pricing structure Archives

AppWizard

April 1, 2026

Google introduces a new video generation model as OpenAI shutters Sora app

Google has launched Veo 3.1 Lite, an AI video generation model for professional developers, priced at five cents per second for 720p video and eight cents per second for 1080p video. It is only available to paying users of Google AI Studio and does not support 4K video. Clip lengths are limited to four, six, or eight seconds, and formats include landscape (16:9) and portrait (9:16). Additionally, Google has reduced prices for the existing Veo 3.1 Fast model, effective April 7, with new rates of 10 cents per second for 720p (down from 15 cents), 15 cents per second for 1080p (down from 18 cents), and 35 cents per second for 4K (down by five cents). Comprehensive developer documentation is available for the new model.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

Peak’s new update gives you the keys to the climb with a suite of custom settings, including the option to turn on ‘Grapple Mode (Stupid)’

The latest update for Peak, called the "Play It Your Way Update," introduces customizable settings that allow players to disable weather elements like snowstorms and high winds. Players can toggle dangers such as fall damage, spiders, and hunger on and off. There is also an option to remove specific items, like the blowgun, from the game. Additionally, popular mods have expanded the player limit from four to twenty, enabling new gameplay modes, including a zombies mode and a competitive free-for-all mode. The game's pricing remains appealing, described as a bargain by co-creator Nick Kaman.

AppWizard

March 28, 2026

I ditched Google Drive and Photos for this privacy-focused app, and I couldn’t be happier

Rita El Khoury is transitioning from Google Drive to Proton Drive due to privacy concerns. A poll indicated that 62% of respondents would consider moving away from Google Drive for security reasons. El Khoury values Proton Drive's end-to-end encryption, which ensures only users can access their files, unlike Google Drive, which lacks this feature. She appreciates Proton Drive's unified interface and minimalist design in Proton Docs, but notes its limitations, such as fewer convenience features and only 5GB of free storage compared to Google Drive's 15GB. The choice between the two services depends on individual priorities regarding privacy and features.

Tech Optimizer

March 28, 2026

Trend Micro Maximum Security Review 2026: Is It The Best Protection?

Trend Micro offers five distinct subscription versions for online security, including a 12-month subscription to its Maximum Security Suite Pro Plus, which provides multi-device antivirus, anti-scam software, a VPN, and identity theft protection. The pricing starts at AUD for a basic subscription for one device, with additional costs for more devices and features. The tested plan costs 99.95 AUD per year for six devices. Key features include AI-scam detection, a Gamer Mode that pauses notifications during gameplay, and a minimalist user interface. Installation requires separate logins for each program, and the suite supports MacOS, Android, and iOS, though with limited features on Mac. The built-in VPN is developed in-house, and phishing protection is provided via a browser extension. Folder Shield protects against ransomware by securing specific folders. Independent lab tests show mixed results for Trend Micro's performance, particularly in real-time web-threat protection and ransomware defense, with some weaknesses in offline malware detection.

AppWizard

March 24, 2026

Evernote is getting even more expensive, so I’m ditching it and moving to this note-taking app

The author experienced frustration with Evernote due to unnecessary AI features, stability issues, and unreliable syncing after over a decade of use. A price hike in 2026 prompted a search for alternatives. The author found Notesnook to be a suitable replacement after resolving a previous issue with its search function, allowing for seamless data transfer from Evernote. Notesnook offers automatic syncing across devices, a user-friendly interface, robust security, and an open-source foundation. It has a free tier with limitations, an Essential tier at .99 monthly or .99 annually, and a Pro tier at .99 monthly or .99 annually, all featuring end-to-end encryption. Notesnook's pricing is considered reasonable compared to Evernote's higher fees.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Why are PC developers removing Denuvo from their games?

Denuvo is a widely recognized digital rights management (DRM) solution used by major publishers like Square Enix, Sega, and EA to prevent unauthorized copying and modification of games. A study indicated that a game could lose up to 20% of revenue if cracked within its first week. Concerns about Denuvo's impact on game performance have been raised, with reports suggesting that games without it may perform better. Issues with titles like Resident Evil Village and Tekken 7 were attributed to improper implementation of additional protection measures. Tekken 7 eventually removed Denuvo, while Resident Evil Village retained it until April 2023. Amplitude Studios launched its game Humankind without Denuvo due to performance issues found during beta testing. Michał Kiciński, CEO of GOG, argued that DRM complicates the experience for legitimate customers and fails to effectively prevent piracy. Saber Interactive decided not to use Denuvo for Space Marine 2, highlighting the nuanced nature of the anti-DRM movement. Denuvo costs around ,000 per month plus fees for each game activation, making its financial justification less compelling as sales decline post-launch. Square Enix has removed Denuvo from titles like Dragon Quest 1 & 2 Remake and Final Fantasy 16 within six months of release, while Capcom has retained it for longer periods. The decision to remove or avoid Denuvo is influenced by performance issues, financial implications, and operational efficiency considerations.

Winsage

February 25, 2026

Microsoft gives Windows laggards the ‘gift of time’ wrapped in licensing fees

Microsoft is offering up to three years of Extended Security Updates (ESU) for older Windows installations, with the expectation of compensation. Most major versions of Windows 10 will reach end of support by 2025, while Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB and Windows IoT Enterprise LTSB 2016 will end support on October 13, 2026, and Windows Server 2016 will conclude support on January 12, 2027. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2025 for Windows Server 2016 users. The pricing for ESU for Windows 10 2016 LTSB starts at a specified amount per device for the first year, with expected increases in subsequent years. Customers using Intune or Windows Autopatch may receive a reduced rate. There is no official pricing for Windows Server 2016 ESU, creating uncertainty for administrators. Historically, Microsoft has charged a premium for extended support, with previous ESU costs for Windows Server 2012 being 100 percent of the full license price for the first year. The final cost of ESU will depend on each organization’s licensing agreement.

Winsage

February 24, 2026

Microsoft extends security patching for three Windows products at a price

Support for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB will end on October 13, 2026, while Windows Server 2016 will reach its end of support on January 12, 2027. Organizations using these products will receive one final monthly security update on the specified dates, after which they will not receive security patches, updates, or technical support. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program allows organizations to purchase coverage for up to three years beyond the end of support, with pricing starting at a specified amount per device for the first year and doubling for each subsequent year. Windows Server 2016's ESU pricing has not been announced, and Microsoft recommends upgrading to newer Long-Term Servicing Channel releases. In the European Economic Area, Windows 10 users can access ESU until October 14, 2026, without payment or cloud account requirements due to advocacy from Euroconsumers.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Microsoft could reportedly merge Xbox Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass

Microsoft is considering merging its two Game Pass tiers, PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Premium, to create a more cohesive gaming experience. Currently, PC Game Pass offers access to Game Pass titles on PC, EA Play, and first-party games at .99 / £13.49 per month, while Xbox Game Pass Premium includes console, PC, and Cloud libraries but excludes EA Play, priced at .99 / £10.99 per month. The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier has increased in price to .99 / £14.99 per month. Upcoming titles for Xbox Game Pass include High on Life 2. Microsoft may also explore a free version of its Xbox Cloud Gaming service.

Tech Optimizer

January 30, 2026

Bitdefender vs McAfee

Bitdefender and McAfee are both established antivirus solutions that achieve similar lab test scores, often earning 18 points in assessments by AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. Bitdefender offers a more economical pricing structure, with its Antivirus Plus plan priced between .99 and .99 per year for three devices, while McAfee's plans start at .99 for one device. In real-world malware protection tests, Bitdefender achieved a 99.8% protection rate, compared to McAfee's 99.3%. McAfee includes firewall protection at the antivirus level, while Bitdefender reserves its firewall for higher-tier plans but offers better exploit protection. Bitdefender successfully thwarted 11 out of 12 ransomware attacks in controlled tests, while McAfee's ransomware protection is less reliable. Both offer limited VPN services, with Bitdefender providing 200MB per day and McAfee offering between 250MB and 500MB per month. McAfee completes scans more quickly but uses more CPU, while Bitdefender is more thorough. Bitdefender includes additional security features like anti-tracker and secure browser, whereas McAfee's features are more limited.