user interaction Archives

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Google just gave us our first look at what Samsung XR headset apps might look like

Samsung's XR headset, known as Project Moohan, will debut within the next year and is powered by the Snapdragon XR Plus Gen 2 chip. The Android XR developer blog features a six-second video showing app windows layered over real-world environments. Android XR has two modes: Home Space, which allows multitasking with multiple app windows, and Full Space, which offers a single window experience against a virtual backdrop. Home Space is the default view, with a toggle to switch between modes. Samsung's app windows are expected to reflect the aesthetic of One UI. Android XR will support various input methods, including hand and eye tracking, voice commands, keyboard and mouse, and dedicated controllers. CES 2025, starting January 7, will provide more information about the headset's features and capabilities.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Recap: Pixel updates, Feature Drops, and new apps in 2024

In 2024, Made by Google released multiple updates for the Pixel phone, introducing new features and enhancing existing functionalities across six updates. - January Feature Drop: Launched with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, it included the Pixel Thermometer app for forehead temperature readings, Circle to Search, and the rebranding of Quick Share from Nearby Share. - March Feature Drop: Introduced with Android 14 QPR2, it featured an expandable Bluetooth Quick Settings Tile, a Material You volume slider, new casting options, and a "Hello?" button for the Call Screen feature. The Pixel Tablet received the Gboard Voice Toolbar. - June Feature Drop: Marked by the early launch of the Pixel 8a, it introduced Audio Emoji, Display Port Support for external screens, Gemini Nano technology, and camera improvements for various Pixel models. The Android 14 QPR3 update focused on minor tweaks. - Pixel 9 Series Launch: Debuted alongside Android 14, backporting features from the Android 15 Beta. Introduced three new applications: Pixel Screenshots, Pixel Studio, and Pixel Weather, along with Gemini Live and on-device Call Notes. - Android 15/October Drop: Introduced Android 15 with a Private Space option, Predictive Back functionality, a redesigned screenshot interface, underwater photography capabilities for the Pixel 9 series, and an enhanced Adaptive Vibration feature. - December Drop: Included Android 15 QPR1 with a Material You redesign for Settings, charging optimization, enhancements to the Pixel Screenshots app, a clear voice feature for the Pixel Recorder, broader rollout of contextual replies for Gemini, and Dual Screen Portrait Mode for foldable devices. Google extended Android OS updates for the Pixel 6 and 7 series.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

Windows Central Tech Awards 2024 — Ranking the top PCs, tools, accessories, and software innovations of the year

This year has seen significant advancements in consumer technology, particularly in artificial intelligence, highlighted by Microsoft's Copilot+ PC initiative in collaboration with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processor, introducing fanless, battery-efficient laptops to the Windows ecosystem. AI companies like OpenAI have expanded their offerings, prompting competitors such as Google, xAI, and Facebook to enhance their products. New brands like XREAL have emerged, while established companies like ASUS have innovated with dual-screen laptops. Accessory manufacturers have also improved their products. The Windows Central Tech Awards for 2024 recognize standout devices and features across various categories, including Tech Innovator of the Year, Best Processor, Best Overall Laptop, Best Keyboard, Best Pre-Built Gaming PC, Best Mini PC, Best Gaming Laptop, Best Gaming Headset, Best Tech Accessory, Best Monitor, Best Gaming Input, Best Gaming Hardware, Best Desktop All-in-One, Best Budget Laptop, Best Business Laptop, Best Mobile App for Windows Users, Best Windows Feature, Best Mouse, and Best Windows PC App. Looking ahead to 2025, advancements in AI, robotics, cloud computing, and potential breakthroughs in 6G and quantum computing are anticipated, with Microsoft focusing on AI server technology acquisitions and developments in PC gaming handhelds and new Xbox hardware.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Android 16 introduces new tools to control AI text generation in apps

Google is releasing Android 16, which includes the WritingTools API that allows app developers to control the use of AI writing tools. The API introduces two methods: isWritingToolsEnabled() and setWritingToolsEnabled(), enabling applications to manage AI interactions with specific text fields. By default, AI writing tools are enabled, but developers can disable them in sensitive areas such as password fields and email addresses. This aims to standardize practices across Android keyboards, as not all third-party keyboards currently follow similar protocols. The API is part of a broader set of innovations in Android 16 Developer Preview 2, which also includes enhanced haptic controls, searchable cloud media items, and an adaptive refresh rate API.

Winsage

December 16, 2024

Windows kernel bug now exploited in attacks to gain SYSTEM privileges

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has warned U.S. federal agencies about a critical Windows kernel vulnerability, CVE-2024-35250, which allows local attackers to elevate their privileges to SYSTEM level. This vulnerability is linked to the Microsoft Kernel Streaming Service (MSKSSRV.SYS) and was exploited during the Pwn2Own Vancouver 2024 competition. Microsoft issued a patch for this vulnerability in June 2024, but proof-of-concept exploit code appeared on GitHub four months later. CISA has also flagged a critical Adobe ColdFusion vulnerability, CVE-2024-20767, which allows unauthenticated remote attackers to access sensitive files. Over 145,000 ColdFusion servers are exposed to the Internet. Both vulnerabilities are listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, and federal agencies must secure their networks by January 6 under the Binding Operational Directive (BOD) 22-01.

BetaBeacon

December 14, 2024

Google Steps Up Mixed Reality Game with New Integration

Google is introducing a new Android XR operating system and Gemini AI for smart glasses and augmented reality, putting them in direct competition with Apple and Meta. The Android XR system, developed with Samsung, will power AR and VR experiences, with the Gemini AI enhancing user experience by facilitating conversations and device control. The integration of Android XR with Gemini 2.0 AI aims to create AI models capable of understanding the world and making decisions. Google plans to adapt popular apps for immersive experiences through Android XR, with prototype glasses undergoing testing soon. The company is optimistic about the transformative potential of Android XR in revolutionizing user interaction with technology.

AppWizard

December 13, 2024

WhatsApp may soon bring an in-app call dialer for Android users

WhatsApp is introducing a new in-app call dialer that allows users to dial numbers directly from the chat application, eliminating the need to switch to the system dialer. The feature includes a floating button for direct communication with unknown contacts without saving their numbers. The in-app call dialer is currently being rolled out to select Android beta users through version 2.24.26.11. A new "Call a number" feature on the contacts page aims to reduce clutter and improve user experience. Users can enter a phone number in the in-app dialer, which will initiate a verification process before making the call. This feature is still in beta testing but is expected to be available to a wider audience soon.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

December Patch Tuesday arrives bearing 71 gifts

Microsoft released a comprehensive update on Tuesday that includes 71 patches addressing vulnerabilities across ten product families. Among these, 17 vulnerabilities affecting Windows are classified as Critical, with a CVSS base score of 8.1 or higher. Ten of these vulnerabilities are related to Remote Desktop Services. CVE-2024-49138, which affects the Windows Common Log File system driver, is currently exploited in the wild, and Microsoft expects six additional CVEs may be targeted in the next 30 days. The update includes advisory notes on two Edge CVEs and a Defense-in-Depth update for Microsoft Project. The total number of CVEs addressed is 71, with 1 publicly disclosed and 1 exploit detected. The severity breakdown includes 17 Critical and 54 Important vulnerabilities. The impact categories are as follows: 31 for Remote Code Execution, 27 for Elevation of Privilege, 7 for Information Disclosure, 5 for Denial of Service, and 1 for Spoofing. There is 1 CVE with a CVSS base score of 9.0 or greater and 27 with a score of 8.0 or greater. CVE-2024-49112 is highlighted as the only vulnerability this month with a CVSS base score exceeding 9.0, rated at 9.8, affecting all supported versions of Windows 10, 11, and Server versions since 2008. CVE-2024-49138 is an Important-severity elevation of privilege issue impacting all supported client and server versions of Windows. CVE-2024-49117 is a Critical-severity RCE that could enable cross-VM attacks, while CVE-2024-49114 introduces a new vulnerability category termed False File Immutability. Microsoft has addressed a total of 1,015 CVEs through its Patch Tuesday process in 2023, the highest annual count since 2020. December 2023 recorded the lowest patch count in five years, with only 33 patches released. For users of Sophos protections, a detailed table outlines the CVEs and corresponding detection capabilities.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Microsoft gives Alt+Space shortcut over to Copilot

Copilot has transitioned from a Progressive Web App (PWA) to a native binary, now residing in the system tray after the app update. The update has caused the Alt+Space keyboard shortcut, previously used by other applications like PowerToys, to be commandeered by Copilot. Microsoft acknowledged this overlap and stated that Windows will register whichever app is launched first when using Alt+Space. Users with a dedicated Copilot key can open the app directly in a main window. The update is being rolled out for all Windows 10 and 11 devices in the Windows Insider program, although Microsoft will not extend support for Windows 10.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Microsoft closes 2024 with 72 fixes on final Patch Tuesday

Microsoft's Patch Tuesday update addressed 72 vulnerabilities, with CVE-2024-49138 being actively exploited, affecting the Windows Common Log File System Driver and allowing privilege escalation on Windows 10, 11, and Server 2019 and later. The most critical vulnerability, CVE-2024-49112, has a CVSS score of 9.8 but is challenging to exploit, related to the Windows Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP). Microsoft recommends blocking inbound RPCs from untrusted networks as a workaround. CVE-2024-49093, with a CVSS score of 8.8, poses risks from malicious low-privilege AppContainers. Other significant vulnerabilities include CVE-2024-49088, CVE-2024-49090, and CVE-2024-49114, all related to privilege escalation. Additionally, CVE-2024-49070 and CVE-2024-49122 involve code execution flaws. Adobe released a patch for 167 vulnerabilities, including 91 in Adobe Experience Manager, with one critical flaw. Adobe Connect fixed 22 vulnerabilities, six rated critical, while Adobe Acrobat addressed six vulnerabilities, none exceeding a CVSS score of seven. Adobe Animate had 13 vulnerabilities, all rated 7.8, and InDesign and Substance 3D Modeler each had nine issues, none surpassing a CVSS score of 7.8. Adobe Media Encoder fixed four vulnerabilities, three allowing arbitrary code execution.