key features Archives

AppWizard

May 5, 2025

Here’s a First Look at the Redesigned Clock App Coming with Material Design 3

Google is redesigning its Clock app to adopt the Material Design 3 Expressive theme, featuring a new font for improved readability, elongated time selectors for better interaction, and a larger squircle-shaped floating action button repositioned for easier access. The Clock tab will be renamed "World Clock," and the Alarms page will see a comprehensive redesign with a modern elongated time selector and additional options for alarm name, sound, vibration, weather forecast, and Google Assistant routines. The Timers section will change the play icon to a rectangular “Start” button, while the Stopwatch tab will shift to a cubical layout. The Bedtime mode will largely retain its existing design. User reactions to the redesign have been mixed, with some expressing concerns about the transition from rounded to boxy elements and the overall consistency of the design. The redesign is still in early stages, and user feedback will influence its final form.

Tech Optimizer

May 5, 2025

VIPRE Advanced Security Awarded Highest Ranking in AV-Comparatives’ Malware Protection Test 2025

VIPRE® Advanced Security received the Advanced+ award from AV-Comparatives in the March 2025 Malware Protection Test for its effectiveness against cyber threats. The test evaluated 19 security products using 10,030 malware samples on a Windows 11 system, focusing on both online and offline threats. VIPRE achieved a 98.7% detection rate in all scenarios, a 99.93% overall protection rate during execution testing, and had one of the lowest false positive counts among the products tested. VIPRE's security solutions are integrated into other Ziff Davis products, enhancing their protection capabilities. VIPRE is a subsidiary of Ziff Davis, Inc., specializing in cybersecurity solutions with over 25 years of experience.

TrendTechie

May 2, 2025

Релиз BitTorrent-клиента Deluge 2.2

Deluge version 2.2 is an open-source, cross-platform BitTorrent client built on libtorrent and the Twisted framework, offering interfaces such as GTK, a web interface, and a console variant. The source code is written in Python and distributed under the GPL license. Deluge operates in a client-server mode, allowing the daemon to run on a remote machine. Key features include support for DHT, UPnP, NAT-PMP, PEX, LSD, protocol encryption, proxy support, selective speed limiting, and sequential download mode. The update introduces support for creating torrents in the BitTorrent v2 format, enhancing security with SHA2-256 and improving efficiency with a Merkle hash tree. The GTK interface now includes light and dark themes and a system tray indicator, while the web interface supports theme switching. Support for Python 3.6 has been removed, with Python 3.7 as the minimum supported version. Additionally, qBittorrent version 5.1 was released on April 27, 2025, as an open-source alternative to µTorrent, with its source code available on GitHub under the GPLv2+ license.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Get Windows 11 Home for A$23 Right Now

Users can upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 Home for a reduced price of A until June 1, down from the regular price of A7. Windows 11 features a refreshed interface with rounded app corners, a centered taskbar, customized widgets, and enhanced multitasking tools. It offers performance improvements, quicker startup times, and enhanced security features. A verified buyer reported a seamless installation process. The upgrade opportunity is available until June 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT, with prices subject to change.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Lightweight Windows 11 version finally gets an update

Microsoft has released version 2504 of Validation OS, a streamlined version of Windows 11 designed for hardware validation, error diagnosis, and quality control in Windows device production. This version includes enhancements in .NET support, driver management, and USB boot capabilities. It operates through a command-line interface (CLI) and supports Win32 applications. Key features of the 2504 release include support for WPF applications via the Microsoft-WinVOS-WPF-Support package, inclusion of Surface Dock drivers, improved USB boot functionality with RAM disk size configuration through DISM, separation of CJK fonts from the general font package, and an upgrade to the latest .NET implementation. Some known issues remain, such as instability with Bluetooth and Serial Console packages on ARM64 systems. The update builds on previous releases that added features like the Out of Box Experience (OOBE) and Hyper-V-compatible VHDX images. Validation OS is not intended for end users but benefits manufacturers and IT professionals in hardware production and validation. The latest build is available for download from Microsoft's official page.

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2025

Malwarebytes Launches Global Strategic Partner Program Offering Organizations a One-stop Shop for Personal Security, Privacy, and Identity Solutions

Malwarebytes has launched a partnership initiative aimed at providing financial institutions, HR benefit providers, and internet service providers with personal security, privacy, and identity solutions in response to rising online fraud, which has led to financial losses of .5 billion over the past year for one in three individuals. The program offers AI-powered consumer security solutions to protect devices from various threats and allows partners to choose from a range of options or create custom solutions. Key features include a comprehensive cybersecurity platform, advanced mobile security, and flexible integration options. Eero is one of the first partners to integrate Malwarebytes Premium Security into its eero Plus subscription service, enhancing online security for its subscribers.

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2025

5 Free Antivirus Programs To Eliminate Malware and Viruses (2025)

Users are increasingly seeking effective malware protection without the cost of premium software, leading to the emergence of free antivirus programs that offer robust security features. This trend is particularly beneficial for Windows 11 users who want real-time protection while staying within budget. Several leading cybersecurity firms provide free antivirus solutions equipped with advanced features such as real-time scanning, phishing defenses, cloud-based malware detection, and system optimization tools. These free programs can adequately protect a diverse audience, including gamers, remote workers, students, and casual users. Top free antivirus programs for Windows 11 in 2025 include: 1. Bitdefender Antivirus Free: Utilizes the same malware engine as its paid version, offers real-time detection, anti-phishing protection, and is ultra-light on system resources. 2. Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Integrated into Windows 11, provides cloud-delivered protection and built-in ransomware mitigation without ads. 3. Avast Free Antivirus: Offers additional tools like network scanning and a Do Not Disturb mode for gaming. 4. AVG AntiVirus Free: Features a simpler interface, link and attachment protection, and fewer pop-ups. 5. TotalAV Free Antivirus: A newer option with a clean interface, real-time protection, and a junk file cleaner. Key factors to consider when selecting free antivirus software include real-time protection, low resource usage, minimal intrusion, and extra security tools. While free solutions are suitable for most users, premium protection may be necessary for small businesses or those handling sensitive data. For gamers, Bitdefender and Avast are recommended for their low system impact and gaming modes. For remote workers, Microsoft Defender and TotalAV are highlighted for their ease of use and integrated protections. Essential features of effective antivirus programs include robust virus protection, real-time scanning, and a behavior shield to detect new threats. Performance should not significantly slow down the system, and the interface should be user-friendly. Experts recommend Windows Defender for basic protection, with AVG and Avast receiving endorsements for their feature balance, while Bitdefender Free is noted for its detection rates and minimal system impact. Free antivirus programs may lack advanced features and technical support compared to paid versions.

BetaBeacon

April 29, 2025

Google Play Games might be headed to the graveyard

Google is planning to introduce gamer profiles and the ability to "follow" other users in the Play Store app.

TrendTechie

April 29, 2025

Релиз qBittorrent 5.1

On April 27, 2025, qBittorrent version 5.1 was released, developed using the Qt toolkit and available on GitHub under the GPLv2+ license. It supports Linux, Windows, and macOS. Key features include an integrated search engine, RSS feed subscription, remote management, and advanced torrent settings. The 5.1 release includes enhancements such as bug fixes, drag-and-drop support, external IP address display, configurable statistics saving, improved pseudorandom number generation, a new magnet link setting, tracker extraction from URLs, an announce_port setting, an enhanced search interface, over 50 web interface modifications, support for the Thunar file manager, and localization updates. Prior to this, version 5.0.1 was released in late October 2024, fixing a long-standing SSL/TLS certificate validation bug that posed a vulnerability to man-in-the-middle attacks.

AppWizard

April 28, 2025

My favorite SSH clients for Android – and why you need them

Users can access Linux machines on a local area network using SSH commands from an Android phone, with various applications available on the Google Play Store. 1. JuiceSSH is a popular SSH client for Android that features font size adjustment, identity management, automatic script execution, plugins, themes, and external keyboard support. The Pro version offers additional features for a one-time fee of .99. 2. Termius is another SSH client that provides cloud-based encrypted storage for connection configurations, a connection manager, SSH key authentication, and SFTP support. The Pro version includes advanced features and requires account setup, but the app is free with optional in-app purchases. 3. Termux serves as a terminal emulator that allows users to run Linux commands, including SSH, after installing the openssh package. It is free to install and use. 4. ConnectBot is an open-source SSH client that offers a clean interface, color categories, font size customization, SSH key authentication, and persistent connections across multiple machines. It is also free to install and use. Recent updates to Android enable users to access a full Linux environment and install SSH using the command apt install openssh-client.