messages Archives

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Timed Silence: An Open Source Android App to Automatically Silence Your Phone

Timed Silence is a Kotlin-based application for Android, created by Felix Nüsse, that manages smartphone volume settings, allowing users to mute, vibrate, or ring with sound. The app requires initial setup permissions and features an intuitive interface with a pause/play button. Users can create custom schedules, including pre-defined ones for "Night" and "Day." The app effectively activates Do Not Disturb (DND) at scheduled times, muting notifications while allowing calls and messages from specified contacts. Additional features include Calendar integration, Keywords for managing volume levels, Bluetooth compatibility, and a Sanity Check for priority contacts. The app is available on F-Droid, with source code and APKs on GitHub.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

Uninstall these 12 Android apps that record your conversations

Twelve malicious Android applications have been identified that can take control of devices to record audio and perform other harmful activities. These apps include: 1. Rafaqat 2. Privee Talk 3. MeetMe 4. Let’s Chat 5. Quick Chat 6. Chit Chat 7. YohooTalk 8. TikTalk 9. Hello Cha 10. Nidus 11. GlowChat 12. Wave Chat The first six were available on the Google Play Store and were downloaded over 1,400 times before removal. Users are advised to uninstall these apps immediately and remain cautious about downloading unfamiliar applications or clicking on suspicious links.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

Gmail ‘Suddenly’ Stops Working—New Warning As Google Update Goes Wrong

Pixel users are experiencing significant app malfunctions on Android 15, particularly with Gmail, due to issues stemming from a recent Google Play update. Many users report that their devices indicate "Google Play Services is not supported," rendering both first and third-party applications inoperative. Error messages related to Google Play Services being unavailable or outdated have been noted, and the problems may extend beyond Pixel devices. Users have attempted various troubleshooting steps, including factory resets, with mixed results. Some users are advised to opt out of the Google Play services beta and restart their devices, but this solution has not been universally effective.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

A decade and $22 billion later, Meta’s big bet on messaging is finally starting to pay off

Meta's investment in WhatsApp has begun yielding substantial returns, with a 48% year-over-year increase in non-advertising revenue reported in Q3, largely due to WhatsApp's business messaging capabilities. This product enables companies to engage in paid conversations with customers, contributing to revenue growth since Q3 2022. Non-advertising revenue in Q3 was million, compared to .9 billion in ad revenue, but is growing at over twice the pace of advertising. Messaging products, including WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram Direct, are still in the early stages of monetization, with estimates suggesting messaging could account for around 10% of Meta's total revenue. A significant increase in content shared through direct messages has been noted, with a 100% year-over-year rise. Meta is also exploring revenue opportunities through sponsored messages and "click-to-message" ads. Generative AI is expected to enhance the messaging business's efficiency and potential revenue generation. User behavior is shifting towards sharing in direct messages rather than traditional feeds, prompting Meta to enhance its Messenger app with new features. Each messaging product serves different user bases and presents unique monetization opportunities.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

New Winos4.0 Malware Targeting Windows via Fake Gaming Apps

Cybersecurity researchers at Fortinet’s FortiGuard Labs have identified a malware campaign named Winos4.0 that disguises itself as benign gaming applications targeting Microsoft Windows users. This malware framework is similar to threats like Cobalt Strike and Sliver. Users who download these applications inadvertently install Trojan horses that deploy the Winos4.0 framework, which has been found in various gaming-related tools. The malware appears to focus on the education sector, as indicated by its file description “校园政务” (Campus Administration). Winos4.0 is a re-engineered version of the Gh0stRat remote access trojan and consists of modular components for specific tasks. The attack begins with the retrieval of a BMP file from a remote server, leading to the extraction of a DLL file named “you.dll.” This file downloads additional files, including the main malicious file “libcef.dll,” which injects shellcode to establish a connection with a command and control (C2) server. The malware executes various tasks, such as monitoring system information and maintaining a connection to the C2 server. To protect against such threats, users are advised to download applications only from reputable sources, avoid third-party app stores, and scan new files before execution. Regular device scans are recommended, especially after downloading new content.

AppWizard

November 6, 2024

The secret to summarizing notifications on Android

Sum Up is a tool for Android devices that allows users to customize and streamline their notifications by selecting specific applications for summarized notifications. It condenses multiple notifications from apps like Slack into a single, concise sentence, helping users stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. This enhances organization and productivity by reducing distractions.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

When these 9 problems happen, I know it’s to reinstall Windows 11

Users of Windows 11 may experience performance issues that indicate a need for reinstallation. Key indicators include: 1. Significant performance drops due to accumulated applications, storage issues, or malware. 2. Frequent crashes and freezes that persist despite troubleshooting. 3. Regular system errors suggesting instability. 4. Corrupted system files identified by tools like System File Checker (SFC) or DISM. 5. New hardware installations that require a clean installation for optimal compatibility. 6. Startup issues that do not improve with disabling startup programs. 7. Malware infections that may necessitate a complete reinstallation. 8. System instability after major changes like new drivers or modifications. 9. Failed troubleshooting attempts that consume more time than productive use of the system. Reinstallation methods include: - Using Windows Update to reinstall while preserving files, settings, and applications. - Resetting the PC to keep files while removing apps and settings. - Removing everything for a clean installation, requiring restoration of files and reinstallation of applications. For severe issues, creating a bootable USB may be necessary.

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

Instagram and Facebook messenger down for thousands as users report issues

Users of Instagram and Facebook in the U.S. and U.K. are experiencing messaging service disruptions, with reports starting around 7 AM EST on October 29. Instagram and Facebook Messenger are facing more significant issues, with users struggling to load chats and messages getting stuck on 'sending.' DownDetector has confirmed problems with Instagram, and many users are turning to Twitter to discuss the outages. The cause of the disruptions is currently unknown.

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

Android Studio getting more Gemini to help app development

Google has introduced several updates for developers, enhancing Android Studio and the Play Store. Key features in Android Studio include Gemini Code Transforms for code modification, automatic commit message generation, a tool for renaming classes and variables, a prompt library for frequently used prompts, composable preview generation, documentation assistance, unit test scenario generation, build/sync error insights, and app quality insights. These features are available in the Android Studio canary channel and will be rolled out in stable form with the upcoming Ladybug Feature Drop in late December. In the Google Play Store, a fullscreen portrait video player for app listings is being introduced, which has shown to increase total watch time by 7%, video completion rates by 9%, and conversions by 5%. Google has encouraged users to set up payment methods, resulting in a doubling of purchase-ready accounts this year, exceeding half a billion users. Biometric authentication for purchases has tripled in adoption in 2024. The introduction of Cash App eWallet will offer an additional payment option for U.S. users, and inline reminders will prompt users browsing products in games. On the security front, Google is enhancing the Play Integrity API for improved app and device verification on devices running Android 13 and above, making it more difficult for attackers to bypass security measures.

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

Google highlights an earlier Android 16 in Q2 2025 and more for Gemini

Google announced plans for more frequent Android SDK releases starting in 2025, with a significant update expected in Q2, likely related to Android 16, prompting earlier annual compatibility testing for developers. Enhancements to Gemini in Android Studio include features for modifying code, generating commit messages, and creating documentation, along with auto-generating composable previews. In the Play Store, Google is introducing a full-screen mode for portrait videos, a more prominent install button, and personalized query recommendations, initially supporting English. On-device biometric authentication for app purchases has been integrated, allowing fingerprint or facial recognition for transactions. Google has doubled purchase numbers in 2024 and increased conversion rates by nearly 3% by encouraging users to set up payment methods, now including PayPal and Cash App. The Play Integrity API is being enhanced to help developers protect their applications against security threats, with the "app access risk" feature now available to detect privacy-compromising apps.