In today’s Bulldog technology news wrapup:

  • The FTC has issued a warning about Java
  • Microsoft opens a New York studio for HoloLens
  • Toshiba cuts jobs
  • Cox loses a music case, faces $25M verdict

The details:

  • Feds require consumer warnings about older Java software

PC users will see more warnings about the dangers of keeping outdated software on their machines, under a legal settlement negotiated by tech giant Oracle and regulators at the Federal Trade Commission.

The FTC says Oracle Corp. deceived consumers for several years by promising that updating their Java software would keep them safe from malware and hacking attacks. Until last year, the FTC says, the update tool provided by Oracle did not remove someolder versions of Java, which meant PCs were still vulnerable.

Many consumers aren’t aware they use Java, which comes pre-installed on many PCs and helps with the operation of many web-based functions, including online calculators, games, chatrooms and even viewing 3D images. The FTC estimates Java can be found on more than 850 million PCs.

Oracle was aware since 2010 that older versions of Java had security flaws that left their users vulnerable to malicious attacks, according to the FTC. But earlier update procedures installed a new version of the program without removing the older ones. Oracle later changed its Java update tool to make it remove the most recent version, the FTC says. But until August 2014, the tool still left some older versions untouched.

The FTC says Oracle revised its Java update tool again last year, to help users remove all earlier versions. Even so, some PC users may still have older versions on their machines.

In a statement announcing the settlement, the FTC said Oracle’s internal documents show that it knew that its earlier procedures left some PCs vulnerable to hacking, despite its assurances to PC users. An Oracle spokeswoman declined comment Monday.

Without admitting any wrongdoing, Oracle settled an FTC complaint by promising that current and future Java updates will automatically search for all older versions of thesoftware. If an older version is found, the update tool will notify PC users of the security risk and provide a way for removing it. Oracle also promised to publicize the danger of leaving older versions of Java on PCs, by posting notices on social media and sending bulletins to leading distributors of security software.

PC users can remove old versions of Java by updating to the current version, Java 8, or by using the tool at java.com/uninstall.

  • Microsoft opens NY studio to showcase HoloLens headset

Microsoft is opening a studio in New York to showcase its upcoming HoloLens headset for inserting holograms into real-world settings.

At the studio, software developers will see a video and get hands-on demonstrations. One is a game in which you shoot hologram alien robots in front of you. Another shows the technology’s potential in presentations and sales, using a luxury watch as an example of how holograms can give potential customers more insights into features. A third demo highlights HoloLens’ graphical and editing capabilities.

The studio, announced Thursday, is located at Microsoft’s flagship retail store on Fifth Avenue. It won’t be open to the general public, though. Rather, software developers who want to preview the next-generation technology will have to make an appointment at https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-hololens .

The idea is to get developers to start thinking of the technology’s potential. Microsoft had a traveling exhibit in 11 cities, and the company says all slots were booked within 90 minutes. The new studio in New York was designed as a long-term home for the demos.

Microsoft Corp. will start selling developers editions of the headset early next year for $3,000. There’s no release date for a consumer version yet.

  • Toshiba to cut jobs in consumer electronics amid record loss

Toshiba plans to cut 7,800 jobs, mostly in its consumer-electronics business, as it reorganizes in the face of projected record losses for the current fiscal year.

The Japanese conglomerate has been struggling with the aftermath of a major accounting scandal, compounded by troubles in nuclear energy and losses in the business that makes personal computers, TVs and consumer appliances.

The job cuts announced Monday will affect about 30 percent of the consumer-electronics business and represent about 3 percent of Toshiba’s overall employees.

Toshiba Corp. said it is also selling its TV manufacturing plant in Indonesia and will sell or seek outside investors for a division that makes electronics for health care.

Despite its well-known brand, Toshiba has struggled to differentiate its products inconsumer electronics. Its television business faces stiff competition from low-cost Chinese manufacturers and high-end Korean brands, while demand for personal computers has been falling worldwide.

  • Jury sides against Cox in ‘trailblazing’ music piracy case

A Virginia jury has issued a $25 million verdict against Cox Communications in an online piracy case that could mean more trouble for downloaders of illegal content.

Music company BMG had sued Cox in 2014, saying the cable company wasn’t forwarding warnings about illegal downloads to its customers or stopping their behavior, even when the cable company knew about it.

Both sides saw this case as “trailblazing,” said Marquette University Law School professor Bruce Boyden, and it makes clear that Internet service providers, or ISPs, are obliged to respond to takedown notices from rights holders.

The jury said Thursday that Cox customers infringed on BMG copyrights by uploading or downloading its songs on file-sharing BitTorrent systems, and that Cox was liable.

Cox spokesman Todd Smith said the Atlanta company is considering its options, including appeal.