badges

AppWizard
November 26, 2025
Android users are facing a threat from counterfeit VPN applications that disguise themselves as privacy-enhancing tools but contain malware capable of compromising personal information and security. These fake VPNs mimic reputable brands and use misleading advertisements to appear legitimate. Once installed, they can steal passwords, messages, and financial data, and may even lock devices with ransomware. Google advises users to download VPNs only from trusted sources, look for verification badges, review app permissions, be cautious of free offers, research developers, and avoid scare tactics in marketing. Legitimate VPNs should not request access to personal contacts or photos and should only require network-related permissions.
AppWizard
November 25, 2025
The Light Ground Transport (LGT) jeep in Battlefield 6 is often criticized as a "coffin on wheels" due to its lack of armor, making passengers vulnerable. Despite its agility and mounted machine gun, players frequently avoid using it. A player named Renegade_Soviet achieved the "Gold Standard" skin for the LGT by reaching rank 50 with the vehicle, which is considered a rare accomplishment. He employed a strategy of positioning the jeep in narrow alleyways to ambush enemies, earning 2,500 to 3,000 XP per game over a month. Renegade found the journey to rank 50 challenging and opted to play in normal Conquest and Escalation modes for better rewards. He sought the achievement for personal pride, noting that the mastery badge is distinctive compared to more common badges. Renegade acknowledged the LGT's shortcomings and suggested that even minor improvements, like a shield for the machine gun, could enhance its effectiveness. He used the jeep mainly in a stationary position to avoid becoming an easy target. Discussions among players include hopes for improvements to the LGT or the introduction of new vehicles.
AppWizard
November 16, 2025
Google is updating its Play Store to improve smartphone battery efficiency by addressing apps that prevent devices from entering Sleep mode. This initiative, developed with Samsung, targets "excessive partial wake locks," which keep the CPU active in the background. Apps will be flagged if their user sessions exceed 5% of excessive wake locks over a 28-day period. Starting March 1, 2026, apps maintaining a non-exempt wake lock for over two hours in 24 hours will face penalties, including potential removal from recommendation lists and warning badges on their listings. Google aims to help users identify apps that may cause battery drain. A beta rollout began in April 2025, and Google has provided tools for developers to monitor wake lock usage and battery consumption.
Winsage
November 8, 2025
Microsoft has released a new Dev and Beta Insider build for Windows 11 25H2, designated as KB5070300, which updates users to Build 26220.7070. This update includes enhancements to Smart App Control, Quick Machine Recovery, and the Widget Board Settings interface. Users can now select and reorder their default dashboards on the Widget Board, which will default to the first dashboard when live weather content is displayed. The Widget Settings can be accessed via a gear icon, allowing users to drag preferred dashboards to the top of the list. Additionally, numbered badges have been introduced on dashboard icons to indicate new alerts, and the File Explorer has been updated to include a people icon under the “activity” section, showing who has modified files.
Winsage
November 7, 2025
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7070 (KB5070300) has been released to both the Dev and Beta Channels, offering the same builds for Windows 11, version 25H2. Users in the Dev Channel can switch to the Beta Channel while both channels are on the same build. The update includes new features such as customizable default dashboards in Widgets, numbered badges on the Widget Board navigation bar, enhancements to Quick Machine Recovery, updates to Smart App Control allowing toggling without a clean install, reintroduction of people icons in File Explorer, and temporary disabling of certain features in File Explorer. Fixes include addressing issues with desktop interactions, File Explorer functionality, taskbar settings, and Settings navigation. Known issues involve problems with the Start menu and system tray visibility, as well as flickering in the copy progress dialog in dark mode. Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2 and may not be released beyond Windows Insiders.
Winsage
November 7, 2025
Microsoft has released the first build of Windows 11 version 26H1 for Insiders on the Canary Channel, focusing on refining the platform's architecture to support specific silicon advancements rather than introducing new features. The release is not a feature update for version 25H2 and requires no action from customers. It is expected to be optimized for new Copilot+ PCs powered by next-generation ARM silicon from Qualcomm and potentially other manufacturers. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite chips are anticipated to debut in the first half of 2026, while Nvidia's ARM-based N1X chip and MediaTek's ARM chip for Chromebook Plus devices have also emerged. The current build 28000 does not introduce new features, as version 25H2 remains the primary source for new updates, including enhancements like rearranging dashboards in the Widgets Board and a streamlined Quick Machine Recovery experience.
AppWizard
October 31, 2025
Most Android devices now have an always-on display (AOD) feature, which allows users to view the time and notifications without unlocking their phones. Google is developing a new feature called "Min Mode" for Android 17, which will enable apps to integrate with AOD by rendering minimal user interfaces on the low-power display. Min Mode will not replace the traditional AOD but will function as an additional mode, allowing for a full-screen application surface while maintaining low brightness and refresh rates. Apps can activate Min Mode by defining a MinModeActivity in their AndroidManifest and communicating with a MinModeProvider in SystemUI. This feature aims to provide glanceable, battery-efficient experiences for applications that typically drain battery life. Early indications suggest that Google Maps may be the first app to implement Min Mode, with relevant code already identified. The feature is expected to be available in Android 17, as it is currently disabled at the system level and is not anticipated to be included in Android 16 QPR3.
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