links Archives

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Microsoft Patches 398 Flaws Including a Windows Driver Zero-Day Under Active Attack

Microsoft's recent security updates addressed a significant vulnerability, CVE-2026-68820, in a core Windows kernel driver that is being actively exploited, allowing attackers to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level. This vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.0 and is the only one flagged as under active exploitation. Check Point Research links it to the Lazarus group. Additionally, four other vulnerabilities included in the update do not require victim action: - CVE-2026-62878: A stack-based buffer overflow in Windows DNS Server, considered wormable. - CVE-2026-62893: A remote flaw in Windows Deployment Services through TFTP handling. - CVE-2026-62815: A vulnerability in Microsoft QUIC allowing remote code execution. - CVE-2026-59124: An important flaw in HPC Pack with a CVSS score of 9.8. The updates also finalized a fix for a SharePoint vulnerability chain, with CVE-2026-55040 addressing an authentication bypass and CVE-2026-63520 fixing the code execution component. Organizations are advised to prioritize patching CVE-2026-68820 and then address the other vulnerabilities, ensuring SharePoint installations have both fixes applied.

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.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Xodus: Project to Run Xbox PC Games on Linux and Mac Hits Important Milestone

Gaming on Linux is experiencing a resurgence, with projects like Xodus aiming to enable Xbox PC games, including Game Pass titles, on Linux and Mac. Xodus is developed by a team of three, including a contributor from the Heroic Games Launcher. They have made progress in authorization and game downloads and are working on replicating Game Development Kit (GDK) functionality for Xbox services. The project currently uses technologies like Proton, dxvk, or Wine for game performance, focusing on GDK and MSIXVC format games, while older UWP titles are not supported. The Xodus project has a GitHub page and a Discord server for community engagement.

BetaBeacon

August 10, 2026

Monday’s Android iOS app deals and freebies: Hyper Light Drifter, Last Game, Reigns, more

The text describes a list of Android app price drops, including games like Hyper Light Drifter – S.E., The Last Game, Parallel Experiment, Clank!, Dune: Imperium Digital, The Past Within, Reigns, and more. Additionally, there are discounts on Nothing Headphone (a), Pixel 10a, and Anker's 2026 Back to School sale.

Winsage

August 10, 2026

Microsoft, Red Hat, and DH2i to Present, “Simplify Hybrid SQL Server: Windows & Red Hat OpenShift Side By Side”

DH2i will host a live webinar titled "Simplify Hybrid SQL Server: Windows & Red Hat OpenShift Side By Side" on August 20 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time (9:00 AM Pacific Time) in collaboration with Microsoft and Red Hat. The webinar aims to help organizations extend their SQL Server OLTP environments to Red Hat OpenShift, focusing on deploying a secure, cross-platform Availability Group (AG) linking Windows Server VMs with Red Hat OpenShift. Key topics include automating Kubernetes AG cluster deployment, establishing secure connections using Zero Trust Networking (ZTNA), and implementing HA automation for hybrid SQL Server environments. Featured speakers include OJ Ngo from DH2i, Amit Khandelwal from Microsoft, and Vivien Wang from Red Hat. Registration is available for those interested in attending or accessing the recording later.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

Google Play Store starts distributing third-party Android app stores – here’s how it works [Gallery]

Google has started distributing third-party app stores through its Play Store in the United States, beginning with Aptoide Games as the only option. Users can find these stores via specific links or searches, but they will not be prominently displayed. Google will enforce its Play Store policies on these platforms but will not review every app or oversee updates and payments. Aptoide Games specializes in games and allows users to download apps like "Clash of Kings" with minimal security measures.

Winsage

August 8, 2026

‘So glad I left Windows behind. Good riddance’: Microsoft admits it’s forcibly installing a OneDrive Photos app on PCs, and Windows 11 users are very unhappy

Microsoft is automatically installing the OneDrive Photos app on Windows 11 PCs without user consent, affecting both personal and business computers. This deployment has been acknowledged by Microsoft as unintentional, particularly on enterprise systems. Users have expressed frustration over the app's presence, especially those who do not use OneDrive. While some features of the app are opt-in, the automatic installation has led to negative reactions, with users seeking ways to remove the app. Microsoft is reportedly working on an update to allow independent uninstallation of the OneDrive Photos app.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

From ancient Buddhism, to iconic manga hair, to Keanu Reeves: a PC Gamer Causality Chain™

Causality Chain is a series at PC Gamer exploring connections between history, culture, and video games. Keanu Reeves, known for his roles in films, is linked to Buddhist teachings through a narrative that traces back to the 1590s with Xuanzang's travels, which inspired the tale "Journey to the West." In 1984, manga artist Akira Toriyama created a series influenced by this tale, introducing the character Son Goku, modeled after the Monkey King. In 1991, Toriyama introduced the Super Saiyan transformation for Goku, which featured a golden aura and blonde hair. In 1992, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 introduced Super Sonic, a transformation reminiscent of Goku's. In 2001, Shadow the Hedgehog was created as a rival for Sonic, characterized as the "ultimate lifeform." In 2024, Keanu Reeves was cast as the voice of Shadow and claimed he could defeat Sonic, whether as a human or as a CGI character.

BetaBeacon

August 8, 2026

Mastering Sideloading: Safe APK Installation on Android

People reach outside the Play Store to download APKs for emulators, early builds of apps, region-locked releases, modded versions of apps, and apps like betting and casino apps that are restricted by Google's store policies. Google has found that there is over 50 times more malware coming from internet-sideloaded sources than from apps on Google Play. Starting in September 2026, Google will require every developer to verify their identity for apps installed on certified Android devices, including sideloaded apps. To sideload without getting burned, users should pull APKs from reputable sources, match permissions to the job, keep Play Protect switched on, and revoke the "install unknown apps" permission after installation.

BetaBeacon

August 7, 2026

Google’s AI Search seemingly leaked unreleased game content and no one knows how

Google's AI Search accurately revealed an unreleased character for a tower defense game called Operation Octo, surprising the developer who claims the character's name was only present in a private Google Docs file.