ecosystems Archives

AppWizard

July 26, 2025

Valve could revolutionize gaming with a Steam-powered console

The PC market share for game sales is expanding, prompting Microsoft to consider integrating PC storefronts into the next Xbox. Valve may enter the console market, leveraging its expertise in digital distribution. A potential Valve console could be inspired by the Steam Deck, offering standardized hardware and compatibility with various games. This console could consolidate PC, PlayStation, and Xbox games, providing access to indie titles and making PC gaming more accessible for casual gamers. While Valve's success with Steam raises questions about the necessity of a dedicated console, the company has shown interest in exploring new hardware opportunities, as evidenced by its successful VR headset and handheld gaming device.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

Your Android phone can now control more of your PC, and here’s how

Microsoft is updating its Link to Windows app for Android, introducing new features that enhance connectivity between Android devices and Windows PCs. Users can now remotely lock their Windows PCs, check battery and Wi-Fi status from their phones, and cast their phone's screen without using the PC app. These features, previously in development channels, are being rolled out through the Insider program. The app also allows direct file transfers without using Android’s share sheet, provides access to recent files, and enables viewing the clipboard from the PC. Additionally, the app has a refreshed interface for improved usability. Users can join the Insider program to access these updates by ensuring they have version 1.25071.155 of the app and following specific steps in Windows Settings to enable the new features.

AppWizard

July 25, 2025

Fake Indian Banking Apps on Android Steal Login Credentials from Users

A recently discovered malicious Android application poses significant risks by masquerading as legitimate banking apps in India. It facilitates credential theft, conducts surveillance, and executes unauthorized financial transactions. The malware operates on a modular architecture with a dropper and primary payload, employing deceptive user interfaces and silent installation techniques to evade detection. The dropper requests extensive permissions, including ACCESSNETWORKSTATE, REQUESTINSTALLPACKAGES, and QUERYALLPACKAGES, to monitor connectivity, install secondary APKs without user awareness, and profile installed apps. It loads a hidden payload and initiates installation using an INSTALL_NOW flag, bypassing app store scrutiny. The main payload requests additional permissions such as READSMS, SENDSMS, and RECEIVESMS for intercepting one-time passwords (OTPs) and two-factor authentication (2FA) codes. It also requests REQUESTIGNOREBATTERYOPTIMIZATIONS, READPHONESTATE, and READPHONENUMBERS for uninterrupted execution, device fingerprinting, and potential call forwarding abuse. Data exfiltration occurs through Firebase Realtime Database, storing user IDs and intercepted SMS metadata. The malware uses Firebase for command-and-control operations and generates phishing pages resembling authentic banking interfaces. Delivery methods include smishing, email phishing, WhatsApp bots, vishing calls, SEO-poisoned websites, malvertising, Trojanized utilities, QR/NFC attacks, preloaded malware on counterfeit devices, and exploitation of accessibility service vulnerabilities. Indicators of compromise include specific SHA256 hashes for the base payload and main payload.

Tech Optimizer

July 17, 2025

AWS Open-Sources pgactive PostgreSQL Extension

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched pgactive, an open-source extension for PostgreSQL that enables active-active replication, allowing databases to stream data asynchronously between instances. Announced in June 2025, pgactive was previously proprietary within AWS's Relational Database Service (RDS) and first appeared in late 2023. The extension supports conflict resolution and bidirectional data syncing, enhancing resiliency for high-availability applications. It is available under the Apache 2.0 license, encouraging community contributions and customization. Pgactive's architecture includes logical replication slots and customizable conflict handlers, essential for fault-tolerant systems. The open-source model promotes transparency and peer review, with potential integrations discussed in developer communities. The initiative aims to transform enterprise database replication and empower developers to innovate without vendor lock-in.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

Microsoft Tests Streaming Xbox Games on PC

Microsoft's Xbox division is testing a new feature that allows users to stream their personally owned games through the Xbox PC app, eliminating lengthy installations. This feature is currently available to Xbox Insiders with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and enables players to access their game libraries on Windows devices using cloud technology. The app manages processing on remote servers, conserving local storage and reducing download times. This initiative is part of Microsoft's strategy to unify its gaming ecosystem and respond to competition from services like Nvidia's GeForce Now and Amazon's Luna. The feature aims to democratize access to games without requiring a subscription for owned titles. Challenges include reliance on internet connectivity and privacy concerns regarding cloud data management. If successful, this could lead to broader integration across Xbox platforms, including smart TVs. Feedback from Insiders will influence the rollout pace.

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

Minecraft vs. Roblox: Which Video Game is #1 in 2025?

Roblox reported 79.5 million daily active users (DAUs) in Q1 2025, while Minecraft had 140 million monthly active users (MAUs) in 2023. Roblox generated .8 million in revenue in Q1 2025, compared to Minecraft's million for the entirety of 2023. 54% of Roblox users are under 13 years old, while Minecraft appeals to a broader demographic, including adults. Roblox focuses on user-generated content and social interaction, while Minecraft emphasizes creativity and nostalgia.

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

The power of game-based learning with Minecraft Education

Game-based learning through Minecraft Education effectively engages students across various subjects, promoting critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity while equipping them with essential digital skills. The platform offers ready-to-use, standards-aligned resources in subjects like coding, AI, science, history, and math, transforming education into an enjoyable experience. Minecraft Education prepares students for a digital world by providing hands-on experiences that enhance digital citizenship, responsible AI usage, and coding fluency. Specific programs include "CyberSafe AI," which focuses on digital citizenship and AI literacy; "Hour of Code," which involves solving coding puzzles in a theater setting; and "GameCode," where students create their own mini-games. The platform also addresses core subjects and STEM education through immersive experiences like "Ocean Heroes," which teaches marine conservation; "Data Explorers," which emphasizes data collection and analysis; "Ratio Riddles," which engages students with foundational math concepts; "Peter is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage," which explores architectural history; and the "James Webb Space Telescope Challenge," which invites students to explore the universe. Minecraft Education fosters creative classroom environments through activities like "Wheel of Steve," which enhances collaboration and critical thinking, and "Renewtopia," which teaches about renewable energy sources. The platform supports educators with resources and a community to integrate game-based learning effectively.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

channelnews : Epic Settles Samsung Antitrust Case Over Android App Store Restrictions

Epic Games has settled its antitrust lawsuit against Samsung Electronics, dismissing allegations of collusion with Google to restrict rival app marketplaces on Android devices. The lawsuit, initiated in September, accused Samsung of working with Google to maintain its market dominance, particularly through Samsung's Auto Blocker feature, which was designed to prevent malicious software but also hindered downloads from competing app stores. The settlement removes Samsung from the broader antitrust case, leaving Google as the sole defendant on remaining claims. Both companies deny wrongdoing, with Google calling the lawsuit "meritless." The settlement comes ahead of Samsung's new Galaxy phone announcements and does not disclose specific terms. Epic's ongoing challenges with its mobile app store highlight the difficulties faced by alternative marketplace operators.

Winsage

July 7, 2025

Google Chrome now checks if your PC can upgrade to Windows 11

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, but users can extend security updates for an additional year if they maintain a Microsoft account or pay a fee. Google Chrome is evaluating Windows 10 users to gather anonymous usage statistics, which will inform the duration of Chrome's support for Windows 10 and influence future updates and security patches for users on older systems.

AppWizard

July 6, 2025

Activision takes Call of Duty: WWII offline after hackers apparently disrupted the game with RCE exploits — malicious code wreaks havoc on PC gamers as bad actors take complete control of your computer

Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard in 2023 to enhance PC and console gaming integration, focusing on the inclusion of Call of Duty in Xbox and PC Game Pass. Call of Duty: WWII, released in 2017, remained active in 2025 but faced issues when hackers exploited remote code execution (RCE) vulnerabilities shortly after its addition to Game Pass. Although no serious damage was reported, the potential risks were concerning, especially given the game's outdated peer-to-peer matchmaking system. Activision introduced the Ricochet anti-cheat system in 2019, but Call of Duty: WWII lacks these protections. In response to the hacking incidents, Activision temporarily removed the game from the Microsoft Store for investigation, while it remained available on Steam and PC Game Pass. Reports of hacks included a streamer experiencing a live hack that changed their desktop wallpaper and the sharing of hacking tools by users.