displays Archives

AppWizard

June 22, 2025

This Android App Boosts Your Phone — And Google Just Made It Official

Google has introduced the Linux Terminal app with the Android 15 update, allowing users to run a Debian virtual machine on their smartphones. This feature utilizes the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) to execute complex commands, run scripts, and manage storage, enhancing smartphone functionality. Activation is simple through developer options, making it accessible to all users. The Linux Terminal serves as a valuable tool for professionals and developers, enabling them to work efficiently on the go. Casual users can also benefit by running Linux-based applications directly on their devices. The upcoming Android 16 is expected to further enhance this experience with better support for external displays, positioning Android phones as central components of users' tech ecosystems.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

Stellar Blade is a prime example of how PC ports should be done – ultrawide compatibility and stable performance are a must

The gaming community has expressed frustration over poorly optimized PC ports, with recent titles like Rise of the Ronin, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and Monster Hunter Wilds suffering from stuttering issues and heavy reliance on upscaling technologies. Many contemporary games lack ultrawide compatibility, which is increasingly expected as ultrawide displays become more popular. Stellar Blade is noted for its exceptional performance and optimization, including support for ultrawide screens up to a 32:9 aspect ratio. It achieves over 60 frames per second (fps) at 1080p on medium settings on an Asus ROG Ally, with frame rates reaching 112fps using AMD Frame Generation. The Steam Deck also performs well, reaching 60fps on lower settings. On desktop systems with high-end hardware like the RTX 4080 Super and AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D, Stellar Blade consistently exceeds 100fps at maximum settings without needing Nvidia's Frame Generation. Despite some titles showing good optimization, many triple-A releases still suffer from poor PC adaptations, disappointing gamers with high-end hardware. Handheld gaming PCs are becoming more popular, and successful ports like Stellar Blade provide hope for future game releases.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Godfather Android malware takes over banking apps

A new version of the Android malware Godfather creates isolated virtual environments on mobile devices to steal account details and transactions from banking apps. It targets over 500 banking, cryptocurrency, and e-commerce applications globally, utilizing a fully virtual file system, virtual process IDs, intent spoofing, and a component called StubActivity. Godfather manifests as an APK app with a virtualization framework, scanning for targeted applications and encapsulating them within its virtual environment. It intercepts permissions for accessibility services, redirecting them to a StubActivity that launches the virtual version of the banking app, allowing it to capture sensitive information. The malware can record account details, passwords, and PIN codes using Xposed for API hooking. It employs a fake lock screen overlay to trick users into entering their credentials and can manipulate user interfaces and execute transactions within the legitimate banking app. Godfather first emerged in March 2021 and has evolved significantly since then, with the latest iteration demonstrating advancements from previous versions.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

Will Android ‘App Cast’ let you stream apps from device to device? (APK teardown)

Google is developing a feature called "App Cast" within the Android ecosystem, as indicated by references found in the 25.24.31 beta release of Google Play Services. This feature may allow users to gather information from remote Android devices and access their installed applications, potentially enabling app streaming between devices. Code snippets suggest functionalities for multi-device synchronization, including device selection and progress indicators. There are also hints of new notification sync capabilities related to App Cast. Further updates from future Play Services builds are expected to clarify the details and implications of this feature.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

Steam’s new in-game overlay offers some useful upgrades – and I’m particularly happy about one that exposes a controversial AI trick

Valve is enhancing Steam's in-game frame rate counter by transforming it into a comprehensive overlay that displays frames per second (FPS) and provides insights into CPU and GPU status, including utilization levels, clock speeds, and temperatures. The new beta version of the Steam app introduces this performance monitor, currently available only to beta testers on Windows PCs, with plans to extend similar capabilities to other platforms like SteamOS in the future. The overlay can be customized to show only the FPS counter and allows users to adjust its transparency and positioning on the screen. It will help players identify if frame generation technologies, such as Nvidia's DLSS, AMD's FSR, and Intel's XeSS, are active and highlight instances of micro-stutter. This update aims to simplify the process of understanding game performance metrics for gamers, reducing reliance on third-party tools.

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

Google’s compact look for Gemini Live isn’t even out, and it’s already getting better (APK teardown)

Google has released updates in its latest Android app, including a redesign of the Gemini overlay and potential promotional offers for Samsung's Galaxy Flip 7 and Fold 7 featuring Google AI. An APK teardown revealed layout changes, such as a reorganization of the app's interface, with the Labs shortcut moving to the right and the "Google" name replaced by a compact "G" logo. The Gemini Live feature has been refined with a new overlay design for easier access to controls. Additionally, the app is testing a feature that suggests search queries in AI Mode, clearly labeling these suggestions.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

5 registry tweaks I made to instantly speed up my Windows PC

Disabling animations and visual effects can improve the responsiveness of Windows 11. To disable visual effects, navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerVisualEffects, create a DWORD value named VisualFXSettings, and set its value to 2. To allocate fewer resources to background apps, go to ComputerHKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionMultimediaSystemProfile, double-click on SystemResponsiveness, and change the Base Decimal value from 20 to 10. To speed up shutdown, navigate to ComputerHKEYLOCALMACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControl, double-click on WaitToKillServiceTimeout, and set the value from 5,000 milliseconds to 2,000 milliseconds. To reduce startup delays, go to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorer, create a new key named Serialize, then create a DWORD (32-bit) Value named StartupDelayInMSec and set its value to 0. To prioritize applications and enhance system responsiveness, navigate to HKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionMultimediaSystemProfile, double-click on SystemResponsiveness, and adjust it from 14 to 10.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

With Windows 10 EOL On the Horizon, It’s Time to Replace Rather Than Upgrade

The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, after which users will not receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support, exposing them to cyber threats. Many legacy PCs do not meet the system requirements for Windows 11, leading to potential compatibility issues and performance problems if upgraded. Investing in a new Windows 11-compatible PC ensures better performance, energy efficiency, and long-term support, with built-in security features like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Transitioning to Windows 11 offers advantages such as an improved user interface, integrated AI tools, enhanced default apps, personalizable workspaces, and better visuals. Continuing to use an unsupported Windows platform after 2025 can result in compliance issues, data loss, and increased maintenance costs. Replacing hardware rather than upgrading can mitigate these risks and ensure access to ongoing security features.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

Gemini app switches to always available nav drawer on Android

Google is enhancing its Gemini app on Android by introducing a navigation drawer, similar to its web version. This update includes a hamburger button that reveals the drawer, featuring a "New chat" button, two recent Gems, and a link to "Explore Gems." The "Recent" history list now supports infinite scrolling, and pinned conversations are prioritized at the top. The navigation drawer can be accessed while viewing conversations or browsing other pages, sliding the main screen to the right. On Android tablets, the drawer opens automatically but can be hidden for a fullscreen experience. This feature is part of Google app version 16.23, currently in beta, and users may need to force stop the app to access the new features.

Winsage

June 15, 2025

Windows 11 upgrade workarounds might not be safe

Microsoft will cease providing security updates, bug fixes, and technical support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users can consider several options: 1. Upgrade to Windows 11 if their PCs meet compatibility criteria. 2. Replace their computer with a new one that comes pre-installed with Windows 11. 3. Use an unofficial workaround to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, though this carries risks. 4. Pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) after the deadline, primarily aimed at business customers.