Google supports XP, uTorrent stops mining, Apple Watch is unavailable, switch from Spotify to Tidal, play the net neutrality game, and enjoy the new Star Wars trailer.
Google Extends Chrome Support on XP
Google "will continue to provide regular updates and security patches to Chrome on XP through the end of 2015."
— Paul Thurrott (@thurrott) April 16, 2015
Google has extended support for Chrome on Windows XP until the end of 2015. This means people using the Chrome Web browser on XP will continue receiving security updates until the start of 2016. Google had previously announced it would continue support until "at least" April 2015, a year after Microsoft stopped supporting its own aged operating system.
Crucially, Google made it clear this shouldn't be seen as a sign that continuing to use Windows XP is a good idea, stating they "strongly encourage everyone to update to a supported, secure operating system." Still, this gives the 17 percent of desktop users still persevering with XP another eight months to get their act together. By which time Windows 10 will have arrived to save the day.
uTorrent Update Removes Epic Scale
Popular BitTorrent client uTorrent has issued an update in an effort to move on from the Epic Scale controversy. In March, uTorrent was called out by users who discovered they were mining Bitcoin for charity without having agreed to do so. This was thanks to a program called Epic Scale being installed on users' computers alongside uTorrent.
The affected version, 3.4.2, has now been replaced by a new version, 3.4.3, which removes Epic Scale from the equation. Users are advised to download uTorrent 3.4.3 from the official site, as third-party sites could still bundle Epic Scale in with the download. Unless you want to mine Bitcoin for someone other than yourself, update the uTorrent client as soon as possible.
Apple Watch Unavailable Until June
We already knew that the Apple Watch has proved to be insanely popular, with 1 million pre-orders being taken over the first weekend, but it turns out demand has outstripped supply by a major factor. So much so, in fact, that you won't be able to walk into an Apple Store and buy an Apple Watch until June at the earliest. This isn't mere speculation or rumor, but comes direct from the mouth of Angela Ahrendts, Apple's current head of retail.
In a leaked memo to staff, Ahrendts said, "Many of you have been getting questions asking if we will have the watch available in stores on April 24 for walk-in purchases. As we announced last week, due to high global interest combined with our initial supply, we are only taking orders online right now. I’ll have more updates as we get closer to in-store availability, but we expect this to continue through the month of May."
The situation is so dire (for customers, not Apple) that the Apple Watch website has been updated so that the tagline “Available 4.24.15,” has been changed to, “The Watch is coming.” In other words, Apple is downplaying the launch of its latest product for fear that potential buyers will be left disappointed.
Switching to Tidal Gets Simpler
It's now a lot easier to switch from using Spotify to Tidal, the new premium music streaming service from Jay Z. This is thanks to a partnership between Tidal and Soundiiz, a website which automagically transfers your playlists from one service to the other.
According to The Verge, it isn't perfect but it does just about work, which should save some people endless headaches. Soundiiz won't, however, fill the gaps in Tidal's catalog, so if a song you love isn't on there you'll lose access to it for the time being.
We have previously suggested you avoid switching because Tidal is doomed to fail, but those who see the benefit to lossless audio and don't mind making the richest musicians richer may find this useful.
Net Neutrality Becomes A Video Game
In case you haven't noticed, net neutrality has been a rather hot topic of late. The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) finally preserved this cornerstone of the Internet, and the ISPs (Internet Service Providers) have responded by issuing lawsuits left, right, and center. Which is fun. But not as fun as 404Sight, a new video game based on the idea of net neutrality.
Developed by students at the University of Utah, 404Sight is an endless runner with parkour elements that give a nod to Mirror's Edge. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to save the Internet, which you do by plotting a course through fast and slow lanes. You eventually get the chance to take down the evil ISP waiting at the end, which we're sure Comcast et al will enjoy immensely.
404Sight is available for free on Steam.
A New Trailer for the New Star Wars
And finally, there is surely only one video worth watching on the Web right now: the second teaser trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Revealed at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim, the new trailer reveals more action than the previous one, but still leaves us with more questions than answers.
Watch the video. Then watch it again. Then read this fantastic shot-by-shot breakdown by The Robot's Pajamas. Then watch it one last time. Until tomorrow. The expectation is strong with this one, so let's just hope Star Wars: The Force Awakens is more Empire Strikes Back than Attack of the Clones.
Your Views on Today’s Tech News
Should Google extend Chrome support on Windows XP beyond the end of 2015? Did the Epic Scale Bitcoin miner put you off using uTorrent? Will you be switching from Spotify to Tidal?
Let us know your thoughts on the Tech News of the day by posting to the comments section below. Because a healthy discussion is always welcome.
Image Credit: Jinx! via Flickr