Chrome Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Microsoft tests emulator to bring support for x64 apps and games to Windows on Arm: What it means for users

Microsoft is testing a significant update for systems using Qualcomm's Arm-based processors, introduced in the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build. This update includes a tool that enhances Copilot Plus PCs with Snapdragon X Elite or X Plus processors through its Prism emulation layer, allowing a wider range of x64 applications and games to run on these devices. The update aims to enable high-demand games like Starfield and Helldivers 2 on Arm-based Windows devices and is currently being trialed by Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel. The update improves the usability of 64-bit x86 software, providing access to processor extensions like AVX and AVX2, enhancing performance and compatibility. However, 32-bit software will still face limitations. Many applications, including Photoshop, Hulu, and Chrome, have transitioned to native ARM64 versions, while others rely on emulation. Adobe has re-enabled Premiere Pro for Windows 11 ARM devices powered by the Snapdragon X chip, allowing it to run under emulation after previously disabling it due to performance issues. Premiere Pro is now available within the Creative Cloud app, although performance may not match that of Intel or AMD-based machines. A native ARM version of Premiere Pro is in development, but no release date has been announced. Photoshop is currently the only Adobe application available natively for Windows on ARM, while other applications like After Effects are expected to gain support through emulation. Adobe's move aligns with its commitment to enhance its Creative Suite for Windows on ARM, and competitors like DaVinci Resolve are also working on native ARM versions of their software. Microsoft's Clipchamp has already been established as an ARM-native solution.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Google apps gets new ‘Activity’ tab for easy access to search history and saved items

Google is introducing a new “Activity” tab within the Google app, which will replace the existing “Saved” tab and provide easy access to search history from both the Google app and Chrome. This feature is currently being tested and aims to create a centralized hub for managing saved items, allowing users to view, manage, and take actions on their search history. The development of this feature has been in progress for nearly two months and is currently accessible to a select group of users as part of a limited rollout. A user demonstrated the functionality on a Pixel 7 Pro, indicating a user-friendly rollout process, while the Pixel 8 Pro has not yet received the update.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

The Windows 11 24H2 bug list grows again: 10 reasons to avoid this update for now

Microsoft released the Windows 11 24H2 update on October 1, 2023, which includes enhancements like an upgraded Copilot AI and a refreshed File Explorer. However, the update has several bugs, leading Microsoft to temporarily halt its rollout for certain problematic PCs. Key issues include: 1. The System File Checker (SFC) is caught in a loop of false positives, misidentifying WebView2-related files as corrupted. 2. An 8.63GB update cache cannot be deleted through standard methods, but can be removed using "Windows Update Cleanup." 3. The update conflicts with Easy Anti-Cheat software, causing blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Blue screens can also occur due to driver incompatibilities with Intel Smart Sound Technology, certain Western Digital SSDs, and MSI Z890 motherboards. 5. The mouse pointer may disappear in Chromium-based applications when interacting with text input fields. 6. Users have reported erratic internet connectivity, with some unable to receive a valid IP address. 7. Fingerprint sensors may become unresponsive on some devices. 8. The clipboard history feature may malfunction, showing as empty despite copied items. 9. Devices may fail to appear in the network list, affecting file and printer sharing. 10. Users of Copilot+ PCs face difficulties with printer setup and usage, particularly with HP, Canon, and Brother printers. Due to these issues, users are advised to delay installation of the update until fixes are implemented.

Tech Optimizer

November 7, 2024

4 reasons why Windows Security alone isn’t enough to protect your PC

Microsoft's Windows Security suite, also known as Windows Defender, has evolved since 2006 into a more robust security tool. However, it has limitations: 1. Web protection is limited to Microsoft Edge, with the SmartScreen feature not available for Chrome or Firefox users. 2. There is no built-in VPN; a VPN service is only available through a paid Microsoft 365 subscription with a 50 GB monthly data cap. 3. It lacks an integrated password manager, leaving users to rely on third-party solutions for password management. 4. For business users, it does not provide endpoint protection or automated response capabilities, which are essential for recovering from attacks like ransomware or DDoS. Microsoft offers Defender for Endpoint as a paid service, but many businesses may still need third-party antivirus solutions for comprehensive protection.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Hackers increasingly use Winos4.0 post-exploitation kit in attacks

Hackers are targeting Windows users with the Winos4.0 framework, which is distributed through seemingly harmless game-related applications. This toolkit has capabilities similar to well-known post-exploitation frameworks like Sliver and Cobalt Strike. Initially, a threat actor named Void Arachne attracted victims with modified software like VPNs and Google Chrome for the Chinese market, but recent tactics involve using games and game-related files. The infection process begins when a legitimate installer is executed, downloading a DLL file from “ad59t82g[.]com.” This triggers a multi-step infection process involving the download of a DLL named you.dll, which fetches additional files and modifies the Windows Registry for persistence. The second phase involves injected shellcode that loads APIs and connects to a command-and-control (C2) server, while the third phase retrieves encoded data from the C2 server. The final stage includes loading a login module that performs various malicious actions, such as collecting system information, checking for anti-virus software, gathering data on cryptocurrency wallet extensions, maintaining a backdoor connection to the C2 server, and exfiltrating sensitive information through methods like taking screenshots and stealing documents. Winos4.0 can identify various security tools, including Kaspersky, Avast, and Malwarebytes, allowing it to adjust its behavior based on the environment. Fortinet describes Winos4.0 as a powerful tool for controlling compromised systems, with reports from Fortinet and Trend Micro providing indicators of compromise (IoCs) related to this threat.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Microsoft’s new emulator could bring more games to Windows on Arm

Microsoft is updating Windows on Arm to improve x64 software and game compatibility through advanced emulation, focusing on devices with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus processors. This update is part of the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744, being tested in the Canary Channel. The new emulator will support 64-bit x86 software and various processor extensions, including AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C, but will not support 32-bit software. Popular games using AVX2 technology, like Starfield and Helldivers 2, will benefit from this update. Some widely-used applications, such as Photoshop, Hulu, and Chrome, have native ARM64 versions, but others still rely on emulation. The emulator is currently enabled in a limited capacity on retail PCs, allowing Premiere Pro 25 on Arm to operate. A correction noted that Blender now has an ARM64 version and does not require emulation.

BetaBeacon

November 4, 2024

Top 25 best action games for Android phones and tablets

Black Paradox is a modern experience with retro graphics and 2D shmup mechanics, featuring roguelike elements and various weapon types.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

5 ways to take copying and pasting to the next level on Windows

- Windows users can copy and paste using CTRL + C and CTRL + V shortcuts. - Clipboard history can be enabled to retain a list of the last 25 copied items, accessible by pressing WIN + V. - PowerToys Advanced Paste allows users to choose how to paste copied content, including options for plain text, Markdown, or JSON, activated with Windows key + Shift + V. - PowerToys Advanced Paste includes an AI feature for summarization, translation, or style adjustments, requiring an API key from OpenAI. - To paste without formatting, users can use Ctrl + Shift + V in certain applications or Ctrl + Alt + V in Microsoft Office, or use the "Paste as plain text" option. - Windows supports Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to extract text from images using the Photos app or Snipping Tool.

Winsage

October 30, 2024

I didn’t shut down my Windows 11 laptop for three months and here’s what happened

Many users prefer to keep their PCs running continuously for convenience, especially when working on long-term projects that require multiple applications and tabs. Some users need their machines on for specific purposes like running media servers or remote access. The rise of smart home technology has also increased reliance on PCs as central hubs. An experiment with a Windows 11 laptop kept on for three months showed stable performance, with minor issues like lag in Google Chrome due to many open tabs. The battery performance was good, dropping only about 4% overnight after heavy usage. However, there are reasons to shut down a PC periodically, such as the need for software updates and enhanced security against cyberattacks. Shutting down can help mitigate potential issues and ensure efficient operation.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

The Windows 11 24H2 bug list grows again: 9 reasons to avoid this update for now

Microsoft officially released the Windows 11 24H2 update on October 1, 2023, which includes enhancements to Copilot AI, a refreshed File Explorer, improved performance, and greater stability. Users can install the update via Windows Update or download it from Microsoft's page. However, there are reports of bugs, leading Microsoft to temporarily halt the rollout for certain problematic PCs. 1. The Windows System File Checker (SFC) is experiencing a glitch that causes it to falsely report corrupted files. 2. An 8.63GB update cache cannot be deleted through standard methods; Microsoft confirmed this as a reporting bug. 3. The update may conflict with the Easy Anti-Cheat application, causing blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Other drivers, particularly those related to Intel Smart Sound Technology, may also cause blue screens. 5. A bug in Chromium-based applications causes the mouse pointer to disappear when interacting with text input fields. 6. Some users report erratic internet connectivity, with devices failing to receive valid IP addresses. 7. Fingerprint sensors on some devices may become unresponsive after the update. 8. The clipboard history feature may malfunction, indicating it is empty despite copied items being present. 9. A network issue prevents devices from appearing in the network list, affecting file and printer sharing capabilities.