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No, Google isn't using your Gmail data to train AI models, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful about the kind of data you share with companies
AppWizard
November 22, 2025

No, Google isn’t using your Gmail data to train AI models, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful about the kind of data you share with companies

The ongoing dialogue surrounding data collection highlights the relationship between users and their digital footprints, particularly during events like Black Friday. Recent claims about a new Gmail setting allowing Google to use user message data for AI training have been clarified by Google, which states it does not use Workspace data for this purpose. Instead, data is anonymized to improve features like spam detection. Users often become the product in a digital economy where their data is exchanged for free services, leading to the creation of detailed profiles that can be sold to advertisers. This results in practices like price discrimination and hyper-targeted messaging. Data breaches pose a threat to companies holding extensive data, and automated decision-making can lead to biased outcomes. Consumers are encouraged to engage with privacy policies and question the necessity of data requests to better manage their data and maintain ownership of their digital identity.
Google will now warn about battery-hungry Android apps
AppWizard
November 17, 2025

Google will now warn about battery-hungry Android apps

Google is enhancing the Android user experience by addressing battery drain caused by applications. The company is collaborating with developers to create power-efficient apps and has introduced new "technical quality metrics" to identify apps that excessively drain battery life. A specific focus is on "excessive partial wake locks," developed in partnership with Samsung, which can significantly escalate battery usage. A new beta metric for excessive partial wake locks has been refined and will soon be available as a core vital for all developers. Starting March 1, 2026, Google will implement new standards that could affect app visibility on the Play Store. Apps that do not meet the quality threshold for excessive wake locks may be excluded from prominent discovery surfaces and could receive warnings about potential battery drain. An app is considered to have excessive wake lock usage if it holds more than 2 cumulative hours of non-exempt wake locks in a 24-hour period, with a threshold for "bad behavior" set at exceeding 5% of user sessions classified as excessive over the past 28 days. Developers will receive alerts if their app surpasses this limit.
EA is giving some Battlefield 6 players free battle passes and boosters to patch up launch-day snafu
AppWizard
October 12, 2025

EA is giving some Battlefield 6 players free battle passes and boosters to patch up launch-day snafu

EA and Battlefield Studios are addressing player frustrations from the launch of Battlefield 6, which faced significant outages and confusion for Steam users regarding game availability. Despite these challenges, the game has received positive reviews and reached the number three position on Steam. Battlefield Studios acknowledged the outage and is offering affected players 12 Hardware Boosters, 12 Career Boosters, and full access to a seasonal battle pass. They are also investigating issues with players not receiving in-game rewards and have provided troubleshooting steps for Steam users experiencing a 'Game not released' message. The community is encouraged to share experiences and strategies on the PCGamesN Discord server.
"Almost all" businesses being weighed down by Microsoft technical debt ahead of Windows 10 End Of Life
Winsage
September 30, 2025

“Almost all” businesses being weighed down by Microsoft technical debt ahead of Windows 10 End Of Life

Businesses face a critical deadline on October 14, 2025, with the end of life for Windows 10, leading to concerns among IT leaders. Nearly 90% of companies are dealing with technical debt from outdated Microsoft systems. Many organizations have delayed necessary upgrades, risking vulnerabilities as Windows 10 will no longer receive updates or security patches after the deadline. Experts advise prioritizing upgrades to maintain operational integrity and protect sensitive data. Options for extended support exist, but businesses are encouraged to adopt newer technology for improved efficiency and security.
Galaxy phones could soon display themed app icons more consistently
AppWizard
September 16, 2025

Galaxy phones could soon display themed app icons more consistently

Android 12 (One UI 4.0) introduced Themed Icons (Color Palette) to harmonize app icons on smartphones. Initially optional, future updates will automatically generate themed app icons for applications without developer-provided designs. With the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 update, Google will apply a color filtering mechanism to existing app icons, creating a monochromatic design that matches the overall theme. Google has updated the Google Play Developer Distribution Agreement to reflect these changes, as many developers did not implement themed icons within the four-year window provided. A significant update to Android 16 is expected by the end of the year, with One UI 8.5 likely to introduce themed icons for all applications on Galaxy phones and tablets, starting with the Galaxy S26 series.
Can't upgrade your Windows 10 PC? You have 5 options - and just weeks to act
Winsage
September 15, 2025

Can’t upgrade your Windows 10 PC? You have 5 options – and just weeks to act

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ceasing technical support, security updates, and reliability fixes. Users will have several options, including: 1. Extended Security Updates (ESUs): Available on a subscription basis for up to three years, with varying costs for educational institutions and businesses. 2. Buying a New PC or Renting a Virtual PC: Users can opt to purchase new hardware or rent a virtual PC through Windows 365. 3. Upgrading Incompatible Hardware to Windows 11: Users can bypass compatibility checks to upgrade systems, though this carries risks. 4. Transitioning to Linux or ChromeOS Flex: Users may choose to switch to a different operating system. 5. Continuing to Use Windows 10: Some may decide to ignore the end-of-support deadline, which poses security risks.
August Patch Tuesday: Authentication hole in Windows Server 2025 now has a fix
Winsage
August 13, 2025

August Patch Tuesday: Authentication hole in Windows Server 2025 now has a fix

A second hole in AI systems has been discovered, raising concerns among cybersecurity experts about command injection vulnerabilities. Multiple AI-related vulnerabilities have emerged, including those linked to GitHub Copilot and Azure OpenAI, prompting organizations to reassess their AI strategies. It is important for organizations to understand their AI usage, the specific services they employ, and their responses to vulnerabilities. Discussions often focus on data residency, retention, and ownership, but security measures and policies of AI service providers are also crucial. Chief Security Officers are encouraged to reevaluate risk assessment methods, as vulnerabilities are categorized by severity, leading to questions about the reliability of these ratings. Organizations are urged to establish an internal framework for effective risk measurement.
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