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Microsoft fixes one of Windows 10’s most annoying bugs
As far as Windows 10 problems go, a recent bug might have been the most annoying, as it caused some PCs to emit a high-pitched screeching noise when certain apps were used. Thankfully, though, it’s now been fixed by Microsoft.
The issue was introduced in the KB5000842 update, released in March 2021, as well as updates that came after it, and affected people who used 5.1 surround sound devices.
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As Microsoft explains on its Windows 10 Known issues web page, “After installing KB5000842 or later updates, 5.1 Dolby Digital audio may play containing a high-pitched noise or squeak in certain apps when using certain audio devices and Windows settings.”
While the vast majority of PC users will be using stereo setups, and are not affected, for those who are suffering from this problem, it can be an annoying – and alarming – issue, especially if you have your volume whacked up high.
So, it’s good news that Microsoft has now released the Windows 10 KB5003690 preview cumulative update, which includes a fix for the issue.
How to fix the Windows 10 audio issue
As the appropriately-named Bleeping Computer website points out, the KB5003690 update is optional, so it won’t be installed automatically.
So, if you are experiencing the issue, you need to open up the Windows Update app (search for Windows Update in the Start menu) then click ‘Check for updates’.
You should then see the KB5003690 update displayed. Click ‘Download and install’ to apply the update. The audio issue should now be fixed.
With Microsoft planning on announcing Windows 11 at an event later today, it’s a bit concerning that Windows 10 is still suffering from annoying issues like this.
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Date
24 Jun 2021Sources
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Communities makes WhatsApp more like Discord or Slack
Read MoreWhatsApp has pushed out numerous tweaks and improvements in recent months, and there's a new one to know about: the Communities feature that works in a similar way to public servers on Discord or Slack, which can then be split up into smaller groups as needed.
As per the official blog post announcing the news, Communities will "enable people to bring together separate groups under one umbrella to better organize conversations". The update is being rolled out now and will take a few weeks to reach everyone.
The idea is that the feature will make it easier for non-profit organizations, local clubs, schools and other groups to communicate within their groups – these communities might be used by school heads to share important announcements and updates, for example.
Even more new features
WhatsApp is introducing a bunch of other new features for group chats too, whether or not they're part of Communities: voice calls for up to 32 users, upgraded file sharing capacities (up to 2GB), and the ability for admins to delete messages that aren't appropriate for the group.
We're also going to get emoji reactions to messages – the same reactions you've probably become used to in every other chat platform out there, including Discord, Slack, and indeed Facebook Messenger.
It sounds as though at least some of these features will be released to beta users first before everyone gets access to them, so don't panic if you can't see them straight away. For more details on what's involved, see the official blog post.
Analysis: Meta wants all of your chats, all of the time
Meta chief Mark Zuckberg is no stranger to ripping off the best features of other apps – or indeed apps in their entirety. Take the stories feature of Snapchat, for example: once Zuckerberg realized how popular the format was, it was rushed into Instagram and Facebook as quickly as possible.
Instagram and Facebook have since tried their best to copy TikTok and piggyback on its success, though these efforts aren't getting much traction for the time being. Don't forget both Instagram and WhatsApp were bought and swallowed up by Facebook as they were starting to take away its market share, whereas Snapchat famously rebuffed Facebook's advances.
With that in mind, WhatsApp's introduction of features familiar from Discord and Slack shouldn't really come as any surprise. Zuckerberg himself says Communities is "an important evolution for WhatsApp and online communication overall", spoken like someone who has used these other products that WhatsApp is competing with and seen how intuitive they can be.
As Slack has been with us for eight years at this point, WhatsApp is actually quite slow off the mark, but the intention is clear – to make sure you spend as little time as possible in apps that aren't made by Meta. As with every other tech giant out there, Meta is keen to lock you into its products as tightly as possible.
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