approval 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.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Meta rolls out enhanced safety features for teen Instagram users

On June 18, 2026, Meta announced new safety features for users aged 13 to 17 on Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, including: - Automatic private settings for Teen Accounts, requiring approval for new followers, with non-followers unable to view or interact with content. - Messaging limited to individuals they follow or are connected with. - Tagging and mentioning restricted to followers, with offensive language filtered through the Hidden Words feature. - Notifications to take breaks after 60 minutes of use. - Muted notifications from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., with automatic replies sent during those hours. For users aged 13 to 15, accounts are private by default and require parental consent for changes. Older teens (16 to 17) can modify settings with parental notifications. The Family Center allows parents to manage settings and monitor activities. Teens may need to verify their age if they change it on their account, and providing false information could lead to account suspension or permanent disablement. Malina Enlund, Meta's head of safety policy for the Asia Pacific region, emphasized the importance of honesty about age. The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) supports creating a safe online environment rather than restricting access to social media, citing the 2021 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

The White House’s dodgy app is being pushed to even more official government devices

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that The White House app will be automatically installed on all official government devices. The app, which serves as a wrapper for the official White House website, provides access to official communications but has raised security and privacy concerns due to its use of code from Elfsight, a Russian company. Elfsight previously exposed personal information of some White House staffers, and the app has been flagged for sharing sensitive user data with third-party services. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun automatically installing the app on all FAA-issued iPhones and iPads.

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 16, 2026

Telegram banned in India NTA clarifies restrictions on messenger app ahead of NEET 2026 re-exam

The Indian government has banned the Telegram messenger app temporarily ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, with the National Testing Agency (NTA) supporting this decision due to the platform's alleged involvement in cheating networks and misinformation regarding paper leaks. The restrictions on Telegram include limiting access until June 22 and disabling the message-editing feature for messages posted in India until June 30.

Winsage

June 15, 2026

There are too many Windows laptops, and I can’t blame Microsoft for confusing choices — but there are ways it could help us all

The author has experience building Windows desktops but has recognized the practicality of Windows laptops due to frequent travel. They have a shortlist of preferred models, including the ASUS Zenbook A14 and Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, but acknowledge that many consumers opt for cheaper laptops available in stores. The introduction of entry-level models like the MacBook Neo has shifted the conversation around Windows laptops. There is confusion among consumers regarding specifications, such as RAM and battery longevity, which are often overwhelming. The author suggests that a certified 'Windows Pro' laptop could guarantee features like a 120Hz display and 32GB of RAM, while a budget-friendly 'Windows Core' option could focus on IPS screens with at least 16GB of memory. There are concerns about consumer perception of non-certified products and the need for better education in the market.

AppWizard

June 13, 2026

$130 Worth of Steam Games Now 100% Free

Steam currently offers eight games for free download, the highest number of complimentary titles released this year. These games are playable on PC and many are verified for the Steam Deck. The free games include: 1. The Red Lantern - A narrative-driven dog sledding adventure from 2021, available until June 18, with an 84% approval rating from 888 user reviews. 2. Happy’s Humble Burger Farm - A horror adventure cooking simulation from 2021, available until June 15, with a 93% approval rating from 1,654 user reviews. 3. Gravity Circuit - A 2D action platformer released in 2023, available until June 14, with a 95% approval rating from 2,127 user reviews. 4. Tell Me Why - A narrative adventure game from Dontnod Entertainment and Xbox Game Studios, available until July 1, with an 80% approval rating from 7,952 user reviews. Additionally, four other free games are available: - Wild Terra 2: New Lands - Free until June 15 - Eets - Free until June 15 - Linebound - Free until July 1 - PICO Park: Classic Edition - Free until June 14

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Judging by how well Gothic Remake has sold, we still love eurojank

The Gothic Remake achieved 500,000 sales within a week of its release. It has a Very Positive rating on Steam based on 3,369 user reviews. The game received a score of 60% from a review by Jody. Despite mixed critical reception, it has resonated with players, who appreciate its nostalgic appeal and engaging elements, even with criticisms such as the lockpicking system.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Xbox Game Pass Updated With 3 New Day One Games

Xbox Game Pass has added three new titles for PC and Xbox Series X as part of its day-one game initiative in 2026. The new games are: 1. Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions - A sci-fi multiplayer adventure developed by System Era Softworks and Devolver Digital, currently in early access. It has a 40% approval rating on Steam but lacks a Metacritic score. 2. Beastro - A cozy adventure game from Timberline Studio where players engage in culinary creativity. It has a 92% approval rating on Steam and no Metacritic score. 3. Frog Sqwad - A multiplayer extraction puzzle platformer developed by Panic Stations, supporting up to eight players. It has a 90% approval rating on Steam and no Metacritic score. Subscribers can enjoy these games at no additional cost and receive a 20% discount on each title. The duration of these games' availability on Xbox Game Pass has not been disclosed.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Steam Giving Away 93-Rated PC Game for Free

Valve's Steam platform is offering the game "Happy’s Humble Burger Farm" for free until June 15. The game, developed by Scythe Dev Team and tinyBuild, has a 93% approval rating from 1,647 user reviews and is Steam Deck Verified. This is the first time the game has been available at no cost. The promotion aims to build excitement for the upcoming sequel, "Happy’s Humble Burgatory," set to launch in July. Players take on the role of a night shift employee at a quirky burger joint, with gameplay typically lasting five to seven hours.