Proton's new report examined VPN apps available in the US and found that 64 are linked to Chinese companies, many collecting device IDs, network data, carrier information and even user location. These apps were downloaded more than 13 million times in June alone, and 31 relied on shell companies in places like Singapore, Hong Kong and the UK to obscure ownership. About a quarter of the flagged apps were found actively tracking location data.
cnet.com
· 2026-08-27
Android developers are grappling with growing memory constraints as more apps integrate on-device AI features, which require substantially more RAM than traditional app functions. This shift is pushing hardware and software teams to rethink memory management strategies to keep devices responsive.
developers.slashdot.org
· 2026-08-27
A group of contributors, drawing on their experience building and scaling apps on the Heroku platform, published a methodology called the Twelve-Factor App. It outlines a set of practices for building software-as-a-service applications that can use any programming language or backing services like databases and queues, aiming to reduce software erosion and ease collaboration among developers.
12factor.net
· 2026-08-27
Android Authority found evidence in Google Tasks version 2026.08.24.96 pointing to a dedicated search bar being developed, including a code string reading 'Search tasks' and an unreleased search icon. The feature isn't active yet, but layout references and XML files suggest Google is building it into the app's interface.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-27
Nation-state hacking groups linked to Russia have shifted their phishing campaigns away from email and toward messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp to target European Union officials. In response, EU governments are reportedly working to move away from these popular consumer messaging platforms for sensitive communications.
darkreading.com
· 2026-08-27
Google has clarified that the newly spotted 'Android Pulse' app is an official Google system service designed to monitor device health, rather than an unknown or suspicious background process. The company said a recent update caused Pulse to become visible in Google system service settings, explaining why users only just started noticing it despite it existing internally beforehand.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-26
Google removed support for 32-bit apps from Android several years ago, breaking many older games. Developers behind an app called VPhoneOS have built a workaround using a virtual machine that runs Android 7 for free, letting users install and play old 32-bit titles like Wayward Souls and Bloons TD 5. Higher Android versions, 64-bit support, and ad removal are locked behind a paid VIP subscription.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-26
Microsoft has begun testing a feature in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26340.9233 that lets users control camera, microphone, and precise location access separately for each desktop application. Previously, these permissions were governed by a single device-wide toggle covering all desktop apps at once. The new controls are accessible via Settings > Privacy & security, with individual switches for each app.
bleepingcomputer.com
· 2026-08-26
A new analysis argues that hiring technology has borrowed the mechanics of dating apps, complete with ghosting after initial contact, paid premium tiers for better visibility, and a culture of settling until something better appears. The result, according to the report, is that both job seekers and employers increasingly treat each other as disposable rather than building genuine matches.
fastcompany.com
· 2026-08-26
A tech writer covering Flock Safety's AI license plate cameras outlines simple visual cues to identify the company's devices amid growing public confusion. The guide highlights Flock's distinctive oval, hooded camera shape with a circular lens as the clearest identifying feature, distinguishing it from competitors like Obvio and other traffic cameras. The piece also criticizes crowdsourced tracking apps like DeFlock for spreading inaccurate information about camera locations.
cnet.com
· 2026-08-24
GoKawiil