color-coded system Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 18, 2025

I’m a security editor, and this is the antivirus I would buy with my own money

McAfee + Premium is chosen as an antivirus solution for a household with eight devices, covering Windows, Android, iOS, and Chrome OS. It offers unlimited device coverage and a reasonable pricing structure. Key features include a VPN, password manager, identity monitoring, personal data cleanup, file shredder, malicious website identification, and enhanced social media privacy controls. In independent testing, McAfee achieved a 99.96% score in the AV-Comparatives evaluation and a perfect score in the AV Test report, though it had 15 false positives. The user interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy for all family members to use. McAfee + Premium also provides 24/7 chat and tech support.

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

Google Maps sucks on unpaved roads, so I use this open source app instead

Google Maps is primarily designed for well-marked, paved roads and does not adequately highlight gravel routes, making it less effective for navigating unpaved paths. In a poll, 55% of users preferred OsmAnd for unpaved road navigation, compared to 20% for Google Maps. OsmAnd offers features like a color-coded system for road types, offline map support for entire regions, and the ability to import KML or GPX files. However, it has challenges such as cumbersome customization options, less detailed information compared to Google Maps, and performance issues on Android Auto.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

Microsoft paused the rollout of the redesigned battery indicator for Windows 11

Microsoft has paused the rollout of a redesigned battery indicator for Windows 11 to address unforeseen issues. The new indicator features an increased size for better readability, a color-coded system (green for charging, yellow for energy-saving mode, and red for low battery), and the ability to display the battery percentage next to the indicator. Users can disable the battery percentage option in Settings. The timeline for resuming the rollout is unclear, but users can access some features through third-party applications like the updated Battery Flyout.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

The Windows 11 Release Preview channel update finally makes the battery indicator useful

Microsoft has introduced an enhanced battery indicator in the Windows 11 Release Preview build version 26100.3321. The new feature includes a color-coded system for battery status: a green icon indicates charging, a yellow icon signals energy-saving mode (activated at 20% battery or less), and a red icon alerts users to low battery levels. Users can also display the battery percentage in the system tray by enabling the “Battery Percentage” option in Settings > Power & battery. The update is being rolled out gradually, so not all users will see it immediately. Other features included in the rollout are file sharing via the taskbar and improvements to Windows Spotlight. Resources are available for users interested in the Windows Insider Program.