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Microsoft modernized almost everything in Windows 11, but this 90s feature quietly lives on
Winsage
June 18, 2026

Microsoft modernized almost everything in Windows 11, but this 90s feature quietly lives on

Screensavers were originally designed to prevent burn-in on CRT monitors in the 1980s and 1990s, but evolved into a form of personalization with options like 3D Text and flying toasters. By 2026, the necessity for screensavers has diminished due to modern displays' ability to avoid burn-in and Windows 11's power management features. Screensavers are now mostly used for personal photo slideshows or basic visuals, accessible through Settings > Personalization > Lock screen > Screen saver, with options including 3D Text, Bubbles, Mystify, Photos, and Ribbons. Microsoft has shifted focus to AI and performance improvements, leaving screensavers as a legacy feature that is not actively developed. There is potential for screensavers to be reimagined as a modern ambient mode that enhances the idle experience by displaying personal photos or useful information. Currently, Windows 11 lacks a cohesive system that integrates various idle features, leading to a static or blank display when users step away.
I went digging through Windows 11’s settings and found a 90s feature Microsoft never bothered to remove
Winsage
June 17, 2026

I went digging through Windows 11’s settings and found a 90s feature Microsoft never bothered to remove

Screensavers originated in the 1980s and 1990s to prevent burn-in on CRT monitors and evolved into a form of personal expression. In modern computing, particularly with Windows 11, screensavers have become a legacy feature, as advanced power management and lock screens have diminished their necessity. While screensavers are no longer actively developed, they could still provide value by transforming into functional tools that display personal photos or useful information during inactivity. Windows 11 has the components for a modern idle experience, but these features are not cohesively integrated. The future of screensavers depends on whether Microsoft chooses to reimagine them as sophisticated ambient modes rather than simple animations.
Discovering YouTube videos with 'Previews' is a change it wants to see if you like
AppWizard
March 22, 2026

Discovering YouTube videos with ‘Previews’ is a change it wants to see if you like

YouTube has introduced a new feature called "Previews" for its mobile app, which allows users to view sneak peeks of recommended videos. This feature is currently being tested with a select group of users and presents "five to 10" previews through an entry card on the homepage. Users can choose to watch the full video or save it for later after viewing the previews. Additionally, YouTube has launched the "Reimagine" feature for Shorts, enabling users to transform scenes from a Short using AI. More AI-driven features are planned for development by 2026.
How Your Android Apps Keep Talking — Even When You’re Not Using Them
AppWizard
February 26, 2026

How Your Android Apps Keep Talking — Even When You’re Not Using Them

When connecting to public Wi-Fi, using a VPN is essential as it encrypts traffic and creates a secure tunnel between the device and a remote server, keeping activities concealed from the local network. Android devices continuously communicate in the background, performing tasks such as updating emails and syncing notes, which increases data visibility on public networks. Public Wi-Fi has become common due to remote work and shared spaces, leading to increased privacy risks as smartphones now store sensitive information like banking apps and personal photos. Users are encouraged to adopt simple security habits, including using a VPN when connecting to public networks. Android devices are always connected, making network-level protection important to safeguard background communications.
Ask Jerry: What happens to my photos after I upload them?
AppWizard
October 14, 2025

Ask Jerry: What happens to my photos after I upload them?

Ask Jerry is a platform focused on addressing inquiries about smart technologies, with a background in engineering and over 15 years of experience in Android and Google. It emphasizes the importance of filtering out harmful online images, particularly those that exploit vulnerable individuals. In July 2025, it was revealed that Meta had trained its AI on every photo uploaded to its platforms since 2007, although they claim to have stopped this practice for current AI models. Meta's photo analysis applies only to uploaded images, and they offer an opt-in service for analyzing random selections from users' device libraries. In contrast, Google Photos asserts that it does not use personal photos for AI training unless shared with third parties. Data privacy policies of tech companies are often complex and can change without clear notification. Users should assume that anything shared online may not be entirely private, as AI technologies may utilize user-generated content for training. Data privacy regulations vary by region, with the EU having stricter rules than the U.S., making it important for individuals to be cautious when sharing online.
Android Apps Keep Crashing? Try These 5 Common Fixes
AppWizard
October 11, 2025

Android Apps Keep Crashing? Try These 5 Common Fixes

Storage space is a critical consideration for mobile users, especially with the rise of 4K video files and graphically intensive games. Users can identify storage usage by accessing the Settings app and navigating to the Storage option. This allows them to see a visual representation of file types and sort them by size. Uninstalling large, unnecessary apps can free up space, but some apps may store media files internally, requiring users to delete these files within the app. For managing audio, video, and image files, deletion can be done through storage settings, while Google Photos' "free up space" feature can help remove backed-up personal photos and videos without losing them.
Best Antivirus for Windows 10 (2025): Avast Awarded Top PC Security Solution by Software Experts
Tech Optimizer
August 2, 2025

Best Antivirus for Windows 10 (2025): Avast Awarded Top PC Security Solution by Software Experts

Avast has been recognized by Software Experts as a leading antivirus solution for Windows 10 in 2025, specifically highlighting Avast Premium Security and Avast Ultimate for their robust security frameworks, advanced privacy features, and user-friendly interfaces. Avast Premium Security offers real-time protection against viruses, malware, and ransomware, a ransomware shield, webcam protection, scam detection, anti-phishing protection, an advanced firewall, and email scanning. Avast Ultimate includes additional tools such as Avast SecureLine VPN for internet traffic encryption, Avast Cleanup Premium for system optimization, and Avast AntiTrack for digital privacy. Avast is a global cybersecurity firm that provides comprehensive protection across various platforms and has been acknowledged by independent testing labs.
Tea dating app breach bigger than previously thought, company says
AppWizard
July 30, 2025

Tea dating app breach bigger than previously thought, company says

A recent investigation revealed that a cyberattack on the dating advice app Tea compromised users' direct messages and personal photos, including 59,000 accessed images and messages. The app's system has been taken offline as a precaution. Users' selfies uploaded prior to February 2024 were among the sensitive information exposed. Cybersecurity expert Ted Miracco criticized Tea for inadequate security measures and emphasized the risks of sharing personal information on popular applications.
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