policy Archives

Winsage

May 24, 2025

Microsoft Tells Nearly All Windows Users—You Must Reboot Your PC

This month's KB5058497 update for Windows 11 24H2 introduces the first 'hotpatch' update, allowing installation without a reboot, but it is only available for Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise users. There is no timeline for extending this feature to Pro and Home users. To use hotpatch updates, users must have a Microsoft subscription that includes Windows 11 Enterprise E3, E5, or F3, Windows 11 Education A3 or A5, or a Windows 365 Enterprise subscription, along with devices running Windows 11 Enterprise version 24H2 (Build 26100.2033 or later), an x64 CPU, Microsoft Intune for deployment management, and Virtualization-based Security (VBS) enabled. Users of Windows 11 24H2 or older versions must reboot their systems to apply new security updates, except for specific patches for Windows Defender, while every third update will still require a reboot. KB5058497 is scheduled to be released between May and June 2025 during the 'no restart' period, and it has been reported to install seamlessly without prompting for a reboot. Users of Windows 11 Home and Pro still face the traditional monthly reboot requirement for updates.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

Want to price your Android app at Rs 4 Lakh? Google Play Store will now allow it, conditions apply

Google has increased the maximum price for apps and subscriptions on the Google Play Store to 9.99 (approximately Rs 4 lakh in India), up from the previous limit of 9.99. This change requires developers to meet specific criteria, including maintaining a compliant Google Play account, adhering to policies, and demonstrating over million in revenue in the past year. The new pricing applies to standalone app purchases, in-app purchases, and subscriptions, except in South Korea, where the limit remains at 0 or its local equivalent.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Microsoft’s and Google’s dueling developer conferences reveal opposite AI strategies—and a big weakness for one company

FORTUNE is a recognized business media publication in the U.S. and internationally, known for its insights and analysis. It emphasizes the importance of understanding its Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for user transparency. FORTUNE adheres to strict privacy standards, providing a California Notice at Collection and a comprehensive Privacy Notice regarding the protection of user information and the handling of personal data. The publication may receive compensation for certain links to products and services, which supports its operations, but offers may change without notice.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Best Android Security Apps for Enterprise and Personal Use

Android holds a 71.65% market share as the leading mobile operating system. In 2025, users face sophisticated cyber threats such as ransomware and phishing scams. Android Enterprise provides a multi-layered defense system validated by the U.S. Department of Defense, featuring AI-driven threat detection that blocks 99.8% of malware through 100,000 daily app scans. It supports three device management models: Fully Managed Devices (COBO), Work Profiles (BYOD), and Dedicated Kiosk Mode. Recent enhancements include automated security patch deployment and hardware-backed key attestation. Leading Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions include TinyMDM, which offers real-time location tracking and remote device wiping, and integrates with Microsoft Intune for conditional access. Harmony Mobile combines app reputation scanning with network-level phishing prevention. Emerging trends in enterprise security include AI-powered anomaly detection, with 42% of enterprises adopting Zero Trust principles, and rugged device management optimized for industrial environments. For personal protection, Bitdefender Mobile Security leads AV-Test rankings, Kaspersky Premium blocks 5.6 million malware attacks monthly, and Norton 360 Deluxe includes biometric app locking. Privacy tools like ExpressVPN and DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser enhance user security. Google's Project Zero reports a 35% decline in critical Android vulnerabilities, attributed to improved patch adoption. The convergence of enterprise and personal security solutions is emphasized, with a focus on AI/ML integration for enterprises and comprehensive protection suites for individuals.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Windows 10 and 11: Microsoft removes Store fees for individual app developers

Microsoft announced that starting June 2015, individual developers will no longer incur fees to register and submit their apps to the Microsoft Store. This makes the Microsoft Store the first global digital store to offer free app publishing. Corporate developers will still face charges. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing enhancements such as improved hosting for privacy policies, expanded support resources, a policy update for Win32 app installations, promotional campaign capabilities for developers, enhanced health reports, and visibility on when apps were last updated. Microsoft has previously allowed developers to retain all revenue from non-game apps using their billing system, while charging a 12 percent fee for games and a 15 percent fee for apps using Microsoft's retail platform. In 2021, Microsoft expanded the types of applications that can be submitted to the store.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Microsoft Makes Individual Developer Accounts Free Next Month

Microsoft is removing all onboarding fees for individual developers to publish applications on the Microsoft Store, effective next month. This change allows developers to publish without a credit card, making the platform more accessible. Company accounts will still incur a fee, but individual developers can utilize the built-in developer mode on Windows 10, 11, and Xbox consoles to create unsigned applications. The Microsoft Store will also see improvements in discovery, delivery, and user acquisition processes. While developer mode is popular for running emulation software, it remains limited by the deprecated UWP application platform, affecting Xbox console applications.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Securing the Model Context Protocol: Building a safer agentic future on Windows

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a lightweight, open protocol functioning as JSON-RPC over HTTP, facilitating standardized discovery and invocation of tools. MCP defines three roles: MCP Hosts (applications accessing capabilities), MCP Clients (initiators of requests), and MCP Servers (services exposing functionalities). Windows 11 will incorporate MCP to enable developers to create intelligent applications leveraging generative AI. An early preview of MCP capabilities will be available for developer feedback. MCP introduces security risks, including cross-prompt injection, authentication gaps, credential leakage, tool poisoning, lack of containment, limited security review, registry risks, and command injection. To address these, Windows 11's MCP Security Architecture will establish security requirements for MCP servers, ensuring user safety and transparency, enforcing least privilege, and implementing security controls like proxy-mediated communication, tool-level authorization, a central server registry, and runtime isolation. MCP servers must comply with security requirements, including mandatory code signing, unchanged tool definitions at runtime, security testing, mandatory package identity, and declared privileges. An early private preview of MCP server capability will be offered to developers post-Microsoft Build for feedback, with a secure-by-default enforcement strategy planned for broader availability. Microsoft aims to enhance defenses continuously and collaborate with partners to bolster MCP's security framework.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Otome Games Celebration PC Sale Starts on Steam

Valve has launched the Otome Games Celebration on Steam, running until May 26, 2025, featuring a selection of paid and free-to-play visual novels from the otome genre. The event includes significant discounts on titles from various publishers, such as Alaris, Bustafellows Season 2, Diffraction, Fate’s Masquerade, and Talents, as well as numerous indie otome games. It also highlights upcoming releases and demos, providing players with a preview of future titles in the genre.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

I did Liberation Day tariffs in Victoria 3, and it all went well until the famine in Colorado, the 2 lost wars with Canada, and the president beating a man to death with a stick

An individual used the video game Victoria 3 to explore economic policies related to the U.S. Liberation Day tariffs. They adopted a strategy of extreme protectionism by imposing 100% tariffs, which initially increased cash flow but led to shortages and famine. In an attempt to address these issues, the player invested in maize farms, which drained the treasury and worsened the financial crisis. The protagonist then decided to invade Canada to rally national pride and boost the economy, achieving initial military success but ultimately facing setbacks due to British reinforcements and internal insurrection. The invasion resulted in a costly peace settlement, further destabilizing the economy and government legitimacy. The game ended with a crash, prompting reflections on the complexities of economic policy and governance.

Winsage

May 18, 2025

Make an old PC feel new again with this Microsoft Office and Windows 11 bundle

The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License and Windows 11 Pro Bundle is available for .97, reduced from 9.99, until June 1. The bundle includes Microsoft Office Professional 2021 with eight applications and Windows 11 Pro, both valid for a lifetime.