Summary
Overview
This Tech Links episode covers Microsoft's new Copilot PC Insights feature, OnePlus's reported exit from US and European markets, advances in reusable rocket technology from Japan and China, and various tech quick bits including a useful Mac cable identification app, Proton 11 for Linux gaming, AMD's multi-frame generation technology, quantum computing for vaccine development, and a friendly floating robot design.
Microsoft Copilot PC Insights and Global Device ID
Microsoft is testing a new Copilot feature called PC Insights that can answer questions about your computer's hardware specifications by reading CPU, RAM, GPU, and storage information. The feature runs as a web app with its own Edge browser and uses significant memory resources. Additionally, an FBI complaint has revealed Microsoft's GDID system, a global device identifier that tracks Windows installations across all activity, which recently helped law enforcement connect a hacker's activities despite VPN usage.
- Copilot PC Insights can answer hardware specification questions by reading system components
- The feature ships as a web app with Edge browser and idles at close to a gigabyte of memory
- GDID is a global device ID that handles licensing and store apps, tying all PC activity to one identity
- GDID helped FBI track a hacker who used VPNs and proxies by connecting activity from the same Windows device
" Task Manager? Never heard of her. "
" Good news for the next of us, though. Next time the Feds come knocking, Copilot can testify your PC wasn't hacking anyone. It was just keeping an empty edge tab warm. "
OnePlus Exits US and European Markets
Oppo is preparing to withdraw OnePlus from US and European markets, with reports suggesting the global chip crisis and rising component costs have impacted smaller phone makers. An official announcement is expected soon, and while existing OnePlus owners will continue to receive support and updates through their promised lifecycle, new device availability will be limited to existing inventory over the next few months.
- OnePlus is exiting US and European markets due to chip crisis and rising component costs
- Oppo will continue providing support and updates for current OnePlus owners until end of promised product lifecycle
- Phones already in supply chain will be sold over next few months, but no new stock expected after that
" Turns out OnePlus' never settle slogan was actually more of a regional suggestion. "
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