categories Archives

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Windows tests long-awaited changes to Start, Share, and Search

Microsoft has released two test builds of Windows 11: Insider Preview Build 22635.4950 (KB5052078) in the Beta Channel and Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (KB5052080) as an optional release in both Beta and Dev Channels. Build 26120.3291 introduces a semantic search capability, allowing searches by descriptive terms, but is limited to Qualcomm-powered Snapdragon PCs. Users of the Recall feature will lose all saved snapshots during the upgrade process. Build 22635.4950 tests a new Share interface that simplifies file sharing through a drag-and-drop mechanism. The Start menu will receive new configuration options, including a grid view and a "categories" view for app organization. These updates will be available to Windows Insiders receiving updates for Windows 11, version 24H2.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

‘A massive, massive moment of wow.’ Microsoft CEO predicts AI-generated games are a ‘CGI moment’ for the industry

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella discussed the company's plans for artificial intelligence and quantum computing, particularly focusing on their AI-powered game generation platform, Muse. He compared Muse's potential impact on gaming to the influence of CGI in the film industry, despite its current limitations of generating games at a resolution of 300 by 180 pixels. Nadella envisions a future where users can request unique gaming experiences, indicating that the integration of AI into gaming is imminent. He also highlighted the broader implications of AI on economic growth, cautioning against the hype surrounding artificial general intelligence (AGI) and emphasizing the importance of AI's impact on GDP growth. Nadella believes in a collaborative future for AI development, suggesting that the market can support multiple successful players. The timeline for when gamers can fully engage with Muse remains uncertain, with some experts cautioning that its capabilities may be overstated.

Tech Optimizer

February 18, 2025

Microsoft Defender vs. McAfee: Features, Pricing, Pros & Cons

eSecurity Planet maintains editorial independence and may earn revenue from partner links. Microsoft Defender, a free built-in antivirus for Windows, offers minimal configuration and supports Windows 10 and 11, while McAfee, which holds a 12.47% share of the global antivirus market, provides extensive privacy monitoring and data protection across multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) with various pricing plans ranging from .99 to 9.99. Microsoft Defender supports a single device and includes features like real-time threat protection, parental controls, and a firewall, but lacks advanced features like VPN and identity theft monitoring. McAfee offers a wider range of features, including a VPN, identity theft monitoring, and data cleanup, making it a more comprehensive solution despite its higher cost. Microsoft Defender has an overall rating of 3.8/5, while McAfee rates 4.4/5, excelling in customer support with multiple channels, including live chat and phone support. Microsoft Defender is suitable for users on a budget, while McAfee is better for those needing robust privacy and identity protection. Alternatives to consider include Norton, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Apple TV app launches for Android with TV+, MLS, and no iTunes content

Apple is launching the Apple TV app for Android users with devices running Android version 10 or newer, allowing access to Apple TV+ content, live MLB and MLS games. The app features a design that aligns with Google's Material design and is organized into four categories: Apple TV+, MLS, Downloads, and Search. Users will receive personalized recommendations in the Apple TV+ section and can access Major League Soccer streams in the MLS section. The app allows subscriptions to Apple TV+ or MLS through the Google Play billing system, but lacks integration with other streaming services and does not include iTunes content or a "Continue Watching" feature for other platforms.

BetaBeacon

February 12, 2025

Top Features of BC Game Mobile App for Android

Adding a shortcut of BC Game to your smartphone’s home screen allows for easy access to the platform.

Tech Optimizer

February 11, 2025

Microsoft bolsters PostgreSQL with NoSQL-like extensions

Microsoft introduced two new open-source extensions for PostgreSQL: pg_documentdb_core, which supports BSON, and pg_documentdb_api, which allows MongoDB-compatible commands for CRUD operations. These extensions will operate on the Azure Cosmos DB PostgreSQL database service and can also be used with FerretDB, an open-source alternative to MongoDB. FerretDB's latest version features performance enhancements of up to 20 times for specific workloads. Andrew Pavlo from Carnegie Mellon University noted that the distinction between document databases and relational systems is diminishing. MongoDB expressed skepticism about Microsoft's offerings, stating that adding an API to a relational database is not true innovation. FerretDB aims to provide a solid foundation for users seeking alternatives to MongoDB. Analysts suggest that while Microsoft's extensions may enhance PostgreSQL's market position, they are unlikely to significantly undermine MongoDB's established presence.

Winsage

February 5, 2025

Windows 11’s Start menu search gets new, clearer labels, as Microsoft tries to avoid EU regulation trouble

Microsoft is changing the search functionality in Windows 11 for users in the European Economic Area (EEA) to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). The update will separate local search results from web-based results, which were previously combined in the Start menu search using Bing. The new Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27764 features two sections in the search window: “Windows” for local results and “Web search from Bing” for online queries. This change is particularly noticeable for users with their Windows 11 language set to German. The update is selectively rolled out in the EEA, indicating Microsoft may not implement similar changes globally. The aim is to improve user experience by reducing clutter and distractions from irrelevant web suggestions when searching for files or applications on the device.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Delete These 12 Android Apps That Are Secretly Recording Your Conversations

Smartphones are essential in daily life but pose risks due to malicious applications that threaten privacy and security. ESET security researchers identified 12 Android apps that covertly record conversations and steal sensitive data, disguised as legitimate messaging platforms. These apps were distributed through a cyberespionage strategy that exploited the Google Play Store. Victims were initially lured through online romance scams, leading them to download apps for "secure communication," which then operated covertly. The malicious apps fall into three categories: 1. Basic Spyware: Apps that offer basic messaging features while secretly gathering personal information, including contacts and location data. 2. Advanced Interception: More sophisticated apps that intercept messages from platforms like WhatsApp and Signal, and can activate the microphone to record calls. 3. The “Innocent” App: Apps that appear benign, such as a news platform, but still request personal information and can access contacts. The 12 identified apps to delete include: Rafaqat, Privee Talk, MeetMe, Let’s Chat, Quick Chat, Chit Chat, YohooTalk, TikTalk, Hello Cha, Nidus, GlowChat, and Wave Chat. These apps were available on the Google Play Store and collectively had over 1,400 downloads before being removed. The main danger of these applications is their ability to operate silently, compromising user privacy by recording audio, tracking location, and stealing information without user awareness. Users are advised to uninstall these apps immediately and conduct security scans with reputable antivirus software. Caution is recommended when downloading apps, emphasizing the importance of using trusted sources and being skeptical of unsolicited recommendations.

BetaBeacon

February 3, 2025

Most Popular Mobile Games (2025)

Roblox was the most popular game in 2024 with 205 million downloads. Block Blast was the most popular game on iOS, while Subway Surfers was most popular on Google Play. Block Blast was the most popular game in the US and UK in 2024. Ludo King remained the most popular game in India.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Android Automotive will be getting lots of new apps, starting next month

Google is launching a car ready mobile apps program next month to expand app availability for vehicles using Android Automotive OS. The program will focus on apps in specific categories, particularly video, gaming, and browsing, while ensuring they meet safety standards and quality guidelines. Apps designed solely for ARM devices will be excluded, but a compatibility mode will allow some non-compliant apps to function safely in vehicles. Eligible applications will be available for download starting February 2025, with potential support for Android Auto in the future. The availability of these apps will depend on vehicle certification by Google, and collaborations with OEMs are expected to increase the number of certified vehicles.