phone Archives

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Microsoft reveals its rejected Start menu redesigns

Microsoft is redesigning the Start menu in Windows 11, introducing a wider layout that allows users to disable the recommended feed of files and applications. The company shared five distinct concept designs for the menu, including features like a rounded menu with widget-like functionality, a side-separated "For You" section, a landing page design, and a full-screen vertical layout. The design team engaged with over 300 Windows 11 enthusiasts to refine their concepts through co-creation calls and user feedback. The new Start menu aims to enhance app visibility, increase customizability, and ensure speed while maintaining familiarity. It will also include a phone companion panel for quick access to calls, messages, and files. Microsoft plans to test the revamped Start menu with Windows Insiders soon, with a broader rollout expected in the coming months.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Microsoft shows off the cool Windows Start concepts we never got

Microsoft's design team explored various concepts for the Windows 11 Start menu that were not included in the final product. These concepts aimed to enhance user experience by integrating notifications and functionalities from different Windows features. Key principles guiding the designs included easy access to the app library, personal customization, maximizing utility, and maintaining familiar iconography. The team engaged with 300 Windows 11 enthusiasts and used eye-tracking heat maps for feedback. One concept featured a slide-out phone dashboard for users of the Phone Link feature, restructuring recommended apps and documents for creativity and productivity. Another concept resembled earlier Windows versions, offering an expandable list of apps and shortcuts. Some designs expanded the Start menu significantly, while one focused on app visibility and timely information like meeting reminders. None of these designs were implemented in the current version of Windows 11, with some considered cluttered or confusing. Third-party developers like Stardock Software are providing customization options through solutions like Start11.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

Beware: 2.5 Million Monthly Downloads of These Risky Android Apps Could Endanger Your Device!

The Kaleidoscope attack is an ad-fraud scheme targeting Android users by tricking them into downloading malicious versions of legitimate apps, primarily via third-party app stores. Approximately 2.5 million devices are infected each month, with notable occurrences in India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brazil. Users are advised to uninstall suspicious apps and avoid downloading from unverified sources to protect their devices.

BetaBeacon

May 10, 2025

Everything you need to turn your phone into the ultimate gaming handheld

Various phone controllers are available to enhance mobile gaming experiences, such as the GameSir G8 Plus, ASUS ROG Tessen, and Backbone One. Additionally, options like Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Plus Premium, and Amazon Luna allow console and PC gamers to play from anywhere. Emulators like RetroArch can handle games up to PS2, and launchers like ES-DE and Console Launcher can enhance the gaming experience on phones. Ultimately, phones are capable of playing a wide range of games, including emulation, making them versatile gaming devices.

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

These dangerous Android apps are installed 2.5 million times each month

Kaleidoscope is an ad-fraud attack targeting Android users by exploiting legitimate applications on the Google Play Store and offering malicious duplicates through third-party app stores. Approximately 2.5 million devices are affected monthly, with 20% of incidents occurring in India, and other impacted regions include Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brazil. Users unknowingly download legitimate-looking apps while malicious versions circulate elsewhere, leading to intrusive advertisements that disrupt user experience and generate revenue for cybercriminals. Google has removed flagged titles from the Play Store and is enhancing protections, but ad resellers often fail to properly vet their inventory. The adware causes device overheating, rapid battery drain, and sluggish performance, highlighting the need for user vigilance.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

Windows 11 is about to make app downloads easier, but there’s a risk

Microsoft is testing a new feature that allows users to download apps from the Microsoft Store directly through Windows Search. When users search for an app not installed on their system, Windows will check the Microsoft Store for availability and present a preview of the app's listing page along with a "Get" button to initiate the download and installation process. For this feature to be effective, Microsoft needs to refine Windows Search to ensure it provides relevant results and does not return unrelated app suggestions.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Don’t ruin your Galaxy phone with a half-baked beta update

Samsung is expected to begin public beta testing for Android 16 and One UI 8 as early as June, with the software already appearing on a secret test server. Users are advised to exercise caution when considering participation in the beta testing, as unfinished software may lead to bugs and glitches. One UI 8 is anticipated to introduce meaningful changes to enhance user experience, but it is recommended to wait for a fully polished version before adopting it. The initial beta versions are primarily intended for developers, and early adopters may encounter challenges. The Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Ultra are highlighted as peak Android devices, featuring impressive RAM, performance, and the latest One UI with unique AI features.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Someone Reportedly Hacked the Messaging App Mike Waltz Was Seen Using

A cybersecurity breach involving TeleMessage, an Israeli messaging application company, has raised concerns about customer data safety. The breach allowed unauthorized access to direct messages and personal information on the platform, which lacks full end-to-end encryption like Signal. The hacker reported that accessing the data took only 15-20 minutes and exposed names, phone numbers, and email addresses of Customs and Border Protection officials, along with information from various financial institutions. TeleMessage is used by government agencies, including the State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making the breach more significant. While the hacker did not access all content, they indicated potential for further breaches, and journalists have verified some of the compromised material. TeleMessage's claim of maintaining Signal's security standards is questioned, as archiving messages introduces privacy risks. A spokesperson for Signal warned against using unofficial versions of their app, highlighting security vulnerabilities.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Waltz used Signal-like app at White House day before ouster as national security advisor

U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz was seen using a modified version of the messaging app Signal during a Cabinet meeting, despite President Donald Trump's prior discouragement of its use after the "Signalgate" controversy. A photograph showed Waltz with the app active and conversations involving at least six officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicating ongoing discussions. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly confirmed that Signal is an approved application for government use, and the modified version appeared to be associated with TeleMessage, a company that provides archiving services for messaging applications. This adaptation raises concerns about the integrity of Signal's end-to-end encryption due to potential external storage of messages, which could compromise privacy. TeleMessage has ties to military intelligence and was recently acquired by Smarsh. The use of Signal by Trump administration officials has been controversial in the past, particularly regarding military discussions that inadvertently involved a journalist.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Messaging App Used by Trump Admin Hacked – Attacker May Have Stolen Data From Hundreds of Government Employees: Report

A hacker breached TeleMessage, a messaging app used by members of the Trump administration and US government officials, in a quick attack that reportedly took 15 to 20 minutes. The breached materials included sensitive data related to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase. A screenshot from the control panel showed names, phone numbers, and email addresses of CBP employees, indicating access to data of hundreds of US government personnel. Michael Waltz, the recently dismissed national security adviser, was noted to have used TeleMessage during a cabinet meeting.