Security Archives

BetaBeacon

March 5, 2026

Google changes Play Store policies after settling Epic Games dispute

- Developers on Google Play can now use their own billing systems alongside Google Play's payment system - The service fee for in-app purchases tied to new installs will be 20%, but developers in certain programs will pay 15% - Developers using Google Play's billing system will pay a separate 5% billing fee in certain regions - Google is launching a Registered App Stores program to simplify the installation of third-party Android stores

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

Google Expands Payment Choices and Alternative App Stores on Android

Android is introducing updates to enhance app and game distribution, focusing on three areas: expanded payment options, easier installation of alternative app stores, and reduced fees for developers. Developers can now implement their own payment systems alongside Google Play’s billing framework and direct users to their websites for purchases. A Registered App Stores program will streamline the installation of approved alternative app stores. The fee structure is revised to include a 5% billing fee for using Google Play’s payment system, a 20% service fee for in-app purchases on new installs, a 20% service fee for developers in new incentive programs (reduced to 15% on new installs), and a 10% fee for subscription payments. The updates are expected to reach the US, UK, and European Economic Area by the end of June, with plans to extend to Australia by September and to South Korea and Japan before the year ends. The remaining global markets may see these updates by September 2027, and the Registered App Stores program will launch with Android 17 later this year.

Winsage

March 5, 2026

Bitwarden now lets users log into Windows 11 using passkeys

Bitwarden has introduced a feature that allows Windows 11 users to log in using passkeys stored in their vaults, enhancing security by enabling phishing-resistant authentication at the operating system's login screen. Users can authenticate by scanning a QR code displayed on the Windows screen with the Bitwarden app on their mobile device, which verifies access to the stored passkey. This feature requires the Windows device to be joined to Microsoft Entra ID and for the organization to enable FIDO2 security key sign-in. Users must also register a passkey for their Entra ID profile stored in Bitwarden. The integration aims to improve security against cyber attacks targeting operating system authentication. Microsoft plans to roll out this passkey-based Windows login feature in March, depending on the organization's Microsoft Entra ID configuration, and it will be available across all Bitwarden plans, including the free tier.

Winsage

March 5, 2026

I tested Windows 11 LTSC in 2026, and it’s the best version of Windows 11 without Copilot, AI and other bloat

Windows 11 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is a specialized edition of Windows 11 designed for organizations that prioritize stability over the latest features. It allows users to defer feature updates for up to ten years, receiving only monthly quality updates and optional feature updates every three years. LTSC includes only Microsoft Edge as a modern app, with classic versions of Calculator, Notepad, and Paint, and lacks Copilot integration, the Microsoft Store, and Widgets. Users can operate LTSC without signing into a Microsoft account. The version was officially announced in April 2023, with Enterprise and IoT editions set to launch in late 2024. It is suitable for large organizations, industrial systems, IT departments, and IoT devices needing long-term support. General users can download a 90-day trial of LTSC, but a clean installation is required for transitioning from Windows 11 Pro or Home. The minimum system requirements include a 1 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage. LTSC offers advantages such as no bloatware, a stable environment, and a lower storage footprint, but it does not receive new Windows features and lacks access to the Microsoft Store by default.

Winsage

March 5, 2026

Windows 10: WinRE Update KB5075039 fixes issue from Oct. 2025

On March 3, 2026, Microsoft re-released update KB5075039 to restore functionality to the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) for Windows 10, which officially fell out of support in October 2025. This update followed a bug caused by dynamic security update KB5067039, released in October 2025, which introduced a problematic USBHUB3.SYS driver version that disabled USB keyboards and mice in WinRE. Microsoft acknowledged this issue on October 17, 2025. In mid-January 2026, Microsoft released recovery updates for Windows 10 and Windows 11, including KB5075039 on January 15, 2026, targeting Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 22H2, but it did not resolve the issue. The re-release of update KB5073933 on March 3, 2026, addressed a critical bug preventing WinRE from starting when the previous update KB5068164 was installed. The installation of KB5073933 is recommended for Windows 10 22H2 users with ESU support to ensure a functional recovery environment.

BetaBeacon

March 4, 2026

Google settles with Epic Games with offer to lower its app store commissions

Google plans to reduce fees on its Android app store, allowing for alternative payment options and lowering baseline commissions to 10% to 20% for subscriptions and e-commerce transactions. Developers will have the choice to use alternative payment systems, and consumers will be able to download apps from certified alternative stores. The changes are pending approval from U.S. District Judge James Donato and are supported by Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney.

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

Google Announces Registered App Stores For Android

Google is launching a Registered App Stores program for Android, allowing third-party app stores to officially register if they meet specific quality and safety criteria. This program aims to provide a better installation experience for users and will be rolled out in a major Android release later this year, initially targeting markets outside the US. Registration is optional, and stores can continue using the existing sideloading process. Alongside this, Google is unbundling its fee structure, reducing service fees for developers to between 15% and 20%, with an additional 5% fee for using Google Play billing in certain regions. The rollout of the new billing structure is expected by the end of June in the US, UK, and Europe, with global completion by September 30, 2027. The initiative is part of a broader settlement with Epic Games and reflects ongoing legal pressures for greater competition in app distribution.

Winsage

March 4, 2026

Windows 12 won’t be released in 2026, despite rumours

There are no plans to release Windows 12 this year, according to sources familiar with Microsoft's roadmap. The focus is on enhancing Windows 11, addressing user feedback, and improving its reputation. Claims about Windows 12, codenamed Hudson Valley Next, and its features, including a modular CorePC architecture and deep AI integration, have been refuted. CorePC was a project from 2023 that aimed to revive the WCOS vision but is likely scrapped. The codename Hudson Valley is unrelated to Windows 12, and speculations about a redesigned interface and subscription model lack official backing. Zac Bowden from Windows Central suggests that if Windows 12 is released, it won't be before 2027. Windows 11 has recently reached a record high market share as support for Windows 10 ends.

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

March builds on Google Home automations, expands Nest’s Yale Lock support

Google Home is implementing significant updates in March, including improvements to the Gemini voice assistant's interaction with smart home devices through room-level commands. Users can now issue commands like "turn off the kitchen," targeting specific devices. The update introduces new automation triggers, such as "Security system is armed" and "Device is plugged in." Google is also expanding its partnership with Yale Smart Lock, allowing users to view lock history and receive notifications through the Google Home app. The Gemini update enhances voice assistant capabilities, utilizing users' home addresses for contextually relevant responses, and improving accuracy for commands related to notes, reminders, calendars, and alarms. Additional features include enhanced responses for informational queries, fewer interruptions during speech, increased reliability for automations, improved accuracy in playing new songs, and a new “Live Search” feature for Google Home Premium subscribers. A software patch for Nest Wifi Pro is also set to enhance security and performance. Gemini for Home was first unveiled in late 2022, with early access starting in October, and users have reported positive experiences with features like "Ask Home."

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

Minecraft’s PS3 source code just leaked with floating islands and early villager houses offering a rare look at scrapped features

The source code for Minecraft's PlayStation 3 version has been leaked online, revealing internal development files and the source code for Minecraft Pocket Edition. This version was optimized for the PlayStation 3's 256MB of RAM and was developed in C++. The leak includes features that were not included in the final release, such as early sky island world generation, prototype waterfall code, and initial designs for villager houses. Enthusiasts have managed to run the PS3 build on PC with functional multiplayer capabilities. The leak may aid researchers in identifying vulnerabilities, although significant security concerns are likely addressed in newer updates. The leak contributes to preservation efforts, allowing the community to explore Minecraft's development during its console era.