biometric data Archives

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Google’s ‘Selfie Video’ literally turns your face into a key for your account

Google has introduced a new sign-in method called Selfie Video, which uses facial recognition for account access. Users must initially set up a Selfie Video by following guided instructions to capture various angles of their face, which will be used for future verifications. This feature complements existing biometric methods and can work alongside recovery contacts for added security. Additionally, Google promotes passkeys as a secure alternative to traditional passwords, designed to be faster and resistant to phishing attacks.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

Russian Hotels Ordered to Use State Messenger Max for Guest Check-Ins

Hotels in Russia will be required to use the state-supported messaging application, Max, for checking in guests without an internal passport starting September 1. Establishments with over 50 rooms must invest in necessary hardware and train staff to operate Max. This regulation follows a framework introduced on April 1 allowing Russian citizens to check in with alternative identification forms, while foreign guests must present physical passports. Max, launched in spring 2025 as a Kremlin-approved alternative to WhatsApp and Telegram, is already pre-installed on smartphones and computers sold in Russia and is accessible only to Russian citizens and users from “friendly” nations. The government aims for Max to become a comprehensive "super-app" integrating various services.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

Samsung Health app is all new: preps features to take the guesswork out of your wellbeing

The Samsung Health app will undergo a significant redesign on June 8, introducing new features such as the Vitals feature, which combines five health metrics, Daily Cardio Load, Heart Health Score, an updated Antioxidant Index, AGEs Index, and a new Hearing Health feature. The upgrade aims to provide a holistic view of health data, simplifying complex biometric information into actionable guidance. This redesign aligns with the upcoming Galaxy Watch 9, reinforcing Samsung's focus on promoting a health-centric lifestyle.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Whoop is putting a board-certified physician in its app to tell you why you’re tired

Whoop is introducing live in-app access to licensed medical professionals for real-time consultations, allowing users to share biometric data. The company is partnering with HealthEx to integrate wearable metrics with health records, enabling users to view diagnoses, medications, and medical history alongside their health data. Upcoming updates will enhance heart-rate accuracy, workout auto-detection, and strength training analytics. Users will be able to correlate medications and medical procedures with recovery scores and performance. Whoop is also developing AI features, including “My Memory” for managing personal information and “Proactive Check-Ins” for tailored suggestions. The Whoop Journal will allow users to log supplements and habits, with AI analyzing inputs for behavior trends. Upgrades to underlying technology are planned, but costs for clinician consultations remain undisclosed.

Winsage

May 6, 2026

Microsoft’s Windows 11 update just fixed memory leaks, slow startup, and File Explorer bugs

Microsoft released the April 2026 optional preview update (KB5083631) for Windows 11, targeting versions 24H2 and 25H2. This update resolves the "white flash" bug in File Explorer, overhauls its codebase, and preserves user settings for View and Sort preferences. It improves the reliability of the explorer.exe process, optimizes the Delivery Optimization service to reduce memory leaks, and enhances the boot sequence for faster startup. The update lifts the FAT32 formatting limit from 32GB to 2TB. It also includes reliability improvements for the Taskbar, fixes for Microsoft Store download errors, resolves a Windows Hello fingerprint data loss issue, enhances Remote Desktop scaling, ensures color profile consistency, and improves the Fluid Dictation feature. The comprehensive improvements will be included in the mandatory Patch Tuesday update on May 12, 2026.

AppWizard

April 24, 2026

Another spyware maker caught distributing fake Android snooping apps

The Italian digital rights organization Osservatorio Nessuno has revealed a new malware called Morpheus, used by government agencies for surveillance. Morpheus is disguised as a phone updating application and can extract various data from targets' devices. The spyware is linked to IPS, an Italian firm specializing in lawful interception technologies, which claims to operate in over 20 countries. Morpheus is categorized as "low cost" due to its straightforward infection method, which involves tricking targets into installing the software. Authorities collaborated with the target's mobile service provider to obstruct data and send an SMS prompting the installation of the malware. Once installed, Morpheus exploits Android's accessibility features to access extensive information and masquerades as the WhatsApp application to solicit biometric data. The spyware's code contains Italian phrases and references to "Gomorra," indicating its connection to the Italian spyware industry. The attack is likely linked to political activism in Italy. IPS is among several Italian spyware manufacturers that have emerged following the decline of Hacking Team.

Winsage

April 20, 2026

Windows 11 to get a major reliability update in May with faster clipboard, stable taskbar, storage and more

Microsoft has released new Insider builds for Windows 11 across various channels, focusing on enhancing reliability and performance. Key components receiving updates include: 1. File Explorer: Improved speed and reliability, retaining customized folder views. 2. Settings App: Enhanced navigation and consistency, particularly in the Installed Apps page and Privacy & Security section. 3. Drop Tray: Optimized for better usability during multitasking. 4. Clipboard History: Performance enhancements to reduce access delays. 5. Storage Settings: Improved performance for large storage volumes, enabling instant loading of the Disks & Volumes page. 6. Windows Hello: Enhanced fingerprint and face recognition reliability, maintaining biometric data across upgrades. 7. Input and Voice Dictation: Improved keyboard navigation and persistent voice typing settings. 8. Startup Applications: Refined performance and memory management for faster boot times. 9. Display, Audio, and Font Rendering: Better stability and compatibility for color profiles, audio drivers, and font legibility. 10. Security Enhancements: Improved trust model for third-party drivers and command-line scripts. These updates are expected to be available to regular users in the upcoming April optional update and the mandatory May security update.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

India drops proposal to mandate national biometric ID app on iPhones and Android phones

The Indian government has decided to abandon a proposal that would have required the pre-installation of the Aadhaar biometric ID app on smartphones from major manufacturers like Apple and Samsung. This decision was announced by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) after significant pushback from the tech industry. Concerns raised by manufacturers included device security, compatibility issues, and increased production costs due to the need for separate manufacturing lines for the Indian market. The Ministry of Information Technology expressed reluctance to enforce the requirement, and UIDAI confirmed that the government is not in favor of mandating the app's pre-installation.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Hide from Meta’s spyglasses with this new Android app

An innovative Android application called Nearby Glasses, developed by Yves Jeanrenaud from Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, alerts users about nearby smart glasses using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. The app detects manufacturer identifiers associated with smart eyewear, including Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses, and notifies users when such glasses are in proximity. However, it may produce false positives due to other Bluetooth devices from the same manufacturer. The app's launch coincides with growing concerns about non-consensual recording, highlighted by incidents like a viral altercation on a New York subway involving smart glasses. Meta has stated that their glasses have an LED light that indicates when recording is occurring, but this indicator can be disabled. Legal experts warn that while video recording in public is generally allowed, collecting biometric data raises privacy concerns, and various state laws may require consent for audio recordings. Recent courtroom incidents have also underscored the contentious nature of wearable technology.

Winsage

February 15, 2026

Microsoft Blocks Credential Autofill to Fix Windows Hello Flaw

Microsoft has blocked credential autofill functionality in Windows 11 as part of the February 2026 Patch Tuesday updates to address the critical vulnerability CVE-2026-20804, which allows unauthorized access by tampering with Windows Hello authentication. This vulnerability was first identified in August 2025 and allows local administrators to inject biometric data. The restriction was documented in the January 2026 Patch Tuesday release notes. Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) operates at a hypervisor virtual trust level but is limited by hardware compatibility issues, particularly affecting AMD-based systems. Post-update, credential dialogs do not respond to virtual keyboard inputs from remote desktop or screen-sharing applications, preventing autofill during remote support sessions. Microsoft has provided a risky workaround that allows applications to operate with elevated administrator privileges, but this reintroduces the vulnerability. Organizations must now choose between disrupted remote support workflows or risking exposure to credential injection attacks, leading to operational challenges for IT teams and help desk staff.