{
  "id": 11394934,
  "title": "Flight delayed? So are these codec updates",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/flight-delayed-so-are-these-codec-updates",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-02T08:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Register Science",
    "slug": "the-register-science",
    "url": "https://www.theregister.com/offbeat/2026/10/02/flight-delayed-so-are-these-codec-updates/5300405"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A delayed Boliviana de Aviación flight at Alcantarí International Airport in Sucre, Bolivia left passengers perplexed by the unexpected appearance of a Windows desktop demanding a codec update. Eagle-eyed Register reader Phil Pearce noticed the Windows 11 desktop and its update prompt while waiting for the delayed BoA flight.\n\nThe update notification originated from K-Lite Codec Pack, a collection of components enabling Windows to play various audio and video formats. This suggests the passenger display was powered by a typical Windows system rather than a specialized signage system. It's unclear why the display administrators failed to disable K-Lite's update notifications or set them to run silently.\n\nThe exposed Windows desktop featured the Microsoft Store, Outlook, a weather widget, and several shortcuts. While the presence of these applications is unusual for an airport departure board, it's not entirely surprising given Microsoft's tendency to preinstall Outlook on its operating system. The update prompt and exposed desktop provided at least a distraction for passengers anxiously awaiting their delayed flights.",
  "summary": "A slice of Bolivian bork at Alcantarí International Airport",
  "key_points": [
    "Delayed Boliviana de Aviación flight at Alcantarí International Airport in Sucre, Bolivia",
    "Windows 11 desktop with K-Lite Codec Pack update prompt appeared",
    "Update notifications from K-Lite Codec Pack exposed on passenger display"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Register",
        "title": "Flight delayed? So are these codec updates",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/flight-delayed-so-are-these-codec-updates-11397175",
        "published": "2026-10-02T08:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}