device Archives

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Valve shares Windows drivers for Steam Machine and says an official dual-boot wizard will ship “once it’s complete”

Valve has introduced the Steam Machine, which operates on SteamOS and offers a console-like experience while functioning as a traditional PC. Users can install Windows on the Steam Machine, as Valve has released official drivers for essential hardware components, including graphics processor, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and SD card reader. However, installing Windows requires wiping SteamOS, and Valve does not provide official technical support for Windows users. An official dual-boot setup wizard is planned for a future update of SteamOS. To install Windows, users must access the boot menu by powering off the Steam Machine and restarting it while pressing the Escape key. An internet connection is necessary during the setup process, and connecting via Ethernet is recommended.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

The Nothing Phone 4b is a flashy budget phone with flagship software promises

Nothing has launched the Phone 4b, featuring a Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chip, an upgraded Glyph Interface, and the largest battery yet from the brand. The phone has a 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a 5,200mAh battery, IP64 durability, and a transparent design. It includes a 50MP OIS main camera, ultrawide lens, Ultra XDR processing, and 4K video recording. The Phone 4b runs on Android 16 with unique interface enhancements and offers three years of Android OS updates and six years of security patches. A limited edition Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Edition will also be available. The starting price is £299 (€329) for the model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Point-in-Time Restore Now Generally Available for Windows 11 — Campus Technology

Microsoft has rolled out a point-in-time restore feature for Windows 11, available to all client PCs running version 24H2 and later, including Enterprise, Pro, and Home editions. This feature automatically creates local restore points every 24 hours, stored for up to 72 hours and limited to 2% of disk space. It is enabled by default on Windows Home and unmanaged Windows Pro devices with at least 200 GB OS volume, while it is disabled by default on Windows Enterprise, Education, and organization-managed Windows Pro systems. Users can initiate restores locally via the Windows Recovery Environment, but any changes made after the selected restore point will be lost. Microsoft plans to introduce remote initiation capabilities through Intune recovery. The upcoming Windows 11 version 26H2 will maintain a low-disruption update experience, allowing devices on versions 24H2 or 25H2 to transition via a small enablement package. Devices running version 26H1 cannot upgrade directly to 26H2.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Microsoft announces new Cloud Rebuild recovery feature for Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced a new recovery solution for Windows 11 users called Cloud Rebuild, which allows for the reinstallation of the operating system directly from the cloud, restoring a PC to a clean state. This feature downloads the Windows OS and necessary device drivers, enabling recovery even when the OS is unbootable, unlike the existing Reset this PC option. However, Cloud Rebuild does not retain applications and files during the process. Currently, it is being rolled out in preview to Windows Insiders and is expected to be available to the general public in the coming months.

Tech Optimizer

July 7, 2026

Why Anti Malware and Antivirus Solutions still matter despite Google Play Protect

Google Play Protect is a security feature integrated within the Google Play Store that scans installed applications for malicious behavior, verifies apps before download, and can disable or remove harmful software. Its primary limitation is its focus on apps from the Google Play Store, leaving users who install APK files from third-party sources at risk. Modern cyber threats include phishing links, counterfeit login pages, and social engineering techniques, which Google Play Protect does not fully address. Dedicated antivirus applications offer real-time threat detection, privacy protection, and additional features such as monitoring excessive app permissions and dark web credential leaks. For business users, mobile security platforms provide advanced capabilities like enforcing corporate policies and detecting zero-day threats. While Google Play Protect is sufficient for many users, those handling sensitive information or seeking enhanced protection should consider additional antivirus solutions. Best practices for cybersecurity include downloading apps from trusted sources, keeping software updated, and using strong passwords.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

Minecraft Bedrock Seed Map: Plan Your World Before Spawning

The Minecraft Bedrock and Java editions use different seed generation engines, resulting in distinct terrains even with the same seed. Bedrock employs unique noise parameters and biome blending algorithms, making cross-version seed comparisons unpredictable. Bedrock players typically look for seeds that offer proximity to mixed biomes, visibility of villages or outposts from spawn, and easy cave access. Popular seeds often showcase multiple biomes within a 500-block radius from the spawn point. Players often consult seed maps to assess nearby resources and plan their gameplay strategically, focusing on spawn biome, proximity to villages, locations of ruined portals, ocean monuments, woodland mansions, and strongholds. Bedrock is available on various platforms, and seeds work consistently across them. Console players benefit from checking seeds in advance, as worlds generated on consoles mirror those of PC Bedrock. Server performance is crucial for multiplayer enjoyment, and players should ensure their seed runs on capable hardware for optimal experience.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Windows 11 Pro Has Dropped to Just $10 Through July 19

Windows 11 Pro is available for .97 until July 19, reduced from its standard retail price of 9. This offer is suitable for PCs that meet Microsoft's hardware requirements for Windows 11. Users should verify compatibility with Microsoft's PC Health Check tool. The operating system includes features such as BitLocker, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, and Azure AD Support, along with productivity enhancements like Snap Layouts, Biometric Sign-in, DirectX 12 Ultimate, and Copilot Integration. The license is perpetual and tied to a single compatible PC, delivered digitally after purchase.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Announcing new builds for July 6 2026

New Windows 11 Insider Preview Builds have been released for both the Beta and Experimental channels. The latest updates are as follows: - Beta (26H1): Build 2820.2380 - Experimental (26H1): Build 28120.2387 - Experimental (Future Platforms): No new build available today. Notable new features include: 1. Cloud Recovery: A new recovery option called Cloud rebuild allows users to restore their Windows 11 PC to a known-good state through a complete OS reinstall, downloading the necessary files directly from Windows Update without the need for USB media. 2. Account Control: The Account Control flyout has been redesigned to include a subscription badge, making account status, benefits, and upgrade options easily identifiable.

Tech Optimizer

July 6, 2026

MacPaw Moonlock antivirus review

MacPaw launched Moonlock as a standalone antivirus application in October 2025, building on its existing malware removal module from CleanMyMac. Moonlock focuses on educating users about malware rather than overwhelming them with technical details, following a 'care, not scare' philosophy. Research indicated that 66% of Mac users faced cyber threats last year, with a 67% increase in macOS backdoor variants in 2025. Moonlock Lab has identified new malware variants and maintains a strict zero-logs policy for its VPN. The application requires macOS 13 or later and 515MB of disk space, operates efficiently without significant performance impact, and necessitates a MacPaw account for installation. Support includes a knowledge base and email inquiries, but lacks live chat or phone options. Moonlock competes with ClamXAV, which is cheaper but lacks some features, and Intego Mac Internet Security X9, which offers a network monitor. Moonlock is priced at .95 per year for a single device, nearly double ClamXAV’s price for three devices, but includes additional features like a VPN and network inspection. It also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Tech Optimizer

July 6, 2026

Why Antivirus Alone No Longer Protects Small Businesses

Many small businesses have historically relied on antivirus software for computer security, which was effective against identifiable malware. However, the current cyber threat landscape includes sophisticated attacks such as phishing, credential theft, and ransomware that traditional antivirus solutions may not adequately address. Factors driving increased cyber threats in Kenya include phishing, weak authentication practices, delayed software updates, and the use of artificial intelligence by malicious actors. While antivirus software can detect known malware and block common threats, it falls short against tactics like stolen credentials and social engineering. The Communications Authority recommends complementing antivirus with multi-factor authentication, regular software updates, secure configurations, and user training. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions enhance visibility into attacks by monitoring endpoint activity for suspicious behaviors, allowing for prompt investigation and response. A layered security strategy that integrates multiple protective measures is essential for effective cybersecurity, and many modern security platforms offer unified solutions to simplify management for smaller organizations. The Kaspersky SMB Cybersecurity Guide provides insights into modern attack methods and the role of endpoint protection in improving a business's cybersecurity posture.