pricing structure Archives

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Microsoft tells Windows 10 users: Upgrade to Windows 11 or risk your security

Windows 10 support will end in October 2025, leaving users without free security updates, new features, or technical assistance. Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11, which offers enhanced security features, through advertising campaigns. Windows 11 requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, which has frustrated some users with older PCs. Microsoft has introduced an extended support program for Windows 10, with costs starting at over ₹5,000 for the first year and increasing to over ₹20,000 by the third year per device.

Winsage

June 4, 2025

Microsoft accused of ‘tech extortion’ over Windows 10 support ending in campaign to get people to upgrade to Linux

KDE has launched a campaign called ‘KDE for Windows 10 Exiles’ to encourage Windows 10 users to switch to Linux as support for Windows 10 is set to end on October 14. The campaign warns that without updates, users will face increased security risks and be pressured to buy new hardware for Windows 11, which has stringent requirements that may render older PCs incompatible. The initiative also highlights environmental concerns related to electronic waste from discarded functioning machines. While Linux can extend the life of older hardware, transitioning to it may be challenging for less tech-savvy users. Some KDE contributors are involved in the existing ‘End of 10’ initiative, indicating a shared goal to attract users dissatisfied with Microsoft’s practices.

Tech Optimizer

June 3, 2025

I tested Bitdefender and McAfee in an antivirus software showdown, and here’s what I found

Bitdefender and McAfee are two leading antivirus software options known for robust malware protection and additional security features. Bitdefender achieves 98% effectiveness in real-time threat detection, while McAfee uses machine learning for threat identification but may produce false positives. Bitdefender offers a basic firewall, not available for macOS, whereas McAfee provides a more advanced firewall with device monitoring. Bitdefender has a standalone Digital Identity Protection service, while McAfee offers comprehensive identity theft protections in its Premium subscription. Bitdefender includes a VPN with a 200MB daily data cap, while McAfee provides unlimited VPN access but with fewer countries and features. Both offer password managers, but Bitdefender lacks two-factor authentication, while McAfee's True Key includes multi-factor authentication. Bitdefender’s parental controls are basic, while McAfee’s Safe Family includes location tracking. Bitdefender is known for lightweight performance, but recent tests suggest McAfee may have better system optimization. Both have user-friendly interfaces, with Bitdefender organizing features into tabs and McAfee offering a simpler design. In terms of protection, Bitdefender has a 98.7% detection rate, while McAfee excels online with 99.6% but struggles offline. Bitdefender's pricing starts at .99 for the first year, while McAfee's Basic plan starts at .99. Overall, Bitdefender is more budget-friendly, while McAfee offers advanced identity theft protection.

Tech Optimizer

May 29, 2025

Xanthorox, the AI that promotes itself as an easy resource for committing cybercrimes

Xanthorox is an AI developed in 2023 by an anonymous creator, claiming to surpass WormGPT and EvilGPT. It promotes itself as a tool for illicit online activities, offering features like ransomware creation, deepfake generation, phishing email production, and malware development. The AI operates on open-source models without typical security measures, allowing for unregulated content generation. Its pricing includes a free tier for limited features and negotiable rates for full access. Security experts note that while Xanthorox is effective, its actual impact on large-scale cybercrime is uncertain. The legality of Xanthorox stems from its open-source nature, which allows for its use as long as it does not violate laws, although using it for illegal activities remains unlawful.

Tech Optimizer

May 27, 2025

Microsoft Defender vs Bitdefender: Compare Antivirus Software

eSecurity Planet maintains editorial independence in content and product recommendations, ensuring financial gain from partner links does not influence information integrity. Microsoft Defender and Bitdefender are prominent small business security providers. Microsoft Defender is ideal for larger SMBs, starting at .00 per user per month, while Bitdefender is suited for startups with over 10 employees, starting at .33 per user per month. Microsoft Defender Overview: - Overall Rating: 3.7/5 - Pricing: 4.4/5 - Features: 3.4/5 - Ease of Use and Administration: 3.8/5 - Customer Support: 3.7/5 - Features include next-gen antivirus, vulnerability management, and EDR. Bitdefender Overview: - Overall Rating: 3.4/5 - Pricing: 3.8/5 - Features: 3/5 - Ease of Use and Administration: 3.4/5 - Customer Support: 4/5 - Features include identity protection, a VPN, and a password manager. Pricing Comparison: - Microsoft Defender: Free Trial: 90 days; Least Expensive Plan: .00/user/month; Mid-Range Plan: .50/user/month; Most Expensive Plan: .00/user/month. - Bitdefender: 30-day money-back guarantee; Least Expensive Plan: .33/user/month; Mid-Range Plan: Not specified; Most Expensive Plan: Not specified. Feature Comparison: - Microsoft Defender offers robust endpoint protection but lacks clarity on web browsing protection and ad-blocking. - Bitdefender offers identity exposure protection, a VPN, and a password manager but also lacks web browsing and ad-blocking features. Ease of Use and Administration: - Microsoft Defender supports macOS, Windows, and Linux Server; Bitdefender supports macOS and Windows but lacks Linux support. Customer Support Comparison: - Microsoft provides phone and live chat support; Bitdefender offers email and chat support, with limited phone support for small business users. Alternative Solutions include Norton, McAfee, and Trend Micro, each offering different features and pricing structures. Evaluation Methodology focused on pricing, features, ease of use, and customer support, with Microsoft winning in pricing, features, and ease of use, while Bitdefender excelled in customer support.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

PC Games Arrive On Smartphone: RedMagic 10S Pro Series With Built-In PC Emulator Launched

RedMagic has launched the RedMagic 10S Pro and RedMagic 10S Pro+ in China, featuring a built-in PC emulator for running Steam and Epic Games launchers. Both models are powered by a 3nm octa-core Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. They include RedMagic’s Red Core R3 Pro processors and advanced liquid metal cooling technology. The camera setup consists of a dual rear camera with a 50MP primary and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor, plus a 16MP front camera. They run on RedMagic AI OS 10.5 based on Android 15. Pricing for the RedMagic 10S Pro includes: - Dark Knight/Day Warrior: 12GB RAM + 256GB storage - CNY 4,999 - 16GB RAM + 512GB storage - CNY 5,499 - Deuterium Front Transparent Silver Wing: 12GB RAM + 256GB storage - CNY 5,299 - 16GB RAM + 512GB storage - CNY 5,799 - Mingchao Limited Edition: 16GB RAM + 512GB storage - CNY 5,999 Pricing for the RedMagic 10S Pro+ includes: - Dark Quantum: 16GB RAM + 512GB storage - CNY 5,999 - 16GB RAM + 256GB storage - CNY 6,299 - 24GB RAM + 1TB storage - CNY 7,499 Both models feature a 6.85-inch 1.5K OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 2,000 nits, and a touch sampling rate of up to 960Hz. The RedMagic 10S Pro has a 7050mAh battery with 80W fast charging, while the Pro+ has a 7500mAh battery with 120W fast charging. All models are available for order in China, with the Mingchao Limited Edition launching in June 2025.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

Want to price your Android app at Rs 4 Lakh? Google Play Store will now allow it, conditions apply

Google has increased the maximum price for apps and subscriptions on the Google Play Store to 9.99 (approximately Rs 4 lakh in India), up from the previous limit of 9.99. This change requires developers to meet specific criteria, including maintaining a compliant Google Play account, adhering to policies, and demonstrating over million in revenue in the past year. The new pricing applies to standalone app purchases, in-app purchases, and subscriptions, except in South Korea, where the limit remains at 0 or its local equivalent.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Would you spend $5,000 on an app? Google just made that a real possibility

Google Play has increased its pricing limit to just under ,000, up from the previous cap of ,000 established a year ago. This change is aimed at established developers with a minimum of million in annual app sales, who must formally request the pricing adjustment. The new limit applies to apps, in-app purchases, and subscriptions. Pricing limits will be adapted to local currencies, except in South Korea, which will maintain the previous maximum of ,000.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Microsoft loosens the noose on Windows 10 users with new end-of-support timeline

The official end of Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, after which users will no longer receive technical support, new features, or security patches. Windows 10's global desktop market share has decreased from nearly 70% to approximately 53% over the past year, indicating a shift towards Windows 11. Microsoft 365 apps, including Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, and OneDrive, will continue to receive security updates on Windows 10 until October 2028. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers optional, paid security patches for Windows 10 after its end of support. Users may face significant hardware costs when upgrading to Windows 11, and alternatives like macOS or Linux are also options to consider.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

I just picked up five legendary Bethesda PC games for $15, here’s how I built the bundle

Fanatical has launched a Bethesda bundle deal that allows players to select their own games from a variety of titles, including Fallout: New Vegas, Oblivion, Dishonored, and The Evil Within 2. The pricing starts at .99 for two games and goes up to .99 for five, reducing the cost per game. Notable titles available include Fallout 4, Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate, Fallout 3 GOTY, Morrowind, Oblivion, Elder Scrolls Online, the Dishonored Trilogy, RAGE 2, Wolfenstein: The New Order, and The Evil Within 2. This offer is available for a limited time.