smartphone users

AppWizard
May 15, 2025
Cybersecurity experts have identified a new threat to Android users called Kaleidoscope malware, which has infiltrated various popular applications not available on the Google Play Store. This malware operates in the background, collecting personal information, displaying intrusive ads, and potentially allowing more harmful malware to enter. Users are advised to check their device settings for suspicious apps, uninstall them, restart their devices, and review app permissions, especially for those requesting access to sensitive features. Experts recommend downloading apps only from trusted sources, being cautious about permissions, and regularly updating systems to address security vulnerabilities. Google has identified 62 dangerous vulnerabilities in Android devices, with two being particularly threatening, and users are urged to update their devices promptly.
AppWizard
April 23, 2025
Meta has launched a new app called Edits, designed to simplify video creation and editing for smartphone users. The app allows users to craft and share videos across various social platforms, although it will not serve as a social media feed. Edits includes features like an "inspiration tab" for trending content and audio, as well as an "ideas" space to encourage creativity. The app aims to consolidate the video production process into a single platform, addressing the complexities of using multiple applications. This initiative follows Meta's previous efforts to adapt to changes in social media dynamics, including the launch of Threads in response to user dissatisfaction with Twitter's management.
AppWizard
April 16, 2025
Google has introduced a new metric in the Play Console beta to identify excessive background wake locks that can cause battery drain. This tool allows developers to track apps that maintain wake locks for over three hours within a 24-hour period when not in use. Google is collaborating with smartphone manufacturers like Samsung to establish performance standards for Android devices. The initiative is part of a multi-year plan to provide developers with insights into app performance and may lead to additional metrics focusing on performance and battery efficiency. The excessive wake lock metric is currently in beta, and Google is seeking developer feedback for refinement.
AppWizard
December 15, 2024
Microsoft's Phone Link application has warned Android smartphone users on the latest Android 15 version that certain "sensitive" notifications, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, will not be displayed on connected PCs due to a new privacy feature in Android 15. This feature restricts third-party applications from accessing sensitive notifications. Users with Samsung devices running One UI 6.1.1 can still view these notifications if the device has requested a "Companion Device Role," but this does not apply to other Android models like Google Pixel or Nothing Phones. A suggested workaround involves disabling the “Enhanced Notifications” option in Android 15’s settings, but this may expose users to risks from malicious applications.
AppWizard
December 7, 2024
The FBI has advised smartphone users to encrypt text messages, especially when communicating between Apple and Android devices, due to a cyber espionage campaign linked to hackers from the People's Republic of China. These hackers have targeted telecommunications infrastructure and stolen sensitive customer call records. Standard text messages between Apple and Android devices lack encryption, while messages between two devices of the same platform are secure. Users are encouraged to use secure messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal, which provide end-to-end encryption. To use WhatsApp, users must download the app, accept terms, verify their phone number, and set up their profile. For Signal, users follow a similar process of downloading the app, verifying their phone number, creating a PIN, and setting up their profile. Both apps require Wi-Fi or cellular data for operation.
Winsage
December 4, 2024
In 2017, Samsung launched DeX, enabling high-end Galaxy smartphone users to create desktop-like environments via a dock. By 2019, the need for a physical dock was removed, and in 2020, wireless DeX was introduced through a DeX app on Windows. With the upcoming One UI 7, support for the DeX app on Windows will end, and users will be directed to use Microsoft’s Phone Link app for mobile-PC connectivity. One UI 7 is rumored to enter beta testing in mid-December, with a broader rollout expected in early 2025. The UK Samsung DeX page states that support for DeX on Windows OS will cease with One UI 7, while the US page does not currently reflect this change. Although DeX will still be available, its access through Windows PCs will stop, with similar functionalities offered through Phone Link, which allows synchronization of notifications and text messages and operation of mobile apps on Windows 11.
AppWizard
November 27, 2024
McAfee has identified 15 "predatory loan apps" on the Android platform that pose significant risks, having been downloaded over 8 million times globally. These apps exploit users through deceptive practices, often leading to financial distress. Users are advised to uninstall these applications, research apps before downloading, monitor app permissions, stay informed about cybersecurity news, and utilize security software for protection.
AppWizard
November 25, 2024
The Google Play digital store is enhancing its defenses against harmful applications with a new algorithm that scrutinizes apps before downloads. This system will alert users about apps with few ratings, negative reviews, or low usage rates. Additionally, warnings will be issued if a developer's information is obscured or if an app requests excessive user data. These features aim to improve user awareness and safety. Furthermore, the Android operating system has introduced a seamless data transfer feature that allows users to set up new devices without re-entering passwords for various applications and services.
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