safety features Archives

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

Maine mother sues makers of Roblox, Fortnite and Minecraft over addictive games

A mother from Somerset County, Casey Henderson, has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, Epic Games, Microsoft, and Mojang in the U.S. District Court in Maine, claiming that their online games are addictive and have negatively impacted her 9-year-old son. She alleges that her son's gaming habits, which began at age four, have become uncontrollable and compulsive, leading to poor academic performance, insufficient sleep, and impaired concentration. The lawsuit states that he experiences severe withdrawal symptoms when the games are removed. It references studies on the harmful effects of video games on children and notes a shift in the gaming industry towards microtransactions, which incentivizes prolonged engagement. Henderson claims the companies used manipulative programming techniques despite knowing her son's age and misled them about the safety of the games. The lawsuit asserts that her son has sustained permanent injuries requiring ongoing medical care, and she is seeking damages for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and economic losses.

AppWizard

September 12, 2025

KARRI Generation 2 Messenger is a screen-free device for safe kids’ communication

The KARRI messenger is designed for children aged five to thirteen, focusing on voice communication without the complexities of smartphones. It connects a parent's phone app to the child's handheld device and other KARRI units, using its own data SIM with 99% population coverage and GPS tracking. The device features a simple "slide to talk" button for easy operation and is developed with input from families to ensure usability. Enhanced features include geo-fencing for safety, a companion app for monitoring, a built-in flashlight, and a colorful design appealing to children. KARRI, founded in 2023 in London and Berlin, aims to empower children's independence before they engage with more complex digital environments. The messenger will launch in early 2026, with presales available, and has received positive feedback for its user-friendly design and safety features.

AppWizard

September 6, 2025

Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: LTE, MicroLED & Satellite Messaging Hands-On: Everything You Need to Know!

Garmin has launched the Fenix 8 Pro and Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED models, featuring LTE and two-way satellite messaging capabilities, increased display brightness (around 2,000 nits for the Pro model and 4,500 nits for the MicroLED), enhanced speaker loudness, and live two-way voice calls. The Fenix 8 Pro comes in 47mm and 51mm sizes, with the entry-level model priced at 9, while the MicroLED variant is priced at ,999 and only available in the 51mm size. The 43mm model has been removed due to engineering challenges with LTE integration. The new models offer various safety and communication features, including weather updates, incident detection, and emergency SOS. The LTE setup requires a subscription to Garmin’s inReach platform. The MicroLED version has a battery life of up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and 44 hours in GPS-only mode.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Russia to Mandate State-Backed Messenger ‘Max’ on All New Phones from September

From September 1, 2025, the state-backed messaging application Max will be pre-installed on all new smartphones and tablets sold in Russia, as mandated by the Kremlin. Max aims to serve as a domestic alternative to messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram and will integrate with various government services. The app has been developed by the state-controlled technology giant VK and has garnered approximately 18 million downloads. WhatsApp currently leads the market with 97.3 million users, followed by Telegram with 90.8 million, and VK Messenger with 17.9 million. Supporters highlight Max's safety features, while critics worry about potential surveillance. The Russian government is also implementing restrictions on WhatsApp and Telegram due to alleged non-cooperation with law enforcement. Additionally, starting in September, all Apple devices sold in Russia will come pre-installed with RuStore, a domestic alternative to app stores, and from January 1, 2026, all smart TVs sold in Russia must include Lime HD TV, an app for state-run television channels.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Garmin smartwatch gets Messenger bug fix in new beta update

Garmin has launched a new line of smartwatches featuring advanced health monitoring capabilities, such as heart rate tracking, sleep analysis, and stress management tools. The company also introduced GPS devices designed for outdoor use, which include enhanced battery life, improved mapping, real-time weather updates, and safety features. Garmin is committed to sustainability by reducing its carbon footprint and using recycled materials in product packaging. Despite global supply chain challenges, Garmin has maintained a steady product flow and is expected to continue its growth by focusing on health, wellness, and sustainability.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

Scammers targeting kids and teens Minecraft gamers, security expert warns

Cybersecurity experts have raised concerns about potential threats targeting young players in Minecraft, particularly within its modding community. Mods can enhance gameplay but may also serve as vehicles for malware deployment. The Java Edition of Minecraft, which allows downloads from third-party websites, poses a higher risk compared to the Bedrock Edition, which features a built-in marketplace with safety reviews. Scammers can use mods to install malware that operates like a Trojan horse, potentially leading to the theft of sensitive information, including financial details. Although children may not have sensitive data, they often use shared devices, making cybersecurity education important. Experts recommend parental guidance, antivirus protection, and open discussions about internet safety. Microsoft has emphasized its commitment to player safety, implementing features such as abuse reporting, parental controls, and proactive moderation to create a safer gaming environment.

AppWizard

July 22, 2025

Adidas x Minecraft 2025: New kids collection drops for back-to-school

Adidas has launched a collaboration with Minecraft, creating a collection of clothing and footwear for kids and juniors. The collection includes green and white sneakers with pixelated designs, black sweatshirts with green striped sleeves, Minecraft-themed graphic t-shirts, and backpacks featuring the Minecraft logo. Each item displays both the Adidas logo and Minecraft characters in a blocky style, characterized by bold colors and playful designs.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

Here’s a first look at the Google Personal Safety app’s Expressive redesign (APK teardown)

Google's Personal Safety app is undergoing visual enhancements in its latest version (2025.06.12.772866699.3-release), aligning with Material 3 Expressive design. Updates include bold headers, white boxes for information fields, redesigned toggles showing an “X” or tick for status, and a new pill-shaped green button for adding contacts. A three-dot button for each contact allows for easier removal and reordering, although removal may be slightly more complex. These design changes are currently exclusive to Android 16 QPR1, which is also updating its Safety and Emergency section.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Data Doctors: How to work safely in a Windows 10 environment when security updates stop

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ceasing all security updates, bug fixes, and technical support. Users have several options for transitioning to Windows 11: 1. Upgrade to Windows 11 if the PC meets compatibility criteria (TPM 2.0 chip and newer processor). 2. Replace the computer with a new one that comes pre-installed with Windows 11. 3. Use an unofficial workaround to install Windows 11 on noncompliant systems, which carries risks such as lack of future updates and system instability. 4. Pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) after the deadline, primarily for business customers but potentially available for individuals. Running an unsupported operating system after 2025 is not advisable.

Winsage

May 25, 2025

Jim Rossman: You can use Windows 10 after October, but security updates will cost you

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 in October 2025, ending free security updates and fixes. Users continuing to use Windows 10 after this date will face increased risks of malware and viruses due to the lack of security updates. While third-party antivirus applications can provide some protection, they cannot replace the operating system patches that will no longer be available. Business users can purchase extended security updates for Windows 10 for up to three years, starting at a cost of for the first year per machine, which doubles in subsequent years. Individual consumers can extend protection for Windows 10 Home systems for an additional year through the Extended Security Update (ESU) program, lasting until October 2026, but further availability of ESU for home users beyond this initial year has not been clarified by Microsoft.