performance Archives

AppWizard

August 15, 2026

Before Grand Theft Auto Online, GTA 4’s multiplayer added ‘glorious chaos’ to the open world sandbox

Anticipation for the release of GTA 6 is high, with questions about its online mode and PC availability. The console version will launch without an online component to protect the revenue from GTA Online. GTA 4's online mode, discontinued in 2020, remains accessible through platforms like GTA Connected. It transformed the game’s dynamic, offering chaotic multiplayer experiences that contrasted with the serious tone of single-player mode. Players engaged in customizable game modes, such as Turf War and Mafiya modes, and the race mode combined competition with chaos. The multiplayer experience was defined by the unpredictable nature of human players, enhancing the gameplay with absurdity and excitement.

BetaBeacon

August 14, 2026

DS Emulator MelonDualDS Just Got A Rebrand & A Lighter Sibling “For Android Handhelds With Limited Performance”

Recent developments in the DS emulation space include a significant update to the melonDualDS emulator, which has been rebranded to WatermelonDS. The new version features a revamped user interface, RetroArch shader presets, and an experimental Vulkan FastPath. Additionally, a lighter alternative called Seedless has been introduced, based on the DraStic r2.6.0.4a core and designed for modern Android handhelds with physical controls and dual-screen functionality. Sapphire Rhodonite, the developer, also plans to release a Linux version of Seedless in the future.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

‘This one just needs a script’: Researchers find ultimate Windows kill switch which can disable antivirus w…

Researchers from the University of Birmingham and Durham University discovered a vulnerability in consumer DDR4 and DDR5 memory chips, termed "Download more RAM," which allows attackers to misreport memory configuration, potentially doubling the perceived RAM. This manipulation enables unauthorized access to memory allocations, bypassing Windows' Virtualization-based Security (VBS) and Hypervisor-Enforced Code Integrity (HVCI), and disabling antivirus software. The vulnerability affects major manufacturers like Corsair, G.Skill, and ADATA, which collectively hold over 55% of the high-performance memory market. Microsoft has patched the vulnerability, cataloged as CVE-2026-23670, with a medium severity score of 5.7/10, in the April 2026 Patch Tuesday update. Corsair has introduced a feature to enable write protection on their memory modules, and other tools are available for additional protection.

Tech Optimizer

August 14, 2026

Best Antivirus for Mac 2026: Real Test Results and Ranking

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is the leading antivirus solution for Mac users in 2026, particularly effective on Apple Silicon and against live macOS threats. It achieved the highest malware detection rates, the fewest false alarms, and minimal impact on startup time. Other notable antivirus options include Norton 360 for Mac, Avast One for Mac, NordVPN Threat Protection Pro, McAfee Total Protection for Mac, and Malwarebytes for Mac. Each antivirus was tested on a MacBook Air against various malware, adware, and phishing threats, focusing on real-time protection, adware removal, and system performance impact. macOS includes built-in protections like XProtect, Gatekeeper, System Integrity Protection, app sandboxing, and Lockdown Mode, which provide a solid defense for users who only install software from the App Store. However, users who install software from outside the App Store, transfer files between Mac and Windows, store sensitive data, use second-hand Macs, or have previously encountered malware may need additional antivirus software. Common threats for Mac users include adware, infostealers, and malvertising. The rankings of antivirus solutions were based on AV-TEST results, malware tests, system impact, and unique features. Bitdefender received a perfect score at AV-TEST and demonstrated 99.9% malware detection with only one false alarm. Free antivirus options like Avast One for Mac and Malwarebytes Free are available, with Avast One providing genuine real-time protection at no cost.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

I tested an Android app that lets anyone fight censorship – and shows your impact in real time

Snowflake Volunteer is a newly launched Android app available on the Google Play Store, created by the Tor Project, that allows users to contribute to internet freedom by transforming their smartphones into proxies for the Tor Network. It is a collaboration between Bloco, the Tor Network, and Guardian Project, building on the original Snowflake initiative from 2019. The app connects users needing access to the Tor Network, particularly in regions with heavy internet restrictions, by simulating user traffic as a video call via WebRTC and using dynamic proxies. Users can customize settings such as enabling/disabling the app, charging preferences, Wi-Fi operation, background operation, and connection limits. The app is open-source and available on both Google Play and F-Droid. Testing indicates that it does not significantly drain battery life, showing only a gradual decline over three hours with multiple connections. The app aims to enhance the robustness of the Snowflake network, making it harder for oppressive regimes to impose restrictions.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

Microsoft Issues New Release Preview Channel Builds

The Windows Insider Program has released two new builds in the Release Preview Channel, introducing several enhancements for Windows 11. Key updates include: - Taskbar: Users can position and resize the Taskbar on any side of the screen. - Start Menu: The Start menu is now resizable and features a Recent section, replacing the Recommended section, with independent toggles for Pinned, Recent, and All items. - Windows Search: A streamlined home view allows users to choose whether to display web and Store results. - File Explorer: Improvements focus on performance and touch scrolling for smoother navigation. - Design: Updated progress indicators appear during startup, sign-in, restart, shutdown, and update installations. - Windows Share: A suggested app interface has been introduced for improved sharing options. - Administrator Protection: This feature returns but is disabled by default. - Additional Minor Updates: Enhancements have been made across multiple desktops, display settings, Task Manager, Setup, Windows Update, and more. Further refinements include: - File Explorer: Improvements in file size displays, middle-click support, and enhanced file thumbnails. - Windows Search: Adjustments for better accommodation of typos and partial app names, with results based on user Settings. - Additional Minor Changes: Updates across Start, Widgets, Touchpad, Windows Hello, and other components.

BetaBeacon

August 14, 2026

KONKR Pocket Advance Review: A Superb $89 Starter Android Handheld

- KONKR Pocket Advance specifications include a 3.5" LCD display, MediaTek Helio G90T CPU, 3GB or 4GB RAM, 32GB or 64GB storage, 4,000mAh battery, active cooling fan, Android 12, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, microSD card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, dual speakers, rotor vibration motor, gyroscope, and available in navy, coral, and grey colors. - The device is designed to resemble the original GAME BOY Advance with modern enhancements while maintaining a nostalgic design. - The display is a 3.5" LCD with a resolution of 960 x 640 and an aspect ratio of 3:2, suitable for upscaling GBA games by 4x. - The device has a textured matte feel, no metal or glass, and features soft, quiet buttons with a premium feel. - The Pocket Advance has a large Micro SD card slot, two speaker grills, USB-C charging port, 3.5mm headphone jack, and volume wheel. - The device runs on Android, offers good emulation performance for consoles like PlayStation 1, GAME BOY Advance, SEGA Game Gear, and SEGA Mega Drive. - Battery life ranges from 4 to 10 hours, with an average of around 6 hours. - The KONKR Pocket Advance is compared to the RG34XX and Pocket Air Mini, offering a competitive price, good build quality, and performance for retro emulation.

BetaBeacon

August 14, 2026

Report: Non-gaming apps drove mobile spending growth in Q2

Non-gaming revenue rose 14.6% year over year in Q2 2026, while gaming revenue declined 4.5% over the same period.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

Windows 11 Expands Low Latency Profile CPU Boost to All Apps in August Patch Tuesday Update

Microsoft has expanded its Low Latency Profile (LLP) feature to all Windows 11 applications through the KB5121003 update, which is part of this month's Patch Tuesday. This update temporarily boosts CPU frequency to speed up app launches and is now available for most applications and Win32 programs. Following the installation of the update, standard applications like Notepad, Calculator, and web browsers such as Chrome showed faster opening times. The LLP feature is being rolled out gradually via Microsoft's Controlled Feature Rollout system, and users can enable it early using the ViveTool program if it does not appear immediately. Critics have described LLP as a superficial enhancement, while Microsoft has defended it by comparing it to similar strategies used by Apple in macOS.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

Microsoft expands CPU-boosting feature to all Windows 11 apps

Microsoft has rolled out its Low Latency Profile (LLP) technology to all Windows 11 users as part of the KB5121003 update, aimed at enhancing performance across the Windows graphical user interface, native OS applications, and third-party software using Win32 APIs. The LLP utilizes a "race to sleep" mechanism that temporarily elevates CPU frequency to expedite app launches. Following the update, users reported reduced loading times for applications like Notepad, Calculator, Chrome, and the Epic Games Store. The feature is being distributed through the Controlled Feature Rollout system, and can be force-enabled using the ViveTool program. While some critics view it as a superficial enhancement, Microsoft defends it by comparing it to similar strategies used by Apple in macOS and noting its commonality in Arm chips.