privacy Archives

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

The White House’s dodgy app is being pushed to even more official government devices

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that The White House app will be automatically installed on all official government devices. The app, which serves as a wrapper for the official White House website, provides access to official communications but has raised security and privacy concerns due to its use of code from Elfsight, a Russian company. Elfsight previously exposed personal information of some White House staffers, and the app has been flagged for sharing sensitive user data with third-party services. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun automatically installing the app on all FAA-issued iPhones and iPads.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

Simplify your routine with the new Google Home Speaker

The Google Home Speaker features a sustainable design with a custom 3D-knit textile and is available in Hazel and Porcelain colors. It includes a light ring underglow to indicate its status and a microphone mute toggle for privacy. The device assists with planning trips, providing kitchen help, and recommending entertainment. It is available for pre-order in Australia and New Zealand through various retailers. A purchase includes a 6-month trial of the Google Home Premium subscription, which is required for certain features. The device requires a Google Home app, Wi-Fi, and an internet connection.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Google releases Android 17 update with foldable improvements, app bubbles, and more

Google has released the stable version of Android 17 for all supported Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. Key features include: - App Bubbles for multitasking, allowing users to launch apps in floating windows. - Enhanced Picture-in-Picture mode for full interactivity in desktop environments. - Encouragement for developers to optimize apps for various screen orientations and sizes. - Implementation of app memory limits to improve performance and battery life. - A 50:50 split-screen mode for gaming on foldable phones and native controller remapping. - The Continue On feature for seamless task transitions between devices. - Improved privacy features, including temporary access to location data and a Mark As Lost feature. - Support for Eclipsa Video HDR format and enhanced audio quality through the Extended HE-AAC encoder. - Introduction of the RAW14 image format for better camera capabilities. - Enhanced support for Bluetooth Low Energy Audio, particularly for hearing aids.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Android 17 launched for Pixel smartphones: Key features and what is new in Google’s latest software

Google has rolled out Android 17, with Pixel smartphones being the first to receive the update, while other eligible devices will gain access throughout 2026. The update emphasizes productivity, entertainment, and enhanced security. Key features include: - A revamped “Bubbles” feature for multitasking, allowing apps to be transformed into floating windows. - A dedicated “bubble bar” for larger devices to switch between apps easily. - An upgraded screen recording functionality with a “Screen Reactions” feature that captures video from the front-facing camera. - A “foldable gaming mode” optimizing performance for foldable phones, featuring a 50/50 split view for games and a dynamic gamepad. - Native controller remapping for external controllers and improved system memory cleanup to reduce frame drops during gaming. - A new “Mark as lost” feature in Find Hub for locking missing phones with biometric authentication. - Targeted privacy options for temporary app access to location and contacts. - Enhanced security features including limited PIN guesses and upgraded Live Threat Detection. - A built-in home screen setting to hide app names, dedicated volume controls for virtual assistants, expanded dark theme customization, and extended Parental Controls. - Strict app memory limits to enhance speed and battery life.

Winsage

June 17, 2026

Introducing the next Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, built for performance and flexibility

Surface has evolved over 13 years through contributions from architects, developers, students, and engineers. In 2026, Surface will launch its most extensive Surface for Business lineup, including an integrated privacy screen and the Surface Laptop Ultra, designed for developers and creative professionals. The Surface RTX Spark Dev Box will cater to AI developers needing local compute power. The new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, powered by Snapdragon X2 processors, will be available starting June 16, with business options launching on July 14. The Surface Pro 13-inch features up to 53% faster graphics performance, 15.5 hours of battery life, and a 1440p Quad HD camera, priced from 9. The Surface Laptop, starting at 9, offers up to 20 hours of battery life and 58% more graphics performance than previous models. Both devices include vibrant LCD screens and are available in multiple colors. Surface devices are designed for AI workloads, featuring dedicated NPU silicon and robust cloud connectivity. The new touchpad and Slim Pen provide haptic feedback for enhanced user experience. Surface devices prioritize sustainability, with enclosures made from 100% recycled aluminum and ENERGY STAR certification. A new Surface Repair Tool assists users with repairs. Exclusive offers are available for U.S. customers from June 16 to June 30, including complimentary accessories and trade-in savings.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

Android 17 is finally here — here’s what’s new and who’s getting it

Android 17 is now available for Pixel 6 and newer devices after extensive beta testing. Key features include App Bubbles for multitasking, Screen Reactions for recording screen and selfie camera simultaneously, and enhanced security with improved threat detection and a more powerful Mark as Lost mode. The rollout will continue through 2026, and users can manually check for updates in their device settings. The update allows temporary location access for apps and includes customizable PIN retry protections. Additionally, Wear OS 7 is being rolled out alongside Android 17.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

1 Million Users Donate To Rescue Session Messenger From Shutdown

Session, a decentralized encrypted messenger, has over a million monthly users and has secured its future through community donations after facing a funding crisis earlier this year. The Session Technology Foundation had to reduce its paid staff and warned of a potential closure in July due to a significant financial shortfall. However, the community raised sufficient funds to prevent shutdown, allowing development to continue until at least 2027. The majority of contributions came from everyday users passionate about privacy communication. Session operates without requiring phone numbers and uses a decentralized network to enhance privacy. Under the leadership of Jason Rhinelander, the team is focusing on new features like post-quantum encryption. The organization also aims to achieve self-sustainability with a new paid Pro tier. Co-founder Chris McCabe's public appeal for support in March preceded staff layoffs on April 9, and Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin previously donated 128 Ether (ETH) to assist the foundation.

Tech Optimizer

June 16, 2026

Subscription twist: Norton 360 Deluxe adds more than just antivirus

Norton 360 Deluxe is a mid-tier security subscription from Gen Digital that offers antivirus protection, a VPN, a password manager, dark web monitoring, and parental controls for up to five devices. It includes real-time threat protection, a firewall, ransomware shielding, and cloud backup of up to 50 GB for Windows users. The parental controls, known as Norton Family, allow monitoring of children's online activities. The Secure VPN encrypts internet traffic on public Wi-Fi and masks IP addresses. The package also features PC SafeCam for webcam security and a smart firewall. Norton 360 Deluxe is marketed with a promotional first-year rate, with higher renewal prices, and is available through digital subscriptions, app stores, and major retailers. The product is designed for households and individuals seeking comprehensive security solutions.

Winsage

June 16, 2026

Microsoft Teams will auto-detect when you’re at the office via Wi-Fi, roll out confirmed, but you can opt-out

Microsoft is rolling out a feature called "Workplace check-in" that allows organizations to track employee presence in the office through Wi-Fi connectivity, integrated with Microsoft Teams and configured via Microsoft Places. This feature, first noted in September 2025, will not be enabled by default. It logs an employee's location when they connect to the company’s Wi-Fi, such as when they arrive at the office. The rollout was delayed due to privacy concerns, but Microsoft is moving forward, ensuring users can control their participation. The feature does not provide real-time tracking like mapping services but indicates presence based on Wi-Fi connection. Users must grant location access through their operating system, and if they decline, IT policies cannot override this choice. Teams’ Workplace check-in is disabled by default and can be activated by IT administrators with two options: Inform mode, which notifies users of the feature and allows opting out, and Ask mode, which requests permission to share location data. Microsoft clarifies that the feature is not intended for surveillance and does not track movements over time. Employees can choose whether their presence is visible to others while on-site. The initial rollout is tied to organizations using the Microsoft Places directory, and as organizations set up the feature, more users will likely be affected. Additionally, Microsoft is enhancing Teams with improvements for speed and a new user interface for meetings.

Winsage

June 16, 2026

Start

The Start interface in Windows 11 is a centered floating window that can be accessed by clicking the Start button or using keyboard shortcuts like WINKEY or Ctrl + Esc. Key features include a Search box for initiating searches, a customizable Pinned section for frequently used apps, a Recommended area for recently accessed items, and an All section displaying all installed apps. Users can manage their account through the Account manager, access power options for Lock, Sleep, Shutdown, and Restart, and connect mobile devices via the Phone Link app. Customization options for the Start interface include moving the Start and Taskbar icons to the left, configuring Windows Search settings, and customizing the Pinned and Recommended sections. Users can pin, unpin, and rearrange app shortcuts in the Pinned section, adjust what appears in the Recommended section, and choose between different layout views in the All section. The Account manager allows limited customization of notifications, and users can add folders and mobile device slices to Start. The Quick link menu provides access to legacy management interfaces and can be accessed by right-clicking the Start button or using WINKEY + X.