Hardware Archives

Winsage

February 11, 2026

The Windows 98 Toaster is Here

YouTuber Throaty Mumbo successfully ran Windows 98 on a smart toaster by disassembling the Revolution Cooking High-Speed Smart Toaster and using a Raspberry Pi 5 to emulate a late-1990s Pentium II PC. He created a custom program called “toast.exe” to facilitate communication between the Windows 98 interface and the toaster's hardware. The project resulted in a functional system that allows users to operate the toaster through a retro Windows 98 environment, complete with a 7-inch HDMI monitor and a 3D-printed shell designed to resemble a classic PC.

Winsage

February 11, 2026

This Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro bundle drops to under $50

A lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021, bundled with Windows 11 Pro, is available for .97, reduced from 9.99, valid until February 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT. The bundle includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access, and Teams, all as full desktop versions. Windows 11 Pro features include BitLocker encryption, Windows Sandbox, Hyper-V virtualization, and enhanced account controls, along with integration of Microsoft's AI assistant, Copilot. This offer is a one-time purchase and does not include ongoing feature updates or cloud storage. The hardware requirements are 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.

Tech Optimizer

February 11, 2026

How to Disable Windows 11 Defender: Temporary and Permanent

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the built-in security solution for Windows 11, protecting against viruses, malware, and ransomware. Users may need to disable it temporarily or permanently for various reasons, including software installation, penetration testing, performance issues, transitioning to third-party antivirus solutions, or troubleshooting conflicts. Temporary disabling can be done through the Windows Security app, which will automatically re-enable after a restart. Permanent disabling requires changes in Group Policy, applicable only to Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, and necessitates disabling Tamper Protection first. Another method for permanent disabling is installing a third-party antivirus, which automatically deactivates Defender's real-time protection. Windows 11 Home users cannot use Group Policy for permanent disabling but can still temporarily disable Defender or install a third-party antivirus. Disabling Defender exposes the system to threats, and users should ensure they have alternative protection in place. Major Windows updates may reset Defender settings, and caution is advised when modifying system settings.

AppWizard

February 10, 2026

Verum Messenger Launches Offline Architecture for True Digital Sovereignty

The “People as the Network” architecture is the technical backbone of Verum Messenger’s Offline Mode, which launched on February 2, 2026. It shifts from a Centralized Cloud model to a Decentralized Mesh Network. The system utilizes local hardware, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Wi-Fi Direct, allowing devices to connect within a 100-meter range. Messages can "hop" from one device to another to reach recipients beyond direct range, forming an ad-hoc network without a master controller. Local Encryption ensures privacy, as encryption keys are stored on user devices, keeping messages secure during transmission. This architecture is particularly useful in network blackouts, censorship zones, and dense crowds. However, its effectiveness is limited in remote areas with sparse users, where communication relies on the signal strength of individual devices.

BetaBeacon

February 10, 2026

Download Google Play Store (free) for Android, APK and Web App

The Google Play Store is essential for Android users to access a wide collection of trusted and regularly updated applications.

Winsage

February 10, 2026

Microsoft is keeping Secure Boot alive with Windows updates

Microsoft is enhancing the security of Windows devices by replacing boot-level security certificates that are nearing expiration, with this initiative integrated into regular Windows platform updates. The original Secure Boot certificates from 2011 will expire between June and October 2026, prompting Microsoft to issue new certificates in 2023, which are included in many new Windows devices sold since 2024. Older hardware will require updates to remain compliant. Devices with expired certificates will continue to operate but will enter a "degraded security state," potentially hindering future updates and causing compatibility issues. The new Secure Boot certificates rollout began with the Windows 11 KB5074109 update. Most Windows 11 users will have the new certificates installed automatically, while specialized systems may have different update protocols. Windows 10 users must enroll in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates to receive the new certificates.

AppWizard

February 10, 2026

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: MEGA MAN X, GHOST TRICK, Exolotl Zian, Cedric, more

A selection of Android game and app deals includes the Ace Attorney Trilogy, MEGA MAN X, GHOST TRICK, Exolotl: Zian, and Cedric: the Vipers’ Lie. The Galaxy S25 FE lineup has a price drop, Samsung’s Odyssey 27-inch QHD QD-OLED gaming monitor is at an all-time low, the Pixel 9a is at its all-time low price, and Google’s 256GB unlocked Pixel 10 Pro is available for 4, a 5 discount through Best Buy’s open-box deal.

BetaBeacon

February 1, 2026

This Meta Quest game channels the best of R.E.P.O and Lethal Company with a clever twist

- Deadly Delivery is a co-op VR game where players take on the role of goblin delivery persons delivering packages to dangerous locations. - Players must navigate through levels, avoiding traps and monsters while collecting delivery fees. - The game has unique mechanics such as storing items on your body and using special items like carts. - Players have to meet monetary goals within a three-day work week structure to continue their service. - Failure to meet goals results in being removed from service, but players can start anew with unlocked skills and cosmetics. - Deadly Delivery offers a mix of fun, challenge, physics-based gameplay, and a touch of horror. - The game's art style and gameplay mechanics make it a standout in the co-op VR genre, providing entertainment for players of all ages.

Winsage

February 1, 2026

5 Essential Free Apps That Aren’t Available On The Microsoft Store

The Microsoft Store has recently added applications like VLC, Foobar2000, Firefox, and Brave, but several essential applications are still missing, leading users to download installers from developers' websites. Microsoft has discontinued support for Office installations via the store, and the transition to allowing Win32 app formats has introduced more applications, although many developers may find this shift too late, with full support for Win32 apps not expected until 2025. Notable applications currently unavailable on the Microsoft Store include: - Steam: A critical gaming platform with over 140 million users, absent from the store due to Valve's competition with Microsoft. - Notepad++: A popular text and code editor known for its simplicity and versatility, requiring direct download from its official website. - Calibre: An open-source e-book manager that allows users to organize, convert, and enrich e-books, also needing to be downloaded from its official site. - qBittorrent: A free and open-source torrent client offering a clean interface and extensive features, available only through direct download from its official website. - Paint.net: While available on the Microsoft Store for a fee, it can be downloaded for free from the developer's website, providing robust image editing features.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Horror Adventure Game DO NOT PLAY Launches This Summer for PC

SCRAP and Fahrenheit 213 are developing a horror adventure game titled DO NOT PLAY, set to launch on PC via Steam this summer. The game features a system error that overwhelms players with numerous windows, creating an unsettling experience. It draws inspiration from the banned browser game “GeM,” but the developers clarify they were not involved in its creation. DO NOT PLAY is a first-person escape game where players solve puzzles and mini-games to uncover mysteries and find safety. The game recreates the nostalgic atmosphere of early 2000s flash games and explores the intersection of nostalgia and reality.