individuals Archives

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Xodus Cracks Xbox Authentication and Game Package Decryption to Bring PC Game Pass to Linux

Developers of the Heroic Games Launcher have announced Xodus, an open-source project aimed at enabling access to PC Game Pass on Linux and macOS. Launched on August 10, 2026, Xodus has successfully addressed Xbox identity authentication and the decryption of MSIXVC packages, allowing local play of Game Pass titles for Linux and macOS users. Currently, the only way to access Game Pass on non-Windows devices is through Xbox Cloud Gaming, which requires a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and introduces latency. Xodus employs a layered architecture, including an Xbox Authentication Library (xal-rs) for managing Microsoft account sign-ins and license verification, and a reimplementation of the xgameruntime.dll for license checks and Xbox service access. The project can retrieve MSIXVC game packages using a valid Game Pass subscription and decrypt executables for local storage. However, it does not yet support UWP-based titles and lacks a user-friendly interface for general users. The project is under pressure due to Microsoft's upcoming transition to the MSIXVC2 package format, which Xodus does not currently support. Xodus is in early development with only a command-line interface available, and the team is working on emulating the GDK Gaming Services layer necessary for game initialization. The project is legal as it reimplements Xbox runtime behavior without enabling piracy, but it faces risks if Microsoft alters its authentication infrastructure.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Notability Brings Fully Native, AI-Assisted Note-taking To Android

Ginger Labs, Inc. has launched its note-taking app Notability on the Android platform via the Google Play Store, allowing millions of new users to access its features. The app was developed with feedback from Android beta testers and includes features such as S pen support, various paper templates, intra-document links to PDFs, and note export capabilities. Notability for Android offers a native experience with unique features like playful pen styles, enhanced handwriting recognition, audio recording with transcription, and real-time syncing across devices. The app also incorporates AI tools for generating quizzes and flashcards, instant live transcription, and access to over 20,000 free note templates. Subscriptions and one-time purchase options are available in the Google Play Store.

Tech Optimizer

August 11, 2026

Fake popular sites offer a free app, instead take over PCs

A fraudulent website mimicking CNN's homepage is promoting a fake "CNN app" that is not affiliated with CNN. This site, along with others impersonating brands like Avast and Stremio, distributes a legitimate remote management tool called O&O Syspectr, which can grant attackers remote access to victims' computers. The installers for these counterfeit apps share the same account ID, indicating they are linked to the same malicious source. Users are misled into downloading these installers, which appear legitimate but allow unauthorized access to their systems. O&O Software has responded by disabling certain features for free accounts and monitoring for abuse. Users are advised to only download software from official sources and verify installer details before execution.

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.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

EXCLUSIVE: Messaging apps alleged coup conspirators used for communication

The choice of communication methods, such as WhatsApp and Zangi, influenced the outcome of a clandestine operation related to an alleged coup against President Bola Tinubu's government. Retired navy captain Erasmus Victor, facing treason charges, mentioned being recruited to find financial backers for the coup by Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, who introduced him to Zangi for its security features. Zangi claims it does not store communication histories and uses end-to-end encryption, but investigators may still access data on users' devices. The investigation includes evidence from devices rather than relying solely on messaging companies. Mr. Victor and his co-defendants have denied wrongdoing and are challenging the admissibility of their statements in court.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

Google Play Store’s first experimental ‘Labs’ feature lets you ‘expand everything’

Google is testing a new feature in its Play Store called “Expand everything,” which automatically expands search results to provide more information about apps without needing to manually expand each result. This feature, found in the “Play Labs” section, displays search results in an expanded format by default, changing the arrow icon from an expander to a collapsible tool. While it offers more detailed information, it occupies more screen space, resulting in fewer visible results. Users can enable or disable this feature by navigating to the “Play Labs” option in their profile settings. The rollout is gradual, with limited access for users currently, but it is expected to become more widely available soon.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

YouTube’s new autoplay behavior is already triggering thousands of users

YouTube's app for Android has begun automatically replaying paused videos when the app is reopened after several hours of inactivity, leading to frustration among users. Reports indicate that this issue affects both paying and non-paying users, with over 3,000 users expressing their concerns on YouTube's support pages. The problem has been noted for several months, with initial reports dating back to March. Some users have found temporary relief by uninstalling and reinstalling the app. This behavior has raised questions about whether it is an intended feature rather than a glitch.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

6 hidden Google apps you aren’t using, but should be

YouTube Create is a free mobile video editor that offers features for creating videos for platforms like Instagram Reels, including filters, effects, and AI capabilities for editing. Snapseed is a free photo editing app with professional-grade features and a user-friendly interface, recently updated to include a camera mode. Google Opinion Rewards allows users to earn Play Store credit by completing short surveys. Action Blocks enables users to create customizable buttons for specific smartphone actions, aiding those who struggle with traditional navigation. Gallery is a minimalist photo management app that focuses on viewing images and videos without distractions. Google Lens is a versatile tool that identifies objects, extracts text, translates in real-time, and engages users in conversations about their surroundings.

Tech Optimizer

August 9, 2026

Kaspersky Research: Gen Z is the Most Active Internet User, but Minimal Cyber Protection

Generation Z is the most engaged demographic online, with 57 percent spending more time in the virtual realm than in the physical world. Smartphones are the primary tool for this generation, with 67 percent using them to access the internet. While 59 percent feel confident navigating the digital landscape, only 27 percent use antivirus software on their mobile devices. More than half (52 percent) have experienced cyber attacks, with 17 percent reporting hacking incidents on social media and 12 percent losing access to gaming accounts. Kaspersky recommends that Gen Z implement comprehensive security solutions, consider using a password manager, and utilize a trusted VPN for added online security.

AppWizard

August 9, 2026

Android apps could be leaking your precise location

Third-party advertising tools embedded in Android applications are automatically collecting location data, often without the app developers' awareness. Software development kits (SDKs) used for advertising come with location data collection enabled by default, unless developers actively disable this feature. Historical location data has been sold to military and intelligence agencies, including the FBI, and used in immigration enforcement actions in the US. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) reported that app-level location permissions do not provide meaningful consent for location collection by third-party advertising SDKs. The EFF identified four advertising SDKs—InMobi, BidMachine, Verve's HyBid, and Huawei's Petal Ads—that collect and share location data by default. Two analyzed apps had been downloaded 60 million times without providing a privacy notice or seeking user consent for third-party location sharing. Users can manage location permissions through their device settings, but the EFF emphasizes that developers should ensure user data is not shared by default.