communicate Archives

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Privacy or Evasion? The Policy Dilemma Around Messaging App Usernames

On June 29, 2026, WhatsApp introduced a feature allowing users to create usernames to enhance privacy by enabling connections without revealing phone numbers. The Government of India expressed concerns about potential increases in cybercrime linked to this feature and issued a notice to WhatsApp requesting a pause on its rollout. The notice demanded justification under various laws, including the Information Technology Act, 2000. Similar inquiries were sent to other messaging platforms like Telegram and Signal. This scrutiny represents a shift from reactive measures to proactive assessments of platform design, emphasizing how features like usernames can impact user safety and accountability. The Delhi High Court upheld a temporary ban on Telegram during an examination period, recognizing the relevance of platform architecture in assessing risks. The increase in cybersecurity incidents in India raised concerns about usernames enabling fraud and evasion. The government is advocating for a balanced approach that allows pseudonymous interaction while ensuring accountability.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Xodus Cracks Xbox Authentication and Game Package Decryption to Bring PC Game Pass to Linux

Developers of the Heroic Games Launcher have announced Xodus, an open-source project aimed at enabling access to PC Game Pass on Linux and macOS. Launched on August 10, 2026, Xodus has successfully addressed Xbox identity authentication and the decryption of MSIXVC packages, allowing local play of Game Pass titles for Linux and macOS users. Currently, the only way to access Game Pass on non-Windows devices is through Xbox Cloud Gaming, which requires a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and introduces latency. Xodus employs a layered architecture, including an Xbox Authentication Library (xal-rs) for managing Microsoft account sign-ins and license verification, and a reimplementation of the xgameruntime.dll for license checks and Xbox service access. The project can retrieve MSIXVC game packages using a valid Game Pass subscription and decrypt executables for local storage. However, it does not yet support UWP-based titles and lacks a user-friendly interface for general users. The project is under pressure due to Microsoft's upcoming transition to the MSIXVC2 package format, which Xodus does not currently support. Xodus is in early development with only a command-line interface available, and the team is working on emulating the GDK Gaming Services layer necessary for game initialization. The project is legal as it reimplements Xbox runtime behavior without enabling piracy, but it faces risks if Microsoft alters its authentication infrastructure.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

This week’s Epic Games Store free games drops you into a novel, or tasks you and a friend to escape a haunted castle

Epic Games is offering two complimentary PC games: Beacon Pines and We Were Here Together, available for free from August 6 to August 13. Beacon Pines is a narrative adventure where players can alter the story by revisiting pages and using special words called charms. We Were Here Together is a cooperative puzzle game set in Antarctica that requires players to communicate using walkie-talkies to solve challenges and reunite.

Winsage

August 7, 2026

Microsoft Flags BNB Chain Malware Campaign Targeting Windows Users

Microsoft has identified a sophisticated malware campaign that uses the infrastructure of BNB Chain to spread harmful code through compromised websites. The attackers deceive visitors into executing malicious commands disguised as standard security checks, exploiting vulnerabilities in conventional website security measures. This campaign affects both businesses and individual users, utilizing ClickFix lures and EtherHiding techniques. An injected Base64-encoded JavaScript communicates with a BNB Smart Chain RPC gateway to facilitate these malicious operations.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

The offline messaging apps challenging internet shutdowns

Governments are finding it harder to suppress protests through internet shutdowns due to the use of offline messaging applications. Bitchat, an app launched in 2025 by Jack Dorsey, allows devices to communicate via Bluetooth without internet access and gained popularity during recent student protests in New Delhi amid an internet blackout. The Indian government attempted to block access to Bitchat's source code on GitHub, marking a notable first instance of trying to geoblock an open-source repository. On July 26, Bitchat had 430,000 daily active users in India, with 74% of global downloads occurring in the country from July 20 to July 26. The app has been used in various protests globally, including those in Hong Kong, Myanmar, Nepal, Uganda, Madagascar, and Iran. On July 23, the Indian government ordered GitHub to disable access to three Bitchat repositories in India quickly. Jack Dorsey expressed concerns about the Indian government's stance on Bitchat, while digital rights advocates criticized the government's actions as unnecessary. The repositories remained accessible in India and were mirrored on decentralized platforms, complicating removal efforts. India's government has increasingly scrutinized communication platforms based on their design, imposing restrictions on apps like Telegram and WhatsApp.

Winsage

August 7, 2026

Microsoft admits it force-installed AI-powered OneDrive on Windows 11, says it’s not training on your faces (really)

Microsoft has confirmed that it has force-installed the OneDrive Photos app on Windows 11 PCs, including enterprise devices managed through Intune, despite the app being designed for personal Microsoft accounts only. IT departments can either remove OneDrive entirely or keep both the sync client and the new app. Microsoft acknowledged the unintended rollout but has not provided further clarification. The OneDrive Photos app features an AI-enhanced "People" feature, which is disabled by default and does not analyze photos stored solely on users' PCs. Face grouping occurs only in the cloud on images stored in OneDrive, and any data collected is deleted within 30 days if the feature is turned off. Users currently cannot remove the app independently; doing so requires the complete removal of OneDrive. An update is expected to allow users to uninstall the OneDrive Photos app separately.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

Couple’s dispute over playing Slay the Spire 2 in bed gets a ruling from comedian John Hodgman: ‘Pick an arbitrary battle and stick with it’

Judge John Hodgman ruled that it is acceptable to play the game Slay the Spire 2 in bed, as long as both partners communicate and respect each other's boundaries.

AppWizard

August 6, 2026

Starlink gaming: Can you really play online games via satellite internet?

Starlink uses a network of over 10,000 satellites in low Earth orbit to provide internet service, requiring users to have a clear view of the sky for optimal performance. It claims download speeds of up to 400 Mbps, which can be beneficial for gamers, although actual speeds may vary by location. Latency ranges from 25 to 60 milliseconds, which can impact performance in competitive gaming. Users can reduce latency by connecting devices via ethernet and ensuring the satellite receiver has an unobstructed view. The service has proven reliable for the author, who has experienced only one significant outage in over a year of use. Upload speeds are lower than traditional broadband, averaging 20-30 Mbps, which can be frustrating for tasks like 4K filming. Starlink is recommended for areas without fiber broadband, but 5G may be a better option where available due to higher potential speeds and lower latency. Starlink's hardware costs and subscription fees can be higher compared to 5G plans.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

Google is replacing one of its most popular apps

Google is phasing out the Google Assistant app and transitioning users to its new AI-powered assistant, Gemini. Notifications have been sent to users about the discontinuation, which will begin on September 4 and take several weeks to complete. Devices that meet system requirements and are in supported regions will automatically switch to Gemini, allowing users to use familiar commands. The transition will also impact other connected devices like smartwatches and wireless earphones. Gemini aims to replicate the capabilities of Assistant while offering a more natural conversational experience.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Why I’m so excited for the Googlebook Android app experience on a desktop

Support for independent tech journalism is emphasized, particularly for Chrome Unboxed, which offers a membership for an ad-free experience and exclusive access to a private Discord. The author expresses frustration with the limitations of Android apps on ChromeOS, specifically citing issues with PUBG Mobile's performance on Chromebooks. The introduction of Googlebook, particularly the Lenovo Googlebook ‘Sapphire’ detachable tablet, is highlighted as a potential solution, featuring an architecture built on native Android, which promises improved app compatibility, native input mapping, direct hardware acceleration, and seamless Play Store integration. The author envisions an ideal tablet experience that combines the functionality of a desktop Chrome browser with robust Android applications.