NewApp Digest
search bot

Internet

I tested an Android app that lets anyone fight censorship - and shows your impact in real time
AppWizard
August 14, 2026

I tested an Android app that lets anyone fight censorship – and shows your impact in real time

Snowflake Volunteer is a newly launched Android app available on the Google Play Store, created by the Tor Project, that allows users to contribute to internet freedom by transforming their smartphones into proxies for the Tor Network. It is a collaboration between Bloco, the Tor Network, and Guardian Project, building on the original Snowflake initiative from 2019. The app connects users needing access to the Tor Network, particularly in regions with heavy internet restrictions, by simulating user traffic as a video call via WebRTC and using dynamic proxies. Users can customize settings such as enabling/disabling the app, charging preferences, Wi-Fi operation, background operation, and connection limits. The app is open-source and available on both Google Play and F-Droid. Testing indicates that it does not significantly drain battery life, showing only a gradual decline over three hours with multiple connections. The app aims to enhance the robustness of the Snowflake network, making it harder for oppressive regimes to impose restrictions.
One of our favorite Snapdragon X Plus Surface Laptops just dropped 27% — finally making it affordable again
Winsage
August 14, 2026

One of our favorite Snapdragon X Plus Surface Laptops just dropped 27% — finally making it affordable again

In April, Microsoft increased the prices of its Surface laptops due to the RAM crisis, making them less accessible for consumers. However, discounts are available, such as a 27% reduction on the Microsoft Surface Laptop (7th Edition) at Best Buy, bringing its price to ,099.99. The laptop features a Snapdragon X Plus CPU, a 13.8-inch 2K touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It offers impressive battery life of 18-19 hours and includes a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI applications. The device is suitable for professional and academic tasks and is noted for its durability and portability.
GeForce NOW comes to Linux, as Nvidia's game streaming service exits beta
AppWizard
August 13, 2026

GeForce NOW comes to Linux, as Nvidia’s game streaming service exits beta

The prices of graphics cards and RAM have increased significantly, making building new PCs expensive for gamers. Cloud-streaming services like Nvidia's GeForce NOW provide an alternative by allowing access to existing game libraries from platforms such as Steam and Epic Games. The highest tier membership offers 5K streaming and up to 360 FPS for .99 per month. Nvidia's GeForce NOW has launched a native Linux application, moving out of beta, which allows Linux users to stream games at graphical fidelity comparable to RTX 5080 levels, with official support for Ubuntu 24.04 and later. The service has added nine new games, bringing the total to over 4,500 compatible titles. Since early 2026, a 100-hour monthly streaming cap has been implemented for all users to manage demand.
ExfilSquad выложила данные Wesco и других жертв через торренты
TrendTechie
August 13, 2026

ExfilSquad выложила данные Wesco и других жертв через торренты

ExfilSquad has announced new victims in the Wesco data breach, setting a negotiation deadline of August 5, 2026, after which stolen data will be publicly released. The affected organizations include Wesco International, the UK Department for Education Help Portal, Turing Portal, Police National Legal Database, Allstate, TaylorMade, Sun Day Red Golf, Frontier Airlines, District of Columbia Public Schools, Newcastle University, Viavi Solutions, City of Houston, City of Atlanta, and Bonava. Wesco International's breach involves 2.6 million records, while the City of Houston has 6 million records at risk. ExfilSquad uses extortion through data publication on an onion site and has expanded to torrent links for distribution, complicating data removal efforts. On August 7, 2026, they released torrent files for each victim, with active hosts identified in China and Russia. The group also claimed to have breached a bank in Nigeria, although this information later disappeared from their site.
Wes Fenlon's recommendations
AppWizard
August 13, 2026

Wes Fenlon’s recommendations

The author reflects on their writing for PC Gamer, noting that their work includes interviews, editorials, explorations of PC gaming history, and news updates, rather than just personal recommendations. To combat the fleeting nature of online content, they plan to create a lasting repository of personal favorites, including games, movies, gadgets, recipes, and life tips. The author is Wes Fenlon, who humorously mentions using WASD incorrectly for his entire life.
Microsoft's August update fixes a Windows flaw that's already being attacked
Winsage
August 13, 2026

Microsoft’s August update fixes a Windows flaw that’s already being attacked

The upcoming Patch Tuesday is scheduled for September 8th, 2026, during which Microsoft will address over 200 vulnerabilities across Windows platforms, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server. Windows 10 users in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will receive updates until October 2027. Among the vulnerabilities, CVE-2026-68820 allows attackers to gain elevated privileges through the Windows auxiliary function driver for Winsock. Microsoft has identified 18 vulnerabilities as critical, including CVE-2026-62878, an RCE vulnerability in the Windows DNS server that can lead to a buffer overflow and code execution without user interaction. Another critical issue is CVE-2026-62893, a UAF vulnerability in the TFTP server of Windows Deployment Services, which allows code injection through UDP port 69. Additionally, CVE-2026-62815, an RCE vulnerability in Quick UDP Internet Connections (QUIC), permits code execution without user interaction, while CVE-2026-59124, although high risk, is not classified as critical due to the HPC Pack not being enabled by default.
3 Apps You Can Sideload On Android Auto
AppWizard
August 12, 2026

3 Apps You Can Sideload On Android Auto

Transforming an old tablet into an Android Auto head unit involves activating developer mode and enabling "Unknown Sources" to sideload applications. Alternatively, third-party tools like Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD) can be used to integrate unofficial apps. Sideloading carries risks, as these apps are not officially vetted and may malfunction after system updates. CarStream is a sideloaded app that allows users to access YouTube on their car display without rooting their phone, making it useful during parked moments. Fermata Auto is an open-source media player that plays local media files from a phone or hard drive, ideal for offline use. Screen2Auto mirrors a phone's display onto the car screen, allowing access to any app, but should be used with caution while driving.
Even the AI assistant inside Russia’s state-backed Max messenger tells users not to trust the app
AppWizard
August 11, 2026

Even the AI assistant inside Russia’s state-backed Max messenger tells users not to trust the app

Alisa, the AI assistant in the Max messenger, has recommended users consider alternative messaging platforms such as Telegram, Signal, or WhatsApp. She highlighted several security vulnerabilities in Max, including the absence of end-to-end encryption and the direction of user data to VK-owned servers. The data collected by Max includes IP addresses, activity timestamps, contact lists, device and browser types, internet service provider information, and various metadata. Alisa suggests that users keep Max on a separate device, referred to as a “maxphone,” to protect sensitive information. If used on personal devices, she recommends using the browser version and restricting the app's access to location services, contacts, microphone, and camera to enhance privacy and security.
Search