user notifications Archives

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Meta and Yandex are de-anonymizing Android users’ web browsing identifiers

Recent developments in browser technology have raised concerns about user privacy and data tracking by companies like Meta and Yandex. In response, several Android browsers are enhancing user privacy by blocking abusive JavaScript linked to web trackers. DuckDuckGo has implemented measures to block domains and IP addresses associated with trackers, preventing the transmission of identifiers to Meta and restricting access to Yandex Metrica. Following feedback, DuckDuckGo's developers updated their blacklist to include missing addresses. The Brave browser uses extensive blocklists to prevent identifier sharing and blocks requests to localhost without user consent. Vivaldi forwards identifiers to local Android ports by default but allows users to adjust settings to block trackers. Researchers warn that these solutions may not be foolproof and emphasize the ongoing challenge of maintaining effective blocklists. Chrome and most other Chromium-based browsers execute JavaScript as intended by Meta and Yandex, while Firefox has faced challenges with SDP munging and has not yet announced plans to address this behavior.

Winsage

May 5, 2025

Windows 11 now auto-downloads the 24H2 update, whether you want it or not

Microsoft has begun the final rollout phase for the Windows 11 24H2 update, which is now being automatically deployed to consumers. Users on Windows 11 Home or Pro versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2, not managed by IT departments, will receive the update automatically unless a safeguard hold is in place due to potential issues. Notifications will be sent via Windows Update when the update is downloading and ready for installation. Users can postpone the update but cannot decline it entirely.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Alarming update: Windows 11 may deprive users of all data

In the recent Windows 11 24H2 update, the bypassnro.cmd script was removed, leading to the automatic activation of BitLocker disk encryption for both corporate and home users. This change has raised concerns about data security, performance degradation, and the risk of irreversible data loss, particularly due to the lack of user notifications when BitLocker is activated. Users are advised to back up their encryption keys to prevent permanent loss of access to files. Microsoft has provided a guide for backing up and recovering BitLocker keys, and users can manually disable BitLocker through the registry or settings. Additionally, Huawei is considering moving away from Windows to its proprietary operating system.

AppWizard

February 15, 2025

Planet Coaster 2’s latest update adds synchronised rides, customisable video billboards, and stops guests suffering from perpetual panic

Planet Coaster 2 launched in November and has received two major updates since. The first update refined flume ride simulations and user interface issues. The second update introduced personalized video billboards, synchronized ride launches, and "de-themed" coaster variants. It also included game tweaks, bug fixes, enhanced user notifications, and a preview feature for the path and pool tool. Notable bug fixes improved guest behavior, such as changing clothes before exiting and exiting queues quietly when rides are closed. The game has sold approximately 400,000 copies, contributing to Frontier's return to profitability in the first half of the financial year, despite some user dissatisfaction regarding creation controls.

AppWizard

September 7, 2024

Meta says users will be able to place calls to WhatsApp and Messenger using third party apps – but only by 2027 – The Tech Portal

Meta is enhancing interoperability between third-party applications and its messaging platforms, WhatsApp and Messenger, in compliance with the Digital Markets Act. A timeline has been provided for updates: by 2025, users will be able to create groups within third-party applications, and by 2027, audio and video calling through these apps is expected, depending on successful implementation. A new notifications system will inform users about available third-party messaging applications, allowing them to select which apps to receive messages from and how to manage their inboxes. Users will have the option to maintain a separate inbox for third-party messages or combine them with other communications, with the ability to change this setting at any time. Meta highlights the technical challenges of building these features while prioritizing privacy and security.