accessibility settings Archives

AppWizard

July 12, 2025

New Android TapTrap attack fools users with invisible UI trick

A new tapjacking technique called TapTrap can exploit user interface animations on Android devices, bypassing the permission system and potentially allowing access to sensitive data or harmful actions. TapTrap operates with zero-permission applications, layering a transparent activity over a malicious one. This vulnerability exists in both Android 15 and 16. Developed by researchers from TU Wien and the University of Bayreuth, TapTrap manipulates activity transitions using custom low-opacity animations, making risky prompts nearly invisible to users. An analysis of nearly 100,000 apps revealed that 76% are vulnerable to TapTrap due to specific conditions related to activity launching and animation handling. The attack has been confirmed on Android 16, including tests on a Google Pixel 8a. GrapheneOS has acknowledged its vulnerability to TapTrap and plans to include a fix in its next release. Google is aware of the issue and intends to address it in a future update.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Researchers Warn: This Android Animation Glitch Lets Apps Spy, Snap, and Steal… Undetected

A technique for Android devices called TapTrap allows malicious applications to intercept user taps without requiring special permissions. It uses transparent screen transitions to mislead users into triggering hidden actions. Devices running Android versions 15 and 16 are particularly vulnerable. TapTrap operates by overlaying a nearly transparent screen on top of another application, making it appear as if users are interacting with one app while their taps are registered by the hidden screen. A study of around 100,000 Android applications revealed that approximately 76 percent contained screens vulnerable to TapTrap. The researchers successfully executed the attack on a Google Pixel 8a running Android 16. Google has acknowledged the issue and plans to include a fix in a future software update, but no specific timeline has been provided. Users can enhance their security by disabling animations in their system settings.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

You Should Disable This New Feature in Your YouTube App Right Away!

YouTube has introduced a new feature allowing users to watch YouTube Shorts in landscape mode on smartphones, currently in the rollout phase and not universally available. This feature can be activated through the YouTube app's accessibility settings. When enabled, it automatically shifts to landscape mode when the smartphone is rotated. However, viewing Shorts in landscape mode results in a smaller display surrounded by black bands, which may diminish the user experience. The rationale behind this feature is unclear, but it may cater to users with reduced mobility who prefer landscape orientation. YouTube is expected to address landscape mode for foldable smartphones and tablets by the end of 2024.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Google details its future Android 16 plans this year, and highlights new features

Google's developer blog details the upcoming Android 16 SDK release, set for a significant update in Q4 2025, with a Q3 update introducing the Material 3 Expressive redesign. The official launch of Android 16 on June 10 includes features such as "outline text" for Accessibility settings, Adaptive Apps for foldable devices, and consistent progress notifications. Beta testers can opt out of the program to receive the stable version if they haven't joined the Android 16 QPR1 Beta. Key enhancements focus on app experiences on larger displays, including adaptive functionality and real-time tracking for activities. Improvements in mobile photography include night mode scene detection and UltraHDR capabilities. Accessibility is improved with the new "outline text," and privacy features include defenses against intent redirection attacks and location masking when pairing devices. Additional performance optimizations involve 16KB pages and updates to JobScheduler and Android Runtime. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch display, advanced AI software, and a larger battery.

Winsage

May 21, 2025

Windows quietly tests AI power management and redesigned Widgets

Microsoft is experimenting with new features in its Windows Insider builds, including an automatic power-management feature that uses AI to optimize device performance based on user activity. This feature aims to enhance battery life while ensuring full performance is restored when work resumes. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing "Click To Do" functionalities in File Explorer, allowing users to access AI-driven options like Bing Visual Search and background editing directly through right-click commands. The company plans to integrate Microsoft 365 functionalities for summarizing files without opening them. Widgets are being redesigned with a new interface powered by Copilot, which suggests content based on user preferences. Other updates include a new shortcut for the Snipping Tool, options for image quality when sharing documents, improved taskbar search functionality, and enhanced accessibility settings.

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

I couldn’t have played Clair Obscur without its accessibility settings, and now it might be my GOTY

The game Clair Obscur, developed by Sandfall, features stunning Belle Époque-styled visuals and an immersive world that encourages exploration. It includes unique features that allow players to engage deeply with the environment and create personal solutions to challenges. After approximately 17 hours of gameplay, the reviewer expresses a strong sense of loyalty to Sandfall and considers Clair Obscur a potential Game of the Year. The reviewer is eager to see future releases from the developer.

Winsage

April 29, 2025

Microsoft could be getting rid of more of the ancient Control Panel, shifting keyboard options across to Windows 11’s Settings app

Microsoft is transitioning features from the Control Panel to the Settings app in Windows 11, focusing on keyboard accessibility settings such as character repeat delay and repeat rate. This change has been detected in recent Windows 11 preview builds in the Dev and Beta channels, but has not yet been officially implemented. Microsoft is also moving mouse options from the Control Panel to the Settings app, aiming to consolidate commonly used settings for a better user experience. The timeline for completing this migration is uncertain and may extend into the next version of Windows.

Winsage

April 27, 2025

5 hidden Windows features I wish I’d been using all along

Windows 11 includes several features that enhance productivity: 1. Clipboard History: Allows users to copy and paste multiple items. To enable, go to Settings -> System -> Clipboard and toggle on Clipboard history and Clipboard history across devices. 2. Scroll Inactive Windows: Enables scrolling through inactive windows by hovering over them. To activate, go to Settings -> Bluetooth & devices -> Mouse and toggle on "Scroll inactive windows when hovering over them." 3. Ctrl+Shift+Enter in Run Dialog Box: Launches applications with administrative privileges using the Ctrl+Shift+Enter shortcut in the Run dialog box. 4. Enable Enhanced Search: Expands search capabilities to include the entire drive. To enable, go to Settings -> Privacy & security -> Searching Windows and select the Enhanced option. 5. Enable God Mode: Provides access to numerous system settings in one location. To activate, create a new folder and rename it to a specific string that grants access to these settings.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered review

The Last of Us Part 2 features a narrative that explores themes of vengeance and the moral dilemmas of violence, focusing on characters Abby and Ellie who are caught in a cycle of revenge amidst conflicts involving the military junta FEDRA, the Washington Liberation Front, and the Seraphites. The game introduces several enhancements in its recent PC release, including ultrawide support, HDR, enhanced graphics options, improved accessibility settings, and a new “speech to vibrations” feature. It also includes new gameplay modes such as a guitar-playing feature for Ellie and a roguelite mode called No Return, which emphasizes strategic resource management in randomized combat encounters. Despite its rich audiovisual presentation and engaging combat, the game has faced performance issues on PC, particularly with an RTX 3060 Ti, and its narrative has been criticized for being clichéd and for its handling of violence and power dynamics. A day-one patch is expected to address some of these performance concerns.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

6 features worth enabling God Mode in Windows 11 for

God Mode in Windows grants access to over 200 settings and functionalities, many of which are typically hidden. Users can pin the God Mode folder to the Start menu or Quick Access in File Explorer for easy access. Key features include: - BitLocker: A disk encryption tool that protects data on drives using AES encryption, accessible via password, PIN, or Windows Hello. - Network Management: Simplifies access to network settings for connecting, checking status, and troubleshooting connectivity issues. - Power Management: Allows quick adjustments to power plans, battery settings, and actions for closing the laptop lid or pressing power buttons. - Accessibility: Offers extensive settings for users with disabilities, including tools like Narrator and Magnifier. - File Type Options: Enables users to manage file type associations and visibility of files and folders. - Windows Tools: Centralizes access to built-in maintenance tools like Disk Cleanup and Task Scheduler. God Mode enhances the user experience by providing a more efficient way to navigate system features compared to the traditional Control Panel.