tool Archives

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

Here’s your first look at more of Google’s new 3D emojis for Android 17

Google's upcoming Android 17 update will introduce approximately 250 redesigned Noto 3D emojis, featuring a more pronounced 3D depth effect compared to older versions. These new emojis include various faces, animals, food, and drink icons. The rollout is expected to begin with Pixel phones later this year, although testing on Android 17 beta devices has not yet started.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

After fixing a family friend’s phone, I realized Google Play Protect is not doing enough

An elderly relative and a friend were misled into downloading problematic apps due to deceptive advertisements that appeared as system notifications. These ads led users to the Play Store under false pretenses, resulting in the installation of apps that generated excessive ads and altered user interfaces. In one case, a user unknowingly installed a launcher app disguised as a messaging application, which compromised her device's functionality and privacy by requesting excessive permissions. Google Play Protect failed to identify the problematic app, which continued to generate ads even after its removal. The app's misleading title and vague description contributed to the confusion, highlighting the need for improved safeguards in the Play Store to protect less tech-savvy users.

Winsage

May 17, 2026

New Windows ‘MiniPlasma’ zero-day exploit gives SYSTEM access, PoC released

A cybersecurity researcher, known as Chaotic Eclipse, has released a proof-of-concept exploit for a Windows privilege escalation zero-day vulnerability called "MiniPlasma," which allows attackers to gain SYSTEM privileges on fully patched Windows systems. The vulnerability affects the cldflt.sys Cloud Filter driver and was reported by Google Project Zero in September 2020, assigned the identifier CVE-2020-17103, and claimed to be resolved by Microsoft in December 2020. However, Chaotic Eclipse asserts that the vulnerability remains unpatched. Testing confirmed that the exploit works on Windows 11 Pro, enabling command prompt access with SYSTEM privileges from a standard user account. Will Dormann, a vulnerability analyst, verified the exploit's effectiveness but noted it did not work in the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Canary build. The exploit leverages the undocumented CfAbortHydration API to manage registry key creation improperly. Chaotic Eclipse has previously disclosed other Windows zero-day vulnerabilities and claims their actions are a protest against Microsoft's handling of vulnerabilities.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

Path of Exile 2 just shattered its biggest barrier to entry, even leapfrogging Diablo 4

Grinding Gear Games is making Path of Exile 2 more accessible with the 0.5 update, titled Return of the Ancients, which introduces significant changes to the game. The update includes enhanced in-game guidance, allowing players to access build guides, prioritize skill gems, and receive tailored tips on item stats directly within the game. This feature aims to reduce the intimidation factor for newcomers and streamline the experience for players creating their own builds. The developers of Path of Building are also planning to update their tool to enhance compatibility with the new in-game integration. Additionally, the update simplifies crafting mechanics by linking specific materials to each mechanic, making planning easier for players. Game Director Jonathan Rogers expressed optimism about the new quests improving endgame accessibility and stated that Grinding Gear Games aims to incorporate functionalities that players need for the 0.5 update, with plans for a 1.0 launch by the end of 2026.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

Oppo open-sources Android AI agent X-OmniClaw that uses your camera, screen, and voice without leaving the phone

Oppo's Multi-X team has introduced X-OmniClaw, an open-source AI agent for Android that operates on the device without cloud processing. It uses the camera, screen, and voice functionalities to perform tasks across applications. Unlike cloud-based platforms, X-OmniClaw processes information locally, with the cloud serving as a supplementary resource. The architecture integrates three perception channels into a unified pipeline, allowing it to interpret scenes and user requests effectively. It transforms local data into semantic entries for long-term memory, processes gallery photos into descriptions, and filters out sensitive information. X-OmniClaw captures user behavior into reusable skills, enabling direct navigation to app pages through deeplinks. Demonstrations show its ability to retrieve product prices, assist with homework, and create highlight albums from photos. The project is built on the open-source HermesApp codebase and is accessible on GitHub. It draws inspiration from existing models, including Google's local model and ByteDance's UI-TARS, while enhancing functionality through on-device execution and structural XML data integration.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

The Best Android Auto Apps You’re Probably Not Using

Getting started with Android Auto requires a compatible vehicle and a smartphone running Android 9.0 or newer. Users can connect their phones via data cable or Bluetooth. Android Auto is primarily used for navigation and music playback, but it also supports various apps. SpotHero helps users find available parking locations, allows reservations and payments via Google Pay, and operates in major U.S. cities with a 4.4-star rating on the Google Play Store. Audible offers audiobook access through Android Auto and has an "Automatic Car Mode" for easier navigation when connected via Bluetooth. Vivaldi Browser enables web browsing through the car's infotainment system, featuring an ad blocker and customization options, and is intended for use when parked. GameSnacks provides simple games for entertainment while parked, including Solitaire and match-three games, designed for use only when stationary.

Winsage

May 17, 2026

I got tired of hunting through Windows for every setting, so I built my own control center

The utility created simplifies Windows management by consolidating various settings and diagnostics into a single interface. It provides an overview of system metrics such as DNS latency, system uptime, and temporary file accumulation. The application includes dedicated pages for health checks, network insights, services, scheduled tasks, drives, drivers, power plans, gaming toggles, privacy settings, and taskbar configuration. Each diagnostic is executed through PowerShell scripts, with results displayed in a user-friendly format. The utility maintains transparency by creating .reg backups before modifying the registry and allows users to revert changes easily. It is open-source, lightweight, and designed for personal use rather than debloating. The program's structure enables users to inspect and modify scripts, ensuring clarity and control over system adjustments.

Winsage

May 16, 2026

I got tired of hunting through Windows for every setting, so I built my own control center

The utility developed streamlines access to Windows diagnostics and tweaks, consolidating functionalities typically spread across various settings panels into a single interface. It features an overview page with key system metrics and organized sections for health checks, network details, services, scheduled tasks, drives, drivers, power plans, gaming settings, privacy options, and taskbar adjustments. Each diagnostic is executed via PowerShell scripts that output JSON data for display. The application ensures transparency in registry changes by creating .reg backups before modifications and allows users to revert changes easily. It focuses on practical tweaks rather than debloating, maintaining a lightweight design without extensive features. The tool is open source and available on GitHub.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Unlock the Razr Fold 2026’s true multitasking power with these hidden features

Book-style folding phones combine the compactness of smartphones with the capabilities of tablets. The Motorola Razr Fold features impressive multitasking options, though many are not activated by default. Users can access the taskbar by navigating to Settings > Foldable display > Task Bar > Always show, allowing for seamless app launching and split-screen use. The outer screen can also support app splitting, but it's less effective due to its size. Optimizing the Overview menu enhances multitasking by switching to grid view. These features significantly improve productivity, making the Razr Fold a valuable tool for users.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Japanese authorities just dropped a Minecraft map based on actual submarine topographic data, and it lets you explore the seabed from Tokyo Bay to the Mariana Trench

The Japan Coast Guard released a Minecraft map showcasing the submarine topography around Japan's coastline on May 12, coinciding with "Japan Coast Guard Day." The map is available for free download in Java and Bedrock formats and allows players to explore an artistically rendered version of Japan's underwater geography. Players start near Tokyo Bay and can encounter the Seven Islands of Izu and the Iwojima ridge, which includes active volcanoes. The map also features the Mariana Trench, the deepest oceanic trench, which the Japan Coast Guard first measured. The map can be accessed through the Japan Coast Guard's Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department website, and it includes a tool for looking up block coordinates. The initiative follows a similar project by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in 2025, which created a Minecraft representation of the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel.