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AppWizard

June 4, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: Ads From Verizon, Shell, and Others Ran Next to Explicit Videos on Top Android App

Major brands such as Verizon, Amazon, and Popeyes found their advertisements appearing alongside inappropriate content on the short-form video platform XShorts, which has over a million downloads and promotes itself as a hub for "short and hot videos." Despite its 'Teen' rating, the app has been criticized for hosting sexually suggestive and racially offensive material. Google assessed that XShorts breached its advertising policies, resulting in the suspension of the app's monetization capabilities. Advertisements from brands like Shell, Walgreens, Microsoft, and others were observed alongside explicit content. In response, brands like Roblox and Puck have taken measures to ensure brand safety, while Meta has removed XShorts from their Audience Network for policy violations. The incident highlights the challenges advertisers face in maintaining brand safety on emerging platforms.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Mac users are obsessed with this cult-favorite, lifetime Microsoft Office deal

Many users are paying recurring fees for Microsoft 365 subscriptions for applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. A one-time purchase option for Microsoft Office is available for .99, which includes essential applications and eliminates ongoing costs. This version supports macOS Ventura and is optimized for Retina displays. It offers lifetime access without the need for monthly payments, making it a more economical choice compared to Microsoft 365, which costs 0 annually. A Windows version is also available. The deal provides a stable version of Office without unexpected updates or changes.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Google might be working on a new Gemini UI that makes sense on tablets

Google is enhancing the user experience of its Gemini platform on tablets with a new beta release that features a tablet-friendly layout, including a sidebar for quick access to chats and a hamburger menu for navigation. The updated design includes shortcuts for starting new conversations and searching past discussions, as well as a modified prompt bar that highlights tools like “Deep Research” and “Canvas.” A new “Search History” function allows users to retrieve past chats using keywords. The latest beta version (v16.20.48.sa.arm64) for Android mirrors the web interface, with a left-hand sidebar for navigation and practical shortcuts for new and archived chats. Users can switch between different Gemini models using a dropdown menu, and a full-screen mode option is available to hide the sidebar for a distraction-free view. The timeline for the widespread rollout of the tablet-optimized layout is currently uncertain.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Android Automotive is expanding its app catalog for cars with the largest displays

Google announced its collaboration with OEMs to enhance mobile app compatibility for large screens in Android Automotive, targeting thousands of car-ready applications. The rollout will begin in vehicles with Google built-in and running on Android 14, with the Volvo EX90 being the first model to benefit from this expanded app ecosystem. Additionally, Google introduced a new aspect ratio menu for toggling between default app size and full-screen view, aligning with updates in Android 14 QPR1 for smartphones.

Winsage

May 16, 2025

I made the Windows 11 taskbar truly my own with these customizations

Windows 11 offers taskbar customization options that enhance user experience. TranslucentTB is a free tool that allows users to change the taskbar's color and transparency, adapting its appearance based on different scenarios. ExplorerPatcher enables users to restore the Windows 10 taskbar design, providing individual buttons for features and customizable flyouts. Windhawk is a modding tool that offers unique themes for the taskbar, transforming its appearance into styles reminiscent of other operating systems. Start11 allows users to pin folders to the taskbar for easier access. Windhawk also provides mods to enhance taskbar labels and customize the clock. ObjectDock offers a macOS-style dock as an alternative to the traditional taskbar, featuring animations and visual customization options.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Microsoft might be sick of hearing “When is Windows 12 coming?” — but Windows 10’s death remains the hot topic for most users

Microsoft introduced Windows 11 over three years ago as the successor to Windows 10, which will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025. Windows 11 currently holds a market share of 43.72%, while Windows 10 has 52.94%. Users are gradually transitioning to Windows 11, influenced by the impending support deadline for Windows 10. A recent update for Windows 11 added new features, but there is speculation about Windows 12, which Microsoft has not confirmed. User sentiment reflects more concern about the end of Windows 10 support than excitement for Windows 12. In response, Microsoft is promoting Windows 11 through ads and highlighting the benefits of Copilot+ PCs, which claim to outperform older devices.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Microsoft shares its process (and discarded ideas) for redone Windows 11 Start menu

Microsoft is testing a revamped Start menu for Windows 11, which retains familiar elements but offers reorganization and customization options. The redesign process included concepts that were ultimately discarded, such as a Windows XP-inspired sidebar, a full-screen Start experience from Windows 8, and various layouts emphasizing different functionalities. Ideas included an abundance of icons, thumbnail previews for recently opened files, a dedicated area for calendar reminders, and a "create" button suggesting generative AI capabilities. Microsoft engaged over 300 Windows 11 enthusiasts for feedback to inform the redesign, aiming to enhance user experience while maintaining familiarity.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Microsoft reveals its rejected Start menu redesigns

Microsoft is redesigning the Start menu in Windows 11, introducing a wider layout that allows users to disable the recommended feed of files and applications. The company shared five distinct concept designs for the menu, including features like a rounded menu with widget-like functionality, a side-separated "For You" section, a landing page design, and a full-screen vertical layout. The design team engaged with over 300 Windows 11 enthusiasts to refine their concepts through co-creation calls and user feedback. The new Start menu aims to enhance app visibility, increase customizability, and ensure speed while maintaining familiarity. It will also include a phone companion panel for quick access to calls, messages, and files. Microsoft plans to test the revamped Start menu with Windows Insiders soon, with a broader rollout expected in the coming months.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

Beware: 2.5 Million Monthly Downloads of These Risky Android Apps Could Endanger Your Device!

The Kaleidoscope attack is an ad-fraud scheme targeting Android users by tricking them into downloading malicious versions of legitimate apps, primarily via third-party app stores. Approximately 2.5 million devices are infected each month, with notable occurrences in India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brazil. Users are advised to uninstall suspicious apps and avoid downloading from unverified sources to protect their devices.

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

These dangerous Android apps are installed 2.5 million times each month

Kaleidoscope is an ad-fraud attack targeting Android users by exploiting legitimate applications on the Google Play Store and offering malicious duplicates through third-party app stores. Approximately 2.5 million devices are affected monthly, with 20% of incidents occurring in India, and other impacted regions include Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brazil. Users unknowingly download legitimate-looking apps while malicious versions circulate elsewhere, leading to intrusive advertisements that disrupt user experience and generate revenue for cybercriminals. Google has removed flagged titles from the Play Store and is enhancing protections, but ad resellers often fail to properly vet their inventory. The adware causes device overheating, rapid battery drain, and sluggish performance, highlighting the need for user vigilance.