Apple Archives

AppWizard

May 26, 2026

How a ‘Minecraft’ song helped an Akron student find confidence

Jerimiah Worley, a fourth-grader at Bridges Learning Center, performed "Subwoofer Lullaby" at the school's third annual talent show, Bridges Got Talent, accompanied by music therapist Edie Steiner. Bridges Learning Center serves approximately 120 students with emotional or behavioral needs and provides tailored social-emotional and mental health support. Established in 2006, it has expanded to include a program for students up to 21 years old with significant cognitive disabilities. Principal Michele Angelo noted that some students spend their entire K-12 journey at Bridges, while others transition back to home schools after mentorship from the nearly 70-person staff. Last year, about 10 percent of students graduated, gaining skills from music and art therapy. Steiner, the district's sole music therapist, teaches students to explore lyrics and melodies that resonate with their experiences. The talent show allowed students to choose their audience, with guest judges providing encouragement. Jerimiah's aunt, Stasha Heller, expressed pride in his musical journey. Student artwork displayed in the cafeteria reflected emotional landscapes nurtured through art therapy sessions. Art therapist Shenan May provides students with tools for social-emotional wellbeing, including sensory items. Principal Angelo highlighted the significant progress made by students and staff, describing their improvements as life-changing. Steiner hopes the music created will foster meaningful conversations and be shared across generations.

Tech Optimizer

May 26, 2026

What the Tech? What to ask yourself before downloading an anti-virus app

Most individuals do not require antivirus apps on their smartphones, as the primary threats are scams rather than traditional viruses. iPhones use app isolation, making conventional antivirus scans ineffective; threats include phishing texts and fraudulent websites. Android phones allow sideloading, increasing the risk of malware from unofficial sources. The main dangers are deceptive tactics like phishing, scam calls, and social engineering. To enhance security, users should keep their operating systems updated, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid suspicious links, and refrain from installing apps from unknown sources. Antivirus apps may be beneficial for users who frequently click unverified links, download files from unfamiliar sites, or engage in Android sideloading. Reputable security apps focus on scam detection and account safety rather than traditional virus scanning.

Tech Optimizer

May 25, 2026

What The Tech: Is an anti-virus software needed for smartphones?

Most smartphone users do not require antivirus applications, as the primary threats are scams rather than traditional viruses. iPhones have a secure operating system that limits antivirus functionality, focusing on scams like deceptive texts and phishing links. Android devices allow sideloading, increasing the risk of malware from unofficial sources. Best practices for smartphone safety include downloading apps from official stores, using trusted developers, avoiding dubious links, keeping the operating system updated, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and refraining from installing apps from unknown sources. Antivirus apps may be beneficial for users who frequently click on links, download files from unfamiliar websites, install many applications, engage in Android sideloading, or seek additional protection against scams. Reputable security apps prioritize scam detection and unsafe website identification over traditional virus scanning.

Winsage

May 25, 2026

Thousands of Windows machines are being replaced in schools with MacBook Neo and iPads

The Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) has acquired over 4,500 MacBook Neo units for students in 8th grade and above, planning to phase out more than 30,000 existing devices. The initiative aims to create a unified Apple-centric ecosystem to enhance collaboration and efficiency in classrooms. The rollout will initially focus on older students, with iPads and existing MacBook Airs serving other grade levels. This move positions Apple to compete against Chromebooks and budget Windows laptops in the educational market. Intel is also working on Project Firefly to keep Windows competitive by offering sub-0 Windows laptops. KCPS's initiative provides Apple an opportunity to showcase its devices in real-world classroom settings, focusing on practical aspects like battery performance and support costs. The success of this transition will depend on managing repair, training, and management expenses as older machines are phased out, potentially influencing other educational institutions to consider the MacBook Neo.

Winsage

May 23, 2026

Microsoft says you should pause Windows 11 Updates when you need to work, as it tests greater controller

Microsoft is shifting its approach to Windows updates, responding to user frustrations about receiving update notifications during critical work hours. The company is currently testing more nuanced controls for updates with Windows Insiders, including a "Pick a date" feature that allows users to pause updates for up to 35 days, with the option to extend the pause indefinitely. Retail Windows 11 users can pause updates for up to five weeks, after which updates will automatically download without further pause options. Microsoft acknowledges that the frequency of updates can disrupt workflows for its 1.6 billion users, many of whom view mandatory updates as interruptions. The time required for updates has increased due to larger cumulative update packages, which can exceed 4GB, and the complexity of the operating system. To improve user control, Microsoft is testing a new power menu that separates update and shutdown options, allowing users to power down without installing updates. Additionally, updates will now include device class information in their titles for better user awareness. These changes aim to streamline the update experience and address long-standing user complaints.

Tech Optimizer

May 22, 2026

What the Tech: Phone antivirus apps |Helpful protection or a scam?

Most individuals do not require antivirus apps on their smartphones, as the primary threats have shifted from traditional viruses to scams and deceptive practices. iPhones utilize app isolation, making them less susceptible to conventional viruses but vulnerable to scams like phishing and fraudulent messages. Android phones allow sideloading, increasing the risk of malware from unofficial sources. The main threats include phishing texts, fake login pages, scam calls, reused passwords, and social engineering tactics. To enhance security, users should keep their phones updated, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid suspicious links, and refrain from installing apps from unknown sources. Antivirus apps may be helpful in specific situations, such as frequent link tapping or downloading files from unfamiliar websites, with reputable companies offering mobile security solutions focused on scam detection and account safety.

Winsage

May 22, 2026

Microsoft’s Yusuf Mehdi pledges to reimagine Windows 11 for the AI era in his final year before leaving

Yusuf Mehdi is leaving Microsoft after a 35-year tenure, during which he played a significant role in launching products like Windows 95, Internet Explorer, Bing, Xbox One, and the Surface Pro lineup. He was the Executive Vice President and Consumer Chief Marketing Officer, leading Microsoft's consumer strategy and its push into AI, particularly with the Copilot brand. Mehdi announced plans to continue working on Microsoft's AI strategy, focusing on making Windows 11 an "agentic OS," which allows AI agents to operate autonomously. Despite backlash from users regarding performance issues, Mehdi remains committed to this vision. Recently, Microsoft has shifted its focus to improving Windows 11's functionality, addressing criticism about its performance while continuing to explore AI integration.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Android Auto 17.0 Is Rolling Out To Users – Here’s How You Can Get It Early

Android 17, set to arrive in 2026, will allow users to manually download updates by visiting Android's Developer site for ADB tools and OTA images. Users can sideload the update by booting a Google Pixel device into Recovery Mode and connecting it to a computer. For a streamlined experience, users can opt in as testers for future releases through Google Play. The Android Auto 17.0 beta will not include support for video applications like YouTube or widget support, which is planned for future updates. The update focuses on behind-the-scenes enhancements, with significant changes expected later. Once widget functionality is activated, Android Auto may transition to a three-panel interface displaying multiple information cards, and Google plans to expand widget compatibility for smartphones in supported vehicles.

Winsage

May 22, 2026

Finally, a Great Free Radio App for Windows

Many music enthusiasts still prefer traditional radio for its human touch and curated playlists, which introduce hidden gems that algorithm-driven platforms may miss. Stations like KEXP, Indie XFM, and SomaFM offer commercial-free experiences for exploring new sounds. Trdo is a free, open-source application for Windows that enhances the online radio listening experience. Users can download it from the Microsoft Store and add their favorite stations through a search tool or by manually entering PLS file links. The app features an intuitive interface for playback control from the system tray, tracks recently played songs, and allows users to tag favorites. It also provides links to popular music services like Spotify and YouTube Music, facilitating transitions from radio to curated playlists.

Tech Optimizer

May 22, 2026

Threat Protection Pro: all you need to know about IPVanish’s anti-malware tool

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have evolved into comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, offering features like ad-blockers, antivirus software, and dark web monitoring. IPVanish offers a feature called Threat Protection Pro, available with the Advanced plan, which protects against malware, ads, and trackers. It enhances online security by blocking ads and tracking scripts, quarantining suspicious downloads, and preventing access to malicious websites. All IPVanish plans include core Threat Protection, utilizing DNS filters to combat trackers and malware across various platforms. Threat Protection Pro, launched in March 2026, provides 24/7 malware and antivirus protection, even when the VPN is not active. This feature is exclusive to Advanced-tier subscribers and currently supports Windows and Mac platforms. It employs VIPRE’s antivirus engine and initiates detailed measures to identify risks at multiple levels. Users can activate Threat Protection Pro through a straightforward setup process on Windows or MacOS. IPVanish allows unlimited devices per subscription and includes DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. Advanced users also have access to a Secure Browser for disposable browsing.