tasks Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

“Don’t kill Android (WSA) in Windows 11” is now a top feedback, but will Microsoft listen?

Microsoft will discontinue the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) in 2025, along with the removal of the Amazon Appstore from the Microsoft Store. Many users rely on WSA for accessing Android applications not available on Windows, leading to significant disappointment among them. A post on the Feedback Hub advocating for WSA has received nearly 700 upvotes, indicating user frustration. WSA is seen as essential for both daily tasks and for developers testing Android applications. The decision to discontinue WSA is linked to the financial performance of the Microsoft Store and a lack of support from Google. Initially, WSA was only available in the United States, which limited its user base.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Microsoft tests emulator to bring support for x64 apps and games to Windows on Arm: What it means for users

Microsoft is testing a significant update for systems using Qualcomm's Arm-based processors, introduced in the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build. This update includes a tool that enhances Copilot Plus PCs with Snapdragon X Elite or X Plus processors through its Prism emulation layer, allowing a wider range of x64 applications and games to run on these devices. The update aims to enable high-demand games like Starfield and Helldivers 2 on Arm-based Windows devices and is currently being trialed by Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel. The update improves the usability of 64-bit x86 software, providing access to processor extensions like AVX and AVX2, enhancing performance and compatibility. However, 32-bit software will still face limitations. Many applications, including Photoshop, Hulu, and Chrome, have transitioned to native ARM64 versions, while others rely on emulation. Adobe has re-enabled Premiere Pro for Windows 11 ARM devices powered by the Snapdragon X chip, allowing it to run under emulation after previously disabling it due to performance issues. Premiere Pro is now available within the Creative Cloud app, although performance may not match that of Intel or AMD-based machines. A native ARM version of Premiere Pro is in development, but no release date has been announced. Photoshop is currently the only Adobe application available natively for Windows on ARM, while other applications like After Effects are expected to gain support through emulation. Adobe's move aligns with its commitment to enhance its Creative Suite for Windows on ARM, and competitors like DaVinci Resolve are also working on native ARM versions of their software. Microsoft's Clipchamp has already been established as an ARM-native solution.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Samsung Health Monitor app ends support for Android 11 and older phones this December

Samsung Electronics is preparing to introduce seamless software updates with its upcoming Galaxy S25 series. This feature will allow updates to be downloaded in the background and installed on an inactive partition, minimizing downtime during the update process. Users will only experience a brief interruption during reboot, contrasting with the longer downtimes of traditional updates. The Galaxy S25 series is expected to feature a larger display, potentially a more rounded back on the S25 Ultra for comfort, and will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite. It is rumored to launch in January 2025 with Android 15-based One UI 7 software. There is no official confirmation from Samsung regarding these features or specifications, as the information is based on leaks and rumors.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

the AI of ASI Alliance that learns and adapts on Minecraft

The ASI Alliance has introduced AIRIS, an AI system that learns autonomously within Minecraft, representing a significant step towards artificial general intelligence (AGI). AIRIS, which stands for Autonomous Intelligent Reinforcement Inferred Symbolism, is designed to adapt independently in a virtual environment, showcasing dynamic learning capabilities. Developed in collaboration with partners like SingularityNET, Fetch.ai, and Ocean Data, AIRIS utilizes a robust infrastructure to efficiently store and process information. It features real-time environmental adaptation, allowing it to navigate complex terrains and develop its own rules based on observations. AIRIS also aims to cultivate advanced interaction skills, including construction and object creation, potentially enabling collaborative tasks with other agents. The ultimate goal is to apply AIRIS in real-world scenarios, such as autonomous robots and intelligent assistants, across various sectors requiring adaptive learning and problem-solving abilities.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

This free tool ‘purifies’ Windows 11 and skips Microsoft account logins

A new PowerShell script called UnattendedWinstall allows Windows 11 users to bypass the mandatory Microsoft account login during setup. The script can be downloaded from the UnattendedWinstall GitHub releases page, with version 2.0.0 being the latest. It utilizes Windows' "response files" to automate tasks and modify system settings, effectively removing the login prompt. UnattendedWinstall offers several additional functionalities: - Bypasses Windows 11's system requirements. - Disables Windows Security services by default. - Turns off User Account Controls by default. - Permits execution of PowerShell scripts by default. - Removes most pre-installed bloatware applications. - Disables features like Copilot and Windows Recall. - Limits Windows Update to security updates for a year. - Optimizes the Windows registry for better performance. - Disables unnecessary scheduled tasks. - Enables the “Ultimate Performance” power plan. Users are advised to exercise caution when using the script and to test it in a virtual machine first. Reactivating Windows Security is recommended after execution. Microsoft may not endorse such tools, and their availability could be at risk if issues arise. However, the tool allows users to continue receiving security updates.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Winos4.0 Malware Found in Game Apps, Targets Windows Users

A newly identified malware framework called "Winos4.0" targets Windows users through game-related applications. It is a sophisticated variant of Gh0strat, capable of executing remote actions and granting attackers control over compromised systems. Winos4.0 is distributed via seemingly harmless applications, which download a BMP file that extracts and activates the Winos4.0 DLL file. The malware establishes persistence by creating registry keys or scheduled tasks. Its capabilities include clipboard monitoring, system information gathering, and detection of antivirus software and security applications. Winos4.0 targets educational institutions, particularly in "Campus Administration." It maintains communication with command-and-control (C2) servers to download encrypted modules and receive commands for actions like document management and screen capture. Fortinet compares Winos4.0 to frameworks like Cobalt Strike and Sliver, noting its encrypted data exchanges and C2 communication. Users are advised to download applications only from reputable sources.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

New Winos4.0 Malware Targeting Windows via Fake Gaming Apps

Cybersecurity researchers at Fortinet’s FortiGuard Labs have identified a malware campaign named Winos4.0 that disguises itself as benign gaming applications targeting Microsoft Windows users. This malware framework is similar to threats like Cobalt Strike and Sliver. Users who download these applications inadvertently install Trojan horses that deploy the Winos4.0 framework, which has been found in various gaming-related tools. The malware appears to focus on the education sector, as indicated by its file description “校园政务” (Campus Administration). Winos4.0 is a re-engineered version of the Gh0stRat remote access trojan and consists of modular components for specific tasks. The attack begins with the retrieval of a BMP file from a remote server, leading to the extraction of a DLL file named “you.dll.” This file downloads additional files, including the main malicious file “libcef.dll,” which injects shellcode to establish a connection with a command and control (C2) server. The malware executes various tasks, such as monitoring system information and maintaining a connection to the C2 server. To protect against such threats, users are advised to download applications only from reputable sources, avoid third-party app stores, and scan new files before execution. Regular device scans are recommended, especially after downloading new content.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

New AI experiences make their way into Windows 11’s Paint, Notepad

Microsoft has introduced new features in Paint and Notepad as part of its October AI roadmap for Windows 11. Notable additions include the Generative Fill and Generative Erase tools in Paint, currently being tested in the Canary and Dev Channels. The Generative Erase function allows users to erase parts of an image while intelligently filling in the background, similar to a feature in the Photos app. Generative Fill enables users to outline a region in an image and fill it with AI-generated art that integrates with the existing scene. Notepad is receiving an upgrade for AI-assisted text editing, allowing users to modify the tone and length of selected text. These updates are available in Paint version 11.2410.28.0 and Notepad version 11.2410.15.0.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Even Microsoft Notepad is getting infused with AI

Microsoft is introducing a new AI feature called Rewrite in its Notepad application, currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders. Users can activate Rewrite by highlighting text and using the right-click menu or the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+I, which opens a dialogue box with AI-suggested rewrites and adjustable options for Length, Tone, and Format. There is also an option to disable the AI functionality in the app settings.

AppWizard

November 6, 2024

One UI 7 (Android 15) support now live for Samsung Parental Controls

Google is updating its Google Keep app with a new design that replaces the bottom navigation bar with a Floating Action Button (FAB) located in the bottom right corner. The FAB uses pill-shaped buttons for tasks, allowing users to create new notes, lists, drawings, or photos, but the option to create audio notes has been removed. This redesign aims to create a cleaner and more modern interface, reducing clutter and helping users focus on their content. The update is being rolled out to Android users with Google Keep version 5.24.432.x, but availability for other platforms is not specified.