Timed Silence is a Kotlin-based application for Android, created by Felix Nüsse, that manages smartphone volume settings, allowing users to mute, vibrate, or ring with sound. The app requires initial setup permissions and features an intuitive interface with a pause/play button. Users can create custom schedules, including pre-defined ones for "Night" and "Day." The app effectively activates Do Not Disturb (DND) at scheduled times, muting notifications while allowing calls and messages from specified contacts. Additional features include Calendar integration, Keywords for managing volume levels, Bluetooth compatibility, and a Sanity Check for priority contacts. The app is available on F-Droid, with source code and APKs on GitHub.
Windows 11 has captured a market share of 35.55% as of October 2024, while Windows 10 holds 60.97%. Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The International Data Corporation (IDC) reported a 3% growth in global PC shipments in Q2 2024, with approximately 64.9 million units sold. Microsoft has introduced an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10 users, allowing them to extend support for an additional year at a cost. A public interest petition has been initiated urging Microsoft to reconsider the end of support for Windows 10.
TotalAV offers superior protection and user experience compared to PCProtect, with affordability enhancing its appeal. TotalAV blocked all prepared malware samples and nine out of ten wild samples in tests, while PCProtect missed two prepared and three wild samples, achieving a 75% effectiveness score. TotalAV features an intuitive interface, effective password manager, and superior VPN, while PCProtect's interface could benefit from redesign. TotalAV provides three pricing options, with the basic version covering four devices, making it more cost-effective than PCProtect, which is available for three devices. Both antivirus programs support Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. TotalAV has received high ratings from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, while PCProtect has not been evaluated by leading cybersecurity firms.
A new PowerShell script called UnattendedWinstall allows Windows 11 users to bypass the mandatory Microsoft account login during setup. The script can be downloaded from the UnattendedWinstall GitHub releases page, with version 2.0.0 being the latest. It utilizes Windows' "response files" to automate tasks and modify system settings, effectively removing the login prompt.
UnattendedWinstall offers several additional functionalities:
- Bypasses Windows 11's system requirements.
- Disables Windows Security services by default.
- Turns off User Account Controls by default.
- Permits execution of PowerShell scripts by default.
- Removes most pre-installed bloatware applications.
- Disables features like Copilot and Windows Recall.
- Limits Windows Update to security updates for a year.
- Optimizes the Windows registry for better performance.
- Disables unnecessary scheduled tasks.
- Enables the “Ultimate Performance” power plan.
Users are advised to exercise caution when using the script and to test it in a virtual machine first. Reactivating Windows Security is recommended after execution. Microsoft may not endorse such tools, and their availability could be at risk if issues arise. However, the tool allows users to continue receiving security updates.
Microsoft has introduced new features in Paint and Notepad as part of its October AI roadmap for Windows 11. Notable additions include the Generative Fill and Generative Erase tools in Paint, currently being tested in the Canary and Dev Channels. The Generative Erase function allows users to erase parts of an image while intelligently filling in the background, similar to a feature in the Photos app. Generative Fill enables users to outline a region in an image and fill it with AI-generated art that integrates with the existing scene. Notepad is receiving an upgrade for AI-assisted text editing, allowing users to modify the tone and length of selected text. These updates are available in Paint version 11.2410.28.0 and Notepad version 11.2410.15.0.
The Google Play store is offering a variety of discounted Android games and apps. Notable hardware deals include the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra at a reduced price and the 32-inch 4K 240Hz Odyssey OLED G8 monitor, which comes with a complimentary Odyssey G3 monitor. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE has also seen a price drop of . Featured discounted games include Residual, Gunslugs 1 – 3, Neoteria, and Space Grunts 2.
BitLocker drive encryption is a feature in Windows 11 that protects files from unauthorized access by encrypting the drive. It is enabled by default in Windows 11 Pro and higher editions, while a limited version is available in Windows 11 Home. Windows 11 automatically encrypts all fixed drives upon connection, and users should verify that all permanently attached drives are encrypted. Users can set drives to automatically unlock on the current PC or protect them with a password. BitLocker is a Windows-specific feature, making encrypted external drives inaccessible on other operating systems like macOS or Linux. Recovery keys for BitLocker-encrypted drives are automatically backed up for users with a Microsoft account, and it is recommended to create a Microsoft account for easier access to recovery keys. Users should also keep a second backup of the recovery key in case of internet outages, which can be printed or saved as a digital file.
Microsoft has retired Paint 3D, which has disappeared from the Microsoft Store. Users who downloaded it before November 4 can still access it, but it will no longer receive updates. The original Paint has received significant updates, including AI capabilities for background removal, new brushes and tools, and AI image generation tools that require credits for access. Paint has become a more dynamic tool, competing with applications like GIMP and Photoshop, and has improved compatibility with drawing tools for Windows tablet users.
Blizzard Entertainment has added ‘StarCraft: Remastered’ and ‘StarCraft II Campaign Collection’ to the PC Game Pass lineup. Players can install these titles via the Battle.Net client. ‘StarCraft: Remastered’ enhances the original game and its expansion, ‘StarCraft: Brood War’, with improved graphics and audio while maintaining classic gameplay. ‘StarCraft: Cartooned’ offers a whimsical reimagining of the game in a cartoon style. The ‘StarCraft II: Campaign Collection’ includes over 60 missions across three campaigns: Wings of Liberty, Heart of the Swarm, and Legacy of the Void, featuring the three races: Terran, Zerg, and Protoss, each with unique characteristics and strategies.
