mobile device Archives

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Microsoft now lets admins choose pre-installed Store apps to uninstall

Microsoft has updated its Windows 11 operating system to enhance the management of preinstalled applications. The new RemoveDefaultMicrosoftStorePackages policy allows IT administrators to remove any preinstalled MSIX/APPX applications by referencing their Package Family Name (PFN) through Group Policy Object (GPO) or custom OMA-URI for mobile device management (MDM). This feature requires devices to have at least the April 2026 Windows non-security update. It is available for Windows 11 version 24H2 Enterprise and Education editions, whereas it was initially exclusive to version 25H2 or later. A comprehensive list of supported applications and instructions for applying the policy are provided in Microsoft's documentation. Additionally, a new policy setting enables the uninstallation of the AI-powered Copilot digital assistant from enterprise devices after the April 2026 Patch Tuesday updates. The dynamic list option for this policy will be rolled out in the coming months.

Winsage

April 29, 2026

Windows 10 Mobile’s Best Idea Looking back at the debut of Continuum

Windows Central is approaching its 20th anniversary in 2027. Eleven years ago, Microsoft introduced Continuum for Windows 10 Mobile, allowing users to connect their smartphones to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse for a desktop-like experience. This feature was showcased during the Build 2015 keynote, demonstrating applications like Office on an external screen. Continuum was designed for select premium phones, limiting its accessibility to lower-end models.

Winsage

April 29, 2026

ON THIS DAY: Continuum will be built into Windows 10 for Phones, turning your phone into a PC

Windows Central is approaching its 20th anniversary in 2027 and is reflecting on significant moments in its history. A notable milestone occurred 11 years ago with the introduction of Continuum for Windows 10 Mobile, which aimed to merge smartphone and desktop PC functionalities. This feature allowed users to connect their mobile devices to external monitors, keyboards, and mice, creating a desktop-like environment. Key features included integration with Windows 10 for phones, support for HDMI connections, an adaptable user interface, and the ability to run familiar applications like Office on external screens. The announcement was made during the Build 2015 keynote, highlighting the potential of the universal app model to enhance productivity and redefine personal computing.

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

Have a Samsung phone and PC? You need the new Galaxy Connect Windows app

The user expanded their Samsung ecosystem with a Galaxy Book 4 Edge and tested the Galaxy Connect application, which includes four features: Continue on other devices, Storage Share, Multi Control, and Second Screen. Multi Control allows users to connect their Samsung phone or tablet as a secondary display, enabling seamless control of the mobile device from the primary display. The Second Screen feature lets users utilize a Galaxy tablet as a wireless display for their Windows computer, reducing lag by connecting directly. Storage Share provides access to files on Samsung devices from the PC's File Explorer, and the Continue on other devices feature syncs the clipboard for easier two-factor authentication. Users with ARM-based PCs may face limitations, and some without Intel network adapters have reported issues with Galaxy Connect's functionality.

AppWizard

April 22, 2026

You’ll soon be able to use Google Meet’s note-taking tool during in-person meetings

Google Meet's AI-powered note-taking feature, "Take Notes For Me," launched in 2024, has gained over 110 million users in a month. It will soon be available for various meeting types, including in-person and on platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. The feature provides comprehensive summaries and detailed notes, accessible via the Google Meet home screen. It compiles notes and action items into a Google Doc. Google will announce this expansion at Cloud Next ‘26, which runs until April 24, along with other features.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

NGate Android malware uses HandyPay NFC app to steal card data

A new variant of the NGate malware targets Android users by disguising itself within a trojanized version of the HandyPay app, which is a legitimate mobile payment processing application. This malware, documented since mid-2024, siphons payment card information through the mobile device's near-field communication (NFC) chip and sends the stolen data directly to attackers, who create virtual cards for unauthorized purchases or cash withdrawals from NFC-enabled ATMs. The new variant has been injected with malicious code into the HandyPay app, which has been available on Google Play since 2021. The code includes emojis, indicating the possible use of a generative AI tool in its development. The shift from previous iterations, which used an open-source tool named NFCGate, to HandyPay is likely motivated by financial considerations and the need for evasion, as HandyPay is more affordable and requires fewer permissions. This NGate variant has been active since November 2025, primarily targeting Android devices in Brazil. It employs two main distribution methods: a counterfeit app named “Proteção Cartão” hosted on a fraudulent Google Play page and a fake lottery website that redirects users to WhatsApp to download the malicious APK. Upon installation, the app prompts users to set it as their default NFC payment application, requests their card PIN, and instructs them to tap their card on the phone for reading, transmitting all collected information to an attacker's email address. To protect against such threats, Android users are advised to avoid downloading APKs from outside Google Play, disable NFC when not in use, and use Play Protect to scan for threats.

Winsage

April 18, 2026

Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday release for April is a whopper

A series of updates have been released, focusing on system integrity and performance. Users should perform verification tasks, including installing, uninstalling, and repairing MSI packages, connecting and disconnecting cloud sync providers, and enrolling devices in Intune or MDM solutions. The Common Log File System driver (clfs.sys) is receiving a follow-up patch, along with updates to Storage Spaces (spaceport.sys) and app isolation file system drivers (bfs.sys, wcifs.sys). Users should also run Windows Update installation and rollback cycles, install and uninstall applications, and verify data integrity through backup solutions. For Storage Spaces, creating a pool with mirrored and thin virtual disks and ensuring clean deletion is necessary. April's updates for Office target MSI editions, including Excel 2016 (KB5002860), PowerPoint 2016 (KB5002808), Office 2016 shared libraries (KB5002859), and SharePoint Server editions from 2016 to 2019. These updates do not apply to Click-to-Run deployments like Microsoft 365 Apps. Users should validate complex Excel workbooks, PowerPoint presentations, SharePoint document libraries, and the functionality of Office add-ins. Testing for two High Risk components is essential: changes to Kerberos may disrupt services using RC4 keytabs, and the Remote Desktop client update requires validation of clipboard functionality, printer redirection, and session reconnection. Validating Secure Boot and BitLocker is critical as CVE-2023-24932 key rolling progresses. Additionally, cloud sync testing is important due to five patches to the Projected File System driver, and regression testing is needed for dual afd.sys updates and VPN/IPsec patches across remote-access infrastructure. Office updates are limited to MSI editions.

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

Forget Photos and Maps, this is the Google app I can’t live without anymore

Google Wallet has become an essential tool for managing payments and tickets in daily life. Initially limited by bank support, the user gained trust in the app after opening a new bank account that embraced it. The app allows for contactless payments, simplifies ticket management by enabling users to scan and save tickets, and provides offline access to tickets. It also stores loyalty cards, insurance cards, and travel itineraries, enhancing the overall travel experience. The app facilitates seamless public transport navigation, although full integration with Paris' metro system is still pending.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

I freed up over 1GB on my Galaxy S26 by deleting these 7 useless apps

Samsung's Galaxy S26 series features One UI 8.5, praised for customization and stability but criticized for pre-installed bloatware. Key apps include: - Samsung Shop: Uninstalling frees up 154MB. - Samsung TV Plus: Uninstalling frees up 67MB. - Global Goals: Uninstalling frees up 121MB. - Samsung Kids: Uninstalling frees up 35MB. - M365 Copilot: Uninstalling frees up 334MB. - OneDrive: Uninstalling frees up 169MB. - LinkedIn: Uninstalling frees up 159MB. Removing these seven apps can reclaim over 1GB of storage, and most are not essential for device functionality.

Tech Optimizer

April 15, 2026

Bitdefender Total Security

Bitdefender Total Security includes features such as a network security inspector, advanced ransomware defense, a hardened browser, and an active Do Not Track system. It offers a two-tier pricing model: an individual subscription for .99 per year for five licenses and a family subscription for .99 for 25 licenses, which includes parental controls. The software features an interface similar to Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, with user-configurable buttons for quick access to features. It boasts high scores from independent antivirus testing labs and excels in malware protection and antiphishing tests. Bitdefender includes a SecurePass password manager, firewall protection, spam filtering, webcam protection, and cryptomining protection. The parental control features allow parents to manage their children's online activities, but they may not be as effective as dedicated solutions. Bitdefender Total Security provides protection for macOS and Android, with high ratings for its performance on these platforms. The Android app includes malware scanning, web protection, and anti-theft features. The Bitdefender Central app allows users to manage their security settings from mobile devices.