guidelines Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 12, 2025

Defendnot: A Tool That Disables Windows Defender by Registering as an Antivirus

Cybersecurity developers have created a tool called defendnot, which disables Windows Defender by utilizing undocumented Windows Security Center (WSC) APIs. This tool is a successor to the no-defender project, which was taken down due to DMCA challenges. The developer reverse-engineered WSC’s validation algorithms and identified Taskmgr.exe as a suitable process to host the necessary code. Defendnot persists across reboots by adding itself to Windows autorun and can be managed via a command-line interface with options to disable Windows Defender and Windows Firewall. Unlike its predecessor, defendnot does not use third-party antivirus code. Security experts warn that disabling protection mechanisms should only be done in controlled environments by knowledgeable users.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Alarming update: Windows 11 may deprive users of all data

In the recent Windows 11 24H2 update, the bypassnro.cmd script was removed, leading to the automatic activation of BitLocker disk encryption for both corporate and home users. This change has raised concerns about data security, performance degradation, and the risk of irreversible data loss, particularly due to the lack of user notifications when BitLocker is activated. Users are advised to back up their encryption keys to prevent permanent loss of access to files. Microsoft has provided a guide for backing up and recovering BitLocker keys, and users can manually disable BitLocker through the registry or settings. Additionally, Huawei is considering moving away from Windows to its proprietary operating system.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Epic isn’t going to be policing AI Fortnite thumbnails

Epic Games has adopted a relaxed stance on the moderation of thumbnails created using artificial intelligence, focusing on compliance with established guidelines rather than the tools used for creation. Dan Walsh, the product management director, stated that the company is more concerned with whether thumbnails meet their rules than with the methods of their creation. He noted that detecting AI-generated content will become increasingly challenging. In contrast, Epic Games maintains strict ethical standards for its own first-party content, ensuring that all generated material is properly licensed and ownership rights are respected, as emphasized by executive vice president Sax Persson.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Google Play shrinks by 47 percent following policy overhaul

The Google Play Store has seen a 47 percent decline in app offerings, dropping from 3.4 million to 1.8 million apps since early 2024. This reduction is a result of Google's efforts to enhance app quality and security, including a policy overhaul that introduced stricter minimum requirements and targeted low-quality applications. In 2024, Google blocked 2.36 million policy-violating apps and banned over 158,000 developer accounts. Despite the decline in app numbers, developer activity remains strong, with over 10,400 new apps released in early 2025, a 7.1 percent increase from the previous year. The European Union's "trader status" rule did not significantly impact the decline in app numbers, as Apple's app count remained stable under similar regulations.

BetaBeacon

April 30, 2025

2 Best Pokemon Go Joystick For iOS And Android 2025

iAnyGo is a Pokemon Go joystick app for iOS that does not require a reset or jailbreak and minimizes the risk of account suspension.

BetaBeacon

April 30, 2025

Epic Games store challenges mobile monopolies

- Flappy Bird has made a comeback exclusively for Android users through the Epic Games store, developed by Flappy Bird Publishing. - The game includes Classic mode and a new Quest mode with unlockable worlds and obstacles. - Epic Games Store has struggled to meet installation goals, achieving fewer than 30 million installs out of a goal of 100 million by the end of 2024. - Alternative marketplaces on iPhones are needed to increase competition and benefit consumers through improved pricing and innovation.

AppWizard

April 19, 2025

‘Minecraft’ movie mayhem raises alarms for America’s youth, ‘bad for society’: expert

Fox News is providing free access to premium content for users who enter a valid email address and agree to its Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. "A Minecraft Movie," based on the popular video game, has become a hit in theaters, attracting young audiences and generating significant social media buzz. A scene featuring Jack Black has led to enthusiastic reactions, including fans throwing popcorn and even a live chicken during screenings. Some theaters, like Springs Cinema & Taphouse in Georgia, have faced extensive clean-up due to the rowdy behavior. Director Jared Hess noted the humorous nature of the screenings, while Raymond Arroyo expressed concerns about safety and order in theaters. The film has grossed million worldwide, and Regal Cinemas plans special "Chicken Jockey" screenings to encourage fan engagement while promoting respectful behavior. Arroyo highlighted a cultural shift in entertainment from superhero films to video game adaptations, suggesting a growing trend in Hollywood.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

More headaches for IT admins as Windows 11 rolls out to ineligible PCs

Microsoft has encountered issues in its enterprise sector, particularly involving the unintended release of Windows 11 to devices that do not meet eligibility criteria due to a bug in Intune. This problem has persisted since April 12 and is caused by a "latent code issue" that prevents Intune from enforcing rollout block policies. The bug allows Windows 11 to be available to "ineligible" Windows 10 desktop devices that IT administrators had blocked from receiving the update. Microsoft is working on a targeted code fix and has advised IT administrators to pause Windows feature updates and manually revert affected devices to Windows 10. The number of companies impacted is unclear, and there are no automated solutions available for the rollback process.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Google hit with antitrust order in Japan over preinstalled Android apps

Japan's Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has issued a cease-and-desist order against Google for violating the nation's anti-monopoly law by requiring smartphone manufacturers to preinstall its applications on Android devices. This practice has been in place since at least July 2020 and has hindered competition by making it difficult for rival search engines and browsers to gain a foothold on Android devices sold in Japan. The JFTC found that Google's contracts incentivized manufacturers to set Google Chrome as the default browser and not preinstall competing applications, affecting around 80 percent of Android smartphones in Japan. The JFTC classified these actions as violations of the Antimonopoly Act and mandated Google to stop these practices, develop compliance guidelines, and appoint an independent third party to oversee adherence to the order. Non-compliance could result in significant financial penalties. Google expressed disappointment but indicated a willingness to collaborate with the JFTC.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Japan orders Google to stop pre-installing Chrome and its other apps on Android smartphones – The Times of India

The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) issued a cease-and-desist order against Google for violating Japan's anti-monopoly law by requiring Android smartphone manufacturers to preinstall its applications, which restricted competing search engine applications. Google incentivized manufacturers financially to designate Chrome as the default browser and not to preinstall rival search applications. The order mandates that Google stop these practices, prohibits the requirement for preinstallation of its apps, and requires the company to create compliance guidelines and appoint an independent third party to oversee adherence for five years. Google had agreements with six manufacturers representing about 80% of Android smartphones in Japan. The investigation began in 2023, reflecting a trend of increased scrutiny of big tech firms globally.