AI-generated Archives

AppWizard

July 1, 2026

Android finally lets you choose which apps are backed up, one by one

Google is rolling out an update that allows users to manage Android backups on a per-app basis, moving away from the previous all-or-nothing approach. Users can access this feature through Settings > Accounts & backup > Google backup, where they can see the three apps using the most storage and toggle backups for each app. Disabling the toggle stops future backups and deletes existing data for that app. The Device data section, including SMS messages and call history, remains unaffected. This feature is currently available on Pixel smartphones running Android versions 16 and 17 with version 26.24 of Google Play Services.

AppWizard

June 30, 2026

Open source game engine Godot will no longer accept AI-authored code contributions: ‘We can’t trust heavy users of AI to understand their code enough to fix it’

The Godot Foundation has decided to implement new guidelines to prohibit AI-authored code, pull requests from AI agents, and AI-generated text in communications between contributors. This decision follows concerns about the increasing number of AI-generated contributions, which have made code review more challenging for maintainers. The Foundation aims to reduce the burden on maintainers and ensure that all contributions come from accountable humans. The new policies will explicitly reject AI-authored code and advise contributors to use AI assistance only for minor tasks while requiring disclosure of its use. Machine translations of human-authored text will still be allowed. The Foundation plans to adopt a cautious approach to AI tools and will re-evaluate its policies as the situation evolves.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

Windows 11’s built-in apps are getting quiet but welcome improvements

Microsoft has released a preview version of its upcoming Windows update for members of the Windows Insider Program, enhancing several pre-installed applications including Calculator, Camera, Clock, Media Player, Notepad, Paint, Photos, and Sound Recorder. Key updates include: - Calculator: Improved accuracy in square root calculations, high-contrast readability for settings, right-to-left language support, and a fix for startup issues. - Sound Recorder: Added Bluetooth microphone support, a streamlined interface, immediate access to features, disabled WAV file tags, a smoother deletion process, and a resolved memory leak issue. - Additional features: AI-generated image watermarks in Photos, a zoom slider in Camera, customizable subtitles in Media Player, and a new option to delay alarms by 15 minutes in Clock.

Winsage

June 26, 2026

Windows 11’s built-in apps are getting quiet but welcome improvements

Microsoft has released a preview version of an upcoming Windows update for members of the Windows Insider Program, enhancing several pre-installed applications including Calculator, Camera, Clock, Media Player, Notepad, Paint, Photos, and Sound Recorder. The Calculator update includes improved accuracy for square root calculations, better readability in high-contrast designs, right-to-left language support for Arabic and Hebrew, and a fix for startup issues. The Sound Recorder enhancements feature an accurate live waveform display for Bluetooth recordings, a streamlined interface, immediate access to the "Highlight" button, disabled tags for WAV recordings, a smoother deletion process for multiple recordings, and a fix for a memory leak issue. Additional features include watermarks for AI-generated images in the Photos app, a zoom slider in the Camera app, customizable subtitles in Media Player, and a 15-minute delay option for alarms in the Clock app.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

This free Pixel app is the reason I canceled my AI note-taking subscription

Sanuj Bhatia from Android Authority highlights the capabilities of Google’s Pixel Recorder app, which he found effective enough to cancel his subscription to a paid AI note-taking service. The app, upgraded with Gemini Nano technology in the Pixel 9 series, can record audio and generate live transcripts with punctuation and grammar corrections, identifying multiple speakers during meetings. It integrates with a web application for easy access to recordings and transcripts on desktop devices. The app processes data on-device, ensuring privacy, which is advantageous for professionals handling sensitive information. While it has limitations, such as not being able to join meetings virtually and lacking collaborative features, it is considered a reliable and cost-efficient alternative to traditional AI note-taking tools.

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

Data analyst finds ‘AI stigma’ on Steam can reduce the number of reviews a game gets by around 53%—and the reviews it does get are more negative

Ross Burton's analysis examined 9,879 games released between January and October 2025, revealing that 17.9% of these games openly acknowledged their use of AI technology. Notable titles like Clair Obscur and Crimson Desert have successfully utilized AI in their development, while discussions about AI usage have overshadowed the new Crazy Taxi game. High-profile figures, including Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, oppose the need for disclaimers regarding AI use, and major studios like Sony continue to invest heavily in AI technologies.

Tech Optimizer

June 21, 2026

Is Free Antivirus Safe in 2026? What Most Free Antivirus Apps Don’t Tell You

Some free antivirus software provides legitimate protection against malware, viruses, ransomware, trojans, and suspicious downloads, but not all are equal. Free antivirus programs often generate revenue through premium upgrades, advertising, partner promotions, data collection, or bundled software offers. Users may face upselling tactics, including pop-up notifications and upgrade prompts, which can create confusion between marketing messages and actual security threats. Many free antivirus apps collect data on websites visited, download activity, device information, and security events, raising privacy concerns. Devices often come with built-in antivirus protection, such as Microsoft Defender for Windows and XProtect for Mac, while smartphones have multiple layers of security. In 2026, the biggest cybersecurity risks are phishing attacks, fake websites, investment scams, account takeovers, social engineering attacks, and credential theft, rather than malware. Free antivirus software can create a false sense of security, leading users to believe they are safe from cyber threats. A reputable free antivirus may suffice for users who browse responsibly and maintain good online habits, while paid antivirus may be worth it for additional services like identity theft monitoring and VPNs. Not all free antivirus products offer the same level of protection, so users should choose reputable providers and scrutinize privacy policies.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Palworld studio says ‘gamers don’t want’ AI in their games: ‘It feels like everyone who is super gung-ho about it isn’t from the industry’

The gaming industry is experiencing an increase in AI-generated content, particularly on platforms like Steam. John Buckley from Pocketpair expressed concerns about the enthusiasm for AI, likening it to early cryptocurrency excitement, and highlighted the importance of human creativity in game development. He stated that Pocketpair will not publish games relying on generative AI. Additionally, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney raised concerns about undisclosed AI "placeholders" in major game releases, emphasizing the need for transparency in the industry.

Tech Optimizer

June 18, 2026

Retro gaming fans are the new target for fake GitHub malware

Retro gaming enthusiasts should be cautious when exploring GitHub projects for tools or plugins, as cybercriminals may disguise malware as homebrew software. A specific incident involved a project called EQVita, which pretended to be a free audio tool for PlayStation Vita but actually contained Windows malware. The downloaded file included three files: Launch.bat, luajit.exe, and x64.txt, with the latter concealing a hidden script that connected to the attacker's server upon execution. This scam is part of a broader trend where counterfeit GitHub repositories distribute SmartLoader malware, which retrieves additional malicious software aimed at stealing passwords and cryptocurrency wallets. The PS Vita community, despite the console's production ceasing, remains active in modding, making it a target for attackers. Legitimate plugins typically come in Vita-compatible formats, while fake ones may feature polished marketing materials and AI-generated descriptions. Users are advised to verify sources, be cautious of suspicious downloads, and utilize security tools like Malwarebytes. If someone has executed the malicious EQVitav1.3.zip file, they should conduct a malware scan, change important passwords, and monitor accounts for unauthorized access. Indicators of compromise include the domains https://github.com/Voistace/EQVita and https://voistace.github.io, and the IP address 85.137.52.21.

Tech Optimizer

June 18, 2026

I tested Norton’s Deepfake Protection — and it finally convinced me my next laptop needs an NPU

The landscape of online security has evolved significantly, with deepfake technology introducing new challenges. Users must be vigilant against both traditional malware and convincing fake images and videos. Antivirus software developers are enhancing their products by integrating cloud-based AI for better threat detection. For users with computers featuring neural processing units (NPUs), local solutions are available, such as Norton’s Deepfake Protection, which analyzes synthetic voices and images to flag potential threats. This feature operates in the background, providing peace of mind during online interactions. Norton 360 includes options for Deepfake Protection, Safe Web, and Safe SMS, but requires sufficient system resources to function effectively. Running this protection on older laptops may hinder performance, making NPUs a worthwhile investment for enhanced security against deepfakes and other online threats.