8 Archives

BetaBeacon

May 9, 2025

An exciting new Switch emulator launches tomorrow — Here’s how to get it

A new Switch emulator called Eden is set to launch in pre-alpha tomorrow. It promises a fresh take on playing Switch games on Android, with a revamped user interface and improved performance. The developers have a strong pedigree and are eager to share their work with the community. Lead developer Camille LaVey has been transparent about the challenges faced during development. The official pre-alpha launch of Eden is scheduled for May 10th at midday.

Winsage

May 9, 2025

Struggling with the latest Windows 11 update? You aren’t alone

Many users are experiencing issues with Windows 11 following a recent update, including sluggish performance, Wi-Fi connectivity problems, and blue screen errors. To troubleshoot, users should first ensure their PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, which include: - Processor: 1 GHz or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or SoC. - RAM: At least 4 GB. - Storage: 64 GB or more of available storage. - Firmware: UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability. - TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 must be enabled. - Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later and have a WDDM 2.0 driver. - Display: High definition (720p) display, at least 9 inches diagonally, with 8 bits per color channel. - Internet and Microsoft account: Required for initial setup of Windows 11 Home and for updates and some features on all editions. To resolve issues, users can: 1. Uninstall the latest update via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates. 2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter found in Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. 3. Check for driver updates in Device Manager by looking for devices with a yellow exclamation mark. 4. Perform a System Restore through Control Panel > Open System Restore. 5. Use Microsoft's built-in repair tool "Fix problems using Windows Update" found in Settings > System > Recovery. 6. Check for known issues acknowledged by Microsoft. 7. Access advanced startup options by holding down the Shift key while clicking Restart to use Startup Repair or Command Prompt. 8. Reset the PC from the advanced recovery menu, which can reinstall Windows while preserving files or perform a clean reset. Users should back up important files before proceeding with significant troubleshooting steps.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Don’t ruin your Galaxy phone with a half-baked beta update

Samsung is expected to begin public beta testing for Android 16 and One UI 8 as early as June, with the software already appearing on a secret test server. Users are advised to exercise caution when considering participation in the beta testing, as unfinished software may lead to bugs and glitches. One UI 8 is anticipated to introduce meaningful changes to enhance user experience, but it is recommended to wait for a fully polished version before adopting it. The initial beta versions are primarily intended for developers, and early adopters may encounter challenges. The Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Ultra are highlighted as peak Android devices, featuring impressive RAM, performance, and the latest One UI with unique AI features.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Google requiring Android apps support 16 KB memory page size to improve performance

Android is transitioning to a 16 KB page size, which will become mandatory for applications in the Google Play Store by November 1, 2025. This change replaces the previous 4 KB page size and aims to enhance performance by improving memory management and reducing overhead. The introduction of Android 15 has been refactored to support this larger page size, with testing currently available on Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 devices. Expected performance improvements include faster app launches (3% to 30% faster), improved battery usage (average gain of 4.5%), quicker camera starts (4.5% to 6.6% faster), and speedier system boot-ups (approximately 8% faster). Apps without native code should remain compatible, while those using libraries or SDKs with native code may need updates. Apps containing native code might require recompilation and review for compatibility. Developers can check memory page size support through the Play Console.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files on Windows 10/11 with/without Backup

Data loss can occur due to human error, software malfunctions, hardware failures, system crashes, and issues with cloud storage services. Immediate recovery methods include restoring files from the Recycle Bin, using the Undo Delete feature, and utilizing the File History feature. For recovery with a backup, methods include restoring files via Google Drive and using the Windows Backup & Restore feature. For permanently deleted files without a backup, options include using free data recovery software and the Windows built-in app. Tips to prevent file deletion include enabling the Recycle Bin and File History, using cloud storage for backups, double-checking before deletion, considering third-party backup tools, and safeguarding against malware.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

One UI 8 Watch will get a Shortcuts app, and here’s what it does (APK teardown)

Samsung will release the One UI 8 Watch update for Galaxy Watch later this year, featuring a new application called Shortcuts. This app will allow users to place app shortcuts on the smartwatch's home screen in two tile sizes: 2×1 and 2×2. The setup process will include user-friendly prompts like "Select apps" and "Tap to add apps." This feature aims to streamline access to frequently used applications, reducing the time needed to launch them and enhancing the overall user experience.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

Windows 0-Day Vulnerability Exploited in Wild to Deploy Play ransomware

Threat actors associated with the Play ransomware operation exploited a zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Windows, identified as CVE-2025-29824, before a patch was released on April 8, 2025. This vulnerability affects the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver, allowing attackers to elevate their privileges to full system access. The Play ransomware group targeted an unnamed organization in the United States, likely gaining initial access through a public-facing Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA). During this intrusion, no ransomware payload was deployed; instead, the attackers used a custom information-stealing tool named Grixba. Microsoft attributed this activity to the threat group Storm-2460, known for deploying PipeMagic malware. The exploitation affected various sectors, including IT, real estate in the U.S., finance in Venezuela, software in Spain, and retail in Saudi Arabia. The vulnerability received a CVSS score of 7.8 and was addressed in Microsoft's April 2025 Patch Tuesday updates. The attack involved creating files in the path C:ProgramDataSkyPDF, injecting a DLL into the winlogon.exe process, extracting credentials from LSASS memory, creating new administrator users, and establishing persistence. The Play ransomware group has been active since June 2022 and employs double-extortion tactics. Organizations are urged to apply the security updates released on April 8, 2025, especially for vulnerable Windows versions, while Windows 11 version 24H2 is not affected due to existing security mitigations.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Play ransomware affiliate leveraged zero-day to deploy malware

The Play ransomware gang exploited a critical vulnerability in the Windows Common Log File System, identified as CVE-2025-29824, which has a CVSS score of 7.8 and is categorized as a "Use after free" vulnerability. This flaw allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally and has been confirmed to be exploited in real-world attacks. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) added it to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog in April. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability during its April Patch Tuesday security updates, acknowledging its exploitation in limited attacks targeting various sectors in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Researchers from Symantec reported that the Play ransomware gang used the CVE-2025-29824 exploit in an attack against a U.S. organization before the public disclosure and patching of the vulnerability. The attackers utilized the Grixba infostealer tool and initially exploited a public-facing Cisco ASA firewall to gain entry. They deployed tools to gather information, escalated privileges using the CVE-2025-29824 exploit, and executed malicious scripts to steal credentials. The exploit took advantage of race conditions in driver memory handling, allowing kernel access and manipulation of files. Before the patch was released, the exploit was reportedly used by multiple threat actors, and Microsoft linked it to other malware.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

Jack Black’s ‘Minecraft’ Smash Gives The Actor A Career-Best High

Jack Black's song "Steve’s Lava Chicken," featured in the film A Minecraft Movie, has gained significant popularity, reaching the top 10 on multiple music charts in the United Kingdom. It has achieved No. 8 on the Official Singles Downloads chart, No. 9 on both the Official Singles Sales and Official Singles charts, and No. 10 on the Official Streaming chart. This marks Jack Black's first entry into the top 10 across all four rankings, despite previous attempts with other songs.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

A Minecraft Movie; Arrives On Digital May 13 & On 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray & DVD June 24, 2025 From Warner Bros

Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment will release A Minecraft Movie digitally on May 13, 2025, followed by physical formats including 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on June 24, 2025. The film, directed by Jared Hess and featuring a cast that includes Jason Momoa and Jack Black, is the first live-action adaptation of the Minecraft video game. It has grossed over 2 million and achieved the largest domestic opening for 2025, becoming the highest-grossing film based on a video game. The film's running time is 101 minutes and it is rated PG for violence/action, language, suggestive/rude humor, and some scary images. Special features will include several featurettes exploring the film's production and music.