media Archives

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

The Useful Privacy Feature That Isn’t Enabled By Default On Your Android Phone

Private Space is a privacy feature available on Pixel and select Android devices, while Secure Folder is exclusive to Samsung devices. Both create a secure area within the smartphone for sensitive applications and data storage, operating independently from the primary user profile. Users can install apps and store files in these secure spaces without compromising their main profile's integrity. To activate Private Space, users navigate to Settings > Security and Privacy > Private Space, requiring a Google Account sign-in and a unique lock. For Samsung devices, the path is Settings > Security and Privacy > More Security Settings > Secure Folder, requiring a Samsung account. Private Space cannot be used on managed devices or with supervised accounts, and only the primary user can manage these secure areas. The Private Space or Secure Folder icon can be hidden for added security. The private area is distinctly separated from the core user profile, preventing open communication between the two spaces to safeguard against data harvesting. Android allows granular control over app permissions, and users are advised to isolate questionable apps within Private Space or Secure Folder to protect sensitive information.

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

Android 17 is off to a rough start with new Pixel touchscreen complaints

Android 17 has caused touchscreen issues for Pixel users, including unresponsive taps, dead zones, and reversed scrolling, affecting models such as the Pixel 10, 9, 8, and 7 series. Google is aware of the problem, but initial fixes have not worked for all users. Clearing the cache of the Pixel Launcher has shown inconsistent results. Users have reported erratic touchscreen behavior, with taps being ignored and swipes misinterpreted. The issue has been documented in Google's IssueTracker and affects the entire modern Pixel lineup, occurring across different applications. Google suggested clearing the Pixel Launcher cache as a troubleshooting step, but many users found it ineffective. Some users reported success by disabling the “Smooth Display” feature, while others found toggling it off and on resolved scrolling issues. Google has not provided a timeline for a permanent fix, and users are advised to hold off on upgrading to Android 17 until a bug-fix update is released.

Tech Optimizer

June 21, 2026

Is Free Antivirus Safe in 2026? What Most Free Antivirus Apps Don’t Tell You

Some free antivirus software provides legitimate protection against malware, viruses, ransomware, trojans, and suspicious downloads, but not all are equal. Free antivirus programs often generate revenue through premium upgrades, advertising, partner promotions, data collection, or bundled software offers. Users may face upselling tactics, including pop-up notifications and upgrade prompts, which can create confusion between marketing messages and actual security threats. Many free antivirus apps collect data on websites visited, download activity, device information, and security events, raising privacy concerns. Devices often come with built-in antivirus protection, such as Microsoft Defender for Windows and XProtect for Mac, while smartphones have multiple layers of security. In 2026, the biggest cybersecurity risks are phishing attacks, fake websites, investment scams, account takeovers, social engineering attacks, and credential theft, rather than malware. Free antivirus software can create a false sense of security, leading users to believe they are safe from cyber threats. A reputable free antivirus may suffice for users who browse responsibly and maintain good online habits, while paid antivirus may be worth it for additional services like identity theft monitoring and VPNs. Not all free antivirus products offer the same level of protection, so users should choose reputable providers and scrutinize privacy policies.

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

Commodore Callback 8020 Retro Flip Phone Runs Android Apps

The Commodore Callback 8020 is a Sailfish OS flip phone designed to block browsers and social media, while retaining essential features like maps, messaging, music, and calls. It operates on Sailfish OS and can run over 99% of Android apps through a sandboxed Android AppSupport layer. The device lacks Google Play Services and the Play Store but comes preloaded with WhatsApp and supports various applications such as Signal, Telegram, and mapping services. It blocks web browsers and major social media applications at the system level, and email and work-related apps are excluded from the app store. The Callback 8020 features a clamshell design, T9-style texting, a 48MP rear camera, FM radio, and comes in multiple retro-inspired finishes. Preorders will start on June 30 at a price of 9.99, with shipping expected to begin in winter.

BetaBeacon

June 20, 2026

Epic Games Store 2026: $400M Record, 317M Users [AU]

Total revenue from the Epic Games Store reached .16 billion in 2025, up 6 per cent from .09 billion in 2024 and 22 per cent from 0 million in 2023.

AppWizard

June 20, 2026

I installed Android 17 on my Pixel 10, and now I’m about to step up my social media game

Android 17 has introduced a new feature called screen reactions for Pixel devices, allowing users to create reaction videos easily by overlaying a small floating video of themselves while reacting to content. This feature enhances viewer engagement and simplifies the process, requiring only a few taps on a Pixel 10. However, it has limitations, such as requiring full-screen recording, which can lead to quality issues, and the presence of a screen recording status icon that may detract from the video's professionalism. Additionally, stopping the recording currently involves a two-step process, which could be improved for user convenience.

Tech Optimizer

June 20, 2026

Chinese police bust cybercrime ring behind ‘Silver Fox’ Trojan virus

Chinese law enforcement has dismantled cybercrime operations linked to a new variant of the Silver Fox Trojan virus, which targets employees in enterprises and public institutions, particularly in financial roles. The malware allows cybercriminals remote access to steal account credentials, intercept SMS verification codes, and harvest personal information. A criminal syndicate in Jilin province, led by an individual named Chen, developed this Trojan and conducted mass phishing campaigns, resulting in losses exceeding 7 million yuan. Police have taken action against Chen and 26 accomplices, with ongoing investigations. Recommendations for enhancing personal cybersecurity include downloading software from official websites, scrutinizing website domains, verifying links before clicking, and disconnecting compromised computers from the internet. Under China's Criminal Law, unauthorized access to computer systems and data theft can lead to imprisonment and financial penalties.

AppWizard

June 20, 2026

Minecraft Update 3.40/1.050 Released on June 19

Mojang has released a hotfix for Minecraft, designated as update 3.40/1.050 for console players, to address various issues following the Chaos Cubed update. The hotfix does not include a changelog, but players have reported several issues it aims to fix, including: - Pillagers and piglins maintain their loaded crossbow pose during their death animation. - Misalignment of the cursor position when opening the inventory. - Killing endermen, bees, and wolves in creative mode triggers their rage state upon death. - Incorrect textures for pillagers and blazes. - Performance issues on the PS5 version. - Fluctuating volume of goat horns based on the player's vertical view. - Breakage of old experimental sulfur cube tops. - Black stripes visible on water from a distance. - Transparent layer of sulfur cubes visible through certain blocks. - Problems with the image preview gallery in the profile menu. - Visual glitch in the menu background after logging out of a server. - Crashes on Nintendo Switch during world loading. - Delays in quick and precise inputs. - Reversion of the Japanese font from Noto Sans. - Unexpected distortion of textures within Minecraft. - Mouse functionality ceasing while in-game. - Mutton not appearing in the “new recipe unlocked” screen. - Chaos Cubed notification disabling wireless controller input. - Two Torch Clocks have stopped functioning.

Winsage

June 19, 2026

Microsoft Details Windows Clipper Malware Campaign Using USB LNK Worm and Tor-Based C2

Microsoft has identified a Windows-based cryptocurrency clipper campaign that has been active since February 2026. This campaign uses clipboard-intercepting malware with self-spreading capabilities and operates through the Tor network. The clipper malware employs Windows Script Host and ActiveX to launch a Tor proxy and connect to a hidden command-and-control server. It focuses on stealing clipboard data, particularly cryptocurrency wallet addresses, and can exfiltrate screenshots. The malware is distributed via malicious Windows Shortcut (LNK) files on USB drives, which activate a worm that checks for existing infections and fetches the payload from a remote server. The clipper monitors the clipboard every 500 milliseconds for sensitive information and can replace copied wallet addresses with those controlled by attackers. Microsoft recommends behavioral detections, disabling AutoRun for removable media, blocking LNK execution from drives, and monitoring clipboard-related activities as mitigations against this threat.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Commodore’s New Flip Phone Skips Android for Linux-Based Sailfish OS

A year after its revival, the Commodore brand is re-entering the mobile phone market with the retro flip phone called the Commodore Callback 8020. This device runs on a privacy-focused Linux-based operating system, Jolla's Sailfish OS, and features stringent software restrictions that block browsers and social media applications. It comes preloaded with WhatsApp and supports other messaging services like Signal, Telegram, and WeChat. The Callback 8020 is powered by a MediaTek Helio G81 chip, has 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of expandable storage. It features a 3.25-inch IPS display, a 1.77-inch exterior screen, and a tactile T9 keypad. The rear camera has a 48MP Sony sensor, and the phone includes a removable 1550mAh battery. Connectivity options include dual-SIM 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, hotspot, and GPS. The Callback 8020 will be available in five colors, with prices starting at .99, and units are expected to ship this winter.