desktop Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 6, 2025

Avast Named Best Antivirus by Software Experts for Multi-Platform Protection.

Avast has been recognized as the Best Antivirus by Software Experts for its strong threat detection, broad platform support, and comprehensive privacy features. It offers real-time antivirus, privacy, and performance solutions for consumers and businesses across multiple devices. Avast Premium Security includes malware detection, phishing protection, ransomware shields, and web threat prevention, with subscription options for single or multiple devices. The newly introduced Scam Guardian Pro features AI-driven components: Avast Assistant for real-time guidance, Web Guard for scanning website content, and Email Guard for flagging dangerous emails. Avast Ultimate combines Premium Security with SecureLine VPN, AntiTrack, and Cleanup Premium for enhanced protection and performance. In 2024, Avast received the Best MacOS Security Award from AV-Test and achieved a perfect score in protection, performance, and usability. In 2023, it was recognized as a Top-Rated Product by AV-Comparatives and received an A+ grade from Virus Bulletin for its high malware detection rate. Avast serves over 435 million users globally and is certified by multiple independent laboratories.

AppWizard

August 5, 2025

Google is building a Linux terminal app for native Android development – here’s why that’s huge

Google plans to introduce a new Linux terminal app for developers that will run a complete Debian environment on Android devices, allowing users to execute Linux commands directly. This app will enable developers to build Android applications directly on their devices using the Android Virtualization Framework, which boots a Debian image on a virtual machine. However, Android Studio does not currently support ARM-based CPUs, limiting its functionality within this environment. Additionally, the current Android Canary build supports Linux GUI applications, allowing users to run apps like Chromium, GIMP, and LibreOffice on devices such as the Pixel 8 Pro. The exact release date for these features is unclear, but they are expected to be available first on Pixel devices.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Microsoft suggests the future of Windows will make today’s operating systems feel alien to use — here’s what that really means

Microsoft has launched a video series called "Windows 2030 Vision," featuring aspirations for the future of Windows over the next five years. David Weston, Microsoft's Corporate Vice President of Enterprise & Security, suggests that traditional input methods will become outdated. The company plans to integrate AI into Windows in various forms, aiming for a seamless integration throughout the operating system, potentially allowing AI to manage applications and workflows autonomously. Recent advancements in AI-powered web browsers indicate a future where voice commands could replace traditional cursor navigation. Microsoft is reportedly developing prototypes for this new desktop user experience and has introduced Copilot Mode for the Edge browser as a testing ground for these technologies. The series will continue to explore Microsoft's innovative roadmap for Windows.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Windows 11’s taskbar could be next for an AI overhaul – but I just don’t see the point

Microsoft is exploring the integration of artificial intelligence into the Windows 11 taskbar, with indications of a 'Taskbar Companion' feature and references to 'agentic companions.' A recent Windows 11 preview build includes a string related to managing the visibility of these AI companions on the taskbar. The AI capabilities may mirror those found in the Settings app for Copilot+ PCs, which allows for intelligent searches. Potential functionalities could include managing notifications, calendar events, or providing personalized application recommendations. However, the exact features and their utility remain unclear.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Microsoft is finally fixing this irritating Windows 11 feature

Windows 11 includes a feature called the Second-chance out-of-box experience (SCOOBE), which can disrupt user experience by requiring users to navigate through multiple prompts before accessing the desktop. In a recent update to the Windows 11 Dev build, Microsoft has streamlined the SCOOBE process into a single-screen interface with a list of optional features that can be toggled on or off. The new interface includes intuitive buttons for accepting or declining all offers with a single click. The SCOOBE feature typically appears on systems using local accounts or the oobebypassnro command, as well as on devices with Microsoft accounts. Users can disable SCOOBE by going to Settings > System > Notifications > Additional Settings and toggling off the relevant options.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Millions still cling to Windows 10 as end of support looms

Windows 11 has a market share of 53.51 percent, while Windows 10's share is 42.88 percent, according to Statcounter data. Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 in less than three months, yet many PCs remain on this older version. Organizations face challenges in transitioning to Windows 11 due to legacy applications and hardware incompatibilities. The Extended Security Update (ESU) program is seen as a temporary solution, and while consumers can secure a complimentary year of ESU, corporate customers using Microsoft 365 do not have this option. There are no plans from Microsoft to offer free ESUs for Windows 10. Despite the impending end of support, Windows 10 is expected to remain significant in enterprise planning for months or years to come.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Valve’s SteamOS is slowly but surely replacing Windows 11 for gaming, as more users make the big shift

Valve's SteamOS has increased its market share by 0.32%, while Microsoft's Windows 11 has decreased by 0.44%. Approximately four million players are now using SteamOS out of Steam's 132 million user base. This growth is linked to the popularity of handheld gaming devices, particularly following the launch of Valve's Steam Deck in 2022. Valve plans to enhance SteamOS's compatibility with various devices, while Microsoft is introducing a 'full-screen experience' for its Xbox PC app.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: 10 years of Windows 10

Windows 10 celebrated its 10th anniversary, while Windows 11 SE is being discontinued and will not receive the upcoming Windows 11 version 25H2, with support ending in October 2026. Microsoft plans to open-source WinUI, the user interface framework for Windows 11. The Flyoobe tool has been updated to assist users switching from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. Recent data shows a gradual increase in Windows 11's market share, while Microsoft Edge struggles in the desktop browser market. Microsoft provided guidance on upgrade paths for businesses transitioning to Windows 11. Updates for Windows Insiders include general fixes and new features across various channels. Microsoft reported a record-high profit of .2 billion and revenue of .4 billion for the last financial quarter. A new Surface Laptop Smurface Edition was announced, and Adobe has made creative applications available natively on Windows on ARM devices. Microsoft Edge introduced an AI-driven feature called Copilot Mode, while Opera filed a complaint against Microsoft in Brazil regarding unfair practices. Microsoft banned the developer account of LibreOffice for violating the Service Agreement. In gaming, Microsoft released the July 2025 update for the Xbox app, allowing game streaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming, and is preparing for the Gamescom show. EA decided to maintain game prices and announced a remaster of Plants vs Zombies: Replanted. A public beta for Battlefield 6 is forthcoming. Valve revealed updates for the Steam client, including a revamped store interface. Special discounts are available for the Back to School season.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

I still love VLC, but this lightweight video player changed the game for me

VLC Player has been a popular video application since the early days of Windows XP and is available on both desktop and mobile platforms. Next Player is a simpler alternative that offers a visually appealing design and user-friendly interface, making it easy to access content quickly. It features customizable home screen options and readily accessible controls, including a lock icon to prevent accidental taps. Next Player provides a smoother navigation experience compared to VLC, which can feel sluggish and has hidden controls. However, VLC remains superior for tasks like browsing NAS video files, streaming media, and creating playlists, which Next Player does not support.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

New Windows Terminal updates fix crashes, pasting issues, and more

Microsoft has released updates for Windows Terminal, specifically version 1.22 in the Stable Channel and version 1.23 Preview. These updates include bug fixes and improvements but no new features. Notable fixes in version 1.22 include improved session restoration for profiles with the same name, resolution of a pasting issue, a fix for crashes when closing multiple panes, enhanced handling of problematic color combinations, and restoration of icon referencing HTTP URLs. Version 1.23 Preview includes similar improvements, fixes for scrollbar visibility, elimination of crashes in the alternate screen buffer, prevention of variable name duplication in WSLENV, and enhanced reliability as the default console host. Both versions now include proper version information resources for accompanying files. Users can update through the Microsoft Store or access the preview via GitHub.