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PSA: Google has disabled the best YouTube app on Android TV, but for good reason
AppWizard
November 27, 2025

PSA: Google has disabled the best YouTube app on Android TV, but for good reason

Google has disabled the SmartTube app on various Android TV devices, including NVIDIA Shield TV, Walmart Onn boxes, and certain Sony and TCL TVs, due to it being flagged by Google Play Protect. The app's developer, yuliskov, confirmed that the app's digital signature was compromised, prompting plans to transition to a new digital signature and app identifier. Users do not need to uninstall the existing version, but the new version will be released as a separate app requiring reconfiguration. Some users have suggested disabling Google Play Protect to regain access, but it is recommended to keep it enabled for security. The SmartTube app offers features like SponsorBlock support, live chat, picture-in-picture mode, and customizable video quality settings.
Minecraft Java Edition 1.21.9
AppWizard
October 1, 2025

Minecraft Java Edition 1.21.9

The Minecraft Server Management Protocol has introduced a server management API using JSON-RPC over WebSocket for dedicated servers, which is initially disabled and can be activated via the server.properties file. The API allows querying and updating server states, including player information and game rules, and sends notifications about state changes. An API schema can be obtained through a specific method call, and the API adheres to JSON-RPC 2.0 specifications with namespaced methods. Clients must authenticate using a bearer token, and TLS is enabled by default for secure communication. Unsent chat messages are now saved as Chat Drafts if the chat closes unexpectedly, with an option to save drafts by default. A Code of Conduct screen is now mandatory upon connecting to a server, with a new boolean field in the server.properties file to enable it. Accessibility features include toggleable key binds and options for mouse settings, while performance improvements have been made to rendering and loading mechanics.
Facebook is Getting Rid of Community Chats
AppWizard
September 11, 2025

Facebook is Getting Rid of Community Chats

Facebook will soon discontinue its group chat feature, Community Chats, due to low user engagement. Launched in 2022, the feature aimed to facilitate discussions among group members through Messenger but did not attract the expected interest. Users generally prefer to engage within the Facebook environment rather than extending discussions to other platforms. This decision follows the discontinuation of Facebook's audio discussion rooms in 2023 for similar reasons. The trend indicates that Facebook group members favor interactions that occur within the app rather than through separate messaging alerts. Additionally, there seems to be a cultural difference in user preferences, with Western users favoring separate applications for specific purposes compared to audiences in Asia.
Helldivers 2 challenger Jump Space reveals stacked early access roadmap and a price I can't believe
AppWizard
September 10, 2025

Helldivers 2 challenger Jump Space reveals stacked early access roadmap and a price I can’t believe

Jump Space is a first-person shooter developed by Keepsake Games that focuses on a player-versus-environment (PvE) experience rather than player-versus-player. The game will feature nine mission types, over 50 playable sectors, two ships, eight weapons, and 27 enemies at launch. Chapter 1: The Resistance Coalition will be available in early access upon release. Future updates will introduce Chapter 2: Atira Strikes Back, which includes an Endless Mode, text chat, a new weapon, offline support, a new ship, an expanded storyline, and sliding mechanics. Chapter 3 will include a first-person pilot view, another weapon, and voice chat capabilities. Jump Space is set to launch on September 19, priced at .99 / £16.75. Players can wishlist the game on Steam.
PJobRAT Android RAT as Dating & Instant Messaging Apps Attacking Military Personnel
AppWizard
March 28, 2025

PJobRAT Android RAT as Dating & Instant Messaging Apps Attacking Military Personnel

PJobRAT is an Android Remote Access Trojan (RAT) that re-emerged in 2023 with improved capabilities and a refined targeting strategy, previously known for attacking Indian military personnel in 2021. It is now targeting users in Taiwan through social engineering tactics, disguising itself as legitimate dating and messaging apps. The malware is distributed via compromised WordPress sites hosting fake applications like “SaangalLite” and “CChat.” The infection footprint is small, indicating highly targeted attacks rather than widespread campaigns. PJobRAT retains its core functionality of exfiltrating sensitive information, including SMS messages, contacts, and media files, while enhancing command execution capabilities. Upon installation, the malicious apps request extensive permissions to operate continuously in the background. The malware uses a dual-channel communication infrastructure, with Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) as the primary command channel and a secondary HTTP-based channel for data exfiltration to a command-and-control server. The campaign appears to have concluded, but the evolution of PJobRAT highlights the ongoing threat of sophisticated mobile malware targeting high-value individuals.
PJobRAT makes a comeback, takes another crack at chat apps
AppWizard
March 28, 2025

PJobRAT makes a comeback, takes another crack at chat apps

In 2021, PJobRAT, an Android Remote Access Trojan (RAT), targeted Indian military personnel through deceptive apps. A new campaign was discovered in 2023, focusing on users in Taiwan, with malicious apps like ‘SangaalLite’ and CChat disguised as instant messaging applications. These apps were available for download from WordPress sites, which have since been taken down. The campaign began in January 2023, with domains registered as early as April 2022, and the latest sample detected in October 2024. The number of infections was low, indicating a targeted approach rather than a broad attack. The distribution methods remain unclear, but may involve SEO poisoning, malvertising, or phishing. Once installed, the apps request extensive permissions and feature basic chat functionality. Recent versions of PJobRAT have shifted from stealing WhatsApp messages to executing shell commands, allowing greater control over compromised devices. PJobRAT communicates with its command-and-control (C2) servers using Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) and HTTP, enabling the upload of various data types, including SMS, contacts, and files. The now inactive C2 server was located in Germany.
GTA 5 Enhanced Edition Leaves a PC Feature Behind
AppWizard
March 4, 2025

GTA 5 Enhanced Edition Leaves a PC Feature Behind

Grand Theft Auto 5 Enhanced has launched, featuring improved visuals, quicker loading times, and enhanced audio. It is available on PC through the Rockstar Games Launcher and Steam, but not on the Epic Games Store. Existing PC owners can upgrade for free, while new players can purchase it for .99, with promotional discounts available. A significant drawback is the absence of in-game text chat, a feature confirmed by Rockstar not to be supported at launch, leading players to rely on platform chat or SMS for communication. This removal has raised concerns about the future of in-game chat in the franchise, particularly with the anticipated release of GTA 6, speculated for late 2025. Rockstar has established an official Discord channel for GTA 6, indicating a shift towards alternative communication methods.
Top 10 Messaging App Alternatives to Telegram
AppWizard
August 27, 2024

Top 10 Messaging App Alternatives to Telegram

Instant messaging systems gained widespread adoption in the mid-to-late 1990s, evolving from basic platforms like AIM and ICQ to advanced applications such as WhatsApp. WhatsApp has a large user base and complies with regulatory standards, but some users have concerns about its privacy practices despite claims of end-to-end encryption. This has led to the popularity of alternatives like Telegram, which offers a “secret chat” feature with end-to-end encryption but faces scrutiny due to recent developments involving the European Union and its founder's arrest. Users have diverse needs in messaging apps, ranging from simple functionality to advanced features like large file sharing and group communications. The top ten alternatives to Telegram and WhatsApp include: 1. Signal: Launched in 2015, it has 40 million users by 2022, focusing on privacy with instant messaging, voice/video calls, and group chats limited to five participants. 2. Viber: Facilitates community engagement with groups of up to 1,000 members, offers end-to-end encryption, and allows calls to landlines and mobile numbers. 3. Google Chat: Launched in 2017, it supports one-on-one and group chats, requires invitations to connect, and integrates with Google services. 4. Slack: Popular for organizational communication since 2009, it supports various content types and requires integration for certain features. 5. Twitch: Primarily a live-streaming platform, it includes a chat feature ideal for building a following, especially in gaming. 6. Snapchat: Evolved from a photo-sharing app to a messaging platform known for disappearing messages, targeting a younger audience. 7. Microsoft Teams: A corporate communication tool supporting individual/group chats, integrating with Microsoft Office, and gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. 8. Mighty Pro: Allows users to create their own community-building apps, featuring live streaming and discussion forums. 9. Discord: Designed for gamers, it serves as both a forum and live-streaming platform, focusing on social interactions rather than business. 10. Geneva: Facilitates group video chats with customizable chat rooms and basic scheduling features.
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