Some of the new features that are installed with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (version 1709 or build 16299) include:
- Mixed Reality Viewer app
- Ability to highlight or add notes to e-books in Microsoft Edge browser
- Ability to dictate an email or message instead of typing it by pressing Windows key + H key
- Add emojis by pressing Windows key + period key (.)
- Windows Controlled Folder access can protect folders from viruses and ransomware. Select Windows Key -> Settings -> Update and Security -> Windows Defender- > Open Windows Defender Security Center -> Virus & threat protection -> Virus & threat protection settings -> Controlled folder access (set to On) -> Protected folders.
- Android phone support (Windows key -> Settings -> Phone
A list of added features can be found at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4043948/windows-10-whats-new-in-fall-creators-update-1709.
Some features that were removed or deprecated include:
Deprecated Windows 10 Fall Creators Update features are found at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4034825/features-that-are-removed-or-deprecated-in-windows-10-fall-creators-up
Apple noted that recent iOS updates caused a slowdown in older iPhone performance, but stated this was required to prevent random phone shutdowns caused by an older battery.
Apple responded to the public feedback on the battery controversy by releasing this statement. Apple also lowered the price to replace an iPhone 6 and higher battery from $79 to $29 worldwide through December 2018. Apple iPhone technical support can be requested at getsupport.apple.com or by calling (800) MY–IPHONE (800–694–7466). AppleCare plan status and eligibility may be checked by entering the device serial number at checkcoverage.apple.com.
Apple online support for all of its products may be found at support.apple.com/sitemap.
Third-party or DIY iPhone repairs will void your warranty if not authorized by Apple. However, website iFixit has no affiliation with Apple but maintains iPhone repair instructions and sells DIY battery replacement kits for various iPhone models.
Google Trends released its Year in Search 2017: a list of the most commonly searched for items on its websites. Subcategories include business, science and technology, top stories, etc., worldwide or on a national basis. Selecting a particular search item will show further details, such as interest by sub region, interest over time, and most relevant articles.
Microsoft reversed its prior decision to deprecate OLE DB Provider for SQL Server after determining that customer data scenarios would be adversely affected. A new version is also planned to be released in the first quarter of 2018. More information is available at https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/sqlnativeclient/2017/10/06/announcing-the-new-release-of-ole-db-driver-for-sql-server/.
Thousands of cars were damaged or destroyed by the September 2017 U.S. hurricanes. Vehicle history reports for a replacement vehicle’s VIN (17 character Vehicle Identification Number) should be reviewed before purchase.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that hundreds of thousands of vehicles are sold each year with mileage odometer readings fraudulently rolled back. This fraud can sometimes be detected by reading the vehicle history reports over time. Vehicles older than 10 years may be exempt from odometer tampering laws. CarFax offers a free online tool to check if odometer fraud was reported.
Some of the free and paid sites available to verify vehicle history and check recalls include:
Vehicle buyers may also check VIN data at their local state’s Department of Motor Vehicles site.
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