Monitors Archives

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

A mysterious app just showed up on your Android phone, and it’s watching your battery

Android Pulse is a diagnostic tool distributed by Google since March, which has recently become visible to the public and is now on over 10 million devices. It operates without a user interface and monitors software for unusual system resource consumption. The app first appeared in March with seven builds before being listed in the Play Store. On Pixel devices, it is found in system settings, while on others, it appears as a blank square in the update queue. There was no formal announcement regarding its rollout. Europe has enacted regulations to enhance user control over devices, but essential system applications like Android Pulse are exempt from easy uninstallation. There is no evidence that Android Pulse poses a danger, but its late visibility raised user concerns.

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

Multilogin releases open-source agent so AI can run social accounts on real Android cloud phones

Multilogin has launched an open-source AI agent for social media management on authentic Android devices in the cloud. This tool enables automation of workflows on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X. The AI agent connects to a Multilogin Android cloud phone, allowing it to view screens, execute taps, type commands, and save results. It integrates with multiple AI agents capable of running shell commands and interpreting visual inputs. Each cloud phone functions as an independent Android device with unique parameters and persistent app data, connected via ADB. The tool monitors the cloud phone's readiness, activates ADB, interprets screenshots, and executes tasks while logging activities. It is designed for marketers, agencies, creators, and teams, providing setup instructions and compatibility with AI tools like ChatGPT/Codex and Claude Code. The project is available on GitHub, and Multilogin offers a free plan with paid options starting at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Multilogin has unveiled an innovative open-source AI agent designed to empower social media management on authentic Android devices hosted in the cloud. This groundbreaking tool bridges the gap between AI capabilities and mobile app functionalities, allowing users to automate workflows across popular platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X. How the Tool Functions The newly developed AI agent connects seamlessly to a Multilogin Android cloud phone, providing it with the ability to view screens, execute taps, type commands, and complete various tasks while saving the results. This integration works harmoniously with multiple AI agents, including Claude Code, Cursor, and OpenClaw, all of which can run shell commands and interpret visual inputs from screenshots. As many social media operations increasingly shift to mobile applications, the limitations of browser-based tools become apparent. While browser profiles serve their purpose for web-based tasks, they fall short when it comes to executing native Android applications. Multilogin's cloud phones offer a distinct advantage by providing an authentic Android environment, facilitating direct interaction with mobile apps. Each cloud phone operates as an independent Android device in the cloud, complete with unique device parameters, installed applications, and persistent app data. The AI agent connects to the cloud phone via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a standard interface used by developers for device management. Operational Efficiency and Flexibility The process begins with the selection of an Android cloud phone, which the tool monitors until it is fully operational. Once ready, the AI agent activates ADB, allowing it to interpret screenshots, determine subsequent actions, and execute tasks such as tapping or typing. Upon completion of a task or in the event of an error, the tool halts the cloud phone and logs the activity, ensuring that resources are not wasted during the development and testing of AI-assisted mobile workflows. This project is compatible with any AI agent capable of executing shell commands and processing visual inputs, making it versatile for various applications. Gleb K., the UI team lead at Multilogin, emphasizes the importance of this development: “AI agents are becoming useful for real operational work, but many important workflows still happen inside mobile apps. We built this open-source project to give everyone a simple and controlled way to connect AI agents to Android cloud phones.” Target Audience and Accessibility The cloud phone agent is tailored for marketers, agencies, creators, and teams seeking an AI assistant to streamline routine tasks within Android applications. Users need not start from scratch; the project provides clear setup instructions and is compatible with widely-used AI tools such as ChatGPT/Codex, Claude Code, OpenClaw, and Cursor. Once connected, the AI agent can efficiently manage tasks on the cloud phone, with the Multilogin Support team readily available for assistance. As with any automation tool, users are encouraged to adhere to the guidelines set by the applications they utilize. The Multilogin cloud phone agent is accessible on GitHub: GitHub Repository. For further information about Android cloud phones from Multilogin, visit Multilogin's Website. The Need for Android Cloud Phones in Social Media Workflows As marketing teams increasingly adopt AI-driven workflows, the necessity for reliable and scalable environments becomes paramount. Real Android devices provide AI agents with the authentic conditions that mimic human usage, allowing accounts to behave naturally and accumulate history over time—an aspect that emulators and browser profiles simply cannot replicate. About Multilogin Multilogin is a comprehensive platform offering cloud phones and browser profiles tailored for marketers, agencies, creators, and AI workflow builders. It enables teams to manage distinct browser and mobile workflows from a unified dashboard. Multilogin offers a Free plan with no credit card requirement, while paid plans commence at .08 per month when billed annually, inclusive of monthly proxy traffic and mobile minutes based on the selected plan. Established in 2015, Multilogin operates from the UAE and adheres to GDPR compliance. Media Contact: Teona B. Media Specialist Multilogin Email: marketing@multilogin.com For additional visuals accompanying this announcement, please visit the following links: Visual 1 Visual 2" max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].08 per month.

AppWizard

August 25, 2026

Google installed a new Android app on millions of phones. Here’s why

Android Pulse monitors the performance of applications on Android devices to prevent excessive battery drain and RAM consumption. Google describes it as a measure against critical resource consumption, and it has implemented fixed RAM limits for Android applications. Android Pulse has extensive permissions to monitor all installed applications but lacks a user interface for users to view resource usage or suspicious activity. This has led to negative reviews from users who received it pre-installed without sufficient information. While it aims to enhance security and stability, the lack of an opt-out option and minimal communication from Google has created distrust among users.

AppWizard

August 25, 2026

Walmart has one of the best RTX 5070 gaming PC deals right now at $501 off, plus two FREE upcoming games

Walmart is offering the MSI Codex R2 AI gaming desktop with an RTX 5070 graphics card for ,499, down from its regular price of ,600, with free shipping. The desktop features an Intel Core Ultra 7 265F processor, 16GB of DDR5 memory, and a 1TB SSD. It includes built-in Wi-Fi, RGB lighting, and comes pre-installed with Windows 11. As part of Intel Gamer Days, it also includes free digital copies of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and STAR WARS: Galactic Racer, valued at .98. The desktop is built on the MSI H810M-B motherboard and has a 750W 80+ Gold PSU.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

You don’t want this Sleepwalker backdoor on your Windows machine

Malware researcher Dominik Reichel has discovered a sophisticated Windows backdoor named Sleepwalker, which remains dormant in memory until activated by a specially crafted network packet. Sleepwalker uses a 23-instruction command language to execute tasks, including running code in memory and exfiltrating data. It activates through a proprietary activation packet that does not contain readable commands. The malware targets a VMware VMCI and disguises itself as Microsoft's dpapi.dll, mimicking its functions while redirecting calls to a non-existent file. Once it confirms its host process as ERAAgent.exe, it enters a dormant state to evade detection. Sleepwalker monitors for a specific pattern known as a magic packet to decrypt and interpret commands. Commands sent to it are encrypted with AES-256-CCM and must be read in a specific order. The backdoor includes functionalities for sending and concealing data, receiving tasks, and executing programs. Reichel has developed a toolkit to decode Sleepwalker’s bytecode and a mitigation guide for affected users. However, there are significant gaps in knowledge regarding the initial access method, victim identification, and the malware's operator.

AppWizard

August 24, 2026

The best Android weather app isn’t on the Play Store. Here’s how to install it

Breezy Weather is a free, open-source weather app for Android that is not available on the Play Store due to the developers' decision to avoid listing fees and personal identification requirements. To download Breezy Weather, users need to visit its GitHub page, download the APK file, and enable installation permissions on their device. Alternatively, users can download it from F-Droid, which is a Play Store alternative for free and open-source applications. Keeping Breezy Weather updated requires manual checks or enabling notifications for updates, while F-Droid offers a more seamless update process. Obtainium is a sideload manager that can simplify the update process by monitoring apps for new versions. Breezy Weather allows users to customize their experience with 50 different weather data sources and 13 widget options, providing extensive functionality without ads.

AppWizard

August 23, 2026

Manic Android Malware Exfiltrates Data From Offline Phones via Nearby Infected Devices

A new Android malware threat, codenamed Manic, poses significant risks to Ukrainian banks, government services, and messaging applications, with a reach extending to Russian and European financial institutions, global fintech platforms, cryptocurrency services, and military communication channels. Manic combines Android banking malware and mobile spyware, targeting sensitive applications and enabling comprehensive device takeover. It features a novel Wi-Fi mesh technique for data relay through compromised devices and utilizes phishing sites and dropper apps. The malware originated in February 2026, with initial development leading to its first deployment by late May. It monitors 169 package IDs related to banks, payment services, and messaging applications, primarily affecting Ukrainian targets but also impacting applications in Russia and Europe. Manic can infiltrate commercial and military messaging apps, track locations, monitor notifications, and collect files. It exploits Android's accessibility services to capture sensitive data and employs a store-and-forward relay mechanism for data exfiltration through nearby compromised devices. Google has stated that no apps containing this malware are found on Google Play, and Android users are protected by Google Play Protect.

Tech Optimizer

August 20, 2026

Surfshark Antivirus Review 2026: Test Results and Costs

Surfshark offers a cybersecurity package called Surfshark One, which includes antivirus capabilities and a VPN service. The overall rating for Surfshark is 4.1/5, with specific ratings of 3.7/5 for protection, 4.5/5 for performance, 3.3/5 for features, 5.0/5 for support, and 4.5/5 for value. The antivirus component has a 93.44% malware detection rate and a 95% phishing detection rate with no false alarms. Surfshark One costs .79 per month and includes features like real-time protection, scheduled scans, breach alerts, a private search engine, and webcam protection. The One+ tier adds Incogni data removal and identity theft insurance. Surfshark Antivirus is not available as a standalone product and lacks features such as a firewall, password manager, and parental controls. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Android. Surfshark provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

Winsage

August 20, 2026

I spent time with the August Windows 11 Insider builds, and these 8 changes reveal Microsoft’s next phase for the OS

In early August, there were no new Windows 11 builds released for over 15 days in the Windows Insider Program. On August 17, Microsoft released five new preview builds, introducing several features and enhancements. Key updates include a fully customizable context menu, allowing users to tailor options directly from Settings under Personalization, and improvements to the desktop background experience with higher resolution previews and better slideshow transitions. The Camera Roll backup feature now automatically backs up photos and videos to OneDrive. The Magnifier tool received a visual refresh, and the Windows Recovery Environment was upgraded to reuse eligible Wi-Fi profiles automatically. Microsoft also removed the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool and the Drag Tray feature while maintaining access to WMI through PowerShell. File Explorer improvements include a faster launch for the "Home" page and touch scrolling support in the "Recommended" section. Minor visual adjustments were made to the Windows Security app, enhancing its alignment with the Windows 11 design language.

Tech Optimizer

August 20, 2026

Get 87% Off a Surfshark VPN’s One Plan With This End-of-Winter Deal

Surfshark VPN is offering an end-of-winter discount on their 2-year Surfshark One Plan, providing 87% off and three additional months free until September 7. The plan costs A.49 per month and includes features such as a secure VPN, ad blocker, email masking, a personal detail generator, advanced antivirus, and phishing protection. Surfshark also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. PCMag reviewers awarded Surfshark VPN a 4.5-star rating, highlighting its strong data protection and innovative security tools.