contacts Archives

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Timed Silence: An Open Source Android App to Automatically Silence Your Phone

Timed Silence is a Kotlin-based application for Android, created by Felix Nüsse, that manages smartphone volume settings, allowing users to mute, vibrate, or ring with sound. The app requires initial setup permissions and features an intuitive interface with a pause/play button. Users can create custom schedules, including pre-defined ones for "Night" and "Day." The app effectively activates Do Not Disturb (DND) at scheduled times, muting notifications while allowing calls and messages from specified contacts. Additional features include Calendar integration, Keywords for managing volume levels, Bluetooth compatibility, and a Sanity Check for priority contacts. The app is available on F-Droid, with source code and APKs on GitHub.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

Uninstall these 12 Android apps that record your conversations

Twelve malicious Android applications have been identified that can take control of devices to record audio and perform other harmful activities. These apps include: 1. Rafaqat 2. Privee Talk 3. MeetMe 4. Let’s Chat 5. Quick Chat 6. Chit Chat 7. YohooTalk 8. TikTalk 9. Hello Cha 10. Nidus 11. GlowChat 12. Wave Chat The first six were available on the Google Play Store and were downloaded over 1,400 times before removal. Users are advised to uninstall these apps immediately and remain cautious about downloading unfamiliar applications or clicking on suspicious links.

AppWizard

November 5, 2024

The Big Indie Interviews: Chorrus Games on their award-winning fantasy adventure game Radiant: Guardians Of Light

The Very Big Indie Pitch is a speed-dating style pitching event for indie developers held at Pocket Gamer Connects and other gaming events worldwide, where participants present their games to judges in five minutes. Chorrus Games, an indie studio from Madrid, Spain, developed the game Radiant: Guardians of Light, which won third place at the recent competition in Helsinki. The game blends 80s Beat 'Em Up gameplay with RPG elements, featuring fast-paced combat, a rich narrative, and a crafting system. The team, consisting of Oscar Ruiz and Roberto Martinez, focused on creating an engaging experience inspired by classic games while incorporating modern storytelling. They initially developed Radiant for PC but are exploring console opportunities. The pitching experience helped them refine their game and connect with industry professionals. The team aims to expand the Radiant universe through new titles and adaptations in various media.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

Microsoft is building a new Outlook People app for Windows 11 (Microsoft 365 Companion?)

A new web wrapper application, tentatively named Microsoft 365 Companion or People, is being developed for Windows 11 users, based on Microsoft Edge. This application may signal the return of the People app from Windows 10, reimagined as a web-based tool integrated with Outlook.com. The original People app consolidated various accounts into a single interface for contact management and was integrated into the Windows 10 taskbar. With the transition to Windows 11, Microsoft discontinued support for the People app, directing users to manage contacts through Mail and Calendar apps. The new People app is currently in development and may initially cater to Microsoft 365 customers with work or school accounts, allowing access to contacts stored in Outlook. Preliminary tests show it features a Microsoft 365 icon, a sign-in option, and facilitates quick communication and event scheduling. The app supports calls via Microsoft Teams or Skype and allows users to view shared files. It is lightweight, under 2MB, but lacks a comprehensive feature set. There is a toggle option for a “Whole life” experience, which may enable support for personal accounts. Microsoft needs to enhance the new Outlook, as the current version does not match the feature richness of the classic Outlook or native applications.

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

Goodbye to Android 8: Android Auto no longer works on older phones

Samsung has released an update for its Wallet/Pay app on the Galaxy Watch, now at version 5.1.82.20406. The update enhances user experience by improving navigation and functionality, resulting in increased speed and reliability for wallet access and payment processing. It also addresses issues from previous versions to improve stability and user-friendliness. Users can install the update by connecting their watch to a smartphone, navigating to the Galaxy Store, and checking for updates. Additionally, Google has introduced a new individual contacts Tile in the Google Contacts app, which may soon be available for Galaxy Watch users.

Tech Optimizer

October 31, 2024

Best Antivirus Software for Small Businesses in 2024

Small businesses often face challenges in selecting antivirus software, as personal tools may lack robustness and enterprise solutions can be complex and costly. There are antivirus solutions specifically designed for smaller companies. Six top antivirus software options tailored for small businesses include: 1. Bitdefender: - Starting price: .99 for 5 devices for 1 year. - Covers: macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Windows Server. - Features: Unlimited VPN traffic, account breach monitoring, risk management, AI-powered Scam Copilot, integrated password management. 2. Norton: - Starting price: .99 a year for 6 devices. - Covers: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. - Features: 24/7 customer support, password management, cloud backup, secure browser. 3. Trend Micro: - Pricing: Contact for customized quote. - Covers: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. - Features: Endpoint detection, attack surface risk management, AI-driven threat intelligence. 4. ESET: - Starting price: .99 for 5 devices for 1 year. - Covers: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux. - Features: Certain plans include password manager. 5. Avira: - Starting price: .99 for 5 devices for 1 year. - Covers: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. - Features: Unlimited VPN traffic, device cleaner, blocks unwanted spam calls. 6. Microsoft Defender: - Starting price: .75 per user per month. - Covers: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. - Features: Built into Windows, integrates with Microsoft tools, automatic disruption of ransomware attacks. When choosing antivirus software, small businesses should assess their specific needs and budget, consider bundled plans for better value, utilize free trials, and schedule demo calls with sales teams for clarification.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

Microsoft heard you like Windows updates, so it updated how updates update

Microsoft has unveiled Windows 11 version 24H2, also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, which includes improvements to the update installation process, resulting in a 45.6% faster installation, 39.7% quicker restart times, and a 15.3% decrease in CPU consumption compared to version 22H2. Key enhancements include parallel processing of component manifests, optimized reading and parsing of component manifests, and scalable use of available RAM. Traditional feature updates are now approximately 200 MB smaller due to certain inbox applications being updated through the Microsoft Store. Notable features in the update include: - Integration of Phone Link with the Start menu. - Simplified layout for the taskbar system tray. - Revamped Quick Settings for improved speed and customization. - Windows Spotlight image as the default wallpaper. - Animated taskbar app preview thumbnails. - Support for HDR images as desktop wallpapers. File Explorer updates include: - Updated home tab layout with shared documents. - Ability to duplicate tabs via right-click. - Enhanced context menu layout. - Support for .7z and .TAR archive formats. - Direct viewing of Android phone file systems. New apps and features include: - A new Outlook app for email, calendar, and contacts. - Updated Copilot as a standalone web application. - AI features in Photos for generative erase and background editing. - A new Recall app for information retrieval using AI. - Paint with generative AI capabilities. Settings updates include: - Windows Update with checkpoints and hot patching. - Voice Clarity using AI to eliminate background noise. - Simultaneous configuration of power settings. - A new Energy Saver mode. - Configurable mouse scroll wheel direction. - Support for Wi-Fi 7 hardware. - A new PRISM emulation layer for x86 apps on Arm devices. - Enhanced performance for Arm-based devices. - AutoSR using AI to improve gaming performance. - Live Captions translating languages into English in real-time. - Advanced Windows Studio Effects for webcam enhancement.

AppWizard

October 25, 2024

Android app permissions explained and how to use them

Since Android 6.0 Marshmallow, users have control over app permissions, allowing them to manage what information and features apps can access. Android app permissions determine an application's access to device functionalities, such as reading SMS messages, using the camera, or accessing location data. Users must approve permission requests through on-screen prompts when launching an app for the first time. Permissions can be modified later through the Apps menu, where users can see which permissions have been granted or denied. Permissions include access to body sensors, calendar events, call logs, camera, contacts, files and media, location, microphone, nearby devices, notifications, phone information, physical activity logs, and SMS. Users can also check permissions by type in the Privacy tab of the Settings menu, allowing them to see how many apps have requested each permission. It is advisable to deny unnecessary permissions, especially for apps that request access that does not align with their functionality. Android 12 introduced features for enhanced transparency, allowing users to disable camera and microphone permissions for all apps and receive notifications when these features are accessed. The Privacy Dashboard provides insights into app permissions used over the past 24 hours. Android 13 added a photo picker feature for sharing specific media without granting full file system access.

AppWizard

October 23, 2024

Delete These 12 Android Apps That Record Your Conversations – Jason Deegan

Security researchers at ESET have identified twelve malicious Android apps capable of recording audio in the background and other intrusive actions. Six of these apps were distributed through the Google Play Store, while the other six were disseminated through less direct means. One tactic used by hackers involves posing as romantic interests on messaging platforms to persuade targets to download infected apps containing the VajraSpy Trojan. The malicious apps fall into three categories: 1. Infected messaging apps that steal personal information and run a Trojan in the background. 2. Apps that exploit accessibility features to intercept communications on WhatsApp and Signal, with one app, Wave Chat, capable of recording phone calls and ambient sounds. 3. A disguised news app that requests personal information and can intercept contacts and files. The identified malicious apps to uninstall include Rafaqat, Privee Talk, MeetMe, Let’s Chat, Quick Chat, Chit Chat, YohooTalk, TikTalk, Hello Chat, Nidus, GlowChat, and Wave Chat. The first six were downloaded over 1,400 times from the Google Play Store before being removed.

AppWizard

October 23, 2024

Google Messages now has smarter detection to tackle tricky scam messages

Google's Messages app is enhancing user security through on-device AI to combat spam and harmful links. Key upgrades include an advanced scam detection system that identifies fraudulent delivery notifications and job offer scams, diverting them to spam or issuing user warnings. The app will also feature smart alerts to warn users about potentially harmful links, currently being tested in select countries. Additionally, users can filter out messages from international senders not in their contacts, directing them to the spam folder. A new feature will automatically blur nudity in images, with warnings for users sharing explicit content; this will be enabled by default for users under 18. Google is also implementing a contact verification system using public keys to authenticate identities. These updates are aimed at enhancing the safety of messaging for over one billion users.