PC Archives

Winsage

April 7, 2026

Apple’s chips are the core of a new landscape, but its biggest win is Windows

Apple introduced its M1 Apple Silicon systems in late 2020, which received admiration but raised concerns due to a restrictive ecosystem. Over five years, Apple’s architecture has evolved, addressing challenges like gigabit Wi-Fi and high-speed expansion, yet it remains focused on desktops and laptops. The anticipated MacBook Neo, lacking an M-type System on Chip, has created apprehension within the Windows ecosystem. Currently, no Windows laptop can match the MacBook Neo in hardware quality and startup experience, while macOS offers a more tranquil workspace compared to the distractions of Windows 11. Apple has effectively utilized advancements in processor technology and manufacturing control to produce efficient chips and maintain a coherent ecosystem, making its products increasingly accessible. In contrast, Windows OEMs face challenges with component sourcing, build quality, and reliance on bloatware. There is potential for Microsoft to create a Windows Neo variant that meets user needs, while the sustainability of current business models for Windows OEMs is uncertain.

Winsage

April 7, 2026

Is this the perfect Windows app to emulate? Microsoft needs to take notes.

Microsoft is forming a team to enhance native Windows applications, coinciding with the launch of Speechify in the Microsoft Store. Speechify offers text-to-speech and speech-to-text functionalities, and has been noted for its effective dictation features. It is compatible with various chip architectures, including AMD, Intel, and Snapdragon X, and utilizes WinUI 3 for a native experience. Collaboration with Microsoft has optimized Speechify's functionality, allowing for integration across applications, real-time text input, and OCR-based text capture while ensuring local data security. The app can run in the cloud or locally, leveraging NPU or GPU acceleration. However, it has limitations, such as the inability to manually resize its window. Microsoft is encouraged to adopt Speechify's approach by supporting all chip architectures, ensuring availability in the Microsoft Store, and prioritizing native application development using WinUI 3.

Tech Optimizer

April 7, 2026

Webroot cuts prices by 50% on Total Protection plans — get the bundled VPN, antivirus software, and more from $90 for your first year

Webroot by OpenText is offering a promotion on its Total Protection software services. The Total Protection subscription is available for .99, reduced from .99, covering protection for five devices under one user identity for the first year. The Total Protection Family plan is priced at .99, down from .99, extending protection to ten devices and accommodating ten distinct identities for the first year. Both plans include antivirus, anti-phishing, malware and ransomware protection, a secure VPN, a password manager, unlimited cloud backup for one PC or Mac, advanced dark web monitoring, account monitoring, parental controls, and identity theft insurance with up to million in expense reimbursement.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

SteelSeries tested its new gaming mouse with a car and dishwasher, but I just played games with it

The SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 is a gaming mouse featuring a TrueMove 26K optical sensor with a maximum sensitivity of 26,000 DPI, six buttons, and a switch lifespan of 80 million clicks. It weighs 68g and offers connections via Lightspeed 2.4GHz wireless and USB-C, with a polling rate of up to 4kHz wirelessly and 1kHz wired. The battery lasts up to 120 hours at 1kHz polling rate and up to 200 hours via Bluetooth. It has an IP54 waterproof rating and comes with RGB lighting, a USB-C wireless dongle, a USB-A to USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-C adapter, and Bluetooth connectivity. The price is .99 / £99.99. The mouse features a unique translucent shell design, water and dust resistance, and impressive battery longevity, but has a shape that may not suit everyone, a slippery shell material, and side buttons that may be overly long.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

PC Users Can Claim Over $25 Of Free Games, No Subscription Required

PC gamers can access complimentary titles from the Epic Games Store every Thursday, with no fees or subscriptions required. This week's offerings include "Clone Drone in the Danger Zone," a beat 'em up game released in 2021, typically priced at .99, and "TOMAK: Save the Earth Regeneration," celebrating its 25th anniversary, usually priced at .99. "Clone Drone in the Danger Zone" features various modes, including Story Mode, Endless Mode, and multiplayer options, and has a 96% Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam. "TOMAK" involves nurturing a goddess to prevent Earth's destruction. The next batch of free games will be available on Thursday, April 9, at 11 a.m. ET / 4 p.m. BST.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

This week in PC games: gritty GTA 4-coded brawler Samson, Ancient Greek bull defender Minos, and a wobbly violinist battles some stairs

This week features several new PC game releases and upcoming titles: - Nippets: A hand-drawn exploration game with a demo available. - Road to Vostok: An early access post-apocalyptic survival game set in a border zone between Finland and Russia. - Spark in the Dark: An early access medieval dungeon crawler with AI-enhanced accessibility. Upcoming titles include: - Goon-thumping Adventure: A GTA-like game developed by Liquid Swords, set in an industrial town. - I Eat Paintings When Guards Aren't Looking: A hidden object game about taking bites out of artworks. - Faultline.Exe: A sci-fi thriller focused on hacking a malfunctioning deep space station. Other games highlighted are: - Minos: A roguelike adventure involving labyrinths and Greek adventurers. - Prop Sumo: A party game where players push friends while disguised as objects. - Beneath Cloudvein: An RPG with retro visuals centered on a dwarven mining expedition. - A Planet Full of Cats: A whimsical quest to find cats. Unique gameplay mechanics are showcased in: - Bow and Banister: A game where a violinist navigates stairs. - Pick Three!!!: A strategic game involving choices in battles with spinning discs.

Winsage

April 7, 2026

Windows is using your internet to update other people’s PCs — disable this hidden setting to speed up your connection

Your Windows PC participates in a global file-sharing network through a feature called Delivery Optimization, which is set as a default. This feature allows your PC to download update segments from other computers that have completed updates and upload the same files to assist others. It enhances the efficiency of Windows updates by reducing reliance on Microsoft's servers and streamlining the update process.

Winsage

April 7, 2026

Google offers free ChromeOS Flex upgrade for Windows 10 users

Over 500 million Windows 10 PC owners are unable to upgrade to Windows 11 and may face security vulnerabilities. Google is offering a complimentary upgrade to ChromeOS Flex for these users, along with a reusable USB Kit priced at approximately €3 to facilitate the transition. Support for Windows 10 ended in October 2022, prompting users to either invest in new devices or continue using an outdated system. Microsoft is providing a free extended support update for Windows 10 users until October 2023, but many remain on the unsupported operating system due to slow adoption of Windows 11. Transitioning to ChromeOS Flex can reduce energy consumption by an average of 19% compared to other operating systems, promoting device longevity and reducing electronic waste.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

Five new Steam games you probably missed (April 7, 2026)

Steam releases around a dozen new games daily. The following are details of some notable upcoming PC games: - Stiff Neck - Release Date: April 3 - Developer: 伤官制作组 Team Uranian - Description: A life simulation game where players control Kazio, a Polish man adjusting to life after losing his job at a coal mine, now working at a convenience store and facing financial challenges. - Wasteland Bites - Release Date: April 4 - Developer: CosmicDev - Description: A game where players operate a food truck in a post-apocalyptic world, cooking while defending against aliens and mutants. - It Has My Face - Release Date: April 4 - Developer: NightByte Games - Description: A roguelike game where players navigate a world filled with doppelgangers, aiming to eliminate their lookalike before being found out, featuring both solo and multiplayer modes. - Grime 2 - Release Date: April 1 - Developer: Clover Bite - Description: A sequel to a combat-focused platformer where players can mold defeated enemies into attacks, featuring a parry-centric combat system and challenging boss battles.

Tech Optimizer

April 7, 2026

Norton 360: Comprehensive Cybersecurity for Devices

Norton 360 is a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that protects consumers and businesses from digital threats, integrating features like a VPN and password manager. It safeguards various devices, including PCs and smartphones, and offers multiple editions for individuals, families, and small businesses. Key features include real-time threat detection, a smart firewall, a no-logs VPN, a password manager, parental controls, behavior-based detection for zero-day threats, cloud backup functionality, and performance optimization tools. The suite is effective against phishing, malware, and ransomware, with a 100% detection rate confirmed by independent tests. Norton 360 also caters to small businesses with endpoint protection, compliance tools, and secure file sharing. It employs heuristics and machine learning for threat adaptation and supports unlimited devices in premium plans. The software is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and offers a VPN service with servers in over 30 countries. Norton 360 competes in the global cybersecurity market, maintaining a strong presence in North America and Europe, with subscription models ranging from basic to deluxe editions. Demand for the product has increased due to high-profile data breaches, and it is available in over 150 countries. Common use cases include protecting home networks, securing client data for freelancers, and safeguarding school-issued laptops. Norton 360 is part of Gen Digital Inc., which focuses on consumer cybersecurity.