gift Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 28, 2025

We asked cybersecurity experts to build a privacy toolbox for $10 per month – here’s what they came up with, and more

In the digital landscape, online activities are monitored, leading to targeted advertising, scams, and privacy breaches. Individuals can enhance their digital security through various tools, including VPNs, antivirus software, password managers, secure browsers, encrypted messaging apps, and data removal services. VPNs protect internet traffic through encryption, with options like Mo Harber-Lamond at .91/month, Surfshark starting at .99/month, and ExpressVPN from .99/month. Antivirus software, such as Amber Bouman at .17/month, Norton 360 Deluxe from .17/month, and Malwarebytes Plus from .81/month, defends against malware and phishing. Password managers like Amber Bouman at .99/month, Bitwarden (free), and NordPass from .29/month help secure passwords. Secure browsers include George Phillips (free), Vivaldi (free), and Tor (free), which prioritize user privacy. Encrypted messaging apps like George Phillips (free), Session (free), and Threema (one-time payment) enhance communication security. Data removal services, such as Mo Harber-Lamond at .29/month, Optery from .99/month, and PrivacyBee from .99/month, help reduce personal data exposure. Budget-friendly options for privacy tools can be assembled for under /month, while premium bundles can cost around /month. The highest privacy-focused bundle totals /month, featuring Mullvad VPN, Proton Pass, Tor, and Session. Mobile privacy protection can be achieved for .01/month with NordVPN and Bitdefender Mobile Security. The Proton Unlimited bundle, priced at .99/month, offers an all-in-one solution with various encrypted services.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Conquistadorio, Super Onion Boy 2, Kero Blaster, more

Today, there are various game and app deals for Android users, including a 0 discount on the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360, a complimentary credit towards the Galaxy Z Flip and Fold 7, and a 0 Amazon gift card with the purchase of a new Samsung OLED Smart Monitor. The Google Pixel Tablet is also available at a reduced price of 0 off. Notable app discounts include Conquistadorio, Super Onion Boy 2, Kero Blaster, and To the Moon. Customers can reserve free credit for upcoming Samsung products like the Galaxy Z Flip 7, Fold 7, and Galaxy Watch 8. Conquistodoro is described as a point-and-click adventure game that involves unraveling mysteries and solving puzzles.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

Your Android phone is getting a big security upgrade for free

Google has introduced various security features for Android users to protect against scams and malware. Key enhancements include: 1. Protection against scam calls with warnings and blocking actions related to disabling Google Play Protect, sideloading apps, and granting accessibility permissions. Screen sharing reminders will be provided on devices running Android 6 or higher. 2. In-call protections for banking apps, alerting users to potential risks when sharing screens with unknown callers, available for participating banks on devices running Android 11 or higher. 3. Improved scam detection in Google Messages, targeting various types of scams, including job scams, cryptocurrency scams, and technical support scams. 4. The Key Verifier tool for verifying contact identities through public encryption keys, ensuring private conversations. 5. Enhanced mobile theft protection with the Identity Check tool expanding to more devices running Android 16, reinforced protections against unauthorized factory resets, and hidden one-time passwords on the lock screen. 6. An Advanced Protection Program for targeted attacks, cryptographically verifying login operations on devices running Android 16. 7. Improvements to Google Play Protect, utilizing new on-device rules for malware detection and providing warnings about potentially malicious apps. 8. Ongoing commitment to enhancing overall Android security with each new version and updates to Google Play services.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

Microsoft Belatedly Delivers Windows 11 Preview Updates

The anticipated preview updates for Windows 11 versions 22H2, 23H2, and 24H2 were released two days later than expected, including an optional preview update for users. The cumulative update KB5060829 for Windows 11 version 24H2 upgrades the OS to build 26100.4484 and introduces several new features: - "Ask Copilot" action for users with a Copilot+ PC and Microsoft 365 license, allowing easy copying and pasting into the Copilot app. - A new landing and pairing page in the Windows Backup app for future PC migration, enabling file and settings transfer during setup. - A return of the small Taskbar option, allowing users to reduce Taskbar icon size. - Enhanced Narrator feature with a new Screen Curtain capability for privacy. - Settings homepage improvements for commercial customers. - Windows Share feature now includes a preview option and three compression levels for images. - EU compliance enhancements for customers in the EEA related to Digital Markets Act regulations. Optional cumulative updates 22621.5549 and 22631.5549 are available for Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2, respectively, including some of the new features.

Winsage

June 23, 2025

Microsoft Issues New Insider Builds to Dev and Beta Channels

A new update is available for Windows 11 users in the Insider Program’s Dev and Beta channels. Dev channel users can install cumulative update KB5060838 to upgrade to Windows 11 version 24H2 build 26200.5661, while Beta channel users can install KB5060836 to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 build 26120.4452. Both updates introduce two significant features: a revamped home page experience in Recall for Copilot+ PCs, showcasing recent snapshots and top apps, and improvements to hardware indicators, allowing users to reposition them from the lower-right corner to the top-left or top center of the screen through the Settings app.

AppWizard

June 23, 2025

Xbox App For PC Adds Aggregated Gaming Library in Preview

Microsoft is testing the integration of games from various digital storefronts, including Steam, into its Xbox app for PC, creating a new aggregated library accessible on the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally devices. This feature is available to Xbox Insiders in the PC Gaming preview starting today. The library will include titles from platforms like Battle.net, Epic Games Store, and GOG, allowing users to view all installed games in one place. Users must join the PG Gaming Preview via the Xbox Insider Hub to participate in testing. Additionally, the Xbox app for PC will introduce a new section this month for better game discovery, featuring games from Microsoft and third-party publishers on Game Pass.

Winsage

June 19, 2025

Microsoft Drops New Windows 11 Builds for Canary and Release Preview Testers

Microsoft has released two new Windows 11 preview builds for Insiders on the Canary and Release Preview Channels. The Canary build 27881 includes features such as: - Speech recap in Narrator for monitoring spoken content and live transcriptions. - A profanity filter setting for voice typing that can be disabled. - A redesigned needy state pill UI for taskbar icons. - An accessibility flyout in quick settings categorized by assistive technology types. - Enhanced Windows Share allowing image editing and sharing through the context menu. - A new FAQs section in Settings addressing common system questions. - Updated touch input visual design with "animating bubbles." ISOs for the Canary build 27881 are available for clean installs, and an updated Snipping Tool with GIF export is accessible for Insiders. The Windows 11 24H2 build 26100.4482 for the Release Preview Channel includes: - An option for the taskbar to automatically resize icons. - Enhanced Windows Share with visual previews and three image compression levels. - A Screen Curtain feature in Narrator for privacy. - A settings homepage tailored for managed PCs with enterprise features. - Updated app defaults in the EEA for selecting new default browsers. - A new PC-to-PC migration experience for transferring files and settings during setup. Additionally, Microsoft has released the Windows 11 23H2 Build 22631.5548, which addresses issues from a previous build, and Windows 10 Insiders can access build 19045.6033 to rectify issues from an earlier release.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

Wait! Amazon is giving free games away… is it Prime Day already?!

Amazon is offering free PC games to its Prime members from July 8-11, coinciding with Prime Day. To claim the games, Prime members must log in to Prime Gaming, where they can find codes for various titles, including "Star Wars: Rebellion," "Tomb Raider I-III Remastered," and "Mafia III (Definitive Edition)." These games can be redeemed through GOC, a digital storefront. A 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime is available for new users. Additionally, Prime members can access cloud-based games via Amazon Luna, allowing streaming on various devices. It is important for users to ensure their Prime membership is active before July 8 to access these offers.

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: COLLECTION of SaGa FF LEGEND, Don’t Starve Shipwrecked, more

- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is discounted by . - Lenovo's OLED touchscreen IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook is featured in the deals. - OnePlus 13 and 13R promotions include a Best Buy gift card. - Galaxy Watch 7 has a discount. - Discounted game titles include COLLECTION of SaGa FF LEGEND, Don’t Starve: Shipwrecked, and Romancing SaGa 3.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

Microsoft Quietly Disabled Windows Hello Facial Recognition in the Dark

Microsoft has made an adjustment to Windows Hello Facial Recognition that affects its functionality in dimly lit environments due to a security vulnerability. This change, introduced in the April 2025 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11 and Windows 10, requires color cameras to detect a visible face for sign-in. The update addresses a Windows Hello Spoofing vulnerability that was being exploited. Previously, the feature could identify users in low-light conditions using near-infrared imaging technology. Users have reported a workaround by disabling the webcam in Device Manager, allowing IR sensors to authenticate in low light.