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AppWizard
August 26, 2025
Spotify is introducing a new feature called Messages that allows users aged 16 and older to engage in direct messaging within the app. This feature will launch this week in select markets on mobile devices. Users can share songs, podcasts, and audiobooks directly within Spotify, rather than relying on external messaging apps. The addition of Messages is based on user feedback indicating a desire for a dedicated space for sharing content. Users can message individuals they have previously interacted with, receive suggestions based on shared activities, and manage message requests. The feature includes options to block accounts and report inappropriate content, with industry-standard encryption for user data protection. To use Messages, users tap the share icon while listening to content, choose a friend, and send the message.
Tech Optimizer
August 25, 2025
Norton VPN offers a variety of features including: - Integration of artificial intelligence for real-time detection of scams and threats such as phishing, malware, and ransomware. - Cloud storage options ranging from 10GB with the Plus plan to 50GB with the Ultimate plan, providing secure online storage for sensitive data. - Dark web monitoring that scans for users' personal information and alerts them if it surfaces. - A Kill Switch feature that halts internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, protecting users' real IP addresses and unencrypted data. - IP masking that conceals users' real IP addresses and encrypts data before it reaches its destination. - IP rotation that changes the assigned IP address every 30 seconds to complicate tracking attempts. - A Double VPN option that routes data through two servers for enhanced privacy. - A no-log policy ensuring that users' IP addresses, browsing histories, and DNS queries are not logged, with independent audits for validation. - A Norton Password Manager included in select plans for creating and storing complex passwords and securely managing online transactions. - Parental controls and location supervision available with the Ultimate plan, allowing parents to monitor web access and track children's locations.
Tech Optimizer
August 25, 2025
Doctor Web’s antivirus laboratory has identified a sophisticated Android backdoor malware named Android.Backdoor.916.origin, which has been evolving since January 2025. This spyware primarily targets Russian businesses through focused attacks, disseminated via private messages as a fake antivirus application called “GuardCB.” The app's icon resembles the Central Bank of the Russian Federation's emblem and is presented in Russian. Variants of the malware include names like “SECURITY_FSB” and “FSB,” falsely claiming to be security tools linked to Russian law enforcement. Upon execution, the malware simulates an antivirus scan, requesting extensive system permissions for surveillance and data exfiltration, including access to geolocation, audio recording, SMS, contacts, call logs, media files, and camera functions. It establishes connections to command-and-control servers, allowing attackers to send and receive sensitive data, initiate audio and video feeds, and execute commands. The malware employs keylogger functionality to intercept keystrokes and monitor specific applications for content theft. Doctor Web has notified domain registrars to disrupt the malware's infrastructure and confirms that all known variants are detected and neutralized by their antivirus solutions. Organizations are advised to enforce strict APK sideloading policies and verify app authenticity to counter such threats.
Tech Optimizer
August 25, 2025
Norton 360 Deluxe is currently available for A.99, reduced from A9.99, offering a 40% discount for a year's subscription. It includes antivirus protection for up to three devices and features such as Norton Secure VPN, SafeCam for PC, Password Manager, Parental Controls, Dark Web Monitoring, 50GB of Cloud Storage, and Genie Scam Protection. Norton 360 Deluxe has been recognized as an Editors’ Choice winner by PCMag.
Winsage
August 24, 2025
Windows PowerToys is a collection of utilities for the Windows operating system, originally created for power users in the Windows 95 era and revived as an open-source project in 2019 for Windows 10 and 11. It is actively maintained by Microsoft engineers and volunteers. Key features include: - FancyZones: A window manager for creating custom snap layouts. - PowerToys Run: A launcher for quickly opening applications and files. - Keyboard Manager: Allows remapping of keys and creation of new shortcuts. - Text Extractor: Enables copying text from images or on-screen elements. - Mouse Utilities: Includes cursor highlighting and keyboard control of the mouse. PowerToys also offers File Explorer add-ons, a Color Picker, and utilities for batch renaming or resizing files. It is beneficial for users looking to streamline tasks and customize their systems, but may not be necessary for those engaged in basic computer activities. There may be a learning curve and occasional bugs due to its open-source nature.
AppWizard
August 23, 2025
Fitbit has rolled out the dark mode feature in its Android app with version 4.50, allowing users to manually activate the "Dark Theme" or have it automatically adjust based on system settings. This update aims to reduce glare in low-light environments and may extend battery life on OLED devices. However, not all app elements are fully optimized for dark mode at launch, with some inconsistencies expected to be addressed in future updates. The rollout began on August 21. Additionally, Fitbit is exploring AI tools to enhance health tracking, including an AI-driven lab report summary tool and a Symptom Checker that provides personalized health suggestions.
AppWizard
August 23, 2025
Yevhenia Virlych, editor-in-chief of Kavun.City, discussed the challenges faced by residents in temporarily occupied territories, highlighting communication restrictions imposed by Russian authorities. She noted that messaging applications are disrupted and that a Russian-promoted messaging app may activate users' cameras without consent, raising privacy concerns. Virlych reported a critical shortage of medical services and medicines in these regions and mentioned that many communities are experiencing severe water shortages due to the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant. Additionally, on August 8, the National Resistance Center stated that residents are being forced to install spyware for data collection by Russian intelligence. A complete blackout occurred on August 19 in the occupied regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.
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