Americans Archives

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Americans are missing out on some of the best updates Microsoft has made to Windows 11

Major tech companies, including Microsoft, are adapting their practices to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Union (EU). Microsoft has allowed users in the EU to uninstall Microsoft Edge, Bing, and OneDrive on Windows 11 devices. Additionally, Microsoft will no longer pressure users to adopt the Bing app; Bing searches will now open in the user's preferred default browser. This change applies to links from the Widgets Board or Lock Screen in the European Economic Area (EEA). Microsoft has limited prompts to set Edge as the default browser to when users actively open Edge. This update has been effective since May 29th, with the release of Edge version 137.0.3296.52. Users who set a default browser will have it pinned to the Taskbar automatically unless they opt out, and other Microsoft applications will not prompt users to reinstall Edge if it is uninstalled. The process for setting a default browser will now cover a wider range of file and link types in the EEA, and Windows Search will receive enhancements, including support for third-party web search providers. Many features are being gradually rolled out, starting with Windows Insider builds.

Tech Optimizer

May 31, 2025

Study offers a national report on antivirus software trends

Nearly half of Mac users have encountered viruses despite having protective software installed, challenging the belief that Apple products are immune to malware. The report highlights that 71% of Android users have antivirus software, but only 49% seek third-party tools. More than half of Americans do not use additional security measures beyond antivirus. Among iOS users, 38% are unaware of third-party antivirus options. While 84% have antivirus on computers, only 68% have it on smartphones and 60% on tablets. Despite widespread adoption, only 16% of antivirus users feel their software is ineffective. The virus encounter rates are 44% for Mac users, 36% for Windows users, and 30% for other platforms.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

More Americans are on Windows 11 than Windows 10: the older OS is getting abandoned en masse

Microsoft will officially cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, compelling users to transition to Windows 11, which has more demanding hardware requirements. Users with older systems may struggle to meet these requirements, and Microsoft will not guarantee updates for installations on unsupported hardware. Windows 10 will continue to receive support until October 2025, after which paid updates will be available. The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is emphasized in Windows 11 for enhanced security, providing encryption and verifying software integrity. Recent statistics show that Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in market share in the U.S., with 54% of users on Windows 11 compared to 44% on Windows 10. However, Windows 10 still holds a 55% market share in Europe and over 60% in Asia.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

’Minecraft’, Jesus Lead Box Office Resurgence

Rory McIlroy won The Masters, achieving his career Grand Slam. Paramount is experiencing a strong start to Q2, with Cooper Flagg helping Duke achieve an 8-year ratings high and the men's championship game attracting 18.1 million viewers. The Naked Gun debuted successfully at CinemaCon, and MI:8 is projected for a record opening. 60 Minutes is performing well despite political challenges, and MobLand garnered 8.8 million global viewers in its first week on Paramount+. WBD paid its top 5 executives over million in compensation in 2024, while its stock was down approximately 7%. The source of autism is expected to be discovered by September, according to RFK Jr. Cosmopolitan is launching a sports content outlet called Cosmo Sports, and OpenAI is offering free ChatGPT Plus to college students through May. Disney is discounting at Disney World this summer, likely due to the upcoming opening of Universal's Epic theme park. Director Don Mischer passed away at the age of 85.

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

PCSO offers new phone app to public

The Pike County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) has launched a new smartphone application and an updated website to improve communication with the community. The app, developed by TheSheriffApp.com, includes features such as a welcome message, inmate and jail information, registered sex offenders, school safety resources, pistol permit applications, cyber safety tips, crime tip submissions, and contact information for the sheriff’s office. Sheriff Russell Thomas stated that the app serves as an educational tool and enhances public safety engagement. The app allows citizens to access information conveniently on their smartphones, especially during emergencies or for updates like road closures.

AppWizard

March 24, 2025

Leading publishers found Accessible Games Initiative

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has launched the Accessible Games Initiative to improve accessibility in gaming by providing consumers with information on accessibility features in video games. This initiative is supported by major companies such as Electronic Arts, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo of America, and Ubisoft, along with Amazon, Riot, Square Enix, and Warner Bros. It introduces 24 tags that highlight specific accessibility functions, including clear text options, subtitle availability, and flexible save features. ESA's president, Stanley Pierre-Louis, noted the initiative's goal to help millions of Americans with disabilities enjoy video games.

Tech Optimizer

February 24, 2025

Millions of Avast antivirus software customers are getting a refund. Here’s why.

Millions of Americans who purchased antivirus software from Avast may be eligible for compensation following a .5 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Approximately 3.7 million customers who acquired Avast products between August 2014 and January 2020 are affected. The FTC claims Avast collected extensive personal information from users, including religious beliefs, health concerns, political leanings, locations, and financial status, and sold this data without user consent to over 100 third parties through a subsidiary called Jumpshot. Affected consumers will receive emails about their eligibility to apply for compensation, and claims can be submitted online until June 5. Payments are expected to be distributed in 2026, with the amount depending on the total number of claims filed.

AppWizard

February 10, 2025

TikTok Offers Workaround for Android Users To Download the App

TikTok has created Android download kits for TikTok and TikTok Lite to allow users to access the platform despite its absence from US app stores. Users can download the app by visiting TikTok.com/Download, enabling sideloading, which is the installation of apps from outside official app stores. Certain features, like Live streaming and TikTok Shop, are not available. TikTok has not returned to Google Play or the Apple App Store since its removal on January 19 and is implementing security measures for its Android Package Kits. Political concerns about TikTok's ties to China have led to discussions about a potential ban and interest from various figures in acquiring the platform.

AppWizard

February 8, 2025

TikTok enables U.S. Android users to download app via website

On February 7, TikTok announced that U.S. Android users can download and access the platform directly from its website. This decision is in response to legislation effective January 19, requiring TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to divest ownership or face a potential ban due to national security concerns. Since the law's enactment, Apple and Google have not reinstated TikTok in their app stores. Former President Donald Trump is seeking a 75-day delay in enforcement, indicating possible negotiations for a sale of TikTok. TikTok has approximately 170 million users in the U.S. Trump signed an executive order for a sovereign wealth fund, which could facilitate TikTok's acquisition. U.S. officials are concerned about data misuse under ByteDance, while advocates for free speech oppose the ban. TikTok claims that U.S. officials have misrepresented its ties to China, stating that user data is stored on Oracle-operated servers in the U.S. and that content moderation is conducted domestically.

AppWizard

February 5, 2025

ESA wants to be consulted on Trump tariffs

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has requested to participate in discussions about future tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump, expressing concern that these tariffs could burden American consumers. The video game industry relies on imported components, particularly from China, and currently faces a 10 percent tariff. There were also plans for a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, which are temporarily suspended. The ESA stated that tariffs on video game devices and related products would impact Americans of all ages and emphasized the need for a transparent consultation process with the private sector. They highlighted the cultural significance of video games and warned that tariffs could negatively affect hundreds of millions of Americans and the industry's contributions to the US economy. The ESA is eager to collaborate with the Administration and Congress to sustain the economic growth supported by their sector.