account Archives

Winsage

August 6, 2026

VPN provider built a script to block Microsoft’s hidden GDID tracking on Windows — Windscribe’s “deGDID” erases existing identifiers and blocks new ones from being created

Microsoft's Global Device Identifier (GDID) was instrumental in the FBI's arrest of an alleged hacker, raising privacy concerns among advocates. In response, Windscribe launched an open-source project called "deGDID," which removes the GDID from users' PCs but may disrupt certain Microsoft cloud services. The deGDID script can be executed via PowerShell and includes three execution flags: –Status (checks if GDID is active), –Status –Redact (logs with GDID redacted), and –Protect (removes GDID and prevents new identifiers). Users have reported effective functioning of the script, though it can cause issues with Microsoft applications. Windscribe notes that deGDID is a research project that will evolve, but it may not eliminate all GDID instances, and Microsoft retains access to previous keys.

AppWizard

August 6, 2026

Your Android Phone Can Now Automatically Back Up Documents – Here’s How

Google Play Services version 26.26 has introduced a new backup feature for Android users that automatically backs up documents in various formats (.DOC, .PPT, .XLS, .PDF) from devices to Google Drive. This feature can be activated through Settings > Accounts and backup > Google Backup settings, where a new Documents category will appear. Backed-up documents will be stored in a folder named Android backups within Google Drive, but users should monitor their storage space as this will utilize their cloud storage. Alternative backup methods include using manufacturer-specific features or third-party apps like Syncthing.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

Minecraft Adds Concrete Stairs After Making Fans Wait Nearly A Decade And People Are Excited

The Minecraft update 26.3 Snapshot 7 introduced new craftable blocks: concrete slabs and stairs, which players have requested since the introduction of concrete in 2017. Released on August 4 for Minecraft Java on PC, this update allows players to craft these blocks at any crafting table. The announcement received significant online engagement, with a Reddit post garnering over 5,000 upvotes and a TikTok video reaching over 500,000 views shortly after posting. The addition addresses a long-standing gap in crafting options, as players have been waiting nearly nine years for these features.

Winsage

August 4, 2026

Microsoft delivered plenty of Windows 11 updates in July — and I’m highlighting the most important changes for your PC

Microsoft has introduced several enhancements to Windows 11 in July 2026, including: - An updated Windows Search that automatically identifies additional relevant folder locations based on user activity. - Enhancements to the Phone Link companion flyout in the Start menu for quick previews of recent messages or notifications. - An adaptive hibernate policy that prevents hibernation when the battery is above 80% and initiates it when below 10%. - Performance improvements in File Explorer, including faster deletion of large files and touch scrolling support. - Streamlined Windows Update process that reduces system restarts by consolidating updates. - New gesture controls for Precision Touchpads to adjust scroll and zoom speeds. - Support for removing smart card policies in Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 sessions. - Improved usability of refreshable Braille displays with Narrator for instant connectivity. - Ability to reposition the Taskbar to any side of the screen for personalization. - Introduction of Voice Isolation for Voice Access to enhance speech recognition in noisy environments.

Tech Optimizer

August 4, 2026

Automated PII redaction for Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL audit logs

The article discusses a serverless pipeline for creating an irreversibly redacted and queryable archive of Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL audit logs. It sanitizes sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, credit card details, and email addresses, before storing the clean logs in Amazon S3, which can be queried using Amazon Athena. The deployment process is facilitated by a single AWS CloudFormation template. The challenge is that pgAudit logs sensitive data in cleartext to Amazon CloudWatch Logs, which poses compliance risks under regulations like GDPR and HIPAA. While CloudWatch Logs Data Protection offers reversible masking of PII, this is insufficient for compliance needs requiring permanent separation of PII from audit evidence. The proposed pipeline creates an irreversibly redacted copy stored in Amazon S3, ensuring original values cannot be restored. The deployment requires an active AWS account with specific permissions, AWS CLI v2, a compatible AWS region, and confirmation of service quotas. The CloudFormation template has four main parameters for deployment, including ProjectName, DBInstanceClass, DBAllocatedStorage, and EnvironmentType, with sensible defaults provided. Three deployment options are available: via the AWS console, AWS CLI, or a deploy script. After deployment, users can generate test data, trigger the redaction pipeline, and verify results in Athena. The process includes steps to create a PostgreSQL table, insert records with PII, run queries, and monitor the execution of the redaction pipeline. The article emphasizes that unredacted PII remains in the source CloudWatch Logs, recommending enabling CloudWatch Logs Data Protection for added security. To clean up resources and avoid charges, users must empty the S3 buckets and delete the stack. Cost considerations for the pipeline include infrastructure costs and the expense of achieving irreversibility.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

The days of walking into a T-Mobile store may be numbered

T-Mobile is transitioning to an app-centric model with the T-Life app, which will become the primary platform for managing customer accounts by the end of 2026. A leaked roadmap indicates that the rollout will occur gradually, starting with the migration of the concierge experience to the app and focusing on phone upgrade transactions. By the fourth quarter of 2026, all new customer accounts are expected to be established exclusively via T-Life. While this change may appeal to many customers, some may prefer in-store interactions, and less tech-savvy individuals might find the app approach challenging.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Report: Microsoft to bring Xbox 360 games to “Xbox PCs”, handhelds and Project Helix

Microsoft is enhancing backward compatibility for its gaming ecosystem by introducing four original Xbox titles for Windows 11 PCs and plans to integrate Xbox 360 games into Project Helix for next-generation consoles. A leaked document indicates that developers of existing Xbox 360 games can participate in this backward compatibility program, which is expected to roll out between 2027 and 2028. The complete launch of original Xbox titles on PC is scheduled for October 2026. Additionally, Microsoft is developing a disc-to-digital program that allows players to convert physical game discs into digital licenses, facilitating used game sales and disc sharing. The beta testing for this program was initially set for last month, with a full launch anticipated in August, but it has been delayed.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Microsoft is working on making Xbox 360 games playable on PC, leaked document reveals

Microsoft plans to expand its gaming ecosystem by introducing Xbox 360 titles to PC platforms, allowing developers to toggle backwards compatibility for their games, set pricing, and decide on inclusion in Game Pass. This feature is expected to roll out between 2027 and 2028. Additionally, Microsoft aims to bring original Xbox games to PC, targeting a launch in October 2026. The document also suggests a feature for digitizing physical game collections, allowing owners of Xbox One and Series game discs to obtain digital copies tied to their accounts. The official launch of this feature has been delayed.

BetaBeacon

August 4, 2026

Suikoden Star Leap Game Reveals August 7 Release Date in Japan

Konami announced the release of Suikoden: Star Leap for iOS and Android in Japan on August 7.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Google Merges AI Mode, Search Live, and Song Search Into Android Voice Button

The four-color microphone button on Android homescreens has been updated to provide four distinct functionalities: Search, Translate, Live, and Create. This redesign includes a mode switcher similar to Google Lens, allowing users to select their preferred mode instead of relying on the app to infer intent. Each mode is powered by different AI architectures: AI Mode uses Gemini 3.5 Flash for complex queries, Search Live employs Gemini 3.1 Flash Live for real-time conversations, and Song Search identifies melodies using machine learning. The toolbar now remembers the last selected mode, enhancing user convenience. The new features are currently available in beta versions of the Google app (17.1 and 17.2) on Android, with no specified timeline for broader rollout.