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AppWizard
April 16, 2025
Google Wallet has introduced real-time train status alerts for users in India and Canada, allowing them to receive notifications about their train's status, such as "On Time" or "Delayed." Additionally, parents and guardians in select countries can now permit their children to add event tickets and generic passes to their Wallet accounts, with the rollout starting in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Spain, and Poland. Google will host its I/O 2025 event on May 20 at 10 am PT, where updates for Wallet and Pay will be discussed, along with developments related to Android 16, Android XR, and Wear OS 6. Android 16 will feature Live Updates and has reached Platform Stability, allowing developers to refine applications. The Android 16 Beta includes Auracast support for hearing aids to enhance accessibility.
Tech Optimizer
April 15, 2025
Security researchers have developed a new malware process injection technique called "Waiting Thread Hijacking" (WTH), which executes harmful code within legitimate processes while avoiding detection by security measures. This method improves upon traditional Thread Execution Hijacking by using a different sequence of operations that bypasses commonly monitored API calls. WTH involves allocating memory and injecting malicious payloads using standard functions, identifying dormant threads within the target process, acquiring thread context with less suspicious permissions, and overwriting the return address on the stack with the injected shellcode. The technique ensures stability by preserving the original state of the thread and allows it to resume normal operations after executing the malicious code. Additionally, WTH employs an obfuscation technique that distributes its steps across multiple child processes to evade behavioral detection systems. While WTH can avoid many conventional detection triggers, it is not completely immune, as some Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions can block unauthorized memory writes. Check Point Research has observed that WTH is effective against certain EDRs while others can block it but not older methods, illustrating the variability in EDR capabilities.
Winsage
April 12, 2025
Microsoft has reintroduced its Windows Recall feature, now integrated into the Windows 11 Release Preview channel for Copilot+ PCs, after addressing public concerns. Originally unveiled at the Build developer conference in May of last year, Windows Recall automatically captures screenshots of a user's desktop at regular intervals and stores them locally. The feature aims to help users revisit their activities and incorporate AI capabilities for searching through the captured data. Privacy concerns arose due to the logging of user actions, prompting Microsoft to pause the launch in June after significant backlash. In November, Microsoft began testing Recall again, with it disabled by default on specific Copilot+ PCs. The feature is included in Windows 11 Build 26100.3902 as an opt-in option, with plans for a broader rollout in early 2025 and a phased introduction in the European Economic Area later this year. Recall will support multiple languages and is compatible with major web browsers. Screenshots are stored locally and encrypted, requiring Windows Hello authentication for access. Microsoft asserts that data remains on local storage and is not shared with third parties, with users having control over snapshot permissions and deletion options.
AppWizard
April 9, 2025
Meta is expanding its Teen Accounts protections, initially launched on Instagram, to Facebook and Messenger for users aged 13-15. These accounts limit messaging capabilities, filter out inappropriate content, and remind users to take breaks from screen time. Teens under 16 need parental permission to change default settings, with 97% choosing to maintain protections. The rollout of similar Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger is happening in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, with global expansion planned. New features for Instagram Teen Accounts will require parental approval for going Live and disabling a feature that blurs suspected nude images in direct messages. An Ipsos survey indicated that 94% of US parents find Teen Accounts beneficial, and 85% believe they promote positive online experiences. Meta has over 54 million active Teen Accounts globally and is committed to enhancing safety for young users.
Winsage
April 9, 2025
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.
AppWizard
April 8, 2025
Meta is expanding its “Teen Accounts” initiative to include Facebook and Messenger, which were initially introduced on Instagram. This feature automatically implements privacy settings, content restrictions, and parental controls for users under 18. The initial rollout targets users in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, with plans for global availability. Teen Accounts aim to reduce exposure to harmful content and enhance parental oversight by limiting interactions to friends or previously contacted users. Meta reports that 54 million teens worldwide have adopted Teen Accounts on Instagram, with 97% of teens aged 13-15 opting to retain their built-in protections. A study showed that 94% of parents found Teen Accounts helpful, and 85% believed they fostered a positive online experience. Additional protections for teens under 16 on Instagram include requiring parental approval for live broadcasts and disabling nudity protection. Meta has also introduced features to encourage breaks from device usage, such as daily reminders and the activation of “Quiet Mode” at night.
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