A new app called Messages by OzarksMade aims to emulate the look and feel of Samsung Messages and include RCS support via integration with Google Messages.
LG faced scrutiny after an investigation revealed that certain LG monitors triggered an automatic download of the LG Monitor App Installer via Windows Update without user consent. Microsoft intervened, urging LG to stop distributing what was referred to as adware. LG has since halted this practice but faced criticism regarding its response and transparency. The company stated that "McAfee is not installed automatically and is never installed without the user’s explicit consent."
Nik Samokhvalov created PGSimCity, a visualizer for the open-source database PostgreSQL, inspired by the game SimCity. It allows users to navigate a city-like environment using gaming controls, where database transactions are represented as animations. The project originated from a prompt to Claude and involved 3.86 billion tokens of AI-assisted coding. PGSimCity is open source and has potential for adaptation to explain other complex technologies.
Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 by focusing on four key areas: improving onboarding and setup for a quicker user experience, optimizing memory usage for devices with 8GB RAM and above, simplifying parental controls for families, and making voice interactions more natural across applications. The company aims to reduce the memory footprint of Windows 11 to ensure responsiveness on lower-spec devices, possibly by transitioning more elements of the user interface to WinUI. User feedback is being prioritized in these improvements, and Microsoft is committed to making voice input a primary method alongside traditional inputs.
Bitsight's investigation revealed that inexpensive Android TV boxes are being shipped with applications that can change their hardware identity, allowing them to impersonate popular smartphone brands like Samsung and Huawei. This operation, named Fuyao, is linked to Zhejiang Fengwo IoT Technology Co., Ltd., a Chinese company established in 2019. The H96MAXV11 model was frequently reported among the affected devices. In one day, the operation received 65,957 reports from about 38,000 unique MAC addresses, with many devices misidentified as phones due to spoofed identifiers. Fengwo has also promoted over 120,000 "AI digital humans," though details on this marketing term are vague.
The command-and-control server for Fuyao sends phone profiles to devices, masking their actual hardware specifications. The operation uses machine vision technology and a YOLOv8s object-detection model to identify advertisements. Bitsight documented 40 fraud tasks, 21 unique campaigns, and 166 modules across four devices. The operation's payout structure involves 144 operator-owned domains, with an estimated gross return of .25 per device daily, potentially leading to annual revenues in the millions. Attribution to Fengwo is supported by shared TLS certificate data and public patent records, although the patents do not directly address advertising. There is uncertainty about how the fraudulent apps were installed and at what point in the supply chain they were introduced. Device owners are advised to verify Play Protect certification and disconnect suspicious devices.
Alex Cope shared how a surprise game reignited his passion for gaming amidst the industry's burdensome state, characterized by fatigue from live service models and monetization strategies. He found enjoyment in American Truck Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2, appreciating their vast open worlds that allow for solo exploration and community engagement. The driving experience is central to his enjoyment, with no rigid campaign structure and the freedom to traverse any map from the start. The journey itself is meditative, with leveling up providing longer, rewarding drives rather than just monetary gains. The games feature a modding community that offers extensive customization options, and the multiplayer aspect allows players to join convoys and engage with others. Both games are compatible with handheld devices like the Steam Deck, which he prefers for gaming, and they continue to receive updates. While there are some performance limitations, the overall experience remains impressive, providing a soothing escape from daily gaming. The base versions of the games are affordably priced, with ample opportunities for exploration in the core maps.
PowerToys is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, having originally been released for Windows 95 in November 1996. The Power Display feature simplifies the management of multiple screens, while other notable features include FancyZones for window management and PowerRename for file renaming. There is a gap in awareness about PowerToys, indicating that Microsoft could improve outreach to inform more users about its functionalities.
Australian authorities have initiated legal proceedings against Telegram for alleged negligence in removing content linked to terrorism, including footage from the March 2019 Christchurch mosque shooting that resulted in 51 deaths. Australia’s Safety Commissioner, Julie Inman-Grant, stated that Telegram could face penalties of up to 0,000 for violating the Online Safety Act. Telegram has rejected the allegations and plans to contest them in court, emphasizing its commitment to combating extremist content by blocking thousands of extremist communities in 2026. The platform also hosts various crypto-related discussions but has not commented further on the legal situation.
Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was designated as a "terrorist" and "extremist" by Russia's FSB on July 29, ahead of parliamentary elections in September, due to claims that Ukrainian intelligence services extensively use Telegram. Durov, who has dual citizenship in France and the UAE, publicly expressed defiance against this classification by sharing content emphasizing "freedom of expression." This designation aligns him legally with Aleksei Navalny, though it does not extend to the Telegram platform itself. Telegram remains popular in Russia despite regulatory challenges and has been used by Russian intelligence services. Durov has resisted government pressure to allow access to the app's security infrastructure. The FSB is attempting to tighten control over Telegram, but its significance for political mobilization complicates these efforts. Additionally, Durov faces legal threats in Europe related to content moderation on Telegram.
Bethesda has introduced a new logo to celebrate its 40th anniversary, reflecting on its history and hinting at future projects. The studio has a legacy that includes significant titles such as The Elder Scrolls: Arena (1994) and The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall (1996), as well as several games in The Terminator franchise, including The Terminator: Future Shock (1995) and Skynet (1996). The Elder Scrolls 6 is projected for release in 2028, and Bethesda is also working on Fallout 5, remasters of Fallout 3 and New Vegas, an upcoming Fallout title from Obsidian, additional DLC for Starfield, and ongoing enhancements for Fallout 76. The new logo does not indicate a revival of The Terminator games.
