warning Archives

AppWizard

May 26, 2026

Google might soon start warning you about dead Android apps on your phone

Google is developing a feature to alert users when an app installed on their device has been removed from the Play Store. Currently, users do not receive notifications about apps that have been delisted for non-security reasons. Recent findings from an APK teardown of the Google Play Store v51.4.19 indicate that users may soon receive notifications regarding inactive or delisted apps, focusing on keeping them informed about updates. This update aims to help users declutter their devices by notifying them of apps that will no longer receive updates. The timeline for the rollout of these notifications is not yet clear.

AppWizard

May 25, 2026

Peak’s success helped Aggro Crab commit to co-op, says studio head: ‘We thought we were a character action studio’

The collaboration between Peak, Aggro Crab, and Landfall Games originated from a four-week game jam. Aggro Crab's studio head, Nick Kaman, discussed this experience at the Game Developers Conference, highlighting a shift towards smaller projects and a stronger identity in co-op gaming. They collaborated with a studio known for the game Content Warning, which is recognized in the friendslop genre. After a taxing three-year development on a previous project, the team found renewed energy in creating Peak. Kaman announced the upcoming release of Crashout Crew, inspired by Overcooked, featuring unique elements like proximity voice chat and mouth animations that respond to player speech. He acknowledged that this new direction might not appeal to everyone but expressed excitement about the studio's evolution.

AppWizard

May 24, 2026

The Sims Game Removed From Stores Without Warning

Electronic Arts has removed the spin-off game The Sims Medieval from online stores, making it unavailable for purchase. The game, released in 2011, was delisted from Steam on March 10, 2026, and is marked as "Not Available" on the EA App. Players who previously purchased the game can still access it in their libraries, but new players must seek physical copies, which may be priced higher due to the game's age.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

I’ve been playing games for 40 years, writing about them for 20, and I’m here to say parts of Roblox need to be legislated out of existence

An experiment by Professor Marcus Carter's team found that children quickly converted gift cards into Robux on Roblox, raising concerns about the platform's monetization strategies, which include deceptive practices in 14 of the top 15 games. Tactics like "near miss" visuals and countdown timers encourage spending, while many children reported being scammed through item swaps and gem-doubling schemes. Complaints to the Federal Trade Commission from organizations like Fairplay and the National Centre on Sexual Exploitation highlight how Roblox's design exploits children's developmental vulnerabilities, particularly impulse control. One case involved a 10-year-old girl who spent over ,000 in two months despite parental attempts to limit purchases. Critics argue that Roblox prioritizes profit over user well-being, with features designed to maximize engagement rather than genuine enjoyment. Experts advocate for legislative changes to address these issues, warning that without intervention, Roblox will continue to exploit young users.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Binance’s Android app privacy fight is back in the spotlight

Binance is facing scrutiny regarding the data collection practices of its Android app, which some users believe functions more as a data collection tool than a trading platform. Concerns have been raised about the app's extensive permissions and tracking capabilities, with a report indicating the presence of numerous tracking components, including SDKs from TikTok and WeChat, and over 50 system permissions. Binance's privacy portal states that data is collected for account management, security, marketing, fraud prevention, and legal compliance. Despite this, there are questions about whether the data collection practices are proportionate to the app's intended functions. Binance has a history of legal issues, including a guilty plea in November 2023 that resulted in a .32 billion penalty for anti-money laundering violations. The exchange claims to tailor its privacy framework to regional regulations, but user concerns about the app's tracking capabilities persist. As of early 2026, Binance has over 300 million registered users, making any privacy-related disputes potentially impactful. The ongoing scrutiny may lead to gradual adjustments in Binance's practices rather than a complete overhaul.

Winsage

May 20, 2026

How To Mitigate The Microsoft Windows BitLocker ‘Angry Hacker’ 0-Day

Microsoft is addressing a zero-day exploit known as YellowKey, identified as CVE-2026-45585, which allows attackers to bypass BitLocker security using a specially crafted USB device. Following the release of exploit code by a hacker named Chaotic Eclipse, Microsoft has issued urgent mitigation advice. Cybersecurity expert Neena Sharma recommends treating this as an active threat and suggests implementing compensating controls, such as restricting USB boot access, until a patch is available. Microsoft has provided guidance for users to protect their systems, including the recommendation to add a PIN to BitLocker protection to reduce the risk of exploitation. Detailed instructions for adding a PIN are included in the advisory. YellowKey has not yet been exploited in the wild but requires physical access to the device.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

After fixing a family friend’s phone, I realized Google Play Protect is not doing enough

An elderly relative and a friend were misled into downloading problematic apps due to deceptive advertisements that appeared as system notifications. These ads led users to the Play Store under false pretenses, resulting in the installation of apps that generated excessive ads and altered user interfaces. In one case, a user unknowingly installed a launcher app disguised as a messaging application, which compromised her device's functionality and privacy by requesting excessive permissions. Google Play Protect failed to identify the problematic app, which continued to generate ads even after its removal. The app's misleading title and vague description contributed to the confusion, highlighting the need for improved safeguards in the Play Store to protect less tech-savvy users.

Winsage

May 18, 2026

Microsoft Changes ‘Most Windows Devices’ In June—Update Yours Now

Microsoft has alerted users that Secure Boot certificates will begin to expire in June, affecting most Windows devices. Users must update these certificates to avoid disruptions, as failing to install the latest Windows update could prevent devices from booting securely. A "one-time restart" will be required after the update to load new certificates. If the update is not installed by June 1, users may see a red stop icon in the Windows Security app. The update issued on May 12 was modified on May 15 to warn that it might fail to install. Microsoft indicates that most users will need to restart their PCs, although this may revert the update. The latest updates will expand the number of devices eligible for new Secure Boot certificates, but users are uncertain about how many PCs will be affected due to a phased rollout approach.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

Why There’s Simply No Need For Android Antivirus Apps Anymore

Android users are advised to avoid clicking on random links and sideloading applications to maintain safety. Threats such as phishing scams, deceptive pop-ups, and malicious links still exist in the Android ecosystem. Android includes built-in security features like Google Play Protect, which scans applications for malware and alerts users to threats, and Google Safe Browsing, which warns against hazardous websites. Monthly security updates are released to patch vulnerabilities, but the speed of these updates can vary by manufacturer. Users should avoid downloading apps from unverified sources, regularly review app permissions, and install security updates promptly. While antivirus applications can be useful, cultivating smart usage habits is crucial for effective security.

Winsage

May 15, 2026

Lilbits: A RISC-V router (crowdfunding), an E Ink color dev kit, and Windows 11 taskbar customization

Microsoft is reintroducing the option to reposition the taskbar in Windows 11, currently available only to Windows 11 Insider Preview program members using an experimental build. Additional customization options for the Start Menu are also being rolled out to Insiders. A crowdfunding initiative has launched for a WiFi router powered by a RISC-V processor and a modified version of OpenWrt, featuring a SpacemiT K1 RISC-V processor, 4GB of RAM, and 16GB of storage, priced at 9, with no delivery guarantee. M5Stack has launched a development kit with a 4-inch E Ink Spectra 6 color display, priced at , which includes a 1250 mAh battery, microSD card reader, speaker, microphone, and buttons. GEEKOM has upgraded its mini PC lineup with the A9 Max 2026 Edition, featuring a Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 chip for improved AI and CPU performance compared to the HX 370. Pine64 has warned of a defect in a batch of its PinePower V2 power supplies, which may display a 0V output under certain conditions, assuring users that the issue will be fixed in the next production batch.