products Archives

Tech Optimizer

March 25, 2026

This Norton Deal Makes Premium Cybersecurity Worth It

Norton’s premium suites, traditionally seen as luxury cybersecurity options, are now more accessible due to a recent promotional offer. This package includes antivirus protection, a VPN, a password manager, and dark web monitoring, all in one subscription. It offers real-time protection and simplifies cybersecurity management through a single interface. The VPN protects data on public Wi-Fi, while the password manager enhances security by securely autofilling credentials. The deal allows protection for multiple devices under one subscription. However, it is a paid plan with renewal pricing returning to the original rate, and some features may not be included in every package. The software may consume more system resources than free alternatives, and users seeking basic malware scanning might find the additional tools excessive. The promotion encourages consumers to invest in cohesive cybersecurity solutions rather than relying on free tools.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

OpenAI is shutting down Sora, and the timing is hard to ignore

OpenAI has announced the discontinuation of its Sora app, expressing gratitude to its users and indicating plans to share more information soon. Launched in late 2024, Sora gained popularity but faced high operational costs, reportedly reaching millions per day. The shutdown coincides with Disney's withdrawal of a billion-dollar investment related to OpenAI's video generation initiatives. While OpenAI may be stepping away from standalone video generation, its technology is expected to be integrated into ChatGPT. Bill Peebles, head of Sora, noted that the app's economics were unsustainable, leading to the decision to discontinue it and streamline operations.

Winsage

March 24, 2026

Microsoft VP Wants to End Windows 11 Microsoft Account Mandate

Microsoft Vice President Scott Hanselman expressed a desire to eliminate the mandatory Microsoft account requirement for Windows 11 users during setup, acknowledging user frustration. A coalition of employees and senior engineers at Microsoft is advocating for this change to create a more user-friendly experience that does not require an internet connection or a Microsoft account. Despite growing support for the removal of the account requirement, internal resistance exists due to the interests of business units that benefit from mandatory sign-ins. The technical feasibility of removing the requirement is acknowledged, but organizational politics complicate the process. The Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) setup process has faced criticism for being promotional and coercive. Other improvements to Windows 11 are being implemented in response to user feedback, but they do not directly address the account requirement issue.

Winsage

March 24, 2026

Score Microsoft Office for windows or mac at a deep discount right now

Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows is available for a one-time payment of .97, and Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac is available for .97. Both versions are lifetime licenses tied to a Microsoft account and can be installed on a single device. The Windows version includes additional tools like Publisher and Access, while the Mac version includes core apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote. An extra 15% discount can be applied sitewide with the code MARCH15 through March 29.

Winsage

March 24, 2026

When Windows 11 sneezes, Azure catches cold

The short-term effects of Windows 11 on Azure's performance are muted due to many Azure customers operating in mixed environments that often include Linux-based systems and cross-platform tools. This shift reflects a move away from the idea of "run Windows everywhere" to "meet customers where they are." The introduction of Windows 11 could damage Microsoft's credibility and influence purchasing decisions, leading to skepticism from CIOs and architects regarding broader Microsoft platform investments. Historically, Microsoft's strength has been in stack continuity, with seamless integration across its products, but the company now faces the challenge of maintaining ecosystem cohesion while adapting to diverse customer needs.

TrendTechie

March 24, 2026

После национализации прав на Photoshop и Windows госфонд импортозамещения начал торговать варезом с торрент-трекеров

The State Fund for Import Substitution in Critical Industries (GFIs) is selling hacked versions of software from Western vendors that have exited the Russian market, following a 2025 law allowing the state to claim intellectual property rights on foreign software if the original owner ceases operations in Russia. The GFIs requested source codes from companies like Adobe and Microsoft, but these companies did not respond. The GFIs stated they would use "alternative technical means" to supply software, which includes hacking tools available online. Purchases come with a digital certificate claiming legal acquisition, but users report technical issues, especially with antivirus software. Pricing for software is notably high, with a licensed version of WinRAR costing 2,950 rubles and Adobe Photoshop priced at 18,650 rubles per month, lacking cloud functionalities. The Import Substitution Fund has not commented on its pricing strategy but insists on the use of licensed software.

BetaBeacon

March 24, 2026

France: top Android games by revenue 2025| Statista

Company XYZ has reported record profits for the third quarter, with a 20% increase in profits compared to the same period last year.

Winsage

March 22, 2026

Microsoft says it’ll make Windows 11 a calmer OS with fewer upsells or ads, as it tries to win back users

Microsoft has confirmed plans to reduce the presence of "upsells" in Windows 11 to enhance user experience. This announcement was made on March 20, coinciding with a significant update focused on performance and quality-of-life improvements. The update includes a faster File Explorer, a transition of the Start menu to WinUI 3, and an option to pause Windows updates indefinitely. There will also be a reduction in the use of Copilot across applications like Notepad. Microsoft is reconsidering the necessity of a Microsoft account during the Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE) and aims to decrease built-in promotions within Windows 11. Scott Hanselman, a Microsoft engineering leader, acknowledged user frustrations and stated the goal is to create “a calmer and more chill OS with fewer upsells.” Users have expressed dissatisfaction with aggressive marketing tactics, including ads for Microsoft services during the setup process and full-screen alerts encouraging the switch to Edge. While some ads can be disabled, many users feel that they should not encounter advertisements after purchasing the operating system or devices.

Winsage

March 22, 2026

Microsoft could drop the forced Microsoft account sign-in during Windows 11 setup

Microsoft is advocating for a login experience for Windows 11 that does not require a Microsoft account (MSA), as influential engineers within the company express dissatisfaction with the current mandatory sign-in during the out-of-box experience (OOBE). Despite recent updates emphasizing performance and user experience improvements, the option to use Windows 11 without an MSA remains absent. Workarounds exist, but the official guidance still encourages MSA sign-ins. Senior executives, including Vice President Scott Hanselman, are working towards a more flexible setup. Microsoft has confirmed plans to streamline the OOBE, aiming for a quieter and simpler device setup process, with some changes expected to be introduced in April for Windows Insiders.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

Latest Humble Bundle outshines Steam’s Spring Sale with a much better discount on 9 Steam Deck-friendly games

Steam's annual Spring Sale offers discounts up to 95% on games. Humble's Multiplayer Madness bundle includes nine games compatible with the Steam Deck, available in two tiers: the first tier includes five games, while the second tier includes all nine games and an additional DLC for a higher price. The combined price of Phantom Squad and Shotgun Farmers on Steam is .48, making Humble's bundle a better deal by offering seven extra games for the same price. The bundle features games such as Shotgun Farmers, Phantom Squad, and others, with two games marked as Verified for smooth performance on the Steam Deck. Humble also offers a Checkmate bundle with 11 chess-themed games valued at 0 for .