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    The next big HDMI leap is coming next week – what the 2.2 standard means for you

    Getty Images/Ernesto R. Ageitos The HDMI Forum, responsible for developing HDMI technology standards, has announced plans to reveal the new HDMI 2.2 specification at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on Jan. 6. According to the press release, the forthcoming specification will likely be called “HDMI 2.2” and feature new display transfer wizardry […] More

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    Free Apple TV+? How to watch all of Apple’s streaming content for no charge this weekend

    ZDNET”See for yourself.” It’s now clear what Apple+ was teasing with its three-word social media posts. For one weekend, Jan. 4 and 5, you can try the streaming service totally free.  Save the date In an X post last week, the streaming service shared two words — “Stay tuned” — along with an image from an Apple TV+ show and the phrase “See for yourself.” The dates for next weekend appear at the bottom. A similar post shared on Christmas Day read “Save the date” and also included the words “See for yourself.” Also: Apple TV vs. Roku: Which streaming device should you buy? A free weekend? While some people thought this might just be Apple promoting its upcoming content, later posts revealed the truth — an all-access weekend at no charge.  The company does offer a free trial week when you sign up and three free months if you purchase certain Apple devices, but this will be the first completely free weekend. It seems like Apple will make the entire catalog available too, as the company’s press release didn’t mention any restrictions.  More

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    If you’re ready for something different, I recommend this Linux distro to newbies and experts alike

    OpenMandriva defaults to a dark them that’s easily changed within System Settings. Jack Wallen/ZDNETIt’s rare to find a Linux distribution that’s not based on Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, or Arch. That’s not to say they don’t exist, but they are hard to find. One such distribution is OpenMandriva (officially, OpenMandriva Lx), which is a community version of the once-heralded Mandriva (which was based on the long-since-dead Mandrake Linux). Mandrake was a very special take on Linux because it had one very important goal: make Linux easy to use for all.Also: 6 reasons why Google should switch Chromebooks from Android to LinuxThat ethos was passed down to Mandriva and then to OpenMandriva, and it shows. More

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    New Windows 11 24H2 bug could block future security updates – see who’s affected

    Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETAnother day, another bug in Windows 11 24H2. Early last week, Microsoft revealed the latest glitch to befall its newest flavor of Windows 11. And this one could keep you from downloading any future security updates.The problem occurs if you installed the Windows 11 24H2 version through physical media such as a CD or USB flash drive anytime between Oct. 8, 2024, and Nov. 12, 2024. Those dates covered the October 2024 and November 2024 security updates as part of the installation.Also: Why Windows 11 requires a TPM – and how to get around itIn this event, your PC is unable to receive any future Windows security updates. That means you’re stuck if new vulnerabilities are discovered and you need to patch the OS. The problem doesn’t occur if you installed or updated Windows 11 24H2 through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog website. “When using media to install Windows 11, version 24H2, the device might remain in a state where it cannot accept further Windows security updates,” Microsoft said on its Windows 11, version 24H2 known issues and notifications page.”This occurs only when the media is created to include the October 2024, or November 2024, security updates as part of the installation,” the company explained. “Please note, this only occurs when utilizing media – such as CD and USB flash drives – to install Windows 11, version 24H2. This issue does not occur for devices where the October 2024 security update or the November 2024 security updates are installed via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog website.” More