Opera has experienced a 66% growth in monthly active users on Android in the UK and a 40% increase in the US year-over-year during the second quarter. This growth is attributed to features like a free unlimited VPN, an integrated ad blocker, and advanced AI tools, which are not provided by Google Chrome. Additionally, Opera's user base in Europe has also been rising, aided by the European Union's Digital Markets Act. Despite Chrome being the default browser on most Android devices, more users are exploring alternatives like Opera.
Recent findings from a study by Positive Technologies indicate that AI is increasingly being used by hackers to modify mobile applications, with a success rate of over 60% for embedding unauthorized code without disrupting functionality. The study analyzed 90 Android applications, finding closed commercial models had an 84% success rate, while open-source applications had a 61% success rate. Modifications were completed in as little as 5 minutes and 38 seconds to up to 9 minutes and 9 seconds, with costs ranging from 0.88 to 40.89 rubles per modification. Messaging platforms and third-party sites are particularly at risk, especially for users seeking unofficial app versions. Developers are advised to improve security against code modification and unauthorized clones.
The Starboard app is an unofficial PortMaster client for Android that allows users to easily install and play games that have been ported to Linux. The app runs games via a Debian-based Linux runtime on Android and offers a community-driven review system to help users determine if a game will work on their device before installation. The app categorizes games as "ready to run" or "setup required" and offers additional settings for troubleshooting specific games. Users can download Starboard via GitHub or Obtainium and it is recommended for Android handheld users looking for a large repository of free titles.
On July 13 at 11:30 PT, Steam experienced intermittent downtime and various errors affecting the store, community hub, and game APIs. Users reported that the store and community pages had a "Very Slow" status, and Deadlock's multiplayer API showed an Internal Server Error. The Steam API displayed erratic behavior, with users encountering "Bad Gateway" errors. By the end of the day, all systems were reported to be functioning normally.
Moscow is promoting Max, a super-app that consolidates various digital services, while cracking down on messaging platforms WhatsApp and Telegram. The Russian government has required civil servants and state-owned enterprises to use Max for communications. The EU has imposed sanctions on VK, the media conglomerate behind Max, due to concerns that the app is monitored by the FSB and has surveillance capabilities that suppress dissent regarding Russia's actions in Ukraine. Max, which is compared to China's WeChat, integrates social media, messaging, and access to government services. President Putin has called Max a "secure" alternative, but EU officials have expressed skepticism, seeing it as part of a strategy to create a "digital iron curtain" in Russia amidst ongoing international sanctions.
Messaging applications are widely used for communication across various platforms, including Windows PCs and Android devices. Users often install these apps on both types of devices to facilitate conversations. The installation process requires careful consideration of the app's source, compatibility, permissions, and avoidance of counterfeit installers.
Before installation, users should verify the app's source for transparency and security, ensuring it is from a trusted provider and appropriate for their device. For Windows users, a checklist includes confirming system compatibility, verifying the installer, and reading installation screens carefully. Android users should also confirm the app's source, check permissions, and avoid suspicious APK files.
Fake installers and unsafe APKs pose risks, as they can contain modified versions of apps that compromise security. Users should be cautious of misleading download pages and links shared in online groups. Keeping messaging apps updated is essential for performance and security, and users should manage updates from trusted sources.
Before logging into a messaging app, users should ensure it was downloaded from a reliable source, verify the file's compatibility with their device, review permissions, and safeguard verification codes. After logging in, users should check active sessions and remain vigilant against suspicious links and files.
Audiotool 3.0 has launched, introducing real-time multiplayer music creation capabilities via web browsers and tablets, with mobile applications planned. The update features NEXUS, an open-source SDK that allows users to create their own instruments, plugins, and AI tools within the Audiotool ecosystem. The platform aims to enhance collaboration by addressing issues like device discrepancies and incompatible plugins, boasting the lowest latency among online music production tools. Users can design custom instruments, effects, and applications, and the SDK supports AI integrations. Launch partners for NEXUS include Splice, Ujam, BandM8, and Fraunhofer, and Audiotool is hosting a hackathon series until August 23 to encourage innovation.
Microsoft has confirmed the existence of the Global Device Identifier (GDID), a unique identifier assigned to Windows installations, in a federal complaint against an alleged member of the Scattered Spider hacking group. The GDID is generated when a Windows system is set up with a Microsoft Account and remains active through various Windows updates. Disabling the GDID could disrupt Windows activation and access to Microsoft Store applications. The GDID is described as "a persistent, device-level identifier designed to uniquely identify an installation of a Windows operating system on a device." It is created during the provisioning of Windows with a Microsoft Account and is stored in the Windows registry under HKCUSOFTWAREMicrosoftIdentityCRLExtendedProperties. The GDID remains persistent through Windows updates but is not retained after a clean reinstall. A single user can possess multiple GDIDs linked through their account, OneDrive, and activation history. The FBI used the GDID to track Peter Stokes, an alleged member of the Scattered Spider group, across various VPN connections and proxy servers. The GDID was recorded visiting specific websites and was linked to Stokes's accounts on platforms like Snapchat and Facebook. Concerns have been raised regarding user privacy, as the GDID is assigned without user consent and cannot be disabled without compromising essential Windows features. Microsoft has not committed to providing user-facing controls or comprehensive documentation for everyday users regarding the GDID. Legal requests can compel Microsoft to disclose GDID activity data to law enforcement. The GDID is linked to the Microsoft Account rather than the device itself, meaning reinstalling the operating system does not sever this connection.
The Bedrock Edition 26.33 has been released as update 3.42 for Minecraft on PS4, addressing a bug related to texture bleeding on custom blocks. The update has a modest download size and is considered a minor hotfix. Mojang is also aware of various other bugs reported by players, including unusual grass behavior, issues with skin display, and significant lag in multiplayer environments, among others.
