pricing structure Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 28, 2025

Norton AntiVirus Plus for Mac

Windows is the primary target for malware attacks, leading to a focus on antivirus applications for the platform, while macOS users have fewer options. Norton AntiVirus Plus for Mac offers robust cross-platform protection and has received perfect scores from independent testing labs, excelling in phishing protection. It is priced at approximately .99 annually for a single license and .99 for a five-license subscription. Norton supports the latest three macOS versions: Sequoia (15), Sonoma (14), and Ventura (13). The Gen stack, a new antivirus engine, consolidates technology from Norton, Avast, and AVG, ensuring consistent performance. Norton achieved a perfect score of 18 points in independent testing, with a 100% detection rate for Mac malware and Windows-specific threats. It offers flexible scanning options, with quick scans completing in 30 seconds and full scans in 27 minutes. Norton has a 100% detection rate for phishing sites and includes a smart firewall and intrusion prevention system. Its password manager offers basic functions but lacks advanced features. Norton Genie is an AI-based scam detection tool integrated into the ecosystem. The software includes performance improvement tools like File Cleanup and Startup Manager, but privacy components require separate purchases.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

Will College Football 26 be on PC? What about PS4 and Xbox One? Here’s why it won’t

EA Sports has announced that Jeremiah Smith from Ohio State and Ryan Williams from Alabama will be on the cover of College Football '26. The game is set to release on July 7 for pre-orders of the Deluxe Edition and on July 10 for general release. College Football '26 will not be available for PC, PlayStation 4, or Xbox One. The game will be released exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with the Standard Edition priced at .99, the Deluxe Edition at .99, and the MVP Bundle at .99.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft testing physical-to-cloud PC failover

Microsoft has introduced a preview of "Windows 365 Reserve," which offers pre-configured cloud PCs for users when their primary devices are unavailable. The service includes essential Microsoft 365 applications, user-specific security policies, and customizations. Users can access a Cloud PC for up to 10 days per year, with the option to use the time all at once or in shorter sessions. Key features include data synchronization via OneDrive, pre-loaded corporate applications, and management through Microsoft Intune. Enhanced security measures involve disabling certain redirections and implementing virtualization-based security. Additionally, Microsoft is conducting a private preview of Windows 365 Cloud Apps for secure access to individual applications without needing a dedicated Cloud PC. Improvements to Windows 365 Link include a new "Connection Center" for selecting multiple Cloud PCs, enhanced multi-monitor support, and NFC card login capabilities.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Why the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X have Valve in their sights, not Nintendo

Microsoft has announced its first Xbox co-branded handheld devices, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, in collaboration with Asus, set to launch in the holiday season of 2025. Pricing details are not yet available. The Xbox Ally is designed as a generalist device, while the Xbox Ally X targets high-performance gamers, both powered by AMD processors and equipped with Windows 11. They feature Xbox-branded buttons, a gaming interface, and access to Xbox Game Pass, along with the ability to stream console libraries via Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play. The user interface is similar to that of Xbox consoles, with ergonomic grips inspired by Xbox controllers. Accessibility features from Xbox and Windows will be included, and the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative will allow games to function across PC, console, and cloud platforms. The launch will occur in multiple countries, including the US, UK, Japan, and several European nations, with plans to expand to additional territories. The devices aim to provide a unified gaming library for users with both PC and Xbox consoles, enhancing the existing ecosystem. The introduction of Windows 11 is highlighted as a key feature, offering access to games not available elsewhere. The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are positioned to compete with existing handhelds like the Steam Deck, with a focus on appealing to both console and PC gamers. Sales of Windows PC handhelds reached approximately 1.2 million units by the end of 2024.

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.