app usage Archives

Tech Optimizer

February 18, 2025

Microsoft Defender vs. McAfee: Features, Pricing, Pros & Cons

eSecurity Planet maintains editorial independence and may earn revenue from partner links. Microsoft Defender, a free built-in antivirus for Windows, offers minimal configuration and supports Windows 10 and 11, while McAfee, which holds a 12.47% share of the global antivirus market, provides extensive privacy monitoring and data protection across multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) with various pricing plans ranging from .99 to 9.99. Microsoft Defender supports a single device and includes features like real-time threat protection, parental controls, and a firewall, but lacks advanced features like VPN and identity theft monitoring. McAfee offers a wider range of features, including a VPN, identity theft monitoring, and data cleanup, making it a more comprehensive solution despite its higher cost. Microsoft Defender has an overall rating of 3.8/5, while McAfee rates 4.4/5, excelling in customer support with multiple channels, including live chat and phone support. Microsoft Defender is suitable for users on a budget, while McAfee is better for those needing robust privacy and identity protection. Alternatives to consider include Norton, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes.

AppWizard

February 17, 2025

Google Unveils Car Ready Apps Program in Android Auto 13.8 Update

Google has released the Android Auto 13.8 Beta update, which includes several key features aimed at improving the in-car app experience. - The Car Ready Mobile Apps Program simplifies app integration for developers, increasing the variety of apps available on the car’s display. - A new classification system categorizes apps into three tiers: - Tier 1: Car Differentiated – Designed specifically for in-vehicle use. - Tier 2: Car Optimized – Enhanced apps for a better in-car experience. - Tier 3: Car Ready – Compatible apps needing minimal adjustments when parked. - New accessibility features include reference codes “newappavailable” and “newparkedapp_available,” allowing easier access to apps from the phone to the car’s display, especially when parked. - Fixes in this update include: - Google Maps interface correction for clearer visibility of the location icon. - Resolutions for audio and Bluetooth connectivity issues. The update is available for download through the Google Play Store or via third-party APK links.

AppWizard

December 19, 2024

Niagara Launcher, one of the best Android launchers, finally has backups

Niagara Launcher has released a "Winter Update" that includes a backup feature allowing users to securely save and restore their launcher settings, integrating with Android's backup system to archive settings to Google Drive. This feature is available in both free and pro versions and can be accessed through the app's settings. Additionally, a new tool called the Usage Breaker, exclusive to Niagara Pro users, helps manage screen time by reminding users of excessive app usage without restricting access. The launcher maintains a minimalist design with a vertically scrolling list of apps for easy navigation. The latest beta version is available for download, with updates rolling out to all users soon.

Winsage

December 14, 2024

6 ways Windows 11 tracks your personal data and how to opt out

Windows 11 collects a significant amount of data, raising privacy concerns for some users. Essential data collection includes device models and diagnostic information, while a considerable portion is optional, allowing users to opt out. Windows 11 tracks browsing history only when using Microsoft Edge and logged into a Microsoft account, but does not track history on third-party browsers. Users can prevent this tracking by adjusting settings in Privacy & security. The operating system monitors connected devices, collecting information such as device names and network details. This tracking can also be disabled through the same settings. Location tracking is utilized by various apps and services, with users able to revoke permissions in Privacy & security settings. Windows 11 gathers data on app usage, including frequency and duration, which can be disabled through optional diagnostic data settings. The OS collects information about installed software to enhance diagnostics and performance, with users able to limit this collection in settings. Voice data is collected for voice recognition features, but this can be turned off in Privacy & Security settings, although it may limit access to certain apps.

AppWizard

December 13, 2024

Use Android’s Built-In Settings to Cut Your Phone Usage Time in Half

The author experienced declining battery life on their Google Pixel 9 Pro due to excessive phone usage, particularly through social media and email. They utilized Android's Digital Wellbeing tools, such as app usage timers, to limit time spent on apps like Google Chrome, Gmail, Instagram, and TikTok, reducing daily usage from 4.5 hours to 3.5 hours. By implementing bedtime mode and placing the phone face down to silence notifications, they further decreased usage to about 2 hours daily. These changes led to increased productivity and a greater sense of freedom, allowing the author to engage in more offline activities.

Winsage

December 1, 2024

10 tips to set up parental controls in Windows for child safety

- Ensuring the safety of children online is crucial in today's digital landscape. - Parents can use parental control features in Windows 10 and Windows 11 to create a secure online environment. - Open communication about online dangers empowers children to make informed choices. - Advise children against sharing personal information with strangers and encourage them to report suspicious messages. - Establish individual user accounts for each child on Windows to tailor content visibility and settings. - Microsoft Family Safety provides tools to manage children's online activities, including setting screen time limits and blocking websites. - Choosing child-friendly web browsers can enhance online safety by blocking inappropriate content. - Regularly updating the computer addresses security vulnerabilities. - Web filtering can block specific websites or content categories through Microsoft Family Safety. - Home routers often have parental control features to manage internet access and content filtering. - Windows allows parents to control app access and set age limits for suitable content. - Setting daily screen time limits promotes healthy digital habits. - Monitoring online activity through Microsoft Family Safety helps parents understand their children's digital interactions.

AppWizard

November 25, 2024

These are the best alternatives to Google’s most popular apps

Many users rely on Google-made Android applications, which can create dependency, but alternatives exist. Heliboard is an open-source keyboard that can replace Gboard after initial setup. Mozilla Thunderbird is a strong alternative to Gmail, offering a clean interface and support for multiple email providers. Mozilla Firefox is a preferred browser alternative to Google Chrome, providing extensive customization and support for extensions. Notally offers a familiar layout for note-taking as an alternative to Google Keep. Material Notes and Mixplorer are alternatives to Files by Google, with Material Notes offering a sleek interface and Mixplorer providing advanced features. Todoist is a feature-rich alternative to Google Tasks, with its own calendar solutions and voice recognition for task entry. OsmAnd and Organic Maps are navigation alternatives to Google Maps, utilizing OpenStreetMap data. Aves Gallery is a feature-rich gallery app alternative to Google Photos, while Focus Go offers a simpler experience for less powerful devices. Some Google apps, like Google Recorder and Google Messages, lack genuine alternatives.

AppWizard

November 19, 2024

These are the Android apps I ditched, and for good reason

Many users have transitioned from one app to another for reasons such as enhanced features, improved usability, or a fresh start. - A user switched from Evernote to Notion due to Evernote's limitations, including lack of customization and device syncing issues. Notion offered greater flexibility and a user-friendly interface. - Another user moved from Microsoft To Do to Todoist because of the absence of natural language processing in Microsoft To Do, which made task management cumbersome. Todoist provided natural language recognition and a more appealing design. - The transition from ChatGPT to Gemini was motivated by Gemini's extensions that improved productivity within Google's ecosystem, allowing seamless access to various tools. - A user shifted from Google News to Feedly for better customization, as Feedly allowed them to curate their news sources more effectively. - The switch from Yahoo Finance to Koyfin was due to Koyfin's intuitive interface and focus on market data, which users found clearer and more helpful for investment decisions. - Lastly, a user transitioned from Pocket Casts to Spotify for convenience, as Spotify consolidated their music and podcast listening experience.

AppWizard

November 17, 2024

Your phone can now remind you when you’ve used an app for too long

Google is enhancing its Digital Wellbeing app with a new feature called Screen Time Reminders, which helps users manage their time on distracting applications. This feature provides subtle prompts when excessive time is spent on selected apps, rather than locking users out. Notifications appear at the top of the screen, showing total time spent on the app, encouraging users to reconsider their usage. Users can activate this feature by navigating to the Screen Time Reminders option in the Digital Wellbeing settings, enabling reminders for specific apps. Reminders will pop up when the designated time limit is reached.

Tech Optimizer

November 12, 2024

Norton Antivirus Review

Norton Antivirus is a cybersecurity solution known for its powerful antivirus protection, advanced firewall capabilities, password manager, excellent parental controls, and successful performance in independent lab tests. However, it has a higher price point, frequent pop-up notifications, and a complicated cancellation process. Key features include real-time malware and virus scans, a secure VPN, 2GB cloud backup, parental controls, dark web monitoring, a password manager, identity restoration support, SafeCam, social media monitoring, a smart firewall, advanced machine learning for threat detection, and a power eraser tool. Norton offers various pricing plans, starting from .99 for the first year for the basic plan, with a 60-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial. The user interface is designed for ease of use, and user reviews average 4.4 stars out of 5, highlighting its effectiveness in malware protection but noting some concerns about customer service.