Airports Archives

AppWizard

October 20, 2025

Massive AWS outage took down the internet for several hours impacting Reddit, Fortnite, and more

On October 20, a significant internet disruption occurred due to an outage at Amazon Web Services (AWS), affecting platforms like Reddit, Fortnite, Snapchat, Canva, and Apple TV, as well as global government services. The issues began around midnight ET, peaking at 3 AM ET, with over 13,000 users reporting disruptions between 4 AM and noon ET. The outage was caused by a flaw in an internal system monitoring network load balancers within AWS's EC2 network, leading to increased error rates and latency. This incident has raised concerns about the reliance on a single cloud provider for essential internet functions and prompted discussions on the need for multi-region or multi-cloud strategies. Elon Musk criticized AWS, emphasizing the importance of diversification in cloud service providers.

AppWizard

October 7, 2025

Where Google Wallet state IDs are available on Android

States in the U.S. are integrating driver's licenses and state IDs into the Google Wallet app for Android users. To add a state ID, users must open the Google Wallet app, tap “Add to Wallet,” select “ID,” choose “Driver’s license or state ID,” pick their state, and follow the instructions, which include capturing images of the ID and a verification video. Approved digital IDs will appear in the app and can be rearranged or removed remotely. Supported states include Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, and North Dakota, with upcoming support for Arkansas, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia. Digital IDs can be used at TSA checkpoints in select airports and for identity verification with car rental services. Google is implementing Zero-Knowledge Proof technology for secure identity verification. Users can also create an ID pass from a U.S. passport for TSA security at supported airports, which involves taking a picture of the passport, scanning its security chip, and recording a verification video. This digital passport ID can also be used via NFC or QR code, but users must carry the physical passport while traveling.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Android’s Most Defining Feature Is Ending—Here’s What That Means

Google is expanding its developer verification process to include apps being sideloaded onto Android devices, meaning users will no longer be able to install third-party applications unless the developer has passed Google's authentication system. This initiative aims to enhance device security and combat malicious applications. A new Android Developer Console will be introduced for onboarding and verification, requiring developers to verify their identity and app details. Early access for select developers will begin in October 2025, with the system opening to all developers by March 2026, and full enforcement in select countries by September 2026, followed by a global rollout expected by 2027. This change affects Google-certified devices and aims to protect users from scams and malware, as sideloaded apps are significantly more likely to contain malware compared to those from the Play Store. Sideloading settings will also be adjusted, with the feature disabled by default.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Google introduces mandatory verification for Android apps

Google will require all applications installed on certified Android devices to originate from verified developers starting in 2026. This applies to apps downloaded from the Play Store, alternative app stores, or sideloaded. The initiative is in response to a rise in attacks targeting personal and financial information, with sideloading identified as a high-risk method for malware distribution. Developers will need to submit their official name, address, email, and phone number for verification. A new Android Developer Console will be introduced for developers distributing outside the Play Store, and a tailored account type will be available for students and hobby developers. The rollout will begin in phases, with early access in October 2025 and a broader rollout in March 2026, extending to additional countries by September 2026 and globally by 2027. Developers will still be able to sideload or use alternative app stores.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Windows 11’s new “Quick machine recovery” replaces Startup Repair, and it’s a game-changer

Over a year after the CrowdStrike incident, which exposed vulnerabilities in recovery processes, Microsoft announced the Windows Resiliency initiative in 2024, introducing Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11. Quick Machine Recovery allows the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to connect to the internet to download fixes from Microsoft’s servers when boot issues occur, potentially reducing recovery times significantly. This feature is enabled by default on Windows 11 Home editions and can be customized by Pro users. Quick Machine Recovery aims to facilitate faster resolutions during major outages, thereby minimizing downtime for critical services.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Introducing Surface Laptop 5G: Seamless connectivity, built for business

Microsoft has expanded its Surface Copilot+ PC portfolio with the introduction of the Surface Laptop 5G, a 13.8-inch device powered by Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors, set to ship on August 26. The new 13-inch Surface Laptop and 12-inch Surface Pro are available for immediate purchase. The Surface Laptop 5G features a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of over 40 trillion operations per second, enhancing on-device intelligence and productivity. It includes an integrated 5G modem for continuous connectivity to Microsoft 365 Copilot and other cloud tools. The device has a dynamic antenna system with six antennas that adapt to surroundings, ensuring reliable connectivity and the ability to function as a mobile hotspot. It supports both NanoSIM and eSIM options and weighs under 3 pounds for portability. The device underwent rigorous real-world testing for performance and connectivity. IT departments can remotely manage the devices, and the Surface Management Portal offers centralized visibility into device health. The Surface Laptop 5G is part of a growing portfolio of Copilot+ PCs designed for modern business needs.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

Microsoft Officially Retires ‘Blue Screen of Death’ After 40 Years of Frowny-Faces

Microsoft is replacing the "blue screen of death" with a "black screen of death" for Windows 11, version 24H2, set to roll out this summer. The new screen will provide crucial information such as the stop code and faulty system driver to aid IT administrators in diagnosing issues more efficiently. This change is part of Microsoft's Windows Resiliency Initiative, aiming to reduce recovery time to two seconds after a PC crash. The transition was prompted by the CrowdStrike outage in 2024, which affected over 8 million devices.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

Windows killed the Blue Screen of Death

Windows has replaced the Blue Screen of Death with a new Black Screen of Death. This change marks a significant shift in error screens that began with Windows 1.0 in 1985. The update follows the CrowdStrike outage that affected 8.5 million Windows devices and led to the introduction of the Windows Resiliency Initiative, aimed at enhancing security and reducing disruptions from unexpected restarts. The new Black Screen of Death features a "simplified UI" and includes a quick machine recovery feature to help PCs regain functionality faster after unsuccessful restarts.

Tech Optimizer

June 25, 2025

Meet the new features for Avast Free AV and Avast Premium Security

Avast has millions of active users and is recognized in the cybersecurity field for its effective solutions and commitment to user security. Avast Free Antivirus includes real-time behavioral analysis for proactive malware detection, enhanced Network Inspector and Firewall modules for network security, improved intelligent quarantine and cloud scanning, and the new Scam Guardian feature, which includes Web Guard for browsing protection and Avast Assistant for scam guidance. Avast Premium Security offers additional features for heightened privacy, including Sensitive Data Shield, Webcam Shield, Data Shredder, and Hack Alerts for monitoring password leaks. The Pro version introduces Email Guard, which uses AI for intelligent email filtering to detect phishing attempts. Avast's tools enhance online shopping safety, email security, public Wi-Fi connections, and protection of sensitive files and credentials.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

TSplus Releases Remote Support Android V4: Smarter, Broader, and Now Compatible with Android TV

TSplus has released version 4 of its Remote Support app for Android, which now fully supports Android TVs. This update enhances compatibility, performance, and usability, expanding device support to over 22,720 models, including both arm32 and x86 architectures. The app allows for innovative applications in various settings, such as home, retail, public transport, and events. Key features include Viewer mode for assisting others and casting presentations, and Sharer mode for secure screen sharing with remote technicians. The update also improves navigation for Android TV and optimizes network usage. Users can download the latest version from the Google Play Store.