evolution

AppWizard
July 9, 2025
Google is transitioning from Google Assistant to a new digital companion called Gemini, particularly in the latest version of Android Auto, where "Google Assistant" is being replaced with "Digital Assistant." The update, Android Auto v14.8.152744, shows changes in terminology, such as "Manage your digital assistant" and a streamlined description for voice commands. This shift indicates a broader strategy to phase out the Assistant branding, with the potential for settings to eventually direct users to a Gemini configuration page instead of the current Google Assistant settings. Users are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Gemini as it may become the primary digital assistant in vehicles.
AppWizard
July 9, 2025
Google is rolling out an update to its Android operating system that allows its Gemini AI to access third-party applications by default, overriding users' previous privacy settings. This change, effective July 8, has led to confusion among users, as many received unclear email notifications regarding the update and how to disable the new feature. Google has stated that human reviewers may process app data, and conversations could be stored for up to 72 hours, even if users opt out of activity tracking. The update is part of Google's strategy to integrate Gemini more deeply into its ecosystem, replacing the Google Assistant with Gemini on mobile devices. The company plans to open its Gemini Nano model to third-party developers, further embedding AI into applications.
AppWizard
July 9, 2025
Jack Dorsey has introduced Bitchat, a messaging application that operates over Bluetooth mesh networks, eliminating the need for the internet, servers, SIM cards, phone numbers, or email addresses. Bitchat is currently in beta on TestFlight and facilitates encrypted, peer-to-peer communication between nearby devices. Features include one-on-one encrypted chats, optional group messaging with password protection, searchable messages using hashtags, and store and forward functionality for delayed message delivery. Future versions will incorporate WiFi Direct technology to enhance communication speed and range.
AppWizard
July 8, 2025
Mike Bithell, founder of Bithell Games, discussed the changing landscape of licensed games, particularly with the release of Tron: Catalyst. He noted a significant divide in the gaming industry between smaller-scale spin-offs and large triple-A titles, indicating that the mid-tier game development has diminished. Bithell highlighted a shift in how companies view their intellectual properties compared to the '90s and early 2000s, affecting game development strategies. Tron: Catalyst was released on Steam after the Summer Sale, missing a promotional price drop, while other titles from Bithell Games, such as Thomas Was Alone and John Wick Hex, are available at steep discounts.
AppWizard
July 8, 2025
Meta is expanding its marketing capabilities within the Messenger app to enhance direct messaging between businesses and consumers. New features include enhanced product discovery, interactive chat options for customer inquiries, and streamlined checkout processes within the app. This initiative aims to facilitate real-time engagement and transactions, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior towards personalized interactions with businesses.
Winsage
July 8, 2025
Windows 11 has achieved a market share of 50.24%, while Windows 10's market share has declined to 46.84%. The end-of-life date for Windows 10 is October 14, prompting many corporate clients to transition to Windows 11 or Windows 365, which offers complimentary access to extended security updates. Companies are weighing the costs of extended security updates against upgrading hardware. Retail vendors are facing challenges with an oversupply of computers, as consumers are hesitant to invest in new AI-enhanced models.
AppWizard
July 8, 2025
A newly identified Android malware family, Qwizzserial, has emerged as a significant threat in Uzbekistan, disguising itself as legitimate financial and government applications. It spreads primarily through Telegram, using deceptive channels to impersonate authorities and financial institutions, luring victims with offers of financial assistance. Upon installation, Qwizzserial requests permissions related to SMS and phone state, prompting users to input sensitive information such as phone numbers and bank card details, which it exfiltrates via the Telegram Bot API or HTTP POST requests. The malware intercepts incoming SMS messages, including one-time passwords (OTPs) for two-factor authentication, and can extract financial information from messages. Analysts from Group-IB have tracked around 100,000 infections linked to Qwizzserial, with confirmed financial losses exceeding ,000,000 within three months. The malware's infection pattern follows a Pareto distribution, with a small subset of samples causing the majority of infections, particularly those impersonating financial institutions. Security solutions have developed detection rules for Qwizzserial, and organizations are encouraged to implement user education and monitoring to mitigate risks. End-users are advised against installing applications from untrusted sources and to scrutinize app permissions. Indicators of Compromise (IOC) include specific C2 domains and file hashes for both example and latest samples of Qwizzserial.
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