clutter Archives

AppWizard

July 3, 2025

Boost Your Android: 15 Must-Have Apps for July 2025

In July 2025, Android users will have access to 15 new applications aimed at enhancing productivity, safeguarding privacy, and improving entertainment experiences. Productivity Apps: - Touch Grass: Restricts access to addictive platforms until users go outside, promoting outdoor activity. - Grease Milky Way: Minimizes distractions on platforms like YouTube and Instagram by streamlining the interface. - Habit Ricks: An ad-free habit tracker that visualizes progress with customizable widgets. File Sharing and Device Management Apps: - Transfer: An open-source app for fast and secure file sharing via local Wi-Fi. - SDK Monitor: Tracks app updates and Android API levels for device security. - Shot Studio: Uses AI to organize screenshots into categorized collections. Privacy and Security Apps: - Don’t Break My Balls (DBMBB): Silences unknown callers while allowing calls from saved contacts. - Incognito Calculator Tools: Disguised as a calculator, it securely stores private files and notes. - No Wake Lock: Controls background processes to conserve battery life on rooted devices. AI and Navigation Apps: - RAHub: Centralizes multiple AI assistants for easy management. - Arrow: A minimalist navigation app that uses a directional arrow instead of traditional maps. Entertainment and Savings Apps: - Pool Suite: A retro-style radio app curating summer tracks. - G Deals: Aggregates gaming discounts from major platforms. Specialized Tools: - Alternate: Generates a secondary contact list for temporary numbers. - Copy SMS Code: Automatically detects and copies login codes from notifications for easier account access.

Tech Optimizer

July 1, 2025

Avast or Bitdefender? The Free Antivirus Battle You Need to Know About

Avast and Bitdefender are prominent cybersecurity firms known for their high-quality free antivirus solutions. Bitdefender: - Excellent protection in the free version. - Simple installation and use. - Lightweight and fast performance. - Provides both definition-based and behavioral protection. - Protects against viruses, spyware, ransomware, Trojans, and phishing. - Requires users to create a free account before installation. - Includes anti-phishing and anti-fraud features. - Offers yearly version releases and continual updates. Avast: - Excellent free protection. - High-quality protection against various threats. - Clean interface with smooth performance. - Provides definition-based and behavioral protection. - Protects against viruses, spyware, ransomware, Trojans, and phishing. - Installation is quick and unobtrusive. - Offers additional features like a password vault and Wi-Fi protection. - Provides yearly version releases and continual updates. Both antivirus solutions are compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, and they do not rely on static versions, ensuring continuous enhancements and current virus definitions.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

7 quick things I did that instantly sped up my Windows PC

Transitioning from Windows to macOS can create nostalgia for the Windows interface, but many professionals still need access to Windows for work. Older machines may hinder performance, but improvements can be made without new hardware. To enhance the performance of an aging Windows PC: 1. Restart the system regularly to clear memory leaks and unresponsive processes. 2. Turn off visual effects to improve responsiveness, especially on older machines. 3. Delete unnecessary files and applications to free up storage space. 4. Uninstall third-party antivirus software in favor of Microsoft Defender, which is resource-efficient. 5. Disable unnecessary startup programs to enhance boot times and system responsiveness. 6. Close multiple browser windows and tabs to conserve RAM. 7. Regularly update the Windows operating system for speed and stability improvements.

AppWizard

June 28, 2025

PC gaming doesn’t have to mean sitting at a desk in your spare time: Here’s how I built the perfect couch setup

Many console enthusiasts express concerns about the transition to PC gaming, citing high costs, time spent on settings, and discomfort from returning to a desk after work. Innovations like the Couchmaster Cycon2, which features memory foam cushions and an integrated mouse mat, provide comfort and convenience for gamers. Although the Cycon2 is no longer in production, alternatives like the CYWORX and CYBOSS are available, with prices at and 4 respectively, offering similar functionality with wooden worktops and efficient cable management. Investing in a quality 4K 144Hz TV can enhance the gaming experience, allowing for flexibility in playing positions.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

This month 25 years ago in PC gaming, our biggest concerns were pro gaming, moral panics about violent games… and we still thought Halo was a PC exclusive

In June 2000, PC Gamer UK highlighted the emerging world of esports, featuring professional gamers Amir Haleem and Sujoy Roy, who had earned significant prize money and were considering transitioning to full-time gaming careers. The magazine suggested that gaming could become a viable profession, drawing parallels to sports figures like David Beckham. By 2025, Haleem became CEO of a blockchain company, while Roy led partnerships at OG esports, reflecting the evolution of professional gaming careers amid ongoing concerns about sustainability and burnout. The 2000 Channel 4 Dispatches documentary 'Video Nasties' sparked debates about violent video games, claiming they could influence players' perceptions of real-world situations. Anticipation for Team Fortress 2 was high, with promises of innovative gameplay elements, while Bungie's Halo was initially expected as a PC-exclusive but was designed for console controls. The summer of 2000 saw few notable game releases, with The Longest Journey receiving modest reviews. Additionally, Bluetooth technology was beginning to gain traction in the market, although its use in competitive gaming was met with skepticism.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

Google’s Phone App Gets a Makeover in Android 16

Google is redesigning its default Phone app for Android 16, adopting the Material 3 Expressive design language. The updated interface will feature a streamlined layout with three primary tabs: Home, Keypad, and Voicemail, replacing the previous five tabs. The Home tab will now include favorite contacts and recent calls, along with filters for missed calls and spam. The floating action button for the dialer has been removed, and the Keypad will have its own dedicated tab. Calls from the same contact will be displayed individually instead of grouped, and a new swipe gesture for answering or rejecting calls is in beta testing. The update is currently live in beta for some users, indicating cautious testing before the official rollout with Android 16.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Google Phone App Gets A Major Redesign With Android 16: Here’s What’s New

Google is redesigning its default Phone app as part of Android 16, focusing on a minimalistic, Windows-centered design inspired by Material 3 Expressive. The update includes simplified bottom navigation with a Home tab that integrates missed calls, spam, and contacts, and displays recent call logs and favorite contacts. The Contacts tab has been removed from the bottom navigation, and the Keypad has been repositioned to the center. Google is also experimenting with new swipe gestures for answering and rejecting calls to reduce accidental handling. The beta version of the Phone app is currently available to testers, with a potential public rollout before the official launch of Android 16.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Windows 11 gets a fresh new Start menu and it’s one of the most useful changes to the UI in yonks

Windows 11 has received an update to the Start menu that enhances customization and accessibility for users in the Insider Program. This update allows users to create a scrollable list of applications and categorize them according to personal preferences, improving access to frequently used apps. Users can now switch between Category, Grid, or List views directly from the Start menu, simplifying the customization process. The update also expands scrolling capability, reducing the need for multiple clicks to access additional recommendations and promoting a more organized workspace. Users interested in this functionality can join the Windows Insider Program to select their update channel.

Winsage

June 19, 2025

How to Hide the Taskbar in Windows 11

Upon upgrading to Windows 11, users can hide the taskbar to optimize screen space on compact laptop screens. To do this, right-click the Start button, select "Settings," then "Personalization," scroll to "Taskbar," choose "Taskbar behaviors," and check the box for “Automatically hide the taskbar.” This setting allows the taskbar to disappear when not in use and reappear when the cursor is moved to the bottom of the screen.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

Google To Shut Down Android Instant Apps By End of 2025: What Is It? What Will You Miss?

Google introduced Android Instant Apps in 2017, allowing users to access a lightweight version of an app without full installation. However, Google has announced that support for Instant Apps will be discontinued in December 2025, meaning developers will no longer be able to publish new instant apps or receive support for existing ones. The decision is attributed to low user engagement, prompting a shift towards more effective app promotion methods, such as AI-driven highlights and simultaneous installations. Instant Apps required developers to create compact versions of their applications, which was challenging for complex apps. Most users were unaware of the feature, and its adoption was limited.