Android 13, new Ubuntu updates, and facial recognition conundrums in our roundup of last week’s most read stories.
Too busy this week to catch all the latest tech news? Fear not: We’ve compiled and summarized TechRepublic’s top stories for August 11 – 18.
Android 13 and Pixel 6 facial recognition conundrums
Although there is technology and hardware to support it, Google has yet to publicly test facial recognition support for any of its phones since the Pixel 4. And while the pandemic made the Pixel 5’s fingerprint unlock feature a random feature, the customer base still wants the ease of use due to the feature. Face unlock provided by Apple.
TL; DR: Jack Wallen thinks that if Google doesn’t roll out facial recognition support soon, it will disappoint some users and lose them.
How to return first and last time from timestamp in Microsoft Excel
Call center records can be unnecessarily complicated to import into Excel, but this guide by Susan Harkins and it Additional demo files can eliminate the noise of repeated calls in your call center logs.
TL; DR: Use the Excel MIN() and MAX() references together with a VLOOKUP function to separate the beginning and end of the day calls.
What’s new in Ubuntu 22.04.1?
The first point version of Ubuntu Jammy Jellyfish Normally won’t attract much attention, but Jack Wallen advises users to upgrade now to enable security features. The release also includes a number of other upgrades including toolkits for major programming languages and GNOME 42.
TL; DR: This update also includes the ability for users to upgrade from 20.04 via the command line, removing some commands if you’re ready to switch to the latest version.
Nearly 2,000 data breaches reported in the first half of 2022
Reports of data breaches decreased in the first half of 2022 compared to the first half of 2021, according to the latest data from Flashpoint Data Breach Smart State: 2022 Midyear Edition. But these numbers, and the reported lowest number of exposed records since 2015, can be deceiving.
TL; DR: Reporting is slow, so the actual number of data breaches and exposed records can match or exceed last year’s numbers when fully counted.
Google officially launched Android 13
Pixel 4, 5, and 6 phone owners can update to the latest operating system, Android 13, at any time from the settings menu. In addition to updated music controls, customizable icons, and a bedtime mode, the new OS version also comes with enhanced privacy controls.
TL; DR: Support for older Pixel phones is expected later this year, but Android tablets can update immediately to access split-screen mode and other upgrades .
