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Tech Optimizer

January 8, 2026

These 5 expert-tested antivirus programs are less than $30 right now

Numerous antivirus providers are currently offering exceptional deals on reliable software, with prices comparable to a year’s subscription to Netflix's premium plan. Antivirus coverage is crucial as the financial repercussions of a malware attack can exceed the cost of subscriptions. Available antivirus solutions protect against malware, viruses, spyware, and phishing attempts, and may include features like a VPN, password manager, and identity protection. Comprehensive packages can support protection for up to 10 devices, with notable options including Norton 360 Premium, McAfee Total Protection, and Bitdefender Total Security. These programs provide robust real-time protection across various operating systems and include enhancements such as webcam protection, hardened browsers, and ransomware rollback.

BetaBeacon

January 7, 2026

8BitDo FlipPad controller for enjoying portrait games on Android and iOS

8BitDo has introduced the FlipPad, a portrait mode clip-on controller for mobile gamers who prefer minimal accessories. The controller has 12 face buttons and a D-Pad, making it suitable for portrait games that do not require shoulder trigger buttons. It is designed to overlay over on-screen keyboards for ergonomic comfort and is compatible with third-party applications and emulators. The controller plugs directly into smartphones via USB-C and does not have Bluetooth connectivity.

AppWizard

January 4, 2026

30 hidden gems from 2025 to grab before the Steam Winter Sale ends

The PC gaming landscape in 2025 features a diverse array of new titles, many receiving critical acclaim. A selection of 15 standout games has been curated based on specific criteria: they were released or re-released in 2025, received little to no prior coverage, have around 95% positive user ratings, offer offbeat yet accessible gameplay, are discounted by a minimum of 30%, and include one game per genre. 1. Project Silverfish - Price: £17.50 (30% off); Developer: Siris Pendrake; A non-linear shooter set in a post-apocalyptic world with lizard-people and multi-faction battles. 2. Contract Rush DX - Price: £11.72 (30% off); Developer: Figburn & Melon; A platformer blending elements of Mega Man and Contra with vector animation and humor, allowing players to tackle levels in any order. 3. Godpoke - Price: £10.05 (40% off); Developer: LimboLane; An adventure where players mend quarrelsome gods using a dialogue-stealing mechanic to solve puzzles. 4. Missile Command Delta - Price: £11.72 (30% off); Developer: 13AM Games, Mighty Yell; A tactical hex-based strategy game with a teen drama narrative and point-and-click puzzles. 5. Shooty Shooty Robot Invasion - Price: £5.10 (40% off); Developer: Bubby Darkstar; A humorous FPS where players navigate a beach while dealing with quirky robot foes. 6. Maliki: Poison Of The Past - Price: £15 (40% off); Developer: Blue Banshee; A JRPG-inspired title featuring time travel and turn-based combat based on a webcomic. 7. Desecrators - Price: £7 (30% off); Developer: Woodhound; A roguelike shooter with procedurally generated levels and online co-op support. 8. Wyrmhall - Price: £2.55 (70% off); Developer: Leafy Games; A game where players manage an artifact-cleaning stall in an interdimensional nexus. 9. Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo - Price: £11.72 (30% off); Developer: Pocket Trap; An adventure game featuring dungeon-crawling and puzzle-solving mechanics inspired by classic Zelda games. 10. Lingo 2 - Price: £5.95 (30% off); Developer: Brenton Wildes; A word puzzle adventure set in a minimalist block labyrinth. 11. Skogdal - Price: £8.37 (50% off); Developer: Erlend Kirkeboe, Kay Arne Kirkeboe; A deck-building game set in a quirky, 90s Norway with humor and strategic gameplay. 12. Schism - Price: £6.50 (35% off); Developer: Fami; A low-fi action roguelike with a punk aesthetic and intense combat. 13. My Little Puppy - Price: £14.69 (30% off); Developer: Dreamotion Inc.; An emotional adventure following a corgi's journey through the afterlife. 14. Decade - Price: £5.95 (30% off); Developer: Last Piscean; A narrative-driven game exploring time travel consequences in a post-apocalyptic world. 15. Kiloton - Price: £2.14 (50% off); Developer: Jack Morehart; A minimalist strategy game simulating geopolitical tensions with quick decision-making.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

Daemon Bride: Additional Gain for PC launches December 30

Developer Team ARCANA will release the PC version of the 2D fighting game Daemon Bride: Additional Gain on Steam on December 30, priced at 2,980 yen, with a 10 percent promotional discount until January 14, 2026. The game will be available in English and Japanese. Daemon Bride: Additional Gain is an enhanced version of the original Daemon Bride, which was first released in Japanese arcades on November 24, 2011. Set in 2025, the game features 17 angels and demons in combat, with online play supported by rollback-compatible net code. Notable enhancements include the first home port from the arcade version, the introduction of the boss character Dies Irae Deus as a playable character, support for both 16:9 and 4:3 screen ratios, high-resolution custom upscaling, a comprehensive training mode, and an in-game guidebook titled “Primer of Duel.”

Winsage

December 19, 2025

Explained: Why you can’t move Windows 11 taskbar like Windows 10, according to Microsoft

Since the rollout of Windows 11, users have noted the absence of a movable taskbar, which was possible in Windows 10. Microsoft has not indicated plans to reintroduce this feature, as they believe it may not serve the majority of users. The taskbar in Windows 11 was developed from scratch without the code necessary for repositioning it. Microsoft’s data-driven approach prioritizes features that benefit the largest user base, leading to a focus on essential functionalities rather than customization options. Technical challenges arise from moving the taskbar, as it would require significant adjustments to app layouts and designs. Microsoft has instead restored drag-and-drop support on the taskbar and optimized it for smaller screens and touch devices. Recent updates have introduced AI-driven features, raising concerns about the feasibility of a movable taskbar as the focus shifts toward integrating AI rather than user customization.

TrendTechie

December 15, 2025

Торренте — Бетис: прогнозы 3 декабря 2025

“Бетис” won the derby against “Sevilla” with a score of 2-0. Head coach Manuel Pellegrini may rest key players in the upcoming Copa del Rey match against “Torrente,” where he might field reserves and young talents. “Torrente” is struggling in the fourth tier of Spanish football, with only two wins in 13 matches and defensive issues at home. Pellegrini has extended his contract with “Betis” until summer 2027, and the team is currently in the top five of La Liga. “Betis” recently won a Copa del Rey match against “Palma del Rio” 7-1 and previously won the tournament in the 2021/22 season. Starting lineups for the match include several unavailable players due to injuries. Predictions suggest a likely victory for “Betis” with a handicap of -2.5, and a possibility of both teams scoring. An exact score prediction is 1:5 in favor of “Betis.”

Tech Optimizer

December 12, 2025

Agentic Postgres: Postgres for Agentic Apps with Fast Forking and AI-Ready Features

Tiger Data has launched Agentic Postgres, a database solution built on Postgres for AI agents and developers. It features rapid forking capabilities, a multi-channel processing (MCP) server, and native support for BM25 and vector searches via a command-line interface (CLI). The MCP server allows users to interact with agents through high-level prompts for tasks like schema design. Agentic Postgres includes two advanced plugins to enhance search functionalities: an upgraded pgvectorscale for improved indexing and pg_textsearch for BM25 keyword ranking. The core of the platform is Fluid Storage, a distributed storage system that enables rapid, zero-copy forks of production data. Tiger Data highlights the importance of fluidity in database management for agentic software, which requires quick scaling and modifications. The growing needs of developers for integrated solutions reflect a shift due to AI advancements. Competitors in the market include Firebolt, Weaviate, and Qdrant. A free tier for Agentic Postgres is available, offering access to various features with limitations.

AppWizard

December 8, 2025

Shattering my expectations, Skate Story is unique, ultra-stylish, and the final must-play game of 2025

Skate Story is a skateboarding game set in a vibrant underworld where players control a demon who consumes the moon and acquires a skateboard. The game features an ethereal soundtrack and visually inventive chapters, blending traditional skating elements with a rich narrative of desire and redemption. Players interact with eccentric characters and navigate creatively designed environments, utilizing a control scheme that encourages exploration. The soundtrack enhances the immersive experience, making it feel more like a concept album than a typical game. The game symbolizes rebellion against authority and invites players to confront challenges with an audacious spirit.

AppWizard

December 6, 2025

Fallout co-creator Tim Cain is out of ‘semi-retirement’ and back at Obsidian

Tim Cain has returned to full-time work at Obsidian Entertainment after a period of semi-retirement. He is now an in-office employee, having relocated back to California. Cain has hinted that he is working on a new project but has not disclosed specifics, advising against speculation related to the Fallout franchise. He mentioned that a game he contributed to during his contract work will be released soon. Additionally, he will continue to produce content for his YouTube channel.

AppWizard

December 5, 2025

Fallout co-creator Tim Cain is out of ‘semi-retirement’ and back at Obsidian

Tim Cain has returned to Obsidian Entertainment as a full-time in-office employee after a period of semi-retirement and contract work. He announced this change in a recent video, stating he is no longer a contractor. While he did not disclose specific projects, he hinted that he is working on something unexpected and mentioned that a game he contributed to during his contract work will be released soon. Cain's YouTube channel will continue, with support from his colleagues at Obsidian.