practices

Tech Optimizer
August 18, 2025
McAfee + Premium is chosen as an antivirus solution for a household with eight devices, covering Windows, Android, iOS, and Chrome OS. It offers unlimited device coverage and a reasonable pricing structure. Key features include a VPN, password manager, identity monitoring, personal data cleanup, file shredder, malicious website identification, and enhanced social media privacy controls. In independent testing, McAfee achieved a 99.96% score in the AV-Comparatives evaluation and a perfect score in the AV Test report, though it had 15 false positives. The user interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy for all family members to use. McAfee + Premium also provides 24/7 chat and tech support.
BetaBeacon
August 15, 2025
Epic Games filed lawsuits against Apple and Google in 2020 for restricting users' access to Epic's offerings through third-party app stores. The Ninth Circuit ruled in favor of Epic against Google, finding antitrust violations, while Epic lost the federal antitrust case against Apple. The Department of Justice also filed a lawsuit against Apple under Section 2 of the Sherman Act for monopolization. Apple's closed system was found to be successful, while Google's open-source system faced legal challenges. The court in the Google Play case issued remedies targeting exclusivity, which could lead to better user experiences and lower prices.
AppWizard
August 15, 2025
Garmin has launched a new line of smartwatches featuring advanced health monitoring capabilities, such as heart rate tracking, sleep analysis, and stress management tools. The company also introduced GPS devices designed for outdoor use, which include enhanced battery life, improved mapping, real-time weather updates, and safety features. Garmin is committed to sustainability by reducing its carbon footprint and using recycled materials in product packaging. Despite global supply chain challenges, Garmin has maintained a steady product flow and is expected to continue its growth by focusing on health, wellness, and sustainability.
Tech Optimizer
August 15, 2025
eSecurity Planet maintains an editorially independent stance regarding content and product recommendations, with potential revenue generated from partner links. In 2025, the landscape of free antivirus software includes notable options such as: - Bitdefender Antivirus Free: - Best for users seeking reliable, hands-off protection. - Pros: High malware detection scores, minimal system impact, clean interface, automatic updates, low false-positive rate. - Cons: No control over advanced settings, no firewall or password manager. - Avast One Essentials: - Best for users wanting all-in-one protection. - Pros: Real-time protection, limited VPN and firewall, device cleanup tools, modern dashboard, multi-platform compatibility. - Cons: VPN limited to 5 GB per week, scrutiny over data privacy. - AVG AntiVirus Free: - Best for users preferring a classic interface. - Pros: Excellent malware protection, performance scan tool, file shredder, custom scan scheduling, fewer ads. - Cons: No VPN or firewall, outdated user interface. - Malwarebytes Free: - Best for users needing to clean infected devices. - Pros: Exceptional at scanning for rootkits, fast scan times, effective against ransomware, simple interface, low false positive rate. - Cons: No real-time protection, not a standalone solution. - McAfee (Free Trial): - Best for users wanting to test full-suite protection. - Pros: Access to full suite, protects multiple devices, clean interface, strong anti-phishing scores. - Cons: Trial expires after 30 days, may slow down older systems. The evaluation methodology focused on protection, usability, performance, free value, and trust to highlight effective free antivirus software. The top recommendations include Bitdefender Antivirus Free, Avast One Essentials for feature set, and Malwarebytes Free as an essential add-on.
AppWizard
August 15, 2025
Members of Arkane Studios, part of the French union STJV, have called on Microsoft to stop its support for Israel, aligning with the Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS) movement and the No Azure for Apartheid campaign advocating for Palestinian rights. The BDS movement, established in 2005, aims to discourage corporate engagement with Israel, particularly following Microsoft's services to the Israeli military. Over 2,000 employees from Microsoft's gaming division signed a petition against the company's support for Israel. The STJV expressed that Microsoft should not be complicit in what they termed a genocide and emphasized the responsibility of tech workers to ensure their technologies do not facilitate oppression. They also raised concerns about the impact of Microsoft's actions on the viability of Xbox Games and their job security.
AppWizard
August 14, 2025
A new wave of Android malware is targeting banking applications, utilizing techniques such as NFC relay fraud, call hijacking, and root-level exploits. Variants like PhantomCard, SpyBanker, and KernelSU are designed to infiltrate devices and manipulate transactions in real time. PhantomCard mimics legitimate NFC payment processes, SpyBanker hijacks calls from financial institutions, and KernelSU exploits kernel vulnerabilities for persistent access. This malware has affected thousands of devices, with attackers using disguises on the Google Play Store and phishing campaigns. A related variant, Anatsa, impacted over 90,000 users through fake PDF applications. The rise of such malware correlates with the increasing adoption of contactless payments, particularly in Europe and Asia. Experts recommend that banks enhance their defenses with behavioral analytics and that users enable app verification. Additionally, malware like KernelSU allows evasion of detection by operating at the system's core. Cybersecurity firms suggest a multi-layered security approach, including device encryption and AI-driven threat detection, to combat these evolving threats.
AppWizard
August 14, 2025
A user on Telegram has revealed a new feature called "Practice" currently being tested for the Google Translate app, which may include guided listening and speaking practices, as well as quizzes for language learners. Screenshots show a "Practice Spanish" menu with user goals, daily activities, and practiced words. There are also indications of a design overhaul for the app, featuring a "more translations" header, "Regional Variants," and "Ask a question" options, aimed at enhancing the translation experience using advanced AI. The feature's official rollout timeline is uncertain, but it appears to be nearing completion.
AppWizard
August 14, 2025
Perplexity, an AI-driven search engine startup, has made an all-cash offer of .5 billion to acquire Google's Chrome web browser. This bid comes amid a looming antitrust case against Google, with a ruling expected from Federal Judge Amit Mehta that could require Google to divest Chrome. Industry insiders believe Perplexity's offer is below Chrome's estimated market value of at least billion. Perplexity has previously expressed confidence in managing Chrome effectively and has recently launched an AI-powered browser called "Comet." Google has not publicly responded to the acquisition proposal but is expected to contest any forced sale.
Winsage
August 12, 2025
Maintaining a computer's performance requires regular software upkeep in addition to physical care. An annual deep clean is advisable, with more frequent maintenance being beneficial. 1. Uninstall unused applications using the built-in Settings app or a tool like BCUninstaller, which can bulk uninstall and identify leftover files. 2. Run debloat scripts, such as Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility, to remove bloatware and manage privacy settings. 3. Disable unnecessary startup apps through the Task Manager to optimize boot times. 4. Check for driver updates manually under Advanced options > Optional updates, and visit manufacturer websites for graphics drivers. 5. Run a malware scan using MalwareBytes for periodic checks. 6. Delete temporary files via System > Storage > Temporary files in the Settings app, and manage cached files in web browsers.
AppWizard
August 12, 2025
Google has approached the Supreme Court regarding an antitrust case that could significantly impact India's digital economy, particularly concerning its dominance over the Android operating system and the requirement for app developers to use Google's payment systems, which can impose commissions of 15-30%. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) found Google to be a dominant entity, concluding that its practices constituted abuse of power, resulting in a penalty of ₹936 crores. Google appealed this decision, leading to a reduced penalty of ₹217 crores from the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), which did not classify Google as a "gatekeeper." Google has since filed additional appeals with the Supreme Court, which is set to hear the case in November. A study on Indian farmers revealed that extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 43°C, significantly impacts their livelihoods, leading to increased food insecurity and undernutrition. While average calorie consumption remained stable, the incidence of "strong undernutrition" rose, affecting approximately 3 million individuals. The study found that extreme heat forces families to seek non-farm employment and adapt their food sources, often leading to a decline in job retention and increased vulnerability due to limited access to credit. The findings suggest that climate change is exacerbating challenges in Indian agriculture, necessitating policy interventions to enhance resilience and support affected households. India's cabinet approved a one-time ₹300 billion payout to state-run fuel retailers to compensate for losses from selling subsidized LPG. Tata Motors reported a 63% year-on-year drop in Q1 consolidated profit, while Nayara faced scrutiny over Russian oil imports. The Supreme Court upheld a ruling classifying telecom towers as movable property, providing tax relief for telecom companies. Tesla India signed a nine-year lease for a showroom in Delhi, marking its expansion into the Indian market.
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