budget-friendly Archives

AppWizard

June 23, 2025

Spotify may finally launch lossless audio after years of delays

Recent updates in the Spotify app (version 1.2.66) indicate the upcoming introduction of a lossless audio feature, which is expected to be exclusive to Spotify Premium subscribers and support high-resolution playback up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz. The app's code and user interface reference this capability, aligning with earlier reports of a new subscription tier called Music Pro, which will offer high-quality audio streaming along with additional features like remixing tools and concert ticket access. Despite the anticipation for lossless streaming since its announcement in 2021, Spotify has not yet rolled out this feature, but recent developments suggest a focus on high-fidelity audio.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

Best deals for PC gamers today: boutique rigs and game bundles

Today's technology offerings include high-end and budget-friendly gaming systems. The MAINGEAR RUSH Mk. IV is priced at ,774 and features an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU, AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU, 48GB T-Force Xtreem RGB Memory, 2TB T-Force A440 NVMe SSD, ASRock Phantom Gaming X870E Nova WiFi Motherboard, MAINGEAR Epic 360 RGB Cooling, 850W MSI MAG A850GL PSU, and Windows 11 Home. It is designed for serious gamers and delivers exceptional performance within five days of ordering, though GPU availability may vary. The Skytech King 95 is a budget option priced at ,099.99, with an additional 5% coupon available. It includes an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU, AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU, 32GB DDR5 5600MHz RGB Memory, 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD, 850W Gold PSU, Wi-Fi, Windows 11 Home, and a free RGB keyboard and mouse. The ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless Gaming Keyboard is available for .99, featuring a 96% compact layout, tri-mode connection, hot-swappable NX Snow pre-lubed switches, sound-dampening foam, and durable PBT double-shot keycaps. The ASUS ROG Azoth 75 Wireless Keyboard has an OLED screen and hot-swappable switches, combining high performance with aesthetics. The ASUS ROG Keris II Ace Wireless Gaming Mouse weighs 54g and features ASUS's AimPoint Pro sensor. The Logitech G502 X Plus Wireless Gaming Mouse includes hybrid switches and a 25K HERO sensor. The ASUS ROG Spatha X Wireless Gaming Mouse offers customization options, swappable switches, and wireless charging. The Keychron K6 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard supports wired and wireless use with customizable features. The Crucial T500 2TB NVMe SSD is a fast and affordable storage solution. The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 Processor is budget-friendly and suitable for 1080p gaming and multitasking. The PNY 256GB PRO Elite Prime microSDXC Card is priced under , offering speed and affordability for game storage. The Fanatical NSPCC Charity Bundle 2025 provides 0 worth of family-friendly and indie games for under , supporting the NSPCC. Dynasty Warriors: Origins is the latest installment in the Warriors franchise. The Fanatical Summer Mystery Bundle 2025 offers a gamble for gamers, potentially yielding great titles or quirky indie games at an affordable price.

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

The Outer Worlds 2 director offers the most sympathetic answer I’ve yet heard for the $80 game question: ‘We don’t set the prices for our games,’ and ‘You’d have to honestly talk to the Xbox folks’

Brandon Adler, the director of The Outer Worlds 2, stated that game developers do not set the prices for their games, emphasizing that pricing decisions are made by corporate executives. He expressed a desire for broader accessibility to games but indicated that pricing inquiries should be directed to Xbox executives. The economic landscape has shifted, making home ownership difficult while consumer electronics have become more affordable. Gamers now have various options, including subscription services and budget-friendly hardware. The perceived normal price for games has shifted to the range of to , with being a stretch, particularly for highly anticipated titles. Pricing challenges reflect deeper issues in the gaming industry, including recent layoffs and rising development costs. Obsidian Entertainment has adopted a strategy of working on multiple smaller projects, resulting in more affordable pricing for some titles, while the upcoming Avowed is set at a full retail price. Concerns exist that The Outer Worlds 2’s price might hinder its success, especially given the unclear metrics Microsoft uses to evaluate sales performance.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

Now You Can Upgrade Your PC to Windows 11 Pro or Home for Only $10

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 in October 2025, making the upgrade to Windows 11 urgent. Windows 11 Pro is available for purchase from StackSocial for a promotional price, significantly lower than the standard price from Microsoft. Users can apply the promo code MSO5 at checkout to access this deal. The Pro version includes features like DirectX 12 Ultimate, BitLocker device encryption, Azure-AD, and Hyper-V. Upon purchase, users receive a lifetime license, but must ensure their hardware meets the minimum system requirements for installation. The download code must be redeemed within 30 days before it expires.

AppWizard

June 12, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Little Big Workshop, Don’t Starve Shipwrecked, more

Thursday features new deals for Android users, coinciding with a price reduction on the Google TV Streamer 4K. Highlights include Lenovo’s Snapdragon X Elite Copilot+ PC, Samsung’s budget-friendly Galaxy A16 smartphone, TCL’s 2025 QM6K 144Hz Google Smart TVs at all-time low prices, and discounts of up to 50% on Samsung’s Galaxy Ring. A curated selection of top Android games and applications is also available to enhance the mobile experience.

Tech Optimizer

June 11, 2025

Malwarebytes Plus antivirus review

Malwarebytes Plus is a straightforward antivirus software priced at approximately .99 per year, offering protection for three devices across Mac, Windows, iOS, or Android platforms. It also has a family plan for up to ten devices at .99 per year and a Teams package for businesses protecting 20 devices or more at 9.99 per year. The subscription includes a VPN with no data transfer limits but lacks a password manager. Users can schedule quick scans and access advanced settings for specific vulnerabilities. The application runs efficiently in the background, with quick scans taking around 26 seconds. It features real-time protection against ransomware and exploits, but offers limited privacy options and identity threat protection primarily as an incentive to upgrade. The interface is clean but may be less user-friendly compared to competitors. Malwarebytes Plus provides 24/7 support via email, chat, and phone, including remediation guidance for specific viruses.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Hands-On With the Xbox Ally X, the New Gaming Handheld from Asus and Microsoft

PC gaming handhelds, including the Xbox Ally X and Xbox Ally, are designed for the Xbox platform through a collaboration between Asus and Microsoft. The Xbox Ally X features an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme APU, 24GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, while the base Xbox Ally has a Ryzen Z2 A chip, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Both models have a 7.0-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and support VRR and FreeSync technology. The Xbox Ally X was tested with Gears of War: Reloaded at 1080p and 60 fps. The systems run a streamlined version of Windows with an optimized Xbox app that allows game imports from other platforms. The ergonomic design resembles a split Xbox controller, but its size may affect portability. Pricing details are not yet disclosed, but the Xbox Ally X is expected to be premium-priced.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Why the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X have Valve in their sights, not Nintendo

Microsoft has announced its first Xbox co-branded handheld devices, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, in collaboration with Asus, set to launch in the holiday season of 2025. Pricing details are not yet available. The Xbox Ally is designed as a generalist device, while the Xbox Ally X targets high-performance gamers, both powered by AMD processors and equipped with Windows 11. They feature Xbox-branded buttons, a gaming interface, and access to Xbox Game Pass, along with the ability to stream console libraries via Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play. The user interface is similar to that of Xbox consoles, with ergonomic grips inspired by Xbox controllers. Accessibility features from Xbox and Windows will be included, and the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative will allow games to function across PC, console, and cloud platforms. The launch will occur in multiple countries, including the US, UK, Japan, and several European nations, with plans to expand to additional territories. The devices aim to provide a unified gaming library for users with both PC and Xbox consoles, enhancing the existing ecosystem. The introduction of Windows 11 is highlighted as a key feature, offering access to games not available elsewhere. The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are positioned to compete with existing handhelds like the Steam Deck, with a focus on appealing to both console and PC gamers. Sales of Windows PC handhelds reached approximately 1.2 million units by the end of 2024.

Tech Optimizer

June 3, 2025

I tested Bitdefender and McAfee in an antivirus software showdown, and here’s what I found

Bitdefender and McAfee are two leading antivirus software options known for robust malware protection and additional security features. Bitdefender achieves 98% effectiveness in real-time threat detection, while McAfee uses machine learning for threat identification but may produce false positives. Bitdefender offers a basic firewall, not available for macOS, whereas McAfee provides a more advanced firewall with device monitoring. Bitdefender has a standalone Digital Identity Protection service, while McAfee offers comprehensive identity theft protections in its Premium subscription. Bitdefender includes a VPN with a 200MB daily data cap, while McAfee provides unlimited VPN access but with fewer countries and features. Both offer password managers, but Bitdefender lacks two-factor authentication, while McAfee's True Key includes multi-factor authentication. Bitdefender’s parental controls are basic, while McAfee’s Safe Family includes location tracking. Bitdefender is known for lightweight performance, but recent tests suggest McAfee may have better system optimization. Both have user-friendly interfaces, with Bitdefender organizing features into tabs and McAfee offering a simpler design. In terms of protection, Bitdefender has a 98.7% detection rate, while McAfee excels online with 99.6% but struggles offline. Bitdefender's pricing starts at .99 for the first year, while McAfee's Basic plan starts at .99. Overall, Bitdefender is more budget-friendly, while McAfee offers advanced identity theft protection.

Tech Optimizer

May 30, 2025

I put Bitdefender and Norton up against each other to see which was best, and the results were almost too close to call

Bitdefender has a detection rate of over 98% for malware, while Norton has a 97% offline detection rate and exceeds 99% online. Bitdefender's firewall is configurable but limited to its Total Security package, whereas Norton offers a powerful and customizable firewall. Bitdefender provides a separate Digital Identity Protection service for .33 per month, while Norton includes identity theft protection through its LifeLock service in higher tiers, offering features like credit monitoring and potential compensation up to million. Bitdefender includes a VPN with a 200MB daily data cap, while Norton offers an unlimited VPN in most subscription tiers. Both have password managers, but Bitdefender lacks two-factor authentication. Bitdefender offers straightforward parental controls, while Norton includes mobile GPS tracking. Bitdefender is recognized for its lightweight design, while Norton is noted for its speed. Bitdefender has a user-friendly interface, while Norton’s may be more complex for beginners. In independent tests, Bitdefender slightly outperforms Norton in offline detection. Norton's basic plan starts at .99 per year, while Bitdefender's Antivirus Plus starts at .99 per year.