PDF Archives

Winsage

May 4, 2025

Do Not Open This PDF On A Microsoft Windows PC

Microsoft has warned about the increasing use of PDF attachments in cyberattacks, particularly during the U.S. tax season. Attackers have been using PDFs with embedded links that redirect users to counterfeit pages, such as a fake DocuSign site. TrustWave SpiderLabs has identified a new campaign involving a fake payment SWIFT copy that leads to a malicious PDF containing obfuscated JavaScript, which downloads a script that conceals the RemcosRAT payload using steganography. This technique involves hiding links within images, making them difficult to detect. The latest attacks begin with phishing emails containing malicious PDFs that direct victims to harmful webpages, facilitating the delivery of RemcosRAT, a trojan that allows remote control of compromised systems. Users are advised to be cautious of emails labeled “SWIFT Copy” and to delete suspicious emails immediately.

AppWizard

May 4, 2025

The 15 Hottest Android Apps You Need This May 2025

Android maintains its leading position in the mobile operating system market with a diverse ecosystem of applications. A selection of 15 notable Android apps for May 2025 includes: 1. Gesture Control: Edge Seek allows users to create customizable gestures for tasks like volume adjustments and app launches. 2. Device Mirroring: Screen Copy for Android enables users to mirror and control one Android device from another. 3. Customization: Everything Widgets offers over 100 customizable widgets, while Anting Icons provides a unified icon pack. Creative App combines widgets, wallpapers, and icon packs, and Fluffy KWGT features 3D-style widgets. 4. Cross-Device Integration: Sapphira syncs Android with Windows for messaging and file sharing, while Our Quick Share extends functionality for Mac and Linux users. 5. AI Tools: Adma is a free AI image upscaler that enhances image resolution offline. 6. Gaming and Entertainment: Swick is a platform for discovering and playing mini-games. 7. Lightweight Alternatives: Notebook is an ad-free alternative to the Facebook app with a minimalistic design. 8. Rooted Device Tools: Pixel Launcher Enhanced and Android 16 Expressive Theme provide advanced customization for rooted devices. 9. Productivity and Organization: Pixel Shot organizes screenshots, and Digipause tracks time spent on video apps. 10. Utility Tools: Curome combines over 25 features, including a QR code generator and Pomodoro timer. These apps enhance functionality, creativity, and efficiency for Android users.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Google Play shrinks by 47 percent following policy overhaul

The Google Play Store has seen a 47 percent decline in app offerings, dropping from 3.4 million to 1.8 million apps since early 2024. This reduction is a result of Google's efforts to enhance app quality and security, including a policy overhaul that introduced stricter minimum requirements and targeted low-quality applications. In 2024, Google blocked 2.36 million policy-violating apps and banned over 158,000 developer accounts. Despite the decline in app numbers, developer activity remains strong, with over 10,400 new apps released in early 2025, a 7.1 percent increase from the previous year. The European Union's "trader status" rule did not significantly impact the decline in app numbers, as Apple's app count remained stable under similar regulations.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

Google’s Play Store App Deletion—What You Do Now On Your Phone

Google's Play Store has undergone a significant overhaul, resulting in a reduction of apps from approximately 3.4 million to around 1.8 million, a decline of nearly 47% since the beginning of 2024. This change was prompted by an increase in threats to mobile devices and stricter criteria for app inclusion and retention. Google is targeting the removal of static apps without specific functionalities, apps with minimal content, and applications that lack functional value. Removed apps will no longer be available for download, but users with the app already installed can continue to use it without updates. If uninstalled, users cannot redownload the app unless republished by the developer. Users are advised to manage their app collections to mitigate risks associated with low-quality apps. Subscriptions linked to removed apps will also be terminated.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

Millions of Android apps have disappeared from the Play Store this year, and for good reason

The Google Play Store's app count has decreased from approximately 3.4 million in early 2024 to around 1.8 million today, a 47% decline. This reduction is attributed to stricter quality control measures implemented by Google in July 2024, which targeted malfunctioning apps and those with limited functionality. Google reported blocking 2.36 million apps for policy violations and banning over 158,000 developer accounts linked to harmful activities. In contrast, the Apple App Store's app count rose from 1.6 million to 1.64 million during the same period. Additionally, a new EU regulation requires developers to disclose their names and addresses in app listings, with non-compliance risking delisting from EU markets. Despite the decline, 10,400 new applications were launched on the Play Store this year, indicating a 7.1% increase compared to last year.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

Chrome for Android finally lets you view PDFs without leaving the browser

Chrome for Android has introduced a native PDF reader that allows users to view and annotate PDF files directly within the browser, eliminating the need for third-party applications. This feature is currently available on Android 15, with availability on earlier versions yet to be confirmed. Users can access various annotation tools, including a pen, highlighter, eraser, undo, redo, and visibility options, and can customize line widths and colors. The built-in search functionality enables users to locate specific text within documents. The feature was hinted at in February of the previous year and became operational in December, initially accessible only through flags for devices running Android 12 and later.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

My biggest pleasant surprise of 2025 so far has been the free prequel to one of my favorite indie RPGs, made with FromSoft’s 25-year-old game making toolset

Lunacid, a first-person RPG inspired by the King's Field series, was released in 2023 by Kira LLC. A prequel titled Lunacid: Tears of the Moon is set thousands of years before the original game and was developed using the Sword of Moonlight toolset. The game features user-generated dungeon crawlers and has drawn comparisons to atmospheric exploration titles like Thief and System Shock. Players engage in melee combat without blocking or dodging options, and character progression occurs automatically upon leveling up. Mana regenerates through successful melee attacks, and health is fully restored at the home base. The game lacks a tutorial, prompting players to refer to a classic-style manual. Players must locate five shards of a legendary sword while navigating a world filled with secrets, including hidden doors and challenging enemies.

Winsage

April 10, 2025

Windows 11 tests sharing apps screen and files with Copilot AI

Copilot on Windows 11 is being tested for OS-level integration that allows users to share app screens with the AI assistant, currently available to Windows Insiders in the U.S. This feature, known as Copilot Vision, enables real-time assistance by analyzing screen content and providing guidance. The functionality is cloud-based, not relying on local AI models. Users can share their screens by clicking an icon in the Copilot app and can stop sharing at any time. Additionally, a "File Search" feature allows users to find documents using natural language queries, capable of reading various file formats like .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .txt, .pdf, and .json. Both features are being gradually rolled out within the Windows Insider Program, with more information on data processing and privacy expected as they progress beyond testing.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Copilot on Windows: Vision and file search begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

Microsoft has rolled out an update for the Copilot app on Windows, available through the Microsoft Store. The update introduces new features, including: 1. File Search: Users can locate, open, and inquire about various file types (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .txt, .pdf, .json) directly from the Copilot app. Users can control access permissions in the Copilot Settings. 2. Copilot Vision: This feature allows users to share any browser or app window with Copilot, enabling it to analyze content and provide insights and spoken assistance. The update, version 1.25034.133.0 and higher, is being gradually rolled out across all Insider Channels. Copilot Vision will initially be available to Insiders in the U.S., while the file search feature will be accessible to Insiders worldwide. Users can provide feedback within the Copilot app.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Here’s the original source code for Microsoft’s very first product

Bill Gates marked Microsoft’s 50th Anniversary by unveiling the source code for Altair Basic, a programming language interpreter developed for the MITS Altair 8800 microcomputer. This 157-page PDF is available for download on Gates' blog. Altair Basic was created in 1975 by Gates, Paul Allen, and Monte Davidoff, who worked intensively for two months after being inspired by the Altair 8800. They chose to develop an interpreter instead of a compiler to provide instant feedback for novice programmers. MITS licensed the software from Gates and Allen, leading to the founding of Micro-soft. The full code document is now accessible, along with a web page featuring animations and graphics celebrating this early coding project.