messaging Archives

AppWizard

September 6, 2026

The best Android alarm app isn’t on the Play Store. Here’s how to install it

Many users prefer default applications for calendars, messaging, and clocks, but third-party options like Chrono offer enhanced experiences. Chrono is an open-source clock application that provides a user-friendly interface, extensive alarm features, and an ad-free experience, but it is not available on the Google Play Store. The app features four tabs: Alarm, World Clock, Timer, and Stopwatch, with customization options including dark mode and Material design. Users can personalize the app's appearance and tag alarms for organization. Chrono's alarm functionality includes assertive alarms that require tasks to be completed before turning off, adjustable snooze intervals, and the ability to lock alarms. To download Chrono, users must visit the F-Droid website, download the app, and follow installation instructions. Updating Chrono through F-Droid is straightforward, while sideloaded users must check for updates manually or use a tool like Obtainium.

Winsage

September 6, 2026

Four REVSTEALER-Linked Modules Disable Windows Update and Defender to Run a Crypto Miner

Elastic Security Labs has identified four previously undocumented programs associated with REVSTEALER, a Windows information stealer that persists on infected machines after self-deletion. The programs are ProManager, WinUpdate, SoftManager, and LockAppHost, each with distinct functionalities. ProManager steals wallet files and logs passwords, WinUpdate monitors the clipboard for cryptocurrency addresses, SoftManager acts as a reverse proxy, and LockAppHost executes a cryptocurrency miner after disabling Windows Update and Microsoft Defender. REVSTEALER has been marketed as a commercial infostealer since February 2026, exfiltrating sensitive data such as browser passwords, cookies, and cryptocurrency wallet information. It deletes itself after reporting its activities but leaves the four programs installed for persistence. These programs share build tradecraft with REVSTEALER, including the use of identical packers and runtime function resolutions. REVSTEALER primarily spreads through game-cheat lures and disguises itself as pirated software. It employs evasion techniques to resist analysis, including checking for sandbox environments and using indirect system calls. Users are advised to avoid unofficial software and to follow specific steps if infected, such as re-enabling Windows Update services and changing passwords. Indicators of compromise include SHA-256 hashes for REVSTEALER and its associated programs, as well as domains linked to their command and control servers.

AppWizard

September 5, 2026

5 Minimalist Android Phones Actually Worth Buying In 2026

Many individuals are turning to minimalist phones to achieve a balanced digital life, seeking alternatives to traditional smartphones that reduce distractions while still offering essential functions. The Minimal Phone, successfully crowdfunded with over 7,000 from nearly 2,000 backers, runs on Android 14 and includes built-in apps for email, messaging, calls, maps, and music. It features a 4.3-inch black-and-white e-ink display, is priced at 9, and is set to ship in 2025. A Kickstarter campaign for the Minimal Phone 2 is currently underway, promising a smaller design and an OLED display with shipping expected in December 2026. The Mudita Kompakt has a similar 4.3-inch e-ink display and operates on a custom OS without Google services, ensuring user privacy. Priced at 9, it offers a six-day battery life and includes a dedicated offline button to disable distracting features. The Light Phone III, released in March 2025, features a 3.92-inch AMOLED display, is priced at 9, and runs on LightOS, allowing users to customize their app menu. It supports sideloading apps and has a Qualcomm chipset with 128GB of internal storage. The F1 Horizon Bluebird, priced at 9, runs on BasicOS and supports calling and texting while limiting access to social media and web browsing. The Jelly Star, while not strictly a minimalist phone, has a compact 3-inch screen, runs on Android 13, and features a MediaTek chipset, discouraging excessive use due to its small size. The selection of these minimalist Android phones focuses on devices that maintain essential smartphone capabilities while incorporating features designed to mitigate smartphone addiction.

AppWizard

September 5, 2026

NYC Council to grill Mamdani admin over use of influencers, encrypted messaging app

The City Council will examine Mayor Mamdani's administration's use of a secretive encrypted messaging channel for media relations, which connects nearly 200 social media influencers. This discussion is scheduled for a hearing on September 22. Queens Councilman Phil Wong plans to introduce legislation requiring influencers to label posts for city agency campaigns with a disclaimer stating “Paid for by NYC.” A report revealed that city officials communicated with influencers through a Signal app group titled “NYC Creators Announcements,” sharing updates and multimedia content. Some influencers received payment for their involvement, while others supported the mayor's agenda for personal growth. Concerns have been raised about the Signal chat potentially violating record-keeping regulations due to auto-deletion of messages. The identities of the influencers and details of their contracts remain undisclosed. Wong's proposed bill aims to reveal any undisclosed payments to influencers and raise questions about the integrity of the administration's use of external promoters. Critics argue that the administration's secrecy calls for greater transparency in public relations expenditures.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

Google Messages’ new chat wallpaper feature is stumbling out of the gate

In August, Google introduced chat themes to its Messages app, allowing users to personalize conversations with unique backgrounds. However, users have reported inconsistencies with the feature, including its disappearance from the app and delays of one to two seconds when loading wallpapers. Some users also experience freezing issues when selecting a theme or exiting the theme selector. A Google representative advised users to check the Play Store for updates to address these glitches.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

WhatsApp rolls out emergency fix for locked Android photo access bug

WhatsApp is rolling out a fix for a privacy vulnerability affecting Android users that could allow individuals with physical access to a locked device to view the owner's photos during a video call. The issue was identified by security researcher Jose Rodriguez, who demonstrated that an incoming WhatsApp video call could provide access from the lock-screen to the device's photo gallery without unlocking the phone. WhatsApp confirmed the implementation of a fix and noted that the issue is limited to situations where someone has physical access to the device. Rodriguez reported the vulnerability to both Meta and Google, receiving limited responses. Users are advised to update WhatsApp and adjust app permissions to enhance privacy.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

Google to fix nightmare Android texting bug

A bug in SMS and RCS messaging for Android users causes old messages to be appended when sending new communications, leading to potential data privacy concerns as sensitive information may be shared with unintended recipients. The issue affects a broad range of devices and manufacturers, and Google is working on a gradual fix that may take several weeks to implement. Users are advised to consider alternative messaging platforms to mitigate risks.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

Sept. 2026 Android Drop: Find Hub ‘Remembered’ list, Motion Assist, & Keep in Google Messages

Google's September 2026 Android Drop introduces several new features: - The Find Hub and Gemini applications have been upgraded to allow users to track items without traditional tracker tags using voice commands. A "Remembered" tab stores the locations of items, and this feature is available for devices running Android 16 and above. - Motion Assist is a new feature for Android 17+ that helps reduce motion sickness by using a bubble overlay that moves with the vehicle's motion. Users can customize the bubble's appearance, and it can activate automatically when movement is detected. - Gemini Live now includes Guided Vision, which provides verbal descriptions of surroundings, assisting with tasks like reading labels or locating items. This feature will be available for devices running Android 9 and above in regions where Gemini is accessible. - Google Messages is integrating with Google Keep, allowing users to share and update lists directly in chats. This integration includes a "Create list" suggestion and will enhance communication within the messaging platform.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

Latest Android Drop connects Gemini to Find Hub, adds Keep Notes and themes to Messages

Google's latest Android feature Drop introduces enhancements aimed at improving user experience, including aesthetic and functional improvements to messaging threads and the rollout of Motion Assist dots. A key feature is the expanded functionality of Gemini for Android 16 or higher, allowing users to log locations of items without tracker tags and store this information in Find Hub. Another addition is the Guided Vision feature within Gemini Live, which aids accessibility by helping users locate objects in the camera's view and extracting difficult-to-read information, such as text in low-light conditions. Guided Vision can be accessed through system Accessibility shortcuts and the TalkBack menu, compatible with Android devices starting from Android 9 Pie.

Winsage

September 3, 2026

Windows 11 will get more secure next month, but gamers could pay in FPS

The Verge is a prominent tech journalism outlet that provides comprehensive analysis of the tech ecosystem, covering topics such as gadgets and consumer behavior. It delivers engaging and informative content through in-depth reviews, opinion pieces, and timely news updates. The publication effectively connects with its audience via social media, podcasts, and video content, adapting its messaging to diverse preferences. The Verge emphasizes visual storytelling, using high-quality images and videos to enhance articles. It aims to explore the intersection of technology and culture, positioning itself as a thought leader by anticipating trends and fostering a community of informed readers.