outdoors Archives

AppWizard

November 2, 2025

Tracking whatever you do: IIT study finds Android apps are gathering far more information than users think

A recent investigation by IIT Delhi found that Android applications with precise location access can gather extensive information about users, including whether they are indoors or outdoors, the presence of crowded environments, and details about room layouts and activities, without using the phone’s camera or microphone. The study, led by MTech student Soham Nag and Professor Smruti R Sarangi, utilized a system called AndroCon, which analyzes low-level GPS signals to detect user activity and contextual information. AndroCon achieved up to 99% accuracy in identifying surroundings and over 87% accuracy in recognizing human activities, including subtle gestures. The research highlights significant privacy risks, as applications with fine-grained location permissions can extract sensitive data without user consent. The findings were published in the ACM Transactions on Sensor Networks.

AppWizard

November 1, 2025

IIT Delhi study finds Android apps with location access can infer user activities and indoor layouts | Delhi News – The Times of India

Researchers at IIT Delhi, led by MTech student Soham Nag and Dr. Smruti R Sarangi, have developed a system called AndroCon that utilizes low-level GPS signal fluctuations to gather detailed information about a user's environment and activities without using cameras or microphones. The system can determine whether a person is indoors or outdoors, identify the structure of a room, and assess their actions with high accuracy—up to 99% for surroundings and over 87% for human activities. AndroCon can also generate indoor floor maps with a margin of error of less than four meters. The study highlights potential privacy concerns, as any Android app with fine location permissions could access sensitive contextual information without user consent. The findings were published in the ACM Transactions on Sensor Networks.

AppWizard

October 24, 2025

Hidden Levels Ep. 5: Press B to Touch Grass

Nature in video games has evolved from a simple backdrop to an important escape for individuals with limited access to the outdoors, exemplified by Minecraft influencer Cassie Anne, who uses the game to connect with nature due to her severe allergies. The advancement of video games has been driven by technological innovations such as procedural generation and the pursuit of photorealism, allowing for immersive environments. These technologies are also being used to create digital twins for urban planning and environmental visualization. However, the energy consumption of visually intensive games contributes approximately 50 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. Despite this, video games can enhance ecological awareness and educate players about sustainability, serving as a connection to nature for those unable to experience it physically.

BetaBeacon

October 14, 2025

New Dissidia Final Fantasy Game Teased, More Coming Oct 14

Square Enix has launched a website announcing a new Dissidia Final Fantasy game for Android and iOS, with more information to be revealed on October 14, 2025. The teaser images on the website depict modern Japan and suggest the game will be a "Team Boss Battle Arena." The images include characters like Rinoa, Sephiroth, and Prompto, as well as silhouettes of various Final Fantasy characters. The author is excited about the announcement and hopes for a successful mobile game.

AppWizard

September 24, 2025

Baby Steps review: One of the funniest games I’ve ever played is also one of the most frustrating

Baby Steps is a satirical open-world game developed by Gabe Cuzzillo, Maxi Boch, and Bennett Foddy, and published by Devolver Digital, priced at £15.30. Players control Nate, who is transported outdoors and faces comedic challenges in walking and navigating terrains. The game features awkward controls that reflect Nate's clumsiness, as he embarks on his adventure barefoot. Players can collect hats and lost items, but missteps can lead to humorous tumbles. The game includes various ascents that require strategic decision-making, and while the humor may wear thin over time, the narrative remains engaging with witty dialogue and cutscenes. Baby Steps comments on gaming challenges and the journey's entertainment value.

AppWizard

September 22, 2025

Microsoft’s Copilot is coming to inject AI into your Windows PC games

Michael has a decade of experience in technology journalism, specializing in keyboards at PCWorld. He has contributed to publications such as Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek. He has reported live from major industry events like CES and Mobile World Congress. Michael resides in Pennsylvania and enjoys outdoor activities, particularly kayaking.