initiative Archives

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

Gemini fuels Chrome for Android with enhanced scam and spam protection

Google has announced a new security feature for Chrome on Android that uses machine learning through its Gemini intelligence to alert users about potential scams, spam, and unwanted notifications from malicious websites. This update allows Chrome to analyze website notifications more effectively, enhancing user protection. In September, Google also updated Chrome's Safety Check for Android, which now includes improved background tasks, notification alerts, and scans for security risks in passwords and installed extensions. The machine learning model was trained using synthetic data evaluated against real notifications to ensure effectiveness. The enhancements aim to provide a stronger defense against online threats.

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

You can now verify if your Mullvad VPN app is legit

Mullvad has introduced reproducible builds for its Android VPN application starting with version 2025.2, allowing users to confirm the legitimacy of the app before installation. Reproducible builds ensure that identical copies of the application can be recreated from the same source code, build environment, and instructions, providing assurance against unauthorized modifications. This decision follows a rise in malicious free VPN applications and malware distribution through counterfeit software. Currently, only the latest version of Mullvad's Android VPN app features this capability, with no confirmed plans for other platforms. Mullvad encourages technically skilled users to verify the builds and has provided instructions for the verification process.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

As Windows 10’s death looms, Linux fans still promote “no ads or telemetry” for your old laptop instead of buying a Copilot+ PC

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025. Users can either upgrade to Windows 11, purchase an additional year of support through the Extended Security Updates program, or switch to a different operating system. Approximately 240 million PCs are not ready for Windows 11 due to its stringent system requirements. The End of 10 group is advocating for users to switch to Linux instead of upgrading hardware for Windows 11, highlighting Linux's advantages such as being free, open-source, and environmentally friendly. They encourage users to explore beginner-friendly Linux distributions and assure support from the Linux community. Windows 11 currently holds a market share of 42.69%, while Windows 10 has a dominant 54.2%.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

Windows 11 is about to make app downloads easier, but there’s a risk

Microsoft is testing a new feature that allows users to download apps from the Microsoft Store directly through Windows Search. When users search for an app not installed on their system, Windows will check the Microsoft Store for availability and present a preview of the app's listing page along with a "Get" button to initiate the download and installation process. For this feature to be effective, Microsoft needs to refine Windows Search to ensure it provides relevant results and does not return unrelated app suggestions.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

Fed up with irrelevant results cluttering up your Windows 11 searches? I certainly am, and it looks like the situation’s going downhill from here

Microsoft is enhancing the search functionality in Windows 11 by integrating apps from the Microsoft Store into search results, allowing users to find and install applications from the Start menu or Taskbar. This initiative has received mixed reactions, with some users wanting an option to disable the feature. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing natural language search functionality for Copilot+ PCs and is working to improve the performance of the Microsoft Store.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Mojang’s big Minecraft VR mistake

Mojang has officially discontinued VR support for the Bedrock version of Minecraft on PCs, ending a VR initiative that began in April 2016. The Gear VR version was initially available on devices like the Oculus Go and original Oculus Quest, but support for older games on the Oculus Quest 2 rendered these experiences obsolete. Modders, particularly through the Vivecraft mod, have filled the gap left by Mojang, with QuestCraft being a notable port for Meta Quest headsets. Despite Mojang's claims of lacking resources for VR, the company has over 55 million daily active players and a workforce of more than 600 employees, indicating financial stability. The demographics of the Meta Quest user base suggest a strong potential interest in Minecraft if officially supported. Recent collaborations between Meta and Microsoft hint at potential opportunities for an official Minecraft VR port, yet progress remains stagnant. The QuestCraft Discord server has 80,000 members, indicating significant interest in a VR version of Minecraft, which could attract hundreds of thousands of active users.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

Can’t upgrade to Windows 11? This Linux project wants to save your old PC from the scrapheap when Windows 10 support ends

As Windows 10 approaches its End of Life in October 2025, the ‘End of 10’ project advocates for transitioning to Linux for users with older PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. The initiative emphasizes the environmental benefits of extending the lifespan of existing devices, highlighting that computer production accounts for over 75% of carbon emissions during its lifecycle. It also points out that Linux offers greater privacy and control compared to Windows 11, as well as cost efficiency since it is free and future updates remain free if the chosen distribution is supported. While there are concerns about the learning curve and potential software compatibility issues, the project encourages users to seek support from online forums or local repair shops. The Linux community is noted for its willingness to assist newcomers, making it a viable alternative for older PCs that cannot support Windows 11.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

Microsoft wants you to ditch Windows 10 for Windows 11, but End Of 10 thinks Linux is a better option

Microsoft is concluding its support for Windows 10 and is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11 or purchase new devices with Copilot+ technology. In response, the End Of 10 project, initiated by Linux enthusiasts, promotes Linux as a viable alternative for users who can no longer run Windows 10. This initiative is community-driven and includes contributors from various sectors of the Linux community, emphasizing that many users can continue using their computers by installing an up-to-date Linux operating system. The project highlights several benefits of switching to Linux, including lower costs, privacy, environmental sustainability, community support, and user control. The End Of 10 website provides resources and assistance for those interested in making the transition to Linux.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

The End of 10 group aims to save Windows 10 PCs from landfills using Linux

Windows 10 will reach its end of support in October, prompting users to consider alternatives for their devices. Microsoft recommends transitioning to Windows 11 hardware, raising concerns about sustainability. The "End of 10" initiative encourages users to switch from Windows to Linux to extend the life of older PCs and avoid waste. The organization provides education on maintaining computers securely and offers assistance for users transitioning to Linux. Computers purchased after 2010 can continue to be used effectively with an updated Linux operating system. The initiative includes resources for installation help and has gained attention from public figures, potentially increasing interest in Linux as a long-term computing solution.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

6 reasons I want Microsoft Plus back, even though I never had it growing up

Microsoft's evolution of Windows has included various enhancements and features over the years, originally exemplified by the Microsoft Plus! add-on package. Key features that could be included in a modern add-on pack are: - Ad-Free Experience: An option to eliminate advertisements from the Windows experience, addressing user frustration with prompts for subscriptions like Microsoft 365 or Game Pass. - Engaging Games: The potential to reintroduce classic games or develop new titles that provide a more engaging gaming experience without microtransactions and ads. - Dynamic Desktop Themes: The ability to create dynamic themes with animated wallpapers and custom frames, allowing for more personalized desktop experiences. - DVD Playback and Codec Support: Inclusion of DVD playback functionality and enhanced codec support for modern formats like H.265 and AV1, along with a transcoding tool for media conversion. - Enhanced Video Editing: Development of a robust, native video editing application similar to Windows Live Movie Maker, with advanced features and support for 4K exports.