approvals Archives

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

New Rokarolla Android Malware Steals PINs, SMS Codes, and Crypto Wallet Funds

Security researchers at Zimperium's zLabs have identified a new Android banking trojan named Rokarolla, which can target 217 banking and cryptocurrency applications and execute 137 remote commands. The malware spreads through deceptive websites that impersonate popular apps, installing a dropper that mimics Google Play Protect to gain Accessibility access. It uses overlay techniques to capture sensitive information by displaying counterfeit login pages and can intercept SMS messages, including one-time codes from banks. Rokarolla also features a keylogger, screen logger, and can rewrite clipboard contents to divert cryptocurrency payments. It employs advanced methods for discreet data capture and has multiple fallback command-and-control domains, making it resilient against takedowns. There is no patch available for this malware, and users are advised to install apps only from Google Play and remain cautious of unexpected Accessibility requests. Zimperium's products can detect this malware, and indicators of compromise are available on their GitHub repository.

Tech Optimizer

June 10, 2026

Microsoft Open-Sources PostgreSQL Extension for In-Database Durable Execution

Microsoft has introduced pg_durable, a PostgreSQL extension that enables developers to execute durable workflows within the database, reducing the need for external orchestration systems. It simplifies workflow management by allowing developers to express long-running, fault-tolerant SQL functions directly in SQL, managing execution concerns like retries and recovery. Workflows are defined in SQL, with the extension handling retry states, progress tracking, and checkpointing. A pg_durable function operates as a graph of SQL steps that can resume from the last durable checkpoint after a failure. The extension preserves execution states within PostgreSQL tables, ensuring workflows can withstand crashes and restarts. It includes a domain-specific language (DSL) for scheduling and parallel execution. An example of a durable function is provided, demonstrating sequential and parallel execution using specific operators. pg_durable is particularly useful for vector embedding pipelines and scheduled maintenance tasks. Architecturally, it consists of a PostgreSQL extension and a background worker built on Rust libraries, without any external control plane. Durable execution allows long-running workflows to automatically resume from failure points, simplifying distributed system architecture.

AppWizard

May 26, 2026

Google’s free AI tool helps non-coders build 2.5 lakh Android apps

Google has announced that over 250,000 Android applications have been created using its AI-powered tool within Google AI Studio, primarily by individuals with no prior app development experience. The tool allows users to build native Android apps without coding knowledge, addressing a significant barrier in software development. Google is also working on simplifying the app publishing process, with plans to enable direct publishing to the Play Store from AI Studio. Concerns have been raised about the quality of AI-generated apps, but Google maintains that high-quality standards will be prioritized in the publishing process.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

Google is turning Android Studio into a policy watchdog

Google is enhancing the development experience for Android app creators by expanding Play Policy Insights within Android Studio, allowing developers to identify potential policy issues during coding. Developers will connect their Play developer accounts to access tailored insights. Google is also leveraging the SDK Index, a searchable database of Android SDKs, to provide crucial information on permissions and compliance with Play policies. To improve app security and user privacy, Google is upgrading the Play Integrity API for quicker detection of fraud and abuse, and introducing new privacy tools like a contact picker and location button. Support for post-quantum cryptography in Play App Signing will be added to protect apps from future threats. Developer verification will be implemented across Android to prevent the distribution of harmful apps. Google is revamping the Play Console to streamline the app publishing process, introducing expanded pre-review checks for common policy violations, a release status API for tracking approvals, and a feature to prevent new commits during reviews. Parallel publishing will be rolled out to avoid delays in updates. Additional enhancements include a Submission History log, secure account transfer tools, AI-powered policy recommendations, and expanded Play Academy training resources for new developers.

Tech Optimizer

May 5, 2026

Open Source Tamper-Proof Database Adds Immutable Audit Logging and Expands PostgreSQL Compatibility

Codenotary has released immudb 1.11, an open-source database that enhances immutable audit logging and compatibility with PostgreSQL. This version features integrated audit logging that captures database activities in a tamper-proof manner, eliminating the need for external logging systems. It allows organizations to create unalterable audit trails, streamline compliance processes, and maintain a reliable history of data interactions. Immudb 1.11 is compatible with existing PostgreSQL code, enabling seamless integration with various applications and tools. The database is particularly beneficial for sectors requiring trust and accountability, such as finance, software development, cybersecurity, regulated industries, AI systems, and supply chain management. Immudb has over 50 million downloads and supports a zero-trust approach to data management. The open-source version is available on GitHub.

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2026

Inside the Architecture of an MCP Server for PostgreSQL

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) serves as a standard interface between large language models (LLMs) and external systems like PostgreSQL, emphasizing the importance of control over mere connectivity. An MCP server must act as a mediation and policy layer, enforcing security boundaries and ensuring that connections default to read-only. It should validate AI-generated SQL as untrusted input, encapsulate queries within transactions, and apply execution-time controls. The server must separate query generation from execution approval to manage operational costs and enforce guardrails on query types, such as limiting the number of rows returned. Token efficiency is crucial, with design considerations for compact data representation and schema introspection. In production, connection management is vital to prevent data leakage among multiple AI agents, and observability through logging executed queries and metadata is necessary for debugging and compliance. Long-running sessions require support for paginated responses to manage context effectively. Overall, the MCP server must integrate security, query safety, token efficiency, and observability into its design from the outset.

AppWizard

March 22, 2026

Toby Fox says ‘most of the development team has moved on’ from Deltarune’s fifth chapter, as focus moves to bug fixes and translation

Toby Fox announced that professional testers are currently familiarizing themselves with Deltarune's Chapter 5, with formal testing starting on April 1st. The quality assurance for the Japanese translation is expected to finish in April. Most of the development team is currently focused on fixing bugs and translation issues rather than developing Chapter 5. The testing phase will last an unspecified duration, requiring console approvals and additional preparations before release. The gap between the first and second chapters was three years, and the wait for the dual release of chapters three and four was nearly four years, but the timeline for Chapter 5's release is expected to be shorter. It is speculated that there may be seven chapters in total. The first two chapters are available for free on Steam.

AppWizard

March 6, 2026

Google Proposes Android App Store Changes Following Epic Games Legal Dispute

Google has submitted proposed modifications to its Android app store operations to a federal court in San Francisco in response to Epic Games' antitrust lawsuit from August 2020. The proposed changes include a revised fee structure that lowers baseline commissions on subscriptions and e-commerce transactions, offers app developers an alternative payment processing option, and allows developers to use payment systems outside of Google's ecosystem. Consumers will be able to download applications from alternative app stores that meet a certification process. These changes require judicial approval and are part of a broader overhaul mandated by a federal judge in October 2024. Google has requested a hearing on April 9 to clarify questions regarding the proposed changes and plans for a global rollout, initially focusing on the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, pending regulatory approvals.

BetaBeacon

February 16, 2026

What Makes Android the Go-To Platform for Indie Game Developers?

Android remains the dominant OS in countries like India, Indonesia, Brazil, and parts of Africa, providing indie studios with a large audience eager for content and more likely to download experimental games from unknown developers.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Android 17 Beta 1: Major updates for adaptive apps, performance and media are imminent

Android 17 Beta 1 introduces several enhancements for Pixel smartphone users, starting from the Pixel 6. Key features include mandatory adaptive app width for foldables and tablets, support for the new h.266 video codec, optimized camera APIs for smoother third-party applications, and synchronized volume control. The update requires applications to implement dynamic width adjustments to utilize screen space effectively on larger devices, addressing issues with black bars. The camera APIs have been revamped to allow third-party apps to switch modes without reinitializing the camera session, improving performance. The beta version is available for all Pixel smartphones through the Pixel 10 series, with the final release expected in the second quarter of 2026. Additionally, the setup process for wearables and health devices has been streamlined, and various performance optimizations have been made to enhance stability and efficiency.