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Google just gave us our first look at what Samsung XR headset apps might look like
AppWizard
December 28, 2024

Google just gave us our first look at what Samsung XR headset apps might look like

Samsung's XR headset, known as Project Moohan, will debut within the next year and is powered by the Snapdragon XR Plus Gen 2 chip. The Android XR developer blog features a six-second video showing app windows layered over real-world environments. Android XR has two modes: Home Space, which allows multitasking with multiple app windows, and Full Space, which offers a single window experience against a virtual backdrop. Home Space is the default view, with a toggle to switch between modes. Samsung's app windows are expected to reflect the aesthetic of One UI. Android XR will support various input methods, including hand and eye tracking, voice commands, keyboard and mouse, and dedicated controllers. CES 2025, starting January 7, will provide more information about the headset's features and capabilities.
TotalAV Free Edition
Tech Optimizer
December 28, 2024

TotalAV Free Edition

TotalAV Free Edition provides limited antivirus protection, relying heavily on Microsoft Defender for real-time scanning. Installation is straightforward but can be lengthy, and users are automatically enrolled in a seven-day trial of TotalAV Antivirus Pro. The interface resembles the premium version, but it lacks real-time protection, leading to constant alerts for users to upgrade. Independent lab tests have shown that only the Pro version has been evaluated, achieving good scores, while the free edition remains untested. Users can perform on-demand or scheduled scans, with a full scan taking about 53 minutes. However, TotalAV does not register with Windows, complicating the user experience by requiring both TotalAV and Microsoft Defender to operate simultaneously. In a malware protection test, the free edition achieved a 99% removal rate of malware samples, but its phishing protection is inadequate, relying on Edge’s SmartScreen Filter, which has a low detection rate. Most privacy features are locked behind a paid upgrade, although it includes a clean-up scan and uninstaller feature. The Total Security page is the same for both editions, but most features require an upgrade. Overall, the free edition's reliance on Microsoft Defender and limited features suggest users might find better standalone antivirus options.
How Minecraft could bring more life to its oceans?
AppWizard
December 26, 2024

How Minecraft could bring more life to its oceans?

Minecraft's oceans are currently underexplored and lack vibrancy compared to other environments in the game. Enhancements could include expanding underwater terrain with caves and trenches, introducing new life forms such as sharks, penguins, and whales, and adding more flora like colorful coral reefs and a plant similar to Gillyweed that allows temporary underwater breathing. Additionally, the introduction of Prismarine armor made from turtle scutes could improve swim speed and mining efficiency underwater. Luminous creatures like jellyfish could also be added to illuminate hidden areas and resources.
The best couch co-op games for PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5 and Xbox
AppWizard
December 25, 2024

The best couch co-op games for PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5 and Xbox

Cult of the Lamb has introduced a local co-op mode through the Unholy Alliance update, allowing players to summon a new character, The Goat, for shared gameplay. The game combines village management and combat, where players control The Lamb and gather followers while embarking on crusades against the Bishops of the Old Faith. Co-op play enables both characters to traverse the environment together on a shared screen, with the ability to revive each other during battles. New tarot cards, relics, and fleeces are unlocked with a co-op player, and players can also start a new game together. The shared screen may cause interruptions when managing the cult, but effective communication can enhance the experience. The cooperative mode offers a new way to explore the game, particularly for post-game quests and harder challenges.
Steam's Best of the Year highlights the top-selling and most-played games of 2024
AppWizard
December 24, 2024

Steam’s Best of the Year highlights the top-selling and most-played games of 2024

Steam's annual Best of The Year feature for 2024 showcases top-selling games organized into categories: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The Platinum category includes standout releases such as Space Marine 2, Helldivers 2, Black Myth: Wukong, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Elden Ring, and Baldur's Gate 3. Free-to-play titles like Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, and Destiny 2 also contribute to this group. Cyberpunk 2077 has made a comeback in the Gold category with a Very Positive rating. The Silver group features Dragon's Dogma 2, Diablo IV, and Stalker 2, which sold a million units within two days of its launch. The Bronze category includes budget-friendly titles like Balatro, Silent Hill 2, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and No Man's Sky. Every game from last year's Platinum category is present in 2024, except for Starfield. Steam tracks peak concurrent players, with titles like Black Myth, Elden Ring, and Path of Exile 2 reaching 450,000 or more players. Popular Steam Deck games include Balatro, Dave the Diver, and Hades, while new releases like Manor Lords and Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero are in the Platinum section.
Google is officially opening up Android Auto to weather apps, but you don’t have to wait
AppWizard
December 20, 2024

Google is officially opening up Android Auto to weather apps, but you don’t have to wait

Google has introduced a new category for weather apps in Android Auto and Android Automotive, allowing users to access real-time weather information based on their location or travel routes. The supported app categories now include Media (audio), Messaging, Navigation, Point of Interest (POI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Weather. For parked vehicles, additional categories like Video, Games, and Browsers are available exclusively on Android Automotive OS. The Weather category is currently in beta, limited to specific testing tracks, and aims to provide weather updates along with navigation functionalities. Early adopters of this category include "Weather & Radar" and "MyRadar Weather Radar."
Android 16 may let apps block AI-generated text from keyboards
AppWizard
December 20, 2024

Android 16 may let apps block AI-generated text from keyboards

Android 16 may introduce a feature allowing apps to block AI-generated text from keyboards. Reports indicate that Google is exploring an API enabling developers to identify and prevent AI-generated text from being pasted into their applications. This functionality involves the EditorInfo class, which includes new methods isWritingToolsEnabled() and setWritingToolsEnabled(). When an AI writing tool is active, setWritingToolsEnabled() will return true, allowing keyboards to generate text. Apps can disable this feature by configuring setWritingToolsEnabled() to return false, preventing the insertion of AI-generated text. The specific applications that will implement this feature are currently unknown.
McAfee vs Norton: Which Antivirus Software Is Best?
Tech Optimizer
December 19, 2024

McAfee vs Norton: Which Antivirus Software Is Best?

The rivalry between Norton and McAfee has influenced the antivirus market for decades. Norton Antivirus Plus has a rating of 4.8 out of 5, while McAfee Total Protection has a rating of 4.7 out of 5. Norton offers excellent AV and malware protection, scanning speed, and very good false positive management, while McAfee excels in false positive reduction and includes features like a VPN, firewall, and identity monitoring. Norton typically retails for a certain price per year for five devices but is currently available at a discounted rate, along with a seven-day free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee. McAfee Total Protection lists at a higher price but is often discounted, with a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Norton includes 2 GB of cloud backup and a password manager, while McAfee offers various tiers with additional features like AI-powered tools and enhanced identity theft protection. Users should choose Norton for cost-effectiveness and included cloud backup, while McAfee is preferable for lower system resource usage and fewer false positives. Both products are sufficient on their own, and installing both may cause conflicts.
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