Microsoft is starting to sell replacement components for its Surface devices. The software giant now supplies , allowing Surface owners to replace their displays, batteries, SSDs, and more. Theverge.com reports that Microsoft says “When purchasing a replacement component, you will receive the part and relevant collateral components (such as screws if applicable).” Tools are available separately and separately priced by iFixit, which Redmond has partnered with since 2021 to make Surface repair tools available. iFixit also makes tools for getting into Apple products. I have used them in the past to replace batteries and upgrade memory…something that is near impossible now, with Apple’s present devices. Replacement and repair components…are you listening, Apple? Samsung? Every device maker should make these available. People often keep their gear for 3,4, or 5 years, and they should be serviceable just like your car…even if you have to take it to a shop and don’t feel like a do-it-yourself repair job. It is way past time. I will now get off my soapbox, back on my meds, and continue with this report. 

Google has put the Bard AI introduction in the European Union on ice, as the Irish Data Protection Commission has stepped in. According to engadget.com, the agency claims not to have received a ‘detailed’ privacy briefing, a data impact statement, and supporting info. Here’s an interesting wrinkle if you are all excited about AI chatbots: According to a new report from Reuters, Google’s parent company Alphabet has warned employees about using AI chatbots, including Bard. Google employees were specifically advised against submitting any confidential information to Bard or any other AI chatbot. If you are using or love chatbots, fine, but be warned…Google’s parent doesn’t think their own proprietary information is safe once it gets into the chatbot world. 

We reported on this earlier, and now it’s available…’Hey Disney’ is out for most Echo devices. Techcrunch.com says the custom assistant is named, in typical Disney marketing language the ‘Disney Magical Companion.’ Over 20 Disney characters are featured, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Olaf, Moana, Dory, Mater, Chewbacca, R2-D2, Fozzie Bear and more. There are thousands of custom interactions that will issue forth from your Echo device with the magic of Disney…including some ‘Easter Eggs’ that they say will ‘surprise and delight’ customers. By the way, you can’t always choose the character you interact with. The feature is a $5.99 a year subscription at the Alexa Skills Store, or comes with a subscription to Amazon Kids Plus…which is $4.99 a month. It doesn’t work on Fire Tablets or Fire TVs or very old Echos, so be warned. 

Comcast filed with the FCC last week, whining about having to disclose all their fees to customers. In fact, 5 major telecom and cable industry trade groups had previously filed with the Federal Communications Commission about them. Arstechnica.com notes that Comcast and the others want to simply the rules so they don’t have to provide broadband customers with labels displaying exact prices and other information about Internet service plans. These firms have tacked on page after page of ridiculous fees, and been called out for sometimes lying to customers that the fees are mandated by the government. The new FCC rule will require that “providers must list all recurring monthly fees,” including “all charges that providers impose at their discretion, i.e., charges not mandated by a government.” Or horrors…Comcast will have to admit that a lot of the fees are just extra price gouging on their part. 

I’m Clark Reid and you’re ‘Technified’ for now.