saved Archives

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey builds offline messaging app Bitchat that works without Wi-Fi or mobile network

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and CEO of Block, has launched Bitchat, a messaging application that operates independently of the internet or mobile networks, using Bluetooth mesh networking for secure and anonymous communication. The app, currently in beta testing, does not require phone numbers, email addresses, or user accounts, allowing encrypted messages to be transmitted directly between nearby devices. Messages are end-to-end encrypted and disappear by default, with no data stored on a central server. Bitchat also features group chat rooms, mentions using @handles, and password-protected conversations. A store-and-forward mechanism allows messages to be saved and delivered later. Dorsey plans to integrate Wi-Fi Direct support to enhance communication range and speed. The whitepaper discusses potential use cases for Bitchat, including disaster response and community coordination.

AppWizard

July 6, 2025

Microsoft app to delete all passwords forever – how to avoid losing yours

Microsoft Authenticator will remove its password-saving function by August 2025, resulting in the deletion of all password data stored within the app. Users are advised to export their passwords to alternative locations, such as the Microsoft Edge browser, which will become the primary password management solution. Passwords will not be encrypted during the transfer, so it is recommended to delete the exported file afterward. The shift is part of Microsoft's move towards using passkeys for enhanced security, which allows quicker sign-ins using biometric data.

AppWizard

July 3, 2025

Boost Your Android: 15 Must-Have Apps for July 2025

In July 2025, Android users will have access to 15 new applications aimed at enhancing productivity, safeguarding privacy, and improving entertainment experiences. Productivity Apps: - Touch Grass: Restricts access to addictive platforms until users go outside, promoting outdoor activity. - Grease Milky Way: Minimizes distractions on platforms like YouTube and Instagram by streamlining the interface. - Habit Ricks: An ad-free habit tracker that visualizes progress with customizable widgets. File Sharing and Device Management Apps: - Transfer: An open-source app for fast and secure file sharing via local Wi-Fi. - SDK Monitor: Tracks app updates and Android API levels for device security. - Shot Studio: Uses AI to organize screenshots into categorized collections. Privacy and Security Apps: - Don’t Break My Balls (DBMBB): Silences unknown callers while allowing calls from saved contacts. - Incognito Calculator Tools: Disguised as a calculator, it securely stores private files and notes. - No Wake Lock: Controls background processes to conserve battery life on rooted devices. AI and Navigation Apps: - RAHub: Centralizes multiple AI assistants for easy management. - Arrow: A minimalist navigation app that uses a directional arrow instead of traditional maps. Entertainment and Savings Apps: - Pool Suite: A retro-style radio app curating summer tracks. - G Deals: Aggregates gaming discounts from major platforms. Specialized Tools: - Alternate: Generates a secondary contact list for temporary numbers. - Copy SMS Code: Automatically detects and copies login codes from notifications for easier account access.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

Windows Shortcut (LNK) Malware Strategies

There has been a significant increase in the exploitation of Windows shortcut files (LNK files) for malware delivery, with malicious LNK samples rising from 21,098 in 2023 to 68,392 in 2024. LNK files, identifiable by their .lnk extension, allow users to access files and applications easily, but can also execute malicious content. Key fields in LNK files that indicate malicious intent include LINKTARGETIDLIST (99.53% of malicious LNK files), RELATIVEPATH (75.49%), and COMMANDLINEARGUMENTS (35.52%). LNK malware is categorized into four types: LNK exploits, malicious file execution, in-argument script execution, and overlay content execution. Indicators of compromise for LNK malware include specific SHA256 hashes for various samples.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4520 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4520 (KB5060834) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features, improvements, and fixes, which are being gradually rolled out. New features include: - A passwordless improvement in collaboration with 1Password, allowing users to integrate a plugin passkey provider and authenticate using Windows Hello. - Temporary disabling of Japanese support in voice access due to bugs. - Changes to default browser settings, where the new default browser will be pinned to the Taskbar and Start menu unless opted out. Fixes include: - Resolved crashes in File Explorer Home and issues with thumbnail visibility. - Addressed duplicate entries in the Start menu and animation issues with folder expansion. - Fixed a crash involving ctfmon.exe and resolved a memory leak related to the lock screen slideshow. - Improved responsiveness of system dialogs to text scaling. Known issues include: - New Beta Channel joiners may experience a rollback issue during installation. - Touch navigation in the Start menu may not function reliably, and drag-and-drop capabilities are limited. - Xbox Controller users may encounter bugchecks via Bluetooth. - Narrator scan mode may not function correctly in File Explorer for AI actions. - Limitations in pinning within the new widgets board experience. Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2 via an enablement package, with features rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. Some features may not be publicly released and could change based on feedback.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5670 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5670 (KB5060838) has been released to the Dev Channel. Key updates include: - Passwordless Improvements: Integration with 1Password for passkey management, allowing users to sign in using Windows Hello after enabling the plugin credential manager. - Versioning Update: The build updates the versioning to 25H2, marking it as this year's annual feature update. - Voice Access: Support for Japanese is temporarily disabled due to bugs. - Settings Update: The new default browser will be pinned to the Taskbar and Start menu unless opted out. - File Explorer Fixes: Issues causing crashes and thumbnail disappearances have been resolved. - Start Menu Fixes: Duplicate entries and animation inconsistencies have been corrected. - Input Fixes: A significant crash affecting typing capabilities has been addressed. - General Fixes: Resolved an issue with the boot sound and fixed a memory leak related to the lock screen slideshow. - Known Issues: Users may experience rollback errors during updates, touch navigation issues in the Start menu, and bugs with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth. - Reminders: Updates are rolled out gradually, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

Pterodactyl is my favorite way to manage self-hosted game servers, and no other tool comes close

Self-hosting game servers is more performance-efficient and cost-effective compared to commercial providers. Pterodactyl is a game-server management tool that supports various core games like Minecraft, Counter-Strike, and Garry's Mod, and allows for easy deployment through its two components: the panel and "Wings." Community-created "Eggs" enable users to host servers for specific games quickly. The setup process can be intricate, but tools like Proxmox helper scripts can assist. Deploying a server involves allocating necessary ports, and Pterodactyl simplifies configuration for various games. It provides an intuitive user interface and allows for remote management through port forwarding.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5661 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5661 (KB5060838) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Key updates include: - A new personalized homepage for Recall, featuring recent snapshots and a list of top apps and websites. - A new setting allowing users to reposition hardware indicators for brightness, volume, airplane mode, and virtual desktops on the screen. - A Boolean option in the Configure Start Pins policy for administrators to apply Start menu pins just once. - AI actions in File Explorer are being reintroduced after a temporary removal. - Recent flights now display the selected country or region during device setup under Settings > Time & language > Language & region. Fixes include resolving input functionality issues, fixing explorer.exe crashes for users with the Italian display language, addressing performance issues in File Explorer, and correcting sorting issues in Windows Update history. Known issues include touch navigation problems in the new Start menu, issues with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth, and delays in intelligent text actions in Click to Do on certain PCs. Users may also experience a two-step process to access the latest flight in the Dev Channel and potential rollback errors during installation.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4452 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4452 (KB5060836) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. The update includes new features, improvements, and fixes. Key features introduced: - A personalized homepage for Recall that displays recent snapshots and top apps/websites. - A new setting to reposition hardware indicators for brightness, volume, airplane mode, and virtual desktops. - A Boolean option in the Configure Start Pins policy for administrators to apply Start menu pins. - AI actions in File Explorer are being reintroduced. Fixes include: - Resolved input functionality issues and explorer.exe crashes. - Fixed issues in File Explorer Home and performance degradation. - Corrected sorting issues in Settings. Known issues involve touch navigation in the Start menu, bugchecks with Xbox Controllers, and problems with AI actions in File Explorer. Users joining the Beta Channel will first receive Build 26120.4250 before the latest update.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

Final Destination: Bloodlines, A Minecraft Movie, Love Me, and every new movie to watch this weekend

Polygon has curated a selection of new streaming and video-on-demand releases. - Final Destination: Bloodlines marks the return of the horror franchise after nearly 15 years, directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, and is now available for rent. - A Minecraft Movie, a fantasy comedy directed by Jared Hess, features Jason Momoa and is available on Max. - KPop Demon Hunters, a family musical directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, introduces a K-pop trio as demon hunters and is available on Netflix. - Out Come the Wolves, a horror thriller directed by Adam MacDonald, involves a couples hunting trip gone wrong and is available on Hulu. - The Quiet Ones, an action thriller directed by Frederik Louis Hviid, is based on Denmark's largest heist. - Love Me, a post-apocalyptic romance directed by Sam Zuchero and Andy Zuchero, features Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun and is available on Paramount Plus. - Monty Python and the Holy Grail celebrates its 50th anniversary with a special event, featuring a 24-hour stream on Shout TV and Shout Movies. - Ash, a science fiction horror film directed by Flying Lotus, stars Eiza González and Aaron Paul and is available on Shudder. - Eye for an Eye, a horror film directed by Colin Tilley, follows a teenager facing a vengeful spirit. - Friendship, a black comedy directed by Andrew DeYoung, explores adult relationships through the experiences of two neighbors. - A psychological thriller featuring Willem Dafoe as an art thief trapped in a penthouse unfolds as a darkly humorous reflection on survival.