data collection Archives

Winsage

July 14, 2026

Microsoft blocks browser choice for 1.4 billion Windows users, study finds

Microsoft's design strategies continue to influence users towards its Edge browser, as revealed in a study by Dr. Harry Brignull and Cennydd Bowles, published by Mozilla. The researchers tested Windows 10 and 11 across the US, UK, India, and Germany, focusing on whether users could download, set, and maintain a default browser other than Edge without interference. Findings showed that users encountered harmful design patterns that hindered their ability to choose alternative browsers. For example, searching for "download Chrome" on Bing led to Edge promotions, and downloading Chrome triggered an Edge banner. In Windows 11, the setup prompts users to allow Edge to import data from other browsers, with the accept option more visible than the decline option. Additionally, Microsoft's Copilot and Windows Backup tool opened links in Edge regardless of the user's default browser choice, resetting the default browser to Edge during migration without consent. The study noted regional differences, with fewer harmful patterns in Germany due to the EU's Digital Markets Act, although some issues persisted. The researchers recommend eliminating these harmful design patterns and advocate for global regulatory enforcement.

Winsage

July 12, 2026

No, Windows did not fall below 60% market share or lose 15 points to Linux

StatCounter reported a decline in Windows' market share from approximately 79% in April 2026 to 56.55% by June 2026, indicating a drop of 22.45 percentage points. However, this figure was later corrected to 72%, with expectations of a rebound towards 78%. A significant portion of the market was classified as "Unknown," representing 21.45%, likely due to misclassification of devices. StatCounter has faced previous inaccuracies, including a misreported resurgence of Windows 7 and a drop in Google's market share. The company tracks web usage through data from over 1.5 million websites, but acknowledges that its figures are estimates and can be distorted by various factors. Microsoft confirmed that Windows is installed on approximately 1.6 billion devices.

Winsage

July 10, 2026

Windows 11 Has a Hidden Tracker – Here’s How to Limit It

Peter Stokes is involved in a breach with a luxury retailer, using tactics like VPNs and rotating IP addresses to hide his digital activity. The FBI discovered a Global Device Identifier (GDID) linked to his Windows installation, which is a persistent device-level identifier that uniquely identifies Windows installations. GDID remains unchanged through operating system updates but resets with a full reinstallation. Disabling GDID is not possible, as attempts to do so would disrupt Windows activation. Users can minimize data linked to GDID by using a local account, reducing diagnostic telemetry, disabling Activity history, and carefully managing reinstalls. VPNs do not prevent Microsoft from logging GDID, IP address, and URL data. Privacy researchers view GDID as a covert tracking mechanism, and Windows lacks user-facing options to reset this identifier, unlike Apple and Google.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

The next big addition to T-Life app sounds an awful lot like targeted advertising

T-Mobile has made the T-Life app central to its retail operations, requiring all transactions in physical stores to be conducted through it. The company plans to enhance the app with richer account profiles and interest-based preferences for personalized user experiences, including recognizing customer birthdays. There are concerns about data privacy and the potential use of enhanced data collection for marketing, especially given T-Mobile's history of data breaches. The company has been asked about data sharing and security measures. New features for T-Mobile Tuesday have been introduced, including weekly participation streaks and support for Spanish-language users. A major app update earlier this year improved loading times by 30% and allowed users to change phone numbers. T-Mobile reported record engagement with the app, with increased daily, weekly, and monthly active users.

Winsage

July 10, 2026

StatCounter can’t identify 1 in 5 visits (and it’s skewing everything)

Windows' market share has dropped to 56.61% as of June 2026, falling below the 60% threshold. The "Unknown" category accounts for 21.45% of the market share, while Windows' adjusted market share, excluding unidentified visitors, is 72%. In June 2025, Windows held a 70.13% share, with "Unknown" at 9.17%. Over the past year, Windows' market share decreased from 77.22% to 72%, Linux rose from 4.50% to 5.59%, and Apple increased from 16.90% to 20.87%. As of early July 2026, the "Unknown" segment has surged to 23.67%. StatCounter's data collection has faced inaccuracies, with revisions possible for 45 days. The rise of Linux is noted as a significant trend, influenced by compatibility with Windows games and changes in Windows support.

Tech Optimizer

July 10, 2026

Gen Digital stock holds steady as cybersecurity demand supports long term growth

Gen Digital is a publicly traded company focused on cybersecurity and digital privacy solutions, primarily targeting consumers and small businesses. The company generates revenue through recurring subscriptions for its security and identity protection services, which include antivirus software, VPN services, and identity monitoring. Gen Digital's business model relies on bundling multiple security features into comprehensive offerings, providing predictable revenue and stability in cash flows. The company emphasizes continuous updates to its services to protect against evolving cybersecurity threats. Its growth prospects are linked to trends in cybersecurity spending and the increasing adoption of subscription-based solutions. Gen Digital differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on individual devices and home networks rather than large enterprises. The company also benefits from distribution partnerships that help expand its customer base. Long-term demand for its products is driven by digitalization, cyber risks, and growing consumer awareness of privacy issues. Gen Digital's stock performance is influenced by both company-specific factors and broader market trends in technology and cybersecurity.

Winsage

July 8, 2026

Arrest and extradition of Scattered Spider hacker shines light on how Windows telemetry GDIDs can identify and track users — Microsoft device identifier is just one digital fingerprint in a software world rife with them

Peter Stokes, a 19-year-old from Estonia, was arrested and extradited to the United States on charges related to digital crimes, with the FBI using telemetry logs from Microsoft Windows to trace his online activities. These logs included his Global Device Identifier (GDID) and records of websites he visited. Stokes likely had his telemetry settings configured to Optional/Full, which allowed the transmission of URL data. The FBI connected Stokes to his ngrok account and linked his travel records to a New York IP address and a rental at the Empire Hotel, aided by photos he shared. Google and Apple assisted in the investigation by tracing Stokes' phishing phone number back to the same IP address used for his ngrok account. Stokes attempted to obscure his digital footprint using a VPN and other services, but modern digital identification methods made it difficult to remain anonymous.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Who Needs a Steam Machine? I Converted My PC for Free and It Was Simple

The Steam Machine offers PC gamers a console-like experience with access to the Steam library and various PC games. The starting price is ,049 due to RAMageddon, prompting some users to consider building their own Steam Machine. Valve provides a guide for installing SteamOS, which requires compatible hardware, including a 12th-gen Intel Core processor and an NVMe solid-state drive. An 8GB or larger USB drive is needed to create installation media. Users should disconnect other drives to avoid data loss during installation. The installation process involves selecting "Wipe Device & Install SteamOS," which erases the system. After installation, users must configure settings like language, time zone, and audio output. SteamOS operates in a Big Picture Mode, allowing easy navigation with a controller. Benefits of SteamOS include avoiding Windows-related frustrations and potential performance improvements in some games, although results may vary.

Winsage

July 1, 2026

I love the PC, but I’m no longer a fan of Windows

Installing Windows 11 involves a complex setup process that emphasizes Microsoft accounts, OneDrive, and personalized advertising, making it feel more like an advertising campaign than a straightforward installation. Users are encouraged to create Microsoft accounts, with local accounts being less accessible. The installation prompts users to enable various services, which can be frustrating and intrusive. The Start menu has transformed to include recommendations and promotional content, cluttering its functionality. Microsoft makes it challenging to switch default applications, reinforcing reliance on its ecosystem. Windows 11 collects significant diagnostic data, raising privacy concerns, and users must actively seek to disable data collection features. Public institutions in Europe are considering alternatives to Microsoft due to these concerns. The trend towards subscription models, such as Microsoft 365, can feel burdensome for home users. Hardware requirements for Windows 11, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, have rendered many older PCs obsolete. Despite criticisms, Windows remains a powerful operating system essential for many workflows. Linux is gaining popularity, especially among gamers, as a viable alternative. Users desire a less intrusive and more user-friendly version of Windows that restores their control over devices without constant interruptions.

AppWizard

June 29, 2026

5 Android keyboard apps you should use instead of Gboard

The keyboard is a frequently used application on Android devices, with Gboard being a popular choice, but alternatives exist for users with different preferences. Microsoft SwiftKey offers robust customization, unique layouts like split mode, and integrates an AI assistant for message refinement. It also excels in clipboard syncing with Windows when logged into the same Microsoft account. HeliBoard is a free, open-source keyboard that operates offline, prioritizing privacy and offering features like autocorrect and gesture typing. It requires downloading from GitHub or F-Droid, as it is not available on the Play Store. FUTO Keyboard is a free, open-source, offline option that includes offline voice typing but lacks cloud-synced personal dictionaries and AI writing tools. Samsung Keyboard, pre-installed on Galaxy phones, integrates with One UI and Galaxy AI’s writing tools, offering extensive customization options through the Good Lock app and KeysCafe module. Simple Keyboard is a lightweight application that provides a standard keyboard layout with minimal features, focusing on simplicity and requiring less than 1MB of storage.