Mapping Archives

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

While tinkering with an old typewriter, this gamer managed to build a real gaming PC capable of running Minecraft.

A gamer transformed an old typewriter into a fully functional gaming PC capable of running Minecraft. The project involved using an H110 motherboard, an Intel i5-6600 processor, a 4GB DDR4 memory module, a GT635 graphics card, a 240GB SATA SSD, a 200W SFX power supply, and a WiFi card. The components were integrated into the typewriter's chassis using hot glue, and the original keyboard was modernized with an Arduino Leonardo microcontroller to make it compatible with PCs. The project received positive feedback on Reddit, highlighting its creativity and eco-friendly approach.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

The Windows File Explorer is still so bad when it comes to networked drives

File Explorer in Windows 11 has usability issues, particularly with sluggish search functionality and problems accessing networked drives. Users often experience drives disappearing after reboot, inaccessibility to files, and freezing of File Explorer, with error codes like c0000375 indicating deeper issues. The networked drive feature relies on outdated technology, as Microsoft has deprecated older protocols like SMBv1, complicating file sharing. Users can mitigate freezing by restarting File Explorer and ensuring network settings are correctly configured, such as setting Wi-Fi to private and enabling file sharing options. Excessive pinned items in Quick Access can cause crashes, and clearing the cache may resolve these issues. Alternatives to File Explorer, like XYplorer and File Pilot, can provide better access to networked drives. Overall, the challenges stem from outdated technology and the corruption of the Quick Access cache, with third-party solutions available for relief.

Winsage

May 21, 2025

Announcing new Microsoft Dataverse capabilities for multi-agent operations

Microsoft Dataverse is a secure and scalable platform that integrates enterprise data with agent functionalities, serving as the backbone for organizations to manage business and operational data. It powers Microsoft Copilot Studio, enabling developers to create agents that execute adaptive tasks while ensuring human oversight. Key features include AI-powered search, prompt columns for embedding generative AI, and the Dataverse Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, which transforms structured data into interactive knowledge for agents. The MCP server offers capabilities such as querying data, engaging with knowledge sources, creating/updating records, and executing custom prompts. Dataverse knowledge is integrated into Copilot Studio, connecting structured and unstructured data from various sources to create a unified knowledge network. Data in Dataverse is pre-indexed for near-real-time analytics, and integration with Microsoft Fabric allows for easy exploration of this data. Dynamics 365 data is now accessible within Microsoft 365 Copilot, streamlining workflows. New knowledge sources and connectors have been introduced, including Snowflake, SAP, and Confluence, enhancing agent capabilities. The Power Platform connector SDK simplifies the integration of external structured data into Power Apps and Dataverse. A centralized Tools hub in Copilot Studio allows for the management of reusable functionalities across agents. Additionally, three new managed agents are available in preview, designed to automate document workflows, generate executive briefs, and process inbound leads, facilitating quick implementation and scalability for organizations.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

5 hidden features on Steam I wish I knew about sooner

Steam offers several features to enhance the gaming experience for users: 1. Users can hide games from their library by right-clicking on the title, selecting Manage, and choosing Hide this game, allowing for a clutter-free collection. 2. Steam's launch options enable performance tweaks by allowing users to input custom commands in the Launch Options field, such as -windowed, -novid, and -high. 3. Middle-clicking game links in the Steam Store opens them in a new window, facilitating easier comparison during sales. 4. Steam's input customization allows users to tailor controller settings, including button mapping and sensitivity adjustments, through the Controller settings. 5. Users can upload custom artwork and banners for games to personalize their library and improve organization by right-clicking on a game's tile and selecting Set Custom Artwork.

BetaBeacon

April 30, 2025

2 Best Pokemon Go Joystick For iOS And Android 2025

iAnyGo is a Pokemon Go joystick app for iOS that does not require a reset or jailbreak and minimizes the risk of account suspension.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Blame your phone for killing off this traditional Windows app

Microsoft has announced that Windows Maps will be deprecated by April, with the app being removed from the Windows Store by July and ceasing to receive support thereafter. A July update will deactivate the Maps app entirely. Personal data saved in the app will remain intact but will not function after July 2025. New PCs running future versions of Windows 11 will not come preinstalled with the Maps app beyond the current 24H2 release. Users can still access mapping services through Bing’s dedicated maps page.

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

Russian military personnel on the front lines targeted with new Android spyware

A sophisticated Android malware, identified as Android.Spy.1292.origin, targets Russian military personnel by disguising itself within a modified version of the Alpine Quest mapping application. This malware is designed to steal contacts and monitor locations, evading detection while collecting sensitive data such as the user's mobile phone number, contacts, current date, geolocation, information about files on the device, and the app's version. It is distributed through a dedicated Telegram channel and unofficial Android app repositories. The malware's modular architecture allows for updates that enhance its capabilities, particularly in extracting confidential documents exchanged via Telegram and WhatsApp.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

Trojanized Alpine Quest app geolocates Russian soldiers

Russian soldiers are facing a digital threat from a modified Android application, Alpine Quest, which has been tampered with to track their locations and extract sensitive information. The malware, known as Android.Spy.1292.origin, was embedded in an older version of the app and distributed as a free upgrade to Alpine Quest Pro via a fraudulent Telegram channel. Once installed, the trojan collects various types of information, including geolocation, downloaded files, phone numbers, and app versions, and can download additional modules to exfiltrate specific files. Additionally, researchers at Kaspersky discovered a backdoor hidden in counterfeit software updates for ViPNet, a secure networking suite. The malware, disguised as msinfo32.exe, connects to a command-and-control server to steal files and deploy more malicious components. On the Ukrainian side, Russian operatives are conducting a phishing campaign targeting Ukrainian officials and allies, using social engineering tactics to hijack Microsoft 365 accounts. Attackers contact victims via messaging apps, invite them to video calls, and trick them into providing OAuth codes, granting access to their accounts.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Russian army targeted by new Android malware hidden in mapping app

A new strain of Android malware, identified as 'Android.Spy.1292.origin' by Doctor Web, has been found in compromised versions of the Alpine Quest mapping application, which is popular among Russian soldiers for operational planning. Cyber attackers are distributing these trojanized versions as free alternatives to the premium app via Telegram channels and Russian app catalogs. The malware collects sensitive data, including the user's phone number, contacts, geolocation, and files, and can monitor real-time location changes. It also downloads additional modules to extract confidential files, particularly from Telegram and WhatsApp, and searches for location history logs within the app. This tactic is part of a broader trend of targeting military personnel for intelligence gathering, historically linked to Russian state-sponsored hacking operations.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Fake Alpine Quest Mapping App Spotted Spying on Russian Military

A malicious variant of the Alpine Quest navigation app has been identified, specifically targeting Russian military Android devices. Security experts from Doctor Web discovered that this modified app contains the Android.Spy.1292.origin spyware, which collects sensitive information and executes remote commands. The spyware is distributed as a free download through a deceptive Telegram channel, marketed as a premium version of the legitimate app. Upon installation, it transmits data such as the user's phone number, account details, contact list, geolocation data, and stored files to a remote server. It also communicates with a Telegram bot controlled by the attackers, providing updated location information. The spyware can download additional modules to extract specific content, particularly documents from messaging platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. It searches for a file named locLog generated by Alpine Quest, which records user movements. Doctor Web advises against downloading apps from unofficial sources and warns that malicious applications can bypass review processes on official app stores. The identity of the group behind this campaign is unknown, but there are previous associations with Ukrainian hacktivist factions targeting Russian military personnel.