individuals Archives

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Mesh, Automattic’s CRM for everyone, comes to Android

Mesh, a personal CRM acquired by Automattic, has launched on Android, allowing users to manage their networks with features like notes, reminders, and real-time synchronization. The app includes enhancements for Android, such as split-screen views, keyboard shortcuts for foldable devices, in-app search, and home screen widgets. Mesh is currently in early access with Nexus AI, which helps users navigate their networks. It prioritizes user privacy and operates on a subscription model, offering a free version for up to 1,000 contacts. Approximately 70% of users utilize Mesh for business purposes, and it is available for download on Google Play.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Automattic has introduced the Mesh app for Android

Automattic has launched the Android version of its app, Mesh, which helps users manage personal and professional contacts with privacy. Mesh allows users to visualize their network, add notes, and set reminders. The Android version utilizes features like split-screen mode, pop-up windows, and supports keyboard shortcuts on foldable devices. It includes in-app search, home screen widgets, and real-time synchronization. Mesh partially integrates with Automattic’s Beeper messenger for streamlined communication. Currently in early access, Nexus AI enhances user experience by enabling intuitive queries about contacts. Mesh prioritizes user privacy and operates on a subscription model, offering a free version with a limit of 1,000 contacts and paid tiers for unlimited contacts. Approximately 70% of users utilize Mesh for business purposes. The app, formerly known as Clay, is available on Google Play and compatible with various devices.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

Windows 11 keeps breaking user expectations around browser choice, according to new global research

A survey by the Browser Choice Alliance involving 2,000 U.S. adults reveals significant dissatisfaction with Microsoft's Edge browser. Key findings include: - 86% of respondents believe they should control their default browser, and 80% want a "one-click browser default" option. - 26% currently have Edge as their default browser, but only 19% would choose it if given a free choice. - 72% of those who tried to change their default browser in the past two years faced obstacles, such as Edge being recommended or links opening in Edge. - 29% reported that Windows system updates changed their browser preferences. - Among adults aged 65 and older, 44% found changing their default browser complex, and 61% lacked confidence in the process. - 14% of respondents believe users should not have the ability to choose their default browser. - Microsoft has made changes to enhance user choice only within the EU, ignoring global opportunities. - Tools like MSEdgeRedirect and EdgeDeflector aimed at redirecting links to preferred browsers are now ineffective or limited. - Microsoft announced the discontinuation of support for MV2 extensions, affecting tools like uBlock Origin.

BetaBeacon

August 12, 2026

Dave the Diver gets an Android and iOS release date (and a new Heartopia crossover)

Dave the Diver, a popular game character, is set to be released on Android and iOS devices on September 17. Two DLC packs will be available at launch, with additional content to enhance the gaming experience. Gyro controls for tea making and fast travel in the Sea People's Village will be included in the mobile version. Dave will also make a special appearance in a crossover event with the game Heartopia.

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.