Enhanced Control

AppWizard
May 21, 2025
Google I/O 2025 announced new features for the Play Store aimed at enhancing user engagement. The "topic browse pages" will allow users to explore apps in a more interactive way, debuting in May in the U.S. with a focus on Media & Entertainment content. The "Where to Watch" feature will expand to users in Korea, Indonesia, the U.K., and Mexico, while developers will gain access to a hero content carousel for showcasing YouTube videos. "Audio samples" will be introduced on the Apps Home, starting with Health & Wellness content. Developers will receive new overview pages for Grow and Monetize statistics and can halt app rollouts if necessary. The Asset Library will be updated for easier management of app assets. Google is also streamlining the subscription process with "multi-product checkout for subscriptions," allowing users to bundle subscriptions with related add-ons. Enhanced controls for developers regarding subscription management and improved payment setup during device initialization are also part of the updates.
AppWizard
May 13, 2025
Google has announced updates to enhance security and privacy for Android users, including: - Enhanced scam protection for calls and text messages. - Updated Factory Reset protections limiting phone functionality if reset without owner consent. - Upgraded Live Threat Detection in Google Play Services to identify malicious applications. - Introduction of the Key Verifier feature for verifying identities in conversations using public encryption keys, launching this summer for Android 10 and higher. - Expansion of the Identity Check feature to more devices with the upcoming Android 16 release. - Concealment of one-time passwords on the lock screen in Android 16. - Extension of the Advanced Protection program to a broader audience. - Rollout of live threat detection capabilities in Google Play Protect for Pixel 6 and newer devices and other smartphones. - Announcement of Google I/O 2025 scheduled for May 20 at 10 am PT (1 pm ET).
Winsage
May 12, 2025
As Windows 10 approaches its end of life, users are considering alternatives like Linux due to stringent hardware requirements for Windows 11. The End of 10 campaign supports this transition by providing resources such as direct assistance, upcoming events for hands-on help, and step-by-step installation instructions for various Linux distributions. Advantages of switching to Linux include cost-effectiveness, an ad-free experience, and enhanced customization. The recent release of Fedora 42 with KDE Plasma as the flagship edition offers a familiar interface for users transitioning from Windows.
Winsage
May 7, 2025
As Windows 10 approaches its end-of-life status in October, approximately 240 million PCs will become obsolete, prompting Microsoft to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, particularly on devices with Copilot+ technology. The "End of 10" initiative aims to introduce users to Linux, providing a website with instructions for installation and highlighting the benefits of Linux over Windows. Windows 11 requires Intel's 8th-generation processors or AMD's Ryzen 2000 series or newer, leaving many functional PCs, especially those made before 2017, unable to upgrade. The "End of 10" campaign promotes Linux as a viable alternative, emphasizing its compatibility with older hardware, cost-effectiveness, reduced emissions, privacy advantages, and lower susceptibility to malware. The website includes a directory of repair shops for support and offers a DIY installation guide. Despite over half of Windows devices still running Windows 10, the adoption rate of Windows 11 is increasing, indicating a potential shift in user migration.
AppWizard
April 18, 2025
Nintendo has announced a new pre-order date for the Switch 2. The 8Bitdo Ultimate 2 wireless controller is available at a low price. The Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar has a significant price drop. The Galaxy Watch Ultra has savings of up to 0. Featured Android games include Defense Zone 2 HD, Chloe Puzzle Game Pro, Aeon’s End, and Riptide GP. Several free icon packs are also available for download.
AppWizard
April 17, 2025
Gemini 2.5 Flash allows developers to set a token limit for reasoning or disable it entirely. Google charges [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Gemini 2.5 Flash introduces a significant advancement for developers, enabling them to set a token limit for reasoning or opt to disable it entirely. Google has established a pricing structure that charges [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Gemini 2.5 Flash will allow developers to set a token limit for thinking or simply disable thinking altogether. Google has provided pricing per 1 million tokens at $0.15 for input, and output comes in two flavors. Without thinking, outputs are $0.60, but enabling thinking boosts it to $3.50. The thinking budget option will allow developers to fine-tune the model to do what they want for an amount of money they're willing to pay. According to Doshi, you can actually see the reasoning improvements in benchmarks as you add more token budget. 2.5 Flash outputs get better as you add more reasoning tokens. Credit: Google 2.5 Flash outputs get better as you add more reasoning tokens. Credit: Google Like 2.5 Pro, this model supports Dynamic Thinking, which can automatically adjust the amount of work that goes into generating an output based on the complexity of the input. The new Flash model goes further by allowing developers to control thinking. According to Doshi, Google is launching the model now to guide improvements in these dynamic features. "Part of the reason we're putting the model out in preview is to get feedback from developers on where the model meets their expectations, where it under-thinks or over-thinks, so that we can continue to iterate on [dynamic thinking]," says Doshi. Don't expect that kind of precise control for consumer Gemini products right now, though. Doshi notes that the main reason you'd want to toggle thinking or set a budget is to control costs and latency, which matters to developers. However, Google is hoping that what it learns from the preview phase will help it understand what users and developers expect from the model. "Creating a simpler Gemini app experience for consumers while still offering flexibility is the goal," Doshi says. With the rapid cadence of releases, a final release for Gemini 2.5 doesn't seem that far off. Google still doesn't have any specifics to share on that front, but with the new developer options and availability in the Gemini app, Doshi tells us the team hopes to move the 2.5 family to general availability soon." temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].15 for every million tokens used in input. The output pricing varies based on the reasoning capabilities employed. For outputs without reasoning, the cost is [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Gemini 2.5 Flash will allow developers to set a token limit for thinking or simply disable thinking altogether. Google has provided pricing per 1 million tokens at $0.15 for input, and output comes in two flavors. Without thinking, outputs are $0.60, but enabling thinking boosts it to $3.50. The thinking budget option will allow developers to fine-tune the model to do what they want for an amount of money they're willing to pay. According to Doshi, you can actually see the reasoning improvements in benchmarks as you add more token budget. 2.5 Flash outputs get better as you add more reasoning tokens. Credit: Google 2.5 Flash outputs get better as you add more reasoning tokens. Credit: Google Like 2.5 Pro, this model supports Dynamic Thinking, which can automatically adjust the amount of work that goes into generating an output based on the complexity of the input. The new Flash model goes further by allowing developers to control thinking. According to Doshi, Google is launching the model now to guide improvements in these dynamic features. "Part of the reason we're putting the model out in preview is to get feedback from developers on where the model meets their expectations, where it under-thinks or over-thinks, so that we can continue to iterate on [dynamic thinking]," says Doshi. Don't expect that kind of precise control for consumer Gemini products right now, though. Doshi notes that the main reason you'd want to toggle thinking or set a budget is to control costs and latency, which matters to developers. However, Google is hoping that what it learns from the preview phase will help it understand what users and developers expect from the model. "Creating a simpler Gemini app experience for consumers while still offering flexibility is the goal," Doshi says. With the rapid cadence of releases, a final release for Gemini 2.5 doesn't seem that far off. Google still doesn't have any specifics to share on that front, but with the new developer options and availability in the Gemini app, Doshi tells us the team hopes to move the 2.5 family to general availability soon." temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].60, while enabling reasoning elevates the price to .50. This flexibility allows developers to tailor the model's performance according to their budgetary constraints and desired outcomes. As noted by Doshi, enhancements in reasoning capabilities become evident in benchmarks as developers allocate more tokens to the budget. 2.5 Flash outputs get better as you add more reasoning tokens. Credit: Google Similar to its predecessor, 2.5 Pro, the new model incorporates Dynamic Thinking, which intelligently adjusts the processing effort based on the complexity of the input. However, Gemini 2.5 Flash takes this a step further by granting developers enhanced control over the reasoning process. Doshi explains that the model is being launched in preview mode to gather valuable feedback from developers regarding its performance—specifically, where it meets expectations and where it may either underperform or overthink. While such precise control may not yet be available for consumer-facing Gemini products, Doshi emphasizes that the primary motivation for developers to toggle thinking or set a budget lies in managing costs and latency—factors that are crucial in development environments. Google aims to leverage insights gained during the preview phase to better understand user and developer expectations. "Creating a simpler Gemini app experience for consumers while still offering flexibility is the goal," Doshi remarks. With the rapid pace of updates, the final release of Gemini 2.5 appears to be on the horizon. Although specific details remain undisclosed, the introduction of new developer options and their integration into the Gemini app suggests that the team is optimistic about moving the 2.5 family towards general availability in the near future." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].15 per million tokens for input, with output pricing varying based on reasoning capabilities: [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Gemini 2.5 Flash introduces a significant advancement for developers, enabling them to set a token limit for reasoning or opt to disable it entirely. Google has established a pricing structure that charges [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Gemini 2.5 Flash will allow developers to set a token limit for thinking or simply disable thinking altogether. Google has provided pricing per 1 million tokens at $0.15 for input, and output comes in two flavors. Without thinking, outputs are $0.60, but enabling thinking boosts it to $3.50. The thinking budget option will allow developers to fine-tune the model to do what they want for an amount of money they're willing to pay. According to Doshi, you can actually see the reasoning improvements in benchmarks as you add more token budget. 2.5 Flash outputs get better as you add more reasoning tokens. Credit: Google 2.5 Flash outputs get better as you add more reasoning tokens. Credit: Google Like 2.5 Pro, this model supports Dynamic Thinking, which can automatically adjust the amount of work that goes into generating an output based on the complexity of the input. The new Flash model goes further by allowing developers to control thinking. According to Doshi, Google is launching the model now to guide improvements in these dynamic features. "Part of the reason we're putting the model out in preview is to get feedback from developers on where the model meets their expectations, where it under-thinks or over-thinks, so that we can continue to iterate on [dynamic thinking]," says Doshi. Don't expect that kind of precise control for consumer Gemini products right now, though. Doshi notes that the main reason you'd want to toggle thinking or set a budget is to control costs and latency, which matters to developers. However, Google is hoping that what it learns from the preview phase will help it understand what users and developers expect from the model. "Creating a simpler Gemini app experience for consumers while still offering flexibility is the goal," Doshi says. With the rapid cadence of releases, a final release for Gemini 2.5 doesn't seem that far off. Google still doesn't have any specifics to share on that front, but with the new developer options and availability in the Gemini app, Doshi tells us the team hopes to move the 2.5 family to general availability soon." temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].15 for every million tokens used in input. The output pricing varies based on the reasoning capabilities employed. For outputs without reasoning, the cost is [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Gemini 2.5 Flash will allow developers to set a token limit for thinking or simply disable thinking altogether. Google has provided pricing per 1 million tokens at $0.15 for input, and output comes in two flavors. Without thinking, outputs are $0.60, but enabling thinking boosts it to $3.50. The thinking budget option will allow developers to fine-tune the model to do what they want for an amount of money they're willing to pay. According to Doshi, you can actually see the reasoning improvements in benchmarks as you add more token budget. 2.5 Flash outputs get better as you add more reasoning tokens. Credit: Google 2.5 Flash outputs get better as you add more reasoning tokens. Credit: Google Like 2.5 Pro, this model supports Dynamic Thinking, which can automatically adjust the amount of work that goes into generating an output based on the complexity of the input. The new Flash model goes further by allowing developers to control thinking. According to Doshi, Google is launching the model now to guide improvements in these dynamic features. "Part of the reason we're putting the model out in preview is to get feedback from developers on where the model meets their expectations, where it under-thinks or over-thinks, so that we can continue to iterate on [dynamic thinking]," says Doshi. Don't expect that kind of precise control for consumer Gemini products right now, though. Doshi notes that the main reason you'd want to toggle thinking or set a budget is to control costs and latency, which matters to developers. However, Google is hoping that what it learns from the preview phase will help it understand what users and developers expect from the model. "Creating a simpler Gemini app experience for consumers while still offering flexibility is the goal," Doshi says. With the rapid cadence of releases, a final release for Gemini 2.5 doesn't seem that far off. Google still doesn't have any specifics to share on that front, but with the new developer options and availability in the Gemini app, Doshi tells us the team hopes to move the 2.5 family to general availability soon." temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].60, while enabling reasoning elevates the price to .50. This flexibility allows developers to tailor the model's performance according to their budgetary constraints and desired outcomes. As noted by Doshi, enhancements in reasoning capabilities become evident in benchmarks as developers allocate more tokens to the budget. 2.5 Flash outputs get better as you add more reasoning tokens. Credit: Google Similar to its predecessor, 2.5 Pro, the new model incorporates Dynamic Thinking, which intelligently adjusts the processing effort based on the complexity of the input. However, Gemini 2.5 Flash takes this a step further by granting developers enhanced control over the reasoning process. Doshi explains that the model is being launched in preview mode to gather valuable feedback from developers regarding its performance—specifically, where it meets expectations and where it may either underperform or overthink. While such precise control may not yet be available for consumer-facing Gemini products, Doshi emphasizes that the primary motivation for developers to toggle thinking or set a budget lies in managing costs and latency—factors that are crucial in development environments. Google aims to leverage insights gained during the preview phase to better understand user and developer expectations. "Creating a simpler Gemini app experience for consumers while still offering flexibility is the goal," Doshi remarks. With the rapid pace of updates, the final release of Gemini 2.5 appears to be on the horizon. Although specific details remain undisclosed, the introduction of new developer options and their integration into the Gemini app suggests that the team is optimistic about moving the 2.5 family towards general availability in the near future." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].60 without reasoning and .50 with reasoning. The model supports Dynamic Thinking, which adjusts processing based on input complexity. Developers can control the reasoning process to manage costs and latency. Google is currently in a preview phase to gather feedback from developers to improve the model. The final release of Gemini 2.5 is anticipated soon, with new developer options integrated into the Gemini app.
Winsage
April 7, 2025
Windows 11 KB5055625 introduces several new features, including a redesigned Start menu that removes the Recommended section and a new option called Show smaller taskbar buttons, which enables automatic scaling of taskbar icons. Users can find this option under Settings > System > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviour. The update allows the taskbar to dynamically adjust the size of app icons when space is limited, aiming to keep favorite applications accessible even when the taskbar is crowded. Currently, some app icons can become obscured behind a three-dot menu when the taskbar is full. The update includes three toggles for taskbar settings: "When the taskbar is full," which manages icons effectively; "Never," which maintains the current icon size; and "Always," which keeps icons compact. Users can modify these settings in the "Taskbar behaviours" section. The update highlights a need for greater user control over taskbar customization, as current limitations prevent manual adjustments to taskbar and icon sizes, and repositioning the taskbar is not allowed.
AppWizard
March 28, 2025
Recent research from cybersecurity firm Sophos has identified the use of PJobRAT malware targeting users in Taiwan through instant messaging applications SangaalLite and CChat, which mimic legitimate platforms. These malicious apps were available for download on various WordPress sites, now taken offline. PJobRAT, an Android remote access trojan first identified in 2019, has been used to steal SMS messages, contacts, device information, documents, and media files. The recent cyber-espionage initiative lasted nearly two years, affecting a limited number of users, indicating a targeted approach by the attackers. The latest version of PJobRAT lacks the ability to steal WhatsApp messages but allows attackers greater control over infected devices. The distribution method for these apps remains unclear, but previous campaigns involved third-party app stores and phishing pages. Upon installation, the apps request extensive permissions and provide basic chat functionalities. Sophos researchers note that threat actors often refine their strategies after campaigns, suggesting ongoing risks.
Winsage
March 27, 2025
The transition to cloud-native endpoint management is changing Windows device management, particularly regarding Windows Update. IT administrators are increasingly relying on Windows Update services for security patches and features. Microsoft has introduced Windows Update for Business to give IT administrators better control over update policies through Group Policy or Mobile Device Management (MDM). Effective management requires understanding which policies to implement for specific desktops. The best approach for managing monthly updates is through servicing rings, which group Windows devices and assign specific update cadences and policies. This method allows controlled rollouts of updates, enabling administrators to prioritize stability and minimize disruption by testing updates on pilot groups before wider deployment. Windows Update for Business manages three update channels: the General Availability Channel for immediate feature updates, the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) for stability-focused devices, and the Windows Insider Program for testing updates. Administrators can control these channels using specific Group Policy Object (GPO) settings. Two primary update release types are managed: quality updates, which are released monthly and can be deferred for up to 30 days, and feature updates, which are annual and can be deferred for up to 365 days. Administrators can pause the deployment of updates temporarily for up to 35 days. Driver updates are also managed through Windows Update, with options to include or exclude them in monthly quality updates. Optional updates, available monthly, can be controlled using specific GPO and MDM settings.
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