apps Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

“Don’t kill Android (WSA) in Windows 11” is now a top feedback, but will Microsoft listen?

Microsoft will discontinue the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) in 2025, along with the removal of the Amazon Appstore from the Microsoft Store. Many users rely on WSA for accessing Android applications not available on Windows, leading to significant disappointment among them. A post on the Feedback Hub advocating for WSA has received nearly 700 upvotes, indicating user frustration. WSA is seen as essential for both daily tasks and for developers testing Android applications. The decision to discontinue WSA is linked to the financial performance of the Microsoft Store and a lack of support from Google. Initially, WSA was only available in the United States, which limited its user base.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Microsoft tests emulator to bring support for x64 apps and games to Windows on Arm: What it means for users

Microsoft is testing a significant update for systems using Qualcomm's Arm-based processors, introduced in the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build. This update includes a tool that enhances Copilot Plus PCs with Snapdragon X Elite or X Plus processors through its Prism emulation layer, allowing a wider range of x64 applications and games to run on these devices. The update aims to enable high-demand games like Starfield and Helldivers 2 on Arm-based Windows devices and is currently being trialed by Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel. The update improves the usability of 64-bit x86 software, providing access to processor extensions like AVX and AVX2, enhancing performance and compatibility. However, 32-bit software will still face limitations. Many applications, including Photoshop, Hulu, and Chrome, have transitioned to native ARM64 versions, while others rely on emulation. Adobe has re-enabled Premiere Pro for Windows 11 ARM devices powered by the Snapdragon X chip, allowing it to run under emulation after previously disabling it due to performance issues. Premiere Pro is now available within the Creative Cloud app, although performance may not match that of Intel or AMD-based machines. A native ARM version of Premiere Pro is in development, but no release date has been announced. Photoshop is currently the only Adobe application available natively for Windows on ARM, while other applications like After Effects are expected to gain support through emulation. Adobe's move aligns with its commitment to enhance its Creative Suite for Windows on ARM, and competitors like DaVinci Resolve are also working on native ARM versions of their software. Microsoft's Clipchamp has already been established as an ARM-native solution.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Google apps gets new ‘Activity’ tab for easy access to search history and saved items

Google is introducing a new “Activity” tab within the Google app, which will replace the existing “Saved” tab and provide easy access to search history from both the Google app and Chrome. This feature is currently being tested and aims to create a centralized hub for managing saved items, allowing users to view, manage, and take actions on their search history. The development of this feature has been in progress for nearly two months and is currently accessible to a select group of users as part of a limited rollout. A user demonstrated the functionality on a Pixel 7 Pro, indicating a user-friendly rollout process, while the Pixel 8 Pro has not yet received the update.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Godfather Is A Risk To Android Users Worldwide As 500 Apps Targeted

A new variant of the Godfather banking trojan is targeting over 500 Android banking and cryptocurrency applications globally. Initially focused in the U.S., U.K., and Europe, its reach has expanded to countries including Azerbaijan, Greece, Japan, and Singapore. The malware has transitioned from Java to native code, enhancing its ability to exploit Android’s accessibility services and mimic user actions through gesture automation commands. It employs social engineering tactics, such as a fraudulent website posing as the official MyGov site of the Australian Government, to distribute malicious files. Once installed, the malware communicates with a control server, collects device information, and replaces legitimate banking applications with phishing pages to steal credentials. The Godfather malware has become more difficult to analyze and poses a significant threat to users worldwide.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

How (and why) to roll back Windows updates on your PC

Windows update KB5043145 caused some users to experience the blue screen of death instead of performance improvements. Before rolling back updates, users should check for adequate hard drive space, restart the system, attempt to reinstall updates, disconnect non-essential hardware, check for conflicts in Device Manager, ensure antivirus software is not interfering, and verify that the Windows Update service is activated. To troubleshoot update issues, Windows 11 users can run the Windows Update troubleshooter from Settings, while Windows 10 users can access it through Update & Security. Users can also utilize system restore points to revert to a previous state, use the Reset Windows Update Tool to repair update components, manually install updates from the Microsoft update catalog, or reset and restart update services via command prompt. If all else fails, reinstalling Windows may be necessary, though it could result in data loss.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Windows on Arm apps are about to get access to the secret sauce Adobe used to get Premiere Pro 25 to work on Copilot+ PCs

Windows on Arm PCs with the Snapdragon X Elite processor are receiving a preview build of Windows 11 that enhances Prism emulation, specifically Build 27744. This update expands support for various CPU features, allowing non-native Arm applications to run more efficiently. The update increases the range of 64-bit x86 applications that can be emulated, integrating support for additional CPU extensions like AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C. Currently, only x64 applications are supported, and users can provide feedback on compatibility and performance issues. Additionally, the Start menu has been simplified, a new Gamepad keyboard layout is being introduced for Xbox controller navigation, the Task Manager's Disconnect and Logoff dialogs have been updated for dark mode and text scaling, and the detach virtual hard disk button has returned in the Settings menu.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Best Android app price drops today

This afternoon, there are discounted and complimentary apps available on the Google Play Store, including Evoland 2, World Cruise Story, Convenience Stories, Hot Springs Story 2, and Human Fall Flat. Other notable mentions are SPHAZE, OctaRing, Octa Dark, Verticons, Survival Dungeon: Loot RPG Pro, Sudoku Premium, Fairy Knights, and Planet Craft: Mine Block Craft. The current deals include 3D EARTH PRO, Rectangles PRO, Crossword Quest Premium, High Sea Saga DX, Dungeon Village 2, Pocket Stables, Mega Mall Story, Candy Disaster TD: Premium, Hero of the Kingdom: Tales 2, Pencil Sketch HD, Random Adventure Roguelike II, Redsun RTS Premium, Endurance: Dead Space Premium, Water Reflection Pro, and Turn It On!. Evoland 2 offers an epic RPG adventure that spans over 20 hours, transitioning through various gaming genres.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

Best Android app price drops and freebies: Devils & Demons, Hexologic, Laser Tanks, more

Android enthusiasts can find a variety of game and app deals, including discounts on titles like Devils & Demons, Hexologic, Laser Tanks, and Sir Questionnaire. Best Buy is offering early Black Friday doorbusters, including savings on Google’s Nest Doorbells and indoor Nest smart cameras. Dell is also hosting an Early Holiday Savings event with various tech deals. Additionally, users can access free icon packs to customize their devices.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

Uninstall these 12 Android apps that record your conversations

Twelve malicious Android applications have been identified that can take control of devices to record audio and perform other harmful activities. These apps include: 1. Rafaqat 2. Privee Talk 3. MeetMe 4. Let’s Chat 5. Quick Chat 6. Chit Chat 7. YohooTalk 8. TikTalk 9. Hello Cha 10. Nidus 11. GlowChat 12. Wave Chat The first six were available on the Google Play Store and were downloaded over 1,400 times before removal. Users are advised to uninstall these apps immediately and remain cautious about downloading unfamiliar applications or clicking on suspicious links.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Winos4.0 Malware Found in Game Apps, Targets Windows Users

A newly identified malware framework called "Winos4.0" targets Windows users through game-related applications. It is a sophisticated variant of Gh0strat, capable of executing remote actions and granting attackers control over compromised systems. Winos4.0 is distributed via seemingly harmless applications, which download a BMP file that extracts and activates the Winos4.0 DLL file. The malware establishes persistence by creating registry keys or scheduled tasks. Its capabilities include clipboard monitoring, system information gathering, and detection of antivirus software and security applications. Winos4.0 targets educational institutions, particularly in "Campus Administration." It maintains communication with command-and-control (C2) servers to download encrypted modules and receive commands for actions like document management and screen capture. Fortinet compares Winos4.0 to frameworks like Cobalt Strike and Sliver, noting its encrypted data exchanges and C2 communication. Users are advised to download applications only from reputable sources.