enhanced features Archives

AppWizard

November 2, 2024

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered Now Available On PS5 And PC

Sony Interactive Entertainment has released Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered for PlayStation 5 and Windows PC, developed by Guerilla Games and Nixxes. The remaster features enhanced graphics, improved framerates, and unique functionalities for PS5. PC enhancements include ultra-wide resolution options, NVIDIA DLSS 3, and AMD FSR 3.1. PlayStation trophies are now available for PC players. The edition includes accessibility features from Horizon Forbidden West, such as remappable controls, haptic feedback, and assistive toggles. Previous save data from the original game is supported. Existing players can upgrade to the remastered version on PS5 for a fee, but those who accessed the game via PlayStation Plus are not eligible for the upgrade.

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

Goodbye to Android 8: Android Auto no longer works on older phones

Samsung has released an update for its Wallet/Pay app on the Galaxy Watch, now at version 5.1.82.20406. The update enhances user experience by improving navigation and functionality, resulting in increased speed and reliability for wallet access and payment processing. It also addresses issues from previous versions to improve stability and user-friendliness. Users can install the update by connecting their watch to a smartphone, navigating to the Galaxy Store, and checking for updates. Additionally, Google has introduced a new individual contacts Tile in the Google Contacts app, which may soon be available for Galaxy Watch users.

Winsage

October 31, 2024

Microsoft just delayed Recall again

Microsoft has delayed the rollout of its Recall feature for Copilot Plus PCs, originally scheduled for testing with Windows Insiders in October, now pushed to December. The delay is due to the need for additional time to ensure a secure and reliable user experience. Recall was initially intended for a June launch but faced delays due to security concerns. The feature will be an opt-in experience, fully removable by users, and will not be automatically installed on PCs running Windows 11, version 24H2. Microsoft has focused on enhancing Recall's security, including fully encrypting its database and requiring Windows Hello authentication for access. Recall allows users to capture screenshots of their activities and revisit them through an interactive timeline.

Tech Optimizer

October 31, 2024

Beyond antivirus: Other essential tools to protect your Mac

Macs are facing an increasing number of cybersecurity threats, with malware targeting macOS rising from eight families in 2021 to 21 in 2023. To protect against these threats, users are advised to implement antivirus software, maintain regular backups using tools like Apple's Time Machine and cloud services, enable the built-in firewall, use password managers for secure password storage, and utilize a VPN for secure internet connections, especially on public Wi-Fi.

BetaBeacon

October 28, 2024

8 Best Android Games to Unleash Fun in 2024

- Genshin Impact is an open-world action RPG game that continues to captivate players in 2024 with its stunning visuals, engaging storyline, and gacha-based character acquisition system.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

Microsoft heard you like Windows updates, so it updated how updates update

Microsoft has unveiled Windows 11 version 24H2, also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, which includes improvements to the update installation process, resulting in a 45.6% faster installation, 39.7% quicker restart times, and a 15.3% decrease in CPU consumption compared to version 22H2. Key enhancements include parallel processing of component manifests, optimized reading and parsing of component manifests, and scalable use of available RAM. Traditional feature updates are now approximately 200 MB smaller due to certain inbox applications being updated through the Microsoft Store. Notable features in the update include: - Integration of Phone Link with the Start menu. - Simplified layout for the taskbar system tray. - Revamped Quick Settings for improved speed and customization. - Windows Spotlight image as the default wallpaper. - Animated taskbar app preview thumbnails. - Support for HDR images as desktop wallpapers. File Explorer updates include: - Updated home tab layout with shared documents. - Ability to duplicate tabs via right-click. - Enhanced context menu layout. - Support for .7z and .TAR archive formats. - Direct viewing of Android phone file systems. New apps and features include: - A new Outlook app for email, calendar, and contacts. - Updated Copilot as a standalone web application. - AI features in Photos for generative erase and background editing. - A new Recall app for information retrieval using AI. - Paint with generative AI capabilities. Settings updates include: - Windows Update with checkpoints and hot patching. - Voice Clarity using AI to eliminate background noise. - Simultaneous configuration of power settings. - A new Energy Saver mode. - Configurable mouse scroll wheel direction. - Support for Wi-Fi 7 hardware. - A new PRISM emulation layer for x86 apps on Arm devices. - Enhanced performance for Arm-based devices. - AutoSR using AI to improve gaming performance. - Live Captions translating languages into English in real-time. - Advanced Windows Studio Effects for webcam enhancement.

Winsage

October 25, 2024

Get a Microsoft Office Pro and Windows 11 Pro bundle for 87% off

A bundled lifetime license for Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Windows 11 Pro is available for a significant 87% discount through Stack Social. The bundle includes Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2021, which features applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access, and Teams. An alternative option for Microsoft Office 2019 is also offered. Windows 11 Pro includes a user-friendly interface, biometric login, Smart App Control, and various enhanced features. Stack Social is an authorized Microsoft partner, but there is a possibility that Microsoft could change the licensing terms in the future. Users must have Windows 10 or 11 to utilize these software deals. The bundle does not include the benefits of a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Tech Optimizer

October 23, 2024

Avast One for Mac review: a free antivirus is all you need | Digital Trends

Avast One is an antivirus software package designed for macOS users, offering features such as antivirus protection, ransomware safeguards, and malware blocking. It is available in both free and paid subscription plans. The free version, Avast One Essential, includes a malware scanner, browser protection, and a VPN with a 5GB monthly data limit. Paid tiers include Avast One Silver, Gold, and Platinum, with prices increasing significantly upon renewal. Avast One has shown strong performance in malware protection evaluations by AV-Test, maintaining a near-perfect rating over the past five years. The software includes a user-friendly interface and offers support via chat and email. While the free version may display targeted ads, the paid plans reduce such concerns. Overall, Avast One Essential provides robust protection, making it a notable option for users seeking antivirus solutions for Apple devices.

Tech Optimizer

October 22, 2024

Avira Free Antivirus for Mac

Microsoft is actively improving security in Windows, while macOS has security as a foundational principle but is still vulnerable to malware, necessitating antivirus protection. Avira Free Antivirus for Mac supports macOS versions starting from 10.15 (Catalina), with alternatives available for older systems. Premium antivirus options include McAfee Total Protection and Norton 360 Deluxe, with various pricing models. Avira was acquired by Gen Digital, which also owns Norton and Avast. Installation of Avira Free Antivirus is straightforward, and it includes features like scheduled scans and real-time protection. Independent testing labs rate Avira highly, with a score of 17.5 points from AV-Test. Avira's Browser Safety extension provides phishing protection, achieving a 100% detection rate for phishing URLs. The free version includes limited VPN access and basic privacy features, while advanced options require an upgrade to Avira Prime. The Smart Scan feature identifies security and performance issues, but users must upgrade for full remediation.

AppWizard

October 22, 2024

Superhero-Inspired PC Games

Sony has announced the PC launch of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, scheduled for January 30th, 2025, available on Steam and the Epic Games Store. The release will feature two editions: the Standard Edition, which includes the complete game and 14 new suits, and the Ultimate Levels edition, which adds a symbiote suit and an action figure mode.