Android phone remains on Android 10. The company now says it will update the Surface Duo to Android 11, which is a year old and about to be supplanted by Android 12.
This is not a good sign for software support of the upcoming Surface Duo 2. Microsoft has given no indication as to what version of Android that device will run on, but I think we can assume Android 11. When or if it gets updated to Android 12 is a mystery.
Nintendo Switch Online getting Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis Games For An Additional Cost
The good: Nintendo 64 games are coming to the Nintendo Switch Online service, a $34/year subscription service from Nintendo that allows gamers to play games online, backup save games into the cloud, and access a selection Nintendo and Super Nintendo games. Sega Genesis games also coming to the service was an unexpected surprise.
The bad: The N64 and Genesis games will be an additional cost, which Nintendo did not yet reveal. Considering the relative low price of the Switch online service, I would speculate it would not be an expensive add-on, but the fact that it is an add-on at all leaves a bit of a sour taste in some gamers’ mouths.
The company also announced versions of the Nintendo 64 controller and Sega Genesis controller that will work with those games on the Switch. Pricing in Canada is not yet available but US pricing is $50 USD. I kinda want the Nintendo 64 controller. One would hope the company impvroved the joystick design over the last 25 years.