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Hackers in Microsoft's webmail breach could read some users' messages
For some users, that Microsoft webmail breach was worse than first thought. Microsoft has confirmed a Motherboard source's claims that the hackers had access to a portion of the email content, not just email addresses and subject lines. About 6 of the affected users had their messages exposed, according to a spokesperson. It's not clear if the intruders read the email before Microsoft blocked access, but the company told the The Verge in a statement that the subset received "additional guidance and support."
Microsoft webmail breach exposed email addresses and subject lines
You'll want to keep an eye out for suspicious activity if you use Microsoft's webmail services. The company has confirmed to TechCrunch that "cybercriminals" compromised a "limited number" of its web-based email accounts between January 1st and March 28th by using a customer support rep's credentials. The breach didn't expose sign-in details or message contents, but it did offer access to email addresses (including names of addresses in conversations), subject lines and custom folder names.
Slack integrates Office 365 tools into its platform
A lot of companies (Engadget included) rely on Slack to get things done, and in recent times the "MSN Messenger for the workplace" has integrated a whole bunch of apps into its platform, including Dropbox, Zoom and G Suite, to make workflow smoother. Now it's adding Office 365 tools to the mix.
Facebook stops asking new users for email passwords
Facebook has halted a sketchy practice of asking some new users for their outside email credentials in order to verify their accounts. After a Twitter user on Sunday shared a screenshot of Facebook asking them for the password to their email, the social media giant faced intense criticism from security professionals. A spokesman for Facebook told The Daily Beast that it would no longer engage in this practice.
Spark email app debuts on Android as Inbox gets the axe
For years, iOS and macOS users have had access to Spark, an organization-focussed email app. Until now, Android users were left in the dark, but as of today, Spark is officially available in the Google Play store.
Gmail can schedule messages to send them at a better time
Google is marking Gmail's 15th birthday (yes, April 1st) with some genuinely useful additions rather than pranks. To start, it's introducing an option to schedule sending your messages so that they'll arrive at a better time. If you need to write a company message late at night but would rather not bug a coworker off-hours, you can delay the email until your colleague is back in the office.
Leaked emails show Facebook is still struggling to tackle hate speech
On the same day that Facebook announced it was banning white nationalism from its platforms, journalists obtained a lengthy email chain involving Instagram's content moderators, highlighting their struggle to crack down on anti-Semitism.
Gmail finally offers customizable swipe actions on iOS
It took the better part of a year, but Gmail's customizable swipe actions have finally reached the iOS crowd. Google is updating Gmail for iOS to let you personalize what happens when you swipe right. You can tell it to mark a message as read, move it to a folder or delete it outright, among other options. suffice it to say this could help a lot if you're inundated with email (hello) and would rather not laboriously sort it all.
Google's AMP tech makes Gmail more interactive
Google is finally ready to bring its fast-loading AMP tech to Gmail after more than a year of testing. Now widely available on the web, "dynamic email" (as Google calls it) gives you web-based interactions that would normally require opening your browser. You can fill out forms, reply to Google Docs comments or even browse catalogs, among other things. It also ensures that you get the latest version of content, so you can get the latest product listings or social network recommendations without needing a follow-up message.
Google will shut down its Inbox app on April 2nd
Google+ isn't the only Mountain View property that's getting the axe on April 2nd. Apparently, the Inbox app is also bidding its users farewell on the same day. The tech giant first revealed that it's going to discontinue its smarter take on email late last year, but it didn't say when specifically. Now, Google has started notifying users that Inbox will be going away in 15 days (from March 18th) through a screen that pops up when they fire up the app.
US Army email mistake puts hundreds of immigrant recruits at risk
Accidental exposure of sensitive data is a major problem by just about anyone's standards, but it could be genuinely dangerous when the military is involved. The Washington Post has learned that the US Army inadvertently emailed sensitive recruitment data on more than 4,200 immigrants to recruits, including names, enlistment dates, languages and Social Security numbers. Over 900 of those in the mix are Mandarin speakers while dozens speak Russian, raising the potential for China and Russia to persecute the recruits or their families as punishment for becoming American soldiers.
Gmail Smart Compose finally ventures beyond the Pixel 3
Gmail's Smart Compose has been widely available on the desktop for a while, but it's been quite limited in the mobile world. Unless you happen to have a Pixel 3, you've been out of luck if you've wanted Gmail to help write your messages. Thankfully, Google is casting its net much wider. Android Police has discovered that Smart Compose is rolling out to other devices, including third-party phones like the Galaxy S9+ and OnePlus 6T. Engadget can attest to the expanding hardware support, as you can see on the Essential Phone above.
Gmail's cleaner, brighter mobile app rolls out to everyone this week
If you notice that Gmail suddenly looks different on your phone, you're not the only one. Google has confirmed to Engadget that its email client's Material Design makeover is available to all Android users now, and should reach all iOS users by the end of the week. As we mentioned back in January, this is mostly about dragging Gmail's aesthetic into the modern era. The familiar red title bar is gone in favor of a full-length search bar with a more accessible account switcher, while the overall look is brighter and more spacious. You'll see Google's latest in-house font everywhere, for that matter.
Gmail's expanded right-click menu makes it easier to manage email
You might not have known that you could right-click on emails in Gmail to bring up a short list of common actions that you might want to perform. Now is about as good a time as any to learn about the feature, though, because Google announced today that it will be expanding the options found in the context menu so you can quickly jump to any action that you may need.
Newton Mail quietly resurrects its cross-platform email app
The Newton Mail email service bid subscribers farewell in September, but now it seems to be back. 9to5Mac has spotted an updated version on the iOS App Store and Engadget can confirm that it's also available on Google Play for Android and on Mac. "We are thrilled to be back. If you still have your Newton account, just log in using your Newton username and password," state the developer's notes on the App Store and Google Play.
Gmail may add Inbox-style reminders and pins
Google has assuaged Inbox fans by incorporating some of the defunct app's features into Gmail, but some of the best additions might still be on the horizon. Reddit user moodio shared an apparent leak showing a test version of Gmail for Android with reminders, pinned messages and category bundles (which help you deal with multiple messages at once). You might even see a quick "mark all as read" button so that you don't have to methodically select every message.
Mozilla plans UI refresh and better Gmail support for Thunderbird
Mozilla announced today that its Thunderbird desktop email client will be getting some much needed love in 2019, with the team preparing to tackle user interface issues, improve user experience and promote better integration with providers like Gmail. "Beyond that, we will be looking into leveraging new, faster technologies in rewriting parts of Thunderbird as well as working toward a multi-process Thunderbird," Thunderbird Community Manager Ryan Sipes wrote in a blog post.
Essential buys the company behind Newton Mail
The Newton Mail subscription service might be dead, but its owner just found an unusual lifeline. Essential has acquired Newton developer CloudMagic for an unspecified amount. The phone maker didn't say just what it would do with its new purchase, but said it was constantly searching for companies that could "accelerate [its] product roadmap." Terms of the deal aren't public.
Microsoft gives Outlook for iOS a full UI makeover
Microsoft has gradually been unveiling changes to Office's interface since the summer, when it announced plans for a major makeover. Since then, we've seen updated icons and a revised web experience, and now Outlook iOS is getting the treatment.
Google pulls gender pronouns from Gmail Smart Compose to reduce bias
Gmail's Smart Compose can save you valuable time when you're firing off a quick message, but don't expect it to refer to people as "him" or "her" -- Google is playing it safe on that front. Product leaders have revealed to Reuters that Google removed gender pronouns from Smart Compose's phrase suggestions after realizing that the AI-guided feature could be biased. When a scientist talked about meeting an investor in January, for example, Gmail offered the follow-up "do you want to meet him" -- not considering the possibility that the investor could be a woman.
