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AppWizard

July 27, 2025

I’ve tried dozens of to-do apps — these 6 clicked with me, but one’s my favorite

Megan Ellis explores various to-do list applications in her search for the ideal productivity tool. - TickTick: A feature-rich app with flexible reminder settings, Kanban view, list sharing, and a balance of robust features for power users and accessibility in its free version. - Todoist: Offers structured task management with morning overviews, evening recaps, project organization, labels, and natural language input, but many advanced features require payment. - Microsoft To Do: Integrates with Microsoft 365 and Outlook, allows group creation and nested lists, and features customizable wallpapers, all for free. - Google Tasks: A simple task manager with basic functionalities, available on Android devices, but lacks location-based reminders and sharing features. - Notion: A versatile platform for creating personalized to-do lists, appealing to those who want an all-in-one organizational tool, though it may have a learning curve. - Post-it: A digital app that allows users to create virtual notes for reminders and tasks, useful for non-urgent tasks.

AppWizard

July 26, 2025

Google makes great apps, but these aren’t it if you ask me

Google Keep lacks advanced formatting options and a notebook feature, limiting its usability despite being a popular note-taking app. Google Tasks offers only basic task management capabilities, missing essential features like priority levels and filters. YouTube Music, while more developed, struggles with podcast integration and discovery, and has limitations in its free plan compared to competitors. Google Wallpapers has a limited selection and basic functionality, lacking creativity and integration with custom wallpaper creation tools.

Tech Optimizer

July 26, 2025

The best Android antivirus apps of 2025: Expert tested

Cyber threats targeting smartphones have evolved to include sophisticated malware and ransomware, with Android being particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks compared to iOS. Google recommends downloading apps only from the official Play Store, but some malicious applications can bypass these security measures. To protect Android devices from malware, investing in a reliable antivirus app is essential. Bitdefender Mobile Security is currently the top-rated Android antivirus app with a 4.7-star rating on Google Play, offering features like real-time web protection and app scanning. A free version is available, but a subscription is required for enhanced features. Sophos Intercept X for Mobile is a commendable free option with a 3.9-star rating, providing threat scanning and app protection. Other notable antivirus apps include Avast Security and Virus Cleaner, which has a 4.6-star rating and features a web shield and junk removal, and Malwarebytes Mobile Security, also rated 4.6 stars, known for its quick scans and digital footprint service. Norton360, with a 4.6-star rating, offers a comprehensive suite of features including antivirus scanning and a VPN. The best Android antivirus apps of 2025 include: - Bitdefender Mobile Security: Free, per year, 4.7 stars, 448K reviews - Sophos Intercept X: Free, 4.1 stars, 47.1K reviews - Avast: Ad-supported free, 4.6 stars, 7.34M reviews - Malwarebytes: Free, per year, 4.6 stars, 423K reviews - Norton360: Paid plans, 4.6 stars, 1.92M reviews The mobile malware landscape has reportedly increased by 151% since the beginning of 2025, with Google taking legal action against the BadBox 2.0 botnet targeting IoT devices, including Android. A new malware variant named ClickFix is also emerging, affecting macOS, Android, and iOS platforms. Relying solely on built-in protection and the Google Play Store is not advisable; a reputable antivirus app is recommended for additional security.

BetaBeacon

July 24, 2025

It Took Me 10 Minutes To Hit A Paywall In The New Free-To-Play Pokémon Puzzle Game

The game Pokémon Friends combines puzzles and plush collecting, with beloved Pokémon characters featured in engaging puzzles. The free version of the game has a paywall that limits gameplay, but making a one-time purchase unlocks more content and makes the game more enjoyable. The game avoids excessive microtransactions and offers periodic updates to introduce new plushies, providing a lighthearted and engaging experience for fans of Pokémon.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

A Microsoft Office lifetime license and Windows 11 Pro are now $55

A bundle featuring Windows 11 Pro and a lifetime license for Microsoft Office is available for .97, down from a regular price of 8.99. The Microsoft Office Pro 2021 suite includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams (free version), OneNote, Publisher, and Access, all installable on a single computer with lifetime access. Windows 11 Pro offers features like Snap Layouts, virtual desktops, BitLocker, Smart App Control, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, and includes the AI assistant Copilot. The license is for a single PC and not compatible with virtual machines or unsupported hardware. This offer is available for a limited time.

Tech Optimizer

July 20, 2025

Antivirus vs Anti-malware: which is best for you?

The landscape of cyber threats has evolved, with increased sophistication and frequency of attacks, partly due to advancements in artificial intelligence. Businesses, regardless of size, should reassess their vulnerabilities as even small entities can be targeted. Investing in robust cybersecurity software is essential, with a distinction between antivirus and anti-malware tools being crucial. Malware includes various types of malicious software, and while antivirus software primarily uses signature-based detection, anti-malware tools employ advanced techniques like behavioral analysis and sandboxing. Anti-malware programs can identify hidden threats that antivirus may miss, such as rootkits. Antivirus solutions have adapted to include heuristic analysis and additional features like password management and firewalls. Antivirus is designed for average users, while anti-malware is favored by high-risk users, though everyone can benefit from both. Combining antivirus and anti-malware creates a layered security system, and many vendors now offer integrated products. Popular antivirus solutions with anti-malware capabilities include Bitdefender, Norton 360, McAfee, and Avast. Users are encouraged to run both types of software or choose a combined solution for comprehensive coverage. Despite high detection rates, users should remain vigilant and informed to reduce the risk of cyberattacks.

Winsage

July 20, 2025

Just hours left to grab MS Office Pro 2021 for $40

Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows is available for a one-time payment of .97, reduced from its regular price of 9.99. This offer is valid until July 20, providing a lifetime license for essential productivity applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access, and the free version of Teams. The purchase does not require a Microsoft 365 subscription, allowing permanent access to the software without recurring charges.

Tech Optimizer

July 18, 2025

Avast vs Norton: Which antivirus is is better in 2025?

Avast and Norton are leading antivirus software options that utilize the same antivirus engine for core malware protection. Avast excels in real-time monitoring and offers a Wi-Fi security scanner, while Norton uses AI and machine learning for threat defense. Both provide robust firewalls, but Norton includes an Intrusion Prevention System for enhanced security. In terms of identity theft protection, Avast One offers credit monitoring and compensation, while Norton partners with LifeLock for more comprehensive services. Avast includes a basic VPN in its free version, whereas Norton offers a more extensive VPN with advanced features. Norton provides a password manager, while Avast does not. Norton has superior parental controls compared to Avast, which lacks this feature. Both have additional security features, with Norton offering Data Shredder and Dark Web Monitoring. Avast has a slight edge in system performance, while both have user-friendly designs, though Avast is simpler. Both have identical detection rates in malware protection tests. Pricing differs, with Avast being more economical and Norton offering a wider range of plans at higher prices.

Tech Optimizer

July 18, 2025

I put McAfee and Avast in an antivirus head to head, and these were the results of my testing

Investing in a robust antivirus solution is essential as cyber threats become more sophisticated. McAfee and Avast are two reputable antivirus providers, both offering effective defenses against malware with overlapping feature sets. McAfee employs advanced real-time threat detection using machine learning, while Avast continuously monitors application behavior and online activities for threats. McAfee's firewall blocks suspicious connections but has limited configuration options, whereas Avast's firewall allows for greater customization. McAfee’s ‘Premium’ subscription includes identity theft protection features, while Avast One’s ‘Gold’ subscription offers less extensive identity protection. McAfee includes a VPN with no data caps across all tiers, while Avast's VPN has a data cap in its free version but offers more locations in premium plans. McAfee includes a True Key Password Manager, while Avast does not have a password manager. McAfee provides robust parental controls, unlike Avast. Both antivirus solutions have additional features, such as file shredders. McAfee is noted for its resource efficiency, scoring 2.6 in impact tests, while Avast scored 3.8. Both have user-friendly interfaces, with McAfee being sleek and organized, and Avast having an intuitive design. In malware protection tests, McAfee achieved a 99.6% online detection rate and a 99.96% online protection rate, while Avast had a 99.3% online detection rate and a 97.7% offline detection rate. Pricing for McAfee ranges from .99 per year for one device to .99 for the ‘Ultimate’ plan, while Avast offers a free tier and premium plans starting at .88 for three devices.

AppWizard

July 17, 2025

Beeper Just Got Smarter with On-Device Messaging and a New Plus Plan

Beeper is a multi-service messaging application that supports various platforms including WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, Discord, LinkedIn, Matrix, Slack, Google Chat, X, Telegram, Signal, and Google Messages. The app has introduced on-device messaging, allowing users to connect directly to these services, enhancing speed and security with end-to-end encryption for compatible networks. A new premium tier, Beeper Plus, is available for .99 per month, allowing users to connect up to 10 accounts and offering features such as message scheduling, chat reminders, incognito mode, and AI-powered voice note transcription. The app remains available for free but with limited functionality.