screen Archives

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Rokarolla trojan uses screen overlays to hijack Android financial apps

A new banking trojan for Android, named Rokarolla, targets 217 applications, including banking and cryptocurrency platforms, to steal credentials and sensitive financial data. It operates via a command and control (C2) server and bypasses the Google Play Store by using phishing websites that mimic legitimate download portals. Users are tricked into downloading a dropper that installs the malware, which disguises itself as the Google Play Protect security tool to gain access to Android Accessibility Services. Rokarolla employs dynamic screen overlays to capture user input in targeted financial applications and can also impersonate the device's lock screen. Additionally, it uses a pseudo-VNC system to intermittently capture screenshots for data extraction and can modify clipboard contents to manipulate cryptocurrency transactions by replacing copied addresses with those controlled by attackers.

Winsage

June 19, 2026

Sorry Microsoft, Windows 10 taskbar is still better than Windows 11, and here’s why

The taskbars of Windows 10 and Windows 11 differ significantly in design and functionality. Windows 11 features a centered icon layout by default, while Windows 10 has left-aligned icons. The search functionality in Windows 10 includes a larger "Type here to search" bar, whereas Windows 11 offers a more compact search button or box. Windows 10's right-click menu provides extensive customization options directly, while Windows 11's is more minimalistic and requires navigating to settings for customization. Windows 10 allows users to toggle small taskbar buttons, a feature that was initially absent in Windows 11 but has since been reintroduced. Taskbar repositioning in Windows 10 is straightforward, while Windows 11 requires accessing settings for repositioning. Windows 11 combines app icons by default and hides labels, complicating navigation compared to Windows 10's clearer visual cues. The Start menu in Windows 10 is resizable and features Live Tiles, which are not present in Windows 11's fixed-size Start menu. Windows 10's News and Interests feature contrasts with Windows 11's Widgets board, which has been criticized for being intrusive. Windows 11's Quick Settings separates toggles and notifications into two panels, enhancing user experience, while Windows 10's clock flyout offered a native agenda view that has been removed in Windows 11. Windows 11 includes a performance enhancement for taskbar flyouts to improve responsiveness on budget hardware, a feature not needed in Windows 10. Additionally, Windows 11 introduces a Resume function for Android activities and is developing AI integrations for the taskbar, which are not available in Windows 10.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Meta rolls out enhanced safety features for teen Instagram users

On June 18, 2026, Meta announced new safety features for users aged 13 to 17 on Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, including: - Automatic private settings for Teen Accounts, requiring approval for new followers, with non-followers unable to view or interact with content. - Messaging limited to individuals they follow or are connected with. - Tagging and mentioning restricted to followers, with offensive language filtered through the Hidden Words feature. - Notifications to take breaks after 60 minutes of use. - Muted notifications from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., with automatic replies sent during those hours. For users aged 13 to 15, accounts are private by default and require parental consent for changes. Older teens (16 to 17) can modify settings with parental notifications. The Family Center allows parents to manage settings and monitor activities. Teens may need to verify their age if they change it on their account, and providing false information could lead to account suspension or permanent disablement. Malina Enlund, Meta's head of safety policy for the Asia Pacific region, emphasized the importance of honesty about age. The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) supports creating a safe online environment rather than restricting access to social media, citing the 2021 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

Android 17 review: Bubbling with excitement

Recent updates in Android, particularly with Android 17, focus on refining existing functionalities rather than introducing numerous new features. Key highlights include: - Revamped multitasking capabilities with expanded chat bubbles, allowing interaction with multiple apps simultaneously. - A bubble bar for foldable devices that displays all active floating windows for easy access, though launching apps as bubbles from the recents menu is not supported. - Tailored updates for foldable devices, including a dedicated gaming mode and native controller remapping for customization. - New customization options, such as hiding app labels on home screens and per-app adjustments for the dark theme. - Enhanced background blur effects and the ability to disable them through accessibility settings. - Security updates including Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock enabled by default, and a new Contact Picker feature for sharing specific contacts. - Improved parental controls allowing for daily limits, downtime schedules, and individual app restrictions. - A consistent user experience across devices, with applications adapting to different screen sizes and the introduction of features like Continue On for cross-device continuity. - Anticipated future enhancements related to Gemini Intelligence.

Tech Optimizer

June 18, 2026

I tested Norton’s Deepfake Protection — and it finally convinced me my next laptop needs an NPU

The landscape of online security has evolved significantly, with deepfake technology introducing new challenges. Users must be vigilant against both traditional malware and convincing fake images and videos. Antivirus software developers are enhancing their products by integrating cloud-based AI for better threat detection. For users with computers featuring neural processing units (NPUs), local solutions are available, such as Norton’s Deepfake Protection, which analyzes synthetic voices and images to flag potential threats. This feature operates in the background, providing peace of mind during online interactions. Norton 360 includes options for Deepfake Protection, Safe Web, and Safe SMS, but requires sufficient system resources to function effectively. Running this protection on older laptops may hinder performance, making NPUs a worthwhile investment for enhanced security against deepfakes and other online threats.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

There’s a new hidden way to customize your Pixel home screen. Here’s how to find it

The latest update for Google Pixel phones, Android 17, introduces a feature that allows users to hide app names on their home screens, enhancing customization options. To use this feature, devices must be updated to Android 17, which began rolling out on June 16. Users can check for updates through the Settings app. To hide app names, users need to press and hold on a blank area of the home screen, navigate to Wallpaper & style, tap Icons, toggle off Show app names, and apply the changes. App names will still be visible in the app drawer, and users can easily revert to displaying app names if desired.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

Android Auto Quietly Added Support For A Surprisingly Useful New App

Adobe Acrobat Reader has been added to Android Auto with the v26.5.0.45958 update. Subscribers have full access to the app's functionalities, while non-subscribers can use some free features and a 7-day free trial for paid functionalities. Free features include access to scanned PDFs in Liquid Mode, PDF annotation tools, and a PDF signer feature. Visual functions are disabled for safety, but a "Read Aloud" text-to-speech engine is available for free users. Paid subscribers can access high-quality audio options, an AI assistant for file management, and additional editing tools, although advanced features are not yet available on the dashboard.

Winsage

June 18, 2026

Microsoft modernized almost everything in Windows 11, but this 90s feature quietly lives on

Screensavers were originally designed to prevent burn-in on CRT monitors in the 1980s and 1990s, but evolved into a form of personalization with options like 3D Text and flying toasters. By 2026, the necessity for screensavers has diminished due to modern displays' ability to avoid burn-in and Windows 11's power management features. Screensavers are now mostly used for personal photo slideshows or basic visuals, accessible through Settings > Personalization > Lock screen > Screen saver, with options including 3D Text, Bubbles, Mystify, Photos, and Ribbons. Microsoft has shifted focus to AI and performance improvements, leaving screensavers as a legacy feature that is not actively developed. There is potential for screensavers to be reimagined as a modern ambient mode that enhances the idle experience by displaying personal photos or useful information. Currently, Windows 11 lacks a cohesive system that integrates various idle features, leading to a static or blank display when users step away.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Android Auto has suddenly lost its Facebook Messenger app

Users of Android Auto have reported that Facebook Messenger has disappeared from the platform, with the app icon no longer visible on car displays or the mobile launcher customization screen. This issue is associated with the latest version of Facebook Messenger, v565.0.0.43.88, and has occurred without prior notice. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has not provided an official explanation for this change. While direct access to Messenger is unavailable, Android Auto still supports notifications from the app, though without the usual filtering features.

Tech Optimizer

June 17, 2026

NordVPN celebrates record security scores, including 99.8% detection rate against “high-threat” malware

NordVPN has achieved the "highest possible" AAA rating from West Coast Labs for its protection suite, with a 99.8% detection rate against high-threat malware in real-world Windows 11 environments. It also secured a 96% detection rate with zero false positives in the AV-Comparatives Anti-Phishing test, making it the first VPN provider to earn a protection badge from AV-Comparatives. NordVPN has launched dedicated private VPN servers that offer dedicated hardware, a static IP address, and port forwarding for enhanced user control. Additionally, a recent survey by NordVPN involving over 20,000 participants across 20 countries revealed significant insights into global screen time habits.