MWC (Mobile World Congress) in Barcelona is a significant event for the tech industry, where companies unveil new hardware and showcase emerging ideas. At MWC 2026, Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem, discussed the evolution of Android, particularly focusing on Android 17, which aims to transition from an operating system to an intelligent system. This version will integrate AI capabilities through Gemini, allowing for more intuitive task management. Android 17 will introduce early agentic capabilities, initially available in a beta feature for select devices, enabling users to automate multi-step tasks.
Samat confirmed that Google has no plans to remove sideloading, despite concerns about app security. Upcoming changes to sideloading will focus on verifying app identities to protect users from malicious apps while still allowing power users to install unverified software. He emphasized the importance of balancing openness and safety in the Android platform.
Samat expressed excitement about current Android phones, highlighting trends in foldable devices and praising models from brands like Motorola and Nothing for their appeal to younger consumers. He mentioned using a Galaxy Z Fold 7 for work and a Pixel 10 Pro for personal use, noting the beauty of the devices and his preference not to use cases.
Meta has introduced tools to improve user protection against scams on Facebook, WhatsApp, and Messenger, employing AI for scam detection and providing alerts for suspicious activities.
Facebook is testing warnings for suspicious friend requests from accounts with few mutual friends or different country locations. WhatsApp will alert users about suspicious device linking requests and provide information on their origins. Messenger will analyze chat patterns and alert users if conversations exhibit typical scam characteristics, offering AI scam reviews and recommendations for blocking or reporting.
Meta has also collaborated with law enforcement to disable over 150,000 scam-related accounts in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the company plans to enhance its advertiser verification process, aiming for 90% of its 2024 advertising revenue to come from verified advertisers, following a Reuters investigation indicating that 10% of its revenue could originate from scam advertisements.
Meta has introduced new anti-scam tools across WhatsApp, Messenger, and Facebook, following the removal of 159 million scam ads and 10.9 million accounts linked to criminal networks last year. A feature is being tested on Facebook to flag suspicious friend or follow requests based on mutual connections, country of origin, and account age. WhatsApp is enhancing security against device linking fraud by issuing warnings for suspicious linking requests. Messenger is expanding its scam detection to more countries, flagging messages from unknown contacts that exhibit scam patterns, with an option for users to submit flagged messages for secondary review. Meta aims for 90% of its ad revenue to come from verified advertisers by 2026 and has disabled over 150,000 scam-related accounts during a joint operation with the Royal Thai Police, leading to 21 arrests. Additionally, Meta has partnered with the US Department of State for a campaign addressing trafficked workers coerced into scam operations in Southeast Asia. These measures address increasing scrutiny over scam advertising, as a Reuters investigation highlighted that Meta generated significant revenue from scam-related ads.
Chinese state-sponsored threat actors, specifically a group known as Silver Dragon, have been conducting espionage operations across Southeast Asia and Europe since at least mid-2024. They have targeted government entities in countries such as Russia, Poland, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Myanmar, and Malaysia. Silver Dragon is believed to be affiliated with APT41 and primarily uses phishing emails to initiate attacks, often containing weaponized documents or links. They employ a custom backdoor called GearDoor, which utilizes Google Drive for command-and-control operations, allowing them to exfiltrate stolen intelligence. The group also hijacks legitimate Windows services to load malicious code and uses tools like SSHcmd and Cobalt Strike for post-exploitation activities. Their tactics involve blending malicious activities with normal system operations, making detection difficult and increasing their dwell time within targeted networks.
On February 25, 2026, players of Planet Brunei Reborn (PBR), the longest-running Minecraft server in Brunei Darussalam, participated in a digital homage to the nation’s National Day by reconstructing significant Bruneian landmarks. This initiative began in mid-January and aimed to blend creativity with personal storytelling. Players received in-game currency and ranks as appreciation for their contributions. Notable creations included the Menara Cendera Kenangan, crafted by player Danialhandsome, and Brunei International Airport, recreated by Sub7PewDiePie12 and his team. Since its relaunch in 2022, PBR has attracted over 2,000 registered players and hosts regular community events, serving as a cultural hub for celebrating Brunei’s heritage.
Android remains the dominant OS in countries like India, Indonesia, Brazil, and parts of Africa, providing indie studios with a large audience eager for content and more likely to download experimental games from unknown developers.
- Candy Crush Saga is a popular casual Android game that combines strategy with chance.
- Roblox and Minecraft are digital playgrounds where players can create and explore unique worlds.
- Five Nights at Freddy's is a horror game that has gained popularity for its simple mechanics and tense gameplay.
- Garena's Free Fire is a popular battle royale game on Android with over a billion downloads.
- There are many other great Android games for short gaming sessions that cater to different preferences and needs.
A newly identified cyber threat cluster called LongNosedGoblin has been linked to cyber espionage attacks targeting governmental entities in Southeast Asia and Japan, with activities traced back to at least September 2023. The group uses Group Policy to spread malware and employs cloud services like Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive for command and control. Key tools include NosyHistorian, NosyDoor, NosyStealer, NosyDownloader, and NosyLogger, which perform functions such as collecting browser history, executing commands, and logging keystrokes. ESET first detected LongNosedGoblin's activities in February 2024, identifying malware on a governmental system. The attacks showed a targeted approach, with specific tools affecting select victims. Additionally, a variant of NosyDoor was found targeting an organization in an EU country, indicating a possible connection to other China-aligned threat groups.
- Before upgrading to Windows 11, it is essential to update Windows 10 to ensure a smoother migration process.
- A USB flash drive with a minimum capacity of 8GB is needed if using the Media Creation Tool method for the upgrade.
- A stable internet connection is crucial for downloading the upgrade, especially in Malaysia, where the download size is substantial.
- The upgrade can be performed through three methods: Windows Update Automatic Upgrade, Media Creation Tool Installation, and Clean Installation Process.
- A clean installation will erase all files on the device, so backing up important data is necessary before proceeding.
- Users should complete their Windows 11 upgrade before October 14, 2025, to avoid potential issues after support ends.
- Businesses can utilize Microsoft Endpoint Manager for remote upgrades and should verify device compatibility with Windows 11.
- The upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free for users with a valid Windows 10 license.
- If a device does not meet the requirements for Windows 11, transitioning to a compatible PC or laptop is recommended.
- Users can roll back to Windows 10 within 10 days of upgrading, but after that, a clean installation is required to revert.
- The upgrade process typically takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on hardware and internet speed.
- Most applications that work on Windows 10 will continue to function on Windows 11, but testing critical applications is advised.
- Backing up files before the upgrade is essential, with recommendations for both cloud and physical storage solutions.
- Upgrading to Windows 11 provides enhanced security features, such as improved virus protection, biometric authentication, and encrypted storage.
- The end of Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, impacts compliance, insurance coverage, productivity tools, remote work capabilities, and vendor support for businesses.
- HP Malaysia offers a range of devices for users needing to transition to Windows 11-compatible PCs or laptops.
