feature Archives

Tech Optimizer

March 19, 2026

Norton is slashing up to 60% off its antivirus app — here’s how to get it

Norton 360 Deluxe is currently available at a discounted price of .99 per year, down from .99 per year, offering a 60% savings. It provides coverage for up to five devices and includes features such as file backup, a rescue disk for system recovery, and scam protection against phishing attempts. The software offers various scanning options: quick antivirus scan, full scan, and deep scan. It also includes ransomware protection that backs up critical files, and it is recognized for its extensive features and affordability compared to competitors.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Google Might Reverse the Controversial Photos App Editor Redesign

Google is planning to revise its Photos app redesign due to user feedback on usability issues. The update will reintegrate elements of the previous editor interface, including direct access to essential tools like Crop, Adjust, and Filters, which will return to a scrollable carousel at the bottom of the editor. The dedicated “Crop” menu will also be reintroduced as a unified category. Visual enhancements will include Action labels in pill-shaped borders for better visibility and a more compact “Ask” button replacing the larger “Help Me Edit” prompt. Additionally, Google is testing a new “Explore” tab that will feature a vertically scrolling, TikTok-style feed of personal videos generated by AI. This update is being rolled out to a select group of users, with a broader release expected soon.

AppWizard

March 18, 2026

Gemini on the Pixel 10 can now handle tasks without you touching your apps

The Gemini screen automation feature is now available on the Pixel 10 series in the U.S., following its launch on the Galaxy S26. This feature allows users to automate tasks such as ordering food, booking rides, and arranging grocery deliveries. Free users can make approximately five requests per day, while Ultra subscribers can make up to 120 requests daily. The feature can be activated by holding the power button or using the "Hey Google" command, guiding users through tasks with real-time updates. It supports applications like Lyft, Uber, Uber Eats, Grubhub, DoorDash, and Starbucks, and can ask follow-up questions during the ordering process.

AppWizard

March 18, 2026

Death Stranding 2’s PC launch comes with a tougher new mode and, staying true to the brand, live-action cutscenes

The PC release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set for March 19th. New features include a difficulty mode called "to the wilder," which presents challenging enemies and requires strategic gameplay. Players can earn unique bandanas for Sam by completing new VR training missions against a character named Neil. The game will also feature George Miller's Chiral Feline in the private room and photo mode. Additionally, live-action cutscenes that were previously cut due to capacity constraints will now be included. System requirements were disclosed last month for player preparation.

Winsage

March 18, 2026

Spotify’s Windows 11 app gets a new quality feature FIRST, and high-end audio fans are going to love it

Spotify has introduced a feature called Exclusive Mode for Windows desktop users, which enhances audio quality by allowing Spotify to take full control of audio processing, ensuring Bit Perfect playback. This feature is currently exclusive to the Windows version, with plans for a Mac release in the future. To activate Exclusive Mode, users must use the latest version of the Spotify app on Windows 11 (version 1.2.84 or higher) and select a specific output device that is not set to the system default. While Exclusive Mode is enabled, no other audio applications can be used through the selected device, and it is designed solely for music playback.

AppWizard

March 18, 2026

Tesla Robotaxi App Update 26.2.0 Release Notes

Tesla has updated its Robotaxi app to include the ability to add Home and Work addresses, along with a new address verification feature. The Home and Work addresses will likely be automatically retrieved from the user's Tesla account through cloud profiles. The app now has options labeled Add Home and Add Work for quick entry of these locations, and it includes prompts for address verification. Successful address entries are indicated by phrases such as Save {{addresstype}} and {{addresstype}} Added, with an option to Save Anyway if an address is unreachable.

AppWizard

March 18, 2026

Google might be undoing some controversial changes to the Photos app

Google is updating its Photos app based on user feedback regarding the photo editor. The revamped editor will feature a more familiar layout for essential tools like Crop, Adjust, and Filters, which will now be located at the bottom of the interface for easier access. The Crop menu, removed in the last redesign, is being reinstated. Quick-access buttons for features like Enhance and AI Enhance will remain, and a new streamlined Ask button will be introduced. Labels for actions will also be updated to a pill-shaped design for better usability. Additionally, Google is testing a new "Explore" feature on the Photos welcome screen, which offers a TikTok-like vertically scrolling feed of curated videos based on AI analysis of content, location, and featured individuals. Both the updated photo editor and the Explore feature are being rolled out to a select group of users.

Winsage

March 18, 2026

Microsoft says it won’t auto install Microsoft 365 Copilot app on Windows 11, likely due to outrage over ‘Microslop’

Microsoft has announced a temporary halt to the automatic installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on Windows 11 due to feedback from commercial customers. Initially, the company planned to auto-install the app starting in September 2025, but as of October 2025, it decided to pause this process after receiving negative feedback. Existing installations will remain unaffected, and administrators can still deploy the app through other methods. The Microsoft 365 Copilot app is designed to enhance productivity by optimizing Office applications using AI. Microsoft justified the automatic installation by highlighting the app's potential benefits, but user dissatisfaction led to the reassessment of this strategy. The company is also facing criticism for its aggressive promotion of the Copilot app, which has impacted its reputation in the AI landscape. In response, Microsoft is reevaluating its integration of Copilot within Windows 11 to address user concerns and improve the overall experience.

Winsage

March 18, 2026

Researchers Reveal ‘RegPwn,’ a Windows Registry Vulnerability That Granted SYSTEM Privileges

A Windows vulnerability named "RegPwn" (CVE-2026-24291) allows low-privileged users to elevate their access to full SYSTEM privileges. Discovered by the MDSec red team, it has been in use since January 2025 and was addressed in a recent Microsoft Patch Tuesday update. The vulnerability exploits the management of Windows accessibility features, which generate a registry key that grants full control to low-privileged users. When a user activates an accessibility tool, the configurations are copied into the local machine registry hive, which remains writable by the logged-in user. This creates an opportunity for manipulation, especially when user-controlled settings interact with the Windows Secure Desktop environment. An attacker can exploit this by modifying their user-level accessibility registry key and using an oplock on a system file, allowing them to replace the local machine registry key with a symbolic link to an arbitrary system registry key. This process operates under SYSTEM privileges, enabling the attacker to write arbitrary values to restricted areas of the Windows registry. MDSec demonstrated this technique to gain access to a SYSTEM-level command prompt. Microsoft has released security updates to address this vulnerability, and MDSec has made the exploit code available on GitHub for research purposes.

Tech Optimizer

March 18, 2026

Stop! These 5 Antivirus Misconceptions Could Leave You Unprotected

Engaging with a computer exposes it to potential threats like trojans, ransomware, and malware. Antivirus software is essential for protection, but misconceptions exist about its use. 1. Antivirus subscriptions typically expire after a trial period of three to six months, requiring renewal, which can be checked in the software's 'About' section or 'Account' tab. Users should renew or install antivirus software if they haven't done so. 2. Setting antivirus subscriptions to auto-renew is advisable to prevent lapses in protection, with notifications sent before renewal dates. Some providers offer additional benefits with auto-renewal. 3. Disabling antivirus while gaming is risky; instead, users should look for a "game mode" feature that minimizes interruptions. 4. Antivirus alerts should not be dismissed as nuisances; they may contain important information regarding defenses or necessary actions. 5. Antivirus software alone does not ensure complete safety; additional tools like password managers and VPNs are recommended for enhanced security and privacy.