modified version Archives

AppWizard

July 18, 2025

Android’s Linux Terminal arrives on the Galaxy Z Flip 7, but Z Fold 7 users are left out

Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the first non-Pixel smartphone to support Google's Linux Terminal app, which allows users to run Linux programs within a virtual machine. This feature is not available on the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The Terminal app operates on a modified version of Debian within the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF), introduced with Android 13 and categorized as an Android 16 feature for Samsung devices. The app's availability is dependent on specific technical requirements related to the chipset; the Galaxy Z Flip 7 uses the Exynos 2500, which supports the necessary non-protected virtual machine, while the Galaxy S25 and Z Fold 7 use the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is limited to secure virtual machines. Future updates from Qualcomm may address this limitation. The Terminal app currently does not support graphical applications, but there are indications that such features may be developed in the future.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

Malware Surge Hits Android: Adware, Trojans and Crypto Theft Lead Q2 Threats

A concerning trend in mobile security shows that malicious applications and spyware are increasingly targeting Android users. Adware, particularly the Android.HiddenAds family, remains the most prevalent threat, despite a decrease in detections. The Android.MobiDash adware trojans have increased by over 11%. The Android.FakeApp malware, which disguises itself as legitimate applications, has seen a 25% decline in activity, primarily targeting Turkish and French-speaking users. The Android.Banker variant has surged by over 70%, indicating a rise in banking trojans. A large-scale crypto theft operation involved the Android.Clipper.31 trojan embedded in a modified WhatsApp version and low-cost Android firmware, which replaces cryptocurrency wallet addresses. Spyware named Android.Spy.1292.origin targets Russian military personnel through a counterfeit mapping application. Malicious applications continue to be found on Google Play, including adware disguised as cryptocurrency news apps and fake finance applications. The open nature of Android poses ongoing cybersecurity risks, even within official app stores.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Waltz used Signal-like app at White House day before ouster as national security advisor

U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz was seen using a modified version of the messaging app Signal during a Cabinet meeting, despite President Donald Trump's prior discouragement of its use after the "Signalgate" controversy. A photograph showed Waltz with the app active and conversations involving at least six officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicating ongoing discussions. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly confirmed that Signal is an approved application for government use, and the modified version appeared to be associated with TeleMessage, a company that provides archiving services for messaging applications. This adaptation raises concerns about the integrity of Signal's end-to-end encryption due to potential external storage of messages, which could compromise privacy. TeleMessage has ties to military intelligence and was recently acquired by Smarsh. The use of Signal by Trump administration officials has been controversial in the past, particularly regarding military discussions that inadvertently involved a journalist.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Signal clone used by Trump team hacked, GlobalX flight data leaked

The messaging app TeleMessage, used by President Donald Trump’s national security advisor, has been suspended due to a reported security breach, raising concerns about the security of sensitive government communications. The app, a modified version of Signal, was halted after a hacker accessed message contents from its customized versions, although the communications of national security advisor Mike Waltz were reportedly not affected. TeleMessage's suspension follows a statement from its parent company, Smarsh, confirming an investigation into the security incident. Despite President Trump's criticism of Signal, the White House continues to defend it, highlighting its pre-installation on government devices. Concerns about privacy protections arise from TeleMessage's archiving features, which may compromise Signal's end-to-end encryption. Additionally, GlobalX, the airline involved in Trump’s deportation flights, experienced a hacking incident, resulting in the exposure of flight records and passenger lists.

AppWizard

May 5, 2025

Messaging app used by Trump official suspends operations after reported hack

National Security Advisor Michael Waltz was preparing for a television interview at the White House using the messaging app TeleMessage, which is currently facing a temporary suspension due to a security breach. The parent company, Smarsh, is investigating the incident and has halted all TeleMessage services while engaging an external cybersecurity firm. The breach reportedly involves the theft of data from messages sent via TeleMessage's versions of popular messaging platforms, but there is no indication that Waltz's messages were accessed. The White House has not responded to inquiries about the service suspension. Waltz was previously photographed using TeleMessage while communicating with various officials. Former President Donald Trump intends to nominate Waltz as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio serving as the interim national security advisor. Concerns have been raised about whether private messages are automatically deleted, potentially violating federal records-retention laws, and TeleMessage may compromise Signal's end-to-end encryption.

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

Caught on camera: Mike Waltz using less secure version of Signal messaging app – The Times of India

Mike Waltz has come under scrutiny due to a photograph showing his use of a modified messaging application, TM SGNL, raising security concerns. The photo, taken by Reuters on April 30, 2025, during a White House cabinet meeting, revealed Waltz's phone screen with conversations involving JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Tulsi Gabbard, and Steve Witkoff, who are key figures in foreign relations and national security regarding Ukraine. TM SGNL is a variant of Signal, known for its encryption, but its archiving feature risks compromising end-to-end encryption. Messages displayed included a note to Rubio stating, "there is time," and Vance's message about confirmation from a counterpart. Following these events, President Trump appointed Waltz as UN ambassador and Rubio as interim national security advisor. The White House stated that "Signal is an approved app for government use and is loaded on government phones."

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

Russian military personnel on the front lines targeted with new Android spyware

A sophisticated Android malware, identified as Android.Spy.1292.origin, targets Russian military personnel by disguising itself within a modified version of the Alpine Quest mapping application. This malware is designed to steal contacts and monitor locations, evading detection while collecting sensitive data such as the user's mobile phone number, contacts, current date, geolocation, information about files on the device, and the app's version. It is distributed through a dedicated Telegram channel and unofficial Android app repositories. The malware's modular architecture allows for updates that enhance its capabilities, particularly in extracting confidential documents exchanged via Telegram and WhatsApp.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Asus’ latest video teases a possible Xbox gaming handheld

Microsoft has not confirmed plans for an Xbox-branded handheld gaming device, but unverified leaks suggest an announcement could occur this year. Asus is positioning itself as a potential partner, having launched devices like the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X. A recent promotional video from Asus hints at a new handheld device that may incorporate Xbox elements, featuring a silhouette resembling an Xbox configuration. Speculation exists that this device could be a modified version of the ROG Ally X, potentially running Windows 11 and supporting Game Pass streaming. The promotional video included phrases suggesting hardware enhancements, but the reality of the project remains uncertain. There is skepticism about the feasibility of a dedicated handheld Xbox, given that many Xbox titles are already available on PC. The video was shared on March 31st, adding to the speculation surrounding its authenticity.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows 98 can run Meta’s Llama AI model on just 128MB of RAM: “We could have been talking to our computers for 30 years now.”

Generative AI is being integrated into modern technology, with Microsoft incorporating its Copilot AI into Windows 11. Marc Andreessen revealed that a small Llama AI model from Meta operated on a Windows 98 PC with 128MB of RAM. Although the specific Meta AI model was not disclosed, it suggests older technology could have supported generative AI capabilities. Andreessen noted that running Llama AI on a 26-year-old Dell PC could have enabled human-like interactions with computers decades ago. An experiment by Exo Labs successfully ran a modified version of Meta's Llama 2 on a Pentium II-based Windows 98 PC, overcoming challenges related to sourcing compatible peripherals and transferring files. The team used Borland C++ 5.02 for compiling modern code but eventually switched to an older version of the C programming language due to compatibility issues. The project required developing a streamlined version of the AI model to function within the hardware limitations of the legacy PC. This illustrates that even older PCs had the potential to support generative AI.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

Google bolsters Android security for app developers and users

Google has announced a suite of improvements to enhance security within the Android ecosystem and the Google Play Store. Key advancements include: - Enhanced tools to protect businesses from scams and fraud. - Pre-review checks to identify policy and compatibility issues early in app development. - Transparent information on Google Play to build consumer trust. - Strengthened threat-detection capabilities using AI to combat malicious activities. Developers will receive earlier notifications about relevant policies within Android Studio, and the policy experience has been revamped for clearer updates and more time for changes. The Google Play Developer Help Community is expanding to facilitate knowledge sharing among developers. The Play Integrity API is being utilized for over 500 million daily checks to prevent fraud and abuse, with apps using these features seeing an 80% reduction in usage from unverified sources. Improvements for devices running Android 13 include enhanced security signals and automatic updates for developers. New badges for app categories, including a "Verified" badge for VPN apps, are being introduced to validate secure applications. Google is also focusing on creating a safe online experience for children and developing tools like the Credential Manager API for Digital IDs. Last year, investments in security measures prevented 2.36 million policy-violating apps from being published. Google Play Protect is evolving to counter new threats, and the company is collaborating with industry leaders to establish security standards through the App Defense Alliance.