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AppWizard

August 26, 2026

How to sideload Android apps on your phone in 2026 – and what’s behind the changes

Google has revamped the sideloading process on Android devices with a new protocol called "Advanced Flow" to enhance user security while allowing the installation of applications from downloaded APK files. Users must enable sideloading, authenticate their identity, and confirm they are not being pressured into installation, followed by a device restart and a 24-hour waiting period. Users can choose to allow installations for seven days or indefinitely. To sideload apps, users need to download an APK file, disable Advanced Protection temporarily, install the app, and then re-enable Advanced Protection. Caution is advised when downloading APK files from unknown sources, with recommendations for trusted sites like APKMirror, F-Droid, and Uptodown.

Winsage

August 26, 2026

Microsoft tests new privacy controls for Windows 11 desktop apps

Microsoft is enhancing privacy controls in Windows 11, allowing users to manage camera, microphone, and location permissions for individual desktop applications. This feature is being tested in the Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26340.9233. Users can access these settings through Settings > Privacy & security > Camera, Microphone, or Location, where they can grant or revoke access. Microsoft advises users to only grant access to trusted applications. This update follows a previous announcement about smartphone-style app permission prompts, aiming to give users more control over their personal data and device features. The rollout of these features will occur in phases, with adjustments based on user feedback. Additionally, Microsoft is testing a new accessibility setting to automatically maximize app windows upon opening.

Tech Optimizer

August 26, 2026

AVG Antivirus Review 2026: Is the Free Version Enough?

AVG AntiVirus Free has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, with specific scores of 4.7 for protection, 4.3 for performance and features, and 3.5 for customer support. The software is available for free or can be purchased starting at .88 for the first year, with pricing verified in August 2026. It achieved a 99.77% malware detection rate with only four false alarms and offers features such as real-time protection and Ransomware Protection. However, customer support is rated lower, and there are upselling prompts after scans. AVG is owned by Gen Digital and has been in operation for over 35 years, originally founded as Grisoft in the Czech Republic. The free version includes essential features like File Shield, Behavior Shield, Web Shield, Email Shield, and Ransomware Protection, while some features like Enhanced Firewall and Fake Website Shield are exclusive to paid versions. AVG's performance on Windows 11 has been validated by independent tests, scoring 6/6/6 in AV-TEST and achieving a 96.3% offline detection rate in AV-Comparatives. The software is available across multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. AVG's customer support includes email and phone options, with a reasonable response time. The software is safe to install when downloaded from official sources, and it has been recognized for its effectiveness in malware detection.

Tech Optimizer

August 26, 2026

Catch Of The Week: The ‘Security Scan’ That Wants You Defenseless

Researchers at Malwarebytes have identified a network of deceptive websites posing as a service called “SysScan,” which pretends to conduct Microsoft security checkups. Users encounter these sites through search results, browser hijacking pop-ups, or unsolicited emails. The sites use Microsoft branding and a fake progress bar to create the illusion of a scan, but they only collect harmless data like operating system and location, which are then manipulated into alarming fake alerts. The fabricated security score is predetermined and does not reflect the user's actual security status. The scam misleads users into believing that Windows no longer supports third-party antivirus software, prompting them to uninstall their protections, which increases their vulnerability. Users are then asked to provide personal and banking information through a form that sends data via a Telegram bot. Eleven fraudulent sites have been traced back to a single server. Indicators of the scam include requests to disable antivirus software, installation of remote-access software, and solicitation of sensitive information. Microsoft does not initiate cold calls or scan computers through web pages. If someone has engaged with the scam, they should disconnect from the internet, uninstall any remote-access tools, reinstall antivirus software, and report the incident to authorities.

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

Wildberries released its own messenger

Wildberries has launched its messaging platform, WB Chat, which is now available for download on the App Store and Google Play. Users can log in using their WB ID. The app features a user-friendly interface with organized chat tabs, allows users to create groups or channels, and includes profile customization options. It supports photo and video sharing, message forwarding, replying to messages, setting statuses, and transcribing voice messages. WB Chat is published on Google Play under WB FZE, with a location in the Hamriyah Free Zone, UAE. The app is currently in beta testing. It is also available on RuStore, and a web version is being developed. Wildberries plans to expand the messenger internationally after its initial launch in Russia.

Winsage

August 26, 2026

Linux was supposed to be temporary, but these things made me forget about Windows entirely

The author faced a dilemma with their aging Windows 10 PC, which would lose support by October 2027, and discovered Linux as an alternative that allowed them to retain their hardware without expiration dates. They initially viewed Linux as a temporary solution but grew to appreciate its flexibility, particularly the ability to choose different desktop environments like GNOME, KDE, and COSMIC. The author ultimately settled on Fedora KDE and later transitioned to openSUSE Tumbleweed with KDE, valuing the community-driven nature of Linux compared to corporate operating systems. They highlighted that Linux distributions are seen as tools for user empowerment rather than marketable products, emphasizing the community's collaborative spirit and focus on usability. The author no longer plans to return to Windows and is considering a future PC build without it, embracing the freedom and community that Linux offers.

Tech Optimizer

August 26, 2026

What The Tech: Beware of the anti-virus popup scam

A viewer experienced a pop-up warning claiming her device had 120 viruses, which is a scam designed to promote a free antivirus app called “Total Cleaner.” The pop-up aims to incite panic and persuade users to download the app, which has hidden costs, fake reviews, and privacy concerns. Modern smartphones generally do not require traditional antivirus programs, and these pop-ups are advertisements that do not reflect the phone's security status. To protect against such alerts, users should close the tab immediately, keep their device updated, and be cautious with app downloads.

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

Nothing OS 5.0 has received the Glyph app – three smartphones will not be getting Android 17

Nothing has unveiled Nothing OS 5.0, based on Android 17, which will begin open testing on August 26 for the Phone (3). Key features include a dynamic home screen theme, the Geist system font, new status bar animations, simultaneous icon and widget movement, Gooey and Micrographics watch faces, a standalone Glyph app, a Glyph Timer widget, an Away Time widget, and a Collector feature for photo curation. Essential AI tools include Essential Voice for cleaner transcriptions, Smart Collections for automatic content grouping, and the creation of Essential Apps. Android 17 enhancements feature improved Quick Share, Noto 3D emojis, an upgraded dark theme, and simplified Bluetooth connectivity. The public rollout of Nothing OS 5.0 for the Phone (3) is scheduled for mid-October, with other models to follow, while Phone (1), Phone (2), and CMF Phone 1 will not receive the update. Google released Android 17 in June, introducing universal floating windows and enhanced privacy protections.

BetaBeacon

August 26, 2026

LDPlayer 14 vs LDPlayer 9 vs BlueStacks: 21% FPS Gap [2026]

LDPlayer 14 has moved to an Android 14 kernel, allowing newer titles that reject Android 9 installs to run natively. BlueStacks allows users to spin up separate instances running different Android versions, giving flexibility to users. LDPlayer 14 has introduced Eco Mode and an updated LDMultiplayer manager for running multiple accounts in parallel. LDPlayer 9 remains the stable version listed on LDPlayer's homepage and has a mature ecosystem of community macro and script tools. BlueStacks offers multiple Android versions from a single install, catering to users with a game library spanning old and new titles.

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

Beware of fake Indeed interview apps used to install spyware

Scammers are exploiting the Indeed platform to target job seekers by using counterfeit Android "interview" applications. Users in the UK and Brazil reported being instructed by supposed employers to download fraudulent apps like MyInterview, which compromised their devices. These scammers post fake job listings and prompt applicants to install apps that mimic Indeed's login page and establish a VPN connection. The malicious apps, classified as Trojan.Droppers, can install additional untrusted software and gain control over devices, complicating uninstallation efforts. Indeed confirmed that their interview process does not require downloading any separate app and warned job seekers against such scams. Indicators of compromise include specific MD5 hashes and package names associated with the Trojan droppers and dropped malware payloads.