system updates Archives

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

Android Automotive now lets apps show your food order status and more on your car’s home screen

Google is introducing a new feature called AppCard to its Android Automotive OS, which allows applications to display essential data and functionalities directly on the home screen. The design of these AppCards will be determined by car manufacturers, ensuring a consistent user interface across vehicles. AppCards can include images, text, tappable buttons, and progress bars, although space limitations may restrict the amount of information displayed. This feature may not be exclusive to Android 16 and could function independently of primary operating system updates. AppCards aim to optimize applications for automotive environments, encouraging developers to refine their apps for vehicle use.

Winsage

June 15, 2025

I switched to NixOS after using Windows my whole life, and here’s how it went

The author transitioned from Windows to NixOS as their primary operating system after using it intermittently for a year or two. They have extensively used a MacBook for work while maintaining a personal machine with Windows and a dual-boot setup with Linux. Recent statistics indicate that Linux users account for 5.4% of all visitors, with Windows holding a market share of 72.13% and macOS at 15.46%. NixOS allows users to manage the entire system through a single configuration file, offering atomic changes and reliable rollbacks. It isolates each package in its own environment to avoid dependency issues. NixOS supports individual application updates without impacting the entire system, enhancing flexibility. The author notes that while major applications like Photoshop are not supported, open-source alternatives are available. The relevance of Windows is diminishing as Microsoft focuses on Azure and SaaS offerings, making Linux a more appealing option.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

6 essential steps that Windows 11 users often miss after a fresh install

Many users overlook crucial default settings after installing Windows 11, which can lead to performance issues, privacy vulnerabilities, and complications during recovery. Key settings to configure include: 1. System Restore: This feature is disabled by default and allows users to revert system files and settings to a previous state. To enable it, users must access the System Properties page, select the main drive, click Configure, and turn on system protection. 2. BitLocker Recovery Key: Windows 11 automatically activates BitLocker on new installations. Users should back up their recovery key in their Microsoft account to avoid issues during startup. 3. Power Settings: Users should adjust power settings to prevent underperformance. This includes selecting "Best Performance" for both "Plugged in" and "On battery" modes and configuring screen and sleep timeouts. 4. Privacy Settings: Windows 11 collects diagnostic data by default. Users can enhance privacy by turning off features like "Find my device," "Personalized offers," and "Advertising ID," as well as disabling optional diagnostic data transmission. 5. Device Drivers: Users should verify that all device drivers are correctly installed, as the operating system may not install drivers for critical components. This can be checked in Device Manager, and updates can be managed through Windows Update. 6. System Backup: Establishing a backup is essential for data protection. Users can set up regular backups using the "Backup and Restore" feature by connecting an external drive and following the setup process in Control Panel.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Google should learn from this rumored Apple Watch app upgrade

Apple is preparing to introduce watchOS 26, which may allow third-party widgets to be integrated into the Control Center of Apple Watches, enhancing user experience by providing access to actions or data from various applications. Currently, the Control Center only includes first-party functionalities. Meanwhile, Google is also updating Wear OS, which may not include this feature in version 6 but will offer enhancements such as a refreshed visual style, improved battery life of up to 10%, and a better always-on display.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Vulnerabilities in Preinstalled Android Apps Expose PIN Codes and Allow Command Injection

Significant vulnerabilities have been identified in pre-installed applications on Ulefone and Krüger&Matz Android smartphones, disclosed on May 30, 2025. Three vulnerabilities affect these devices, including CVE-2024-13915, which targets the com.pri.factorytest application, allowing unauthorized factory resets. CVE-2024-13916 and CVE-2024-13917 affect the com.pri.applock application on Krüger&Matz smartphones, enabling malicious apps to extract user PIN codes and inject arbitrary intents. These vulnerabilities stem from improper export of Android application components, allowing malicious applications to bypass Android’s permission model. Users are advised to check for updates and consider disabling vulnerable applications.

Tech Optimizer

May 25, 2025

Opinion: You can keep using Windows 10 after October, but security updates will cost you

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, which means no more free security updates or fixes. Users continuing with Windows 10 after this date will face increased risks of malware and viruses. While third-party antivirus applications can offer some protection, they cannot replace the need for operating system updates. Business customers can purchase extended security updates for up to three years, starting at 0 for the first year per machine, potentially reaching ,820 by the end of the third year. Individual consumers can extend protection for Windows 10 Home systems for an additional year by paying 7, but the availability of further extensions for home users remains unclear.

Winsage

May 21, 2025

Windows 10’s latest update packs a nasty bug, and while your system might be safe, it’s vital you check now

Windows 10 users are experiencing issues with the May update, which has a bug affecting business laptops with Intel vPro processors. This bug can cause update installation failures and repeated automatic repair attempts. Microsoft has released an emergency fix, KB5061768, which users should apply before installing the May update. The problem stems from the termination of the lsass.exe service, leading to automatic repair failures and potential lockouts for users with Device Encryption or BitLocker. To recover, users may need to disable Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) and Intel VT for Direct I/O in BIOS settings, which typically requires the BitLocker recovery key. A workaround allows users to disable Intel TXT without changing Intel VT settings. Users can access BIOS by pressing keys like F2, F10, or F12 during startup, navigate to the Intel TXT setting, disable it, and then restart their PC to install the emergency patch. It is recommended to install the emergency fix before downloading the May update. Similar bugs have occurred in previous updates for Windows 10 and 11. Windows 11 users should note that a clean install of version 24H2 automatically applies Device Encryption, which requires careful management of Microsoft account credentials for recovery keys.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

New malware infects Android devices — full list of apps to delete immediately

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

May 6, 2025

Google accidentally reveals details about its new Android design language, Material 3 Expressive

Google will introduce a new version of its Android design language called "Material Design 3 Expressive" at the upcoming Google I/O developer conference. This update will focus on creating emotionally resonant user interfaces and is expected to feature a bold use of shape and color. The design system has evolved from the previous "Material You" (or Material 3) introduced in 2021, which allowed for personalized interfaces based on wallpaper colors. The new design aims to enhance usability, particularly for older adults, while still requiring developers to follow established design standards. The session titled “Build next-level UX with Material 3 Expressive” will provide insights into new emotional design patterns and offer developers access to files and alpha code for experimentation before the public release.

Tech Optimizer

April 29, 2025

Intego Mac Internet Security

PCs were introduced before Apple’s Macintosh, leading to the emergence of PC viruses and the establishment of antivirus companies, with Macintosh protection being less prioritized. Intego focused on Macintosh security from the start, offering Intego Mac Internet Security, which includes a firewall that manages network permissions and defends against external attacks. Intego has been effective against Mac malware, achieving a 99.1% malware detection score in independent lab tests, although it lacks phishing protection, a feature offered by competitors Norton 360 Deluxe and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. Intego's pricing is competitive, with a standard annual fee of .99 for a single license and .99 for three licenses. A five-device subscription costs .99, while the Mac Premium Bundle starts at .99 annually and includes additional features. A 14-day free trial is available, and free alternatives like Avast and AVG are also on the market. Intego supports older macOS versions back to Mavericks (10.9), but the latest version requires High Sierra (10.13) or later. The installation process for Intego is straightforward, requiring a restart and granting necessary permissions. The main interface includes components for updates, firewall, and antivirus, with user-friendly access to scanning options. Intego has received certification from AV-Comparatives and detected 100% of Windows malware samples in tests. Its quick scan takes about two and a half minutes, while a full system scan takes seven minutes. Intego's Safe Browsing feature checks existing browser protections but lacks a dedicated antiphishing solution. The NetBarrier firewall allows users to classify their network and manage traffic permissions effectively, although it may be complex for some users.