UAE Archives

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

KING VPN Announces Android VPN App with 40+ Server Locations for UK and Russian Users

Tech Digital Labs has launched KING VPN, an Android application designed for users in the UK and Russia seeking a mobile VPN experience. The app features over 40 server locations and a one-tap connection for easy use on smartphones and tablets. It is available for download on Google Play and offers a clean interface for straightforward connections. KING VPN supports browsing on public Wi-Fi and accessing apps in compliance with local network policies, with server options including the US, Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China. The app is aimed at users who prefer a lightweight VPN experience without complex setup procedures.

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

The Invisible Messenger: How imo Quietly Built 200 Million Users by Serving Migrant Workers

imo is a messaging application launched in 2007 by two former Google engineers, which has over 200 million active users. It focuses on labor migrants from the Global South, offering reliable video calling even on poor connections. The app grew organically as migrants shared it with their families and communities, particularly in regions with limited connectivity. imo has developed into a fully-featured messaging platform, serving as essential infrastructure for millions of migrant families to maintain connections. Its growth strategy involved avoiding direct competition in saturated markets and addressing the specific needs of migrant workers.

Winsage

April 6, 2026

Linux gaming reaches 5.3% on Steam, Windows drops below 93%

The Linux gaming market share among Steam users has reached 5.3%, a historic high, coinciding with Windows usage dropping below 93%. Windows 10 usage has decreased by nearly 15%, while Windows 11 has gained only 10.6%. SteamOS Holo 64-bit is the leading Linux distribution, making up 25% of all Linux users, largely due to the popularity of the Steam Deck. macOS has gained 1.2% market share, indicating a shift in gaming preferences. Valve announced plans to expand SteamOS to desktop PCs, which may further boost Linux gaming adoption.

AppWizard

April 1, 2026

The Google Play Store has a serious problem with shady cast-to-TV apps

Recent investigations into the Google Play Store have revealed that a small group of developer networks is dominating the cast-to-TV and screen mirroring category, operating over 280 apps under deceptive accounts with a total of 1.8 billion installs. Users have reported that many of these apps do not function as advertised, displaying uncloseable ads, charging for "free trials," and promoting high weekly subscription fees. Key problematic networks identified include: - iKame/Begamob (Vietnam): Manages over four accounts and more than 130 apps, with approximately 1.5 billion installs. - MaxLabs (Hong Kong): Operates eight developer accounts with various app names. - Package ID ai.chatbot.alpha.chatapp: Originally an AI chatbot, now rebranded as a casting tool. - Nice – Polska Sp. z o.o.: Claimed to be a UK shell company run by an individual in Pakistan. - Incube Technologies (Pakistan/UAE): Offers app store optimization services under the name “SwiftBiz Apps.” Google is currently investigating these allegations and has stated that it will take appropriate action against apps violating its policies.

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

UK-based pair behind messaging app accused of giving data to Iranian regime

Hadi and Mahdi Anjidani, co-founders of TS Information Technology, operate a messaging app called Gap Messenger, which is associated with the Iranian regime. Their company is based in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, and is linked to the Iranian software corporation Towse’e Saman Information Technology (TSIT). Despite claims of encryption and user privacy, experts have raised concerns about Gap Messenger's role in government censorship in Iran. Mahdi Anjidani has expressed pro-regime views in Iranian media and has connections to the Iranian government through his ventures. Gap Messenger has over 1 million downloads on Google Play and is part of Iran's domestic internet network aimed at controlling citizen access to information. Reports suggest that the app may have shared user data with Iranian authorities. The Anjidani brothers have ties to various business ventures in Iran, including a social network and a payment platform.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

Minecraft update today (9th December): What changes in the Mounts of Mayhem patch notes?

The Minecraft "Mounts of Mayhem" update is set to be released on Tuesday, December 9th, at approximately 4 PM GMT. The update will introduce new features including camel husks, skeletons riding camels, a new weapon called the spear with jabbing and charging attacks, the Spear Lunge enchantment, a new neutral mob called Nautilus that can be ridden underwater, zombie nautilus with drowned enemies, zombie horses ridden by zombies, significant improvements to horse mechanics allowing them to swim, and the ability to craft Netherite horse armor. Expected launch times in various time zones include 8 AM PST, 9 AM MST, 10 AM CST, 11 AM EST, 1 PM BRT, 5 PM CET, 6 PM SAST, 8 PM GST, 12 AM SGT (December 10th), 1 AM JST (December 10th), 3 AM AEDT (December 10th), and 5 AM NZDT (December 10th).

AppWizard

November 17, 2025

You Can’t Delete This Samsung App—And It Might Be Spying on You

Samsung faces criticism for allegations that certain budget-friendly Galaxy A and M smartphones are preloaded with unremovable spyware, particularly affecting users in the Middle East and North Africa. The Lebanese digital rights organization SMEX has highlighted a pre-installed application called AppCloud on some Galaxy A and M devices sold in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt. AppCloud, developed by ironSource, collects sensitive user data without explicit consent during device setup and is difficult to uninstall, often reinstalling after a device reset. Concerns have been raised about its potential use for surveillance and targeted cyberattacks, especially in politically sensitive areas. SMEX has called for increased transparency from Samsung, which has not yet responded. Independent research validating these claims about AppCloud's impact on privacy is currently lacking.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

Google app possibly hints at the launch of Samsung’s tri-fold phone

Samsung's tri-fold phone has been referenced in Google's Android app, hinting at a potential launch before the end of October. Speculation suggests it may initially launch outside the U.S., possibly in South Korea, the greater Chinese market, and the UAE, with an unveiling date set for October 31. The app code includes the "tri-fold" label alongside a 2025 timeframe, indicating a broader strategy for future releases. The official name of the device is not confirmed, but it is expected to include "tri-fold" and likely carry the Galaxy branding.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

New Android Spyware Targeting Users by Imitating Signal and ToTok Apps

ESET researchers have identified two Android spyware campaigns targeting users in the UAE, disguised as messaging applications Signal and ToTok. The first spyware family, Android/Spy.ProSpy, poses as upgrades for these apps, while the second, Android/Spy.ToSpy, specifically targets ToTok users. Both malware families were not found on official app stores and were distributed through phishing websites. The ProSpy campaign, active since 2024, uses deceptive sites to offer malicious APK files as enhancements. The ToSpy campaign, identified since mid-2022, targets ToTok backup files and has ongoing operations. Both spyware types collect extensive data, including contacts and SMS messages, and maintain persistent background operations. Google Play Protect offers some defense against these threats, and users are advised to avoid unofficial app installations.

AppWizard

October 2, 2025

Android spyware disguised as legitimate messaging apps targets UAE victims, researchers reveal

Cybersecurity researchers have discovered two families of Android spyware that impersonate messaging applications Signal and ToTok, linked to campaigns named ProSpy and ToSpy. ToTok was discontinued in 2020 after being identified as a surveillance tool for the UAE government, but the spyware is disguised as an enhanced version called ToTok Pro. The spyware requests extensive permissions upon installation and exfiltrates sensitive data. It was distributed through third-party websites posing as legitimate services, with confirmed detections in the UAE, indicating a targeted operation. The spyware campaigns primarily aim at privacy-conscious residents in the UAE, as suggested by the domain name ending in “ae.net.”