issue Archives

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Nvidia GPUs are broken in one of the most demanding new PC games, says developer

Nvidia users with RTX 40-series and 50-series GPUs may experience crashes when launching the Hell is Us demo, prompting Rogue Factor to recommend lowering graphics settings and disabling upscaling and frame generation options before starting the game. The developer is working on a patch ahead of the game's official release on September 4. Previous titles have also faced similar issues, with suggestions for Nvidia users to roll back driver installations due to ongoing driver stability challenges. The crashing issue is tentatively linked to Nvidia's DLSS technology, which has been implicated in crashes across various games. The system requirements for Hell is Us indicate that an RTX 4090 is necessary for 4K gameplay at 30 fps, while an RTX 2080 Ti is recommended for 60 fps at 1080p.

Tech Optimizer

June 3, 2025

How we test antivirus software

Robust antivirus software is essential for protecting sensitive data in personal and business contexts. Different antivirus solutions vary in malware detection and overall protection. The ideal antivirus balances comprehensive coverage with system performance. Resources like AV-Comparatives and AV-Test provide impartial testing of antivirus capabilities, including real-world protection tests and evaluations of false alarms. Performance and customer support are critical factors in antivirus software evaluation. The impact on device speed and resource consumption is important, as is the quality of customer support for troubleshooting. Reliable support options enhance user satisfaction. Thorough testing of antivirus software is crucial due to the evolving tactics of cybercriminals. Not all antivirus solutions are equally effective, and rigorous evaluation helps identify subpar options and false positives. Free antivirus options may suffice for casual users, but premium versions often offer better features and protections. Meticulous testing ensures that security software meets its promises and helps users make informed decisions.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

This Android loophole could have let your apps spy on your web browsing

Meta and Yandex have exploited a loophole in the Android operating system, allowing them to link web browsing data with app identities, bypassing privacy measures like incognito mode. This was revealed by researchers from the Local Mess project, who found that tracking scripts (Meta Pixel and Yandex Metrica) embedded in millions of websites transmit data from web browsers to apps such as Facebook, Instagram, and Yandex Maps through local network connections. Meta began using this technique in late 2024, while Yandex has been doing so since 2017. The loophole allows browser data to be sent to localhost, enabling apps to access it without user notification. In response, Meta has paused the feature and is working with Google to address the issue, which Google acknowledges violates Play Store policies. Some browsers are blocking this tracking, but researchers warn that solutions may be temporary without stricter restrictions on app access to local ports. The study indicates that most sites using these trackers start data collection immediately upon visiting, often before consent is requested. To prevent this tracking, users are advised to uninstall the affected applications.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft patches the patch that put Windows 11 in a coma

Microsoft has released a fix for a recent patch that caused some Windows 11 PCs to enter recovery mode due to an error code linked to the May Patch Tuesday update. The issue primarily affected virtual boxes and some physical devices, displaying the message: "Your PC/Device needs to be repaired. The operating system couldn't be loaded because a required file is missing or contains errors. File: ACPI.sys. Error code: 0xc0000098." The fix, identified as KB5062170, does not address an ongoing issue with Noto fonts, where CJK characters appear blurry in Chromium browsers at 100 percent scaling. Users can temporarily adjust the scaling to 125 or 150 percent to mitigate this problem. Microsoft has faced similar challenges with out-of-band fixes in the past, affecting both Windows 10 and Windows Server.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft agrees that USB is a mess and it’s making changes to fix it: ‘Manufacturers can implement ports that look identical but differ wildly in functionality’

Microsoft is implementing new standards to enhance the reliability of USB connections, particularly for devices that comply with the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP). All WHCP-compliant hardware with USB Type-C must use USB-IF-certified silicon, ensuring efficient charging and support for DisplayPort Alt-Mode for additional monitors. USB4 certification requires a maximum data speed of 40 Gbps, up to 15 W of power for accessories, support for dual 4K displays at 60 Hz, and compatibility with PCIe and Thunderbolt 3. Testing is conducted through Microsoft's Hardware Lab Kit (HLK), and certification is paused if issues arise during testing. This initiative aims to clarify USB Type-C port capabilities and improve consumer confidence in WHCP-certified devices.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Meta and Yandex are de-anonymizing Android users’ web browsing identifiers

Recent developments in browser technology have raised concerns about user privacy and data tracking by companies like Meta and Yandex. In response, several Android browsers are enhancing user privacy by blocking abusive JavaScript linked to web trackers. DuckDuckGo has implemented measures to block domains and IP addresses associated with trackers, preventing the transmission of identifiers to Meta and restricting access to Yandex Metrica. Following feedback, DuckDuckGo's developers updated their blacklist to include missing addresses. The Brave browser uses extensive blocklists to prevent identifier sharing and blocks requests to localhost without user consent. Vivaldi forwards identifiers to local Android ports by default but allows users to adjust settings to block trackers. Researchers warn that these solutions may not be foolproof and emphasize the ongoing challenge of maintaining effective blocklists. Chrome and most other Chromium-based browsers execute JavaScript as intended by Meta and Yandex, while Firefox has faced challenges with SDP munging and has not yet announced plans to address this behavior.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

YouTube confirms Android app bug affecting navigation bar

YouTube has acknowledged a technical glitch affecting the navigation bar in its Android app, causing the disappearance of key buttons like Subscriptions, Notifications, and Library for some users. The issue primarily impacts Android users in the United States, including YouTube Premium subscribers, but reports have also come in from countries such as Germany, Spain, Poland, and India. YouTube is investigating the matter and has committed to providing updates through a community thread, but has not yet shared information on the bug's scope or a timeline for a fix.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Windows 11 news and updates: Sora video AI comes to Bing while USB-C changes will make all of our lives easier

Microsoft has made adjustments to Windows 11 and Windows 10 to comply with the Digital Markets Act for users in the European Economic Area, including stopping prompts to set Edge as the default browser and automatically pinning users' preferred browsers to the Taskbar. The optional update KB5058499 (OS Build 26100.4202) for Windows 11, released on May 28, 2025, improves gaming stability and includes upgrades to AI tools. OpenAI's Sora AI model is now available globally in the Bing Video Creator within the Bing mobile app. Notepad has added support for Markdown syntax. Microsoft has committed that all USB-C ports on Windows 11 will support data, charging, and display functionalities, with USB4 ports being compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 peripherals. The release date for Windows 11 version 25H2 is anticipated between September and October 2025.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft belatedly attempts to tame USB-C confusion with its rules for PC OEMs

27 percent of computers equipped with USB4 are experiencing limited functionality notifications when users connect USB-C devices that require specific features not supported by the PC. Microsoft mandates that USB-C ports on Windows PCs include essential features such as PC charging support and the capability to connect at least one external display, with a minimum power supply of 4.5 watts for accessories. Microsoft does not enforce higher transfer speeds or specific USB-PD wattage levels but expects USB-C ports to deliver USB 3.x speeds, display output, and charging support. Thunderbolt 4 and 5 ports support a comprehensive suite of USB-C capabilities, including high transfer speeds of 40 or 80Gbps and the ability to connect multiple external 4K displays while providing up to 15 watts of power for accessories. The Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) provides automated testing tools for PC manufacturers to ensure compatibility with Windows and requires USB-C ports to utilize Windows' built-in USB drivers for streamlined fixes through Windows Update.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Singleplayer Elden Ring Nightreign is no longer hell to play, but it’s still a compromised game of 30-minute boss runbacks

The author, known as Mr. Antisocial Souls, typically prefers solo gaming, especially with FromSoftware titles, but found Elden Ring Nightreign's multiplayer aspect engaging. Initially expecting to play solo, they discovered that the single-player experience highlighted the game's flaws. Recent patches have improved solo gameplay, making it more enjoyable, although challenges remain, such as navigating the interface and dealing with punishing RNG. The game’s boss encounters are designed for teams, making solo play feel more difficult and disheartening. Improvements include balanced self-revivals and enemy health adjustments, enhancing solo playability. However, the author suggests limiting solo play to 15% of total gaming time for optimal enjoyment, as the experience is better with a team.