warnings

Winsage
June 6, 2025
Leo and Paul discuss various topics on the latest episode of Windows Weekly, including Notepad, updates in Windows 11, Microsoft 365, artificial intelligence, and Xbox gaming. A new free newsletter offers time-saving tips and complimentary Field Guides for Windows 11 and Windows 10. Microsoft is reorganizing its AI initiatives and phasing out password management features in the Microsoft Authenticator app. The upcoming June 2025 update for Outlook will introduce new features, and Microsoft 365 Copilot now has general availability for Research and Analyst AI agents. The New York Times has licensed its content to Amazon, and Samsung is reconsidering its partnership with Gemini. Microsoft has delayed the launch of its first-party Xbox and Windows gaming handheld and has secured its first agreement with a game studio union. J Allard, a former Microsoft executive, is among many ex-Microsoft leaders now at Amazon. A tip suggests replacing OneDrive/Google Drive with a NAS, and Microsoft Edge 137 is highlighted as a significant update. Photoshop for Android is now available for free during its beta phase.
AppWizard
May 30, 2025
Android TV currently has a basic sleep timer feature, but it is limited, particularly in the Google TV ecosystem. Recent updates to the Google TV Home app suggest that Google plans to enhance the sleep timer functionality significantly, as indicated by code strings found in version 1.0.756918669. The new features may include the ability to pause and resume sleep timers, notification warnings at various intervals, and interactive functionalities that allow users to extend the timer directly from notifications. This marks a shift from relying on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for sleep timer interfaces to a more integrated experience within Google TV.
AppWizard
May 29, 2025
Elden Ring Nightreign is launching at 3 PM PT and 6 PM ET, accompanied by patch version 1.01, which includes updates such as improved handling of playable characters, soundtrack adjustments, text adjustments, balance adjustments, added character scenarios, and bug fixes. There is a caution regarding potential frame rate drops on certain PC configurations, particularly with the latest graphics cards. Players unable to launch the game can verify game files via Steam. To mitigate performance issues, players are advised to lower graphics settings and ensure their graphics card drivers are up to date. The developers are investigating the frame rate drop issue.
Winsage
May 29, 2025
Customizing a Windows PC has become increasingly complex and frustrating due to several factors. Microsoft has introduced more locked-down UI elements with Windows 10 and 11, which complicates the customization process. Frequent and substantial updates alter UI elements and introduce new features, creating challenges for developers of customization tools to maintain compatibility. Microsoft has also removed certain legacy features that facilitated customization, limiting the capabilities of these applications. Additionally, some customization apps are labeled as malware, discouraging users from installing them and hindering the customization ecosystem. As a result, many users feel that the joy of customizing their Windows experience has diminished, as streamlined interfaces lack the flair and personality of earlier versions.
AppWizard
May 29, 2025
Bandai Namco has released patch notes for version 1.01 of Elden Ring Nightreign ahead of its launch, warning PC users that some configurations with the latest graphics cards may experience frame rate drops. Players experiencing performance issues are advised to lower graphics settings and screen resolution, and ensure their graphics drivers are up to date. The game has been criticized in a performance analysis as a "bare-bones console port with glitches," but improvements have been noted compared to the original Elden Ring PC version. Despite challenges, the PC fanbase remains resilient.
AppWizard
May 28, 2025
Google has released an updated fraud and scam advisory in anticipation of its inaugural Scams Summit, highlighting prevalent scam tactics such as customer support, package tracking, and toll road scams. The company has enhanced its Phone and Messages app with advanced scam protection features for Android users, integrating Gemini technology to detect and block potential scams. Google’s updated advisory also addresses risks from malvertising and counterfeit travel websites, while Chrome has received an update featuring AI-driven warnings for potential scams. Additionally, new scam protection features for calls and texts have been introduced, focusing on blocking actions when potential call scams are detected and identifying various scams related to toll roads, billing, cryptocurrency, and financial impersonation.
Tech Optimizer
May 28, 2025
Cybercriminals are executing a sophisticated malware campaign through a counterfeit Bitdefender antivirus website, specifically the domain “bitdefender-download[.]co,” which mimics the legitimate site. This fraudulent site distributes three types of malware: VenomRAT, StormKitty, and SilentTrinity, aimed at stealing financial data and maintaining persistent access to victims’ computers. When users click the “Download For Windows” button, they inadvertently download a ZIP file containing these malicious programs. VenomRAT acts as a remote access tool, allowing attackers to steal files, cryptocurrency wallets, and browser data, including credit card information. StormKitty quickly harvests sensitive credentials, while SilentTrinity provides stealthy long-term access for further exploitation. The fake Bitdefender site is linked to other malicious domains impersonating banks, indicating a coordinated phishing operation. The attackers utilize the same command and control infrastructure, with the IP address 67.217.228.160:4449 identified as a connection point. Bitdefender is working to take down the fraudulent site, and Google Chrome has begun flagging the link as malicious. Security experts recommend verifying website authenticity and downloading software only from official sources.
Winsage
May 27, 2025
The Windows laptop market has shifted towards devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, moving away from traditional Intel and AMD architectures. This initiative, known as Windows on Arm, has produced notable products like the Asus ZenBook A14 and Dell XPS 13, which are praised for their performance in AI applications and impressive battery life. These devices can run Intel-based applications through an emulation layer called Prism, which translates x86-64 code into ARM64 instructions, allowing compatibility with non-native software. While they perform well for office tasks and some creative applications, limitations exist in gaming and high-demand software due to the need for specific drivers and graphics performance. Currently, the market features three Windows on Arm processors: Snapdragon X Elite, X Plus, and X. Pricing for these laptops often exceeds ,000, making Intel and AMD options more appealing for budget-conscious consumers.
Winsage
May 12, 2025
A critical cloud security vulnerability rated 10/10 has been reported for Microsoft users, along with persistent denial of service attacks affecting Windows and warnings about password theft. A new tool called Defendnot has been released, which can disable Windows Defender, Microsoft's antivirus protection. Developed by a security researcher known as es3n1n, Defendnot simplifies the process of bypassing Windows Defender by tricking it into disabling itself. It uses undocumented application programming interfaces (APIs) to convince Windows Defender that another antivirus solution is present, without relying on third-party antivirus code. The availability of Defendnot poses a significant risk, potentially aiding malicious actors.
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