experts Archives

Winsage

August 12, 2026

Windows license price hikes could make PC even more expensive: Report

Windows laptops are facing challenges due to a persistent memory chip shortage and significant increases in Windows 11 licensing fees announced by Microsoft. These fees are rising by 7% to 10% starting in July, with higher-end devices seeing larger increases. As a result, the prices of current PC models are expected to rise, affecting consumers who purchase laptops and desktops with pre-installed operating systems. Individual Windows 11 licenses remain unchanged for DIY users. The ongoing AI boom has intensified the shortage of essential components like RAM and SSD storage chips, leading companies such as Dell and Microsoft to raise laptop prices. Experts warn that the situation, referred to as "RAMageddon," may worsen as the year progresses.

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Windows 11’s RAM-hogging, advert-laden Weather app is the poster child for everything that’s wrong with the operating system

The Weather app in Windows 11 can consume over 1GB of RAM, raising concerns about performance and user experience. Microsoft is aware of the need for performance enhancements, particularly for devices with limited RAM, as many manufacturers are reverting to 8GB laptops. The app's memory usage and inclusion of advertisements contribute to user frustration, with complaints similar to those from Windows 10. Users express discontent over ads in native apps, questioning the value of a paid operating system. Microsoft has committed to reducing upselling in Windows 11, and addressing the Weather app's issues could improve user satisfaction.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Meet Snowflake Volunteer: Tor’s Android app that lets you help people bypass censorship

The Tor Project has launched the Snowflake Volunteer app, an Android application developed in collaboration with Bloco, aimed at helping users in restricted regions bypass internet censorship. This app enhances the existing Snowflake capabilities, allowing users to share their internet connections through volunteer-operated proxies to access the Tor network. In June, the number of unique proxy IP addresses used daily increased from approximately 1,300 to 1,700, marking a 29% rise. The Tor Browser operates as a free, privacy-focused network, routing traffic through volunteer-run secure computers. The Snowflake Volunteer app employs "domain fronting" to connect users to various proxies and is designed for those with limited technical skills, simplifying the process of becoming a proxy. Users can download the app from F-Droid or Google Play, run it in the background, and set usage restrictions. While Tor generally advises against using VPNs, some experts recommend them for users in highly censored regions, though this approach has its own challenges.

Winsage

August 10, 2026

Microsoft, Red Hat, and DH2i to Present, “Simplify Hybrid SQL Server: Windows & Red Hat OpenShift Side By Side”

DH2i will host a live webinar titled "Simplify Hybrid SQL Server: Windows & Red Hat OpenShift Side By Side" on August 20 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time (9:00 AM Pacific Time) in collaboration with Microsoft and Red Hat. The webinar aims to help organizations extend their SQL Server OLTP environments to Red Hat OpenShift, focusing on deploying a secure, cross-platform Availability Group (AG) linking Windows Server VMs with Red Hat OpenShift. Key topics include automating Kubernetes AG cluster deployment, establishing secure connections using Zero Trust Networking (ZTNA), and implementing HA automation for hybrid SQL Server environments. Featured speakers include OJ Ngo from DH2i, Amit Khandelwal from Microsoft, and Vivien Wang from Red Hat. Registration is available for those interested in attending or accessing the recording later.

AppWizard

August 9, 2026

Organized crime is using encrypted messaging apps to enlist youth. This spells trouble for police

Toronto has seen an increase in gunfire incidents aimed at the U.S. consulate, leading to the arrests of a 19-year-old and a 15-year-old. These incidents are linked to alleged gun-for-hire plots that also target Jewish schools, synagogues, and waste management facilities in the Greater Toronto Area. Investigators are facing difficulties in identifying the masterminds behind these operations, partly due to the use of encrypted messaging apps to recruit young individuals. The federal government's Bill C-22 aims to provide law enforcement with tools to address these challenges, but it has faced criticism for potential overreach and privacy concerns. Police Chief Myron Demkiw emphasized the need for effective tools to prevent violence facilitated through encrypted communication. Technology analyst Carmi Levy raised concerns about balancing law enforcement needs with privacy rights. Additionally, there is a societal responsibility to protect children from online recruitment by criminal networks, with calls for proactive conversations between parents and children and educational initiatives in schools.

AppWizard

August 9, 2026

PlayStation 5 emulation has taken a new leap forward, bringing console-based Minecraft to PC.

Developers of PlayStation 5 emulation software have made significant progress in running various 3D games on personal computers, including a version of Minecraft. This advancement is due to architectural similarities between modern consoles and PCs, although major AAA titles still require further system enhancements to be emulated. Sony has decided not to release single-player, high-budget games on PCs, focusing instead on multiplayer titles, which has increased interest in emulation for experiencing single-player games. In contrast, the development of an emulator for the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be more challenging and time-consuming due to its dedicated processor, complex graphics API, and lack of a console jailbreak, leading analysts to predict a lengthy emulation process similar to that of Sony's hardware.

Winsage

August 7, 2026

This ‘classic’ decades-old SQL injection flaw could let hackers take over entire Windows servers, thanks to a nifty database trick

Security researchers from Huntress discovered a sophisticated SQL Injection (SQLi) attack that led to the deployment of a rare toolkit called Khunt. The attackers exploited a public-facing application backed by an Oracle database by failing to validate user input, allowing malicious SQL commands to be executed. The Khunt toolkit enabled activities such as executing operating system commands, stealing credentials, and exfiltrating registry hive data. Experts recommend robust defense mechanisms, including input sanitation, regular security audits, and the implementation of web application firewalls to protect against such attacks.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Samsung follows LG in killing Smart TV apps that rent out your internet

Security researchers found that several Samsung Smart TV applications, including Pac-Man, were embedding residential proxy SDKs from data brokers like Bright Data. In response, Samsung has banned the inclusion of residential proxy functionality in new app submissions and is working to remove existing apps with such software. The investigation by Norwegian cybersecurity firm Mnemonic revealed that the Bright Data SDK was integrated into various gaming applications, some promoted by Samsung. While Samsung TVs were not automatically sharing internet connections, the SDK could be activated remotely by developers, requiring user consent. Once consent was granted, the proxy service could operate in the background. Many Samsung TV applications were found to download most of their code from remote servers, complicating verification processes. The issue of residential proxy software is not limited to Samsung, as it has also been identified in various Android apps and devices. Following these findings, LG and Google have also taken measures to address the risks associated with residential proxy networks.

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

ACRODRIFT: FPV Drone Simulator Arrives on PC on August 7

ACRODRIFT: FPV Drone Simulator is set to launch on PC via Steam on August 7, 2026, with console versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S expected in 2026 or 2027. Developed by Dueking Studio and published by Ultimate Games S.A., the simulator features realistic flight physics and offers three core gameplay modes: Free Flight, Race, and Collection. Players can engage with over 20 challenges and customize their drones in a workshop with options for pre-built models or scratch builds. The game includes six maps, 11 drone frames, and 13 types of motors. It supports both gamepads and professional drone controllers. The minimum system requirements for PC include Windows 10 64-bit, Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X CPU, 8 GB RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT GPU.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Motorola Launches Indigenous Collections App For Language And Cultural Preservation

Motorola has launched the Indigenous Collections app, a free mobile application aimed at preserving the cultural heritage of the Rainy Lake Ojibwe community, including the Ojibwe language, stories, landmarks, and familial knowledge. The app was developed in collaboration with Ojibwe language instructor Jason Jones and Dr. Anton Treuer, a Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University. It is available for download on the Google Play Store and shares only publicly accessible cultural knowledge. The app is part of Motorola's Indigenous Languages Initiative, developed with the Lenovo Foundation, which aims to digitize and safeguard indigenous languages and integrate them into modern technology.