Skype Meet Now: Host a Video Call Without Sign-ups or Downloads

Microsoft’s Skype has released a new video call feature called Meet Now, which allows the users to conduct video calls without downloading or signing up the app. The launching of the Skype Meet Now option has been considered a big step from Microsoft amidst the ongoing health issues outbreak. The current ongoing health issue outbreak has forced the people to stay at home and follow social distancing measures. Work from home and social distancing measures has raised the demand for video conference apps all across the world and seeing this scenario, the launch of this video call could be considered as the best strategy.

However, the new feature of Meet Now introduced by Skype is not new as the biggest competitor of Skye, Zoom has previously launched a similar function. Zoom is widely popular among the people due to its enterprise demographic oriented features. The video conferencing app Zoom become much more popular among the people who are busy in white-collar jobs due to the work from home and social distancing measures. Some of the exceptional features of Zoom made it famous among the white-collar jobs people, such as creating chats and inviting the other people effortlessly. In simple terms, the people found Zoom much easy in use as it requires only sending out the links to the interested people by the host. Also, there was no requirement of verification of email addresses, installation of apps, and friend’s lists. However, the video call app created some securities, too, but it didn’t impact the accessibility and popularity of the app among the people. It seems that Skype is trying to replicate the same availability with its newly introduced function, Meet Now.

The users can engage themselves with Skype in multiple ways, which includes the mobile application, web version, the desktop version, etc. Also, the users can start to chat with the Meet Now option in a very simple. According to a Skype tutorial, the host can open Skype on any preferred platform, and then they will need to select the function Meet Now. The users can find the Meet Now option located on the main screen near the button of New Chat. When the host selects the Meet Now function, a menu will open with the options for inviting the links along with providing choices to share the invite links with the contacts listed in Skype. The users can send either the links manually to the interested parties or through the emails.

Moreover, anyone who has received the link can join the conversation by clicking on the link. The link could be entered as a guest or by joining the Microsoft account after signing into the account. Also, there is no need to install Skype to join the Meet Now chat option.

Skype Meet Now chat Options in the app

The user interface of the Meet Now option introduced by Skype is not so different, and it includes many essential functionalities. Some significant features in the Skype Meet Now include the Toggle video button, a mute button, settings button, and chat bubbles indicating the speaking person. Also, the newly launched feature a record button for recording calls along with other modern whistles and bells. The users can also engage themselves in text messages by producing the link of invitation, and the chats, including text and images, could be kept recorded by Skype for a minimum of 30 days. Apart from these, the older version of video chat on Skype is also available for the people which invites the verified users only. It seems that Skype would not have to face any security struggle as Zoom faced with its launch, but the people have to remain careful whether who is receiving the invite links.

Source :- https://securenorton.com/skype-meet-now-host-a-video-call-without-sign-ups-or-downloads/

Daisy Martin arrived on the cyber security scene in the early 2000s when virus and malware were still new and slowly evolving. Her longtime affair with writing with an interest in the cybersecurity industry, combined with her IT degree, has contributed to experience several aspects of security suite industry such as blogging at norton.com/setup.

How to Fix Skype Audio Not Working on Windows 10

Skype is a hub of video and voice calling lovers that are the giant in the world of messaging. Skype provides enhanced quality video calling features to its users. It can be operated on any of the available devices, be it a smartwatch, tablet, iOS smartphone, Windows, or android. Some users reported various problems while communicating on Skype app.  Unlike other applications, it also gives users the ability to make video conferencing calls on various platforms. 

Reasons for Audio Not Working Issues on Skype

There are various reasons for arising this error code while connecting to other users on Skype.

 There are various reasons for arising this error issue, and the possible reason is due to the headphone mic problem or internal system error.

• Audio is not adjusted properly: Skype has the built-in audio manager tool that adjusts the voice levels, but if it fails to perform smoothly, then turn Off the feature and activate it again.
• Breaking Audio Calls while Calling: It might due to some applications running in your device background. Additionally, try switching to another network and check that the issue is resolved.
• Skype Audio Output Not Performing Properly: If the issue persists, you will be required to check that your playback setups. Then, ensure that your headphones and speakers are adjusted to an audio device as default.
• Distorted Skype Audio: This issue occurs just because of network connection problems. Make sure to have a stable and fast network.

Get the Speakers and Microphone Configured

• First of all, hit the Skype app icon to launch.
• Then, navigate to the Tools section and then hit the Options tab.
• Go to the panel of Audio Settings.
• Make sure that your speakers and Microphone are adjusted properly. One can check the stability and voice system of microphones and speakers both. Configure them properly to make it function well.
• Finally, hit the Save option there.

Note: In some cases, the default audio speakers are changed to something else after performing an update. Therefore, check that the audio gadget is properly configured and administered correctly, permitting all the commands.

Applying Default Driver of Microsoft

• First of all, hit the Window logo and X tab at one go to launch the Power User menu option.
• Then hit the option Device Manager there. It will appear via the listing on your screen.
• Once the Device Manager window launches, go to the Audio device section and apply right-click on it.
• Then, select the option “Uninstall.”
• Now, check the driver software for the device on which you are working and hit the Uninstall button there.
• Once you have removed the particular driver, the final step is Rebooting. It will save the adjustments made by you.
• Once the system rebooted successfully, the driver will automatically install it on your machine after fixing various glitches.

Managing Microphone Set-Ups

• Go to the audio icon and then right-click on it. The option will be located at the Taskbar.
• Then, select the option “Recording Devices” by navigating the menu option.
• Search the Microphone option and apply double-tap to expand its related features and properties.
• Now, hit the tab “Advanced” and ensure that the elusive controls option is not active.
• Then, hit the Apply option and tap on Ok.

Upgrading Sound Drivers

One can install the recent edition of the audio driver from two different ways:

Through Motherboard and Manual set up process

Visiting Manufacturing Site of Sound Card

It is requested to the users to keep the sound card or driver up to date to avoid any sound issues on your device. Installing the latest edition of audio drivers removes multiple errors from your device.

Select the most recent and updated version of your audio card and install it on your device, but keep in mind to remove all the corrupted audio drivers and sound cards.

Various drivers especially crash while running on Skype and flashes error issues. One such issue creating driver is “Realtek,” if you are also facing issues with this driver, it is recommended to use any other driver for your device. 

There are many types of the driver available online; you can purchase the same by visiting their respective websites.

Source :- https://securenorton.com/how-to-fix-skype-audio-not-working-on-windows-10/

Daisy Martin arrived on the cyber security scene in the early 2000s when virus and malware were still new and slowly evolving. Her longtime affair with writing with an interest in the cybersecurity industry, combined with her IT degree, has contributed to experience several aspects of security suite industry such as blogging at norton.com/setup.

Microsoft is Ready for a New Era of Windows

Microsoft recently reorganized the team of Windows and its devices by introducing Panos Panay for the charge of both Microsoft hardware and Windows. Although these are the early days for Panay, we are beginning to get a glimpse of how situations may switch with the Windows OS.

In the first 30 days of the Panay, he had spent a lot of time in learning, observing, listening, and working hard with the Microsoft team to make a visualization for the next era of Windows. He wonders while working closely with the Insiders team and the depth of knowledge and level of dedication they possess. Panay recently posted a new blog post in which he explained his experience of working with the Microsoft extraordinary tech geniuses.

He stated that in order to get the Windows innovations going and carry on to grow, they would need an intelligent, responsible and powerful person to show the way to this exceptionally skilled team to the new level. Thereafter, he officially announced Amanda Langowski as the new head for Windows Insider Program.  

The new leader of Microsoft’s Windows Insider Program Langowski is one of the old hands of the company that posses over 20 years of experience. The projects he had worked on before are Windows beta programs, flighting team, Windows Phone, Windows Mobile, and more. Overall he deserves such a position in the company, and now he will surely make innovations in future projects.

He will soon lead to testing of Windows 10 and then an essential feedback loop of the software. Dona Sarkar initially led this project for the past several years. Sarkar is now leading a new project in the company called Microsoft Developer Relations and is presently serving in the company. However, the former chief of the Insider program, Gabe Aul, left the company last year, and then he continued his career in Facebook’s virtual and augmented reality program as the role of engineer.

As we told you before, Panay intends to make a new era of Windows, and he is presently making a visualization to take the Windows OS to the next level. The project has attempted several methods to tempt developers to Windows over the previous five years, but some attempts were not effective enough. Even the regularity of Windows 10 updates has sometimes been a bit slower during the last 12 months that left testers as well as Windows users doubting for what’s happening.

Now Panay has decided to make certain changes into the operating system, and he will also focus on the desktop versions of Windows 10. He will surely add some of his own styling in the operating system, but he cleared that he is going to make the OS simplified and quick. The Windows 10 OS has clearly improved since its past 5 years of constant development and updates.

However, people are now in quest of a fresh look and feel for the Windows operating system, and it seems minor changes are not enough for them to keep it using. According to the Windows 1 billion users teaser video, it is now apparent the team is planning to make the operating system’s UI more simplified. The Start menu is also going to change significantly, as we saw in the teaser video of the Windows 1 billion user celebration. Let’s see how the next operating system updates going to look and work like.

Source :- https://securenorton.com/microsoft-is-ready-for-a-new-era-of-windows/

KellieMinton  arrived on the cyber security scene in the early 2000s when virus and malware were still new and slowly evolving. Her longtime affair with writing with an interest in the cybersecurity industry, combined with her IT degree, has contributed to experience several aspects of security suite industry such as blogging at norton.com/setup  .

Here is how to Fix Not Getting Netflix in 4K

Netflix is the most-renowned video-streaming platform on the web. A major portion lot of the fame it gets is due to the video quality offered by the platform. You can even stream videos in the holy 4K HD quality, given you use a high-speed internet connection.

However, there may be time when you fail to get Netflix in 4K. If you are facing not getting 4K videos on your Netflix, then this article will help with troubleshooting.

Netflix Plan Checking

If you are not subscribed to 4K or not paying support 4K plan content for Netflix, then you can’t stream 4K videos on Netflix. Here is the current plan list of Netflix:

• Basic ($8.99 for one month): Standard Definition (SD), 480 pixel content on a single screen at a time.
• Standard ($12.99 for one month): High definition (HD) 1080 pixel content on two screens at a time.
• Premium ($15.99 for one month): Ultra HD (UHD) 4K pixel content on four screens at a time.

If you are not paying for the 1080p or HD premium plan, then you content not preview in 1080p or HD. Here are the instructions that can help to enhance your Netflix plan in the Netflix application on your device as well as on the web.

 Here are the steps on how to upgrade Netflix on your device:

1. Launch the application and select a profile.
2. Tap on the profile that appears on the upper top of your screen.
3. Choose Account.
4. In the plan, details tap Change plan.
5. Choose premium and then tap confirm.

After this process, you have activated 4K high-quality video content, but it can be a little costly from the standard plan. You also make sure your device has a 4k video supporting hardware to streaming 4K content.

Enable HD playback in your Account

In the Netflix Account settings, Users can rusticate how much width Netflix consumes. Those are separate as Auto (default setting) high, medium, and low.

Here are the steps on how to change width settings on Netflix account:

1. Launch the Netflix and login with your Account and password.
2. Tap on the profile picture that appears on the upper right corner on your screen.
3. Choose Account
4. In My Profile, choose Playback Settings.
5. Choose High when you want to maximum quality.

Netflix allows three separate rough guidelines for data consumption to streaming video:

• Low: Up to 0.3 Gigabyte single hour.
• Medium: Up to 0.7 Gigabyte single hour.
• High: Up to 3 Gigabyte each hour or for HD content 7 Gigabyte each Hour.

If you have a closed info cap, you may require Low or Medium limit. For 4k, you need to choose Auto because of its work on your internet connectivity or speed of your internet fast or slow. You can also enable High when you are not satisfied with the Auto limit. And make sure when you are streaming your video on 4k, you need to of Medium and Low limit.

Check the Internet Speed

Netflix requires the surfing internet connection speed as 25 MB per second or higher to need to streaming 4K video. You can also see how your internet connection provider using speed test.

The peak streaming time occurs during the evening, so maybe your connection is slow because of the immense number of users on the network. You can also do a troubleshoot to test peck hour to find the 25MB requirement in the high usage hour.

 If you are using less then 25MB, then you need to attach your ISP and need to maximize the speed of your internet connection. Always remember one thing that 25 MB is the minimum requirement. If other people Using your internet to play games, watching videos or downloading files van be impacted the ability to streaming 4K content on Netflix. You can also upgrade your plan that is suitable for your family or on behalf of your household usages.

Make Sure the Browser Supports 4K

If you wish to stream Netflix 4K content in a browser, then you can only work within the Microsoft Edge Windows 10. You also need an Intel Core seventh-generation or more reliable processor and NVIDIA GPU supporter.

If you wish to stream an external monitor, then your device also supports HDCP 2.2. Alternatively, users can also use the Netflix application in the Windows 10 Store.

If you are using Apple Mac, then you are limited to 1080 pixels via Safari on macOS version 10.10.3. If you want it, then you need to run Windows in a virtual machine.

If you are using Opera, Chrome, or Firefox, then you are stuck along with 720pixel at this time. It is because of DRM (Digital Rights Management) and trying to prevent 4K streaming from Netflix from being shared online.

Make Sure the Streaming Box Supports 4K

When you are using a set-top box like Apple TV to watch Netflix, then you need to make sure your TV in 4K-compliant. You also need a 4K apple that streams 4K videos and allows output ultra HD to your Apple TV. A chromecast ultra able to work 4K streaming but standard chromecast not support.

If you are using modern 4KTV, then it is an excellent chance it is inbuilt Netflix application on your TV. The older version of 4K TV earlier 2014 doesn’t support 4K content and ultra HD. To streaming Netflix in 4K content using a smart TV, you must have a Netflix application installed and has an HEVC decode to handle streaming. There are many 4K TV manufactures and available in the market that can across with Netflix in 4K.

Source :- https://securenorton.com/here-is-how-to-fix-not-getting-netflix-in-4k/

Kellie Minton  arrived on the cyber security scene in the early 2000s when virus and malware were still new and slowly evolving. Her longtime affair with writing with an interest in the cybersecurity industry, combined with her IT degree, has contributed to experience several aspects of security suite industry such as blogging at norton.com/setup  .

Twitter Testing New Instagram Stories Like Feature “Fleets”

“Twitter’s New Instagram Stories Like Feature Now Under Testing”

Twitter recently announced its new feature “Fleets” that will allow the user to upload pictures, videos, texts for one day. It’s like the story feature of Instagram that allows the same 24hrs visibility for the post. Twitter is one of the best sources to know about the latest incidents and what’s trending around the world. They are modifying the app to stay updated with the latest features.

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat all have the stories feature, and now Twitter is looking for the same feature with a different name and some different features. Twitter is a big social media platform, and if they are releasing the Fleet feature, then it must be something more significant.

Currently, the Fleet feature is in testing, and a couple of users in Brazil are checking it. It is not released everywhere, but if it works well, Twitter will not spend more time to release it. Limited people are accessing Fleet feature; however, hopefully, soon it will be available for every Twitter user.

Unlike Snapchat, Instagram, Or Facebook, Twitter’s Fleet feature is quite different because, in Fleet, you have to slide upward to see more posts of the same user instead of tapping on the screen. After you make your Twitter account and follow some people who are active on Twitter, you can watch their stories from the top of the screen. If there are some Fleet posts, it will be indicated in the blue circle. After watch Fleet, it will turn grey, which means there are no more posts are available, and you have seen all posts of the particular person.

It’s a full-screen feature that accesses by just tapping on it. What makes it different from Instagram stories is that Fleet presented in vertical sliding and Instagram stories work in a horizontal way. In Twitter Fleet, you have to scroll for more posts, and Instagram Stories works by tapping on the screen for further posts. The process of adding images, texts, and videos are quite simple.

In order to make Fleet, you have to tap on your own profile picture where the primary option is making a text post. If you prefer to write text, then just remember, you cannot write more than 280 words in your Fleet. There will be no modification in the fonts, so your every text post on Fleet will be the same style of fonts. For quick writing and immediate posting, it’s a great feature because there are not many changes available if you are writing a post.

To make Fleet feature simple and easy, there are no stickers, sketches, or writing fonts available; however, you can post GIFs, videos, and photos. You can write on the image and then post it if you are expressing something to your viewers. The clarity of posts in Fleet is much better than Instagram stories, which is a good thing. You can check how many people have seen your Fleet after you post and can get the details watching the timing of every user. Just like Instagram stories, viewers can send some emoji reactions that will be received in your DM.

Because it’s a new feature, there is a lack of some more features that users will require. Currently, it’s on testing and looking for bugs if there is any. Every stuff that you will post on Fleet will be visible for 24hrs, but it will be possible if the company releases it worldwide.

Source :- https://securenorton.com/twitter-testing-new-instagram-stories-like-feature-fleets/

Kellie Minton  arrived on the cyber security scene in the early 2000s when virus and malware were still new and slowly evolving. Her longtime affair with writing with an interest in the cybersecurity industry, combined with her IT degree, has contributed to experience several aspects of security suite industry such as blogging at norton.com/setup  .

Google Pixel March Feature Drop Includes Car Crash Detection & Motion Improvement

Google has finally released the latest features, adds on, and other improvements for the users of the Pixel family. The firm promised regarding the rolling out of the new features and innovations last year, and now it has fulfilled the promise it made to the users. The features have been released for the users of Pixel 2,3 and 4 family, which will include the improvements related to motion sensors for Pixel 4 along with introducing fast access to passes and cards and the latest features of AR for Duo. Meanwhile, the users of Australia and the UK may get access to the functionality of the car crash detection feature.

Here is the simple guide featuring the latest updates introduced by Google and how it is going to entice a large number of users:-

New Motion Sense Gestures

The feature added is the first most significant upgrade that has come to the users on Pixel 4 XL and Pixel 4. The users will be now not only become able to play the music on Pixel 4 but also could pause it. The users, while tapping the air on the phone, can easily play the music or pause it without even touching their phones. It could be considered as a significant upgrade as in the beginning, and the users had to wave their hands in the air from left to right to play the songs or to change them.

Fast Access to Passes and Cards

The panel, including a screenshot, emergency, restart, and power off, has been aligned at the bottom, and a menu providing quick and fast access to the methods of Google pay payment tickets and boarding passes will appear at the top. The users can avail the entrance to the features and methods by pressing down the power button for long. Meanwhile, Google has said that the users of the pixel family will also get real-time updates of the flight along with the screenshots of the boarding passes.

New and Enhanced  AR effects for DUO

Now, the users will enjoy more engaging calling experience through DUO as Google is all set to bring the augmented and enhanced reality effects to make it so. Along with improving the front-facing camera of Pixel 4 to provide you a better experience while taking selfies, the firm has designed the filter to match the expressions you are making while on calls.

Detection of the Car Crash

The introduction of the capability of car crash detection is part of the app of personal safety in pixel 4. It will help the users to call for help if they have met with some road accidents; however, the feature has been rolled out for Australia and UK only.

Automated Dark Theme

Google has introduced some features which will now automate the fundamental changes in the settings of your phone. The occurrence of the automatic changes will take place according to your Wi-Fi network and location. And, also the dark mode will turn on or off depending on the sunset or sunrise of your situation.

Apart from the improvements mentioned above, Google has also introduced Live Caption support for the series of Pixel 2 along with adding a more comprehensive range of emojis numbering around 169.

Source :- https://securenorton.com/google-pixel-march-feature-drop-includes-car-crash-detection-motion-improvement/

KellieMinton  arrived on the cyber security scene in the early 2000s when virus and malware were still new and slowly evolving. Her longtime affair with writing with an interest in the cybersecurity industry, combined with her IT degree, has contributed to experience several aspects of security suite industry such as blogging at norton.com/setup  .

Use Google Lens to Search for Images on Chrome (Android)

User’s need to activate the Chrome flag titled “Get Google Chrome Powered Image Search” by navigating the “context” menu.

Here are the methods to enable and search images on Google Chrome through the integration feature of Google Lens.

Benefits of Image Search Feature of Google lens

This is an interesting feature that can be used for various purposes, such as fetching information about the image. Previously, the long tab provided a Google search and a little bit of information. Google Lens’ image search feature becomes smarter with the integration of Google Chrome. It lets you know more about the image, sometimes provides the most relevant data, for example: if you want to search newsfeed of your particular image.

Activating Google Lens Image Search Feature on Google Chrome

• First of all, launch your android device
• Then, navigate to the Chrome flags window by typing the mentioned address into the URL bar:

“chrome: //_flags”

• After that, you have to enter “Lens” in the provided search space in the expanded Chrome flag’s window.
• Then, search the flagged option “Google lens powered image search” from the resulting option from the context menu.
• Now, hit the pull-drop menu located just beside or under the option. Then you have to choose “Enabled” tab there.

Note: If it is set to default, then the option will appear as “Default.”

• After that, a message will appear at the lowermost portion of your window, having a large blue tab. It will say, “Relaunch Now.”
• Hit the Relaunch Now tab otherwise, enter the under-mentioned address into the address pane:

“chrome: //_restart”

• After a bit, Google Chrome will automatically restart on your device. Wait for Chrome to expand properly on your screen. Then you can search for your desired images via Google Lens.

Searching Pictures Through Google Lens on Chrome

• First and foremost, tap Google Chrome to open on your system.
• After that, visit any of your preferred websites.
• Then, a long tap on the image that you wish to view. A pop-out will appear showing various options such as Open, download, share an image, and search with Google lens options.
• Now, hit the option “Search via Google Lens” to proceed with your search operation. It will authenticate the selected picture for you.

Note: Google will fetch you various other options, including related information and suggestions.

Integrating Google Lens with Camera Apps

One can download Google Lens to use its features with your OEM Google Camera. Various OEMs provide Google Lens as a built-in integration feature in the device stock camera application. However, in some Android devices, Google Lens is not intuitively integrated with the camera app.

Source :-http://norton-us.com/use-google-lens-to-search-for-images-on-chrome-android/

Davis Johnson is a self-professed security expert; she has been making the people aware of the security threats. Her passion is to write about Cybersecurity, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet and new media. She writes for Norton security products at norton.com/setup.

Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 2: Downtime, Agent Meowsicles & Everything to Know

“Epic Games Confirm the Downtime for Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 2”

Epic Games have announced that Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 2 will be updated on 20 February, 4 am EST, and 2:30 pm IST. The downtime has been begun, and the Fortnite servers are about to shut down in a couple of hours. The news has been announced through the official Twitter handle of Fortnite alongside the official of Fortnite has clearly mentioned that this is a season change, and it will acquire some time to cease.

 The excitation of the Fortnite fans is about to cure in a couple of hours. However, the downtime will begin at 4 am EST, and it might extend to 7, or 8 am as the update size is larger than expected. The V12.00 is coming along with the all-new world of Fortnite that includes new maps, new skins, new cosmetics, new weapons, new characters, and probably new battle pass. 

The update will be arriving on all the gaming consoles that support Fortnite, such as PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. As soon as the update gets activated, the Fortnite official will update about it through their Twitter handle. Along with there must be the larger size of Patch than the previous Season as Epic Games mentioned that this Season would be larger than usual.

However, there is no confirmation about how long does the server will shut down, or you can say how long V12 does take to get activated—looking upon the post seasonal updates. We are pretty sure that it will get activated till 8 Am EST. The gamers need to hold on to their patients for several more hours and should keep on checking the official Twitter account of Fortnite for updates.

The gamers need to download the V12 Patch after it gets activated and gets ready to witness something new as we all are familiar with the perseverance of Epic games to introduce new aspects and technology in Fortnite. Thus, they have already proclaimed that this update is larger than the post Season update. The new Season probably comes along with various mesmerizing and stunning changes alongside new features.

 Fortnite gamers have already teased several new locations in the forthcoming Season on Twitch. Alongside, new events will be arriving with the update, and it is confirmed the news that the subsequent events will be tied up with Alter organization. The oil rig POI will also be a part of Fortnite season 2 alongside Rumble Mode has been altered, and it will now come with more quirks and features. The blue weapons and bandages are removed now, and players can now use Glider Redeployment for free.

Although the Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 2 will definitely intrigue the users, there is also the possibility that it may be failed to attain acclamation as there are a lot of similar cases like it had happened earlier. The anticipation and the excitation of the fans alongside critics are about to end, and several more disclosures will be revealed once the V12 gets activated. Till then, we have to wait and keep on checking the Twitter account of Fortnite to get notified about subsequent activation.

Source :- http://norton-us.com/fortnite-chapter-2-season-2-downtime-agent-meowsicles-everything-to-know/

Davis Johnson is a self-professed security expert; she has been making the people aware of the security threats. Her passion is to write about Cybersecurity, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet and new media. She writes for Norton security products at norton.com/setup.

Google Maps Will Now Display Disputed Borders Based on Your Location

Google recently announced to redraw the maps according to the users’ location. The disputed territories across the world will now change according to the people who are searching.

Google Maps has always tried its best to chart out the globe for millions of users across the world. But it becomes troublesome for the world’s most used search giant when people disagree on the territory.

There are several disputed places and borders around the globe on which two or more countries are claiming as the part of their edge, and so it often becomes tough for the search giant to deal the issues. According to a report of the Washington Post,  Google has decided to bring some changes in its policy. So further, the search giant will display the political borders with some different approach. The display of political maps will depend on the location of the viewers from where they are viewing.

Google Maps has turned 15 years old now, and the decision taken by the search giant is significant. The issue of political borders is a sensitive matter for the people and countries all across the world. Seeing the sensitivity of the case, Google has taken an entirely different approach to remain safe from any confrontation with the political arena. The encounters arising out of disputed regions is not new, and even the printed mapmakers have been facing it all around the world. But, the sensitivity of the issue increased when it comes to digital technology and it all just because of the speed and connectedness.

Whenever the people search for any particular place, it appears to them on Google Maps with no time, and this fast speed becomes jarring if the region displayed is disputed allowing the people and countries to raise their objections. There are several disputed borders all across the world caused due to the rivalries between the people and nations.

The situation turned worst due to continuous conflicts over the exploitation of natural resources. For Example, Sea of Japan is widely displayed as the body of water separating South Korea from Japan but it is considered as East Sea on South Korea leading to a situation of political conflict.

Google has said that it works with the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names and also take a look into the armistices and treaties signed between the countries. Further, the search giant has announced that it will remain neutral on the issues of disputed borders and territories. The Director of Product Management for Google Maps, Ethan Russell, has said the search giant is abiding with the local legislation when it comes to displaying borders and names in case the local versions of Google maps is available to the company.

The search giant has also announced that it has an exceptional team of employees regarding the display of disputed regions on which the company rely and the name of the group is “disputed regions team. It will be interesting to see how the decision taken by the company is going to affect it in the next time. Looking at the extent of Google maps capturing more than the lives of 98% all across the world based on the satellites imagery of the total of 36 million square miles available for the people to browse, the decision may have some term effects.

The search giant has already faced a lot of criticism on various and faced the allegations of handing over the locations of users to the law enforcement agents and governments, and so the company announced the photos had been collected from the third party. The continuous decisions and modifications introduced by the company will undoubtedly impact it positively in the coming time.

Source :- http://norton-us.com/google-maps-will-now-display-disputed-borders-based-on-your-location/

Davis Johnson is a self-professed security expert; she has been making the people aware of the security threats. Her passion is to write about Cybersecurity, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet and new media. She writes for Norton security products at norton.com/setup.

How to Fix “ARK” Crashing Issues on Windows 10

“ARK: Survival Evolved” is a popular game that provides various features and missions to attract players. Everyone wants to play “ARK” to the end, if the player starts as it is very easy to play. But sometimes, while playing on Windows 10, players find crashing issues while getting it started.

In most cases, these crashing issues fixed by rebooting the device, but some of the users found it continuously crashing. There might be some bugs or technical issues inside your system.

We are going to provide some troubleshooting tips and tricks to troubleshoot this issue. Follow these instructions to know the troubleshooting steps:

Ensuring Proper System Requirements

1. First of all, open “Run” dialog prompt by tapping “Windows” logo and “R” keys simultaneously from the keyboard.
2. Then, you have to enter “dxdiag” followed by “OK.”
3. Now, a new window will appear related to “DirectX Diagnostic Tool” that will show you detailed information related to your OS, memory, and system’s processor.
4. Now, navigate to the “Display” tab and then read the graphics card related information.
5. Then, make sure that the system is running with compatible requirements such as Processor, OS, memory, edition, graphics card, storage, and network.
6. Note: In case your system is running with compatible requirements to run “ARK: Survival Evolved,” and you are still facing crashing issues, then follow the next procedures.

Rebooting your Device

 System or any device might interact with minor bugs and glitches that prevent various games, apps, and programs from running smoothly and thus crash in the middle of the process. Then the best and effortless method to remove those bugs and viruses is to reboot your PC or device to ensure safe performance.

Performing “ARK” as an Admin Account

In some cases, running a program or any game in a normal user’s account results in crashing this software or program. Therefore, it is recommended to run this game and “Steam” under the admin account. To do so, follow these instructions:

1. Make sure that the “Steam” is not running on your device. If it is, then stop Steam and if you wish to do it manually, then follow the given tips:
2. Navigate to the “Taskbar” and then apply right click on the “Steam” logo.
3. Now, tap on “Exit” to shut the application.
4. After that, navigate to the “Desktop” and then right-click on the available “Steam” logo.
5. Now, choose “Run” option as “Admin” from the available option.
6. Then, tap on “Yes” to provide your consent.
7. Next, try to open “ARK: Survival Evolved” through “Steam.”
8. Finally, check that the game is running smoothly or not.

Authenticating the “ARK” File’s Integration

1. Firstly, open “Steam” and navigate to the main menu. Then choose “Library” option there.
2. Now, search for “ARK: Survival Evolved” by navigating the installed games list.
3. Then, right tap on the game then hit the “Properties” section by navigating the context.
4. When you get into the ARK’s “Properties” page, then tap the “Local Files” section.
5. After that, tap on “Verify Integrity” related option.
6. Once you have completed all the above instructions, then try to open “ARK” and make sure that it is running smoothly.

Upgrading the Driver of Your Graphics Card

Viruses or bugs may infect your graphics card, then it is advised to update your driver. It can be done in the following ways:

1. Through Third-party application
2. By navigating “Device Manager”
3. Navigating manufacturer’s site and then install a compatible driver from there.
4. Launching “Device Manager”
5. Firstly, navigate to the “Taskbar” and apply right-click on the “Windows” symbol.
6. Go to the menu bar and choose “Device Manager” option there. You can also expand “Device Manager” by using “Run” dialog prompt box and type “devmgmt.msc.”
7. Now, open your content related to the category list of your “Display Adapters.”
8. Then, apply right-click on the graphics card option and navigate to the “Context” menu. Then hit the option “Update Driver.”
9. Now, choose the automatic search-related option located on the upcoming window.
10. Then, wait for a while for your “Device Manager” to search for the recent available edition of the particular graphics card’s driver. It will automatically download the latest driver.

Note: In case you desire to use any of the third-party application, then it is advised to search for a genuine and compatible one. You can also download the card’s driver by navigating the device manufacturer’s site.

Configuring Game Settings Launch Setups Correctly

1. Firstly, launch “Steam” and navigate to the primary menu and hit the option “Library.”
2. Then, go to “ARK” and right-click on it.
3. Now, tap on “Properties” option by navigating the “Context” menu.
4. Go to the General tab and tap on “Set Launch” Options.
5. If launch parameters available, then delete them.
6. After that, enter “- USEALLAVAILABLECORES – sm4 – d3d10” in the provided space followed by the “Enter” key.
7. Finally, try to launch “ARK: Survival Evolved” and then make sure that the issue is resolved.

Source :- http://norton-us.com/how-to-fix-ark-crashing-issues-on-windows-10/

Davis Johnson is a self-professed security expert; she has been making the people aware of the security threats. Her passion is to write about Cybersecurity, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet and new media. She writes for Norton security products at norton.com/setup.