Topps Blog

Tuesday, 26 July 2022

Microsoft Will Change a Windows Security Default to Block Ransomware

Most of the new Windows features we talk about are user-facing, be it a new taskbar gimmick or a return of third-party widgets. But what’s going on behind the scenes can be even more important. In the latest Insider builds of Windows 11, Microsoft has changed a security default that could keep ransomware out of your PC. Why it didn’t do this years ago is anyone’s guess.

Ransomware is a relatively new phenomenon on the internet, the rise of which appears to mirror that of cryptocurrency. Ransomware is a specific type of malware designed to encrypt a victim’s files and then charge for the key needed to recover them. Those affected might have to cough up hundreds or thousands of dollars in crypto to get their files back, and it’s not just individuals who are targeted. Large businesses and even hospitals have been compromised with ransomware, and the cost to decrypt data can be much steeper. Game developer CD Projekt Red (CDPR) was hit just last year in the wake of its disastrous Cyberpunk 2077 launch

In the newest Insider builds (starting with 22528.1000) Windows 11 will use a security lockout protocol for Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Dave Weston, Microsoft’s head of OS security, provided some details on Twitter. After 10 incorrect password attempts, RDP access will be shut off for 10 minutes. After that timer has expired, you get ten more tries.

@windowsinsider Win11 builds now have a DEFAULT account lockout policy to mitigate RDP and other brute force password vectors. This technique is very commonly used in Human Operated Ransomware and other attacks – this control will make brute forcing much harder which is awesome! pic.twitter.com/ZluT1cQQh0

— David Weston (DWIZZZLE) (@dwizzzleMSFT) July 20, 2022

Weston notes that brute forcing RDP credentials is one of the most common ways ransomware operators gain access to systems. There are even groups online that focus on gaining access to systems via RDP, which they can then sell to anyone who wants to execute a ransomware attack.

These features were already in Windows 11 — and Windows 10, for that matter. However, almost no one turned them on, even in enterprise environments. Soon, it will be the default on all Windows 11 machines. Microsoft will also backport this change to Windows 10 desktop and server. While there might be some small inconvenience for RDP users, it’s a small sacrifice in the name of security. Microsoft already defaults to block internet macros in Office, which is another prime avenue for ransomware attacks.

Microsoft hasn’t said how it will deploy the change to Windows 10 and 11, but it will most likely arrive in a low-key security update rather than a major feature update.

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Amazon Seeks to Reinvent Health Care With Purchase of One Medical

If you thought it was weird when Amazon bought Whole Foods, then you’re probably going to be scratching your head over its latest acquisition. The e-commerce behemoth is now entering the field of health care, which is one of the last places we thought we’d find Bezos’ footprint. Last week, the company announced it was acquiring One Medical, which is a primary care provider in various US markets. The deal is worth $3.9 billion, and is Amazon’s initial foray into into the massive US health care market.

Amazon announced the news on its website, and its reasoning was simple: the health care system could use a fresh, technology-based approach. “We think health care is high on the list of experiences that need reinvention,” said Neil Lindsay, SVP of Amazon Health Services. “Booking an appointment, waiting weeks or even months to be seen, taking time off work, driving to a clinic, finding a parking spot, waiting in the waiting room then the exam room for what is too often a rushed few minutes with a doctor, then making another trip to a pharmacy – we see lots of opportunity to both improve the quality of the experience and give people back valuable time in their days.”

“Alexa, schedule my colonoscopy” could be coming in the near future.

One Medical was likely a tempting acquisition for Amazon due to its heavy use of technology currently. Its website boasts of 24/7 virtual care through your phone or computer. It also offers same-day or next day appointments, which can be booked with an app. It’s so futuristic you can even text with your provider. Amazon describes it as a “human-centered, technology-powered U.S. primary care organization.” One Medical boasts its care is so personal you will fall in love with your doctor’s office.

The company’s CEO is definitely onboard with the merger as well. “Amazon’s customer obsession, history of invention, and willingness to invest in the long-term is so exciting,” said Amir Dan Rubin, One Medical CEO. Together the two companies will seemingly combine their technological prowess in ways undetermined at this point. The goal is simple though: to get better care to more people.

This is the first health care company Amazon has purchased. However, it’s not the first time it’s strayed from its e-commerce roots. It’s long been eager to deploy its technological innovation in markets it sees as stagnant or in need of an overhaul. This year it launched its first brick and mortar apparel store in Los Angeles named Amazon Style. It allows you to order clothes online, then visit the store to try them on. You can also see the entire inventory for an item such as a shirt by scanning its QR code. It also operates the Amazon Go cashier-less grocery stores where you take what you want and leave.

Still, its previous acquisitions like Whole Foods and Zappos were at least somewhat adjacent to its core business. Its journey into health care is uncharted waters, at least as far as Amazon is concerned. That said, a lot of people would agree it’s an industry in dire need of a technological update. Amazon’s press release didn’t contain any details on how it seeks to disrupt the health care market. How long it will be until we’ll be getting a notification to schedule a Prime Physical?

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Monday, 25 July 2022

Intel: Arc High-End Desktop GPU Launch ‘Now in Sight’

(Photo: Intel) It’s been a long and winding road for Intel’s return to the discrete GPU market. It seems like it was first announced in a different era, and since then a lot has changed. Along the way Intel has run into several delays, generating confusion about what was launching, and when. The mist seems to be clearing though, and Intel has now stated its high performance GPUs are launching soon. Or at the very least, they will be in reviewers’ hands in the near future.

As a refresher, Intel stated in May that the Arc GPU launch would be delayed to “later this summer.” It announced it was doing a “staggered” launch that would start in China, then eventually make its way to the US. Six weeks later, the first Arc GPU launched, again, in China. However, in addition to the staggered launch it became clear Intel was also starting at the bottom of the stack, then working its way up to the top cards.

The first card to launch, was an entry-level $150 GPU with just 4GB of memory. In other words, it’s not a GPU enthusiasts care about. What we’re more interested in is the good stuff; the upper-midrange A750, and the high-end A770. Those cards are supposed to be able to take on the Nvidia RTX 3060 and 3070, or AMD’s 6600 and 6700. Also, as an aside, it was previously rumored there would be a binned flagship GPU named the A780. However, Arc PR rep Ryan Shrout recently shot that rumor down on Twitter.

Intel recently shared a benchmark comparison chart for its A750 versus the RTX 3060. (Image: Intel)

Now, Intel is getting close to actually sending its high-end cards to reviewers. We all know that when that happens, retail availability can’t be too far behind. The company confirmed the proximity of the launch recently on its Discord channel. It alerted Arc fans that it’s “started the ramp” to a full desktop launch. Here’s the message Intel posted:

“This has been a long road for all of you. While there have been delays with the eventual launch of Intel Arc graphics for desktop, we want to be clear that this launch is getting closer… All of us are very excited to finally deliver on the Xe HPG Scavenger Hunt prizes this summer as the product is starting to come together… Bottom line, the launch of the Intel Arc A7 series desktop products and the prizes intended for this contest are now in sight!”

In advance of the launch the company sent its reps out to make the rounds on YouTube. They appeared on both Linus Tech Tips and Gamers Nexus recently; both popular channels for the technically inclined. The media tour followed the unveiling of the first official benchmarks for the A750 last week. Oddly, Intel’s blog post originally included a video of Ryan Shrout playing Cyberpunk 2077. Now however, the video is marked as private for some reason.

One interesting highlight in Linus’ video is it shows the A770 running Shadow of the Tomb Raider on two systems. Both have the same specs, but one is running DirectX 11 and the other uses DirectX 12. Though a performance delta is expected, in this case the difference is drastic. The DX11 machine can be seen running at 39 FPS, while the DX12 system is double that, at 80 FPS. The Nvidia reps said this is on purpose, as Intel is focusing on the future with Arc. Instead of optimizing its hardware for older APIs like DX11, it’s solely focused on DX12 and Vulkan. This will likely be a problem for a lot of gamers, as Linus points out only three of the top ten games on Steam support DX12.

Further, Intel’s Tom Peterson states Intel plans to “kill everyone in price to performance” in “tier one” games. He says those are the games shown in the chart above, which includes Fortnite, Cyberpunk, etc. Obviously, that is a large volume of trash talk, but hopefully Intel will back it up. Also, pricing for Arc was also leaked, but Wccftech doesn’t say what its source is, so be cautious.

Still, it looks like Intel is aiming to compete on price and performance at 1440p. It certainly doesn’t have an answer for the RTX 3090 Ti and RX 6950 XT, but Intel doesn’t seem to be focusing on that niche just yet. Perhaps what will come with the next iteration of Arc, code-named Battlemage. Either way, we’re excited to finally get a chance to see what Intel has been cooking for all this time. Heaven knows it’ll be launching in a radically different environment than what existed a few months ago. And with AMD and Nvidia priming their next-gen GPUs for launch, it’s going to be an interesting fall in the GPU space, that is for certain.

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Cadillac Unveils $300,000 ‘Flagship’ EV: Meet the Celestiq

(Photo: GM) Last week General Motors offered a peek at an all-new electric vehicle (EV) model: the Cadillac Celestiq. The $300,000-plus four-door is meant to become the brand’s “flagship sedan” when production begins in late 2023 and will offer Cadillac the unique opportunity to revamp its manufacturing process.

The EV will be entirely hand-built, offering a level of care and attention to detail typically reserved for exclusive models from less mainstream automakers, like McLaren, Bugatti, and Rolls-Royce. This means none of the Celestiq’s assembly process will be performed through automation, and the use of robots will be relatively restricted. While this form of manufacturing requires significantly more human labor than the rest of Cadillac’s lineup, the brand plans on making the Celestiq in extremely limited quantities. To prepare, GM has reportedly invested $81 million in its Detroit tech center, where the Celestiq will be produced. This will be the first time the tech center will be involved in the actual assembly of a commercially-available vehicle.

(Photo: GM)

While GM has yet to release details regarding the Celestiq’s range or performance, it has shown off a great deal of the EV’s aesthetic and tech elements. Looking beyond its red and black leather seats, the Celestiq show car features a 55-inch diagonal LED infotainment system on a single piece of glass. The backs of the driver and passenger seats each have their own LED display. The roof, GM says, will be made of “Smart Glass” to allow drivers and their passengers to individually select the degree of transparency they’d like above their heads. The Celestiq will also offer Ultra Cruise, which can most easily be compared with Tesla’s Autopilot (though hopefully not in regards to safety).

The Celestiq is Cadillac’s second EV. The luxury automaker announced the Lyriq, its all-electric SUV, about a year ago; within 10 minutes of opening up online $100 reservations, all of Cadillac’s Lyriq Debut Edition pre-orders were gone. But the Lyriq sits at a far different price point than the Celestiq—while GM estimates the Celestiq will cost buyers at least $300,000, the Lyriq is far more attainable at $59,990. The extraordinarily different costs of entry make for an interesting tactic as GM pivots toward offering a fleet of EVs and eventually becoming both “mostly electric” and carbon neutral.

“The CELESTIQ show car is the purest expression of Cadillac,” said Magalie Debellis, manager of Cadillac’s advanced design division, in a press release. “It brings to life the most integrated expressions of design and innovation in the brand’s history, coalescing in a defining statement of a true Cadillac flagship.”

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Nvidia’s GeForce Now Rolls Out 120FPS Gameplay to All 120Hz Android Phones

Nvidia has been tinkering with cloud gaming longer than just about anyone, but its GeForce Now service is often overlooked in the era of Xbox Cloud Gaming and Stadia. If you’ve already got a library of games, GeForce Now could be the best way to stream them, particularly now that it supports higher frame rates and smoother gameplay on Android phones. Nvidia has announced that all Android phones with 120 Hz screens can now stream at 120 FPS.

GeForce Now is similar to Stadia and the other cloud gaming platforms — the games are rendered on a server, and the video streams to your chosen device. Your controller inputs go back up to the internet, and boom, you’re basically playing a game with a very, very long cable.

The quality of cloud gaming can vary wildly depending on which service you use, your connection type, and where you are geographically. That said, Nvidia’s latest high-performance tier offers the best features among cloud gaming platforms with the power of the RTX 3080. You get 4K resolution, ray tracing, and now 120 FPS. However, it costs a whopping $20 per month.

Last month, Nvidia began testing 120 FPS support with select phones from Samsung, Asus, Google, and others. Now, this feature is rolling out widely to all Android phones and tablets with the necessary hardware support. All you need is a display that can refresh at 120Hz (and a controller, like the Razer Kishi above). Most phones with 120Hz screens use OLED technology, but there are some with 120Hz LCDs that will work equally well for high-frame-rate gaming. According to 9to5Google, this feature is not currently slated for Apple devices because it requires a native app, which you get on Android. Nvidia uses browser streaming on iDevices as it was not allowed to release an app in the App Store.

Unlike the other cloud gaming platforms, Nvidia isn’t trying to sell you games. Instead, it connects to Steam and Epic, but not all titles are supported. Still, it’s probably a big chunk of your library. All Nvidia does is rent you a gaming rig in the cloud. The free tier is a good way to get started, but performance will be middling and you only get to play an hour at a time. The $10 per month plan adds a ray-tracing GPU, 1080p60 streams, and up to six hours per session.

The newly expanded 120 FPS support requires the spendy $20 per month tier, but that’s how you get the aforementioned 4K resolution (and longer sessions). The service isn’t limited to phones — GeForce Now works on computers, select smart TVs, and Nvidia’s own Shield Android TV box.

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Enormous Video Game Collection to Enhance University’s Research and Course Offerings

(Photo: Taylor R/Unsplash) An educational institution in Canada is now able to offer students a firsthand tour through video game history, thanks to the recent acquisition of a famous 14,000-title collection.

The University of Toronto Mississauga was recently gifted what’s known as the Syd Bolton collection, an assemblage of thousands of video games and gaming-related magazines. Syd Bolton himself was a programmer from Ontario who took pride in collecting tech memorabilia and sharing his library with the public. Up until his death in 2018, Bolton curated and ran the Personal Computer Museum, which had more than 50 computers—from Atari and Commodore to Apple and Mattel—and a range of original software on display. But when Bolton passed, the museum was shut down. His massive collection has since remained untouched.

Bolton’s wife reached out to U of T Mississauga hoping the institution would properly maintain the collection while keeping its troves of video game history accessible to the public. The university recognized the unique educational opportunities inherent in the collection’s diversity and jumped on the opportunity. As of now, U of T Mississauga’s library staff are working on processing the 14,000 games, 5,000 gaming magazines, and hundreds of consoles and gaming-related books.

Lots of cool stuff today at @THEMUSEUM for our Star Wars May the 4th special ! pic.twitter.com/eoMprcfCxi

— Syd Bolton (@sydbolton) May 4, 2018

“The collection is comprehensive as it contains hundreds of games from dozens of video game home entertainment systems over the past 50 years, including a handful of arcade machines,” the university said in a statement. “The collection is also complete in several sections where Bolton purchased every copy of a game released in North America (including special editions) on several game consoles, such as the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation.” Fairly unsuccessful games and consoles, like the Panasonic 3DO and the Sega Saturn, can be found in the collection, as can lesser-known “edutainment” consoles like the Sega Kids Computer Pico.

The Syd Bolton collection will allow U of T Mississauga faculty and students to gain a comprehensive understanding of video game history firsthand. It might even open the door to more varied course offerings. “In terms of academic study, it’s really important to look at the history of something that has such a pervasive impact on everyday life,” Chris Young, the university’s head of Collections and Digital Scholarship, told CBC. “On our campus in particular, there’s been a growing interest in…offering courses that teach students how to study game artifacts, to study the histories of games and the social cultural impact of games.”

A 278-page list of the items included in the Syd Bolton collection can be found here. (It’s worth mentioning that the university will continue updating the items’ processing statuses.) While it’ll take quite some time for library staff to wrap up the acquisition, students are already able to request temporary access to certain consoles and titles.

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Mediatek and Intel Foundry Services Announce Partnership

Intel has been trying to get its foundry services business off the ground since it launched in 2021, and today it’s reached a milestone in that effort. Intel Foundry Services has announced a new partnership with Mediatek to fab some of its future products. Mediatek has been known to previously use TSMC as its fab of choice. Given the diversity of its portfolio, that’s not likely to change, but it will be now using Intel Foundry Services (IFS) as well. The company says the new partnership will add some resilience to its supply chain given Intel’s presence in the US and Europe.

News of the partnership was announced via a press release, and it was light on details. In summary, MediaTek will now use Intel Foundry Services to manufacture chips for a new range of smart edge devices. This means IoT devices, typically. The word edge means they are near the edge of the network, usually handling data coming into or out of a device.

Although neither Mediatek nor Intel specified which node it would be using, Intel shed some light on it via email. An Intel spokesperson told ExtremeTech: “For the initial engagement, MediaTek plans to use Intel 16 to manufacture multiple chips for a range of smart edge devices. We anticipate a long-term partnership that could span multiple technologies and applications.”

Intel 16 is a refined version of Intel’s first FinFET process on a 22nm node. In the release, Mediatek says it chose Intel because IFS offers a platform that is optimized for high-performance, low-power, and always-on connectivity. As the slide below shows, Intel 16 is, you guessed it, optimized for high performance, and low-power.

This slide was presented to investors to tout its various foundry offerings. (Image: Intel)

Intel announced Qualcomm and Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its first customers last year, including the fact that Qualcomm would eventually tap the 20A process node when it is ready in 2024. AWS

Omission of which node Mediatek in the release is curious as it’s been part of previous partnership news from Intel. As an example, it announced Qualcomm and Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its first big customers last year. That announcement included the fact that Qualcomm was tapping its 20A process, which is due in 2024. Intel disclosed that AWS would be using its packaging technology.

This is a big win for Intel, as Mediatek is the fifth largest fabless semiconductor company in the world. It will also help put IFS on the map as a player in the foundry game as it attempts to catch up to TSMC. However, it still has a very long road ahead of it. Its recent expansion plans in the US and Europe are a big part of its long-term strategy, but those will take several years to bear silicon fruit.The company’s senior VP specifically mentioned Intel’s “commitment to major capacity expansions” as a reason why it chose the company for some of its future products.

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