individuals Archives

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

YouTube expands in-app messaging

YouTube is expanding its in-app messaging feature, initially tested in Ireland and Poland, to the United States and other global markets. The feature, called YouTube Chat, allows users to directly message and share content within the app. Users can invite friends to chat, enabling them to share posts and discuss videos. This update aims to enhance user engagement and streamline sharing activities, reflecting a trend towards private messaging. Favorable feedback has been received during initial testing, although the feature's success will depend on user willingness to use it in place of established messaging platforms.

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Microsoft is adding a new customizable Start menu to Windows 11: Here’s a first look

Microsoft has introduced customization enhancements for the Start menu in Windows 11, available in preview through the Windows 11 Insider Program. Users can now fully configure which segments of the Start menu are displayed, allowing them to toggle off individual segments: Pinned, Recommended, and All apps. Accessing these options can be done via the Windows Settings app or by right-clicking an empty space in the Start menu. The Recommended feed now allows users to specify the types of items displayed, such as excluding recommended apps while still viewing recent files and installed applications. Users can also adjust the size of the Start menu between small and large, and they have the option to hide their account name and profile picture. However, users cannot rearrange the order of the segments, which remains fixed.

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Vietnam launches first criminal case over pirated Windows, Office software

Authorities in Phu Tho province have initiated a criminal case regarding the illegal installation and use of copyrighted software, specifically targeting pirated Microsoft Windows and Office products. Formal charges for "infringement of copyright and related rights" have been made following urgent searches at five locations in Hanoi and Phu Tho. The investigation revealed that individuals and businesses were using various platforms to promote, distribute, and sell unlicensed software, including cracked software and counterfeit license keys. The inquiry began with Song Lam Trading and Service Co, whose director faces allegations of supplying 81 computers pre-installed with unauthorized software. An additional 350 computers linked to a local educational institution were also found to have illegal software activation. The implicated companies include Athena Vietnam Information Systems Co and Tek-Solution Technology Co, whose directors are under police scrutiny. Authorities estimate that the financial losses for copyright holders could reach tens of billions of đồng, and they have raised concerns about cybersecurity threats associated with illegally activated software.

Tech Optimizer

June 11, 2026

Avast One: Security and privacy suite under the microscope

Avast One is the flagship consumer security suite from Avast (Gen Digital), combining antivirus, firewall, VPN, and privacy utilities into a single subscription for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It offers four primary areas: device security, online privacy, identity protection, and performance tools. Device security includes real-time antivirus, Web Shield, Mail Shield, and Ransomware Shield. The online privacy component features a full VPN service with bank-grade encryption and a no-logs policy. Identity protection includes data breach monitoring and, in some markets, credit monitoring. Performance tools assist with disk cleanup and system optimization. Avast One has three plan tiers: Avast One Essential (free), Avast One Individual (paid, supports multiple devices), and Avast One Family (paid, supports up to 30 devices). Pricing varies based on promotions, with Avast One Individual typically around per year and Avast One Family ranging from to 0 per year. The suite can be downloaded directly from Avast's website, with installers available for various platforms. Avast One includes automatic updates and is designed to operate lightly on modern hardware, with options to minimize system impact during scans. Customer support includes self-help documentation, community forums, and direct support for paying customers. Avast One aims to appeal to both non-technical users and power users, providing a user-friendly interface while allowing for advanced configurations. The product is positioned as a comprehensive solution for households looking to secure multiple devices with a single subscription.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

YouTube rolling out new in-app messaging with invite-only chats

YouTube is rolling out a new in-app messaging system that allows users to share videos, Shorts, and livestreams and engage in one-on-one conversations. A messaging icon will appear in the top-right corner of the app, and users can invite others via a URL link valid for seven days, shared through a third-party platform. Recipients must choose to allow messaging or decline. The feature is for users aged 18 and older and adheres to Community Guidelines. Users can unsend messages, block individuals, and report inappropriate content. Initially tested in Europe, it is now available in the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Singapore.

Winsage

June 11, 2026

New Windows Zero-Day Exploit ‘RoguePlanet’ Released

A new zero-day exploit named RoguePlanet has been discovered targeting Microsoft’s Windows operating system, disclosed by security researcher Nightmare Eclipse. The exploit allows local privilege escalation (LPE) by exploiting a race condition in Microsoft Defender and can facilitate remote code execution (RCE) through deceptive .vhd(x) files. RoguePlanet may also bypass BitLocker encryption. The proof-of-concept has been tested on Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems but does not function on Windows Server, although the researcher believes all Windows Server versions are vulnerable. Following its release, RoguePlanet was confirmed by other researchers to spawn a command prompt with SYSTEM privileges on patched computers. This disclosure comes after Microsoft released patches for earlier exploits by Nightmare Eclipse, including GreenPlasma and YellowKey. The researcher has expressed dissatisfaction with Microsoft’s vulnerability disclosure process, alleging legal action against them and the suspension of their GitHub account, leading to the publication of RoguePlanet under a new account.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Valve Is Killing Physical Steam Gift Cards, Blaming Scammers

Valve has announced the discontinuation of its physical Steam gift card program in retail stores globally due to ongoing issues with scammers exploiting these cards for fraudulent activities. All retail stock is expected to be depleted by the end of 2026. Scammers have been using these cards to siphon funds from victims, often impersonating officials or agencies. Valve has implemented measures to combat these scams but has decided to terminate the retail gift card program. Retailers will sell their remaining inventory but will not restock physical gift cards. Customers can still use existing gift cards on Steam, and digital gift cards will continue to be offered. Consumer protection agencies warn that fraudsters will continue to exploit gift cards from various brands.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Steam’s tired of gift card scams, so it’s killing them off for good

Valve will stop restocking Steam gift cards at retail locations due to increasing scams targeting consumers, particularly the elderly. The company estimates that these cards will no longer be available by the end of 2026, although unspent cards can still be redeemed after that date. Despite the discontinuation, Valve's guest checkout feature will allow digital gifting for gaming experiences.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

Gemini Canvas helped Paris Hilton turn an idea into an app, and she didn’t write a line of code

Paris Hilton has created a custom productivity app named Iconic Ideas using Google’s Gemini Canvas, a platform that enables app creation without traditional coding skills. The app is designed to help manage thoughts associated with her ADHD and features a playful aesthetic with pink hues and sparkly elements. Users can earn "sparkle points" for completing tasks and can generate visual mood boards for various projects. This project highlights the decreasing barriers to app development, emphasizing that effective communication of ideas is becoming more important than coding skills in the creation of personalized applications.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

Microsoft Defender RoguePlanet Zero-Day Grants SYSTEM Access on Updated Windows

An anonymous researcher known as Chaotic Eclipse has released a proof-of-concept exploit called RoguePlanet, targeting a zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Defender. The exploit, which is a race condition, has a variable success rate, achieving 100% success on some machines while being less effective on others. When successful, it grants attackers SYSTEM-level privileges on Windows 10 and 11 systems with the June 2026 Patch Tuesday updates. The exploit does not work on Windows Server due to restrictions on mounting ISO images. Chaotic Eclipse has criticized Microsoft's defenses against path redirection attacks and claims to have found multiple vulnerabilities within Defender and other Microsoft software components. The researcher has expressed dissatisfaction with Microsoft's handling of vulnerability disclosures, particularly after losing access to the Microsoft Security Response Center account. Microsoft has condemned the public disclosure of vulnerabilities as unjustifiable, stating it puts customers at unnecessary risk, and has removed Chaotic Eclipse's GitHub and GitLab accounts. Microsoft clarified that it does not intend to pursue legal action against individuals conducting security research but will collaborate with law enforcement against malicious activities.