retention Archives

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

‘They listened! They listened!’: Stalker restores Soviet monument after angry fans tanked its Steam reviews, and they couldn’t be happier

GSC Game World released patch 1.0.1 for the Stalker trilogy to address issues following a negative launch, including stability improvements, settings retention adjustments, and the restoration of missing geometry on several levels. Players expressed dissatisfaction with blurry graphics and the removal of the Russian audio setting and iconic Soviet landmarks. GSC acknowledged player feedback and committed to ongoing improvements, although the reintroduction of Russian audio seems unlikely.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Google Confirms DeX-Like Desktop Experience For Android 16, Asks Developers To Embrace Adaptive App Designs

Google has confirmed that Android 16 will include desktop windowing capabilities for a "true desktop-like experience" when connected to larger screens, as announced during the Google I/O 2025 developer conference. The company is collaborating with Samsung to enhance the Samsung DeX platform, which transforms smartphones and tablets into desktop environments. While an early version of this feature has been previewed, it may not be available with Android 16 but could be included in a quarterly update or Android 17. Google is promoting adaptive Android development to ensure applications function efficiently across various devices, emphasizing that developers can make small, iterative changes rather than completely rebuilding applications for different form factors.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Games Inbox: Would you buy a PlayStation that was a PC?

The next-generation Xbox may resemble a standard PC, leading to speculation that Sony's PlayStation 6 or 7 could also adopt a 'PC in a box' design due to rising hardware development costs. This shift towards a PC-like architecture could allow Sony to focus more on game development rather than hardware. Players have expressed mixed feelings about recent titles, with some prioritizing gameplay over storytelling. The launch of the Sea Of Stars DLC has been positively received for its free availability, and there is interest in purchasing Hogwarts Legacy on the Switch 2 at a discount for existing owners. Anticipation is building for the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, with fans hoping for new cities to explore. The pre-order situation for the Switch 2 appears more favorable compared to previous console launches, indicating better management of supply and demand by Nintendo.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Microsoft Copilot+ Recall: who should disable it, and how

Microsoft's Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs was initially announced a year ago but delayed due to privacy concerns raised by cybersecurity experts. The updated version was released in April 2025 for Windows Insider Preview builds and rolled out more broadly in May. Key updates include requiring user permission for activation, encrypting database files with hardware-based Trusted Platform Module (TPM), and implementing a filter to prevent saving sensitive information. Recall is enabled on a per-user basis, can be uninstalled, does not require a Microsoft account, and processes data locally. However, it still has vulnerabilities, such as allowing access with a regular Windows PIN after initial biometric authentication and failing to consistently filter sensitive data. Recall can log interactions during calls and capture self-destructing messages, posing privacy risks. It can impact performance and battery life, especially during gaming. Users handling sensitive data or frequently using video conferencing may want to disable or remove Recall. Instructions for disabling or removing Recall are provided, along with precautions for those who choose to use it.

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

Box Office Warner Bros. Milestone: ‘Sinners’ Crosses $200 Million, ‘Minecraft’ Digs Up $900 Million Globally

Ryan Coogler's film, Sinners, has surpassed the 0 million threshold at the domestic box office, with a cumulative total of 9.8 million. The film features Michael B. Jordan in a dual role and is set in the Jim Crow South of the early 1930s. Warner Bros. celebrates a double victory as A Minecraft Movie crosses the 0 million mark globally, making it the second-highest grossing video game adaptation of all time, unadjusted for inflation. Minecraft and Sinners are the top two grossing films of the year domestically. Minecraft is the leading Hollywood film of 2025 at the worldwide box office, followed by Captain America: Brave New World with 6 million and Sinners at 9.8 million. Thunderbolts is projected to earn million or more in its second weekend, surpassing the 0 million mark globally. Sinners has resonated well with Black audiences and has also appealed to white and Latino viewers.

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 6, 2025

Exploring ChromeOS – A New Era In Android App Support

ChromeOS has introduced significant enhancements, particularly in Android app support, improving functionality and integration. The latest updates include upgraded Bluetooth technologies, improved content search capabilities, and the integration of Android 11 changes using virtual machines for better app performance. The initiative "Start building apps for ChromeOS" provides guidance for developers to optimize applications for these devices. Accessibility features like Face Control, Bounce Keys, and Slow Keys have been added to assist users with various needs. Security improvements include theft detection and quick locking, while usability enhancements like Fast Pair simplify device connections. Recent updates also focus on integration and compatibility with existing file systems and support for Android and Linux applications, aiming to create a cohesive ecosystem.

AppWizard

May 5, 2025

Messaging app used by Trump official suspends operations after reported hack

National Security Advisor Michael Waltz was preparing for a television interview at the White House using the messaging app TeleMessage, which is currently facing a temporary suspension due to a security breach. The parent company, Smarsh, is investigating the incident and has halted all TeleMessage services while engaging an external cybersecurity firm. The breach reportedly involves the theft of data from messages sent via TeleMessage's versions of popular messaging platforms, but there is no indication that Waltz's messages were accessed. The White House has not responded to inquiries about the service suspension. Waltz was previously photographed using TeleMessage while communicating with various officials. Former President Donald Trump intends to nominate Waltz as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio serving as the interim national security advisor. Concerns have been raised about whether private messages are automatically deleted, potentially violating federal records-retention laws, and TeleMessage may compromise Signal's end-to-end encryption.

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

Photo appears to shows Mike Waltz using Signal-like app that can archive messages

White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly confirmed that the encrypted messaging application Signal is officially sanctioned for government use and installed on government-issued devices. The National Security Council has not commented on the related app, TeleMessage, which is derived from Signal and designed to help government entities comply with records retention laws. TeleMessage was founded in 1999, acquired by Smarsh in 2024, and has been involved in government contracts, including a .1 million contract with the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA that began in February 2023 and will conclude in August 2025. Tom Padgett, Smarsh’s president for enterprise business, stated that like Signal, messages sent through TeleMessage are encrypted, but the app does not address security issues raised by a recent incident involving Signal. The specifics of how government officials utilize TeleMessage remain unclear, and five cybersecurity experts admitted they were unfamiliar with the app prior to recent developments. TeleMessage licenses parts of its technology, including its encryption protocol, to other companies, but Signal clarified there is no formal agreement with TeleMessage and expressed concerns about the privacy and security of unofficial versions of their app.