enhanced features Archives

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

I Tried Signal, Telegram and WhatsApp, and This Is the One I’d Recommend

Telegram retains data necessary for its operations, including metadata like IP addresses. In 2024, the company updated its privacy policy to clarify that it can disclose IP addresses and phone numbers of rule violators to law enforcement upon valid legal requests. This resulted in Telegram fulfilling 900 information requests from U.S. authorities in 2024, affecting 2,253 individuals. Telegram has experienced data breaches, including a 2020 incident where 42 million Iranian users had their data compromised and a 2019 vulnerability exploited by Chinese agencies affecting protestor identities in Hong Kong. The platform allows users to create public channels for sharing content, but these channels are not end-to-end encrypted. Telegram offers secret chats that are end-to-end encrypted, but they are limited to the device of origin. The app allows for automatic message deletion, with a minimum interval of one day, and features a self-destruct option for accounts after a period of inactivity. Telegram's client applications are open-source, while its server-side code is closed-source. The company operates on a freemium model, offering a paid tier for enhanced features. Telegram is available for free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Winsage

July 7, 2025

Windows 11 Pro is practically free during Deal Days at 95 percent off

Popular Science readers can acquire Windows 11 Pro keys for .97 until July 20 or while supplies last, a significant discount from the typical retail price of 9. Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Windows 11 Pro includes features such as BitLocker encryption, Windows Sandbox, Azure AD, Hyper-V, a revamped user interface, Windows Copilot AI assistance, Smart App Control, TPM 2.0, and DirectX 12 Ultimate. The offer provides a lifetime license with no future fees.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

Spotify just dropped ‘Jam’, its most social in-car feature yet for Android Auto

Spotify has updated its Android Auto app with a new design and features, including the "Jam" feature that allows drivers to host shared playback sessions. Passengers can join by scanning a QR code and contribute to the music queue, while the host maintains control. The update also includes a "Downloaded" tab for easier access to offline music, a floating Search button for manual track selection, and a streamlined interface for safer navigation. This update is part of Google's plans to enhance media app capabilities within Android Auto, with similar updates expected for other apps. The update is currently being rolled out on the Google Play Store.

Winsage

July 4, 2025

Microsoft’s extra year of Windows 10 security updates isn’t a “viable solution” for the 400 million PCs that can’t upgrade to Windows 11 — “It’s obvious users are frustrated and feel yanked around.”

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life support on October 14, 2025, prompting backlash from users and a petition from the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) urging Microsoft to reconsider its decision. Microsoft will provide free security updates beyond the end-of-life date, but only under specific conditions, leading to concerns about accessibility due to stringent system requirements. PIRG argues that the updates will not sufficiently address the needs of the estimated 400 million Windows 10 PCs unable to upgrade to Windows 11. Users have limited options, including syncing settings to the cloud, redeeming Microsoft Reward points, or paying for extended security updates (ESU). While Microsoft has made some concessions, such as offering ESU for individuals and affordable pricing for educational institutions, it has not committed to extending Windows 10 support or easing Windows 11's hardware requirements. Windows 11 is gaining market share, reaching 47.73% in June, while Windows 10 holds 48.92%. Microsoft is promoting Windows 11 and its AI-enhanced features, claiming significant performance improvements. Additionally, a movement called End of 10 is encouraging users to switch to Linux as Windows 10's end-of-life approaches, highlighting benefits like the absence of ads and telemetry tracking.

Winsage

July 3, 2025

A recent Windows update broke the Print to PDF tool, but don’t worry, there are fixes

The Microsoft Print to PDF feature has encountered issues for some users after the June 10, 2025, update (KB5060842), with the virtual printer missing from settings and error code 0x800f0922 appearing during attempts to enable it. Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and provided temporary fixes, including enabling the feature through the Windows Features dialog or using PowerShell commands. Users may experience the error code initially but should find the feature operational afterward. Additionally, users are encouraged to consider third-party PDF solutions as alternatives.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

5 apps I recommend to every savvy investor

Rita El Khoury recommends several investment apps based on her extensive experience in finance: - Koyfin: Her favorite for comprehensive market data, including financial records and analyst projections. It is user-friendly and free, with a subscription for additional features. - Yahoo Finance: A widely used app known for its extensive financial data and robust news section, crucial for timely market reactions. It offers a free version and an ad-free premium plan. - TradingView: Best for technical analysis, featuring superior charting capabilities and a community for sharing insights. While Rita focuses on a buy-and-hold strategy, it is valuable for active traders. - Investing.com: Covers a wide range of assets and includes features like watchlists, fundamental data, and alert notifications. It offers a free version and a premium option. - MarketWatch: Provides timely news and analysis, particularly on earnings announcements. It combines news, financial data, and charting but is less robust than Koyfin. It is free, with a premium subscription for more articles. Rita has also tried other services like FinViz and TIKR but found them limited due to the lack of dedicated mobile apps.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

Google improves camera playback in Home app, but some are still frustrated

Google has released an update to its Google Home app, version 3.33, which improves the experience of scrolling through video history on Nest cameras for Android devices, enhancing framerate and loading times. The update, dated May 28, introduces a general release of a limited-access member tier for sharing smart home setups while maintaining control over visibility and management. It also includes several bug fixes for stability, addressing crashes in areas like the Automations tab, Wi-Fi and Climate categories, and notification permissions, as well as issues with inviting household members and accessing service settings. User feedback has been mixed, with some expressing satisfaction and others noting ongoing performance issues.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Citadel Launches Digital Signage Software, Android App

Citadel Texas has launched an upgraded version of its Citadel Digital Signage software suite, featuring a new Android app and media player aimed at enhancing customer engagement through dynamic video content and real-time updates. Key features include enhanced engagement tools, effortless management, and accessibility at an affordable price. The software allows businesses to create impactful visuals, influence purchasing decisions, and transform displays into educational hubs. The Android app and media player offer features like integrated Google Reviews, live weather widgets, and reliable connectivity. The solution is particularly beneficial for healthcare settings, improving patient experiences during wait times. Pricing starts at a competitive rate, making it accessible for various businesses.

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

More than a decade later, WhatsApp finally brings out an iPad app

WhatsApp has launched its app for iPads, now available on the App Store, allowing users to access its full functionality on a larger screen for the first time in over a decade. The iPad app includes features like chat synchronization across devices, compatibility with Apple's Magic Keyboard, and navigation using the Apple Pencil. Previously, iPad users could only use WhatsApp through a web version that required a constant connection to a mobile phone. The new app enables better multitasking by allowing users to run WhatsApp alongside other applications.

Tech Optimizer

June 4, 2025

Snowflake to acquire Crunchy Data to enhance Postgres for AI

Snowflake plans to acquire Crunchy Data, a provider of open-source Postgres technology, to enhance its AI Data Cloud with a new database platform called Snowflake Postgres. This platform will offer PostgreSQL compatibility while ensuring governance, security, and operational standards for enterprise-grade AI applications. The demand for secure, enterprise-ready PostgreSQL solutions has increased, and the integration of Crunchy Data is expected to meet these needs, particularly in regulated environments like FedRAMP. PostgreSQL is widely adopted, with 49% of developers using it, and Snowflake's Postgres offering aims to streamline the development and scaling of AI applications. Crunchy Data will bring features such as access to performance metrics, scalable architecture, and a user-friendly interface. Organizations using PostgreSQL, including Snowflake partners like Blue Yonder and LandingAI, are expected to benefit from improved development and operational efficiency. Snowflake will support Crunchy Data's existing customers post-acquisition and engage with the PostgreSQL community. Snowflake Postgres will be available in private preview, pending regulatory approvals.