course Archives

AppWizard

June 23, 2026

Telegram’s ad business: How the messaging app makes money

Telegram has established an advertising model that focuses on monetizing public channels, selling ads based on channel topics rather than user identity. Revenue generated from ads is split evenly between Telegram and the channel owner, with no data-mining or behavioral targeting involved. The primary ad format is Sponsored Messages, which appear in public channels with at least 1,000 subscribers and consist of a text block and optional call-to-action button. Advertisers can purchase these ads through a self-serve portal without demographic targeting, ensuring no personal data is used for placements. Public channels are treated as independent units, with 50% of ad revenue going to channel owners, paid in Toncoin. Telegram's ad system has become more accessible by lowering minimum spend requirements. In addition to Sponsored Messages, Telegram is developing Mini Apps funded by its in-app currency, Stars. Regulatory scrutiny has increased, with various countries imposing bans or restrictions on Telegram for reasons related to content moderation and compliance, such as a temporary ban in India in June 2026 due to exam fraud investigations.

TrendTechie

June 20, 2026

Житель Светлогорска зарабатывал на скрытом майнинге через торренты

Law enforcement officials in the Grodno region have arrested a 35-year-old resident of Svetlogorsk for allegedly distributing malicious software. The suspect modified a hidden virus miner, embedding it in free torrent downloads, which activated on users' computers to mine cryptocurrency without their consent. This activity reportedly earned the hacker about 1,000 Belarusian rubles monthly and affected over 500 computers in Belarus and neighboring countries. An official criminal case has been initiated to address this cybercrime.

TrendTechie

June 20, 2026

Белорус распространял через торренты вирус-майнер. Сколько зарабатывал?

A 35-year-old resident of Svetlogorsk has been accused of using malicious software for hidden cryptocurrency mining by modifying a "cryptojacker" virus. He embedded code into free torrent downloads, which activated on users' computers to mine cryptocurrency without their knowledge. This operation reportedly earned him about 1,000 rubles per month and infected over 500 computers, affecting users in Belarus and neighboring countries.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Android 17 is making Pixel widgets vanish, but Google already has a fix in the works

Users of Android 17 have reported that home screen widgets are disappearing after the latest stable update, specifically on devices with a work profile. Google is aware of the issue and is working on a fix, which may be included in the next month's security update. Currently, there is no effective workaround other than removing the work profile, which allows users to restore their widgets by restarting the device and re-adding them.

Tech Optimizer

June 18, 2026

Retro gaming fans are the new target for fake GitHub malware

Retro gaming enthusiasts should be cautious when exploring GitHub projects for tools or plugins, as cybercriminals may disguise malware as homebrew software. A specific incident involved a project called EQVita, which pretended to be a free audio tool for PlayStation Vita but actually contained Windows malware. The downloaded file included three files: Launch.bat, luajit.exe, and x64.txt, with the latter concealing a hidden script that connected to the attacker's server upon execution. This scam is part of a broader trend where counterfeit GitHub repositories distribute SmartLoader malware, which retrieves additional malicious software aimed at stealing passwords and cryptocurrency wallets. The PS Vita community, despite the console's production ceasing, remains active in modding, making it a target for attackers. Legitimate plugins typically come in Vita-compatible formats, while fake ones may feature polished marketing materials and AI-generated descriptions. Users are advised to verify sources, be cautious of suspicious downloads, and utilize security tools like Malwarebytes. If someone has executed the malicious EQVitav1.3.zip file, they should conduct a malware scan, change important passwords, and monitor accounts for unauthorized access. Indicators of compromise include the domains https://github.com/Voistace/EQVita and https://voistace.github.io, and the IP address 85.137.52.21.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

Steam Adds 11 New Free Games You Can Keep Forever

Steam has added a variety of free games to its library, including: - The Blackwood Project: A horror game where players investigate Blackwood Manor. - Bladefall: A hack-and-slash game with fast-paced melee combat. - 0.5%: A visual novel about two college students uncovering secrets. - Hexpand: A real-time multiplayer strategy game focused on territory expansion. - Pixel Rain: A sandbox game allowing players to create and experiment with interactive materials. - IOSoccer: An online multiplayer soccer game emphasizing ball control. - Hyper Glee Semik: A first-person shooter where players battle candies. - Jolly and Whimsy: An experimental visual novel about a character's quest to retrieve a friend. - Pantomime Horse Obstacle Course: A co-op platformer filled with humor and teamwork challenges. - Card Night at Gigi's: A card game collection featuring classic games in a cozy setting. - The Sphere: A point-and-click adventure exploring themes of loss and mystery.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Meta representative says Facebook, Instagram outage is being fixed

An extensive outage affected users of Meta's platforms, including Facebook, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram, on Friday morning, with signs of recovery beginning to emerge. Andy Stone, a Meta communications representative, stated that services are coming back online but may take time to fully restore. Reports indicated nearly 130,000 users faced issues on Facebook, about 20,000 on Messenger, and just over 10,000 on Instagram, according to DownDetector.com. Smaller numbers also reported problems with WhatsApp and Threads. The actual number of affected users could be higher than those who reported difficulties.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

My houseplant demands water through app and won’t die now

Willow is a plant monitor designed to fit inside the pot of an indoor plant and connects to a smartphone via Wi-Fi, providing information about the plant's health. The starter pack costs £34.99 and includes one plant monitor. It features an app that allows users to select and name their houseplant, offering insights into its well-being through a Plant Happiness score and descriptive phrases about its condition. The monitor tracks light, water, temperature, and humidity levels, and users can receive notifications for watering and light needs. The app also provides tasks like adding fertilizer to encourage active plant care.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Babbel or Duolingo? This is our polled readers’ favorite language-learning app

In a survey conducted by Android Authority with 9,487 votes, Duolingo emerged as the favorite language-learning app, capturing nearly 42% of the votes. Babbel followed with 28.7%, while Google Translate's new language learning feature received just under 10%. Memrise attracted 7.5% of the votes, and Drops garnered 3.1%. Additionally, 9.4% of participants mentioned alternative apps like Qlango, Preply, LingoDeer, Pimsleur, and Dreaming Languages.

Tech Optimizer

June 11, 2026

Avast One: Security and privacy suite under the microscope

Avast One is the flagship consumer security suite from Avast (Gen Digital), combining antivirus, firewall, VPN, and privacy utilities into a single subscription for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It offers four primary areas: device security, online privacy, identity protection, and performance tools. Device security includes real-time antivirus, Web Shield, Mail Shield, and Ransomware Shield. The online privacy component features a full VPN service with bank-grade encryption and a no-logs policy. Identity protection includes data breach monitoring and, in some markets, credit monitoring. Performance tools assist with disk cleanup and system optimization. Avast One has three plan tiers: Avast One Essential (free), Avast One Individual (paid, supports multiple devices), and Avast One Family (paid, supports up to 30 devices). Pricing varies based on promotions, with Avast One Individual typically around per year and Avast One Family ranging from to 0 per year. The suite can be downloaded directly from Avast's website, with installers available for various platforms. Avast One includes automatic updates and is designed to operate lightly on modern hardware, with options to minimize system impact during scans. Customer support includes self-help documentation, community forums, and direct support for paying customers. Avast One aims to appeal to both non-technical users and power users, providing a user-friendly interface while allowing for advanced configurations. The product is positioned as a comprehensive solution for households looking to secure multiple devices with a single subscription.