initiative

AppWizard
May 24, 2025
Google has announced updates for Android Auto aimed at improving media applications, revealed at the I/O 2025 event. Key updates include the introduction of the “SectionedItemTemplate,” which organizes content into distinct sections for better usability, and a revamped “MediaPlaybackTemplate” that allows developers to customize the “Now Playing” screen layout. Google is also enhancing the “Car App Library” to enable richer experiences for media apps. Popular platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music will be among the first to implement these changes, although a timeline for the updates is not yet confirmed.
AppWizard
May 24, 2025
The REDMAGIC 10S Pro gaming smartphone is set to launch on May 26 at 3 PM local time in China. It will feature a built-in PC emulator, allowing users to play PC games without cloud streaming or additional hardware. The device is expected to support popular titles such as Wuthering Waves, Blade & Soul 2, Arena Breakout, and Delta Force: Hawk Ops, potentially running at 144Hz. The smartphone will be powered by an overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and a custom R3 Pro gaming co-processor, with a 7,500mAh battery and 120W fast charging. Enhanced cooling features will include direct-contact CPU cooling and bypass charging support.
AppWizard
May 23, 2025
Google has expanded its protections against regional pricing abuse on the Play Store to create a fairer environment for app developers and users. The company is now automatically detecting and blocking purchases that exploit regional price differences, allowing developers to offer localized pricing without the risk of revenue loss. Additionally, Google Play is providing developers with more control over payment location restrictions and has strengthened protections against the misuse of free trial pricing for subscriptions.
Tech Optimizer
May 23, 2025
Cloudflare, in collaboration with Microsoft and international law enforcement, has dismantled the infrastructure of LummaC2, an information-stealing malware service. This initiative led to the seizure and blocking of malicious domains and disrupted digital marketplaces used by criminals. Lumma Stealer operates as a subscription service providing threat actors access to a central panel for customized malware builds and stolen data retrieval. The stolen information includes credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, and sensitive data, posing risks of identity theft and financial fraud. Lumma Stealer was first identified on Russian-language crime forums in early 2023 and has since migrated to Telegram for distribution. Its proliferation is facilitated by social engineering campaigns, including deceptive pop-ups and bundled malware in cracked software. Cloudflare implemented measures to block access to Lumma's command and control servers and collaborated with various authorities to prevent the criminals from regaining control. Mitigation strategies for users include restricting unknown scripts, limiting password storage in browsers, and using reputable endpoint protection tools. The operation has significantly hindered Lumma's operations and aims to undermine the infostealer-as-a-service model contributing to cybercrime.
Winsage
May 23, 2025
Microsoft is transforming Windows into an agentic AI platform, a significant evolution in its operating system history. At the Microsoft Build 2025 event, CEO Satya Nadella discussed the need to update legacy internet systems for the rise of AI agents, likening this phase of generative AI to past technological revolutions. Microsoft is developing an ‘agentic web’ to allow intelligent agents to interact with data and users. To support this, the Model Context Protocol (MCP), developed by Anthropic, will be embedded in Windows, enabling AI agents like GitHub Copilot to perform tasks beyond code generation, such as installing software and modifying system settings with user consent. Microsoft introduced Foundry Local, a tool that allows AI features to run offline on PCs, enhancing response times and privacy. The company also launched Copilot Tuning, enabling enterprises to customize AI agents using their own data and workflows. Additionally, Microsoft announced NLWeb, an open standard to convert any website into an agentic platform, facilitating AI agents' understanding and interaction with web content. Microsoft is collaborating with companies like Tripadvisor to implement NLWeb for autonomous travel arrangements.
AppWizard
May 22, 2025
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 22, 2025
Microsoft is testing updates to Notepad and Paint for Windows Insiders, focusing on integrating artificial intelligence into these applications. Notepad's new Write feature assists users in generating text based on prompts and enhances existing content with AI support. Users can insert new text or select existing text for reference, and the AI-generated text can be accepted, discarded, or refined. Notepad also includes features like Summarize, which condenses content, and Rewrite, which modifies tone and structure. Paint is receiving AI enhancements, including a Sticker generator for creating custom stickers by describing designs and an Object select tool for smart selections in images. The Snipping Tool is improving with a Perfect screenshot button that resizes screenshots intelligently and a new Color picker for precise color selection. To use Notepad's Write feature, users must sign into their Microsoft accounts, which will operate under a credits system. Pricing for these credits has not been disclosed.
AppWizard
May 22, 2025
Instagram is testing a new feature that introduces an immersive 3D experience for users interacting with photos on the platform, utilizing Meta's Reality Labs and the Meta Quest VR headset. A select group of testers will soon experience this functionality, which aims to enhance visual exploration and engagement with Instagram's content.
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