Chrome browser Archives

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

ChatGPT chief says OpenAI would buy Chrome if Google is forced to sell

Nick Turley, chief of OpenAI's ChatGPT, expressed interest in acquiring Google's Chrome browser during a court hearing for the Department of Justice's antitrust trial against Google. He stated that many parties, including OpenAI, would be interested in such an acquisition to address concerns about Google's monopoly. Turley emphasized the potential for an "AI-first experience" if OpenAI integrated Chrome, while also noting challenges in entering the Android market due to Google's Gemini technology. He highlighted that tech giants like Google control key access points for product discovery, which complicates competition for OpenAI. In response, Google maintains that its products are preferred by users and has entered a two-year agreement with Samsung to preinstall its Gemini AI on devices, with other tech companies also making competitive offers. Google's revenue heavily relies on its Search and advertising segments, which generated .39 billion in Q3 2024. The ongoing trial may lead to significant changes in user interactions with Google products.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

Your Windows 10 PC isn’t dead yet – this OS from Google can revive it

On October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will reach its end of life, affecting users with older PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. ChromeOS Flex is a free operating system by Google designed to modernize older Windows PCs and Macs, offering a fast and secure alternative built on Chromium OS. It does not support standalone Windows applications but allows access to Microsoft 365 and other SaaS applications via web portals. ChromeOS Flex focuses on security with features like automatic updates and data encryption, and it has never experienced a reported ransomware attack. The minimum system requirements include an Intel or AMD x86-64-bit compatible device, 4 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, and the ability to boot from a USB drive. To install ChromeOS Flex, users must back up their files, create a USB installation drive using the Chromebook Recovery Utility, and boot from the USB drive to test compatibility before proceeding with a full installation.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Japan orders Google to unwind deals with smartphone OEMs

Japan’s Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has ordered Google to stop certain business practices related to its Android operating system, specifically the Mobile Application Distribution Agreements (MADAs) that required manufacturers to pre-install specific Google applications. The JFTC found that these agreements violate Japan’s Antimonopoly Act, stifling competition and creating market barriers. Google must cease mandating pre-installation of its applications, allow installation of competing products, and enable users to choose their default search service. This action is the first regulatory measure by the JFTC against a major American tech firm. Additionally, Google is facing scrutiny for allegedly obstructing Yahoo! Japan's use of its advertising technology and has been warned of fines for not opening its app store to more competition. Globally, Google is dealing with antitrust challenges, including potential forced divestitures in the U.S. The company has also signed a power purchase agreement in Taiwan for a ten-megawatt geothermal energy project, aiming to pursue similar initiatives in Asia.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

How have 50 years of Microsoft been for you?

Microsoft is approaching its 50th anniversary, marked by significant milestones in personal computing and enterprise solutions. Key achievements include the introduction of Windows 3.0 and 3.1, while notable missteps include Microsoft Bob, Windows 8, the underperformance of Windows Mobile and Windows Phone, and the acquisition of Nokia. Microsoft's productivity suite remains strong despite competition from Google. The company gained popularity with its dialect of BASIC and has made strategic investments in cloud technology and artificial intelligence, including the acquisitions of GitHub and LinkedIn. However, it faced challenges with Internet Explorer losing ground to Google's Chrome and the failure of the Zune to compete with the iPod. Windows Vista is also noted as a less successful product.

Winsage

March 18, 2025

Microsoft is supercharging Windows 11’s voice commands on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon CPUs, and fine-tuning a few Recall features

Windows 11 is enhancing its voice command capabilities for Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon (Arm-based) processors through the latest preview build, 26120.3576. Users can now issue commands in natural language, such as “Please open the Chrome browser,” instead of using rigid phrasing. This feature is being rolled out to testers, and Microsoft is also expanding Voice Access support to include simplified and traditional Chinese. Adjustments have been made to the Recall feature to fix bugs and process ‘intelligent text actions’ locally for improved security and efficiency. The natural language processing in voice commands aims to enhance user experience and accessibility. Currently, these advancements are limited to Snapdragon (Arm-based) Copilot+ PCs, with no specific details on future expansions to Intel or AMD processors. The testing phase does not guarantee all features will be included in the final release.

Winsage

March 18, 2025

Microsoft Warns Windows Users—Change Your Browser As New Attacks Underway

Microsoft has issued a warning to Chrome users about a new remote access trojan called StilachiRAT, which can exfiltrate sensitive information such as stored credentials and digital wallet data. StilachiRAT can scan for configuration data across 20 cryptocurrency wallet extensions in Chrome and can extract and decrypt saved usernames and passwords. The malware can also monitor Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) sessions, capture active window information, and impersonate users to gain unauthorized access to networks. Microsoft recommends that users switch to its Edge browser or other browsers with SmartScreen technology to enhance security. Additionally, users are advised to install software from official sources, utilize Safe Links and Safe Attachments in Office 365, and enable network protection features in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Despite this, Chrome remains the dominant browser among Windows users.

Winsage

February 27, 2025

Chrome OS vs. Windows 11 [Performance and Features]

Microsoft Windows and Google Chrome OS are the most widely adopted desktop operating systems. Windows 11 has stringent hardware requirements, such as TPM 2.0, but offers greater flexibility and compatibility with a wide array of devices. In contrast, Chrome OS is tied to its hardware, making transitions to Windows typically require a new device. Chrome OS supports Android applications and includes a built-in Linux virtual machine, allowing for some offline functionality and development tools, while also featuring Google Assistant. Windows 11 supports a vast range of software, offers browser choice, excels in gaming performance, and provides seamless compatibility with applications, including Linux GUI applications through the Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

How to save your old computer when Windows 10 hits its end of life

Linux has evolved significantly and allows for running various Windows applications and games through open-source projects like Wine, Vulkan, and Proton. It consists of multiple distributions, including Arch, Debian, Fedora, Manjaro, Mint, Opensuse, Red Hat, and Ubuntu, which can overwhelm newcomers. Linux Mint is recommended for users transitioning from Windows due to its similar interface. To install Linux Mint, download the .iso file from the official website, create a bootable USB drive using Balena Etcher, and boot from the USB stick. The installation process involves selecting language, keyboard layout, formatting the disk, and creating a username and password. After installation, users can access the Mint desktop, use the Driver Manager for hardware drivers, manage software through the Software Manager, and update the system with the Update Manager. For gaming, users can install Steam from store.steampowered.com. For those seeking simplicity, Google’s Chrome OS is a Linux-based alternative that operates primarily through the Chrome browser.

Tech Optimizer

February 24, 2025

Google reportedly testing new free Android virus scanner, and you can try it now

Google is testing a new malware detector integrated within its Chrome web browser to enhance user security for APK files downloaded outside the Google Play Store. This feature will scan APK files for malware and issue warnings before installation if any suspicious content is detected. Users can access this feature by downloading the Canary version of Chrome and enabling the "Malicious APK download check" option in the flags settings. The timeline for a broader rollout of this virus protection is currently uncertain.

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.