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AppWizard

February 23, 2025

Flixfox App: Your Free Gateway to Endless Entertainment on Android

The Flixfox App is a free Android application that allows users to access a wide selection of movies and TV shows without ads or complex subscription models. It requires Android version 7.1 or newer, at least 50MB of free storage, and a stable internet connection with a recommended speed of 5Mbps. To install the app, users must enable Unknown Sources in their device settings, download the APK from the official website, and follow the installation steps. Users can create an account using social media logins, email, or mobile number registration, providing details like username, age, and gender for personalized recommendations. Key features of Flixfox include an extensive content library, HD streaming, and personalized recommendations. The app prioritizes user security through advanced encryption and does not store payment details. Flixfox offers a Basic Plan with limited access and advertisements, and a Premium Plan for a fee that includes exclusive content, ad-free viewing, and additional features. Pricing for the Premium Plan ranges from .99 monthly to .99 annually.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Unblockable ads now litter Microsoft’s Windows Surface app

Microsoft's Surface app has transformed into a marketplace filled with advertisements, overshadowing its original purpose of device management. Users encounter promotional offers, including a 30% discount on an Xbox controller, prominently displayed at the bottom of the interface. Ads are integrated into the app, raising concerns about user consent, and persist even with ad blockers in Microsoft Edge. The app now resembles a shopping platform, which may dishearten users who expected a streamlined experience. This shift reflects a broader trend in Microsoft's ecosystem of frequent marketing pushes across platforms, potentially affecting customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

You have to pay for Windows Notepad if you want to use AI

Microsoft has introduced AI features to Notepad, prompting users to subscribe to Microsoft 365 to access functionalities like Rewrite. While the basic functions of Notepad remain free, AI-powered features require a subscription. Users have expressed confusion over subscription prompts that disrupt the user experience. Notepad continues to operate without a Microsoft account, but accessing Rewrite requires "AI credits," which necessitate a subscription. Initially, Microsoft provided 50 credits for users to try Rewrite, but these credits have since expired for many. Microsoft describes Rewrite and other AI features as "bonus features," but the subscription prompts have raised concerns about user experience, especially following a price increase for Microsoft 365.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Microsoft just put this controversial Notepad feature behind a paywall

Microsoft's Notepad has received updates, including a new character count feature, while maintaining its core functionality as a free application that does not require an account for standard use. Users are prompted to sign in to a Microsoft account only if they wish to access the AI-powered Rewrite feature, which requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription. The introduction of premium functionalities suggests a shift towards a "freemium" model, allowing basic use without payment, while advanced features necessitate a subscription.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

5 reasons I can’t go back to Windows after trying Linux

Linux distributions are popular in the server realm but remain a niche in the broader computing landscape dominated by Windows. The command-line interface (CLI) in Linux aids troubleshooting with detailed logs and accessible commands, unlike Windows, which often requires extensive navigation. Linux package managers, such as Yum and Nix, offer a more secure and straightforward application installation process compared to Windows tools like WinGet and Chocolatey. Linux distributions have lower performance overhead, making them suitable for older devices, while Windows 11 has high system requirements. Linux is viewed as better for privacy, avoiding intrusive advertisements and telemetry services present in Windows. The versatility of Linux allows it to cater to various computing needs, enabling users to transform installations into servers, media hubs, or NAS. Despite its advantages, Windows still excels in certain areas, such as game compatibility and access to Adobe products, which may require a Windows virtual machine for Linux users.

AppWizard

February 15, 2025

Planet Coaster 2’s latest update adds synchronised rides, customisable video billboards, and stops guests suffering from perpetual panic

Planet Coaster 2 launched in November and has received two major updates since. The first update refined flume ride simulations and user interface issues. The second update introduced personalized video billboards, synchronized ride launches, and "de-themed" coaster variants. It also included game tweaks, bug fixes, enhanced user notifications, and a preview feature for the path and pool tool. Notable bug fixes improved guest behavior, such as changing clothes before exiting and exiting queues quietly when rides are closed. The game has sold approximately 400,000 copies, contributing to Frontier's return to profitability in the first half of the financial year, despite some user dissatisfaction regarding creation controls.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

Microsoft just installed a new app on everyone’s Windows 10 PCs, and nobody wants it

Users of the latest Windows 10 update have encountered a new Outlook app intended to replace the Mail and Calendar applications, but feedback has been largely negative. The new app is reported to be slower than the previous Mail app, and its reliance on cloud storage has raised privacy concerns. Additionally, the integration of advertisements within the email interface has frustrated users. A third-party tool has been developed to block the installation of the new Outlook app. Microsoft has provided resources to help users manage data usage and optimize their experience with the new app.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

3 Settings to Disable on Your Windows PC and Why?

Users can enhance their PC's privacy and performance by adjusting three key settings in Windows: 1. General Privacy Settings: Users should disable the default settings that allow tracking of user activity and sharing of data with Microsoft and third-party advertisers. This includes turning off personalized ads, tracking app launches, content suggestions based on activity, and sending diagnostic data. 2. Diagnostic and Feedback Settings: Users can prevent their PC from sending detailed reports about device usage to Microsoft by turning off optional diagnostic settings or selecting "Required Diagnostic Data." 3. Background Apps: To improve performance and reduce battery drain, users should disable the option that allows apps to run in the background. These adjustments help regain control over data tracking and optimize system efficiency.

Winsage

February 11, 2025

Microsoft gets rid of ‘Edge uninstall’ advice page after facing criticism over it having nothing to do with removing the app, and just promoting the browser instead

Microsoft recently retracted a controversial online document that appeared to help users uninstall the Edge browser, which was actually designed to persuade users to keep it. The document was discovered last week and faced negative backlash, leading to its removal. Users are now redirected to the Microsoft Edge portal, which promotes the browser without misleading implications about uninstallation. Additionally, there is no official method for most users outside of Europe to completely uninstall Edge from Windows 11 due to its integration with the operating system. Despite these promotional efforts, Edge has been recognized as a strong competitor in the browser market.

AppWizard

February 10, 2025

Valve clarifies ban on in-game advertising on Steam

Valve updated its Steamworks Documentation to include a dedicated "Advertising on Steam" page, formalizing its existing policy against advertising on the platform. The new page clarifies that Steam does not support paid advertisements or referral revenue from ads for other games or products. Developers whose games rely on advertising must consider alternative monetization strategies, such as a single purchase model or a free-to-play format with microtransactions or downloadable content (DLC). Models that block customers and require payment to continue playing are prohibited, and developers are encouraged to offer free demos. Valve has also consistently banned games that utilize blockchain technologies, including cryptocurrencies and NFTs, to maintain a safe gaming environment.