hp apologise for ink blocking scam

hp apologise for ink blocking scam

HP has backtracked on a software update that blocked some ink cartridges made by third parties, after a campaign calling on HP to reverse the move was launched. The change to the software was made earlier this month and meant that the printers would not work if unofficial (or cheaper) cartridges were used. An optional update that removes the restriction on unofficial cartridges will be available within two weeks.

HP said that they were ‘committed to transparency in all of our communications and when we fall short, we call ourselves out.’  Whilst making the apology, HP defended the controversial change by saying it did so to protect users from counterfeit products. ‘When ink cartridges are cloned or counterfeited, the customer is exposed to quality and potential security risks, compromising the printing experience,’ said Jon Flaxman, the company’s Chief Operating Officer.

Customers argued that the move was less about security and more about protecting the large profit margins HP adds to official ink cartridges.

www.bbc.co.uk/news (29th September 2016)

Problems reported with Sage 50 Accounts

Problems reported with Sage 50 Accounts

Following Microsoft’s recent Windows 10 Anniversary update, some Sage customers have reported that they are unable to log in to Sage 50 Accounts after installing the update.

Microsoft is investigating the problem as well as the product team at Sage. There are workarounds they are suggesting to allow you to access your product.

SEE WORKAROUNDS

Sage and Microsoft are working together to understand the background to this issue and work towards a resolution

27th September 2016

Windows 10 Software criticised by Which?

Windows 10 Software criticised by Which?

Microsoft has been criticised over its Windows 10 by consumer rights group Which? Hundreds of complaints have been received with regards to lost files, emails no longer synching and broken Wi-Fi and printing. In some cases, users said they had to pay for their computer to be repaired. A spokesman from Microsoft said, ‘The Windows 10 upgrade is a choice designed to help people take advantage of the most secure and most productive Windows. Should a customer need help with the upgrade experience, we have numerous options including free customer support – both online and by phone.’

The consumer group said users had complained of feeling ‘nagged’ by regular alerts prompting them to upgrade their system, and despite declining the notifications, had said Windows 10 had installed itself regardless. Complaints were also made about poor customer service.

Windows 10 was released in July 2015 as a free upgrade for one year, and was designed to run across laptops, desktop computers, smartphones and Microsoft’s reality headset HoloLens. Stuart Miles, founder of gadget news site ‘Pocket-lint’ said, ‘With a rollout of this size, it is always likely there will be issues and problems experienced by some users. On the whole, Windows 10 has been received well, and was a notable step up from the previous Windows 8, which did not go down well with many users.’

www.bbc.co.uk/technews (22nd September 16)

Samsung encourages return of exploding phones

Samsung encourages return of exploding phones

Samsung recalled 2.5 million phones last week after reports emerged of the device exploding during or after charging. Owners of the Galaxy Note 7 have been encouraged to stop using or exchange the devices, and airline passengers were warned by US authorities not to switch on or charge the phones while on board. Aviation authorities in the United Arab Emirates have banned use of the devices on the Emirates and Etihad airlines. Similar bans have been put in place by Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Virgin Australia. The US Federal Aviation Administration also advised against packing the phones into any checked-in luggage.

A statement by Samsung, the world’s biggest mobile phone maker, said that customer safety was the priority and that they would replace all devices that were handed in from 19th September. Samsung has said that battery problems were behind the phones catching fire, but that it was difficult to work out which phones were affected among those sold.

The phone was launched last week and has been otherwise generally well-received by consumers and critics.

www.bbc.co.uk (10th September 2016)