Open-source software provides flexibility and control for users, particularly on Windows. Notable applications include:
1. LibreOffice: A comprehensive office suite with a customizable interface, supports MS Office formats, and is free to download.
2. Flow Launcher: A file search and application launcher that enhances efficiency, customizable, and free to use.
3. Duplicati: A zero-trust backup solution with encryption and scheduling features, free for personal use.
4. Nextcloud: An open-source cloud service for file storage and collaboration, free to install on Windows.
5. Franz: Consolidates multiple messaging platforms into one interface, free to install and use.
6. YAZB: Allows users to create custom top bars for system information and quick access controls, enhancing the user experience.
7. File Converter: Simplifies file conversion and compression within the Windows file manager, available for free.
8. Bitwarden: A password management tool with a free version and additional paid features for collaboration.
9. AutoHotKey: Automates tasks on Windows through scripting, free to install and use.
10. Ollama: An open-source AI interaction tool that prioritizes privacy, free to use on Windows.
DoubleVerify has raised concerns about a mobile scam involving the hijacking of dormant Android developer accounts, referred to as "zombie" accounts, which are exploited to publish fraudulent gaming applications on Google Play. This new tactic allows fraudsters to bypass automated checks due to the accounts' history of legitimate activity. The fraudulent apps generate invalid traffic, drain advertiser budgets, and excessively consume device battery power. DoubleVerify has identified unusual traffic patterns, such as surges at early morning hours, which do not align with typical gaming behavior, indicating the presence of bot clusters generating ad requests. Specific examples include dormant accounts that suddenly shifted to publishing gaming apps after years of inactivity. The reliance on developer history as a trust signal poses risks for advertisers, as it can lead to distorted campaign measurements and brand risks. DoubleVerify advocates for real-time behavioral analysis to enhance detection and protection against these threats.
Microsoft is releasing new Windows 11 builds (versions 24H2 and 25H2) in the Release Preview Channel, enhancing features for Android users. The update expands the Cross-Device Resume feature to include popular applications like Spotify, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The mobile Copilot app is also being improved for devices from manufacturers such as Samsung, Vivo, HONOR, and OPPO. The integration between Windows and Android is being strengthened, allowing users to access mobile applications on desktops and facilitating file sharing through Phone Link.
MobiFlix is a video-on-demand streaming application available for Fire TV and Android TV/Google TV devices, offering a vast library of movies and TV shows without subscriptions. It features thousands of titles across various genres, working subtitles, full-screen viewing, and streaming quality up to 1080p. Users may experience some buffering and playback issues, and account registration is required for additional features like favorites. MobiFlix must be sideloaded, as it is not available in mainstream app stores. The app's interface allows easy navigation between movies, TV shows, and genres, with organized sections for user convenience. While registration is not mandatory, it can enhance the user experience. The app is free to use, has passed a virus scan with no malicious files detected, but may distribute copyrighted content without proper licensing, raising legal concerns. A VPN is recommended for privacy while using the app.
A judge is questioning whether Epic Games and Google are settling their antitrust fight partly because of a new partnership involving the Unreal Engine, Fortnite, and Android. The deal includes joint product development, marketing commitments, and partnerships. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney referred to the agreement as relating to the "metaverse." The deal involves Epic spending 0 million over six years to purchase services from Google. The settlement arrangement is tied to the business deal, and Epic views it as a significant transfer of value from Epic to Google. Epic and Google would only make the deal if the settlement goes through, and Sweeney considers it an important part of Epic's growth plan for the future.
Microsoft has filed a friend-of-the-court brief urging a federal court to maintain an injunction against Google, which requires the company to dismantle its alleged monopoly in the Android apps market, particularly regarding payment practices. This injunction stems from Epic Games' lawsuit against Google, initiated in 2020. On January 16, Microsoft submitted its brief ahead of a court hearing where Google and Epic are seeking modifications to a permanent injunction issued in October 2024. The proposed changes could allow Google to impose fees between 9% and 20% on app developers, which Microsoft argues would undermine the original intent of the injunction. A recent settlement between Google and Epic includes a partnership valued at 0 million over six years, but details remain confidential. Judge Donato is reviewing the settlement and has requested briefings from the FTC and appointed an expert witness for evaluation. Epic Games has also announced that its games app is now available on Google Play worldwide.
- Epic Games and Google have entered into a six-year, 0 million partnership involving joint product development, marketing, and technical collaboration.
- The partnership includes closer integration of Unreal Engine, which powers Fortnite and many third-party games.
- The judge raised concerns about how the partnership might affect Epic's legal demands in the antitrust lawsuit against Google.
- Google has proposed changes to Android monetization, including new fee structures for in-app billing and web payments.
- The outcome of the case could shape how monetization works across mobile platforms for years to come.
- Players can now send direct messages and group chats that sync across different platforms when logged into Fortnite on console, Epic Games Launcher on PC, or Epic Games mobile apps on iOS and Android.
- Epic has integrated its Epic Authenticator into the mobile experience, allowing users to enable two-factor authentication using their phone for added security.
- The Epic Games app focuses on communication and security, while the Epic Games Store mobile app centers on content access.
- The Epic Games app is available globally on both Google Play Store for Android and Apple App Store for iOS, while the Epic Games Store mobile app is available worldwide through Epic's official website on Android and limited to devices in the European Union on iOS.
- Epic's mobile updates prioritize communication, security, and account consistency to provide a unified player experience across PC, console, and mobile devices.
