western Archives

TrendTechie

June 26, 2025

Юзеры с запада нашли способ уклонятся от штрафов за торренты

Western users have discovered a technique for downloading torrents that helps evade warnings from internet service providers and financial penalties for copyright infringement. This method uses Google Colab with the aria2 downloader to mask the user's IP address. The process involves running programs in Google Colaboratory, which installs aria2 on a virtual machine, allowing users to download torrent files via magnet links. The downloads occur on Google’s servers, displaying a Google IP address to the torrent network. Files are stored in Google Drive for retrieval. Although this method conceals the user's IP address, downloading copyrighted materials remains illegal in many jurisdictions.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Putin signs-off on state messaging app

Russian President Vladimir Putin has endorsed the creation of a state-backed messaging platform to reduce reliance on foreign services. The new app will integrate with government services and address security vulnerabilities in existing platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. It will be pre-installed on all new smartphones sold in Russia and mandated for communication within public institutions. This initiative aims to enhance Russia's digital sovereignty amid the withdrawal of Western tech firms since the Ukraine conflict began in February 2022. There are concerns about user privacy and potential state surveillance, with critics suggesting the government may restrict access to foreign messaging services to promote the state-run alternative.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Putin authorises creation of state messaging app to combat WhatsApp and Telegram

Russian President Vladimir Putin has endorsed the development of a state-sponsored messaging application aimed at integrating government services and reducing reliance on foreign platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. This initiative is part of Russia's broader tech policy focused on digital sovereignty, especially in response to geopolitical tensions since February 2022. Russian lawmakers believe the new app will offer superior features compared to existing platforms, but there are concerns about privacy and government oversight. Mikhail Klimarev, director of the Internet Protection Society, has expressed worries that the government may intentionally slow down WhatsApp and Telegram to encourage users to switch to the new app.

AppWizard

June 23, 2025

Iran encourages citizens to use a messaging app previously flagged as a state surveillance tool

Iranian authorities are promoting the domestic messaging app Bale for communication with family abroad amid a near-total internet blackout since June 18, 2025. Bale has 16.5 million monthly active users as of May 2023, with increased adoption following restrictions on Western apps after 2022 protests. A security audit by the Open Technology Fund revealed critical vulnerabilities in Bale and two other Iranian messaging apps, Eitaa and Rubika, including the lack of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) and potential state surveillance through a state-owned service called the Message Exchange Bus (MXB). Bale's encryption could compromise sensitive data and shares location data during authentication. Experts recommend more secure alternatives like Signal and advise against using Bale for sensitive communications. Since the blackout, internet connectivity remains poor, with the government urging citizens to delete WhatsApp and imposing restrictions that have increased VPN usage by over 700%.

Winsage

June 21, 2025

Just like many Windows 10 users, some SSDs are snubbing Windows 11, too

A recent update to Windows 11 version 24H2, released in October 2024, has caused installation issues for users of Western Digital SSDs, particularly the WD SN770 model. Users encounter a compatibility message stating their hardware isn't ready for the new version. Possible solutions include reverting to a Windows 10 image, switching to Linux, or updating the SSD's firmware using the SanDisk Dashboard, which may help pass the Windows hardware scan. While Linux offers fewer hardware restrictions, it may present challenges with application compatibility.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 updates are still failing on Western Digital’s SN770, despite the fact that a fix came out 8 months ago — here’s what to do if you’re stuck

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

Russia prepares to get rid of WhatsApp and possibly Telegram

On June 10, the Russian Parliament passed legislation to establish a new messenger application called Max, developed by VK, aimed at integrating state services. Minister of Digital Development Maksut Shadayev announced that VK has created a "fully Russian messenger" that matches or exceeds foreign counterparts. The app will enable users to utilize electronic signatures for document signing, verify identity, age, and eligibility for benefits, and will be required for educational services and communication in schools. It may shift user behavior away from popular Western apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. The app is compared to China's WeChat, offering messaging, social networking, search, and payment systems. Concerns exist that it may mirror WeChat's issues with censorship and surveillance, especially given VK's past collaborations with Russian authorities.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

This week in PC games: FBC Firebreak, alt-history XCOM and the chance to date your toilet

A remastered trilogy of GEX has launched, along with a co-op climbing game called Peak and a game titled Nightmare Frontier, which combines elements of weird western and XCOM. The first-person action game Blessed Burden features players as the last surviving priest in hell, while Crown Gambit is a strategic deck-building game involving paladins. Broken Arrow is a real-time strategy game set in the Baltic states with over 300 units, contrasting with the pixel art adventure Vessels Of Decay, set in post-apocalyptic Scandinavia.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

Phil Rogers is Embracer Group’s next CEO

Phil Rogers will become the CEO of Embracer Group on August 1st, succeeding Lars Wingefors, who will transition to executive chair of the board in September. Rogers joined Embracer in 2022 and previously served as deputy CEO, leading Crystal Dynamics and Plaion. Kicki Wallje-Lund will take on the role of deputy chair. This leadership change follows the recent announcement of the spin-off of Coffee Stain into an independent entity.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

How Russian Spies Are Analyzing Data From China’s WeChat App

Moscow's skepticism towards foreign messaging applications has intensified, particularly regarding the Chinese app WeChat, which has weak encryption protocols. Russian counterintelligence is analyzing WeChat data to identify individuals in contact with Chinese operatives. A recent intelligence document reveals concerns about China's influence in Russia, particularly as Russia's isolation from the West grows due to geopolitical tensions. The F.S.B. is using an analytical tool called "Skopishche" to enhance surveillance, aggregating data from sources like WeChat, including account logins, contact lists, and message archives. This data is often collected from mobile devices seized from significant individuals. The shared focus on surveillance by Russian and Chinese authorities highlights their concerns about external influences and internal dissent.