app Archives

Winsage

March 7, 2026

Microsoft’s Secure Boot certificates expire in June 2026, but older PCs may never get the fix

Every Secure Boot-enabled Windows PC relies on cryptographic certificates issued by Microsoft in 2011, embedded in the motherboard's firmware, to ensure a secure boot process. The first of these certificates will expire on June 24, 2026, which will affect the ability to receive future security updates for critical components of the Windows startup process. Microsoft is rolling out replacement certificates through Windows Update, marking a significant security maintenance effort. Secure Boot operates as a chain of trust with certificates stored in the motherboard's UEFI firmware, validating software before the operating system loads. The Platform Key (PK) is at the top of this chain, followed by the Key Exchange Key (KEK) and the Signature Database (DB). The replacement certificates introduced in 2023 restructure certificate management, separating responsibilities among different certificate authorities to enhance the trust model. Not all PCs are affected by the upcoming expiration; newer devices manufactured since 2024 already have the new certificates. Windows 10 users face challenges as support for this version ends in October 2025, and they will not receive the new certificates unless enrolled in Extended Security Updates. Home users should ensure their PCs are set to receive updates automatically, while enterprise environments require coordination for firmware updates before the Windows certificate update.

AppWizard

March 7, 2026

Amazon Prime Subscribers Can Get These 13 PC Games for Free in March 2026

Amazon is releasing a lineup of 13 free video games for Prime members throughout March 2026. The games will be available in stages, starting with Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon’s Keep: A Wonderlands One-Shot, Tattoo Tycoon, and Siege of Avalon, which are available now. Other titles include Total War: Rome II, Turmoil, Veil of Darkness, Mahokenshi, Sir Questionnaire, Rebel Galaxy, Total War: Three Kingdoms, Chimp Quest: Spirit Isle, Phantasie Memorial Set, and Deep Sky Derelicts, with specific release dates throughout the month. All games will remain accessible to Prime members beyond March and can be downloaded across various PC platforms. These titles will be permanently available in the digital library of subscribers.

Winsage

March 6, 2026

Microsoft’s Secure Boot certificates expire in June 2026, but older PCs may never get the fix

Every Secure Boot-enabled Windows PC relies on cryptographic certificates issued by Microsoft in 2011 for boot process integrity. The first of these certificates will expire on June 24, 2026, impacting the ability to receive future security updates. Microsoft is rolling out replacement certificates through Windows Update, requiring collaboration between Microsoft, PC manufacturers, and users. Three critical certificates will expire: the Microsoft Corporation KEK CA 2011 and Microsoft UEFI CA 2011 in June 2026, and the Microsoft Windows Production PCA 2011 in October 2026. The new certificates introduced in 2023 have a restructured functionality to enhance security. Not all PCs are affected; newer devices manufactured since 2024 come with the new certificates. Windows 10 users face challenges as support ends in October 2025, and unsupported devices will not receive updates. Home users should ensure automatic Windows updates and check for firmware updates, while enterprise environments must verify firmware updates before applying certificate updates. The first certificate expiration is on June 27, 2026.

AppWizard

March 6, 2026

Amazon Fire TV App on Android Gets a New Update With Redesigned UI and Added Features

Amazon has updated its Fire TV Android app with a new user interface (UI) that focuses on simplicity and intuitive navigation. The redesign features a cleaner layout, improved menus, and clearer typography to enhance user-friendliness. Users can now browse movie and series recommendations, read summaries, and create a personal watchlist directly from the app's homepage. The app also functions as a remote control for compatible televisions linked to the same Amazon account, allowing users to navigate menus and control playback without a physical remote. This updated interface aligns with a broader refresh of Fire TV software and is being rolled out in several countries, including the US, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and the UK.

AppWizard

March 6, 2026

Research company claims spyware posing as Israel’s Red Alert Android app targeting users

Acronis Threat Research Unit (TRU) has uncovered a cyber espionage campaign targeting Israeli civilians through a fake version of the Red Alert app. The attack begins with a deceptive text message claiming to be from Israel's Home Front Command, urging users to download an updated app due to a malfunction. The fraudulent app closely resembles the legitimate Red Alert app but contains malware that collects sensitive personal information, including messages, contacts, location data, and device account details. This data is stored locally and then transmitted to a remote server controlled by the attackers. The hackers use certificate spoofing and other techniques to bypass Android's security measures, making the malicious app appear legitimate. Cybersecurity experts recommend that Israeli users take precautions to protect their personal information.

AppWizard

March 6, 2026

Today’s Android game and app deals: Space Survival, Super Onion Boy 2, DYSMANTLE, more

A selection of Android game and app deals includes titles such as Space Survival: Mars RPG Pro, Super Onion Boy 2, Avalar: Shadow War Premium, DYSMANTLE, BE-A Walker, The Fall 2: Zombie Survival, and the 112 Operator app. There is an offer for a pair of FREE Galaxy Buds 4 with orders of the Galaxy S26+ and S26 Ultra. Best Buy is offering discounts of up to 0 on Windows Copilot+ PCs and gaming laptops.

AppWizard

March 6, 2026

Never Lose Your Place: ChatGPT Tests Persistent Memory for Android

The ChatGPT Android app is set to receive an update that introduces persistent memory, allowing users to retain context and seamlessly continue their work after interruptions. This update enhances the app's memory capabilities beyond personal detail recall, focusing on state-awareness. The visual interface will be redesigned, featuring a more prominent “Edit” button that provides tools for direct image modifications, including shortcuts for annotations and a resize feature for social media preparation. Additionally, a “Fun facts” option will be added to user profiles to improve conversational flow, and a new “Generate bio” button will assist users in creating personal descriptions. The navigation sidebar may also be redesigned for a cleaner interface. These features are currently in the experimental phase and may change before public release.

BetaBeacon

March 6, 2026

Google isn’t waiting for a settlement — the 30 percent Android app store fee is dead

Google plans to reduce app store fees in the US, UK, and European Economic Area to 20 percent or less by June 30th.

AppWizard

March 6, 2026

More YouTube users can now try out direct messaging in the app

YouTube is expanding its direct messaging feature, initially launched in November, from a limited test in Poland and Ireland to 31 countries in Europe. The feature, which allows users aged 18 and older to communicate directly within the app and share videos, is currently exclusive to European markets, with no access for users in the United States. The countries where messaging is now available include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

AppWizard

March 6, 2026

Bristol pensioner shared naked child picture with undercover cop on messenger app

A 72-year-old man named Cyril Taylor received a suspended prison sentence after admitting to sending an indecent image of a child via the messaging app Kik, not realizing he was communicating with an undercover police officer. He was sentenced to nine months in prison for two offenses but had the sentence suspended for 18 months due to a "realistic prospect of rehabilitation." Taylor previously faced convictions for possessing and distributing indecent images of children and had a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) issued in early 2023, which prohibited him from using social media applications with direct messaging capabilities. Despite these restrictions, he downloaded Kik in June 2023 and sent an indecent image of a child aged around nine or ten years old. Law enforcement discovered him deleting the app after being notified of his actions. In total, he has two convictions for seven offenses, including a breach of the SHPO involving Facebook Messenger in April 2024. The judge imposed a suspended sentence of nine months, mandated 100 hours of community service, and required participation in 26 rehabilitation sessions.