models Archives

Tech Optimizer

July 9, 2026

LG Monitors Allegedly Install Software Without User Consent

Certain LG monitors are reportedly installing software on Windows PCs without user consent, including unsolicited advertisements for McAfee antivirus. This was discovered by a Reddit user who found the "LG Monitor App Installer" in their Windows event log. The application may install itself automatically via the Microsoft Store or Windows Update and is difficult to remove. Users can disable the app's automatic startup or uninstall it, but it may reinstall in the future. Windows Pro users can use the Group Policy Editor to prevent automatic installations of manufacturer-specific applications. The incident raises concerns about user control and transparency regarding unsolicited software installations.

AppWizard

July 9, 2026

Help, I can’t decide if Stardew Valley in 3D is amazing or horrifying

A new mod for Stardew Valley, created by kittycatcasey (spacechase0), titled "The Third Dimension," presents a 3D version of the game. The mod showcases a 3D landscape where the modder interacts with characters and the environment, though many entities remain 2D, creating an unsettling atmosphere. The goal is to replace 2D sprites with 3D models to enhance immersion. The mod also explores virtual reality compatibility, which presents challenges. Currently, the mod is not available for public testing.

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

Wear OS 7: New features, eligible smartwatches, and everything you need to know

Wear OS 7 has been rolled out for smartwatches currently operating on Wear OS 6, with future models like the Galaxy Watch 9 expected to come with this update pre-installed. Current devices eligible for the upgrade include the Galaxy Watch 8 series and the OnePlus Watch 3 (release date pending). Key features of Wear OS 7 include Live Updates for real-time notifications, Remote Media Routing and Per-App Auto Launch for media apps, and Android XR Control for managing Android XR devices. The update introduces a new Neural Expressive design language, Gemini Intelligence for task automation, and a Personal Intelligence feature for personalized suggestions based on app data. Customization is enhanced with Widgets replacing traditional tiles, allowing users to create dynamic dashboards. Updates to the Google Contacts app include an improved search interface and an Emergency Sharing feature for location sharing during emergencies. The Wear Workout Tracker standardizes fitness tracking across devices, and battery life improvements promise up to a 10% increase in longevity. Samsung's One UI Watch is evolving with the upcoming One UI 9 Watch, which is expected to feature a refreshed interface and new customizations. Firmware for One UI 9 Watch has been detected on Galaxy Watch 8 models, indicating an imminent release, with the Galaxy Watch 9 series anticipated to launch in July alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

Mid-week Android app deals and freebies: Beat Workers, Tiny Terraces, Potion Permit, more

A selection of Android games is available at discounted prices, including Beat Workers, Tiny Terraces, Potion Permit, SENTINEL 519: SAGA – GENESIS, Frontline: Western Front, Burning Sky VIP, and Raiders of the North Sea. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 models are discounted by up to 0, the Pixel Watch 4 has a price cut of nearly 0, and the Sonos Ace ANC headphones are available for 9, reflecting a discount. Additional app price drops and exclusive offers are also available for Android users.

Winsage

July 8, 2026

Lenovo’s stunning new Windows 11 all‑in‑one finally dethrones the Surface Studio with its bold Yoga AIO i Aura design

The Lenovo Yoga AiO i 32 Aura Edition features a unique upside-down V-shaped stand that supports the display and houses the computing hardware, creating a floating screen illusion. It has a 32-inch 4K OLED panel with a 165Hz refresh rate and a 99% DCI-P3 color rating, making it suitable for creative professionals. The device is powered by an Intel Core Ultra X7 358H processor and integrated Intel Arc B390 graphics, performing well in various tasks but lacking a dedicated GPU option for high-performance gaming. The built-in speaker system has been reported to produce a persistent hissing noise, affecting audio quality. The port selection is limited, with only a few USB ports and no Ethernet jack or SD card reader, which may require users to invest in additional adapters or peripherals.

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

GTA Trilogy remaster boss understands fan anger but says ‘a lot of people were playing them and really enjoying them’

The release of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition in 2021 was met with disappointment due to technical issues, including bugs and poorly upscaled textures. Grove Street Games, the developer, was absent from the game's splash screen after a patch in 2024, reflecting the criticism they faced. GSG CEO Thomas Williamson acknowledged the issues but noted that some players enjoyed the remaster. He expressed hope for further enhancements, including reinstating the original soundtracks, to improve the experience of iconic titles like GTA 3, Vice City, and San Andreas.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

Android Auto just became much more useful for motorcycle riders with this app update

Sygic has launched its Motorbike Mode, now integrated with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, providing a dedicated navigation experience for motorcyclists. This mode allows riders to explore twisty roads, offers real-time elevation changes, monitors lean angles, and provides weather updates, along with offline maps. The integration enhances usability with larger maps on motorcycle displays, high-visibility alerts for hazards, speed limits, and weather changes, and allows navigation controls through the motorcycle's native buttons. Voice guidance is available through Bluetooth helmet systems. The update, version 26.4, responds to user feedback for a motorcycle dashboard experience. It is compatible with select models from manufacturers like Honda, Harley-Davidson, and Indian, while some premium features are exclusive to Sygic’s Premium+ subscription.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

GOG Makes 75%-Rated PC Game Free for the Next 3 Days

Sony has adopted a digital-only model, while Xbox has announced significant layoffs. PC gamers are benefiting from numerous discounts on platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. GOG is offering the adventure game Silence for free from July 7 to July 10, allowing players to permanently add it to their library. Silence, developed by Daedalic Entertainment, features a narrative focused on 16-year-old Noah and his sister Renie, who become trapped in the world of Silence during an air raid. The game includes puzzles, memorable characters, and approximately 12 hours of gameplay. It is known for its hand-painted environments and emotional storytelling. Silence has a user approval rating exceeding 75% on Metacritic and typically retails for around . If players miss the giveaway, the game will still be available for purchase at a discount.

BetaBeacon

July 7, 2026

4 silly Android games I play to quiet my overstimulated brain

- Hello! My Cozy Inn is a slow-paced restaurant and hotel management game with mini-games such as farming sim, merge games, and memory-pair games. - Screwdom 3D is a game where players unscrew objects by tapping on color-coded screws. - Arrows - Puzzle Escape is a black-and-white game where players clear levels by tapping on black arrows. - Magic Sort! is a game where players sort colorful liquids in bottles to match colors.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

The Nothing Phone 4b is a flashy budget phone with flagship software promises

Nothing has launched the Phone 4b, featuring a Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chip, an upgraded Glyph Interface, and the largest battery yet from the brand. The phone has a 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a 5,200mAh battery, IP64 durability, and a transparent design. It includes a 50MP OIS main camera, ultrawide lens, Ultra XDR processing, and 4K video recording. The Phone 4b runs on Android 16 with unique interface enhancements and offers three years of Android OS updates and six years of security patches. A limited edition Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Edition will also be available. The starting price is £299 (€329) for the model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.