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This $10 Windows 11 Pro license adds security and power-user tools
Winsage
August 16, 2026

This $10 Windows 11 Pro license adds security and power-user tools

Microsoft is offering a lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro for .97, down from the regular price of 9. This promotion includes advanced features such as BitLocker, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox, which cater to advanced users. Windows 11 Pro also retains user-friendly elements like Snap Layouts and virtual desktops, and supports modern security measures including Windows Hello. The license is non-transferable and tied to a single compatible PC, which must meet hardware requirements such as TPM 2.0, UEFI firmware, a minimum of 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. Microsoft provides a PC Health Check tool for compatibility verification.
Best Free Antivirus Software 2026
Tech Optimizer
August 16, 2026

Best Free Antivirus Software 2026

Over the past decade, free antivirus software has significantly improved, now competing with paid security suites in malware protection. Independent testing from 2026 shows that Avast and AVG have achieved top scores in protection, performance, and usability. Microsoft Defender is a reliable option for Windows users who prefer not to install additional software. The leading free antivirus options in 2026 include Avast Free Antivirus, AVG AntiVirus Free, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Bitdefender Antivirus Free, Avira Free Security, and Malwarebytes Free. Avast Free Antivirus received perfect scores of 6/6 in protection, performance, and usability from AV-TEST in May and June 2026, totaling 18 out of 18. AVG AntiVirus Free matched these scores and also received an Advanced+ rating from AV-Comparatives. Microsoft Defender scored 6/6 in protection, 5.5/6 in performance, and 6/6 in usability, totaling 17.5 out of 18. Bitdefender Antivirus Free is recognized for its lightweight protection, while Avira Free Security offers additional utilities. Malwarebytes Free is noted for its effectiveness in malware removal. Antivirus software is essential in the current cybersecurity landscape, which includes threats like ransomware and phishing attacks. In 2025, the FTC reported approximately .8 billion in fraud losses, a 25% increase from the previous year. While antivirus software cannot eliminate all forms of online fraud, it plays a crucial role in preventing attacks from escalating to data theft or system compromise. Users should be cautious of counterfeit antivirus software and are advised to download programs from official vendor websites. Free antivirus solutions generally focus on malware detection, while paid options offer additional services. For Windows 11 users, Avast Free Antivirus, AVG AntiVirus Free, and Microsoft Defender are recommended options based on 2026 evaluations.
Bumble Ends Its Signature Women-First Messaging Rule in Major Dating App Shakeup
AppWizard
August 16, 2026

Bumble Ends Its Signature Women-First Messaging Rule in Major Dating App Shakeup

Bumble has officially abandoned its women-first messaging rule, allowing either person in a heterosexual match to send the first message. This policy change eliminates the previous requirement for women to initiate conversations, which has been in place since the app's launch in 2014. Additionally, Bumble has extended the response window for initial messages from 24 hours to 72 hours to enhance user experience. The company had previously started easing its messaging framework in 2024 with the introduction of Opening Moves, allowing women to add conversation starters to their profiles. Reports indicate a growing demand for more flexibility in conversation initiation among users. Bumble's decision comes amid challenges in the online dating industry, including dating-app fatigue and evolving user habits. The change marks a significant shift in Bumble's operational ethos, moving away from a model that emphasized women's control in initiating conversations.
silver Android smartphone
BetaBeacon
August 16, 2026

Top 5 Best Android Phones for Gaming

The REDMAGIC 11 Pro is a purpose-built gaming phone with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, up to 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. It features liquid cooling, a vapor chamber, and a turbo fan for cooling during gaming sessions.
An adventure in the spirit of classic The Legend of Zelda with 86% positive reviews on Steam is being ported to Android
BetaBeacon
August 16, 2026

An adventure in the spirit of classic The Legend of Zelda with 86% positive reviews on Steam is being ported to Android

- Publisher FDG Entertainment has announced a mobile version of the pixel adventure Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King, inspired by A Link to the Past - The main character is Knight Lily who must save the Kingdom of Blossom from eternal darkness - Players will explore an open world, complete dungeons, fight monsters and bosses, find weapons and spells, and solve puzzles - The original game was released on PC in March 2017 and has positive reviews on Steam - The mobile version is available for pre-registration on Google Play, with no exact release date announced
Microsoft is removing a legacy Windows feature that has been around for 25 years
Winsage
August 16, 2026

Microsoft is removing a legacy Windows feature that has been around for 25 years

WMIC, a utility for IT administrators introduced in Windows XP in 2001, will be removed from Windows 11 after August 2026. It has been deprecated since 2016 and was previously removed from Windows 10 in 2021. Although it remained available as a Feature on Demand, it was disabled by default in new installations. Recent Preview builds for Windows 11 confirmed that WMIC will not be included in version 26H2. PowerShell is suggested as a prominent replacement for WMIC tasks.
Chart-topping game No 10: Full Confidence puts you in prime minister's shoes
AppWizard
August 16, 2026

Chart-topping game No 10: Full Confidence puts you in prime minister’s shoes

The game "No 10: Full Confidence" allows players to assume the role of a prime minister, navigating the dynamics of four factions: the cabinet, backbenchers, the media, and the public. Players encounter over 300 political scenarios that require decision-making skills reflective of real-world politics, ranging from policy decisions to crisis management. Each faction plays a crucial role: the cabinet provides essential support, backbenchers influence public opinion and legislation, the media shapes narratives, and the public ultimately holds the power to grant or revoke confidence in the prime minister's leadership. Players must balance these competing interests to maintain their position.
BMW's weird Minecraft-like car harvests more energy than it uses
AppWizard
August 16, 2026

BMW’s weird Minecraft-like car harvests more energy than it uses

The Deep Orange 17, an experimental solar prototype developed by graduate students at Clemson University, is named 'Luminetta' and features a boxy design inspired by the boxfish. It weighs 1,212 lb (550 kg) and incorporates over 1,700 photovoltaic cells, allowing it to generate up to 5.7 kWh of energy per day. The vehicle's solar array can potentially provide an additional 31 miles (50 km) of range from sunlight. The design focuses on extreme weight reduction and employs a skeletal chassis made from 3D-printed metal joints and lightweight composite body panels. The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of an energy-positive vehicle, although its performance relies on ideal conditions and raises concerns about crash safety and comfort.
Is the ‘Minecraft’ sequel filming in Utah? Here’s what we know.
AppWizard
August 16, 2026

Is the ‘Minecraft’ sequel filming in Utah? Here’s what we know.

Warner Bros. Pictures is producing "A Minecraft Movie," inspired by the popular video game Minecraft, which has sold over 200 million copies globally. The film features a wolf character named Dennis in the Overworld and aims to capture the game's aesthetic while exploring themes of exploration, friendship, and imagination. The studio is committed to authenticity and preserving the essence of Minecraft in the adaptation.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
August 16, 2026

Unofficial Native PC Version of Ace Combat 6 Released

An unofficial native PC version of Ace Combat 6 has been released, allowing PC gamers to play the game without emulators. This port uses the ReXGlue SDK to convert the original Xbox 360 PowerPC code into x86-64 code, enhancing graphics and performance to 60 FPS with improved terrain resolution. It features an intuitive control scheme with keyboard and mouse support, ultrawide support, and resolution scaling options. A copy of the US version of the Xbox 360 game is required, as other regional versions are not supported. Additionally, there are other unofficial PC ports available for classic titles such as Super Mario 64, Crash Team Racing, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Windows 11 KB5121003 is triggering game crashes and other issues on some PCs
AppWizard
August 16, 2026

Windows 11 KB5121003 is triggering game crashes and other issues on some PCs

Windows 11 update KB5121003, released in August 2026, addresses over 400 vulnerabilities but has caused crashes in games like ARC Raiders and The Finals. The game studio Embark has confirmed that the crashes are linked to the inpoutx64.sys driver, which has compatibility issues due to the update. Users have reported errors such as “Hang detected on GameThread” and “EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION” after installing the update. Embark has provided a workaround to stop and delete the inpoutx64.sys service to resolve the crashes. Uninstalling the update also appears to fix the issue. Additional reports indicate crashes in other games and graphics-related problems following the update.
Kingdom Hearts 4 finally has a release window, and it's sooner than I expected
AppWizard
August 16, 2026

Kingdom Hearts 4 finally has a release window, and it’s sooner than I expected

Kingdom Hearts 4 is set to launch in late 2027, as announced by Square Enix at Disney's D23 fan event. The game will feature a vibrant world inspired by the animated film Coco, where players will navigate the land of the dead and engage in battles. Sora's friends, including Mickey, Goofy, and Hades, will be on a quest to find him after his disappearance at the end of Kingdom Hearts 3. The new installment will introduce the Lost Master Arc, primarily set in Quadratum, a realm similar to Tokyo, while still exploring various Disney worlds. Series director Tetsuya Nomura has confirmed that development is progressing smoothly. Disney has recognized Kingdom Hearts as one of its "billion-dollar franchises."
Messenger: Chesterfield man uses AI skills for medical app to help his wife and others
AppWizard
August 16, 2026

Messenger: Chesterfield man uses AI skills for medical app to help his wife and others

In e-commerce, enhancing user experience during the entry of shipping information is crucial. Businesses focus on intuitive design, using effective labels for state and zip code inputs to improve clarity. The zip code field is designed for a maximum length of seven characters with placeholder text to guide users. A clearly labeled country selection field is important for international transactions, simplifying the checkout process. These design elements aim to increase user satisfaction and improve conversion rates.
Хакеры взломали ремейк Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
TrendTechie
August 16, 2026

Хакеры взломали ремейк Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag

The remake of Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced has been compromised by hackers, making it available for download on various torrent sites. This breach occurred a little over a month after the game's official release on July 9. The hacker, known as voice38, successfully bypassed Denuvo's anti-piracy measures and has previously hacked other titles. The game is available on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Connect, as well as on PS5 and Xbox Series, featuring Russian subtitles and significant enhancements such as redesigned mission structures, revamped combat systems, improved parkour mechanics, enhanced graphics, and new narrative content. Additionally, Mafia: The Old Country has released an expansion titled “Man of Honor”.
You Can Use Your Old Android Phone As A Universal Remote - Here's How
AppWizard
August 16, 2026

You Can Use Your Old Android Phone As A Universal Remote – Here’s How

Repurposing an old Android phone can enhance home entertainment by connecting it to a smart TV through various methods. Both devices should be on the same Wi-Fi network to use mobile apps like Roku or Amazon's Fire TV remote app. If no official app is available, generic options like Universal TV Remote can be found on Google Play, although they may include ads. Bluetooth connectivity is also an option, exemplified by the Bluetooth Remote app. If Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is not feasible, an infrared (IR) blaster can be purchased to turn the smartphone into a universal remote without needing an internet connection. IR blasters connect via the USB-C port and communicate with the TV's built-in components. Various IR blasters are available, including standard models and more advanced versions that support voice commands. Most Wi-Fi and Bluetooth apps are free, while IR blasters are affordable and widely available.
Best Steam Deck-friendly games under $5 in Humble’s Summer Sale
AppWizard
August 16, 2026

Best Steam Deck-friendly games under $5 in Humble’s Summer Sale

Humble is celebrating its 15th Anniversary Summer Sale, featuring discounts across its game catalog. Many titles are available for under a certain price, including games like Dying Light and Mad Max. The sale includes a curated list of the best Steam Deck games priced under a specific amount, with each game coming with a Steam key. As of July 10th, 2026, the prices listed reflect current discounts. Games labeled as Verified are optimized for the Steam Deck, while Playable titles may need adjustments. Humble is also offering a Short Games Showcase bundle with 14 Steam Deck-compatible games valued at a higher price for a lower price, along with additional savings through the Fanatical’s Favorites bundle.
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