Skype calling comes to Alexa

Microsoft and Amazon continue to build on its partnership. This time, Microsoft is bringing Skype calling to Amazon Alexa-enabled devices. The Echo range can use Skype’s basic calling feature. And if you have the Echo Show, you’ll even get video calling support. On top of this, you can also use SkypeOut to call mobile phones and landlines. You just need to say things like “Alexa, call Stephen on Skype” to activate the call.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft Office 365, Azure users couldn’t sign into accounts after multi-factor authentication issue

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Microsoft’s troubles continue with some Microsoft Office 365 and Azure users being locked out of their accounts for most of the day on November 19. A multi-factor authentication (MFA) issue hit users worldwide, even affecting their ability to do self-service password resets. An Office 365 status page on the issue described the problem of users weren’t receiving prompts on their mobile devices (SMS, call, or push) and Microsoft is investigating the issue. The company hasn’t released yet what caused the problem.

Meanwhile, those on Azure may have problems accessing resources like Azure Active Directory when MFA is required. Azure engineers have deployed a hotfix but this took some time to take effect, particularly for Europe and Asia Pacific users. It did help reduce the number of authentication errors and it tipped off the engineers that some of its customers were not getting the SMS, call, or push notifications for MFA. Microsoft claims some users are now “authenticating successfully” but they are still addressing the delays experienced by other users.

Source: ZDNet + TechCrunch

Microsoft, Apple working on fix for iCloud bug plaguing latest Windows 10 update

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If you’re using iCloud for Windows and are trying to install the Windows 10 October update, you won’t be able to at the moment. A bug has been discovered that creates problems for updating or syncing shared photo albums when using the latest Windows 10 update. Microsoft said it’s working with Apple to solve this issue. In the meantime, they’ve blocked PCs with iCloud installed from getting the latest update. And those who try to install iCloud right now will get a warning that Windows doesn’t support this version yet. Here’s to hoping Microsoft and Apple fix this issue immediately.

Source: Engadget

Google Photos brings portrait mode depth editing and Color Pop to iOS

The latest update to Google Photos on iOS gives you more post-capture options for the portraits you take on your iPhone. The new depth editor—which came to Android first—will let you adjust the background blur and even change the focus of the photo from the subject in the foreground to someone in the background. Color Pop also comes to iOS and lets you isolate the subject from the background, keeping him or her in color while the backdrop changes to black and white. While Apple has its own post-shoot adjustments for Portrait mode on its own gallery app, it doesn’t let you change the point of focus or make colour adjustments to them. Also, if you use both Android and iOS, the cross-platform support will make it easier for you to bring one photo from one device to another.

Source: SlashGear