Microsoft opens up about Windows 10 privacy concerns
Much has been written about the Windows 10 privacy settings, with many even going as far as to accuse Microsoft on trying to spy on its users with the new operating system (OS).
The various settings that are turned on by default are cited as the proof of these privacy violations.
Microsoft’s Terry Myerson, executive vice president of the Windows and Devices Group, put up a blog post that clearly explains that this is not the case and the new OS was designed with two straightforward privacy principles in mind, though data is collected. He stated that the information gathered helps make Windows 10 work better, and on the flip-side, users are always in control of what they share.
The main points of this reassuring statement are that no files or private content is sent to Microsoft, meaning information that directly identifies you like name, email address and account ID stays right there on your PC. What is sent however, is encrypted during transit to servers and then stored in secure facilities where only Microsoft has access to it.
So what exactly is transmitted? Anonymous device ID, device type and application crash data and information. This information Microsoft can use to improve the operating system and the software running on it. Basically data needed to improve Windows 10.
He also goes on to explain how this collected information helps improve Windows 10, citing the example of aggregate data that helped fix a particular version of a graphics driver which, while was not very widely used, was still impacting customers.
Myerson’s blog continues to say that if you keep Cortana on, personal information might be collected, and that is because Microsoft aims to deliver a delightful and personalized Windows experience via the digital assistant.
And finally, the Windows boss emphasizes that no email or other such communication content is scanned by the company to deliver targeted advertising, unlike some other platforms.
In other news, apparently Microsoft needs more time to refine and release the Universal Skype experience on Windows 10, and as a result the company has decided to delay their launch.
The feature has been demonstrated by Microsoft on several occasions. Basically the idea is to integrate the messaging, phone and video apps on the platform, and the initial plan was to launch them for Windows 10 by the end of the summer. However, there has been no updates on that as this target come and gone.
Microsoft confirmed that they failed to meet the launch deadline.
“We want to make sure Skype built into Windows 10 is the best experience possible," Microsoft said. "So we are taking some more time to make sure it is ready for users. In the meantime, you can continue to use Skype for Windows desktop, Skype for Windows Phone and Skype for Web on Edge.”
As feared, the development process is actually taking more time than was initially projected. However, once again, Microsoft has provided absolutely no timing information for users to let them know when these new tools could arrive.
And although the existing apps are working fine on Windows 10, the only major feature missing is that they do not provide the integration that was promised. If you were looking forward to that, then you simply have to wait a little while longer. This is another problem of releasing Windows 10 early as the features that were announced are still not there.
George Cox is the owner of Computer Diagnostics and Repair. He can be reached at 702-346-4217.
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