sensor Archives

AppWizard

August 13, 2025

Beware the strange file in your messages: This “antivirus” app fakes scans, then watches everything

A new Android app called LunaSpy poses as an antivirus or banking protection tool but is actually sophisticated spyware. It spreads mainly through messaging platforms like Telegram, using social engineering tactics to prompt users to grant extensive permissions by generating fake “threats found” notifications. Once granted access, LunaSpy can read text messages, extract credentials, track locations, and record audio or video. The app is distributed through links that encourage users to sideload an APK rather than downloading from the official Play Store. It requests excessive permissions that legitimate antivirus apps would not demand, making devices vulnerable to data exfiltration. Users are advised to avoid installing APKs from chat links, uninstall suspicious applications, review and revoke excessive permissions, and take steps to secure their accounts.

Winsage

August 8, 2025

German researchers show ‘Windows Hell No’ flaw at Black Hat

Microsoft is working to move Windows users away from traditional passwords to its Hello biometrics system. Researchers from ERNW Research, supported by the German government, discovered a critical vulnerability in Hello that allows individuals with local admin access or malware credentials to inject biometric data, bypassing security measures. Hello facilitates authentication for business users by connecting corporate PCs to platforms like Entra ID or Active Directory, storing a cryptographic key in a database linked to Microsoft's Windows Biometric Service. While Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) is designed to mitigate such vulnerabilities, not all PCs are compatible with it. During a presentation, researchers demonstrated the flaw by logging in with a facial scan and then injecting a captured facial scan to unlock the device. They suggested that users without ESS disable biometric authentication and revert to using a PIN. Microsoft has not yet responded to these findings, which are part of a research program called Windows Dissect.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

This is Microsoft’s canceled Windows-based Surface Duo — the dual-screen Windows Phone from 2018 that we never got

Recent images reveal that the Surface Duo was initially conceived as a Windows Phone codenamed Andromeda, featuring a custom-built operating system designed for its dual-screen form factor. The project was shelved in 2018 due to challenges faced during development. Prototypes from 2017 and 2018 show that Andromeda included features such as a back camera system, integrated wireless charging for the Surface Slim Pen, and a premium metal frame, which were not present in the final Surface Duo. Andromeda also had smaller hinges, which were later enlarged in the Surface Duo for added stiffness. The operating system for Andromeda was based on Windows Core OS, featuring a universal shell for dual-screen use, a home screen designed for note-taking, and a lock screen that functioned as an inking canvas.

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

Minecraft vs. Roblox: Which Video Game is #1 in 2025?

Roblox reported 79.5 million daily active users (DAUs) in Q1 2025, while Minecraft had 140 million monthly active users (MAUs) in 2023. Roblox generated .8 million in revenue in Q1 2025, compared to Minecraft's million for the entirety of 2023. 54% of Roblox users are under 13 years old, while Minecraft appeals to a broader demographic, including adults. Roblox focuses on user-generated content and social interaction, while Minecraft emphasizes creativity and nostalgia.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

Back in black: Microsoft Blue Screen of Death going dark

Microsoft will retire the Windows Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in favor of a black screen as part of the Windows Resiliency Initiative (WRI), with the change rolling out later this summer for Windows 11 version 24H2 devices. This update follows a security incident in July 2024 that affected approximately 8.5 million Windows machines. The WRI aims to enhance system resilience by reengineering Windows code and allowing security software to operate outside the Windows kernel, minimizing risks from vendor security code. A private preview of the new Windows endpoint security platform will be available to Microsoft Virus Initiative partners next month.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

Best deals for PC gamers today: boutique rigs and game bundles

Today's technology offerings include high-end and budget-friendly gaming systems. The MAINGEAR RUSH Mk. IV is priced at ,774 and features an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU, AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU, 48GB T-Force Xtreem RGB Memory, 2TB T-Force A440 NVMe SSD, ASRock Phantom Gaming X870E Nova WiFi Motherboard, MAINGEAR Epic 360 RGB Cooling, 850W MSI MAG A850GL PSU, and Windows 11 Home. It is designed for serious gamers and delivers exceptional performance within five days of ordering, though GPU availability may vary. The Skytech King 95 is a budget option priced at ,099.99, with an additional 5% coupon available. It includes an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU, AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU, 32GB DDR5 5600MHz RGB Memory, 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD, 850W Gold PSU, Wi-Fi, Windows 11 Home, and a free RGB keyboard and mouse. The ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless Gaming Keyboard is available for .99, featuring a 96% compact layout, tri-mode connection, hot-swappable NX Snow pre-lubed switches, sound-dampening foam, and durable PBT double-shot keycaps. The ASUS ROG Azoth 75 Wireless Keyboard has an OLED screen and hot-swappable switches, combining high performance with aesthetics. The ASUS ROG Keris II Ace Wireless Gaming Mouse weighs 54g and features ASUS's AimPoint Pro sensor. The Logitech G502 X Plus Wireless Gaming Mouse includes hybrid switches and a 25K HERO sensor. The ASUS ROG Spatha X Wireless Gaming Mouse offers customization options, swappable switches, and wireless charging. The Keychron K6 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard supports wired and wireless use with customizable features. The Crucial T500 2TB NVMe SSD is a fast and affordable storage solution. The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 Processor is budget-friendly and suitable for 1080p gaming and multitasking. The PNY 256GB PRO Elite Prime microSDXC Card is priced under , offering speed and affordability for game storage. The Fanatical NSPCC Charity Bundle 2025 provides 0 worth of family-friendly and indie games for under , supporting the NSPCC. Dynasty Warriors: Origins is the latest installment in the Warriors franchise. The Fanatical Summer Mystery Bundle 2025 offers a gamble for gamers, potentially yielding great titles or quirky indie games at an affordable price.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

Microsoft has broken Windows Hello facial recognition — it no longer works in the dark

Windows Hello now requires a color camera in addition to infrared sensors for user sign-ins, which reduces its effectiveness in low-light conditions. This change was made to address a spoofing vulnerability and was implemented after an initial announcement in April. The updated system struggles in dark environments, raising concerns for users with darker skin tones, as low-light conditions can hinder facial recognition. Users can disable the color webcam to revert to using only IR sensors, but this disables video capabilities. Alternatives for sign-in include PIN, password, or fingerprint authentication.

Tech Optimizer

June 13, 2025

Postgres and the Lakehouse Are Becoming One System — Here’s What Comes Next

Developers are increasingly using Postgres for application needs alongside lakehouse technologies for analytics and data science. Postgres has evolved into a versatile operational database suitable for various applications, while lakehouse technologies enable organizations to manage and analyze large-scale data efficiently. There is a growing synergy between these systems, although they often operate in silos managed by different teams. An emerging architectural paradigm views Postgres and lakehouses as complementary layers within a modular framework to address both operational and analytical requirements. Historically, OLTP systems were used for transactions and OLAP systems for analysis, but this model is shifting. Scenarios such as financial applications requiring real-time risk reports and SaaS applications calculating usage metrics are becoming standard. Effective communication between product-engineering teams managing operational systems and data teams overseeing lakehouse services is essential for enhancing system resilience. A trend called operational medallion architecture incorporates bronze, silver, and gold layers for real-time and user-facing systems. The bronze layer consists of raw data, the silver layer contains cleaned data in Postgres for real-time analytics, and the gold layer features pre-aggregated data for low-latency experiences. Each layer is queryable, allowing for bidirectional data movement between S3 and Postgres. Key developments facilitating the integration of operational databases and lakehouses include the maturation of Iceberg as a flexible table format, the evolution of Postgres with support for various data types and querying capabilities, and a growing demand for composability among developers. The market is moving towards modular, open, and developer-friendly architectures that integrate operational and analytical layers. Future data infrastructure will focus on interconnected components and coherent modern data architecture that serves both operational and non-operational use cases seamlessly.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

Intel Stock (NASDAQ:INTC) Blasts Up as Mac Support Dies

Intel Corporation's stock price surged over 8% during Tuesday afternoon trading, despite the impending loss of support from Apple for its Intel processors in Mac computers. The latest version of MacOS, Tahoe, will end compatibility for several older Mac models powered by Intel chips. Investors reacted positively to this news, viewing it as an opportunity, while the transition to Apple's own silicon has been ongoing for five years. Additionally, renewed trade discussions between the U.S. and China have sparked optimism among investors, contributing to Intel's stock gains. Intel is also expected to benefit from initiatives at the Department of Defense aimed at enhancing cybersecurity measures. Analysts maintain a Hold consensus rating on Intel's stock, with one Buy, 26 Holds, and four Sells over the past three months. The average price target for INTC is .29 per share, indicating a potential downside risk of 3.88% from current levels.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

5 Android apps I run on my Raspberry Pi to improve my home

Running Android on a Raspberry Pi allows users to enhance their smart home experience by utilizing Waydroid to execute Android applications. The Shelly Smart Control app provides a user-friendly interface for managing Shelly devices, offering local control and cloud syncing. The Home Connect app enables control of smart appliances from brands like Bosch and Siemens, allowing centralized monitoring and automation. Fully Kiosk Browser turns the Raspberry Pi into a wall-mounted dashboard for displaying smart home information. The Aqara Home app facilitates local control of Aqara sensors and hubs, integrating with Home Assistant for device management. The Home Assistant Companion app provides seamless access to Home Assistant functionalities, including notifications and custom dashboards.