Navigating the Google Play Store can be frustrating due to its inadequate search functionality and the prevalence of sponsored apps and ads. The App Finder application offers a solution by allowing users to define their own search criteria and providing advanced search capabilities tailored specifically for the Play Store. Users can apply various filters such as app titles, ratings, downloads, and genres to refine their search results significantly. App Finder also helps users find discounted apps and provides access to data by country or worldwide statistics. While the app's interface is functional but not visually appealing, it remains accessible with a free version and offers a paid upgrade for additional features. However, it has not been updated since October 2024, raising concerns about its future viability.
DoubleVerify has raised concerns about a mobile scam involving the hijacking of dormant Android developer accounts, referred to as "zombie" accounts, which are exploited to publish fraudulent gaming applications on Google Play. This new tactic allows fraudsters to bypass automated checks due to the accounts' history of legitimate activity. The fraudulent apps generate invalid traffic, drain advertiser budgets, and excessively consume device battery power. DoubleVerify has identified unusual traffic patterns, such as surges at early morning hours, which do not align with typical gaming behavior, indicating the presence of bot clusters generating ad requests. Specific examples include dormant accounts that suddenly shifted to publishing gaming apps after years of inactivity. The reliance on developer history as a trust signal poses risks for advertisers, as it can lead to distorted campaign measurements and brand risks. DoubleVerify advocates for real-time behavioral analysis to enhance detection and protection against these threats.
Google Photos has updated its Memories carousel with vibrant colors and playful card designs. The "X years ago" memories now feature bold, number-shaped cutouts against vivid backgrounds, while other categories like "on this day" have abstract shapes and varying background colors. The update is primarily aesthetic, with no significant changes to functionality. The rollout of the new design is gradual across various devices and countries, with many users already experiencing the update.
The redesign of the Windows 11 Start menu has received mixed feedback, with users appreciating the upgrade but expressing concerns about its size and lack of customization options. Many users have reported that the Start menu can occupy up to 70% of the screen, with some configurations covering nearly 90% of the display. Users are requesting the ability to resize the Start menu, similar to the controls available in Windows 10. Microsoft has acknowledged this feedback and is monitoring user responses, though there is currently no immediate plan to implement a resize button. The new design allows sections within the Start menu to be responsive, but the overall size of the menu itself does not change. The Start menu is still being rolled out, with most users seeing it following the December 2025 update.
Capcom released a patch for the PC version of Monster Hunter Wilds to address performance concerns, particularly around the Support Desk area in the Base Camp or Grand Hub, where performance drops were noted when players had unclaimed content. The patch aims to resolve an unintended bug related to CPU load increases due to claimed content status checks. An upcoming update is scheduled for February 18 to further enhance stability and performance across all platforms. The latest patch includes improvements to CPU/GPU processing, adjustments to texture streaming and VRAM usage, a new CPU settings tab, expanded graphics options, and various bug fixes. The patch requires approximately 2.0 GB of space, with a total of about 31 GB needed for the High-Resolution Texture Pack. Players are advised to update their video drivers for optimal performance.
Microsoft has introduced categorized app sorting in the Start menu of Windows 11, which has faced criticism from users for its lack of customization options. Users cannot edit, rename, or rearrange categories, leading to frustration. Applications are automatically assigned to predefined categories like Productivity, Creativity, or Games, with many ending up in the 'Other' category. Popular apps such as Hulu, Teams, and WhatsApp have been miscategorized, prompting users to express their concerns through the Feedback Hub. Microsoft has invited users to provide feedback on miscategorized applications to improve the system.
The term “not a virus” is used by antivirus software to indicate that a file does not match known malware signatures but still triggers a detection. This means the file is not automatically blocked or confirmed as a threat; the alert highlights something unusual, leaving the decision to the user. Alerts typically arise when software exhibits behavior associated with increased risk, despite lacking clear evidence of malicious intent. Malware is specifically designed to inflict harm, while files labeled “not a virus” may perform actions that raise security concerns but are not classified as harmful. Antivirus programs identify threats through signature detection and heuristic behavior-based detection. Legitimate programs, such as system utilities, download managers, and game cheats, can inadvertently trigger “not a virus” alerts. Common types of detections include adware, riskware, and potentially unwanted applications (PUA). The primary security risk of “not a virus” files is exposure rather than direct attacks, and privacy concerns often arise from data collection by these programs. If an antivirus detects “not a virus,” users should identify the file, review recent changes, compare detections, and decide whether to keep or remove it. To reduce unwanted alerts, users should download from official sources, use custom installation options, and remove unused software.
MobiFlix is a video-on-demand streaming application available for Fire TV and Android TV/Google TV devices, offering a vast library of movies and TV shows without subscriptions. It features thousands of titles across various genres, working subtitles, full-screen viewing, and streaming quality up to 1080p. Users may experience some buffering and playback issues, and account registration is required for additional features like favorites. MobiFlix must be sideloaded, as it is not available in mainstream app stores. The app's interface allows easy navigation between movies, TV shows, and genres, with organized sections for user convenience. While registration is not mandatory, it can enhance the user experience. The app is free to use, has passed a virus scan with no malicious files detected, but may distribute copyrighted content without proper licensing, raising legal concerns. A VPN is recommended for privacy while using the app.
9to5Toys is a platform that curates deals and insights for tech enthusiasts and consumers. It features a homepage with current news and updates, various categories for easy navigation, and encourages community engagement through social media channels. The platform offers curated lists of Apple product discounts, a daily podcast with discussions on tech and lifestyle, and a YouTube channel for product reviews and unboxings.
