plugins Archives

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

“Think Google Docs meets a creative sandbox like Fortnite or Minecraft”: Audiotool 3.0 turns its multiplayer online DAW into an open platform for creator-built music tools

Audiotool 3.0 has launched, introducing real-time multiplayer music creation capabilities via web browsers and tablets, with mobile applications planned. The update features NEXUS, an open-source SDK that allows users to create their own instruments, plugins, and AI tools within the Audiotool ecosystem. The platform aims to enhance collaboration by addressing issues like device discrepancies and incompatible plugins, boasting the lowest latency among online music production tools. Users can design custom instruments, effects, and applications, and the SDK supports AI integrations. Launch partners for NEXUS include Splice, Ujam, BandM8, and Fraunhofer, and Audiotool is hosting a hackathon series until August 23 to encourage innovation.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

This underrated Samsung feature is the first thing I set up on any new Android phone… except Pixels

The taskbar feature at the bottom of the screen enhances user experience on tablets and foldable phones, allowing quick access to frequently used applications. This feature is also available on regular non-folding smartphones, such as Samsung and Motorola devices, where users can enable and customize a side panel known as the Sidebar or Edge Panel. On Samsung devices, users can download the Good Lock app and install the Home Up module to activate the Edge Panel, which offers customization options for quick access to apps, contacts, and shortcuts. The upcoming One UI 9 update is expected to introduce more customization options for the Edge Panel. Motorola users can enable a similar sidebar feature through Settings > Gestures > Sidebar. OnePlus users can find it under Settings > Accessibility & convenience > Smart Sidebar. Pixel smartphones lack a built-in sidebar feature, with users relying on third-party applications to replicate this functionality. The closest alternative on Pixel devices is the App Bubbles feature for multitasking, but it does not provide the same experience as a dedicated sidebar.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

I finally found the best personal knowledge management tool on Android after years of switching back and forth

The author explored various personal knowledge management (PKM) tools on Android and initially avoided Obsidian due to dissatisfaction with its earlier mobile app versions, which felt cramped and outdated. However, after revisiting the redesigned Obsidian app, they appreciated its modern user interface and improved usability. Obsidian's use of plain Markdown files allows for better file management and future-proofing of notes. The app supports both quick capture of ideas and deeper exploration through linking notes and creating a cohesive knowledge base. Features like Quick Note, Daily Note widget, and Graph View enhance its functionality. Data syncing requires some setup, with options for Obsidian Sync or third-party solutions. Ultimately, Obsidian stands out as a customizable and long-lasting PKM tool for the author’s workflow.

Tech Optimizer

June 18, 2026

Retro gaming fans are the new target for fake GitHub malware

Retro gaming enthusiasts should be cautious when exploring GitHub projects for tools or plugins, as cybercriminals may disguise malware as homebrew software. A specific incident involved a project called EQVita, which pretended to be a free audio tool for PlayStation Vita but actually contained Windows malware. The downloaded file included three files: Launch.bat, luajit.exe, and x64.txt, with the latter concealing a hidden script that connected to the attacker's server upon execution. This scam is part of a broader trend where counterfeit GitHub repositories distribute SmartLoader malware, which retrieves additional malicious software aimed at stealing passwords and cryptocurrency wallets. The PS Vita community, despite the console's production ceasing, remains active in modding, making it a target for attackers. Legitimate plugins typically come in Vita-compatible formats, while fake ones may feature polished marketing materials and AI-generated descriptions. Users are advised to verify sources, be cautious of suspicious downloads, and utilize security tools like Malwarebytes. If someone has executed the malicious EQVitav1.3.zip file, they should conduct a malware scan, change important passwords, and monitor accounts for unauthorized access. Indicators of compromise include the domains https://github.com/Voistace/EQVita and https://voistace.github.io, and the IP address 85.137.52.21.

AppWizard

June 13, 2026

RPG Maker forums are closing, nearly 15 years of knowledge and online culture are at risk of being wiped

The official RPG Maker forums are set to close, with the existing forums not being archived, resulting in the potential loss of over 1.4 million posts. Specific forums like the Legacy Engine Support forum have more than 280,000 posts, and the Javascript Plugins forum contains 276,000 messages. The forums will remain accessible until December 11, 2026, transitioning to read-only mode on June 18, 2026, and new account registrations are already disabled. Gotcha Gotcha Games is launching a new platform called the RPG Maker Guild for community collaboration. There are concerns about losing a significant knowledge base, but archivist Jason Scott hinted at possible assistance from the Internet Archive for preservation efforts.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

PowerToys just made Command Palette extensions easier to install and manage

PowerToys has released version 0.100.0, introducing several new features and enhancements: - Command Palette now includes an Extension Gallery for managing extensions directly. - Improvements to Command Palette include enhanced parameter pages, bookmarks for inline parameters, and better accessibility. - Dock feature enhancements allow for separate customization for each monitor and drag-and-drop functionality. - Performance Monitor introduces a Battery widget and dock bands for CPU, memory, and network metrics. - Calculator enhancements include new functions and improved error messaging. - Reliability improvements include a pinned commands section and smoother navigation. - FancyZones received updates for better localization and guidance. - File Explorer fixes address crashes related to Markdown previews. - File Locksmith improvements enhance handling of Unicode file paths. - Grab And Move has been fully released. - Image Resizer supports live settings reload. - Keyboard Manager editor is redesigned and enabled by default. - Mouse Without Borders adds quick access to refresh connections. - Peek's settings allow toggling of file preview tooltips. - PowerDisplay is optimized for better performance. - PowerToys Run improves calculator functionality and documents third-party plugins. - Quick Accent updates enhance UI consistency and language support. - Settings interface has been refreshed for better usability. - Shortcut Guide redesigned for reliability and includes built-in manifests. - Workspaces has a modernized editor. - ZoomIt introduces webcam overlay capabilities and improved recording features. - Development tools and dependencies have been updated for smoother contributions.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

5 Of The Best Android Apps For Making A Podcast

The accessibility of recording and production tools for podcasting has increased, allowing aspiring podcasters to use mobile devices for high-quality content creation. Wireless microphones, like the DJI Mic 2, enhance the recording experience. Various recording and production apps are available for Android users, including: - FL Studio Mobile: A digital audio workstation app that allows users to add tracks, record, and apply mixing and effects plugins, featuring multi-track recording and an intuitive interface. - Riverside: An app that simplifies the recording process by allowing users to invite guests via links, recording up to 4K video and 48 kHz audio, and saving files in WAV format while uploading high-quality files to the cloud. - MasteringBOX: An AI-driven app that enhances audio quality by assessing and improving the sound characteristics of uploaded recordings with a single-button solution. - Koala Sampler: An app that enables users to record sounds and create music directly on their phones, allowing for the incorporation of unique melodies and sound effects into podcasts. - Google Recorder: A built-in app for Android that captures audio and transcribes it in real-time, facilitating easy editing of audio files through text modification. The selection of these apps was based on their active support, usability across various Android devices, and positive user feedback.

Tech Optimizer

June 7, 2026

Implementing real-time change data capture with Debezium for Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL and Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL

Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition and Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL now support native streaming replication, allowing data changes to flow from source databases. Organizations often struggle to capture and propagate these changes in real time without affecting database performance. Traditional ETL pipelines can introduce significant delays, leading to outdated data and missed opportunities. Debezium is an open-source platform for change data capture (CDC) that monitors databases and streams changes to applications or data pipelines, enabling real-time data synchronization. The CDC solution combines PostgreSQL's logical replication with Debezium's change capture framework, focusing on Amazon Aurora for PostgreSQL. To implement this solution, logical replication must be enabled on Amazon Aurora through DB cluster parameter groups. Debezium connectors monitor the database's Write-Ahead Logging (WAL) via logical replication slots, converting transaction logs into structured event streams. Key components of the solution include: - Amazon Aurora for PostgreSQL as the source database with logical replication enabled. - A Debezium PostgreSQL connector running on MSK Connect for change capture. - Amazon MSK for message streaming. - An Amazon EC2 instance for testing and consuming change events. Steps to implement the solution include: 1. Creating an Amazon Aurora for PostgreSQL DB cluster and enabling logical replication. 2. Creating an Amazon MSK serverless cluster. 3. Setting up an Amazon EC2 instance to install Kafka and connect to the database. 4. Creating a custom plugin for Amazon MSK to replicate changes from RDS for PostgreSQL. 5. Uploading the custom plugin to an Amazon S3 bucket. 6. Storing credentials in AWS Secrets Manager and creating an IAM role for MSK Connect. 7. Testing the solution by verifying data replication and monitoring real-time changes. Monitoring can be done through CloudWatch Logs and the MSK Connect console, addressing common issues like replication slot lag and connector failures. To avoid charges, resources created during the implementation should be deleted in the correct order.

Tech Optimizer

June 6, 2026

Implementing real-time change data capture with Debezium for Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL and Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL

Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition and Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL support native streaming replication, allowing data changes to flow from source databases. Organizations often struggle with real-time data capture and dissemination, leading to outdated information due to traditional batch ETL pipelines. Debezium is an open-source platform for change data capture (CDC) that streams database changes to applications or data pipelines in real time. The CDC solution utilizes PostgreSQL's logical replication capabilities and Debezium's framework. Key components include Amazon Aurora for PostgreSQL as the source database, a Debezium PostgreSQL connector on MSK Connect, Amazon MSK for message streaming, and an Amazon EC2 instance for testing. To implement the solution, users must enable logical replication on Amazon Aurora, create an Amazon MSK cluster, set up an EC2 instance with Kafka, and create a custom plugin for MSK Connect. The process involves configuring IAM roles and policies, connecting to the database, and creating an Amazon MSK connector to stream changes. Testing the solution includes verifying real-time changes by inserting, updating, and deleting records in PostgreSQL, with events appearing in Kafka. Monitoring tools are available through CloudWatch for troubleshooting issues like replication slot lag and connector failures. To clean up resources after testing, users should delete the MSK Connect connector, custom plugin, Amazon MSK cluster, Aurora PostgreSQL database instance, EC2 instance, IAM role and policy, Secrets Manager secrets, CloudWatch Logs log group, and S3 bucket.

Winsage

June 2, 2026

New PHANTOMPULSE RAT Campaign Uses UAC Bypass in Windows Attacks

The REF6598 intrusion set has revealed a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) named PHANTOMPULSE, which is distributed via malicious Obsidian plugins. It uses advanced evasion techniques, including a blockchain-based command and control (C2) channel and a public User Account Control (UAC) bypass to infiltrate Windows systems. The malware disables security measures like the Antimalware Scan Interface (AMSI) and Windows Lockdown Policy (WLDP) through a hardware-breakpoint technique, allowing it to avoid detection by signature-based memory scanners. PHANTOMPULSE hides its core files in encrypted registry blobs and creates scheduled tasks that appear as .NET Framework updates. Its decentralized C2 framework queries public blockchains for operational data, but it lacks sender authentication, which can be exploited by defenders. The malware inventories the system for antivirus software and targets high-value applications. It employs a UAC bypass technique called “schuac” to gain elevated permissions. Analysts attribute this campaign to DPRK-aligned threat actors, particularly the BlueNoroff group, due to its focus on cryptocurrency wallets and blockchain exploitation. Defenders can identify new infrastructure by searching blockchain ledgers for a specific hex signature associated with the malware's C2 encryption routine.