speculation

AppWizard
July 9, 2025
Samsung is reportedly developing a new feature called "Auto DeX" as an alternative to Android Auto, designed to work on smartphones in vehicles that may not support traditional automotive software. The user interface, shared by a tipster, includes an off-center box for primary content, a "Brief" tile, a music application, and dual app bars for ease of use while driving. "Auto DeX" may be inspired by Samsung's existing DeX technology and is expected to be compatible with One UI 7 and 8, particularly for the Galaxy S25 series and the latest foldable devices. The feature is still in early development and has not yet entered internal testing. This development recalls Google's discontinued Android Auto for phone screens, which allowed access to features directly from smartphones. Additionally, Samsung is working on its own version of Android's earthquake alerts.
Winsage
July 9, 2025
Microsoft is revisiting the idea of AI-driven dynamic wallpapers for Windows 11, as indicated by leaker PhantomOfEarth, who noted signs of this feature in the operating system's preview builds. The proposed system would allow backgrounds to automatically update based on user preferences. Previous attempts at dynamic wallpapers were explored but ultimately abandoned, and while elements for live wallpapers were included in Windows 11 23H2, they were removed in 24H2. The incorporation of AI into wallpaper functionality could lead to backgrounds that adapt based on time of day or user behavior. However, there are concerns about the potential impact on system resources, particularly for lower-spec machines, which would have the option to disable dynamic wallpapers.
Winsage
July 9, 2025
In July 2025, Adobe released 13 bulletins addressing 60 unique CVEs across various applications, including ColdFusion, After Effects, and Illustrator. ColdFusion received a Priority 1 patch for 13 CVEs, five of which are Critical. FrameMaker's patch fixed 15 CVEs, including 13 Critical vulnerabilities. Illustrator's update addressed 10 bugs, with the most severe enabling code execution. Other applications like InCopy and InDesign also had Critical vulnerabilities fixed. Microsoft released 130 new CVEs across its products, with 10 rated Critical. Notable vulnerabilities include CVE-2025-47981, a heap-based buffer overflow in Windows SPNEGO, and CVE-2025-49717 affecting Microsoft SQL Server. CVE-2025-49704 allows code injection in SharePoint, while CVE-2025-49695 highlights an attack vector in Microsoft Office's Preview Pane.
Winsage
July 9, 2025
Windows 11 version 25H2 introduces a feature called Remove Default Microsoft Store Packages, allowing users, particularly IT administrators, to remove preinstalled Microsoft applications such as Camera, Sound Recorder, Windows Media Player, Xbox, Windows Terminal, and Notepad. This feature is accessible under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment and simplifies the uninstallation process compared to previous methods like PowerShell. Users may still see non-functional shortcuts in the Start menu after removal. The first preview build of version 25H2 was released recently, and a public release is expected later this year. Similar uninstall features will also be available in version 24H2, though disabled by default. Windows 11 has recently surpassed Windows 10 in user base, partly due to the upcoming end of Windows 10 support.
AppWizard
July 8, 2025
The PC version of Call of Duty: WWII has been temporarily taken offline due to a serious security concern involving a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability. This flaw allows attackers to execute malicious code on players' machines without consent, leading to unauthorized control during multiplayer sessions. Exploits reported include opening command prompts, sending messages via Notepad, forcing remote shutdowns, and changing desktop wallpapers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for PC gamers using Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription service, as it stems from the game's reliance on peer-to-peer networking. Activision is speculated to be enhancing its anti-cheat systems in response, but the effectiveness of updates to address the RCE vulnerability is uncertain.
AppWizard
July 8, 2025
Developer Romero Games has confirmed it is still operational despite facing funding issues and the cancellation of its in-development project due to withdrawn funding. The studio is exploring new opportunities with other publishers and has reassured employees that it is not shutting down. They are evaluating several opportunities from interested publishers and are committed to preventing further disruptions.
AppWizard
July 8, 2025
Romero Games announced that funding for its first-person shooter, revealed in 2022, was withdrawn, coinciding with significant layoffs at Microsoft affecting 9,000 employees and leading to multiple project cancellations. The studio clarified on social media that it remains operational and is reassessing its staffing and operations amid concerns about its stability. While the publisher responsible for the funding withdrawal has not been disclosed due to confidentiality agreements, speculation arose regarding the timing of the decision. Former employees expressed fears of the studio shutting down or being sold. Romero Games hopes to attract interest from investors to support their ongoing development efforts.
AppWizard
July 7, 2025
YouTube has introduced a new feature allowing users to watch YouTube Shorts in landscape mode on smartphones, currently in the rollout phase and not universally available. This feature can be activated through the YouTube app's accessibility settings. When enabled, it automatically shifts to landscape mode when the smartphone is rotated. However, viewing Shorts in landscape mode results in a smaller display surrounded by black bands, which may diminish the user experience. The rationale behind this feature is unclear, but it may cater to users with reduced mobility who prefer landscape orientation. YouTube is expected to address landscape mode for foldable smartphones and tablets by the end of 2024.
AppWizard
July 7, 2025
Jack Dorsey introduced a test version of a decentralized messaging application called Bitchat, designed for private conversations through end-to-end encryption. The app enables ephemeral, encrypted communication without relying on internet infrastructure, making it resilient to network outages and censorship. Bitchat operates using Bluetooth to facilitate communication within a range of approximately 300 meters and does not require users to provide phone numbers or email addresses. Instead, users create their own handles for identification. The app automatically detects nearby users, allowing them to connect through chatrooms. Bitchat is intended for use in scenarios lacking internet access, such as concerts, airplanes, or during disaster response efforts.
Winsage
July 7, 2025
As of July, Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in global market share, claiming 52% compared to Windows 10's 44.59%. Microsoft has changed the extended support program for Windows 10, allowing users to sync their PC settings to the cloud using the Windows Backup app to receive an additional year of security updates at no cost. This option provides users more time to decide on upgrading to Windows 11, particularly for those with PCs that do not meet its system requirements. Users are cautioned against remaining on Windows 10 without security updates due to potential vulnerabilities. There is speculation that Microsoft may extend support options further in response to concerns about older PCs.
Search