The PowerToys team at Microsoft is developing a new feature that introduces a menu bar for the Windows desktop, providing glanceable system information and music controls. This dock can be pinned to any edge of the screen and allows users to pin existing PowerToys extensions without code modifications. It can be enabled from Command Palette settings and aims to enhance quick awareness of system metrics like RAM usage and CPU temperatures. User feedback is encouraged to shape its development, and developers can test this feature in a dedicated branch, although it is not yet part of the main PowerToys release.
Android Auto allows users to access hidden developer settings that enhance their driving experience by enabling third-party applications. Approximately 27.6% of nearly 5,000 surveyed users utilize these developer settings, with nearly 40% unaware of their existence. About 22.6% expressed interest in unlocking these settings, while just over 11% felt they had no need for them. The developer settings include options like disabling Wireless Android Auto and enabling support for apps from Unknown Sources. A separate poll showed that nearly half of 1,700 respondents use third-party apps for video playback, with notable apps like Fermata Auto and CarStream. Additionally, 50% of 3,459 respondents want official video playback support when parked, and 40% desire it for passengers while driving. Only 2% believe Android Auto should focus on other areas, and 7% wouldn’t use video playback at all.
Hundreds of Android applications have been compromised by SlopAds ad fraud malware, leading to their removal from the Google Play Store. A total of 224 apps were identified, collectively downloaded over 38 million times. The malware employs techniques like steganography to hide its activities and redirect users to malicious sites. Google has removed all identified malicious apps and will alert users to uninstall them. Android users are advised to activate Google Play Protect for enhanced security. The ad fraud undermines the integrity of legitimate advertisers and developers.
A new wave of cyber attacks targeting Android users has been identified, involving 224 compromised applications that have collectively amassed over 38 million downloads from the Google Play Store. This threat, named SlopAds by the Satori Threat Intelligence and Research Team, involves sophisticated advertising fraud techniques, including steganography, to generate illicit revenue through harmful ads embedded in apps. Google has removed all compromised applications from the Play Store and will notify users to uninstall them. Users are advised to enable Google’s Play Protect feature to safeguard against malicious applications. Ad fraud not only affects individual users but also undermines trust in the advertising ecosystem.
HUMAN's Satori Threat Intelligence and Research Team has identified and dismantled an ad fraud scheme called SlopAds, linked to 224 applications that have over 38 million downloads from Google Play across 228 countries. The perpetrators used techniques like steganography to embed fraudulent payloads in apps, creating hidden WebViews that redirected users to cashout sites for generating illegitimate ad impressions and clicks. Google has removed all identified malicious applications and will notify affected users to uninstall them. Users are encouraged to enable Google's Play Protect feature to prevent future threats. Ad fraud poses risks to advertisers and developers by tricking ad networks into accepting fraudulent ads. Invalid traffic can arise from developers using prohibited ad practices, undermining trust in the mobile advertising ecosystem. Users are advised to uninstall flagged applications to protect their devices.
A cyber attack known as SlopAds has compromised 224 Android applications, which have been downloaded over 38 million times from the Google Play Store. The attack involves malicious advertisements that deceive users into providing personal and financial information. The Satori Threat Intelligence and Research Team reported that the threat actors use techniques like steganography and hidden WebViews to direct users to fraudulent cashout sites. Google has removed all identified problematic apps from the Play Store and will alert users who downloaded them to uninstall them. Android users are advised to activate the Google Play Protect feature to prevent future threats. Ad fraud not only affects individual users but also undermines the integrity of reputable advertisers and developers.
Performance issues are affecting many players of Monster Hunter Wilds on PC, which is the game's largest sales platform. Capcom reported that Monster Hunter Rise has surpassed Wilds in sales rankings, with Wilds dropping from 10 million to under 500,000 copies sold in three months, now at 477,000 copies, while Rise has sold 389,000. Wilds has received negative reviews on Steam, currently holding a "Mostly Negative" label with 48% positive ratings. Capcom is working on CPU and GPU optimizations to address these performance issues. Despite Wilds having a larger active player base on Steam, the sales figures show a decline, and if optimizations do not improve the situation, Wilds may face further challenges. The lead producer of Monster Hunter acknowledges the growing engagement of PC gamers with Japanese games.
Arattai, a messaging app in India, gained significant traction in September and October 2025, reaching over 5 million downloads on certain days and surpassing established platforms like Telegram and Snapchat. Its rise was supported by media attention, endorsements from government officials, and alignment with Prime Minister Modi's Swadeshi initiative. Union Home Minister Amit Shah's switch to Zoho email led to a 100-fold increase in Arattai's traffic within three days.
The app offers end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls but lacks full encryption for text messages by default. It has a “secret chat” feature and plans to implement comprehensive encryption. User data is stored in Indian data centers, and the app aims to maintain a privacy-focused approach without relying on public cloud providers.
Arattai faces challenges in competing with WhatsApp, which has over 500 million users and offers extensive features such as UPI payments and default encryption. For long-term success, Arattai needs to standardize encryption, enhance its infrastructure, and build an ecosystem with integrated payment solutions and business tools. Overcoming user inertia from WhatsApp, establishing a strong brand identity, and navigating regulatory scrutiny are also critical for its growth.
Meta has confirmed that the Messenger desktop applications for Windows and macOS will cease operations on December 15, 2025. Users will be redirected to the Facebook website for messaging after this date. Notifications about the shutdown will be sent within the app starting 60 days prior to the closure, after which the app will be inaccessible. Users are encouraged to uninstall the app and can continue using Messenger via the web version or the Facebook Desktop App for Windows. To safeguard correspondence history, users should activate the “secure storage” feature and set a PIN code. This decision aligns with Meta's strategy to embrace web technologies, transitioning to a Progressive Web App (PWA) version in September 2024. Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with this decision, preferring the desktop application over the browser interface.
