device Archives

Tech Optimizer

July 11, 2025

K7 Antivirus for Mac

K7 AntiVirus for Mac provides basic malware elimination but lacks essential features such as browser-level protection, which is critical for user safety against malicious websites. Its Windows version offers more comprehensive features, including a firewall and exploit protection, while being priced significantly lower than the Mac version. K7's pricing for Mac subscriptions is competitive, with a one-Mac subscription costing less than average market prices. The software is compatible with older macOS versions, dating back to Yosemite (10.10). K7 has not participated in independent testing labs, which limits its evaluation compared to competitors that have received high scores. The installation process is straightforward, and K7 performs full scans quickly, but it does not offer a quick scan option. K7 lacks protection against phishing attacks and does not detect Windows malware, which is a feature present in many competing antivirus solutions.

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

Google drops ‘Android Canary Release Channel’ for devs eyeing rigorous API testing

Google has introduced the Android Canary Release Channel, a new testing environment for developers to access early test builds and upcoming features of Android. This channel is available for Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series to Pixel 9, and offers tools for developing features in Wear OS 6. Developers can flash the latest Canary build or use the Android Emulator via Android Studio, with future updates expected to roll out monthly. Opting out of the channel requires a complete data wipe of the device. The Android Canary channel will have a more measured update schedule compared to Chrome Canary, which receives daily updates.

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

Wish your Nintendo DS could run modern PC games? You need to see this new gaming handheld

AYANEO has introduced the AYANEO Flip 1S, a clamshell handheld gaming device available for pre-order. It features two designs: one with dual screens and another with a built-in keyboard. Both models have a 7-inch 144Hz OLED main display, with the dual-screen version including a 4.5-inch LCD panel and the keyboard variant featuring a compact RGB keyboard. The device is powered by either a Ryzen 7 8840U or a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 chipset, with RAM options of 16GB or 32GB for the former and 32GB or 64GB for the latter. Storage ranges from 1TB to 2TB, expandable via a microSD card slot. The AYANEO Flip 1S has a 45Wh battery and supports 65W PD charging. It is capable of emulating classic systems like the Nintendo DS, 3DS, and Wii U. Pre-orders start at 9 during the crowdfunding campaign, with the top-tier model priced at 9 and shipping expected to begin in August.

BetaBeacon

July 10, 2025

The Game Boy of my dreams is finally back in stock for good

The ModRetro Chromatic is the ultimate Game Boy, with an enhanced but authentic screen and exquisite build quality. It only plays Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges, replicating the original hardware closely. It has a backlit LCD panel, premium build quality, and a battery indicator. The device has been restocked with new colorways and accessories. The price has been adjusted, making it a pricey option for diehard Game Boy fans. It is considered the ultimate way to play Game Boy cartridges for dedicated collectors.

Winsage

July 10, 2025

Microsoft fixes critical wormable Windows flaw (CVE-2025-47981)

Microsoft released patches for 130 vulnerabilities in the July 2025 Patch Tuesday update. Notable vulnerabilities include CVE-2025-49719, an uninitialized memory disclosure in Microsoft SQL Server, and CVE-2025-47981, a wormable remote code execution flaw in Windows. CVE-2025-49719 is assessed as having "unproven" exploit code, while CVE-2025-47981 has a high likelihood of exploitation within 30 days. Other vulnerabilities include CVE-2025-49717, a buffer overflow in SQL Server, and CVE-2025-49704, which allows code injection in SharePoint. Additionally, updates address vulnerabilities in Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) and Microsoft Edge, including CVE-2025-6554, which has been actively exploited. Administrators are advised to prioritize patching internet-facing assets and consider additional mitigations for RRAS vulnerabilities.

Winsage

July 10, 2025

Latest Windows 11 Patch Tuesday fixes Firewall issue

Microsoft has implemented its monthly Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 10 and Windows 11. The updates for Windows 10 focus on security enhancements, while Windows 11 includes various fixes, notably resolving an issue with the Windows Firewall linked to the June 2025 non-security preview update (KB5060829). This issue caused the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security to log an error event (Event 2042: Config Read Failed) upon device restarts, but it did not indicate a malfunction. Microsoft advised IT administrators to disregard the error or filter it out from the Event Viewer. The latest update for Windows 11 version 24H2 (KB5062553) has resolved the Windows Firewall issue, and users are encouraged to install the updates to eliminate the erroneous log.

Winsage

July 10, 2025

Windows BitLocker Bypass Vulnerability Let Attackers Bypass Security Feature

A security vulnerability, designated CVE-2025-48818, has been identified in Windows BitLocker encryption, allowing attackers to exploit a time-of-check time-of-use (TOCTOU) race condition to bypass encryption. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.8 and affects multiple versions of Windows, specifically targeting BitLocker Device Encryption. It requires physical access to the target system, has low attack complexity, and does not require user interaction. The affected Windows platforms include Windows 10 (versions 1607, 21H2, 22H2), Windows 11 (versions 22H2, 23H2, 24H2), and Windows Server editions (2016, 2022, 2025). Microsoft has released security updates to address this vulnerability, with key patches for specific Windows versions. System administrators are advised to install these updates and enhance physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access.

Winsage

July 10, 2025

Breathing new Life into Old Devices with Windows 11 on Amazon WorkSpaces

The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 2025, prompting businesses to consider alternatives like desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) solutions, such as Amazon WorkSpaces, due to many devices being incompatible with Windows 11. Organizations are repurposing older devices as clients for DaaS desktops to reduce costs and promote sustainability. Amazon WorkSpaces offers secure, cloud-based virtual desktops, enhancing security and business continuity while facilitating remote work. It has been recognized as a leading DaaS provider by Gartner. AWS announced compatibility with ChromeOS Flex in March 2025, making it suitable for repurposing older laptops. ChromeOS Flex requires minimal hardware specifications and simplifies IT management. Testing showed that a repurposed Dell E7440 laptop could effectively connect to a Windows 11 WorkSpaces desktop. The integration of Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise on Amazon WorkSpaces allows users to utilize existing licenses at no extra cost. Amazon WorkSpaces operates on a pay-as-you-go model, supporting sustainability and cost savings while providing secure access to virtual desktops.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

The Windows 11 25H2 update enables some users to remove pesky apps and bloatware from the OS

gHacks is a resource for tech enthusiasts providing insights and tools for enhancing digital experiences. The MisterMDM X account focuses on mobile device management, offering tips for businesses to improve operations and device security. Geek Uninstaller is a lightweight tool that helps users efficiently remove unwanted applications for better system performance. The Windows IT Pro Blog provides in-depth analysis and expert opinions on Windows operating systems, including troubleshooting tips and reviews of new features.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

5 Windows Registry tweaks I still use, even in 2025

The Windows registry is a crucial part of Microsoft's operating system, recording various system operations. Users can modify the registry through the Registry Editor to enhance performance and user experience, but must do so cautiously to avoid system issues. To take ownership of files, users can add a "Take Ownership" option to the context menu by creating a .reg file. To restore the old Windows 10 context menu in Windows 11, a new key can be added in the Registry Editor. Power throttling can be disabled by creating a new key and DWORD value in the Registry Editor, improving performance for desktop users. Users can disable the Copilot feature by creating a specific key and DWORD value in the Registry Editor. To reduce telemetry data collection, a DWORD value can be set to 0 in the Registry Editor. It is recommended to back up files and create a Restore Point before making any registry changes, and to test risky tweaks on a virtual machine or secondary device.