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If you love Diablo 4's Necromancer, the next Titan Quest 2 update is made for you
AppWizard
April 11, 2026

If you love Diablo 4’s Necromancer, the next Titan Quest 2 update is made for you

Titan Quest 2 is an action role-playing game developed by Grimlore Games, focusing on core elements from the original game while avoiding the live-service model. The game is currently in early access, with an update scheduled for April that will introduce two major features: summons and talismans. Each mastery will include a summon skill with new passive abilities, allowing for diverse playstyles. Summons will function similarly to auras, requiring energy management, and the game will automatically re-summon fallen minions. The five current masteries and their summons include: - Storm: Wisps that unleash lightning strikes. - Warfare: War Banner that heals and buffs allies or debuffs foes. - Forge: Automaton, a customizable mechanical ally. - Earth: Core Dweller, a rock golem that deals damage. - Rogue: Shadow Clone that mirrors the player’s gear. The update will also introduce talismans for mages, replacing traditional shields and enhancing energy reserves. Additionally, there will be an overhaul of epic items, with significant buffs and reworks to improve their effects. Other enhancements include new affixes on gear and revamped implicits on staves for casters. The exact release date of the update is not specified, but it is described as "nearly ready for release."
Antivirus protection built into Windows
Tech Optimizer
April 11, 2026

Antivirus protection built into Windows

Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which is active from the moment the device is powered on and integrated into the operating system. It continuously updates to protect against various threats, including malicious files and unsafe links. Microsoft Defender SmartScreen evaluates the safety of websites and downloads, providing warnings for dubious content. Smart App Control prevents untrusted applications from executing, while Controlled folder access protects personal files from unauthorized modifications. Users can verify the operational status of Microsoft Defender Antivirus through Windows Security settings. Best practices for maintaining security include keeping the antivirus updated, using a single real-time antivirus engine, and enhancing security habits. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is generally sufficient for everyday risks, but additional third-party antivirus solutions may be considered based on individual needs.
Why I stopped using 'Modern Standby' on my Windows laptop to save battery overnight
Winsage
April 9, 2026

Why I stopped using ‘Modern Standby’ on my Windows laptop to save battery overnight

Many newer PCs support a feature called Modern Standby, which allows minimal background processes to continue running during sleep mode, leading to quicker wake-up times but potentially less efficient battery preservation. PCs can operate in one of six states, with S0 indicating full operation and S5 indicating a complete shutdown. Modern Standby (S0 Low Power Idle) turns off the display and most core components while allowing limited background activity, which may vary in effectiveness for battery drain. Traditional Sleep (S3) shuts down the screen and main components but may take longer to resume. Hibernate (S4) saves the current session and powers off completely, while Restart clears memory and resets the operating system. Shut Down (S5) clears memory and terminates processes, using a "soft off" method that retains certain settings for quicker startups through fast boot. Disabling fast boot can be done via the Control Panel. Although Modern Standby can conserve battery, it may not always be effective, as issues with firmware or drivers can prevent the computer from entering a true low-power state. For maximum battery efficiency, using the Shut Down option is recommended, especially with fast boot enabled for quick startups.
Google updates best AI models for coding Android apps, Gemini & GPT 5.4 at the top
AppWizard
April 9, 2026

Google updates best AI models for coding Android apps, Gemini & GPT 5.4 at the top

The "Android Bench," Google's benchmark for evaluating AI models in Android app development, has been updated, with OpenAI's GPT 5.4 and GPT 5.3 Codex now sharing the top ranking with Gemini. The benchmark evaluates models based on criteria such as compatibility with Jetpack Compose, use of Coroutines and Flows, and integration with Room and Hilt. The latest rankings are as follows: 1. GPT 5.4: 72.4% 2. Gemini 3.1 Pro Preview: 72.4% 3. GPT 5.3-Codex: 67.7% 4. Claude Opus 4.6: 66.6% 5. GPT-5.2 Codex: 62.5% 6. Claude Opus 4.5: 61.9% 7. Gemini 3 Pro Preview: 60.4% 8. Claude Sonnet 4.6: 58.4% 9. Claude Sonnet 4.5: 54.2% 10. Gemini 3 Flash Preview: 42% 11. Gemini 2.5 Flash: 16.1% The rankings have not changed since the initial assessment in late February, and the latest models were evaluated in mid-March. The findings should be interpreted cautiously, as real-world performance may vary based on specific workflows and project requirements.
Avast Antivirus: A Complete Guide to the Software and Its Security Features
Tech Optimizer
April 8, 2026

Avast Antivirus: A Complete Guide to the Software and Its Security Features

Avast antivirus is a widely used digital security solution for mobile and desktop platforms, developed by Gen Digital. It offers a free version that is accessible and easy to set up, making it popular among first-time users. Key security features include real-time threat protection, web protection tools, email protection, behavior monitoring, and a network inspector. The software operates quietly in the background, has a clean and intuitive interface, and provides essential security features in its free version. However, users may experience intrusive upgrade prompts, and advanced tools require a paid subscription. Avast distinguishes itself by offering behavioral threat detection in both free and paid versions, and its extensive user base enhances its threat detection capabilities. The free version includes basic protections suitable for everyday online activities, but advanced features necessitate an upgrade. Users are encouraged to adopt strong passwords, utilize password managers, enable two-factor authentication, and practice safe browsing habits to ensure online privacy.
80 Copilots later, Microsoft is finally confronting the mess
Winsage
April 8, 2026

80 Copilots later, Microsoft is finally confronting the mess

Researcher Tey Bannerman identified 80 distinct instances of the Copilot brand across Microsoft’s products and services, highlighting potential user confusion due to fragmentation. Examples include Copilot in Dynamics 365 Field Service, Viva Glint, GitHub Copilot Workspace, and Microsoft Fabric. Each Copilot serves different functionalities, but this approach complicates the user experience, as seen with differences between Copilot in Microsoft Word and the general Copilot application in Windows. Microsoft has expressed intentions to streamline Windows 11 and reduce AI features, suggesting opportunities for simplification in its Copilot offerings.
Apple's chips are the core of a new landscape, but its biggest win is Windows
Winsage
April 7, 2026

Apple’s chips are the core of a new landscape, but its biggest win is Windows

Apple introduced its M1 Apple Silicon systems in late 2020, which received admiration but raised concerns due to a restrictive ecosystem. Over five years, Apple’s architecture has evolved, addressing challenges like gigabit Wi-Fi and high-speed expansion, yet it remains focused on desktops and laptops. The anticipated MacBook Neo, lacking an M-type System on Chip, has created apprehension within the Windows ecosystem. Currently, no Windows laptop can match the MacBook Neo in hardware quality and startup experience, while macOS offers a more tranquil workspace compared to the distractions of Windows 11. Apple has effectively utilized advancements in processor technology and manufacturing control to produce efficient chips and maintain a coherent ecosystem, making its products increasingly accessible. In contrast, Windows OEMs face challenges with component sourcing, build quality, and reliance on bloatware. There is potential for Microsoft to create a Windows Neo variant that meets user needs, while the sustainability of current business models for Windows OEMs is uncertain.
Is this the perfect Windows app to emulate? Microsoft needs to take notes.
Winsage
April 7, 2026

Is this the perfect Windows app to emulate? Microsoft needs to take notes.

Microsoft is forming a team to enhance native Windows applications, coinciding with the launch of Speechify in the Microsoft Store. Speechify offers text-to-speech and speech-to-text functionalities, and has been noted for its effective dictation features. It is compatible with various chip architectures, including AMD, Intel, and Snapdragon X, and utilizes WinUI 3 for a native experience. Collaboration with Microsoft has optimized Speechify's functionality, allowing for integration across applications, real-time text input, and OCR-based text capture while ensuring local data security. The app can run in the cloud or locally, leveraging NPU or GPU acceleration. However, it has limitations, such as the inability to manually resize its window. Microsoft is encouraged to adopt Speechify's approach by supporting all chip architectures, ensuring availability in the Microsoft Store, and prioritizing native application development using WinUI 3.
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