utility

Winsage
June 20, 2025
Microsoft is blocking users of WD Black SN770 solid-state drives from receiving the Windows 11 version 24H2 update due to an issue that has not been officially acknowledged. Users attempting to upgrade receive an alert indicating their hardware is not ready. Some users have found a workaround by manually applying firmware updates using the SanDisk Dashboard software, which is necessary for managing firmware updates for various SSD models. Western Digital's recent corporate restructuring has added complexity to support for these drives. Until Microsoft automates the firmware update process, users must use the SanDisk Dashboard to update their firmware and proceed with the Windows 11 upgrade.
AppWizard
June 20, 2025
Google is planning to develop its own version of Samsung’s Now Bar to enhance the At a Glance experience on Pixel devices. The upcoming Pixel 10 may feature a significant upgrade, potentially rebranded as Gemini Space, which could include live sports scores and financial market summaries on the lock screen. Initial hints of this feature were found in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1, with a system configuration file labeled "Ambient Data" discovered in the firmware for the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro. References to an "Ambience Hub" have also been found, suggesting a new way to present information on the lock screen. The Android System Intelligence app, which supports the At a Glance widget, has revealed mentions of Gemini Space and features like finance recaps and sports updates. These upgrades are expected to be incorporated into the Pixel Launcher’s At a Glance widget, although they remain speculative.
Winsage
June 18, 2025
A newly discovered vulnerability in Asus Armoury Crate, identified as CVE-2025-3464, has a severity rating of 8.4 out of 10 and allows hackers to gain low-level privileges on Windows systems. The affected versions of Armoury Crate range from V5.9.9.0 to V6.1.18.0. Researcher Marcin "Icewall" Noga from Cisco Talos highlighted this issue, prompting Asus to issue a product security advisory. Users are advised to verify their version of Armoury Crate and update to the latest version if necessary. No incidents of this exploit being actively used have been reported thus far. This is the second vulnerability found in an Asus utility within two months, following a separate issue with DriverHub reported in May.
AppWizard
June 18, 2025
Gemini, the AI assistant in the Google app, now supports video analysis, allowing users to upload videos up to five minutes long for AI-powered insights. This feature is gradually rolling out, enabling users to upload videos from their Android devices by tapping the "plus" button in the Gemini text box. Once uploaded, Gemini generates an analysis of the video. Future updates may allow direct video capture through the camera app.
Winsage
June 18, 2025
Many users find it frustrating to preview images or files in Windows File Explorer, as they often open in a separate program, hindering productivity. The Peek Utility, part of Microsoft’s PowerToys for Windows 10 and 11, offers a solution. PowerToys is a suite of 22 system utilities designed for power users to enhance productivity and customize the Windows experience. To use the Peek Utility, download and install Microsoft PowerToys, select a file, and press Ctrl + Space to activate the preview. Users can navigate through files using the arrow keys or highlight multiple files before using the shortcut.
Tech Optimizer
June 17, 2025
Threat actors are using a fileless variant of AsyncRAT, targeting German-speaking individuals with a deceptive verification prompt. This prompt misleads users into executing harmful commands. The malware employs obfuscated PowerShell scripts to operate in memory without creating files on disk, complicating detection by antivirus solutions. The attack begins with a fake verification page prompting users to click "I’m not a robot," which copies a malicious command to the clipboard. This command uses conhost.exe to run a hidden PowerShell instance that retrieves a payload from a remote server. The malware establishes a connection to a command-and-control server and maintains persistence through registry keys, enabling remote control and data exfiltration. Key tactics include stealth execution, in-memory C# compilation, and TCP-based communication over non-standard ports. The campaign has been active since at least April 2025. Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) include: - IP: 109.250.111[.]155 (Clickfix Delivery) - FQDN: namoet[.]de (Clickfix / C2 Server) - Port: 4444 (TCP Reverse Shell Listener) - URL: hxxp[:]//namoet[.]de:80/x (PowerShell Payload) - Registry (HKCU): SOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunOncewindows (Persistence on Boot) - Registry (HKCU): SOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionWindowswin (Holds Obfuscated Command)
AppWizard
June 17, 2025
The game FBC: Firebreak allows players to choose from three Crisis Kits at the start, which can be switched in the loadout menu for strategic flexibility. Players engage in tasks within the Federal Bureau of Control, using the unique abilities of each kit: the Fix Kit for repairs, the Jump Kit for energizing devices, and the Splash Kit for extinguishing fires. The Fix Kit is identified as the most versatile, particularly effective during the Hot Fix job, featuring a wrench that expedites tasks, a Swivel Cannon for damage, and an ultimate upgrade that creates a whirlwind effect. The Splash Kit provides healing and fire extinguishing capabilities but is limited in job scenarios. The Jump Kit is considered less effective, with abilities that often fail to perform as intended, despite having a powerful ultimate augment.
Winsage
June 17, 2025
Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14. To assist users in transitioning to Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced a free tool that allows data transfer. Users with compatible hardware are encouraged to upgrade, while those without can use either the paid OneDrive service for cloud backup or the new Windows Migration feature for direct PC-to-PC data transfer. The Windows Migration feature will be included in the upcoming Windows 10 update, KB5061087, and allows users to transfer information directly to a new PC over the same network. This feature is currently in testing and aims to facilitate the migration to Windows 11.
AppWizard
June 16, 2025
This afternoon, discounted games and applications are available for Android users on the Google Play Store. There are notable deals on PC notebooks, including the first discount on Microsoft's 2025 touchscreen Snapdragon Surface Laptop with 16GB of RAM, and the ASUS OLED Vivobook S 15. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a significant price reduction, and there is an early discount on the 43mm OnePlus Watch 3. Several Android app and game deals are still active, providing value for digital purchases. The game DREDGE allows players to sell their catch, complete quests, and explore a remote archipelago called 'The Marrows,' featuring over 125 deep-sea creatures and unique island regions.
Winsage
June 16, 2025
Microsoft has introduced two options for users of unsupported PCs to transition to Windows 11: a paid OneDrive service for cloud storage and a new Windows Migration feature for free PC-to-PC transfers. The Windows Backup functionality is being enhanced with a dedicated Migration tool, currently in testing, which includes a hidden option for transferring information to a new PC. The "Transfer" tool is similar to the Windows Easy Transfer utility from Windows 7, allowing users to move files and settings between computers via wired or wireless connections. Users will need to confirm their PC's name during the transfer process, which requires both computers to be on the same network. The transfer process involves generating a code on one PC for pairing with the other. Microsoft has confirmed the testing of the new Windows Migration feature for Windows 11, and there are suggestions for users unable to upgrade to replace their old Windows 10 PCs and use the Migration feature. The PC Health app prompts users to run the Windows Backup app to save essential data before upgrading to Windows 11.
Search