app Archives

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

Big Changes Are Coming To Android’s Google Play Store This Month

In October 2024, a judge ordered Google to allow third-party app stores on the Android platform. Google has now decided to comply with this ruling, retracting its motion to amend the injunction. Changes are set to be implemented starting July 22, 2026, allowing third-party app stores to operate within the Play Store in the U.S. Developers' app listings will automatically be available to these stores unless they opt out. Third-party stores can offer apps from the Play Catalog if they pay an annual fee and meet certain criteria. However, questions remain regarding the integration of Play Protect security features and the assessment of third-party store security.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

Google is opening the floodgates to third-party app stores on Android next week

Google will allow third-party app stores on its Android platform starting July 22, 2026, following a legal agreement with Epic Games. This decision comes after Google withdrew its motion to modify a court injunction requiring the inclusion of third-party stores. The new framework will enable third-party app stores to list apps and games available on the Play Store, with developers having the option to participate under the same conditions as those in the Play Store. Third-party stores will incur a ,000 annual access fee to list Play Store apps and must adhere to specific security and policy protocols.

Winsage

July 15, 2026

Microsoft patches record 570 Windows security bugs with two exploited zero days

Microsoft released its July Patch Tuesday updates, addressing 570 security vulnerabilities in Windows, a record number for the company. This update includes three zero-day vulnerabilities, two of which have been exploited in real-world attacks, affecting Microsoft’s Active Directory and SharePoint, while the third concerns BitLocker encryption. The update also enhances Windows features, including changes to the Widgets app, improvements in File Explorer speed, refined Bluetooth connectivity, and a new feature allowing users to pause updates until a specific date. However, the update has been temporarily halted for certain Dell computers due to compatibility issues, with Microsoft working on a fix.

Winsage

July 15, 2026

Here’s how to update every app on your Windows PC with a single command

Updating Windows applications is important for accessing the latest features and protecting against vulnerabilities. Many users neglect this due to forgetfulness or the time-consuming nature of the process. The Microsoft Store and Windows Update usually provide updates for native Windows applications, but a unified method for updating all programs is lacking. Windows includes a command called winget (Windows Package Manager) that allows users to update all applications simultaneously via the command line. The command to update all apps is:


winget upgrade --all

This command updates both traditional installers and Microsoft Store apps. Users can also update individual apps by specifying the app ID, for example:


winget upgrade "Chrome"

To view all applications managed by winget, the command is:


winget list

To skip confirmation prompts during updates, users can use:


winget upgrade --all --accept-source-agreements --accept-package-agreements

For complete automation, users can create a task in Task Scheduler to run at startup with the following setup: 1. Open Task Scheduler and create a basic task named "Winget Auto Update." 2. Set the trigger to run when the computer starts. 3. Choose to start a program, entering PLACEHOLDER216a2cf34dab649d in Program/script and PLACEHOLDERbe861b18048fd836 in Add arguments. 4. Set the task to run with the highest privileges and add a 1-minute delay to ensure network connectivity. While winget does not cover every Windows application, it effectively manages most mainstream applications.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

Android will get third-party app stores, but Canadians have to wait

Google has launched the Play Catalogue Access Program, allowing third-party Android app stores to access the Play Store's app catalogue starting July 22. Apps submitted to Google will be available on these external stores, expanding developers' reach. Downloads from third-party stores will still go through Google Play, maintaining existing service fees. Third-party stores must pay an initial service fee of ,000 for a security review and an annual fee of ,000 for ongoing access. Google has also reduced its commission from 30% to 10% following a settlement with Epic Games, allowing developers to offer alternative payment options. These changes are currently limited to the U.S. market, with a global rollout expected by September 2027.

Winsage

July 15, 2026

Windows 11’s 500GB storage bug is fixed. How to check if you’re good

Microsoft's July Patch Tuesday update addressed a significant storage issue for Windows 11 users related to the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal file, which had been consuming excessive storage space, with reports of usage reaching up to 500 GB. The bug originated from the Capability Access Manager service, which normally allows the file to occupy only a few megabytes. Update KB5101650 was released to fix this issue, improving disk space usage for the file. However, it is unclear if existing oversized WAL files will automatically resize. Users are advised to check the size of their WAL file using the Command Prompt or third-party tools, and if it remains large, to delete it following the update documentation.

Tech Optimizer

July 15, 2026

Hundreds of GitHub repos found posing as real software to push malware

Cybersecurity firm ArcticWolf has identified 292 malicious GitHub repositories that impersonate legitimate software tools, part of a campaign to deliver a new variant of the BoryptGrab infostealer. This malware can extract sensitive information from 19 web browsers, 32 cryptocurrency wallets, messaging applications like Telegram and Discord, gaming platforms such as Steam, and Windows Credential Manager. It can also exfiltrate files from users' Desktop and Documents folders and capture screenshots. This variant bypasses Chrome’s App-Bound Encryption using direct code injection and does not include an anti-analysis layer or conceal itself, aiming to harvest data quickly without persistence. The malicious activity began in late June, with most repositories removed from GitHub, though several dozen remain active. GitHub's status as a key platform in the open-source community makes it a target for cybercriminals, emphasizing the need for developers to thoroughly vet code before integration.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

Third-party app stores are coming to Android soon

Beginning next week, third-party Android app stores in the United States will gain access to the Google Play Store through the Play Catalog Access Program. This program allows developers to submit app and game listings for external Android app stores, which will be downloadable directly from the Google Play Store. Google Play's service fees will still apply to these transactions. This change follows a court order resulting from a legal dispute between Epic Games and Google, which began in 2020. A U.S. District Court judge mandated changes to the Play Store in 2024 after ruling against Google. In November, Google and Epic reached a settlement proposing modifications to enhance developer choice and competition. Third-party app stores will incur a service fee of ,000 for an onboarding security review and an annual fee of ,000 to maintain access to the Play catalog. However, these app stores cannot use the Play Store for distributing their apps outside the United States. Earlier this year, Google announced a reduction in its commission for app purchases to 10% and introduced outside billing options within the Play Store.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

Get ready for more bloatware on your next Samsung Galaxy device

Samsung has partnered with Amazon Music to preload the Amazon Music app on select Samsung smartphones and tablets. New subscribers will receive a three-month free trial of the Unlimited subscription, which will cost .99 per month afterward, with a reduced rate of .99 for Amazon Prime members. The Unlimited subscription includes one audiobook from Audible each month. Concerns have been raised about the increasing presence of preloaded applications, often referred to as bloatware, on Android devices.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

Your Google Maps App On Android Auto Is About To Look Different

Google has been enhancing Google Maps with features similar to Waze, including road hazard warnings and a visual upgrade called Immersive Navigation, which began rolling out in early 2026. This upgrade was launched for Android Auto users in July 2026, linked to Android Auto version 17.3, but its rollout may be server-side, causing delays for some beta users. Immersive Navigation features a three-dimensional interface with 3D buildings and animated trees, and aims to provide more intuitive directions using images from Google's Street View. Since March 2026, it has been gradually reaching users alongside the updated Ask Maps functionality, which uses AI through Gemini for enhanced navigation assistance. The update's distribution is uneven, with no method to expedite the process. Immersive Navigation utilizes real-time traffic data for better route context, positioning Google Maps favorably against Waze, although Waze still excels in live user feedback on road hazards. There is currently no information on whether Immersive Navigation will support offline maps.