feature Archives

Tech Optimizer

March 21, 2026

Avast VPN: An in-depth review of its speed, security and value

Avast launched its VPN service, Avast Secureline VPN, in 2017, focusing on encryption, a no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection. The company operates outside the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes alliances, which limits data-sharing with intelligence agencies. In January 2020, Avast faced criticism for collecting user data for its subsidiary, Jumpshot, but ceased this practice shortly after. The VPN offers dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting, basic split tunneling, and a kill switch, but lacks comprehensive features compared to competitors. Supported protocols include WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPsec, with encryption standards generally secure. Avast claims to operate 700 servers across 27 countries, with a limited selection of streaming-optimized servers. The app supports various platforms but lacks support for Linux or routers. Speed tests showed an average download speed of 275.69 Mbps, but performance in unblocking content was disappointing, with limited success on streaming services. Avast's privacy policy indicates extensive data collection, despite claims of addressing past issues. Customer support includes 24/7 access for paying customers. Pricing tiers include a 60-day free trial, with competitive rates but limited features. Pros include decent speeds and reasonable pricing, while cons highlight controversial data practices, limited information, poor streaming performance, and fewer features compared to competitors.

Winsage

March 21, 2026

Microsoft announces major Windows 11 updates designed to fix biggest flaws

Microsoft has announced plans to enhance Windows 11, focusing on user feedback from the past two years. Key improvements will include better system performance, app responsiveness, and user interface adjustments. Users can expect enhancements in tools like File Explorer and the Windows Subsystem for Linux, with a goal of a more responsive and less resource-intensive operating system by year-end. The Taskbar will be repositionable, allowing customization, and the Windows UI framework, WinUI, will be expanded across more system areas. Windows Update will offer users greater control over updates, including the ability to pause them indefinitely. Microsoft aims to improve reliability by strengthening the Windows Insider Program, increasing OS and driver reliability, and enhancing Windows Hello biometric authentication. The focus areas for improvements are Performance, Reliability, and Craft, with specific goals outlined for each category, such as reducing resource usage, enhancing memory efficiency, and improving the search experience.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

10 games to grab during the Steam Spring Sale 2026

March has seen the release of several notable gaming titles including Slay the Spire 2, Crimson Desert, Monster Hunter Stories 3, and Timberborn. The Steam Spring Sale offers discounts on a variety of PC games, running from March 19 to March 26. Featured titles in the sale include: 1. Dispatch: 20% off - .99 / £19.99 2. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2: 50% off - .99 / £24.99 3. Routine: 20% off - .59 / £26.79 4. Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader: 60% off - .19 / £17.19 5. Maze Mice: 50% off - .49 / £4.49 6. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown: 50% off - .49 / £12.49 7. Blue Prince: 34% off - .84 / £14.84 8. Dungeons of Hinterberg: 66% off - .45 / £6.45 9. Star Wars Jedi Survivor: 90% off - .99 / £5.99 10. Dread Delusion: 50% off - .74 / £7.74

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

Ignored no more: Google Messages lets you mention friends to make sure you’re heard

Google has introduced a new feature in its Messages app called "Mentions in Messages," allowing users to tag individuals in group chats with the "@" symbol. This feature alerts specific members to important messages directed at them and will roll out this week. Users can mention multiple participants in a single message and edit the "saved name of the recipient" to maintain privacy. Additionally, Google Messages has introduced built-in live location sharing and a trash folder for deleted conversations, which retains messages for 30 days before permanent deletion.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

Crimson Desert’s bafflingly convoluted controls are already frustrating players: ‘That’s basic f*cking video game functionality’

Crimson Desert has been criticized for its control issues, making gameplay challenging and frustrating for players. Many players struggle with remembering key combinations for basic actions, and while using a controller improves the experience, it is still not perfect. Discussions on Reddit reveal widespread dissatisfaction, with players calling the controls among the worst in modern gaming. The absence of a feature to rebind actions, such as sprint and crouch, further exacerbates the problem. Despite the game's expansive world and enjoyable puzzles, the awkward controls and erratic movement mechanics detract from the overall experience. Players are hopeful for updates from Pearl Abyss to address these control issues.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Google Just Made Four Big Upgrades to Android Gaming on Your Windows PC

Google has introduced enhancements to the Google Play gaming experience on Windows PCs, focusing on game discovery and purchasing processes while expanding the availability of paid titles. Key updates include: - An expanded game library with more paid, premium games optimized for PC. - A new PC section in the Play Store Games tab on mobile devices to identify cross-platform compatible titles. - A single purchase option for games that allows access on both mobile and desktop platforms. - Game trials for selected titles, enabling free play up to a certain limit before prompting purchase, with progress carried over if bought. Upcoming games for PC include Moonlight Peaks, Sledding Game, and Low-Budget Repairs. Users can start playing by visiting the Google Play Games web portal, downloading the software, and syncing their Google account. After installation, a list of available games will be displayed, with options to customize controls and visual settings. However, syncing issues may occur, and Game Trials are still in development.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8079 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8079 (KB 5079482) has been released to the Beta Channel, featuring improvements in explorer.exe reliability and voice typing settings. An issue with the Network and Sharing Center displaying two active Wi-Fi connections has been resolved. The updates are gradually rolled out to Insiders who have opted in through Settings > Windows Update. Features may not always be released and could change based on feedback. The desktop watermark is standard for pre-release builds, and users should ensure the toggle for updates is ON to receive new features promptly. Localization of features may improve over time, and feedback on localization issues is encouraged.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for Canary Channel 29553.1000

Windows Insider Preview Build 29553.1000 has been released in the Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel. This update introduces platform changes and a new Feedback Hub with a modernized experience, including a simpler feedback submission flow, improved navigation, a new compliment feedback type, and enhanced screenshot capture tools. Users can choose to submit feedback privately or publicly and access a more compact feedback interface. The Canary Channel builds may exhibit instability, and features may evolve or be removed without public release. A desktop watermark is included in pre-release builds, and localization of features will occur over time. Exiting the Canary Channel requires a clean installation of Windows 11.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Google slows Android sideloading to trip up scammers

Google is implementing a new flow for installing applications from unverified developers on Android, which includes several steps to reduce risks associated with sideloading. Users must first enable developer mode, followed by a verification check to ensure no external influence is guiding the installation. They then restart their devices and reauthenticate, disrupting any potential remote access. A one-day waiting period is enforced before installation, allowing users time to reconsider. Finally, users must confirm their action using biometric authentication or a device PIN. After successful verification, users can install apps from unverified developers for a limited duration or indefinitely, with warnings about the app's source provided throughout the process.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Android’s New Advanced Flow: How To Sideload Apps After Google’s 2026 Security Update

Android enthusiasts expressed discontent over Google's announcement to restrict sideloading of applications for enhanced security. Developers of the third-party app store F-Droid criticized the restrictions. Google has introduced new policies to balance security and platform openness, allowing power users to sideload apps from unverified developers through a feature called Advanced Flow. Users must enable developer mode, complete a verification check, restart their devices, and undergo a 24-hour waiting period with additional authentication before installing apps. Users can choose to allow installations from unverified developers for seven days or indefinitely, but will receive warning messages and must confirm installations. The Advanced Flow feature is set to roll out in August.