categories Archives

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Take Control of Your Notifications with Samsung’s One UI 7 Beta

Samsung's One UI 7 update, based on Android 15, introduces a new "Filter notifications" feature that allows users to categorize non-urgent alerts into groups within the notification panel. This feature includes three toggles: 1. Old Notifications: Filters out outdated app notifications. 2. Background Notifications: Filters notifications from apps running in the background. 3. Minimized Notifications: Allows users to manually minimize certain alerts. Grouped notifications will still be visible but organized under a "More notifications" card. The stable version of One UI 7 is expected to be released between January and February of the following year.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

Windows Central Tech Awards 2024 — Ranking the top PCs, tools, accessories, and software innovations of the year

This year has seen significant advancements in consumer technology, particularly in artificial intelligence, highlighted by Microsoft's Copilot+ PC initiative in collaboration with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processor, introducing fanless, battery-efficient laptops to the Windows ecosystem. AI companies like OpenAI have expanded their offerings, prompting competitors such as Google, xAI, and Facebook to enhance their products. New brands like XREAL have emerged, while established companies like ASUS have innovated with dual-screen laptops. Accessory manufacturers have also improved their products. The Windows Central Tech Awards for 2024 recognize standout devices and features across various categories, including Tech Innovator of the Year, Best Processor, Best Overall Laptop, Best Keyboard, Best Pre-Built Gaming PC, Best Mini PC, Best Gaming Laptop, Best Gaming Headset, Best Tech Accessory, Best Monitor, Best Gaming Input, Best Gaming Hardware, Best Desktop All-in-One, Best Budget Laptop, Best Business Laptop, Best Mobile App for Windows Users, Best Windows Feature, Best Mouse, and Best Windows PC App. Looking ahead to 2025, advancements in AI, robotics, cloud computing, and potential breakthroughs in 6G and quantum computing are anticipated, with Microsoft focusing on AI server technology acquisitions and developments in PC gaming handhelds and new Xbox hardware.

Tech Optimizer

December 24, 2024

TotalAV Antivirus Pro

TotalAV Antivirus Pro is designed to examine computers for malware and protect against future threats, offering additional features like backup, system tune-up, and ad-blocking. It is priced at .00 per year for protection across five PCs, which is higher than competitors like Norton (.99), Malwarebytes Premium Security (.99), and ESET (.99). TotalAV does not offer various pricing tiers; additional licenses require purchasing a more advanced application. The TotalAV Internet Security package costs .00 per year for six licenses with VPN protection, while the Total Security version costs .00 per year for eight licenses with a password manager. Installation can begin with a free trial or by registering online, and the process is lengthy. The interface features a dark mode option and a streamlined menu. TotalAV scored 17.5 points in independent lab testing by AV-Test Institute, earning it the Top Product designation, and received Advanced certification from AV-Comparatives. In practical tests, it neutralized 72% of malware samples immediately and achieved an overall detection rate of 88%. TotalAV's WebShield detected 96% of phishing sites, outperforming built-in browser protections. Users can choose from quick, full, or custom scans, with the initial full scan taking 53 minutes. Scheduled scans occur weekly, but quick or custom scans cannot be scheduled. Most privacy features require an upgrade, while the free edition includes Total Adblock. TotalAV features a Clean-up Scan for junk files and an Application Uninstaller for removing multiple applications simultaneously. The Total Security page offers features and add-ons, including a basic online backup solution with 2GB of storage.

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

Android Auto rolls out fixes for stuttering audio and error messages

Android Auto has released updates to address issues such as persistent Wi-Fi error messages and audio stuttering, encouraging users to update to Android Auto v13.3. The company is investigating audio problems reported by Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL users, including complete absence of audio during music streaming and challenges during calls. A Xiaomi 14T user also reported malfunctions with Android Auto after updating to Android 15-based Hyper OS 2.0. The support team is working on fixes, expected in the coming weeks or months. Additionally, the platform is exploring new radio station features, with indications of categories and music genres found in the latest beta version.

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

Steam’s Best of the Year highlights the top-selling and most-played games of 2024

Steam's annual Best of The Year feature for 2024 showcases top-selling games organized into categories: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The Platinum category includes standout releases such as Space Marine 2, Helldivers 2, Black Myth: Wukong, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Elden Ring, and Baldur's Gate 3. Free-to-play titles like Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, and Destiny 2 also contribute to this group. Cyberpunk 2077 has made a comeback in the Gold category with a Very Positive rating. The Silver group features Dragon's Dogma 2, Diablo IV, and Stalker 2, which sold a million units within two days of its launch. The Bronze category includes budget-friendly titles like Balatro, Silent Hill 2, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and No Man's Sky. Every game from last year's Platinum category is present in 2024, except for Starfield. Steam tracks peak concurrent players, with titles like Black Myth, Elden Ring, and Path of Exile 2 reaching 450,000 or more players. Popular Steam Deck games include Balatro, Dave the Diver, and Hades, while new releases like Manor Lords and Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero are in the Platinum section.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

Windows 10’s updated Settings sneak in a Windows 11 reminder, add colours

Microsoft is redesigning the "About" page within the Windows 10 Settings app to align with its strategy to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11. The new design features a visually appealing layout that includes bubble-like boxes displaying key system specifications such as installed RAM, processor details, graphics card specifications, and storage breakdown. A "Frequently Asked Questions" section has been added, addressing basic queries and subtly promoting the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11. Additionally, the Settings homepage will feature colorful icons that reflect the user's accent color, although there are inconsistencies in the application of these colors across different icons.

AppWizard

December 21, 2024

Top 15 Best PC Games – December 2024

Tyler Graham is an associate writer in CNET's home energy and utilities category, a recent graduate from Seton Hall University, and has been with CNET for seven months. He has attended a White House press conference, engaged in energy product testing at CNET's Testing Labs, and authored an article on federal solar policy. His expertise includes Community Solar, State Solar Policy, Solar Cost and Accessibility, Renewable Energy, Electric Vehicles, and Home Internet for Gaming. Ajay Kumar is an editor with over a decade of experience in tech journalism, having previously worked at Newsweek, PCMag, and Digital Trends. His expertise includes consumer product reviews, buying guides, and tech news, particularly in mobile products and electrical challenges in prewar apartment buildings.

AppWizard

December 21, 2024

Android Auto now supports weather apps for real time updates

Google has introduced support for weather applications on Android Auto and Android Automotive, currently in beta testing. Users can download select weather apps to check the weather while driving. This feature expands the app categories available, which previously included Media, Navigation, Messaging, POI, and IoT, with Android Automotive also supporting Video, Games, and Browsers when stationary. The weather apps allow drivers to receive real-time updates based on their location or route, aiding in trip planning and keeping them informed about changing conditions. This initiative was announced at the Google I/O event earlier this year, and several weather applications are already available for download.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Google is officially opening up Android Auto to weather apps, but you don’t have to wait

Google has introduced a new category for weather apps in Android Auto and Android Automotive, allowing users to access real-time weather information based on their location or travel routes. The supported app categories now include Media (audio), Messaging, Navigation, Point of Interest (POI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Weather. For parked vehicles, additional categories like Video, Games, and Browsers are available exclusively on Android Automotive OS. The Weather category is currently in beta, limited to specific testing tracks, and aims to provide weather updates along with navigation functionalities. Early adopters of this category include "Weather & Radar" and "MyRadar Weather Radar."

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Clean up your PC: Deep cleaning with professional tricks

Maintaining a tidy digital environment is essential for optimizing the performance of a Windows PC. Regular decluttering frees up storage space and enhances overall efficiency. 1. Check Memory Utilization: Access Settings (Win+I) > System > Memory to view memory usage, including temporary files and installed applications. The "Other" category shows large folders for potential deletion, and you can uninstall unnecessary programs under Apps > Installed apps. Temporary files can be removed under System > Storage > Temporary files. 2. Windows 11 Cleanup Functions: Go to System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations to find storage space occupied by downloads, the recycle bin, and Previous Windows installations. Select areas to clean and click the cleanup button. 3. Free Up Storage Space: Enable Storage Sense in Settings > System > Storage to automate cleanup processes, customizing frequency and recycle bin retention. 4. Relocate Standard Storage Locations: In System > Storage > Advanced storage settings, designate alternative drives for new content to keep the primary drive uncluttered. 5. Change Storage Location for Apps: Specify a different drive when installing new applications. For Microsoft Store apps, go to Apps > Installed apps and select Move. 6. Clean Up Discs: Use the Disk Cleanup tool (cleanmgr) to delete unnecessary files. The Clean up system files option reveals additional files for removal. 7. Delete Browser Data: Clear browser cache as needed to improve performance, managing data through browser settings. 8. Optimize Autostart: Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to disable unnecessary startup programs. Tools like Autoruns can help manage autostart entries for efficient booting. Additional software options like Bleachbit and Ccleaner can provide deeper insights for system maintenance.