monitor Archives

AppWizard

October 3, 2026

Android Auto 17.7 Is Out For Everyone – Here’s How To Update Yours

Google has expanded its Android Auto offerings with the beta version 17.0, followed by the stable version released in late June and early July. Updates have included versions 17.2 and 17.6, with version 17.7 being the latest stable version as of late September 2026. A beta version 17.8 is anticipated. Users can sideload the app for early access, though it carries risks. Android Auto 17 introduced features like Gemini AI integration, a new widgets system, a refreshed Material 3 interface, and Immersive Navigation, which provides a 3D view of surroundings. It also supports 60 FPS FHD video playback for select vehicles and can switch video playback to audio-only mode when the vehicle is in motion.

AppWizard

October 2, 2026

Your old phone isn’t useless: 4 smart ways to get more life out of it

Phone upgrades often lead to replacing devices every couple of years, but old phones still hold value. Users typically choose to deal with their old phones in the following ways: 26% sell or trade it in, 26% hand it down to family or friends, 42% turn it into a dedicated gadget, and 5% let it sit in a drawer. Old phones can be kept as second devices for personal and work separation, used as an Android Auto display, or serve as a backup phone for emergencies. They can also be repurposed into gadgets like dash cams, security cameras, music players, e-readers, universal remotes, or PC companions. Additionally, they can replace webcams, act as second screens, or provide portable storage. If repurposing isn’t appealing, selling the phone is a practical option, with a strong market for used phones on platforms like SellCell, Swappa, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. Trading it in may yield better benefits, especially with retailer promotions, and donating it to charity is another option.

Tech Optimizer

October 1, 2026

Norton’s antivirus plans drop to Black Friday prices — but the deals end tomorrow

Norton is offering discounts of up to 76% on its antivirus plans, matching last year's Black Friday prices. The current prices for the first year are as follows: Norton AntiVirus Plus for .99 (originally .99), Norton 360 Standard for .99 (originally .99), and Norton 360 Deluxe for .99 (originally 4.99). The AntiVirus Plus plan protects one device and includes features like Scam Protection and 2GB of cloud backup. The Norton 360 Standard plan covers three devices, adds a VPN and Dark Web Monitoring, while the Deluxe plan protects five devices, offers 50GB of cloud backup, Privacy Monitor, and Parental Control. These promotional prices are valid for the first year only, after which standard pricing resumes unless auto-renewal is disabled. Norton provides a 60-day money-back guarantee.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

This Nvidia GeForce Now mod lets you play PC games on your Nintendo 3DS

An open-source, unofficial Nvidia GeForce Now client named Kasumi has been developed for jailbroken Nintendo 3DS consoles, allowing users to stream PC games directly on devices like the Nintendo 3DS, 3DS XL, and 2DS XL. Kasumi enables customization of control schemes and connection settings and supports a library of games from platforms such as Steam, Epic Games, and Ubisoft Connect. It utilizes Nvidia's servers for game rendering while the 3DS handles video and audio decoding and controller input. The application is designed to work within the limitations of the 3DS, capping frame rates at 30fps and bitrates at approximately 1Mbps. Server latency ranges from 60ms to 80ms, and a buffer is included to enhance gameplay experience. Kasumi allows for user-friendly control mapping and is compatible with the free version of GeForce Now, which includes a waiting queue and session limits. The project is still in active development, meaning users may experience some inconsistencies.

Winsage

September 30, 2026

How to get the Windows 11 2026 Update

Windows 11, version 26H2 is now available for eligible devices running Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2. The update is delivered via a small enablement package that activates new features already integrated into the operating system. The installation process is similar to a monthly update, requiring a minor download and a quick restart. The update includes enhancements in quality, reliability, and security. For commercial and educational customers, it can be accessed through existing management tools like Windows Autopatch and the Microsoft 365 admin center. Version 26H2 offers 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Some features that were disabled in version 25H2 will now be enabled by default in version 26H2.

Tech Optimizer

September 29, 2026

The Evolution of Endpoint Security: Why EDR Represents a Fundamental Shift From Traditional Antivirus

Organizations that rely on technology face evolving cyber threats that traditional antivirus software struggles to address. Traditional antivirus detects known malware through signature matching but is limited in its ability to catch new or modified threats. Modern cyberattacks utilize techniques like polymorphic malware and fileless attacks to evade detection. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools have emerged as a solution, focusing on analyzing behavior rather than matching known threats. EDR continuously monitors endpoints, collects data on system activities, and uses behavioral analysis to identify suspicious actions. This allows for real-time responses to threats, such as isolating affected devices or rolling back changes made by ransomware. EDR is essential for all organizations, including small businesses, which are often targeted by attackers. It should be part of a broader security strategy that includes traditional antivirus, regular updates, employee training, access controls, and backups. When considering EDR options, businesses should prioritize response speed, visibility, reporting capabilities, and integration with existing IT support.

Winsage

September 28, 2026

A Windows 10 Update Was Force Triggering Copilot To Run Every Time A File Was Clicked, Leading To Frequent Crashes That Logged The Culprit As Microsoft Edge

Microsoft's Windows 10 update "KB5126256," intended as a licensing preparation package for Extended Security Updates, has caused issues for users, including one Reddit user whose File Explorer crashes when clicking on files due to the automatic activation of the Copilot feature. The crashes were misleadingly attributed to Microsoft Edge, but further investigation revealed they were linked to "mscopilot_proxy.exe" and the module "ShellEh6055x64.dll," associated with the 4t Tray Minimizer application. Users have reported that uninstalling problematic updates can provide temporary relief, while some have chosen to disable updates entirely, despite Windows not offering a complete option to do so.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

RatHat Android Malware Console Uses Gemini to Identify Higher-Value Victims

The operators behind RatHat have created an advanced Android banking trojan that allows control of infected devices through a web console. Since April 2026, nearly 100 instances of this console have been identified, indicating a malware-as-a-service model. The console collects sensitive data from compromised phones, including text messages and passwords. It uses Google's Gemini AI to assess victims' bank balances, categorizing them into high-value and mid-value segments, but does not facilitate financial transactions. The malware has remained largely unchanged since late 2025, but the console has seen significant updates, leading to three new versions: BlackCat Remote Control Management, Panda Workshop V5, and V6. These versions serve as both control interfaces and build tools for creating and distributing malware. The latest version includes templates for deceptive download pages. RatHat infiltrates devices via text messages and online ads, requesting Accessibility access to read screens and simulate user interactions. This access allows the malware to activate wireless debugging and connect to the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), giving operators elevated privileges to execute commands. A Go program can be deployed to maintain control, even after the app is uninstalled. Cleafy has tracked console deployments through web code analysis, noting that many IP addresses originate from a Singapore-registered network. The initial console version allowed operators to choose AI providers, but the latest exclusively uses Gemini. RatHat also utilizes Gemini on infected devices to determine tap locations based on screen layouts. Cleafy has compiled indicators related to the consoles' command-and-control servers, download links, and malware samples, including specific domains, IP addresses, and MD5 hashes. The consoles often use web addresses starting with "admin." and inexpensive top-level domains. Security tools are advised to monitor processes running under the shell user on affected devices.

Tech Optimizer

September 28, 2026

Norton’s antivirus plans drop to Black Friday prices — but the deals end tomorrow

Norton is offering substantial discounts on its antivirus plans, with reductions up to 76%. Current prices for the first year are as follows: Norton AntiVirus Plus at .99 (originally .99), Norton 360 Standard at .99 (originally .99), and Norton 360 Deluxe at .99 (originally 4.99). The plans provide protection for one, three, and five devices respectively, with additional features like VPN and dark web monitoring for higher-tier plans. After the first year, prices revert to standard rates unless auto-renewal is canceled. Norton also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Tech Optimizer

September 28, 2026

What Is Happening with PostgreSQL 19?

Postgres 19 is experiencing delays in its release schedule, with Beta 4 scheduled for September 24, 2026. The development team is prioritizing quality over timelines, leading to the reversion of 53 significant features during the beta phase. Notable feature reversions include SQL Property Graph Queries, ALTER TABLE MERGE/SPLIT PARTITION(S), UPDATE/DELETE FOR PORTION OF, GROUP BY ALL, a change to default TOAST compression, nontext output formats for pg_dumpall, JSON_TABLE ON ERROR cascading, fast defaults for domains with nonvolatile constraints, logical replication database-specific snapshots, nested query tracking, and online data checksums. The majority of these reversions are due to design flaws, incorrect results, or compatibility issues. There are also at-risk features identified, including RI fast-path FK checks, REPACK / REPACK CONCURRENTLY, and Postgres_fdw statistics import. Despite these challenges, promising features such as pg_plan_advice, parallel autovacuum, ON CONFLICT DO SELECT, and logical replication enhancements are still anticipated in PG19. AI tools are being utilized in the development process to identify bugs and create test cases. Postgres 18 remains a reliable upgrade target, while features like property graphs and GROUP BY ALL are now planned for PG20.