alarm Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 19, 2026

Real-World Threats Demand Real Results

AV-Comparatives conducted a Real-World Protection Test from February to May 2026, evaluating 20 consumer security products against real-world internet threats. Seven products received the ADVANCED+ award for their effective protection and low false alarm rates. The complete test report is available for free at av-comparatives.org. The evaluated products included well-known security solutions such as Avast, AVG, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Microsoft, Norton, and TotalAV. The test aimed to assess how well these products protect against various online threats, including malware embedded in trusted platforms.

Tech Optimizer

June 18, 2026

Real-World Threats Demand Real Results

AV-Comparatives conducted its Real-World Protection Test from February to May 2026, assessing 20 consumer security products against real-world internet threats. Seven products received the ADVANCED+ award for their reliable protection capabilities. The complete test report is available for free at av-comparatives.org. The tested products included well-known names such as Avast, AVG, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Microsoft, Norton, and TotalAV. The test methodology involved evaluating the products against a curated set of threats and assessing false-positive rates.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

This week in PC games: some enormous space sims and strategy games, plus a cheery prop hunt where you paint your own camouflage

The Summer Game Fest featured a new installment of Duskers and glimpses of a Fumito Ueda game. The following PC games were released or are in early access: - Atre: Dominance Wars - A turn-based fantasy kingdom builder available in early access, featuring four factions and a campaign. - Rakeo - A puzzle-platformer where players collect cookies in a 2D environment. - NBA The Run - A 3v3 street basketball game with vibrant visuals and humorous camera work. - Meccha Chameleon - A multiplayer hide-and-seek game focused on camouflage. - SAND: Raiders of Sophie - A PvPvE looting game involving warmechs. - 33 Immortals - A cooperative roguelike from the developers of Spiritfarer. - SpaceCraft - An early access game about exploring and transforming planets into a trading empire. - Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions - An early access spin-off of Astroneer for teams of cosmonauts. - Don't Let It Starve - A game about crafting bento boxes for a creature. The Treehouse will focus on interviews and impressions from the Summer Game Fest, with no further announcements allowed.

Tech Optimizer

June 5, 2026

Microsoft quietly deletes Windows 11 guide that claimed you don’t need third-party antivirus

In April 2026, a blog post from Microsoft's Windows Learning Center claimed that most Windows 11 users could rely solely on Windows Security (Defender) for antivirus protection, citing features like Microsoft Defender Antivirus, SmartScreen, and ransomware mitigation. The blog was later removed without explanation, leading to speculation about its definitive claims. Microsoft stated that Windows Defender was sufficient for typical users with default settings and regular updates, while cautioning against using multiple antivirus engines. Independent testing from AV-Test consistently ranks Microsoft Defender highly, but AV-Comparatives noted limitations in offline protection and the reliance on cloud-based intelligence. The blog's removal was viewed by some as a constructive step towards realistic security guidance. Microsoft continues to provide third-party antivirus vendors with significant access to Windows, and the rise of AI-generated threats is complicating the cybersecurity landscape. Despite the controversies, Microsoft has made significant advancements in Windows Security, making it a viable option for many users.

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

10 Tasker Hacks Every Android User Should Know

Tasker is an Android application available for .99 on the Google Play Store that enables extensive hacks, automations, and customizations for a personalized Android experience. - Users can change alarm sounds based on current weather conditions. - Tasker enhances reminders with features like customizable fonts, colors, sounds, vibrations, and specific recurrence options. - It can automate connecting to specific coffee shop wifi networks when in range. - Users can enable auto-rotate selectively for certain apps. - The ShakeWake project helps keep users awake during long sessions by sending alerts at intervals. - Tasker can restore ticker-style notifications for app alerts in the status bar. - It can disable touch inputs when the phone is in a pocket using the proximity sensor. - GPS can be activated only when specific apps, like Google Maps, are opened to conserve battery life. - Users can set a designated app to launch upon the first unlock of the day. - Tasker allows different apps to launch based on the fingerprint used to unlock the phone.

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

I actually don’t hate the new Google Health app, but it could still use some work. Here are my highlights after testing the revamped Fitbit app, and how I think Google can improve

The Google Health app has been redesigned from its previous identity as Fitbit and launched alongside the Fitbit Air. It features daily run recommendations enhanced by AI, but lacks the ability to send non-running workouts to the Pixel Watch. The workout interface is user-friendly, but the Pixel Watch cannot automatically count reps or sets. The categorization of workouts as "suggestions" in the Fitness tab is less definitive than before, though Google plans to reintroduce structured schedules later this year. The app provides motivational messages based on user activity and sleep metrics, allowing for flexible goal adjustments. The food logging feature allows users to log meals through descriptions or photos, but nutritional accuracy is inconsistent. The app syncs with MyFitnessPal for better meal logging. Additionally, users can link medical records to access health information in one place, although the presentation of historical data can be overwhelming. Google Health is actively working on updates based on user feedback, though some features, like sleep profiles, are not currently available.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

81-Year-Old Minecraft Streaming For Cancer Charity Gets Swatted

Sue Jacquot, known as GrammaCrackers, has been livestreaming her efforts to raise funds for her 17-year-old grandson’s cancer treatment for over fifteen consecutive days. She began streaming in October 2025, focusing on Minecraft and later expanding to other games. On May 4, she initiated a livestream challenge titled “Not Ending Until I Beat Minecraft.” On May 19, she experienced a swatting incident during her livestream, where multiple police vehicles responded to a false alarm at her home. Despite the alarming situation, she maintained a lighthearted attitude, describing the experience as “kinda fun.” The incident may increase her viewership and fundraising efforts, highlighting the challenges of the U.S. healthcare system.

Tech Optimizer

May 20, 2026

PostgreSQL backup tool gets some backup of its own after sole maintainer sounds alarm

A coalition of companies, including AWS, Percona, Supabase, pgEdge, and Tiger Data, has formed to support the maintenance of pgBackRest, an extension for the PostgreSQL database, after its long-time maintainer, David Steele, could no longer continue due to a lack of sponsorship following the acquisition of Crunchy Data by Snowflake. pgBackRest is a backup and restore solution for PostgreSQL, which is widely used by major cloud service providers. Steele had been seeking sponsorship to maintain the project but was unsuccessful, prompting concerns about its future. The coalition aims to provide stability and reduce reliance on a single sponsor by onboarding a new maintainer and seeking additional support. Percona's CEO emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure the project's health for the community.

Winsage

May 19, 2026

Windows Firewall stands between you and greasy delight

A fast-food venue in Sheffield's Centertainment is experiencing a glitch on its order progress screen due to a notification from the Windows Defender Firewall, indicating that some software is attempting to breach the kitchen's digital defenses. The pop-up message cannot be dismissed by customers and highlights the restaurant's reliance on technology. The Windows Defender Firewall has been a part of digital security since Windows XP and has evolved significantly over time. The incident suggests potential misconfigurations within the restaurant's system and raises questions about opportunities for branding enhancement.

AppWizard

May 11, 2026

Jewish teen subjected to antisemitic slurs on Minecraft, inquiry told

A Perth teenager shared his experience of online bullying during a Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion hearing, detailing how classmates hurled antisemitic slurs at him while playing Minecraft. He felt isolated and distressed, confiding in his parents, who reported the bullying to the school. The school addressed the situation, leading to apologies from the students involved. The boy's mother expressed concerns about rising antisemitism, drawing parallels to her past experiences in the former Yugoslavia. Rabbi Menachem Dadon honored his friend Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was killed in a shooting attack. Julie Nathan from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry reported a 316 percent increase in antisemitic incidents from 2023 to 2024, with over 1,600 incidents recorded in the past year. Musician Joshua Moshe faced online abuse after discussing Jewish history in a WhatsApp group, leading to threats and vandalism. Musician Deborah Conway experienced backlash and harassment after comments about military actions in Gaza, resulting in canceled gigs and protests. The Royal Commission continues to investigate antisemitism, having received over 9,600 submissions, primarily from Jewish individuals.