privacy controls Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 17, 2025

Bitdefender Antivirus review

Bitdefender Total Security offers comprehensive antivirus protection, a VPN with a daily limit of 200 MB, and specific protections for cryptocurrency mining. The software includes multi-layered antivirus protection, real-time Advanced Threat Detection, Ransomware Remediation, a firewall, and an anti-spam feature. Performance testing shows minimal impact on speed, with quick scans completing in minutes and full scans taking about 30 minutes. Additional features include a secure browser for financial transactions, a virtual keyboard, a trial password manager, webcam and microphone privacy controls, and PC optimization tools. The user interface is designed for ease of use, with a customizable dashboard and intuitive navigation. Support options include phone, chat, and email, with quick transitions to live agents. Bitdefender typically retails at .99 annually, with competitors offering lower introductory prices.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Is Windows 11 Finally Better Than Windows 10 For Gaming?

Windows 11 has introduced several gaming-focused enhancements that are not present in Windows 10, including: - DirectStorage: Optimized for Windows 11, this technology allows games to load data directly from an NVMe SSD to the GPU, reducing load times. - Auto HDR: Enhances older games by automatically applying high dynamic range lighting effects for users with HDR-capable monitors. - Improved Scheduling for Hybrid CPUs: Offers better task scheduling for Intel's 12th or 13th generation CPUs, resulting in smoother frame rates during CPU-intensive gaming sessions. Benchmark tests show minimal performance differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11, with slight FPS improvements in some titles on Windows 11, especially when using advanced hardware and DirectStorage. As of March 2025, over 55% of Windows users on Steam have transitioned to Windows 11, indicating growing confidence in the operating system among gamers. Windows 11 has addressed many early bugs and driver issues, providing robust stability on compatible systems. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10, including the need for TPM 2.0 and UEFI secure boot. Windows 10 remains supported until October 2025, making it a viable option for users with older hardware. Windows 11 features a redesigned interface with a centered Start Menu and Taskbar, rounded corners, and expanded personalization options. It also simplifies the update process with annual feature updates and smaller, faster security updates. Windows 11 enhances integration with Microsoft services, supports Android apps through the Amazon Appstore, and introduces productivity tools like Snap Layouts and improved Task View. Security improvements include mandatory TPM 2.0, enhanced Windows Defender, and a redesigned privacy dashboard for better user control over app permissions. Despite its advancements, Windows 11 has limitations such as ongoing stability issues, driver compatibility concerns, and a simplified taskbar that lacks certain functionalities from Windows 10. Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 devices through Windows Update.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Google may soon give you more control over how your Calendar data is shared (APK teardown)

Android has long enforced permissions for applications accessing calendar data, and Google Calendar is enhancing user control over data sharing. A recent APK teardown indicates that Google is developing a new toggle in Calendar settings to allow users to control whether their Google Calendar data is shared with other applications. When this option is disabled, third-party calendar apps cannot access Google Calendar entries. Additionally, Google Calendar is experimenting with a new font called Google Sans Flex, which features heavier lines with rounded ends.

AppWizard

February 24, 2025

A flaw in Samsung’s Secure Folder lets anyone see what apps and photos you have

A flaw in Samsung's Secure Folder feature allows unauthorized access to photos and videos stored within it, particularly through "work" apps. A Reddit user demonstrated that by creating a work profile using an app like Shelter, individuals can bypass security measures. While this flaw does not affect all files, it specifically risks media content. Additionally, users can see which apps are installed in the Secure Folder even when it is encrypted, due to the way Samsung's Secure Folder is structured as a managed work profile. This oversight allows the Android photo picker and Permission Controller to access its contents inappropriately. To resolve these issues, Samsung may need to change the underlying user type of the Secure Folder, which could be complex and may require a reset.

Tech Optimizer

February 22, 2025

Protect your devices with Norton: Get 58% off your first year now

The internet poses challenges such as cyber scams and data breaches, making data protection essential. Norton offers various cybersecurity solutions, including: - Norton AntiVirus Plus: Protects 1 device with real-time threat protection, 2GB cloud backup, password manager, and 24/7 support. Annual subscription is .99 (50% off). - Norton 360 Standard: Protects 3 devices, includes a secure VPN and Dark Web Monitoring. Annual subscription is .99 (57% off). - Norton 360 Deluxe: Protects 5 devices, adds parental controls and enhanced privacy features. Annual subscription is .99 (58% off). - Norton 360 with LifeLock Select Plus: Protects 10 devices, includes identity theft protection and credit monitoring. Annual subscription is .99 (47% off). Prices may change over time.

Winsage

December 13, 2024

Surprise! The “new and improved” Microsoft Recall is still a privacy nightmare

Microsoft's Recall feature is under scrutiny for continuing to collect sensitive information, such as credit card and social security numbers, despite a setting intended to prevent this data harvesting. Reports indicate that Recall captures private data even when users attempt to disable this functionality. Demonstrations show that Recall recorded sensitive information from various applications, including a Notepad window and a loan application PDF, despite the presence of privacy controls. Additionally, Recall appears to rely on contextual cues from websites, successfully capturing data from a self-created site while refraining from recording information on legitimate payment platforms.

Winsage

November 30, 2024

Microsoft to make Microsoft 365, OneDrive files searchable via Windows 11 taskbar

Microsoft is developing a feature called "File Search" for Windows 11, which will allow users to quickly locate recently accessed and shared files or folders from the taskbar through a web-based interface using Microsoft Edge WebView. The File Search app will feature a user-friendly design with icons for popular file types and a search bar, and it will be pinned to the taskbar during testing. Users can apply quick filters to narrow searches, and relevant items will be displayed with full names and last modified dates. The feature aims to simplify the retrieval of Microsoft 365 files, including local and cloud-stored documents, and will provide notifications for shared files and mentions in documents. Users can manage notifications through a Preferences Tab, and privacy controls ensure that only individuals can view their private files unless shared. The app will support multiple languages and can be unpinned or opted out of if desired. Additionally, Microsoft is exploring enhancements for the taskbar, including app recommendations and a new People app for managing Outlook contacts.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Google Messages may gain more privacy options with Profile discovery

The latest beta version of the Google Messages app introduces enhancements to its Profile discovery feature, allowing users to conceal their name and profile picture from contacts or display them only to those they converse with. This feature was first launched in November of the previous year but has not been widely rolled out. The beta version v20241010 indicates that Google is responding to user feedback for improved privacy controls. Currently, users can only use images from their Google or Gmail accounts as profile pictures, but future updates may allow for customization. An official rollout of the new privacy options appears imminent, as indicated by their presence on a Google Messages support page.

Winsage

October 15, 2024

5 new AI features coming to Windows 11 24H2, but will you get it?

Windows 11 24H2 has rolled out an update featuring AI tools for all users, initially available on Copilot+ PCs with Neural Processing Units (NPUs). Key features include: 1. Click to Do: An overlay that provides quick access to tools based on on-screen content, launching in November. 2. Super-resolution in Photos: A tool to upscale images by up to eight times using local AI models. 3. Generative Erase and Fill in Paint: Allows users to erase elements from images and seamlessly blend backgrounds, as well as add new elements. 4. Improved Windows Search: Enables natural language queries to find files, starting with File Explorer. 5. Recall: A revamped feature that records user activity with enhanced privacy controls, initially available to Windows Insiders. The phased rollout of additional AI features will begin on November 1, 2024, with selective availability across regions. Copilot+ PC users will have access to the full suite of AI features, while standard users will receive routine OS improvements.

Winsage

September 30, 2024

Windows Recall: Microsoft’s second launch attempt after devastating criticism – gHacks Tech News

Microsoft introduced its AI-driven feature, Windows Recall, which aimed to provide users with AI-enhanced access to their past activities by capturing screenshots every five seconds. However, it faced backlash from privacy and security advocates due to its automatic opt-out nature and inadequate data security. In response, Microsoft retracted Recall and made significant changes, including making it an opt-in feature, allowing uninstallation, encrypting the database, running processes in an isolated environment, and requiring Windows Hello for certain actions. Users now have controls over disk space allocation, data retention duration, and can delete specific data. Private browsing data will not be saved in major browsers, and website activity can be blocked. A system tray icon will indicate activity, and sensitive content filtering is included.