There is a new category listing in the Microsoft Store, and many are convinced that it involves Microsoft’s Andromeda OS, which comprises part of the company’s plan to make Windows modular and proves that some sort of mobile Surface device exists. Some have already begun speculating that the device could run full desktop apps.



“8828080” appeared a little while ago as a new target platform within Microsoft’s code infrastructure. It’s noteworthy because it also forms part of Microsoft’s corporate phone number. We’ve heard that various existing Windows 10 Mobile and PC apps are already showing up with support for “8828080” in the store, including big-name third-party offerings from companies like Spotify, and even some games.

Discussion

Source: [H]ardOCP – Microsoft Has Begun Testing Andromeda App Support in the Microsoft Store

Scientific device company Hound Labs is currently testing what may be the final version of its so-called marijuana breathalyzer. As you could presume from its name, the device is supposed to help police and employers determine if someone is under the influence of weed.



The Golden State will begin recreational marijuana sales on Jan. 1. For law enforcement officials, there are understandable worries about what this will mean in terms of patrolling roads. Without a standardized test for marijuana DUI, officers will be handcuffed on what they can do, no matter what they might suspect. Hound Labs believes the answer is in the breath.

Discussion

Source: [H]ardOCP – A California Company Believes It Has Invented a Viable Marijuana Breathalyzer

Various websites are reaching out to smartphone manufacturers to get insight on something they would probably never admit to doing anyway, based on all the flack Apple is getting. Thus far, HTC and Motorola have insisted that they do not slow down the CPUs in their devices when their batteries get old.



Apple claims this is not a bug, but a feature. Up until last week, Apple had not publicly acknowledged slowing down older iPhones, and it was not clear that the reason for slower iPhones was actually in the battery. All of this has spurred questions whether slowing down the processor of the phone based on its battery age is not a common practice among phone makers.

Discussion

Source: [H]ardOCP – HTC and Motorola: We Don’t Slow Down Phones with Old Batteries Like Apple Does

The latest version of Denuvo is working well for publishers such as Ubisoft, EA, and Sega, as their latest titles, which include Sonic Forces, Need for Speed Payback, and Star Wars Battlefront 2, still remain uncracked. This is despite their using only one layer of protection, unlike Assassin’s Creed Origins, which utilizes both Denuvo and VM Protect.



Some of you may be wondering why this is such a big deal. Well, the reason is simple. Prior to this version, scene groups were cracking all Denuvo-powered games in a matter of hours. FIFA 18, Total War: WARHAMMER 2, South Park Fractured But Whole, and Middle-earth: Shadow of War were cracked in just a day.

Discussion

Source: [H]ardOCP – Denuvo Has Managed to Win the Last Big Battle of 2017

There may be more to worry about than just getting sued if you’re a higher-up at Apple. It would seem that France has legislation that opens up the possibility of prison time for executives of the company.



It believes Apple could be liable for a fine in line with the value of all its iPhone French sales since the law came into force. The suit will be heard in a criminal court if prosecutors decide it is legitimate. The maximum penalty is a prison sentence of two years, a fine of up to 300,000 euros, and five percent of the firm’s annual turnover.

Discussion

Source: [H]ardOCP – Apple Execs Face Jail in France after Lawsuit over Slowing Down iPhones