calls

AppWizard
July 28, 2025
A comprehensive investigation by Which? and Hexiosec analyzed 20 popular Android applications, revealing that all request permissions that could compromise user privacy. The Xiaomi Home app had the highest number of permission requests at 91, followed by Samsung SmartThings with 82, Facebook with 69, and WhatsApp with 66. While some permissions are necessary for functionality, the excessive requests raise concerns about digital surveillance. TikTok faced scrutiny for its audio recording and device file access requests, while Temu was criticized for excessive promotional emails linked to its location access. Amazon defended its camera access requests as enhancing user experience, and Meta stated that its apps do not use the microphone without user involvement. The investigation highlights the trade-off between free services and the collection of personal data.
AppWizard
July 27, 2025
The new messenger app Max, developed by VK, will be a standard feature on all new digital devices sold in Russia starting this September. It aims to integrate messaging, video calls, government services, and mobile payments. Experts express concerns that Max could enhance Kremlin surveillance capabilities, as its servers will be governed by local laws allowing the FSB to access user data. There is an increasing likelihood of a ban on WhatsApp, which is currently used by over 70% of Russians, as part of a strategy to promote Max. Opposition journalist Andrey Okun describes Max as a tool for creating a "digital gulag," while experts note it normalizes state surveillance of internet usage in Russia. The Russian government has designated WhatsApp as an extremist organization, and tactics may be employed to transition users to Max. Although the shift may not change the organized opposition landscape significantly, it could discourage casual dissent. Historically, the government has attempted to block services like Telegram, with renewed efforts expected by the end of the year.
AppWizard
July 26, 2025
Russia is set to unveil a new device featuring an application called Max, which integrates messaging, video calls, payments, and access to government services. There are concerns about potential state surveillance due to data being stored on Russian servers, which could be accessed by the Federal Security Service (FSB). The possible ban on WhatsApp may drive users to adopt Max as their primary communication tool. Critics argue that Max represents a shift towards increased digital control, potentially compromising personal freedoms by combining communication and government services in one platform.
AppWizard
July 25, 2025
Google is enhancing its Meet app for Android by simplifying the process of adding participants to calls. Users will soon be able to invite contacts by entering their email addresses or phone numbers, similar to the web version. The latest version of Google Meet includes an “Add others” button that opens a contacts page for inviting new participants. The ongoing call minimizes to a picture-in-picture view, and invited participants receive a standard incoming call notification. If they decline or do not answer, the label changes to “No answer,” and a button may allow existing participants to leave a video message together.
AppWizard
July 24, 2025
A coalition of six civil society organizations has filed an antitrust complaint against Alphabet in Europe, alleging violations of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The complaint claims that Alphabet has not complied with DMA requirements that mandate tech "gatekeepers" to allow users to easily uninstall pre-installed applications. The organizations involved include ARTICLE 19, European Digital Rights, Free Software Foundation Europe, Gesellschaft für Freiheitsrechte, Homo Digitalis, and Vrijschrift.org. They argue that Google's Android operating system makes it difficult for users to remove pre-installed apps and that Alphabet discourages users from disabling these applications. The complaint requests an investigation by the European Commission into Alphabet's potential breach of the DMA. Alphabet has dismissed the allegations, stating that uninstalling apps on Android is easy and that similar complaints have been rejected by other regulatory bodies. The European Commission is currently assessing the complaint.
AppWizard
July 24, 2025
Google is developing a new feature for its Phone app that includes an "Unhold" shortcut in call notifications. This button will replace the existing "Mute" option when a call is placed on hold, allowing users to resume calls directly from the notification shade without returning to the main call screen. The feature is part of a Material 3 Expressive redesign and is currently available in beta version v184.0, although it has not yet been released to the public.
Winsage
July 23, 2025
Microsoft has declared that Windows 11 24H2 is the most reliable version of its operating system to date, supported by telemetry data from July 2025 showing a 24% decrease in unexpected restart failures compared to Windows 10 22H2. The traditional blue screen of death (BSOD) has been replaced with a black screen, which aims to reduce visual disruption and stress for users. This new screen presents a concise message with the stop code and information about the faulty driver, eliminating the frowny face and QR code. Additionally, a hexadecimal version of the stop code has been added for easier online searches for solutions. Microsoft is committed to improving reliability through collaborative efforts across engineering, design, and user research teams. There are also hidden functionalities in Windows 11 that users can explore for enhanced capabilities.
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