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AppWizard
February 21, 2025
Amazon will close its 'Amazon Appstore for Android' on August 20, 2025. New app submissions targeting Android devices are no longer accepted, but developers can update existing applications until the closure date. Existing apps downloaded from the Amazon Appstore will remain accessible until the shutdown, but their functionality may vary afterward. Users can still access these apps on Fire TVs and Fire tablets. The Amazon Coins virtual currency program will also be discontinued on the same date, and users must use their remaining balance before it expires, as no additional purchases can be made. Developers are not required to take action, but users are advised to seek alternatives on the Google Play Store and review their subscriptions linked to the Amazon Appstore.
Winsage
February 3, 2025
Flyby11, a third-party utility for navigating Windows 11 system requirements, has received a significant update that includes a Registry tweak and refined scripts for improved stability. Microsoft Defender flags Flyby11 as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA:Win32/Patcher), which may deter some users. The application has been adjusted to comply with Microsoft's updated CPU and TPM policies, although Microsoft does not officially support this method. Users are advised to test Flyby11 in a virtual machine due to its lack of digital signatures. The latest version, 1.2, is available for download on its official GitHub repository.
Winsage
December 23, 2024
Microsoft has recommended the use of "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)," a tool that has been around for over 15 years, despite officially discontinuing support for it with the release of Windows 10 version 1709. This recommendation highlights the persistence of legacy features in Windows, as the tool remains functional for restoring systems from older versions of Windows to newer ones. Modern backup options from Microsoft, such as System Restore, File History, and System Protection, have significant limitations, leading to fragmented solutions for users. The coexistence of outdated tools with newer interfaces creates inconsistencies and mixed messages from Microsoft regarding backup solutions. Users considering Backup and Restore (Windows 7) should be cautious, as it is no longer being developed and may not perform reliably on modern operating systems. Third-party backup tools are suggested as more dependable alternatives.
AppWizard
December 8, 2024
Gboard is a popular keyboard for Android users due to its integration with Google's ecosystem and features. HeliBoard is an alternative minimalist keyboard that focuses on privacy and simplicity. Transitioning to HeliBoard requires some customization, which may not appeal to all users. HeliBoard offers customizable aesthetics, three keyboard styles, and a dynamic color palette. It allows easy language switching but may lack dictionary support for some languages. HeliBoard prioritizes a streamlined experience, enhancing speed and efficiency by removing unnecessary features, although it supports basic functionalities like word suggestions and gesture typing, which need manual activation. HeliBoard does not collect usage data, ensuring user privacy, unlike Gboard. However, it may have bugs and issues that could frustrate users, making it less reliable for everyday use. Other alternatives to Gboard include Florisboard, Microsoft SwiftKey, FUTO Keyboard, and Unexpected Keyboard.
Winsage
November 28, 2024
The Dell Inspiron 14 5441 is priced at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In a landscape increasingly dominated by Arm processors, the Dell Inspiron 14 5441 emerges as a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers. Priced at 0, this laptop showcases the advantages of Qualcomm's Snapdragon X systems-on-a-chip, making it the most affordable Snapdragon X laptop available. Notably, it undercuts even the entry-level M-series MacBooks, positioning itself as a strong contender in the midrange laptop market. However, achieving this price point necessitated some compromises. Users may find the display's color accuracy lacking, a fact that became apparent during testing without the need for specialized equipment. While the chassis maintains a premium feel, it doesn't quite match the elegance of higher-priced competitors. Yet, these drawbacks pale in comparison to the impressive performance, extended battery life, and the overall user experience that Windows on Arm laptops now deliver. For many, this raises the question of whether traditional Intel or AMD laptops still hold their ground in this price bracket. About this review: Dell provided the Inspiron 14 for review purposes, without any editorial influence on the content. Pricing, specs, and availability The Inspiron 14 5441 features a Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42-100) processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage, retailing for 0. An upgrade to a 512GB SSD is available for an additional , making it a worthwhile investment at a typical MSRP of 0. At the time of publication, this model was available for 0 at Best Buy, alongside listings on Dell's website and other major online retailers. Design and ports The design of the Dell Inspiron 14 strikes a balance between sturdiness and simplicity. While it is more robust than cheaper plastic alternatives, it lacks the flair of pricier models. With a thickness of 17.9mm, the laptop does exhibit some flex in the display housing, but the metal construction and solid palm rests offer a reassuring touch. In terms of connectivity, the Inspiron 14 is equipped with two USB 4 Type-C ports, a microSD card slot, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Wireless capabilities include support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring users have access to modern connectivity options. Keyboard and touchpad The keyboard on the Dell Inspiron 14 is a highlight, offering ample travel for a satisfying typing experience, surpassing many ultra-thin models. A dedicated Copilot key is present, although its current functionality is limited to launching a web app version of the Copilot chatbot. The touchpad, while not as sophisticated as those found on premium devices, provides a satisfying click and responsive performance. Display The 14-inch IPS display boasts a resolution of 1920x1200 and a brightness rating of 300 nits. While the specifications appear adequate for a productivity laptop, the color accuracy is notably poor, which could be a concern for users who rely on precise color representation. Despite this, the display's brightness and matte finish make it usable in various lighting conditions. Performance Powered by the Snapdragon X Plus, the Inspiron 14 demonstrates impressive performance, particularly in native applications. It outperforms its higher-priced Intel counterpart in single-core tasks, showcasing the efficiency of the Snapdragon architecture. Users can expect a seamless experience with most commonly used applications running natively, while emulation for others remains effective. Battery life is another strong point, with the laptop easily lasting through a full day of work—approximately 10 hours—without needing a charge. This reliability transforms the user experience, allowing for uninterrupted productivity. Should you buy the Dell Inspiron 14 5441? The Dell Inspiron 14 5441 is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable productivity laptop within a budget. It excels in battery life and performance, making it a solid investment for users who do not require a color-accurate display or have specific app compatibility needs. However, for those who prioritize gaming or use applications that are not optimized for Windows on Arm, alternative options may be more suitable." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] and features a Snapdragon X Plus processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage. An upgrade to a 512GB SSD is available for an additional cost. It has a 14-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920x1200 and a brightness of 300 nits, but the color accuracy is poor. The laptop includes two USB 4 Type-C ports, a microSD card slot, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, with support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. The keyboard offers ample travel, and the touchpad is responsive. The battery life lasts approximately 10 hours, providing reliable performance for productivity tasks.
Winsage
November 22, 2024
As of October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive monthly security updates, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 or exploring alternatives. The ability to upgrade depends on the age and specifications of the PC, particularly the CPU. PCs designed from 2019 onward generally meet the requirements for Windows 11, including the necessary Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. PCs from 2016 to 2019 may still be capable of upgrading but may require a registry edit if their CPUs are not officially supported. PCs designed between 2010 and 2015 may have some potential for upgrade, depending on the presence of a TPM and the CPU manufacturer. Older PCs from 2009 and earlier typically lack the necessary TPMs and CPU support for Windows 11, making upgrades unlikely. Users with these older machines might consider alternative operating systems like Linux.
AppWizard
October 24, 2024
Mojang announced that it will discontinue support for VR and mixed reality devices for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition after a final update in March 2025. Support for PlayStation VR headsets will also conclude in March 2025. Players will still receive updates on traditional platforms and can continue to access their Marketplace purchases without a VR/MR device. The Vivecraft mod for Minecraft Java Edition and QuestCraft for Quest headset owners remain available for those interested in VR experiences.
Winsage
October 19, 2024
A new vulnerability, CVE-2024-43573, has been identified in Windows systems, prompting a third urgent advisory from the U.S. government. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has mandated that federal employees must either implement mitigations or stop using affected products by October 29. This vulnerability is a spoofing issue that could lead to a loss of confidentiality. Approximately 900 million Windows 10 users are at risk as they have not transitioned to Windows 11, and 50 million users are still on older versions. The vulnerability is linked to MSHTML, which can invoke retired Internet Explorer to access malicious URLs. This is the third vulnerability in a series that includes CVE-2024-38112 and CVE-2024-43461, both of which have been exploited in the past months. Users are urged to update their systems promptly to mitigate risks.
AppWizard
October 7, 2024
Kaspersky's official Android app was removed from the Google Play Store, and its developer accounts were disabled, following sanctions imposed by the US government. Kaspersky is investigating the unavailability of its software and has provided alternative download options through other app stores and its official website. The US government has raised concerns about Kaspersky's software potentially being exploited by the Russian government, leading to a ban on the sale of its products effective July 20, 2024. Kaspersky was placed on the US Entity List, and updates to its software were halted as of September 29. The company is offering free security products and safety tips for six months to mitigate customer impact. In September 2024, US customers reported that their antivirus software was replaced with a new solution named UltraAV.
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