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Polls will appear in the Max messenger before the May holidays
AppWizard
April 23, 2026

Polls will appear in the Max messenger before the May holidays

The national digital platform will introduce features similar to those found in popular messaging apps, including group chat polls and custom sticker pack creation, expected to launch before the May holidays. The testing phase for comments in channels is set to conclude by summer. The platform currently has 110 million registered users, with over 80 million active daily. Following the blocking of Western services, Max has gained popularity among the Russian audience and aims to incorporate essential community features to enhance user experience.
Parents of Instagram and Messenger teens can see what they’re asking AI.
AppWizard
April 23, 2026

Parents of Instagram and Messenger teens can see what they’re asking AI.

Meta has introduced a feature that allows parents to monitor the inquiries their teenagers make to the company's AI on platforms such as Instagram and Messenger. This feature is available in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Brazil, providing insights into the topics explored by teens with Meta's AI over the past week. It also extends to Facebook, although the platform's relevance among younger users is decreasing. The initiative is part of Meta's efforts to safeguard young users, including alerts to parents about searches related to self-harm.
Australian Government Demands to Know What Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, and Steam are Doing to Prevent Grooming, Radicalisation
AppWizard
April 23, 2026

Australian Government Demands to Know What Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, and Steam are Doing to Prevent Grooming, Radicalisation

The Australian Government's eSafety office has requested major gaming platforms, including Roblox, Microsoft, Epic, and Valve, to provide details on their measures to prevent child grooming and extremist content. The eSafety office has issued legally enforceable transparency notices due to concerns that platforms like Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, and Steam may be exploited by predators and extremist groups. Approximately 90% of children aged 8 to 17 in Australia engage with online games, highlighting the need for protective measures. Reports indicate that these platforms have been associated with grooming incidents and extremist themes, including games inspired by the Islamic State and depictions of mass shootings. Non-compliance with the transparency notice could result in penalties of AUD5,000 per day. In response, Roblox has committed to safety initiatives, including AI technology to review content and plans for age-based accounts to enhance user safety.
Android 17 isn't out yet, but Google is already testing its first big update
AppWizard
April 23, 2026

Android 17 isn’t out yet, but Google is already testing its first big update

Google has released Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1 for Pixel devices on April 22, 2026, with the build number CP31.260403.005.A1. This update indicates platform stability, focusing on refining existing features and addressing bugs, particularly in the Terminal app and wireless printing capabilities. Key issues resolved include an Application Not Responding error in the Terminal app, VoIP distortion in voice communication applications, and audio output failures on devices using AIDL audio HAL. The update is available for Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 series to the Pixel 10 lineup enrolled in the Android Beta Program. The stable version of Android 17 is expected around mid-2026, with Android 17 QPR1 likely debuting alongside the Pixel 11 in August or September.
Tanzania welcomes MAX, the new Russian messaging app
AppWizard
April 23, 2026

Tanzania welcomes MAX, the new Russian messaging app

A new Russian-developed messaging application called MAX has been launched in Tanzania, designed to provide effective communication even in areas with limited internet connectivity. The application, which aims to enhance communication between Tanzania and Russian-speaking communities, allows users to send messages, make voice and video calls, share files, and participate in online meetings. MAX currently has over 110 million registered users globally, with about seven million outside Russia and over 80 million active daily users. It offers features such as group calls, information channels, and virtual meeting tools, making it suitable for various sectors including education and business. The application operates efficiently in areas with weak internet connections using technology called NoLACE, which improves voice clarity and restores communication during network interruptions. It also includes an AI assistant named GigaChat for translation and content creation. MAX is optimized for low-cost smartphones and has been introduced in several African countries, with plans for expansion to others including Egypt and South Africa.
silver Android smartphone
Tech Optimizer
April 22, 2026

New STX RAT Uses Hidden Remote Desktop and Infostealer Features to Evade Detection

A newly identified remote access trojan, STX RAT, emerged in 2026, integrating hidden remote desktop access with credential theft features. The name "STX" comes from the Start of Text magic byte x02, which it appends to communications with its command-and-control (C2) server. Initial sightings were reported in late February 2026, when it was delivered via a browser-downloaded VBScript file to a financial organization. By early March, Malwarebytes noted a campaign distributing STX RAT through compromised FileZilla installers. Researchers from eSentire’s Threat Response Unit analyzed the malware, which includes extensive anti-analysis measures and employs techniques like AMSI-ghosting. Once operational, STX RAT connects to a C2 server at 95.216.51.236, transmitting system information securely. It targets saved credentials from applications like FileZilla and includes a Hidden Virtual Network Computing (HVNC) module, allowing attackers to control a victim's machine without detection. Security teams are advised to block the C2 IP and implement detection rules to mitigate the threat.
Tired Of Google Messages? These 4 Texting Apps Might Be Better For You
AppWizard
April 22, 2026

Tired Of Google Messages? These 4 Texting Apps Might Be Better For You

Samsung plans to retire its proprietary messaging app by July 2026, leading many Android users to rely on Google Messages. Major carriers like AT&T have stopped supporting their own messaging apps, potentially creating a monopoly. Alternative SMS-enabled apps include: - Pulse SMS: Syncs across devices, offers password-protected cloud backups, and has end-to-end encryption for stored conversations. It has a 3.6-star rating on Google Play. - Chomp SMS: Highly customizable with features like scheduled messages and block lists. It remains free with ads, but some users find the customization options complex. - Handcent Next SMS: Incorporates AI for features like text extraction and grammar checks. It has over one million downloads and a 4.4-star rating, but requests a high number of permissions. - Textra SMS: Offers faster performance and extensive customization, aiming to replace default messaging apps. It follows a "free forever" model but lacks cross-device functionality and encryption. The selection of these alternatives was based on Google Play ratings above 3.5 stars, a minimum of 50,000 user reviews, and recent updates.
Trojanized Android App Fuels New Wave of NFC Fraud
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

Trojanized Android App Fuels New Wave of NFC Fraud

A new variant of the NGate malware family has emerged, using a trojanized Android application to capture payment card data and personal identification numbers (PINs). This modified version of HandyPay, a legitimate NFC relay app, has been distributed since November 2025, primarily targeting users in Brazil. The malware intercepts NFC payment card data and allows fraudulent transactions. Two distinct malware samples have been observed, delivered through phishing infrastructure that impersonates a Brazilian lottery site and a Google Play listing for a card protection tool. The trojanized app captures NFC data, requests the victim's card PIN, and transmits this information to attacker-controlled infrastructure. It requires minimal permissions, leveraging its role as the default payment application to evade detection. Evidence suggests that generative AI tools may have been used in its development, indicated by emoji markers in debug logs. ESET has reported its findings to Google, and Google Play Protect can detect known versions of the malware. The developer of HandyPay is investigating the misuse of its application.
Combing through a house full of a dead loved one's possessions to figure out who they were feels like the anti-Unpacking
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

Combing through a house full of a dead loved one’s possessions to figure out who they were feels like the anti-Unpacking

A Storied Life: Tabitha is an interactive storytelling game that allows players to explore the belongings of a deceased relative, uncovering her identity and history through personal effects in her cottage. The game begins with a letter inviting players to sort through items that reflect the life of an elderly woman, including a collection of cat accessories and other intriguing possessions. This narrative structure encourages personal interpretation and reflection on the significance of objects and memories. The game is available on Steam, with a demo option for players.
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