bills Archives

Winsage

June 8, 2025

Microsoft is going to slow down Windows 11 later this year – but it’s for your own good

The Windows 11 25H2 update will introduce a feature called User Interaction-Aware CPU Power Management, which reduces performance during periods of inactivity to conserve power. This feature is designed to activate automatically, allowing full performance to be restored when users return to their tasks. It aims to extend battery life for laptops and save energy for desktop users, although actual energy savings may vary based on device type, power mode, and whether the device is plugged in or running on battery.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

NatWest mobile app down with customers locked out of accounts

NatWest is experiencing issues with its mobile banking app, leading to over 3,000 outages reported around 10 am on a Friday. Customers have expressed frustration on social media due to their inability to send or receive money, pay bills, or transfer funds. The bank has stated that the problem is related to an update made to the app. Recent scrutiny has arisen for high street banks due to a series of outages, particularly at the end of the month when many receive paychecks. Data from the Treasury Committee revealed that nine of the UK’s largest banks and building societies faced over 33 days of unplanned outages in the past two years. NatWest reported 13 "material" incidents between 2023 and 2025, resulting in nearly £350,000 in compensation paid to affected customers. Barclays also indicated it could allocate up to £12.5 million in compensation for affected customers during the same period. Common reasons for these outages include issues with third-party suppliers, system changes, and internal software malfunctions.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Samsung Wallet’s installment payments and tap-to-send features show up in the app

Samsung Wallet is testing two new features: 'Buy Now, Pay Later' (BNPL) and 'Tap to Transfer,' with a potential launch in the U.S. The BNPL feature, powered by Splitit, allows users to split payments for purchases using Visa or Mastercard without a credit check, though activation may require approval and could incur fees. The 'Tap to Transfer' feature enables peer-to-peer money transfers by tapping an NFC-compatible device, allowing immediate fund transfers to the recipient's bank account linked to their debit card. Both features are currently in testing and may prioritize a U.S. launch.

Tech Optimizer

April 2, 2025

Thousands of PostgreSQL servers are being hijacked to mine crypto

Researchers at Wiz have identified a cryptojacking campaign by a group called JINX-0126, targeting over 1,500 misconfigured PostgreSQL servers by exploiting weak login credentials. The attackers deploy the XMRig-C3 miner to mine Monero, consuming nearly all computing resources and increasing electricity usage for victims. Each compromised device is assigned a unique mining worker for tracking. The campaign has evolved to include defensive measures and fileless deployment to evade detection. Nearly 90% of cloud environments host PostgreSQL instances, with about one-third publicly accessible, highlighting security vulnerabilities.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

The six-step countdown to Windows 10 end of life

The end of Windows 10 support is approaching, prompting IT decision-makers to consider transitioning to Windows 11. This transition allows organizations to modernize hardware, rethink client infrastructure, and adopt advanced management technologies. Continuing to use Windows 10 can lead to high maintenance costs and potential performance issues with M365/Office applications after October 14, 2025. Upgrading to AI-capable PCs can enhance operational efficiencies, while unsupported systems expose organizations to cyber threats and compliance risks. Windows 11 Pro offers improved security features, and upgrading aligns with sustainability goals through practices like Asset Recovery Services. A well-planned transition strategy is essential to avoid rushed decisions and ensure compatibility and training. Delaying the upgrade poses risks, including financial burdens from extended security update fees.

AppWizard

February 28, 2025

Is Facebook Messenger down right now? App hits technical issues after WhatsApp outage

Facebook Messenger is experiencing significant technical difficulties, with 92% of user complaints related to sending messages, 5% unable to receive messages, and 2% reporting overall app issues. Glasgow is the hardest hit area in Scotland, with other major UK cities like London and Manchester also affected. Users worldwide are facing similar problems. This incident follows outages reported by WhatsApp users. Additionally, several banking applications, including those from Lloyds Banking Group, are experiencing outages, impacting customers' access to their accounts on payday. Frustrated customers have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media.

BetaBeacon

February 19, 2025

15 best free Android games with no in app purchases

- AI Factory Limited offers a variety of simple free Android games with no in-app purchases - Alto's Odyssey and Alto's Adventure are free mobile games with in-app purchases that are purely cosmetic - Antiyoy is a turn-based strategy game with simple graphics and rules, featuring multiplayer and no ads or in-app purchases - Crossy Road is a popular free game with in-app purchases that are purely cosmetic - Papers, Please is a simulation game with no in-app purchases available for .99 - Doom and Destiny Advanced is a free JRPG with ads and some limitations, but contains the entire base game - OpenTTD is an open-source version of Transport Tycoon with no in-app purchases - Pathos is a retro roguelike adventure game with no in-app purchases - Pocket City is a city-building simulation game available for .99 with a premium version - Resonance of the Ocean is a short game with no complexity and no in-app purchases - Stardew Valley is a must-play RPG available for .99 without ads or microtransactions - The Spike is a volleyball game sim with optional in-app purchases - Vampire Survivors is a survival RPG with minimal gameplay and optional in-app purchases - Into the Breach is a challenging puzzle/roguelike game available on Netflix Games with no ads or in-app purchases - Vodobanka is a puzzle game where you command a SWAT team with no microtransactions, but a purchase is required after the demo version

AppWizard

February 7, 2025

The Sims 1 Legacy Collection cheats and codes for PC

The Sims: Legacy Collection celebrates the 25th anniversary of The Sims franchise, allowing players to experience classic life simulation gameplay. Players can access cheat codes by holding down Ctrl and Shift and pressing C, which opens a text box for inputting codes. The Rosebud money cheat grants 1,000 Simoleons, with additional semicolons and exclamation marks increasing the amount. Other cheats include adjusting Sim behaviors, manipulating game time, and altering the environment. Players can also delete unwanted items and manage their Sims' moods using specific cheats.

BetaBeacon

December 21, 2024

Some Android customers with Metro By T-Mobile can now pay their bills by playing games

Metro by T-Mobile customers can earn credit towards their bills by playing games on the Ad It Up app, which comes preinstalled on certain phone models.