Signal Archives

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

This gorgeous Android launcher is basically dead — and it’s all Google’s fault

Stario Launcher, launched in 2024, is an aesthetically pleasing Android launcher that combines speed and functionality, featuring custom animations, widgets, and automatic app categorization. Its design is influenced by Google’s Material Expressive language, with a minimalist interface that emphasizes essential widgets. The launcher includes a search function similar to Pixel Launcher, supports alternative search engines, and has a dedicated Briefing page for personalized news feeds. It also offers a widget page for customization and a Low Spec mode for older devices. However, the developer plans to cease updates due to Google's tightening policies on third-party apps, which will complicate the installation of non-verified apps starting in September 2026. This situation reflects broader concerns about the future of third-party applications in the Android ecosystem.

AppWizard

July 3, 2026

messaging app arattai withdraws username feature

Zoho-owned messaging app Arattai has disabled its Username feature to comply with regulatory changes, as stated by Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu. The decision reflects concerns over digital privacy and security amid evolving regulations. The Indian government has issued notices to WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram regarding their usernames feature, instructing them to refrain from rolling it out until proper consultations are conducted. Digital advocacy groups, like the Internet Freedom Foundation, criticize the government's approach as an overreach into private companies' operational decisions. WhatsApp has addressed user concerns by releasing a FAQ related to impersonation, scams, and unwanted contacts.

Tech Optimizer

July 2, 2026

How JSON.stringify Corrupted 150,000 Rows in My Postgres Database

A dataset of over 100,000 company profiles was found to have approximately 150,000 corrupted values across ten jsonb columns due to incorrect serialization caused by using JSON.stringify on values intended for jsonb columns. The problematic code was `await sql` update listings set services = ${JSON.stringify(record.services)} where id = ${record.id}`. This resulted in jsonb strings instead of jsonb arrays. The issue was detected by querying the type of the jsonb columns, revealing that two frequently updated columns had around 105,000 and 41,000 corrupted values, respectively. The repair process involved extracting the inner text and re-casting it as valid jsonb, while also addressing complications such as NUL bytes and double-encoding. The correct method for inserting jsonb values is to use `sql.json(record.services)` instead of JSON.stringify. Regular type checks are now part of a daily integrity job to prevent similar issues.

AppWizard

July 1, 2026

Massive Samsung Galaxy Glasses leak gives sneak peek into manager app and gestures

A leak has revealed details about the Galaxy Glasses manager app, which will serve as the main hub for managing Samsung's upcoming smart glasses. The app will assist users in pairing the glasses, installing updates, and adjusting settings. It will feature menu options such as Camera, AI assistants, Read notifications aloud, Advanced features, Accessibility, and Find my glasses, with additional settings accessible only when connected to the glasses. Users can also automatically import photos and videos taken with the eyewear. The leak also describes intuitive buttons and gestures for user interaction with the Galaxy Glasses. Users can swipe to navigate music tracks and adjust volume, tap to pause or resume media playback, and use a button on the arm to capture photos or record videos. The glasses will have two LED lights to indicate recording status. Captured images and videos will be available in the Now Bar for previewing and reframing, with functionality expected to extend to the Galaxy Watch. Additionally, a Galaxy Glasses Controller app is in development for Galaxy Watches, and the upcoming Galaxy Ring will support gesture controls for enhanced user experience with the smart glasses.

Winsage

June 30, 2026

Microsoft Reveals Windows Setting to Safely Remove USB Drives and Prevent Data Loss

Removing a USB drive from a port without using the “safely remove” option is generally acceptable on many Windows computers, depending on the policy for the external device. Microsoft provides two main options for removable drives: quick removal and better performance. Under the quick removal policy, users can disconnect the device without the “Safely Remove Hardware” process, although this may reduce system performance. Since Windows 10 version 1809, quick removal has been the default policy for external devices. However, users must ensure that all operations, such as copying or formatting, are completed before removal. The better performance policy requires users to use the safe removal option to prevent data loss, as it allows write caching. Failing to do so increases the risk of data loss if the drive is disconnected while Windows is still processing writes. The highest risk of data loss occurs when the drive is removed while Windows or an application is engaged in file operations. The safe removal icon serves as a confirmation that the drive is not in use, helping to prevent accidental ejection during active processes. Users can check the flash drive policy by accessing the device properties in Disk Management. The chosen setting may persist upon reconnection to the same computer port, leading to different experiences for users with similar drives. To minimize data loss, it is recommended to wait for operations to finish and use safe removal when uncertain about the drive's status.

AppWizard

June 29, 2026

US Offers $10 Million Bounty for Russian State Hackers as Messaging App Attacks Evolve

The US government is offering rewards of up to million for information on individuals associated with two Russian-linked cyber threat groups, UNC5792 and UNC4221, which target US officials, military leaders, journalists, and personnel in Ukraine. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI have reported that these groups conduct sophisticated phishing campaigns via commercial messaging applications (CMAs), using social engineering and masquerading as support accounts to gain unauthorized access. The attackers now request victims' Backup Recovery Keys, which can lead to future account takeovers even if new accounts are created. Both groups are linked to Russian intelligence services, with UNC5792 associated with the FSB Border Guards and UNC4221 with Russian military services. The US government seeks information on the identities, locations, affiliations, and funding sources of the actors behind these groups.

Winsage

June 28, 2026

Microsoft Caught Between Windows 10 Stagnation and AI Infrastructure Splurge as Macro Data Looms

Microsoft shares rose 5.71% to close at €327.90 on Friday, recovering from a 52-week low of €307.10 earlier that day. The company reported revenue of €82.9 billion in its latest quarterly earnings, an 18% year-on-year increase, driven by cloud and AI services. On June 22, Chevron announced a 20-year power purchase agreement with Microsoft for approximately 2.67 gigawatts of capacity for a data center, with the first power delivery expected in 2028. Microsoft extended its Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10 home users by another year, pushing the final security patch deadline to October 2027. The stock's closing price is only 6.77% above its 52-week low, with a 50-day moving average at €352.96 and a 200-day average at €383.98. The relative strength index is at 43, indicating no strong momentum.

Winsage

June 24, 2026

Windows 11 is finally rethinking the Start menu and Taskbar, and it might win back people who gave up on it

In 2026, Microsoft will enhance the Start menu and Taskbar in Windows 11, allowing users greater customization options. This update will reintroduce features from Windows 10, such as the ability to manually resize the Taskbar and create multi-row layouts. The changes indicate a shift from the minimalist design of the initial Windows 11 launch in 2021 towards a more flexible operating system that balances personalization with a modern aesthetic. The updates reflect a reassessment of customization capabilities, moving away from the limitations imposed at launch.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

Government’s homegrown messaging app ‘NepaConnect’ appears on google play store

A government-developed messaging application named NepaConnect has been launched on the Google Play Store, aiming to provide a secure internal communications platform for state officials in Nepal. The initiative, disclosed by Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle, involves the creation of a sovereign digital infrastructure with a team of around 80 technical professionals. NepaConnect features include encrypted communication, document sharing, secure file storage, location sharing, voice messaging, document scanning, meeting scheduling, AI integration, status feeds, and ride-management services. The app is designed to centralize various workplace functions and reduce reliance on foreign communication platforms. However, details about its security standards, encryption protocols, and overall transparency remain limited. Currently, the application is in early development stages, with some features incomplete or non-functional. The future success of NepaConnect will depend on factors such as cybersecurity, user adoption, and the government's ability to encourage civil servants to switch from existing platforms.

AppWizard

June 22, 2026

The Steam Machine is the start of an even more expensive future for game consoles

Valve's Steam Machine is priced at ,049 for the 512GB model and ,128 with a Steam Controller. The 2TB version costs ,349 or ,428 with the controller. In comparison, the 2TB Xbox Series X retails for 9.99, the PS5 Pro for 9.99, and the upcoming Switch 2 is expected to launch at 9.99. The Steam Machine offers access to Steam's extensive library of games and is positioned as a premium option in a market with rising hardware prices. Recent data shows a 46% decline in PS5 sales year-over-year, coinciding with a price increase to 9.99. Xbox is developing "Project Helix," a device between a console and a PC, but pricing concerns have led to a reevaluation of its vision.