engineering Archives

AppWizard

March 6, 2026

Google says these AI models are best at coding Android apps

Google is testing various AI models for Android app development through a new platform called “Android Bench,” which evaluates the performance of leading AI language models (LLMs) against benchmarks specific to Android development. The benchmarks assess capabilities in areas such as Jetpack Compose, asynchronous programming, data persistence, dependency injection, navigation migrations, Gradle/build configurations, and interaction with Android components. Google has identified Gemini 3.1 Pro Preview as the top-performing model with a score of 72.4%, followed by Claude Opus 4.6 at 66.6% and OpenAI’s GPT 5.2 Codex at 62.5%. Gemini 2.5 Flash scored the lowest at 16.1%.

Tech Optimizer

March 6, 2026

Azure Databricks Lakebase is Generally Available

Azure Databricks Lakebase is a managed, serverless PostgreSQL solution optimized for the Databricks Platform on Azure, announced by Microsoft as generally available. It separates compute from storage, allowing direct writing of operational data to lakehouse storage and bridging the gap between transactional systems and analytics. Lakebase features instant branching and zero-copy clones, enhancing developer productivity by enabling safe testing environments without infrastructure delays. It operates on a serverless model with autoscaling capabilities, ensuring cost efficiency by charging users only for the compute resources utilized. Lakebase is built on standard PostgreSQL, ensuring compatibility with existing tools and libraries, and supports various extensions. It provides unified governance through Unity Catalog, offering consistent access control and auditing across the Azure Databricks data estate. The platform facilitates AI development by enabling real-time operational context access and low-latency feature serving. Azure Databricks Lakebase integrates with Microsoft Entra ID for security and compliance, simplifying the DevOps burden for developers.

Winsage

March 6, 2026

Microsoft Reveals ClickFix Campaign Using Windows Terminal to Deploy Lumma Stealer

Microsoft revealed a social engineering campaign named ClickFix that exploits the Windows Terminal application to deploy Lumma Stealer malware. Detected in February 2026, this campaign instructs users to access Windows Terminal using the Windows + X → I shortcut, enhancing its perceived legitimacy. Attackers evade detection by manipulating users into executing harmful commands through deceptive prompts. The attack chain involves pasting a hex-encoded command into Windows Terminal, which opens additional Terminal and PowerShell instances, leading to a PowerShell process that decodes a script. This process downloads a ZIP payload containing a renamed 7-Zip binary, which extracts files and initiates a multi-stage attack, including retrieving payloads, establishing persistence, configuring Microsoft Defender exclusions, exfiltrating data, and deploying Lumma Stealer by injecting it into "chrome.exe" and "msedge.exe." Lumma Stealer targets browser artifacts to harvest credentials. A secondary attack pathway involves downloading a batch script that writes a Visual Basic Script to the Temp folder and connects to Crypto Blockchain RPC endpoints, also using QueueUserAPC() for code injection into browsers to extract data.

Winsage

March 5, 2026

Windows 12 could arrive this year with rumored heavy AI focus — and the hate is strong already

Windows 12 is speculated to launch as early as late 2026, coinciding with the expiration of extended support for Windows 10. Rumors suggest it may feature a modular structure, allowing user customization, and will integrate artificial intelligence as a core component. Community reactions have been largely critical, particularly regarding the potential for a subscription model for AI features. There are doubts about whether Microsoft can effectively launch a new version while addressing issues in Windows 11. Additionally, the next iteration may not be called Windows 12, with possibilities of names like Windows AI or Windows Copilot to reflect its AI focus.

Tech Optimizer

February 27, 2026

Fake Avast Website Steals Users’ Credit Card Information

A phishing scam is targeting French-speaking users in Europe by impersonating Avast antivirus software. Victims are lured to a fraudulent website that mimics Avast's official portal, where they are tricked into providing credit card details due to a fabricated €499.99 charge and promises of a refund. The scam uses realistic branding, dynamic JavaScript for urgency, and live chat features to collect personal information. Users are asked to select refund reasons and submit their personal details, after which they are prompted for credit card information. The scam employs the Luhn algorithm to validate card numbers and displays a fake confirmation message after data submission. Key red flags include dynamic dates, tight deadlines, requests for full card re-entry, and suspicious live chat interactions. Avast has warned users about these scams and encourages reporting to authorities.

Winsage

February 26, 2026

Announcing new Cloud PC devices designed for Windows 365

In 2024, Microsoft launched Windows 365 Link, a new category of devices designed for quick access to Windows 365 Cloud PCs, enhancing IT management and security. Microsoft is collaborating with ASUS and Dell to expand the Cloud PC device portfolio. The ASUS NUC 16 for Windows 365 is a mini-PC with a 0.7L design, supporting up to three displays, expected to be available in Europe and the U.S. by Q3 2026. The Dell Pro Desktop for Windows 365 is a compact, fanless desktop that also supports three displays and will be available in 58 countries by Q3 2026. Both devices boot directly into Windows 365 and are managed through Microsoft Intune. Key updates for the Windows CPC operating system are planned for Q2 2026, including Bluetooth pairing support and tenant branding features. Windows 365 Link is currently available in 20 countries, with plans for market expansion.

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

Google details MCP-like ‘AppFunctions’ that let Gemini use Android apps

Google has introduced early-stage developer capabilities for Android aimed at connecting applications with intelligent agents and personalized assistants, specifically Google Gemini, while prioritizing privacy and security. A key feature of this initiative is AppFunctions, introduced with Android 16, which allows applications to expose specific capabilities for access by agent apps, enabling seamless task execution on devices. Developers can define app functionalities for AI assistants, facilitating various use cases such as task management, media creation, cross-app workflows, and calendar scheduling. A practical example includes the Samsung Gallery app, where users can request specific photos through Gemini, which triggers the appropriate function to retrieve them. Additionally, Google is advancing a UI automation framework for AI agents, allowing for the execution of generic tasks across applications with minimal coding. Future expansions of these capabilities are planned for Android 17, with ongoing collaboration with select app developers to enhance user experiences.

Winsage

February 22, 2026

Windows 12 Forecast Six Expert Predictions

Microsoft is preparing for the release of Windows 12, which is expected to feature an AI-native experience with deep integration of Copilot, showcasing capabilities like on-screen comprehension, voice activation, and task automation. The hardware requirements will be elevated, necessitating 16GB of RAM, rapid NVMe storage, and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for advanced features. Windows on Arm is gaining momentum, with improvements in app compatibility and battery life, while a modular architecture called CorePC is being developed to facilitate faster updates and enhance security. Licensing for Windows 12 is expected to remain unchanged for consumers, with optional cloud-enhanced services available. The update cadence will increase, allowing for faster feature drops independent of major OS releases, with the Windows Insider Program continuing to test new features. Upon its release, Windows 12 will integrate Copilot, provide a more cohesive OS core, and support both x86 and Arm architectures.

Winsage

February 22, 2026

Opinion: Windows 11 isn’t the disaster some claim – and it’s time to say so

Windows 11 has faced challenges, including a comprehensive list of top issues identified in 2025, but it is not uniquely unstable compared to earlier versions like Windows 95, 98, XP, 7, and 10. Recent headlines have highlighted various problems such as printer malfunctions and performance issues, but these are often exaggerated due to increased visibility. Historically, Windows has experienced similar cycles of instability, and the perception of widespread failure today is amplified by rapid documentation of minor issues. User trust in Windows has eroded, with skepticism about performance stemming from cumulative updates and the personal impact of issues on over a billion users. The focus should shift to improving predictability and transparency regarding updates rather than solely counting bugs. Windows 11's frequency of out-of-band updates is comparable to that of Windows 7 and 10, with improved mechanisms for addressing problems quickly. Gamers continue to adopt Windows 11 due to enhanced CPU scheduling, improved GPU performance, and features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage. Microsoft is committed to further improving the gaming experience. The scale of Windows operations, with over a billion users and multiple concurrent releases, contributes to occasional anomalies. Despite criticisms, most Windows 11 systems operate without significant issues, performing adequately for daily tasks and gaming. Microsoft has announced plans for enhancements, including bug fixes, performance improvements, and security upgrades, indicating that Windows 11 remains a solid choice for users.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

Google banned 80,000 developer accounts, blocked 27 million dangerous apps from outside Google Play and more: How Google kept Android users safe in 2025 – The Times of India

Google's annual review highlighted its security measures for Android and Google Play, reporting that in 2025, it prevented over 1.75 million policy-violating apps from being published and banned more than 80,000 developer accounts. Google Play conducted over 10,000 safety checks on every app, blocked 160 million spam ratings, and Google Play Protect scanned over 350 billion Android apps daily. New fraud protection features were introduced, blocking 266 million risky installations and protecting users from 872,000 high-risk applications. Developer tools were enhanced with Play Policy Insights and expanded pre-review checks, while the Play Integrity API conducted over 20 billion checks daily. Google plans to invest further in AI-driven defenses and implement developer verifications in 2026.