policy Archives

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

Google Photos just halved the time you have to rescue trashed pictures

Google Photos has changed its photo retention policy, reducing the grace period for restoring deleted images from 60 days to 30 days. This update aligns the retention period for deleted cloud images with that of locally stored photos. Notifications about this policy change are being sent to Android users, marking its official rollout.

Winsage

September 7, 2026

Windows 11 hack unlocks animated profile pictures Microsoft has been hiding from you

Windows 11 typically converts profile pictures into static, resized versions for display on the Start menu, Settings page, or lock screen. A registry tweak allows users to link these entries to the original image file, enabling animated profile pictures. This method supports transparent PNGs and animated GIFs, although Microsoft does not officially support animated account pictures. Windows generates resized copies of the profile picture and stores their paths in the registry. Users can automate the process using a PowerShell tool from GitHub or manually edit the registry with elevated permissions. Users must ensure the GIF is stored in a permanent location, as moving or deleting it will break the profile picture. The workaround modifies local account settings, not Microsoft account avatars, and users with sync enabled should be cautious.

Tech Optimizer

September 7, 2026

Top 10 Best Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) Solutions in 2026

Endpoint detection and response (EDR) continuously records process, file, registry, and network activity on endpoints, applying behavioral analytics to identify attacker techniques while providing tools for investigation and containment. Several EDR platforms have emerged, each catering to different organizational needs: 1. CrowdStrike: Best overall for its rich telemetry and elite threat intelligence. 2. SentinelOne: Best for autonomous response, featuring strong containment and rollback capabilities. 3. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: Best value for organizations already using Microsoft 365 E5. 4. Palo Alto Cortex XDR: Best for native data fusion across endpoint, network, and cloud telemetry. 5. Sophos: Best for generalist IT teams due to its user-friendly interface. 6. Trend Micro: Best for server and workload coverage, focusing on cloud and hybrid environments. 7. Bitdefender: Best mid-market value with strong detection capabilities at an accessible price. 8. Trellix: Best for organizations already using Trellix products, offering integrated solutions. 9. Huntress Managed EDR: Best for managed endpoint security, ideal for teams lacking full staffing. 10. Cisco Secure Endpoint: Best for Cisco environments, integrating well with Cisco security solutions. Key differentiators among these platforms include the analyst burden, alert management efficiency, and the impact of retention policies on investigation quality. The evaluation of EDR solutions should consider detection depth, response capabilities, operational costs, and the specific needs of the organization.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

Xbox Cloud Gaming Caps Hours: 15 for Ultimate [2026]

On September 3, 2026, Microsoft announced that Xbox Game Pass subscribers will see a shift in cloud gaming access. Starting November 2026, unlimited cloud streaming will be replaced by a tiered hour bank system: 15 hours for Ultimate, 10 for Premium, and 5 for Essential subscribers. Once a subscriber exhausts their allotted hours, they must wait for the next billing cycle or purchase additional time. This change is the most significant since the beta launch of Xbox Cloud Gaming in 2019. The announcement was made on Xbox Wire, and the new structure is reflected on Xbox’s product pages. The new tiered system introduces a scarcity model, with every paid tier now having its own cloud gaming quota. Essential subscribers, who previously had no cloud access, will now receive 5 hours per month. The pricing for the Game Pass tiers is as follows: Ultimate at .99 for 15 hours, Premium at .99 for 10 hours, and Essential at .99 for 5 hours. The free ad-supported tier remains unchanged at 5 hours per month. Microsoft's rationale for the change is based on usage data indicating that most subscribers do not heavily utilize cloud streaming, coupled with the rising costs of operating cloud gaming services. The company has stated that additional hours can be purchased once a subscriber's monthly allotment is used up, although pricing details for these add-ons have not yet been disclosed. The new hour caps will take effect in November 2026, following a shorter notice period compared to NVIDIA's GeForce NOW service, which implemented a 100-hour monthly cap earlier in 2026. The response from gaming communities has been largely negative, with concerns about the limits falling short of typical usage patterns and conflicting with the marketing of Game Pass as offering unlimited access. The introduction of hour caps could impact Game Pass's subscriber base, particularly among those who rely on cloud gaming as their primary access point. Microsoft's internal usage data will determine the extent of this impact, as the company aims to control costs without raising subscription prices.

BetaBeacon

September 6, 2026

Redfinger vs BlueStacks X vs now.gg: Cloud Emulator 2026

Cloud Android emulators move the workload off the device entirely, running the Android instance on a remote server while the PC displays the video stream and sends back taps, clicks, and keystrokes.

AppWizard

September 6, 2026

How to sideload apps onto Android Auto

Android Auto was designed for simplicity, but users want more functionality like streaming YouTube or screen mirroring. Sideloading allows users to install unapproved apps, unlocking additional features, though it poses risks to security, reliability, and safety. To sideload apps, users must enable Developer Mode on their phone and Android Auto, then install the Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD) and explore open-source apps like CarStream and AAMirror. Risks of sideloading include safety concerns with video streaming while driving and increased exposure to malware, as sideloaded apps bypass Google’s security checks. Google plans to introduce new verification requirements for developers starting in late 2026 to mitigate these risks. Most drivers find the standard Android Auto experience sufficient, and sideloading should be approached cautiously.

Winsage

September 5, 2026

Firefox has added official support for GeForce NOW on Windows

Mozilla and NVIDIA have integrated GeForce NOW support for Firefox on Windows, allowing users to stream games without separate applications or local installations. This feature provides access to over 2,000 titles from platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store. NVIDIA is not compensating Mozilla for this integration, and Mozilla addressed challenges such as the keyboard lock issue. Hardware acceleration enhances the streaming experience, although it is not required. Users can choose to play via the native app or stream in Firefox. Currently, official support is limited to Windows, with plans for expansion. GeForce NOW Ultimate members can access up to 1440p resolution and 120 FPS. There are known issues with capture and fullscreen mouse functionality, and a bug affecting video colors on macOS is being addressed.

Winsage

September 4, 2026

There are two kinds of Windows users—and one of them is unknowingly making the OS worse

There is a divide between casual Windows users and engaged enthusiasts, with passive users often accepting default settings that contribute to system bloat. Passive users enable telemetry and promotional content by not customizing their installations, while active users take steps to enhance privacy and performance. Microsoft interprets user inaction as approval for unwanted features, leading to an accumulation of bloatware and unnecessary updates. The Connected User Experiences and Telemetry service collects user data, justifying the inclusion of features like Copilot, which many users may not want. Users face challenges in maintaining control over their systems, often needing technical knowledge to opt out of unwanted features. Microsoft's feedback system is inadequate, interpreting silence as consent rather than a lack of interest, making it difficult for users to effect meaningful change.

Tech Optimizer

September 4, 2026

EDB Postgres® AI Gains Momentum as Customers Tell Us the Future of Their Own AI and Data Platform

Organizations are increasingly aiming to establish their own governed AI and data platforms, with 95% of enterprises planning to develop such platforms within the next three years, though only 13% have done so. EDB has reported significant traction for its EDB Postgres® AI (EDB PG AI) platform, which unifies transactional, analytical, and agentic workloads into a single system. PAC 2000A Conad has revamped its data infrastructure using EDB PG AI to support over 1,600 stores and 7,000 connected devices, ensuring compliance with NIS2 regulations. C Platform in Korea is experiencing a surge in demand for hybrid and on-premises capabilities, driven by significant investment in sovereign AI and the AI Basic Act mandating governance for AI deployment. Notable adopters of EDB PG AI include the Industrial Bank of Korea, Shinhan EZ Insurance, NTT East, MNTN, Euronext FX, and Kyobo Book Centre.

Tech Optimizer

September 3, 2026

Prolific Microsoft 0-day hunter drops CrowdStrike Falcon exploit PoC

Nightmare Eclipse, a security researcher known for identifying vulnerabilities in Microsoft products, has shifted focus to other vendors, revealing a zero-day vulnerability called FalconFlank that targets CrowdStrike’s Falcon endpoint security platform. FalconFlank is a privilege escalation vulnerability that exploits the Microsoft Office malicious macros remediation feature within CrowdStrike Falcon. CrowdStrike is investigating the claims and advises customers to disable the Microsoft Office File Suspicious Macro Removal Windows policy setting while assuring them of continued protection through Cloud Anti-malware settings. The exploit works on fully updated Windows 11 25H2 and Windows Server 2025 systems running CrowdStrike Falcon with Optimal Protection enabled. Nightmare Eclipse has also discovered other vulnerabilities, including HardBreacher affecting Kaspersky’s endpoint antivirus and PrettyPrague in Gen Digital’s Avast antivirus, which allows attackers to dump the SAM database. Gen Digital is developing a patch for the Avast vulnerability, while Kaspersky has not commented. Additionally, Nightmare disclosed a memory corruption zero-day vulnerability in Nvidia, named GreenSection, which causes system crashes.