AI-generated Archives

Winsage

July 23, 2026

Windows 11 – The system restore that also includes your files

Since June 23, Microsoft has been implementing a point-in-time restore feature on Windows 11, which is enabled by default for Home and Pro editions when the system drive exceeds 200 GB. This feature captures a complete snapshot of the machine approximately every 24 hours using the Volume Shadow Copy service, including system, applications, settings, and local files. Users can revert to a previous state in case of issues, but restoring from a snapshot older than 48 hours will erase all changes made since then, except for OneDrive data. The feature retains snapshots for up to 72 hours and reserves 2% of drive space, capped at 50 GB. If free space drops below 20 GB, older snapshots are deleted. Restoration occurs locally through WinRE, and users need a BitLocker recovery key if the drive is encrypted. After a restore, the feature pauses and requires user consent to resume. Snapshots from upgraded editions are not accessible, and only the Enterprise edition allows adjustments to snapshot settings. The feature can be disabled in system settings. It is not a backup solution, and users are advised to maintain separate backups for important files.

AppWizard

July 23, 2026

ThreatsDay: Android Spyware, PLC Attacks, AI Image Prompt Injection + 12 More Stories

GitHub will reject command-line support bundle uploads from outdated versions of GitHub Enterprise Server lacking security patches starting August 18, 2026. The npm package @copilot-mcp/apex has been identified as a post-install dropper that installs a macOS infostealer, phishing for sensitive information and maintaining a connection to an attacker's server. A rogue extension on the Microsoft Visual Studio Code marketplace, "Markdown All Pro," impersonates a legitimate tool and opens a backdoor after installation. A phishing campaign targeting Portuguese users delivers the Lampion banking malware, which has been active since 2019. DoubleVerify reports a rise in "AfterCall" apps that exploit user permissions for ad fraud. The GhostCommit attack method hides malicious instructions within PNG images in pull requests. The U.S. government has updated its advisory on Iranian-affiliated cyber activity targeting operational technology devices. An Android app posing as a civil defense alert system has been found to contain malware for data harvesting. An Iranian threat actor is distributing MarkiRAT malware through fake applications. An analysis of 28 AI-coded applications revealed 434 vulnerabilities, prompting Cisco to introduce Antares to identify vulnerabilities in codebases. A Russian-speaking threat actor is dismantling guardrails on AI models to create offensive tools.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

A new friendslop game is already Steam’s 12th-most wishlisted game a mere week after it was announced

Dear Passengers is a co-op game that has reached the 12th spot on Steam's wishlist chart just one week after its announcement. Players take on the roles of airline crew members managing various tasks while navigating challenges such as turbulence and inclement weather. The game garnered 700,000 wishlists within 36 hours of its trailer release on July 14, surpassing 1.5 million shortly thereafter. The developer, Flexus, faced criticism for edgy humor in character names but clarified that all characters are fictional. A job posting for a 2D Artist sparked speculation about AI use in the game, which the developers denied, stating no AI was used in its creation. The game is scheduled for release in 2026.

Winsage

July 21, 2026

Windows 11 will let you search for your files in plain language

Microsoft is testing a new semantic search feature for Windows 11's File Explorer, which aims to improve file search by understanding user intent rather than relying on exact word matches. This feature allows users to search in natural language, such as "photos from last summer" or "Europe trip budget," and can identify files based on context, even if specific names are not mentioned. The functionality is powered by an AI model that operates locally on users' machines to maintain privacy and does not require an internet connection. However, it is only available on Copilot+ PCs, which have specialized AI chips capable of executing at least 40 trillion operations per second, limiting access for users with older machines. Currently, the feature is available only to Windows Insiders as Microsoft rolls it out in test builds.

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

More than 17,000 games on Steam now come with an AI disclosure, 30% use AI for two or more reasons

Over 17,250 games on Steam feature AI-generated content, with 69% of this AI usage dedicated to enhancing in-game content such as artwork, writing, audio, and localization. During a recent Steam event, nearly 20% of showcased games carried an AI warning. Some well-known titles like PUBG and Call of Duty also disclose their use of AI. While some developers express hesitance towards AI integration, data suggests that many gamers are open to the benefits of AI in their gaming experience. The primary use of AI is for in-game assets, followed by marketing materials at 17%, while only 5% of developers use AI solely for development purposes.

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

You can now spot AI-generated Google ads, if you know where to look

Google is introducing AI labels for ads across its platforms, including Search, YouTube, and Discover, to indicate when advertisements have been generated or edited using artificial intelligence. The label “Created or edited with AI” will be displayed in My Ad Center under “How this ad was made.” This feature will roll out globally, with automatic labeling for ads created using Google's AI tools, while advertisers using third-party AI tools must self-disclose their AI usage. This initiative aims to enhance transparency in digital advertising and improve the identification of AI-generated content. However, the responsibility for disclosure in cases not involving Google's tools lies with the advertisers, which may allow some to evade transparency measures.

Winsage

July 12, 2026

Microsoft is now using AI to fix Windows bugs before hackers exploit them

Microsoft is integrating artificial intelligence into its vulnerability detection processes for the Windows operating system to enhance security. This will lead to more frequent security updates during monthly Patch Tuesday releases. The company aims to address the rise in AI-driven exploits and is refining its secure software development model to combat evolving tactics used in AI-driven attacks. While AI will assist in identifying vulnerabilities, human oversight will remain essential, with developers reviewing code and validating AI-generated findings before deploying updates.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

Magic Pointer app listing offers an early look at Gemini on Googlebooks

Google has introduced Magic Pointer on the Play Store, showcasing the capabilities of the Gemini AI and its integration into the upcoming Googlebook. Magic Pointer allows users to select items on their screen to receive contextual AI suggestions. It offers features such as searching with Lens, creating images with the Nano Banana tool, and accessing shopping suggestions. Released on June 9, Magic Pointer is currently at version 1.0.260708 and has over 1,000 downloads, but it is exclusive to Googlebook hardware. The Googlebook is expected to launch later this fall, featuring a desktop-style design inspired by Android tablets.

Tech Optimizer

July 10, 2026

I tested Norton Antivirus on my PC – and it found a hidden Trojan in 15 minutes

Norton Antivirus is a well-regarded malware protection tool, consistently ranking among the top in the industry with a robust suite of security features. It has a user-friendly interface similar to Malwarebytes, but intrusive upselling tactics detract from usability. Norton offers comprehensive scanning tools, including Quick Scan, Full Scan, Smart Scan, Targeted Scan, and Startup Scan, which successfully detected a Trojan missed by other antivirus software. Its Scam Protection tools provide alerts for online scams and phishing attempts, and it includes unique features like Deepfake Protection and an AI assistant named Genie. According to MRG Effitas, Norton blocked 98% of malware samples with a 0.33% miss rate, achieving a Level 2 certification. Pricing includes several plans, with Norton 360 Deluxe offering the best value at an introductory price of .99 for the first year, rising to .99 annually. Despite its strengths, the intrusive upselling makes it less recommendable compared to Malwarebytes, although it has unique capabilities in threat detection and a comprehensive suite of security tools.

Winsage

July 10, 2026

StatCounter can’t identify 1 in 5 visits (and it’s skewing everything)

Windows' market share has dropped to 56.61% as of June 2026, falling below the 60% threshold. The "Unknown" category accounts for 21.45% of the market share, while Windows' adjusted market share, excluding unidentified visitors, is 72%. In June 2025, Windows held a 70.13% share, with "Unknown" at 9.17%. Over the past year, Windows' market share decreased from 77.22% to 72%, Linux rose from 4.50% to 5.59%, and Apple increased from 16.90% to 20.87%. As of early July 2026, the "Unknown" segment has surged to 23.67%. StatCounter's data collection has faced inaccuracies, with revisions possible for 45 days. The rise of Linux is noted as a significant trend, influenced by compatibility with Windows games and changes in Windows support.