Enhanced privacy Archives

AppWizard

November 17, 2025

One UI 8.5 leak reveals Samsung Internet app’s major UI changes

Samsung's Internet app will undergo a significant redesign with One UI 8.5, featuring a revamped address bar, a new grid layout, enhanced privacy features, and an AI Search option. The update aims to improve user experience by addressing fixed-position pop-ups, allowing users to like videos directly within the app, and simplifying tab management with a new pop-up menu for closing all tabs or suppressing notifications. The redesign is expected to enhance the browser's ability to block intrusive pop-up advertisements.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

The creator of Task Manager explains why people hate Windows 11, and how Microsoft can fix it

Dave Plummer critiques Windows 11, stating it has become more of an advertisement platform than a productivity tool. He suggests implementing a "Windows Expert" mode to disable unsolicited app recommendations, unify Settings and Control Panel, and set Windows Terminal as the default console with Winget for package management. Plummer emphasizes the need for improved privacy features, transparency in telemetry data, and stopping forced updates without user consent. He believes the operating system's current state undermines user trust, as it often promotes Microsoft's products rather than serving users effectively.

AppWizard

November 9, 2025

SoftTalk Messenger introduces monetisation for African content creators

SoftTalk Messenger, a Nigerian-owned messaging app, has launched a monetisation programme for African content creators that rewards engagement and prioritises user privacy. The platform allows group administrators and digital community leaders to earn directly from audience interaction through its Creator Partner Program, which calculates earnings based on monthly engagement scores. Users can communicate without disclosing phone numbers, using usernames to enhance privacy. SoftTalk Messenger offers features including text, voice, and video calls, marketplace functionalities, and utility bill payments. Creators can retain 100% of their earnings without relying on foreign intermediaries. Registration does not require a phone number, and the Creator Partner Program requires a minimum of 100 group participants.

AppWizard

November 7, 2025

ProtonVPN crushes ads and trackers on Android TV app with latest update

Proton VPN has integrated its NetShield ad-blocker into its Android TV app to enhance user experience by reducing interruptions from advertisements. NetShield blocks ads and protects against trackers, improving user privacy. It prevents connections to domains associated with malware and advertising technology firms that track user behavior by using Proton VPN's dedicated DNS servers. The app features a dashboard that shows the number of ads and trackers blocked and data saved during sessions. Additionally, the VPN app can now launch automatically when starting Android TV, facilitating quick connections. Users can enjoy enhanced online security and privacy while streaming content. To access the NetShield feature, users may need to upgrade to a paid plan.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Nigerian-owned message app, SoftTalk Messenger announces monetisation for content creators

SoftTalk Messenger, developed by Simple Azenabor, has launched a Creator Partner Program that allows African content creators to earn 100% of their revenue from audience interactions. The program enables group administrators and digital community leaders to monetize their engagement in group chats. SoftTalk Messenger prioritizes user privacy by using @usernames instead of phone numbers, enhancing protection against spam and identity breaches. The application includes various commerce tools tailored for African users and allows creators to earn directly without intermediaries. To qualify for the program, groups must have at least 100 participants, and users can track their monetization status within the app. SoftTalk Messenger is available on both Apple and Android platforms without requiring sensitive personal information.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

SoftTalk Messenger introduces monetization for African content creators

SoftTalk Messenger is a Nigerian-owned messaging app developed by Simple Azenabor that focuses on empowering African content creators through a monetization program. This program rewards group administrators and digital community leaders based on audience engagement, allowing them to earn directly from their interactions. The app prioritizes user privacy by enabling communication through @usernames instead of phone numbers, reducing the risk of spam and identity theft. SoftTalk offers features such as text, voice, and video calls, a marketplace for products and services, utility bill payments, and monetization tools. Unlike many global platforms, creators on SoftTalk retain 100% of their earnings without intermediaries. The monetization program requires a minimum of 100 group participants and is available on both Apple and Android platforms, with no need for sensitive personal information to join.

Tech Optimizer

October 28, 2025

TotalAV Antivirus Review 2025: Best Real-Time Cybersecurity Software for Complete Device Protection

TotalAV Antivirus provides real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and phishing across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. It features advanced scanning technology, continuous monitoring, and system optimization tools. The software includes a cloud-based scanning engine for zero-day threats and a VPN for encrypted browsing. TotalAV has achieved a 100% malware detection rate with zero false positives in independent tests. It offers three subscription plans: TotalAV Premium (3 devices), TotalAV Internet Security (6 devices), and TotalAV Total Security (8 devices), each with varying features and prices. Users report satisfaction with its performance and ease of use, and it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

Don’t trust big tech? These are the 5 offline-first apps I recommend

Many users are seeking alternatives to cloud-based applications due to data privacy concerns, leading to a rise in offline-first apps that allow individuals to maintain control over their data. Five noteworthy offline-first applications include: 1. Obsidian: An offline-first alternative to Notion that keeps data secure on devices, supports various functionalities, and allows for easy data transition, though it has a learning curve. 2. KeePassDX: An open-source password manager that stores data locally, offering a privacy-focused solution without automated features, and is ad-free and cost-free. 3. Organic Maps: A privacy-centric alternative to Google Maps that provides offline map capabilities without data tracking or advertising, although it lacks features like satellite views and real-time traffic alerts. 4. OpenScan: Document Scanner: An open-source app for scanning documents offline, allowing users to digitize documents without online exposure, with features for merging images into PDFs. 5. Tasks.org: An offline-first task management tool that enables users to create and manage tasks without ads or online tracking, though it lacks some advanced features like natural language processing for task entry.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Top 10 AI Chatbot Apps for Android in 2025 – Try Free

In 2025, AI chatbots have become essential daily companions for millions of Android users, assisting with various tasks such as content brainstorming, travel planning, language learning, and engaging conversations. The Google Play Store features numerous innovative AI companions that integrate well with mobile devices, most offering free or freemium access. Key trends include optimization for mobile use, support for multiple AI models, and affordable access to generative AI. The top AI chatbot apps for Android in 2025 include: 1. ChatGPT by OpenAI: Best overall experience with fast responses and a memory feature. 2. Google Gemini: Deep integration with Google services, ideal for productivity. 3. Claude AI by Anthropic: Best for writing and reasoning, with a focus on long-form content. 4. DeepSeek AI: Lightweight and completely free, popular in emerging markets. 5. Nova AI Chatbot: Allows switching between multiple AI models in one app. 6. Meta AI Assistant: Integrated within social media platforms for casual use. 7. Chatbot AI: User-friendly with multi-model support, ideal for beginners. 8. Replika AI: Focuses on emotional support and companionship. 9. Brave Leo AI: Privacy-first chatbot that does not collect personal data. 10. Chatbox AI: Feature-rich with support for various interactions across multiple models. The selection criteria for evaluating these apps include performance, user interface, model variety, free access, privacy and security, and Android optimization. Future developments in AI chatbots may include on-device processing, contextual memory, distinct voice personas, and enhanced tool integration.

AppWizard

October 6, 2025

Not WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram, only Zoho’s Arattai gives users this unique feature in 2025 — Check details here

Zoho Corp's Arattai messaging app has launched an official app for Android TV, making it unique among messaging applications like WhatsApp, Telegram, and others that do not offer this feature. This development is part of a broader trend towards creating software solutions tailored to local needs in India. Arattai provides multi-device support across Linux, macOS, and Windows, enhancing its versatility. Key features of Arattai include enhanced privacy controls, a customizable user interface, seamless integration with other Zoho products, and local language support for various Indian languages.