customer service Archives

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

X Rolls Out XChat: New Messaging to Challenge WhatsApp

XChat is an integrated instant messaging feature within X (formerly Twitter) designed to offer various communication options, including voice and video calls, file sharing, image sending, voice messages, and vanishing messages. It is accessible on mobile for both free users and X Premium subscribers, although some advanced features require a subscription. XChat includes encryption, disappearing messages, and the ability to send any file type. Unlike existing direct messages (DMs) on X, XChat offers more advanced features such as unsending messages and group chats. Security is emphasized, with XChat built on Rust and utilizing a "Bitcoin-style encryption system," though it does not guarantee end-to-end encryption. Key features of XChat include disappearing messages, message unsending, group chats, and audio/video calls without the need for a phone number. Currently in beta, XChat aims to enhance connectivity for brands and digital marketers on the platform. The unique advantage of XChat is its integration with X, allowing for a centralized experience combining social media and messaging functionalities.

Tech Optimizer

June 18, 2025

AVG Antivirus Review 2025: Robust Free Version but Middling Premium Plans

AVG Antivirus offers a freemium model with a suite of cybersecurity tools. The Ultimate plan scored 7.6/10 overall, with the following breakdown: Performance 9/10, Security 7/10, Customer Support 7/10, Usability 9/10, Value 7/10, and Features 7/10. The free version includes scan scheduling and protection against ransomware, while the paid AVG Internet Security covers up to 10 devices. AVG Ultimate includes a VPN and performance tools but lacks some advanced privacy features found in competitors. Usability testing showed intuitive account navigation, though installation was complex. AVG's antivirus engine achieved a 99.3% online detection rate, but there are concerns about data-sharing policies and past breaches. Customer support includes a knowledge base and 24/7 live chat, but experiences were often unsatisfactory. AVG's pricing is competitive, especially for its free option, but may not meet the needs of users requiring advanced features.

Tech Optimizer

June 16, 2025

Norton Antivirus Review 2025: Solid Value for Fast, Effective Protection

Norton Antivirus has a score of 8.6 out of 10 and was established in 1982. The Norton 360 Deluxe package includes features such as real-time protection, manual and automated scans, the Genie Scam Detector, a password manager, and 2GB of cloud backups. It offers four plans: Norton Antivirus Plus, Norton 360 Standard, Norton 360 Deluxe, and Norton 360 with LifeLock Select Plus, each with varying identity protection features and cloud backup space. The installation process is user-friendly, and the software operates efficiently, using minimal CPU and disk space. Norton has maintained a perfect security ranking from AV-Test for over a decade but has experienced a data breach in the past five years. Customer support includes a knowledge base, community forum, and 24/7 live chat and phone support, with an overall customer support score of 8 out of 10. Norton’s pricing is competitive, particularly for higher-tier plans, resulting in a value ranking of 8 out of 10.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

T-Mobile’s T-Life App: Why User Frustration Continues (Despite Updates)

T-Mobile's T-Life app has faced significant criticism from employees and customers since its launch, despite updates aimed at improving functionality. Users report challenges with the app, including unclear and impractical functions. One user experienced difficulty after accidentally deleting their eSIM, as the app did not provide a solution and required a visit to a physical store for assistance. T-Mobile has encouraged customers to use the app for self-service tasks, but reports indicate that employees must report instances when customers refuse to use it. The transition to the app has created friction and raised questions about its effectiveness.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Say goodbye to paid upgrades: Get Windows 11 for life for $22

Windows 10 Pro is currently priced at .05, which includes a complimentary upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. CdkeySales.com offers genuine Windows CD keys at low prices for lifetime use. By using the promo code CULT at checkout, customers can receive an additional 30% discount on software keys. Windows 11 Pro is available for .71, significantly lower than Microsoft's official price of .99. Purchasing a Windows 10 CD key also grants a free upgrade to Windows 11. CdkeySales.com provides a straightforward process for purchasing and activating software keys, and offers various options for games and hardware as well.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

NatWest mobile app down with customers locked out of accounts

NatWest is experiencing issues with its mobile banking app, leading to over 3,000 outages reported around 10 am on a Friday. Customers have expressed frustration on social media due to their inability to send or receive money, pay bills, or transfer funds. The bank has stated that the problem is related to an update made to the app. Recent scrutiny has arisen for high street banks due to a series of outages, particularly at the end of the month when many receive paychecks. Data from the Treasury Committee revealed that nine of the UK’s largest banks and building societies faced over 33 days of unplanned outages in the past two years. NatWest reported 13 "material" incidents between 2023 and 2025, resulting in nearly £350,000 in compensation paid to affected customers. Barclays also indicated it could allocate up to £12.5 million in compensation for affected customers during the same period. Common reasons for these outages include issues with third-party suppliers, system changes, and internal software malfunctions.

Tech Optimizer

May 29, 2025

Antivirus alone won’t protect you: The real danger is social engineering

Social engineering is a manipulation tactic that exploits human trust to obtain sensitive information or access, posing a significant cybersecurity threat. Unlike traditional cyber threats that rely on malware, social engineering targets individuals through deception, often invoking emotions like fear or urgency. Common examples include fraudulent phone calls, phishing emails, and deceptive text messages. Antivirus software primarily protects against malware but is ineffective against social engineering attacks, which do not involve malicious code. The consequences of falling victim to such attacks can include financial losses, identity theft, and compromised networks. Effective defenses against social engineering include skepticism towards unsolicited contact, verifying requests independently, never disclosing sensitive information, using strong passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication. Awareness and education are crucial in combating these threats.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Tabletop Game Shop Simulator Announced For PC

Knight Fever Games, in collaboration with Ludogram, has announced Tabletop Game Shop Simulator, a digital board game store management simulator. Players can manage and expand their own game shop, design layouts, set prices, hire staff, collect and paint miniatures, and engage with the community through events. The game was announced at the Games Made in France event, but does not have a confirmed release date. Players will navigate supply and demand, manage finances, and aim to become a prominent part of the board gaming community.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Best VPN for Android 2025: NordVPN Voted Best of VPNs for Android

NordVPN has been recognized as the Best VPN for Android in 2025, continuing its commitment to trusted VPN services since launching its Android app in 2016. The user interface has been redesigned for a streamlined experience, featuring a clean, map-based home screen and easy server access. It has received praise for exceptional speed on Android devices, attributed to its NordLynx protocol, and boasts over 7,000 servers in more than 100 countries for reliable internet access. NordVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy to protect user privacy and includes advanced security features like Threat Protection Lite. The app is optimized for battery efficiency and offers robust customer support, including 24/7 live chat. NordVPN's competitive pricing plans and various payment methods enhance its accessibility.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

Can’t securely login to your PC using facial recognition anymore? New Windows 11 update patch is likely to blame – if you can install the update at all

The April 2025 cumulative update for Windows 11, identified as KB5055523, has caused issues with the Windows Hello feature, particularly affecting users with privacy shutters on their webcams. Reports indicate that facial recognition no longer functions properly unless the privacy cover is removed. Users have suggested uninstalling the update as a workaround, while a potential solution involves disabling the RGB camera in Device Manager. Microsoft has acknowledged a separate issue related to Windows Hello affecting specific security features in Windows 11 Pro or enterprise editions. Additionally, users have reported installation failures with the April update, encountering error messages and stalling during the process. Other notable bugs include language inconsistencies, the uninstallation of the Copilot app, and a glitch in File Explorer's menu display.