Hardware Archives

Winsage

April 2, 2026

Wine has been translating Windows games to Linux since 1993, but Proton is what made it effortless

Wine is a compatibility layer, not an emulator, that translates Windows API calls into POSIX equivalents, allowing Windows applications to run on Linux. Proton, developed by Valve, builds on Wine and includes additional components like DXVK and VKD3D-Proton to enhance performance for Windows games on Linux through Steam. For Steam users, Proton is recommended for a streamlined gaming experience, while Lutris is suggested for those outside the Steam ecosystem. Wine has been in development since 1993, focusing on recreating the Windows API, but faced challenges with gaming compatibility. Cedega was an early attempt to improve gaming support over Wine but ultimately declined. Valve's development of Proton was motivated by the need for better compatibility for Windows games on Linux, especially highlighted by the launch of the Steam Deck. Wine struggled with synchronization issues and handling direct kernel access by Windows applications, which Proton addressed with seccomp-bpf filters and syscall user dispatch. Both Wine and Proton are crucial to the current state of Linux gaming.

Winsage

April 2, 2026

Windows 11 Task Manager is finally getting deeper insights into NPU usage in AI PCs — No more trying to guess which apps are using the specialized hardware

Windows 11's Task Manager is being updated to provide more detailed insights into Neural Processing Unit (NPU) performance. The latest Insider Preview Build 26300.8142 introduces optional columns for NPU Dedicated Memory and NPU Shared Memory in the Details tab, along with showcasing neural engines associated with the GPU in the Performance tab. The NPU was first introduced in mainstream devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon X chips and Microsoft Copilot+ PCs in 2024. Many new laptops and desktops now come equipped with NPUs, compatible with Copilot+, regardless of whether they use Qualcomm, Intel, or AMD hardware.

AppWizard

April 1, 2026

‘NoVoice’ Android malware on Google Play infected 2.3 million devices

A new Android malware called NoVoice has been found in over 50 applications on Google Play, with more than 2.3 million downloads. The malware targets older Android versions, specifically those patched between 2016 and 2021, and attempts to gain root access by exploiting vulnerabilities. It conceals malicious components within the com.facebook.utils package and uses steganography to hide an encrypted payload within a PNG image file. NoVoice avoids infecting devices in certain regions and has checks to detect emulators and VPNs. Once activated, the malware contacts its command-and-control server to gather device information and polls it every 60 seconds for tailored exploits aimed at rooting the device. It can exploit 22 vulnerabilities, including kernel bugs, and establishes persistence by replacing key system libraries and installing recovery scripts. The malware injects code into applications, particularly targeting WhatsApp to extract sensitive data for session replication, which is then exfiltrated to the C2 server. The malicious apps containing NoVoice have been removed from Google Play, but users who installed them should consider their devices compromised. Upgrading to devices with later security patches is recommended to mitigate the threat.

Winsage

April 1, 2026

Get a Windows 11 Pro license for just $12.97 (That’s a 93% discount!)

The Windows 11 Pro license is currently available for .97, significantly reduced from its standard retail price of 9. This offer is found on the Tech Deals website and is intended for Windows machines needing a new license, not for devices already running Windows 10 that cannot access a free upgrade. Minimum system requirements include a 1GHz processor with at least 2 cores, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, UEFI Secure Boot capability, TPM version 2.0, a GPU compatible with DirectX 12 or later, a display of at least 9 inches with 720p resolution, and internet connectivity for activation. Activating Windows 11 Pro removes the "Activate Windows" watermark, unlocks personalization options, ensures access to updates and technical support, and provides enhanced security and remote management features compared to the Home version.

AppWizard

April 1, 2026

Mid-week Android app deals and freebies: Conquistadorio, Greak, Raging Bytes, more

Mid-week shopping deals include discounts on various Android games and apps such as Conquistadorio, Greak: Memories of Azur, Raging Bytes, The Darkside Detective, 60 Seconds! Reatomized, 20 Minutes Till Dawn: Premium, Flappy Frog, and Halls of Torment: Premium. Hardware deals feature the Google Pixel Watch 4 at its lowest price, the Galaxy S26 with a discount and a [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Your mid-week shopping spree is here, bringing with it an enticing array of Android game and app deals that are sure to pique the interest of mobile enthusiasts. Featured titles include the strategic adventure of Conquistadorio, the enchanting world of Greak: Memories of Azur, the engaging Raging Bytes, the mystery-solving The Darkside Detective, and the survival challenge of 60 Seconds! Reatomized. Additionally, you can explore the thrilling action of 20 Minutes Till Dawn: Premium, the whimsical Flappy Frog, and the immersive experience of Halls of Torment: Premium, among others. As you navigate through these enticing offers, don’t miss out on some remarkable hardware deals. The Google Pixel Watch 4 has returned to its all-time low price, while the Galaxy S26 is available at a discount, complete with a complimentary 0 Amazon gift card. Furthermore, Acer’s Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is hitting a new record low, priced at an impressive 0 off for today only. Today’s highlight Android app price drops: Conquistadorio - Dive into strategic gameplay. Greak: Memories of Azur - Experience a beautifully crafted adventure. Raging Bytes - Engage in a thrilling narrative. The Darkside Detective - Solve mysteries in a quirky universe. 60 Seconds! Reatomized - Test your survival skills in a race against time. 20 Minutes Till Dawn: Premium - Battle against the clock in this action-packed game. Flappy Frog - Enjoy a light-hearted gaming experience. Halls of Torment: Premium - Immerse yourself in a hauntingly captivating world. More Android app price drops still live: Explore additional titles that are currently available at discounted rates. Keep an eye out for limited-time offers that may catch your interest. Check back frequently as new deals are added regularly. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] Amazon gift card, and Acer’s Chromebook Plus Spin 714 at a record low price of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Your mid-week shopping spree is here, bringing with it an enticing array of Android game and app deals that are sure to pique the interest of mobile enthusiasts. Featured titles include the strategic adventure of Conquistadorio, the enchanting world of Greak: Memories of Azur, the engaging Raging Bytes, the mystery-solving The Darkside Detective, and the survival challenge of 60 Seconds! Reatomized. Additionally, you can explore the thrilling action of 20 Minutes Till Dawn: Premium, the whimsical Flappy Frog, and the immersive experience of Halls of Torment: Premium, among others. As you navigate through these enticing offers, don’t miss out on some remarkable hardware deals. The Google Pixel Watch 4 has returned to its all-time low price, while the Galaxy S26 is available at a discount, complete with a complimentary 0 Amazon gift card. Furthermore, Acer’s Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is hitting a new record low, priced at an impressive 0 off for today only. Today’s highlight Android app price drops: Conquistadorio - Dive into strategic gameplay. Greak: Memories of Azur - Experience a beautifully crafted adventure. Raging Bytes - Engage in a thrilling narrative. The Darkside Detective - Solve mysteries in a quirky universe. 60 Seconds! Reatomized - Test your survival skills in a race against time. 20 Minutes Till Dawn: Premium - Battle against the clock in this action-packed game. Flappy Frog - Enjoy a light-hearted gaming experience. Halls of Torment: Premium - Immerse yourself in a hauntingly captivating world. More Android app price drops still live: Explore additional titles that are currently available at discounted rates. Keep an eye out for limited-time offers that may catch your interest. Check back frequently as new deals are added regularly. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] off for today only. Additional Android app price drops and limited-time offers are also available.

Winsage

April 1, 2026

Local vs. Microsoft account in Windows 11: How to decide and set up your preference

Setting up a Windows 11 PC requires creating a user account, with the Windows Setup program encouraging the use of a Microsoft account. A local account can still be established, though it is less promoted. Local accounts store credentials on the device, while Microsoft accounts use an email and password managed on Microsoft's servers. Local accounts are straightforward but can lead to frustration if passwords are forgotten. Microsoft accounts offer benefits like automatic encryption, easy restoration of activation, and synchronization of settings across devices. Privacy concerns regarding Microsoft accounts are often overstated, as data collection is tied to machine ID rather than account type. In Windows 11 Home edition, a temporary Microsoft account can be created during setup to later switch to a local account. In Windows 11 Pro edition, selecting the work option allows bypassing the Microsoft account requirement, with options to create a local account through domain joining. Third-party tools can assist in setting up a local account.

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

Nightdive’s Larry Kuperman retires after 25-year career in games: ‘We never looked at games as products’

Larry Kuperman, Vice President of Business Development at Nightdive Studios, has announced his retirement from full-time work after a 25-year career in the gaming industry. He has held various roles, including publisher at Stardock and retailer at GameStop, but is notably recognized for his contributions to game preservation at Nightdive. Kuperman discussed the complexities of reviving classic games, citing challenges such as intellectual property rights, with specific examples like the rights to "No One Lives Forever" and "System Shock." He joined Nightdive during a crucial period and highlighted the studio's commitment to its community by honoring promises made to Kickstarter backers for the remaster of "System Shock 2." Kuperman emphasized the importance of viewing games as art and has introduced innovative features in remastered games. He plans to remain active in the industry, particularly with the International Game Developers Association, to support newcomers.

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (PC) Review – Kojima’s Masterpiece Gets a Stellar Port

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a sequel that takes place approximately 11 months after the first game, featuring Sam Porter Bridges on a mission to connect the Chiral Network in Mexico and Australia. The game includes familiar characters and has improved traversal mechanics, with a quicker story pace and more low-level enemies. Nixxes has adapted the game for PC, introducing a new hardcore difficulty setting called “Into the Wilder,” and ensuring it runs well across various hardware configurations. The game offers extensive customization options for graphics and controls, performing well on devices like the Steam Deck and ROG handheld. It has received acclaim for its visuals and gameplay, although some players find the plot and pacing inconsistent.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Microsoft reaches for yet another out-of-band patch to deal with latest update issue

Microsoft is preparing to release an out-of-band update due to installation errors associated with its latest preview update, which has resulted in the error code 0x80073712 for many users. The company has paused the problematic update while investigating the issues and plans to roll out a fix soon. The upcoming April security update is mandatory, increasing the urgency for resolution. This year, Microsoft has faced challenges with patches that require further fixes, and the frequency of out-of-band updates is rising. Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows, has acknowledged ongoing reliability issues since November 2025, indicating that improvements are needed in the update process.

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

Top 6 free crypto mining apps for Android in 2026

The appetite for free crypto mining applications on Android devices is increasing in 2026, with users seeking ways to earn Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies without investing in expensive mining hardware. Mobile mining solutions now utilize cloud-based infrastructures and reward systems, allowing users to generate daily crypto income with minimal technical skills. Key mining applications include: 1. AngelBTC: Offers daily sign-in hashpower with structured mining contracts, emphasizing renewable energy sources. 2. CryptoTab Browser Lite: Allows passive Bitcoin mining through daily web browsing, with modest earnings dependent on user activity and referrals. 3. StormGain: Combines a trading platform with mining features, enabling easy activation and reward monitoring. 4. ECOS: A regulated cloud mining provider offering trial access and structured contracts for new users. 5. MinerGate Mobile Miner: Supports multi-currency mining from mobile devices, though profitability is low due to hardware limitations. 6. NiceHash: A marketplace for buying or selling mining power, aimed at experienced users. In 2026, Android mining apps are categorized into three types: cloud mining, on-device mining, and reward-based systems. The most effective model combines cloud mining with engagement-based entry mechanisms. Industry trends include a shift toward structured entry models, transparent contracts, and a focus on renewable energy. Users should be cautious of unrealistic profit claims, withdrawal restrictions, and the potential for simulated mining rather than actual hashpower.