Social Media Archives

AppWizard

June 15, 2025

Experts urge caution over social media apps in connection to arrest of SC Rep. RJ May

Lexington County State House Representative RJ May has been indicted on multiple federal charges related to child sex abuse material. He faces nearly a dozen charges, and federal prosecutors are seeking his detention before trial. May allegedly used four applications—Kik, Telegram, Mega, and Loki Messenger—to distribute child sexual assault material (CSAM). Investigators noted that all four apps were deleted shortly before a search warrant was executed at his home. Kik allows communication without a registered phone number, while Telegram and Mega are favored for their encryption and foreign ownership. Loki Messenger also offers end-to-end encryption. Rebecca Lorik, executive director of Pathways to Healing, highlighted the dangers of social media platforms and urged parents to engage with their children's online activities, educate themselves about potential risks, and consult experts for guidance.

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

I tried Canva’s photo editor to see if it could replace my favorite free app

Megan Ellis explored Canva's new photo editing tool, comparing it to her preferred app, Snapseed. In a poll, 60% of users favored generative AI tools in photo editors, while 20% valued desktop and mobile availability and sliders for adjusting contrast and saturation. Ellis highlighted Canva's automatic background selection and removal feature, which Snapseed lacks, as a significant advantage. She noted that while Canva offers various image adjustments, it does not have advanced features like color curve adjustments but includes a brush editor for selective fine-tuning. However, she identified usability issues with the mobile app, including bugs and unnecessary steps in the editing process. Ultimately, she plans to use Canva for PC editing while continuing to rely on Snapseed for mobile photo editing.

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

Meta’s Threads app to test direct messaging in some countries

Meta Platforms is rolling out direct messaging on its Threads app, starting in select markets like Hong Kong and Thailand, to boost user engagement. The feature will not be encrypted initially. Threads, launched in 2023, has over 350 million monthly active users but is not expected to significantly drive revenue growth by 2025. eMarketer projects a 17.5 percent increase in U.S. monthly active users for Threads, reaching 60.5 million, while X is expected to decline by 14.4 percent to about 50 million users.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

Lucid Adds Android Auto to Air Sedan in Long-Delayed Software Update

Lucid Motors has integrated Android Auto into its Lucid Air electric sedan as part of the 2.7.0 over-the-air software update. The rollout was initially expected in Fall 2024 but was delayed to June 2025. The integration allows for both wireless and USB connectivity, with specific Android version requirements. Users can activate Android Auto through the vehicle's settings. The upcoming Gravity SUV is also expected to feature Android Auto support, with a launch planned for September 2025. Lucid reported selling 28 vehicles in Europe, an increase from 21 the previous year, and plans to expand into the UK, France, Italy, and Spain within the next 18 months, targeting Belgium and Denmark for future growth.

Tech Optimizer

June 13, 2025

It’s time to stop believing these lies about antivirus software

The proliferation of social media misinformation, deep fakes, and sophisticated phishing attacks has made online safety challenging. Many individuals hold outdated beliefs about cybersecurity, such as the myth that Macs are immune to viruses and that caution alone can replace antivirus software. Regardless of the operating system, using a robust antivirus program is recommended, as built-in security features are not foolproof. Third-party antivirus software can provide additional functionalities like parental controls and VPN services, but they are not a complete safety net. Users must remain vigilant and practice good cybersecurity hygiene, including regular scans, strong passwords, and recognizing phishing attempts. Modern antivirus programs have become more user-friendly and less resource-intensive. Some malware can operate stealthily, making detection difficult, which emphasizes the need for regular scans and monitoring personal accounts for unusual activity. Antivirus protection should extend to mobile devices as well, as they are also vulnerable to cyber threats. Users should check if their antivirus program covers mobile devices and familiarize themselves with security settings on their smartphones.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Make the most of Windows 11: Tips and tools to improve focus, multitasking, and daily productivity

Windows 11 is the most widely used desktop operating system globally, offering features to enhance productivity. Focus Sessions allow users to work in intervals, with session lengths ranging from 30 minutes to four hours, including breaks. Users can access this feature through the Clock app and can quickly start a 30-minute focus block using Win + N. The Do Not Disturb (DND) feature silences alerts from apps and notifications, helping users concentrate. DND can be activated by clicking the clock in the taskbar or using Win + N, and users can customize which notifications are allowed through the settings. Windows 11 provides three power modes: Best Performance, Balanced, and Best Power Efficiency. Users can modify these settings in the Power & Battery section of the settings, and Energy Saver can be activated quickly from the Quick Settings panel when the battery is low.

AppWizard

June 12, 2025

MindsEye hotfix promised for the end of this week as Steam rating sinks back down to ‘mostly negative’

Build a Rocket Boy is addressing performance issues for their game MindsEye after a challenging launch that resulted in fluctuating Steam ratings between "mostly negative" and "mixed." The team is working on patches to enhance the gaming experience, with the first patch expected for PC users by the end of the week. They acknowledged the game's high minimum system requirements and are optimizing performance for mainstream hardware and consoles. Build.MindsEye is currently accessible, and the team is also working to resolve issues with missing downloadable content (DLC). A sponsored stream with streamer CohhCarnage was abruptly canceled on launch day. Initial impressions from PC Gamer indicated that while the game ran on an RTX 2070 Super GPU, it still had frequent graphical issues. Build a Rocket Boy is encouraging player feedback through various channels as they aim to improve the game.

Winsage

June 11, 2025

Microsoft slows Windows 11 24H2 Patch Tuesday due to issues

Microsoft's June security update for Windows 11 24H2 introduced critical fixes but was quickly followed by a warning about a compatibility issue affecting a limited number of devices, leading to the throttling of the update. Microsoft plans to release a revised update that will include all security improvements from June 2025. The specifics of the compatibility issue remain unclear, with speculation about potential complications related to various CPU architectures and reports of installation errors from users. The rapid throttling of the patch raises questions about the quality control processes in place at Microsoft.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

Sony laying off 30% of Bend Studio staff

PlayStation's Bend Studio has reduced its workforce by nearly one-third, affecting approximately 40 employees, following the cancellation of a live-service project and another service-based game. The studio employs around 130 individuals, and the layoffs were confirmed via social media. Bend Studio expressed gratitude towards the departing employees for their contributions. The studio is known for its title, Days Gone, released in 2019 for PlayStation 4 and in 2021 for PC.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

Experts warn GTA and Minecraft being used to lure in cyberattack victims – here’s how to stay safe

Cybersecurity experts have reported a significant increase in game-themed malware targeting the gaming community, especially younger players. From April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, there were over 19 million attempts to download malicious files disguised as popular games, affecting around 400,000 individuals globally. Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) was the most targeted game, with nearly 4.5 million attack attempts, followed by Minecraft with 4.1 million, Call of Duty (CoD) with 2.6 million, and The Sims with 2.4 million. Cybercriminals exploit established games and lure victims with fake offers, often leading to infostealers, cryptocurrency hijackers, backdoors, and Trojans. Kaspersky advises gamers to avoid pirated content and be cautious of suspicious offers.