Chrome browser Archives

AppWizard

April 15, 2026

Rival Aptoide sues Google in U.S. over alleged Android app store monopoly

A Portuguese app store, Aptoide, has filed a lawsuit against Google in a U.S. federal court, alleging monopolistic practices that hinder competition in the Android ecosystem. Aptoide claims that Google controls app distribution and in-app billing systems, violating U.S. antitrust laws. The company argues that it could compete more effectively against Google's pricing and policies if not for what it describes as an "anticompetitive chokehold." Aptoide alleges it is directed away from exclusive content and is excluded from accessing critical services, which harms its business. The lawsuit seeks to stop these practices and demands unspecified triple damages. Aptoide has approximately 436,000 apps and serves over 200 million annual users. This lawsuit follows Aptoide's previous complaint against Google with EU regulators in 2014. The case adds to Google's ongoing antitrust issues, including a recent agreement to modify its practices following a legal battle with Epic Games and a separate ruling declaring Google's search engine an illegal monopoly.

Tech Optimizer

March 27, 2026

Bogus Avast website fakes virus scan, installs Venom Stealer instead

A deceptive website impersonating Avast antivirus tricks users into downloading Venom Stealer malware, which steals passwords, session cookies, and cryptocurrency wallet information. The site conducts a fake virus scan, falsely reporting threats to encourage users to download a malicious file named Avastsystemcleaner.exe. This file mimics legitimate software and operates stealthily, targeting web browsers to harvest credentials and session cookies. It also captures screenshots and sends stolen data to the command-and-control domain app-metrics-cdn[.]com via unencrypted HTTP. The malware employs evasion techniques to avoid detection and is part of a long-standing cybercrime tactic that exploits user trust in security software. Indicators of compromise include the file hash SHA-256: ecbeaa13921dbad8028d29534c3878503f45a82a09cf27857fa4335bd1c9286d, the domain app-metrics-cdn[.]com, and the network indicator 104.21.14.89.

AppWizard

February 17, 2026

New Keenadu backdoor found in Android firmware, Google Play apps

A sophisticated Android malware named Keenadu has been discovered embedded in the firmware of various device brands, compromising all installed applications and granting unrestricted control over infected devices. It employs multiple distribution methods, including compromised firmware images delivered over-the-air, access via backdoors, embedding in system applications, modified applications from unofficial channels, and infiltration through apps on Google Play. As of February 2026, Keenadu has been confirmed on approximately 13,000 devices, primarily in Russia, Japan, Germany, Brazil, and the Netherlands. The firmware-integrated variant remains dormant if the device's language or timezone is associated with China and ceases to function without the Google Play Store and Play Services. While currently focused on ad fraud, Keenadu has extensive capabilities for data theft and risky actions on compromised devices. A variant embedded in system applications has limited functionality but elevated privileges to install apps without user notification. The malware has been detected in the firmware of Android tablets from various manufacturers, including the Alldocube iPlay 50 mini Pro. Kaspersky has detailed how Keenadu compromises the libandroid_runtime.so component, making it difficult to remove with standard Android OS tools. Users are advised to seek clean firmware versions or consider replacing compromised devices with products from trusted vendors.

BetaBeacon

January 6, 2026

Someone made ‘Foldy Bird’ and it’s a glorious way to destroy your foldable

Foldy Bird is a Flappy Bird clone that uses a folding phone's hinge as a mobile game controller.

BetaBeacon

January 1, 2026

Why I think a desktop-class Chrome browser for Android would change the whole game

The Chrome browser is considered the center of all activities on Chromebooks, even though ChromeOS has evolved beyond just being a browser. The lack of a desktop-class version of Chrome for Android hinders the usability of Android Desktop and DeX for productivity. Google is expected to release a desktop-class version of Chrome for Android in 2026, which could potentially make phones powerful desktop replacements.

AppWizard

December 22, 2025

Frogblight Malware Targets Android Users With Fake Court and Aid Apps

A new Android-based Trojan named Frogblight is targeting mobile users in Turkiye to steal funds from bank accounts. Identified by Kaspersky's Securelist in August 2025, it spreads through smishing, where scammers send deceptive SMS messages about legal court cases or financial aid. These messages often include links to download malicious applications disguised as legitimate support tools. The malware, which can conceal itself and deactivate on simulated devices or within the U.S., requests extensive permissions to access SMS messages and device storage. Once installed, it opens a legitimate government website to appear credible and injects JavaScript to record keystrokes during banking logins. Recent versions have added keylogging, contact list theft, and private call log collection. The malware has evolved to disguise itself as the Google Chrome browser and other tools, and its source code is available on GitHub, indicating it may be marketed as malware-as-a-service. Kaspersky advises users to avoid downloading APK files from untrusted sources and to scrutinize app permission requests.

BetaBeacon

December 17, 2025

HappyMod: The Best Site for Android Modded Apps and Games

HappyMod is a nonofficial Android application that allows users to download unique modded applications, also known as APK games, which offer benefits such as unlocking premium features, obtaining in-game currencies, and removing ads. HappyMod offers a wide selection of modified applications in various categories, making it a flexible platform for users with different interests. The process of using HappyMod involves installation, user navigation, searching for modded apps, downloading the APK, configuring the device for installation, and using the modified functionalities. HappyMod is popular among Android users for providing access to premium features for free, offering free mods for purchase-required games, and giving users greater control over their apps. In terms of safety, users should download HappyMod from trusted sources, install antivirus software, read user reviews, and avoid downloading mods from unknown third-party sites to prevent risks such as account bans, malware, and copyright violations.

AppWizard

November 5, 2025

Google Settles App Store Case With Fortnite Maker Epic

Google and Epic Games have reached a settlement in their antitrust dispute regarding app distribution and monetization on Google's Android platform. The specific terms of the agreement are undisclosed, but it aligns with Google's compliance with court-mandated changes to foster competition in its Play Store. The U.S. Supreme Court recently denied Google's request for a temporary hold on a ruling requiring modifications to the Play Store, which followed a jury's decision in favor of Epic Games. The settlement retains much of the judge's original directives, introducing commission caps of 9% or 20% on purchases made outside the Play Store and replacing the requirement for app catalog access with provisions for "registered app stores." Both companies have stated that the settlement will advance the evolution of the Android platform. Additionally, Google has updated its Chrome browser to allow users to input identification details, enhancing its autofill capabilities.

Tech Optimizer

October 26, 2025

Do Chromebooks Need Antivirus Software in 2025?

Chromebooks are a cost-effective alternative to traditional laptops, appealing to students and young professionals due to their built-in productivity tools and user-friendly interface. They feature sandboxing technology that enhances resilience against malware, making them suitable for users learning about digital security. Chromebooks do not natively support traditional antivirus software, but users can access Android-based antivirus applications via the Google Play Store. While vulnerabilities in Chromebooks account for less than 1% of reported issues, users should remain vigilant against threats like fake browser extensions, scam Android apps, phishing attempts, and insecure websites. Key security features of Chromebooks include automatic updates, sandboxing, verified boot, data encryption, and recovery options. Misconceptions persist about their security, such as the belief that all apps in Google Play are thoroughly checked and that malware cannot self-install. If a Chromebook is suspected of being compromised, users can uninstall recent extensions, reboot the device, or use the Powerwash feature for a factory reset. Over 4% of U.S. desktop users utilize Chrome OS, and 30 million students and educators worldwide rely on Chromebooks. They are modeled closely on Linux OS and, while immune to traditional viruses, can still be susceptible to malware. Recommended antivirus options for Chromebooks include Norton, Bitdefender, and Avast. With proper care, Chromebooks typically last between five to eight years.

AppWizard

October 15, 2025

Android 16 now shows which apps sneak in your security settings

Google is introducing a new screen in the October Google Play services update for Android 16 that informs users about applications checking the system’s Advanced Protection status. This feature is part of the Advanced Protection mode, which enhances device security. The screen displays a list of applications that have queried the operating system to determine if Advanced Protection is enabled, allowing apps to adjust their security protocols accordingly. Initially, only Google’s own applications, such as Phone, Messages, and Chrome, accessed this status information. The feature is currently active on a single device in a beta release of Android 16, with plans for broader rollout in the future.