distractions Archives

Winsage

June 26, 2025

You Use Windows. Be Resilient (Premium)

Microsoft has launched the Secure Future Initiative (SFI) to strengthen its security against cyber threats following recent breaches. The Windows Resiliency Initiative, part of the SFI, introduced features like Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) and enhanced Administrator protection for consumer users. Microsoft is also integrating existing Windows 11 security features, such as Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-In Security (ESS). A recent update to the Windows Resiliency Initiative was announced, emphasizing the need for accessible information for users.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remastered Review

The 25th Anniversary Remaster of System Shock 2, released by Nightdive Studios, features enhanced visuals with a new Dark engine upgrade, improved textures, and refined audio. The remaster includes a polished version of the original game, retains the classic PC gaming experience, and introduces a four-player co-op mode. Players navigate as a UNN space soldier aboard the Von Braun spaceship, encountering alien threats and exploring immersive environments. The remaster also includes extras like concept art and old trailers, and it runs smoothly on the Steam Deck at 60fps. Nightdive plans to support gameplay and balance mods from launch, enhancing the game's longevity.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Google Phone App Gets A Major Redesign With Android 16: Here’s What’s New

Google is redesigning its default Phone app as part of Android 16, focusing on a minimalistic, Windows-centered design inspired by Material 3 Expressive. The update includes simplified bottom navigation with a Home tab that integrates missed calls, spam, and contacts, and displays recent call logs and favorite contacts. The Contacts tab has been removed from the bottom navigation, and the Keypad has been repositioned to the center. Google is also experimenting with new swipe gestures for answering and rejecting calls to reduce accidental handling. The beta version of the Phone app is currently available to testers, with a potential public rollout before the official launch of Android 16.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Minecraft’s New Villains—This Hostile Mob Steals Everything

Cyber criminals are targeting Minecraft's player base, particularly the 65% of players under 21, who are often less aware of cyber threats. A recent report from Check Point reveals a sophisticated malware campaign that embeds malicious software in counterfeit Minecraft mods shared on platforms like GitHub. This malware operates in stages, starting with a Java downloader, followed by a stealer, and an advanced tool to harvest sensitive information such as passwords and cryptocurrency wallet details. The campaign is linked to Russian-speaking attackers and uses a distribution-as-a-service model to spread malicious links. Disguised as legitimate cheat tools, these files install additional malware on users' devices, capturing credentials from browsers and applications, and sending data back to attackers. To protect against these threats, it is advised to download mods only from trusted sources, be skeptical of cheat tools, keep antivirus software updated, and be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.

Winsage

June 25, 2025

10 ways to boost Windows security

Windows offers a feature to block annoying applications, which can enhance productivity. The BitLocker feature allows users to verify if their PC's storage is encrypted for data security. Users of outdated versions of Microsoft Office may not receive warnings about security updates, leaving their systems vulnerable. Core isolation settings provide additional security, but their availability depends on the hardware capabilities of each PC.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Shuffle Tactics (PC) Review

Shuffle Tactics is a deckbuilding roguelike game that revitalizes established mechanics within the genre. Players navigate grid-based maps filled with enemies and objectives, using action points to deploy cards for attacking and defending. The game features three distinct characters with unique specialties: the Doberknight, an archer with ricocheting arrows, and a turret specialist, along with a magic user. Players can customize their combat decks by adding or removing cards after encounters and can acquire relics for passive effects and items to enhance specific cards. The game allows players to recruit sidekicks with their own decks. Each playthrough offers a unique experience, although some mechanics lack adequate explanation. The narrative involves a king who has gone mad, but it serves more as a minor distraction than a central focus.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Stay secure with Windows 11, Copilot+ PCs and Windows 365 before support ends for Windows 10

Windows has been the most widely used operating system globally since its launch in 1985, currently powering over a billion active devices each month. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, meaning Microsoft will stop providing security and feature updates, as well as technical support for Windows 10 PCs. Users can check their eligibility for upgrading to Windows 11 through the Settings menu or the PC Health Check app. Windows 11 features enhanced security, improved performance, and a modern user interface, with built-in accessibility tools and AI capabilities. The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will provide critical security updates for personal devices from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026. Organizations can subscribe to ESU for continued security updates for a year, with the option to renew annually. Windows 365 offers a cloud-based solution for transitioning to Windows 11 without needing to replace all devices immediately. Various Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs are available from partners like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and Surface.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Windows 11’s indicators for volume and brightness can soon be moved out of the way

The latest test build of Windows 11 allows users to reposition hardware indicators, such as volume and screen brightness, from the bottom-center of the screen to the top-left and top-center. The top-right position is not available to avoid interference with application management buttons. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing a new Recall homepage that provides easy access to frequently used applications and websites, showcasing recent activity and top-used content. This feature includes a navigation bar on the left side for transitioning between the new homepage and the existing Timeline feature. These enhancements are currently being tested with Windows Insiders.

AppWizard

June 23, 2025

This hidden Android feature lets me hit pause on distracting apps

To temporarily disable a distracting app on Pixel devices running Android, follow these steps: 1. Open the App Drawer by swiping up from the bottom of the home screen. 2. Access the Settings app by tapping the Settings icon in the App Drawer or selecting the gear icon in the Notification Shade. 3. In the Settings menu, go to Apps and select "See all X apps." 4. Scroll through the list to find the app you want to disable, tap on it, and select the option to Disable. This method allows users to pause an app without uninstalling it, helping to reduce distractions while retaining the application for future use.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

This free Android app helps me optimize my workflow

Saeed Wazir is a freelancer who uses Clockify, a time-tracking tool, to manage his work and family responsibilities. Clockify allows him to track his working hours, categorize them as billable or non-billable, and streamline his invoicing process. Previously, he used an Excel spreadsheet for logging work, which was time-consuming and error-prone. Clockify's Timesheet feature provides a detailed breakdown of his weekly work, helping him assess productivity and plan future tasks. The Reports feature offers an overview of total hours worked, categorized by project, allowing for better workload management. Clockify syncs between his phone and laptop, providing flexibility to access time-tracking data from anywhere. While he finds the free version sufficient, he notes that the mobile app lacks some features present in the desktop version. Clockify also offers subscription plans for larger teams with advanced features.