A new, much more convenient way to join Wi-Fi networks may be coming to Windows 11 and I can’t wait

Microsoft could be releasing a new feature for Windows 11 that would make connecting to Wi-Fi networks so much quicker and easier. Users may soon be able to join new networks by scanning a QR code with the camera app, eliminating the need to muck about searching for (or remembering) complicated passwords and keeping track of which password belongs to each network. 

According to MSPoweruser the feature is part of the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26052. The Windows Insider program is a community that allows Windows enthusiasts and developers to get early access to potential new features and give feedback before they make these features available to regular Windows 11 users. 

The build was made available to the Dev Channels in Preview Build in early February, which demonstrated how users can point their phone camera at a QR code displayed on a laptop or PC already connected to the Wi-Fi, and a pop-up will appear on their phones that will let them connect to the Wi-Fi network without having to enter in any passwords.

This also works with the Camera app in Windows 11, allowing you to connect new Windows 11 devices to the wireless network (either via a QR code displayed on a connected device, or be scanning the QR code that is sometimes included with new routers and printed in their manuals). Of course, those devices will need a camera, which won't be too hard for Windows 11 tablets and laptops, though maybe a bit cumbersome. Desktop PCs will be harder, but you can add a camera to your computer – check out our best webcams guide for our top picks.

Sharing is caring

The feature should also work for mobile hotspots, so you’ll be able to share your connection a lot quicker when you’re working on the go with other team members, or collaborating on group projects for school outside of the classroom. One of my least favorite parts of setting up a new device or working outside is fiddling with the Wi-Fi, so I’m pretty hyped about this feature.

We do have to keep in mind that often some of the features that are put in the Dev Channels don’t actually make it to the public. 

That being said, we do hope the feature does come to regular Windows 11 soon, because it’s an incredibly convenient way to make Wi-Fi sharing much easier and make sure other people can connect to your network without actually having to be given the password, which means this method is more convenient as well. And, if you want to give your wireless network an upgrade, check out our picks for the best Wi-Fi routers.

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Web.com and GoDaddy join IONOS and Wix on the Generative AI integration movement

As AI-powered features become more popular across all kinds of industries, a string of website builder services are also jumping on the bandwagon.

Web.com and GoDaddy have become the latest website hosting providers to integrate new AI features into its current website building model.

Along with Wix and IONOS, who both recently announced the launch of its AI text creator and ChatGPT integration, Web.com now offers an AI domain name generator and AI writer, while GoDaddy offers three new AI products that now use generative AI.

AI website building takeover  

Web.com says that both its AI domain name generator and AI writer were developed to remove some of the initial hurdles faced when building a site. 

The tool offers a variety of content prompts and interfaces depending on content needs, making it easy to tailor content to specific needs, for example, emojis for social posts. 

“Web.com offers more than 20 years of experience in helping businesses build and grow their online presences. AI Domain Name Generator and AI Writer are an outcome of our focus on simplifying the experience for customers and our commitment to bringing forward the best set of tools, all to reduce the complexity of succeeding online,” said Ed Jay, President of Newfold Digital, the parent company of Web.com. 

“With these AI features, entrepreneurs can choose the best domains for their business and create engaging content without being copywriting experts themselves. It’s like having a dedicated creative director or copywriter at your disposal.”   

Other customizable elements include design tones, keywords, and multilingual content generation in over 10 languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin.

GoDaddy incorporates AI

GoDaddy's three new AI products that now use generative AI include: online store product descriptions, customer service messages, an Instagram Facebook Ads.

With the online store product description, a set of prompts are run through three AI models to deliver a summary that gets dropped in the item's description online.

The GoDaddy conversations app summarizes customer service messages and the new update to social platform ads includes digital ads using generative AI for small businesses.

“We've heard from small businesses who want to grow their business, but they also want to improve their work-life balance,” said GoDaddy U.S. Independents President Gourav Pani. 

“GoDaddy built these AI tools with entrepreneurs in mind. Reducing the effort to create content that attracts and engages their customers, for instance, frees up small business owners' time to focus on growing their business and devoting time to their families.”

and IONOS?

IONOS’ new ChatGPT integration into IONOS MyWebsite Now Plus and Pro has been added to help its customers create blogs, texts and headlines in seconds.

The text generator uses the application programming interface (API) of ChatGPT 3.5 Turbo from OpenAI. The new integration means that SMBs can take control of their online presence, saving valuable time and resources while creating compelling web content.

“For a technology company like IONOS, artificial intelligence isn’t totally new,” said Achim Weiss, IONOS CEO.

“However, we’re proud to integrate AI technology into a product, supporting our customers in industry-specific writing and website maintenance. AI will further drive and accelerate the digitalization of small and medium enterprises.”

The feature is being integrated as a beta version in the MyWebsite Now Plus and Pro plans and uses the API (Application Programming Interface) gpt-3.5-turbo from OpenAI.

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You can now join a video call straight from Google Docs

Joining a Meet video call is now easier than ever thanks to a new feature that will allow users to join directly from Google Docs, Sheets or Slides.

The Google Workspace update allows users to join a video conferencing call with just a click, meaning there's no need to scrabble around for a calendar invite or email.

Going forward, Google Docs users will see a new icon next to the “Share” button, allowing them to join a Meet video call directly from their document.

Google Docs video calls

The new taskbar will house a full list of all the video calls and meetings a users has scheduled, including dates and times, with the join button showing once a meeting is live.

As mentioned, it will be present not just in Google Docs, but also Sheets and Slides, giving users multiple ways to join.

Google Docs join a Meet call

(Image credit: Google Workspace)

Google says this new approach will also allow users to have the content they are working on open and within sight whilst on a call, rather than needing to juggle multiple apps or browser windows.

The tool was first announced last month, but is now rolling out to all Google Workspace customers, as well as legacy G Suite Basic and Business users now. It will be on by default, with users starting to see the changes immediately.

“To help teams do their best work in the hybrid work world, as many of us begin a return to office, we continue to make enhancements to Google Meet to help ensure that video meetings are inclusive and collaborative no matter the location or device preference,” the entry in the Google Workspace update blog states.

 “We hope this feature makes it easier for everyone in the meeting to collaborate in real-time while having a conversation—all from the same tab.”

Google Meet is also set to soon receive a new picture-in-picture mode, which will allow Chrome users to bring up a floating meeting window that sits on top of other browser tabs.

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Cybersecurity experts join forces to combat coronavirus security threats

The coronavirus outbreak has led to a rise in hacking attempts and cyberattacks which is why an international group of close to 400 volunteers with expertise in cybersecurity have banded together to form a new group to combat these threats.

The group, called the Covid-19 CTI League (for cyber threat intelligence), has members in more than 40 countries and includes professionals who sold senior positions at major companies including Microsoft and Amazon.

VP of cybersecurity strategy at Okta, Marc Rogers is one of the four initial managers of the effort and he said the group's top priority would be preventing cyberattacks against medical facilities and frontline responders. In fact, the Covid-19 CTI League has already begun working on dealing with hacks of health organizations.

Covid-19 CTI League

The newly formed group is currently using its contacts at internet infrastructure providers to help stop phishing attacks and other financial cybercrime which preys on people's fears of the coronavirus to trick them into installing malware on their computers.

Rogers explained to Reuters how the coronavirus has led to a huge surge in phishing attacks, saying:

“I’ve never seen this volume of phishing. I am literally seeing phishing messages in every language known to man.”

According to Rogers, the Covid-19 CTI League has already managed to dismantle one campaign that used a software vulnerability to spread malicious software. However, he did not share any more details as the group is choosing to keep its operations close to the chest to avoid any retaliation from the cybercriminals it's trying to stop.

Rogers also revealed that law enforcement has been surprisingly welcoming of the group's collaboration.

Via Reuters

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Disney, Apple and Amazon join Netflix and YouTube in reducing streaming quality

Desperate times call for desperate measures – and Disney, Apple and Amazon have now joined Netflix and YouTube in reducing the video quality of their streaming services across Europe.

The idea is to reduce the strain on internet networks across the continent, and it's something the European Union authorities have specifically requested in order to keep the digital traffic flowing.

Disney Plus is opening its doors in most of Europe this coming Tuesday, March 24, though the launch in France has been pushed back to April 7. According to an official statement, bandwidth use will be cut by a quarter.

Amazon has taken a similar approach with its Prime Video service over the last few days, promising to "reduce streaming bitrates whilst maintaining a quality streaming experience" in the European countries where it operates.

Putting the brakes on

While Apple hasn't made any official announcement yet, 9to5Mac has spotted a reduction in video quality in Europe in recent days – quite an aggressive reduction in fact, though it may even out over time.

Netflix and YouTube were the first streaming services to fall in line with the EU directive, though it now appears that everyone with a video platform is going to be taking steps to tackle the huge increase in people stuck at home.

While network operators have said they are confident that there's enough spare capacity in the system to cope with everyone becoming habitual binge watchers, it would appear that no one wants to take any chances.

As yet there's no sign of similar movies in the US or elsewhere.  At the same time, tech companies are busy pushing out trustworthy coronavirus information through apps and sites that are easy to access.

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