Social Media Archives

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

Russia launches national messaging app to reduce reliance on WhatsApp, Telegram

Russia has introduced a national messaging service aimed at reducing dependence on foreign platforms, as announced by Sergei Boyarsky, head of the Russian State Duma Committee on Information Policy. The domestic application is intended to provide a secure and multifunctional alternative to services like WhatsApp and Telegram, contributing to a unique digital ecosystem and enhancing digital security. Boyarsky stated that the initiative is not meant to ban foreign messaging services but to promote competition, emphasizing that these services can continue operating if they comply with Russian laws. The development reflects a broader shift towards adopting domestic applications and improving digital infrastructure in Russia.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

Ubisoft marks 10 years of trolling Splinter Cell fans with a new tease and I can’t believe I’m saying this but they used the wrong picture of Sam Fisher

Fans of the Splinter Cell series have been waiting for a remake announced nearly four years ago, but June 2024 passed without significant updates. Instead, an animated series on Netflix was announced, which will not feature Michael Ironside's voice, and a Splinter Cell movie starring Tom Hardy received a formal nod after being announced in 2012. The remake was unveiled in December 2021, but updates have indicated it is being rewritten for a modern audience, and the director has stepped down, leading to fan disillusionment. Speculation exists that Ubisoft may reveal news at the Summer Game Fest or an upcoming Ubisoft Forward event, but concerns about disappointment are growing. Ubisoft shared an image of Sam Fisher that confused fans, as it was from Pandora Tomorrow instead of Chaos Theory, raising doubts about the company's commitment to the franchise. The ongoing situation has led to speculation that it may be an elaborate prank, while fans continue to hope for the remake's eventual release.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

Honoring its Pride Month tradition, Tell Me Why is free to keep until the end of June for the fifth year in a row

Tell Me Why, an adventure game developed by Dontnod, is currently available for free on Steam until July 1. This initiative coincides with Pride Month, a trend that has occurred for the past five years. The game focuses on narrative choices rather than complex puzzles, and players are encouraged to consider donating to trans-inclusive charities. All three episodes of the game can be added to players' libraries at no cost.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

Vietnam to block messaging app Telegram over ‘anti-state’ contents

The Vietnamese government has instructed telecommunications companies to block the Telegram messaging app, citing security concerns and the dissemination of "anti-state" content. This directive was issued by the Telecommunications Department and requires service providers to report compliance by June 2. A document from the Ministry of Public Security indicated that 68% of approximately 9,600 Telegram channels and groups in Vietnam were classified as “bad and toxic,” involved in activities such as anti-state messaging, fraud, and drug trafficking. The government referenced Article 9 of the Telecommunications Law and Decree 147 to justify the ban, claiming Telegram had not complied with regulations. Despite the ban, Telegram remained accessible in Vietnam as of the report date. Telegram expressed surprise at the government's actions and confirmed it is responding to legal requests from Vietnam.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

Google says updating Instagram app will fix Android battery drain issue

Many Android users have reported significant battery drain caused by the Instagram app, with Google confirming that Instagram is responsible for this issue. Users have shared experiences on platforms like Reddit, noting that Instagram can account for a large percentage of battery usage in a short time compared to other apps. Some users attempted to revert to older versions of Instagram, which led to overheating issues, while others switched to Instagram Lite for better battery performance. In response to these concerns, Google advised users to update to Instagram version 382.0.0.49.84, which has reportedly resolved the battery drain problem for many. This incident follows earlier battery-related issues faced by Pixel phone users, highlighting ongoing performance challenges linked to app updates. Users are encouraged to keep their Instagram app updated and monitor battery usage by applications.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

Elon Musk’s xAI partners with messaging app Telegram in $300 million Grok deal

Elon Musk has launched xAI, aiming to uncover fundamental truths of the universe. The startup has partnered with Telegram, agreeing to a 0 million investment for the Grok AI chatbot. Telegram will receive the initial payment and 50% of revenue from xAI subscriptions sold through its platform. Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, mentioned that users can expect advanced AI technology by summer, although Musk later stated that "no deal has been signed." Telegram has over one billion monthly users as of 2025 and is preparing to raise at least .5 billion through a bond issue. Durov is under investigation in France for allowing criminal activities on Telegram and is restricted from leaving the country. xAI has merged with X, valuing the AI company at billion and the social media platform at billion. Grok faced criticism for generating controversial responses, which xAI attributed to an unauthorized modification. The company is working to improve Grok's transparency and reliability.

Tech Optimizer

May 28, 2025

Watch out – that antivirus website could be a fake, and infecting your PC with malware

Researchers have discovered a fraudulent website, "bitdefender-download[.]com," posing as Bitdefender antivirus, which is used to distribute the VenomRAT Remote Access Trojan. The site, hosted on an Amazon S3 bucket, tricks users into downloading harmful software through an executable file named "StoreInstaller.exe," which is linked to VenomRAT and contains code from post-exploitation frameworks SilentTrinity and StormKitty stealer. VenomRAT allows cybercriminals to gain unauthorized control over Windows systems, steal sensitive information, log keystrokes, access webcams, and execute commands remotely. The primary goal of this campaign is to steal cryptocurrency by compromising credentials and crypto wallets. The investigation also found connections to other fraudulent operations impersonating banks and IT services, including the Armenian IDBank and the Royal Bank of Canada.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Elon Musk’s xAI, Telegram Partner To Distribute Grok To Messaging App’s Users

Elon Musk's AI venture, xAI, has partnered with Telegram in a [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Elon Musk's AI venture, xAI, has embarked on a significant partnership with Telegram, agreeing to a 0 million deal to integrate its Grok chatbot into the popular messaging platform. This strategic move aims to leverage Telegram's vast user base, which exceeds one billion, thereby enhancing xAI's position in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape. Details of the Partnership As part of the one-year agreement, xAI will not only provide its advanced chatbot technology but will also share half of any subscription revenue generated through Telegram. Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, announced this collaboration in a recent post on X, highlighting the potential benefits for both parties involved. The financial arrangement will be fulfilled through a combination of cash and stock, further solidifying the partnership's foundation. This collaboration comes on the heels of xAI's acquisition of X earlier this year, a deal that valued the social media platform at an impressive billion. The partnership with Telegram is expected to furnish xAI with essential data to refine and enhance its AI models, a critical factor as the industry grapples with the challenge of sourcing quality data amidst a landscape of exhausted open-source repositories. In a time when many AI companies, including major players like Meta Platforms, are increasingly relying on public interactions for model training, the integration of Grok into Telegram could provide xAI with a unique opportunity to gather valuable insights. While Telegram's privacy policy remains a point of interest, it is yet to be clarified whether xAI will adopt a similar approach to data utilization as seen with X. " max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.7" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million deal to integrate its Grok chatbot into the messaging platform. The one-year agreement includes sharing half of any subscription revenue generated through Telegram. Pavel Durov, Telegram's founder, announced the collaboration, which will be financed through cash and stock. This partnership follows xAI's acquisition of X, valued at billion, and aims to provide xAI with essential data to enhance its AI models. The integration of Grok into Telegram may offer xAI valuable insights, although the implications of Telegram's privacy policy on data utilization remain unclear.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Microsoft’s New Windows Update — What It Means For Your Apps

Microsoft is introducing a new Windows Update orchestration platform aimed at creating a unified update strategy that integrates apps, drivers, and all updateable components into a single system. This initiative follows challenges with the current update process, including a controversial security update that caused issues for users. The new platform is currently available for developers and app product teams to explore, and it aims to provide a more cohesive and efficient update experience.

Tech Optimizer

May 28, 2025

M&S shoppers urged to set up security measure on ‘all accounts’

M&S shoppers are being urged to enhance their online security following a cyber attack that disrupted customer services. The retailer has acknowledged ongoing challenges, stating they cannot process online orders while stores remain open. Sensitive customer information, including phone numbers, email addresses, and order histories, was compromised in the breach. Security expert Luis Corrons from Norton recommends activating two-step verification for online accounts, being cautious about stored personal and payment information, deleting unused accounts, using strong passwords, and keeping devices and software updated to improve security. He emphasizes that cyber threats are increasingly targeting human behavior and that these security measures are essential for digital safety.