operator Archives

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Death Road to Canada, 911 Operator, BE-A Walker, more

Nintendo has postponed the pre-order date for the upcoming Switch 2 games, but the launch remains on schedule. A hands-on video of the console is available. Samsung offers several TV models: QN900F (65 to 85 inches), QN90F (43 to 98 inches), and QN80F (55 to 85 inches). The game "Death Road to Canada" is a Randomly Generated Road Trip Action-RPG where players navigate from Florida to Canada while facing zombies and encountering unique characters and events.

Tech Optimizer

April 1, 2025

Crunchy Data Warehouse, a Modern Postgres Analytics Platform for the Hybrid Cloud

Crunchy Data has released an optimized version of its Crunchy Data Warehouse for Kubernetes, integrating Postgres-native Apache Iceberg for enhanced analytics. This version supports both analytical and operational workloads by combining traditional Postgres tables with transactional Iceberg tables. Key features include managed Iceberg tables in PostgreSQL, high-performance analytics through DuckDB integration, the ability to query raw data files in S3, flexible data import/export options, and seamless integration with various analytics tools. The system is designed to be developer-friendly and supports automated, scalable deployments across different infrastructures.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Hackers Bypass Windows Defender Security—What You Need To Know

Elite red team hackers have revealed a significant vulnerability in the Windows ecosystem, specifically a method to bypass Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC), which is designed to restrict application execution to trusted software. Bobby Cooke from IBM X-Force Red confirmed that the Microsoft Teams application was successfully targeted to bypass WDAC, allowing the execution of a Command and Control payload. The techniques used included utilizing "Living Off The Land Binaries" (LOLBINS), side-loading a trusted application with an untrusted dynamic linked library, exploiting a custom exclusion rule from a client WDAC policy, and discovering a new execution chain within a trusted application. Microsoft acknowledged awareness of the WDAC bypass report and stated they would take action as needed to protect customers.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

How to use ChatGPT: A beginner’s guide to the most popular AI chatbot

ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, was launched in late 2022 and has evolved into a versatile tool for tasks such as composing emails, generating essays, brainstorming ideas, translating languages, assisting with coding, and answering questions. OpenAI offers a free version and paid plans for additional features. Users can access ChatGPT via its website or app without creating an account, although registration unlocks features like saving chat history. The user base has grown to over 400 million weekly users within six months. OpenAI's subscription plans include a free tier, a Plus plan at per month, and a Pro plan at 0 per month. ChatGPT can assist with advice, data analysis, browsing, deep research, image generation with DALL·E, and file uploads. Features include Voice Mode for spoken interaction, ChatGPT Canvas for visual organization, and ChatGPT Tasks for scheduling reminders. ChatGPT can also generate images and videos, with the upgraded GPT-4o image generator available to Plus subscribers. The desktop app is available for Windows and MacOS, and users can try ChatGPT without logging in. Accuracy may vary, and users are advised to fact-check responses.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

New Zealand partners with Warner Bros to showcase Māori culture to tourists through Minecraft

Tourism New Zealand has launched a collaboration with Warner Bros., Mojang Studios, and Māori game developers to create a Minecraft campaign celebrating Māori culture and promoting tourism. The campaign, which began on March 24, 2025, features a free downloadable content (DLC) pack that allows players to explore six iconic locations in New Zealand, aiming to inspire real-world travel and generate significant visitor spending. The DLC includes locations such as Waitomo Caves, Te Puia, and Kāpiti Island, and incorporates activities that reflect real-life experiences. Piki Studios, the Māori game design studio behind the DLC, emphasized the importance of accurately representing Māori culture. The initiative aligns with Tourism New Zealand's strategy to promote the country as a year-round destination and is linked to the upcoming release of ‘A Minecraft Movie’.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

Is McDonald’s holding out on ‘Minecraft’ Happy Meals? See the items the US may not get

A McDonald's location in Brooklyn now requires patrons under 20 to present ID or be accompanied by a parent. McDonald's is launching a new Happy Meal in collaboration with "A Minecraft Movie" on April 1, ahead of the film's release on April 4. This collaboration will introduce new desserts in Canada, the UK, and Singapore, including an apple cake McFlurry in the UK, an apple shake in Canada, and a cotton candy McFlurry, sundae, and ice cream cone in Singapore. The 'Minecraft' meal will feature a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets with medium fries and a drink, served with a new Nether Flame Sauce. The themed meal includes twelve Block World toys or six exclusive collectibles that unlock unique skins in the Minecraft Marketplace. Customers can purchase Happy Meal toys separately, and Happy Meals typically include a choice of hamburger, cheeseburger, or McNuggets, fries, apple slices, and a drink. The price of a Happy Meal varies by location. Ohio has 613 McDonald's restaurants, ranking fifth in the nation.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

The latest Windows 10 update causes headaches for some users

On March 11, the Windows 10 22H2 Patch Tuesday security update, KB5053606, was released to address 15 vulnerabilities, including two critical remote code execution flaws. Users have reported significant issues, with many experiencing installation difficulties and receiving the error code 0x80070020. Those who managed to install the update faced problems such as blue and black screens, random crashes, disappearing app icons, and reverted desktop customizations. Professional users reported issues with program crashes, Citrix functionality, and slow Print Spooler operations. The update includes support for DST changes in Paraguay, updates to Country and Operator Settings profiles, fixes for Desktop Window Manager not responding, resolves issues with the Open Secure Shell service, and addresses various Chinese IME-related issues. Systems post-installation will reflect Build 19045.5608. Windows 10 is scheduled to reach its end of life on October 14, 2025.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

11 nation-state groups exploit unpatched Microsoft zero-day

Since 2017, at least 11 state-sponsored threat groups have exploited a Microsoft zero-day vulnerability in Windows shortcut files for data theft and cyber espionage. Researchers from Trend Micro's Trend Zero Day Initiative have identified nearly 1,000 malicious .lnk files utilizing this flaw, designated as ZDI-CAN-25373, which allows attackers to execute hidden commands on victims' devices. The attacks involve various payloads, including the Lumma infostealer and Remcos remote access Trojan, with North Korean operatives responsible for over 45% of the incidents, while Iran, Russia, and China account for approximately 18% each. Notable advanced persistent threat groups involved include Evil Corp, Kimsuky, Bitter, and Mustang Panda. Microsoft has not yet released a patch for this vulnerability, which is considered unusual, and while Microsoft Defender can detect and block related threats, organizations are advised to remain vigilant and implement protective measures against potential exploitation.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Rainbow Six Siege is getting its first permanent mode in 10 years, and it throws every Siege rule out the window

Dual Front is a new permanent 6v6 mode in Rainbow Six Siege, developed as part of Siege X for the game's 10th anniversary. It redefines the Bomb format by expanding lobby size, allowing respawns, and enabling attackers and defenders to collaborate on the same team. New mechanics include the "destabilization" of zones that remain uncaptured, which accelerates the capture process once fully destabilized. A secondary objective in the neutral zone requires teams to escort a hostage, enhancing collaboration. The mode will debut in Year 10 Season 2, while the classic 5v5 Bomb format will remain a key focus for Ubisoft.

Winsage

March 13, 2025

Releasing Windows 10 Build 19045.5674 to the Release Preview Channel

The Windows Insider Program Team has released an update for Windows 10, specifically the Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.5674 (KB5053643), available in the Release Preview Channel for version 22H2. Key features and improvements include: - Introduction of Noto CJK fonts for enhanced linguistic capabilities. - Updates to Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) profiles for better mobile connectivity. - Fix for thumbnail crashes in File Explorer. - Secure storage of temporary files in “C:WindowsSystemTemp” to reduce unauthorized access risks. - Resolution of issues with Get-Help troubleshooters in Remote Desktop sessions. - Enhanced support for Windows Search within the European Economic Area (EEA). - Fix for printers using Independent Hardware Vendor (IHV) drivers that output incorrect text.