sets Archives

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

I found an Android weather app that looks like Google made it

Google overhauled its weather app, replacing the weather frog with a new Pixel Weather app for the Pixel 9, which can now be accessed through Google Search. Users expressed dissatisfaction with the need to search for the frog, leading to the emergence of a third-party app called Weather Master. In a poll, 59% of users reported using whatever weather app is pre-installed on their phone, 38% used a third-party app, and 3% did not use a weather app at all. Weather Master features an animated frog, displays current temperature and forecasts, offers a Quick Summary section, and provides clothing and activity suggestions. It allows for customization and includes a radar function, though it has limitations in depth of information and visual data transitions. Despite its flaws, Weather Master is considered user-friendly and has become a preferred choice for some users over Google's official offering.

BetaBeacon

June 8, 2025

Best new mobile games on iOS and Android – June 2025 round-up

Puzzle & Dragons 0 is a mobile game that combines match-three puzzling with combat. The game retains the original look and mechanics but removes gacha elements, allowing players to add new monsters to their team using crystals won in dungeons. The game is complex and requires time to master skills and team buffs. In-app purchases include removing ads and unlimited stamina.

Tech Optimizer

June 7, 2025

CISA Warns of Rising Play Ransomware Threat to Infrastructure

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a critical advisory on December 18, 2023, regarding the rising threat of Play Ransomware, which targets various organizations, particularly critical infrastructure and public sector entities. The advisory details the tactics used by Play Ransomware actors, including exploiting unpatched systems and phishing campaigns, leading to severe consequences like data encryption and high ransom demands. The ransomware can disable antivirus software and exfiltrate sensitive data before encryption. Play Ransomware employs double extortion tactics, threatening to leak stolen data if ransoms are not paid. CISA recommends organizations prioritize patch management, implement multi-factor authentication, train employees to recognize phishing attempts, and maintain regular offline data backups. The advisory calls for collaboration between public and private sectors to combat this threat and emphasizes the importance of information sharing to stay ahead of ransomware tactics.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Microsoft shares script to restore inetpub folder you shouldn’t delete

Microsoft has released a PowerShell script to help restore the C:Inetpub folder, which is crucial for addressing a high-severity privilege escalation vulnerability associated with Windows Process Activation. The folder's unexpected appearance after the April 2025 Windows security updates led some users to delete it, inadvertently exposing their systems to vulnerabilities. Microsoft emphasizes that the folder should not be deleted, as it is integral to the security framework, regardless of whether Internet Information Services (IIS) is active. The script allows administrators to recreate the folder with the correct permissions and access control settings.

BetaBeacon

June 6, 2025

‘FIFA Rivals’ Game Launching Next Week on iOS, Android

FIFA Rivals, a mobile soccer game, is set to launch on iOS and Android on June 12. Adidas will be featured in the game with branded kits, jerseys, shoes, and a training facility.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Fill the Marathon-shaped hole in your life with Supplice, the best prog-heavy boomer shooter you’ve never heard of

Bungie's reboot of the classic FPS series Marathon was absent from the recent State Of Play showcase, facing scrutiny over allegations of aesthetic plagiarism. In contrast, the early access game Supplice, inspired by Marathon, features fast-paced gameplay, a robust shotgun, and labyrinthine levels. It includes exposition-filled terminals and a progressive metal soundtrack. The latest episode, titled 'An Anthem of Hammers', introduces new gameplay elements such as the heat-proof Lava Suit, five new enemy types, a new boss, and the Fission Dynamo weapon. Supplice is built on the GZDoom engine and aims for a total of six episodes, with the first four currently available for £8 on Steam. It is also offered in a discounted bundle with another title, Incision, for £13.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Save $10 On This Premium Minecraft Chess Set

The Noble Collection is known for its imaginative chess sets, including the Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, and Minecraft Chess Sets. The Minecraft Chess Set features a wood-like board with a grass-like playing field and includes pieces representing characters like Steve, Alex, and various mobs from the game. Each piece is up to 4 inches tall and designed to resemble marbled stone or obsidian. The board separates into four sections for easy storage. A Minecraft Movie is set to release on June 24, with various Blu-ray formats available, including a 4K Steelbook and an exclusive Collector’s Crafting Table Edition at Walmart. Other themed chess sets inspired by franchises like Minions, Jurassic Park, Batman, and Mario are also available, while the Legend of Zelda Chess Set is currently sold out.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

If an NPC hates you in this adventure from the makers of Road 96, it’s probably because another player was mean to them earlier

Digixart's upcoming game, Tides of Tomorrow, features an innovative asynchronous multiplayer experience where players can choose another player to 'follow' during their adventures. This mechanic allows players to see echoes of the chosen player's actions, referred to as 'ghosts', which help navigate challenges and shape the narrative. Players can change their chosen companion if they find their path undesirable. The game is set to launch on February 24, 2026.

Tech Optimizer

June 4, 2025

I put McAfee and Norton head-to-head in an antivirus showdown, and the results were quite surprising

McAfee and Norton are two leading antivirus providers known for their robust online safety solutions. Both offer essential security features such as real-time threat detection, firewall protection, identity theft protection, VPN services, password management, and parental controls, but they differ in implementation. McAfee uses advanced machine learning for real-time threat detection but has a higher rate of false positives and shows room for improvement against ransomware and phishing. Norton excels in malware detection and has a strong performance against ransomware, blocking 95% of phishing links in tests. McAfee's firewall monitors incoming threats and protects connected devices, while Norton’s firewall prevents untrusted applications from accessing the internet with extensive configuration options. In identity theft protection, McAfee offers comprehensive features with live agent support, whereas Norton partners with LifeLock for enhanced services, including credit monitoring and up to one million dollars in compensation for identity theft losses. McAfee provides unlimited VPN access with basic functionality, while Norton’s VPN includes advanced features like split tunneling and a kill switch. Both include password managers, but McAfee's lacks some functionalities, whereas Norton’s is user-friendly and supports data import from other managers. For parental controls, McAfee allows website blocking and app restrictions, while Norton offers detailed content filtering and monitoring of online activities. In system performance, both have received high marks, with McAfee showing a superior impact score in tests. User experience varies, with McAfee being more accessible for non-technical users and Norton catering to more experienced individuals. Recent testing indicates both effectively blocked nearly all threats, but McAfee had more false positives. Both brands received high ratings from SE Labs for protection and accuracy. The choice between them depends on individual needs, with McAfee being user-friendly and Norton offering advanced features and enhanced identity protection.

Tech Optimizer

June 3, 2025

Misspell one word and you’re infected: New malware campaign fools developers on both Windows and Linux

Cybersecurity experts have highlighted the risks of typosquatting, where developers accidentally download malicious packages due to typographical errors. A report from Checkmarx reveals that attackers exploit this trust by creating counterfeit packages that can grant unauthorized access to systems. Malicious packages have been found in the Python Package Index (PyPI) and can enable remote control, posing serious threats to system integrity. Attackers employ a cross-platform strategy, mixing names from different programming environments to target unsuspecting users. On Windows, malware can create scheduled tasks and disable antivirus protections, while on Linux, certain packages facilitate encrypted reverse shells for data exfiltration. Although the malicious packages have been removed, the threat remains, prompting developers to verify package sources and spellings. Checkmarx recommends organizations conduct audits of deployed packages and scrutinize application code to enhance security.