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AppWizard
August 4, 2026
A recent analysis by DoubleVerify engineers has identified a trend in mobile advertising known as AfterCall ads, where applications display advertisements immediately after a phone call ends. This practice generates hundreds of millions of impressions monthly and raises concerns about user experience and brand integrity. AfterCall applications operate using three components: a misleading permission, a Broadcast Receiver to capture end-of-call events, and an Activity to display ads. The SYSTEMALERTWINDOW permission allows these apps to show content over others, often granted under false pretenses. They utilize Android's telephony system to trigger ads post-call and employ tactics to obscure their presence, such as removing themselves from the recent apps list and using innocuous icons. Detection is challenging due to the lack of shared codebases and the obfuscation techniques used. The scale of the issue is significant, with numerous AfterCall applications identified monthly, negatively impacting user experience and raising concerns for advertisers.
AppWizard
August 4, 2026
Steam has launched Cyberpunk Fest, a themed event lasting seven days, featuring discounts on various cyberpunk games, free demos, and previews of upcoming titles. Key highlights include Cyberpunk 2077, now priced at .99/€17.99/£14.99 with a 70% discount, and the Ultimate Edition at .10/€33.10/£27.58 with a 60% discount. Indie game Katanaut is available for .63/€5.42/£4.63 at a 69% discount, while Peripeteia is priced at .38/€17.93/£15.38 with a 25% discount. Other notable discounts include RoboCop: Rogue City at 90% off, and both Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director's Cut and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided at 85% off. The event runs until August 10.
AppWizard
August 4, 2026
Game Freak has released a post-apocalyptic action RPG titled "Beast of Reincarnation," available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, Play Anywhere, and PlayStation 5, with a price of £49.99 for the Standard Edition and £57.99 for the Digital Deluxe Edition. The game is also available on Game Pass from day one. Set in the year 4026, it features protagonists Emma and her dog Koo as they navigate a Japan overrun by nature and a deadly blight. The combat system allows players to control both characters, with Emma utilizing swordplay and Koo executing special techniques. Players can customize Emma's skills through various trees, spirit stones, and equipment. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes additional content such as skins for Koo, a special hat for Emma, a sword, in-game currency, and vegetable seedlings.
AppWizard
August 4, 2026
The rice paddy art at Ancient Lotus Park in Gyoda, Saitama, features a design inspired by the video game Minecraft. The artwork measures approximately 180 meters in length and 165 meters in width and can be viewed from the 50-meter tall Gyoda Tower. Around 1,000 volunteers planted rice seedlings in four colors, including the "Sai no kizuna" variety, to create recognizable characters from the game and a pixelated version of Gyoda Tower. The prime viewing period is expected to last until mid-October. Admission to the tower is 400 yen for high school students and adults, 200 yen for elementary and junior high students, and free for preschool children. Inquiries can be made to the Kodai Hasu Kaikan at 048-559-0770.
AppWizard
August 4, 2026
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 2 is being rolled out for a wide range of Pixel devices, enhancing user experience with potential new features and improvements. The build number is CP41.260717.006. Google has not provided detailed release notes for this update. Users can report bugs through the Android Beta Feedback app and engage with the Android Beta community on Reddit. The beta is compatible with the following Pixel devices: Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a, Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and Pixel 10a. Users can join the Android Beta Program for over-the-air updates.
BetaBeacon
August 4, 2026
Garena has announced Palworld Online, a multiplayer survival adventure game set to launch on iOS and Android in 2026. The game is designed as a large-scale multiplayer experience tailored for mobile devices, with open world, shared progression, and group play mechanics.
Winsage
August 4, 2026
Microsoft Edge includes a Read Aloud function, which allows users to listen to content. Speechify has launched a Windows app that offers real-time text-to-speech and voice typing capabilities. Speechify provides a variety of natural-sounding voices and allows users to customize speech speed and tone, while Edge's Read Aloud is integrated into the browsing experience without additional downloads. Speechify's app includes voice typing, a feature not available in Edge's Read Aloud.
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