products Archives

AppWizard

August 17, 2026

Minecraft and Harry Potter inspire new creative play ranges from WeCool Toys

WeCool Toys has acquired licensing agreements for Minecraft and Harry Potter, planning to launch new product collections in Fall/Winter 2026. The Minecraft collection will feature the Butter Cloudz compound platform and the Creeper Cube kit, while the Harry Potter collection will include slime-based kits, a cauldron-style slime set, potion-making experiences, and a 3D sticker and card maker inspired by Hedwig. Jeff Osnato, President of WeCool Toys, highlighted the significance of these partnerships in catering to passionate fanbases. WeCool Toys Inc. specializes in innovative toys and has launched products in over 35 countries.

Winsage

August 17, 2026

Windows Server 2022 reaches end of mainstream support in 60 days

Microsoft has announced that the mainstream end date for Windows Server 2022 is set for October 13, 2026, after which it will enter extended support until October 14, 2031. Windows Server 2022 became generally available in September 2021 and is part of the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) offering, which guarantees a decade of support. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2025, which will be generally available in November 2024, and will reach its end of support on November 13, 2029, with five years of extended support until November 14, 2034. A free 180-day trial of Windows Server 2025 is available. Additionally, hotpatching for Windows Server 2022 will be extended until October 2027 for Datacenter: Azure Edition systems. The free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program has been extended by an additional year, and Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise and Education editions will end updates on November 10, 2026, with a recommendation to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2.

AppWizard

August 17, 2026

Monday’s Android app deals and freebies: Demon Castle, Deus Ex GO, SENTINEL 519, GNOSIA, more

Android game and app deals available include titles like Demon Castle Story, Deus Ex GO, Hitman GO, SENTINEL 519: SAGA – GENESIS, Sands of Salzaar, Laser Tanks: Pixel RPG, GNOSIA, and FrogBoy. Best Buy is celebrating its 60th Anniversary Sale with discounts on various products, including 20% off Pixel 11 Pixelsnap cases, a 58-inch Hisense smart TV for [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Your Monday afternoon brings an exciting array of Android game and app deals, showcasing a diverse selection of titles that cater to various gaming preferences. Enthusiasts can explore offerings such as Demon Castle Story, Deus Ex GO, Hitman GO, SENTINEL 519: SAGA – GENESIS, Sands of Salzaar, Laser Tanks: Pixel RPG, GNOSIA, and FrogBoy, among others. The Google Play store is currently buzzing with these enticing deals, inviting users to dive into new adventures. In parallel, Best Buy is celebrating its 60th Anniversary Sale, offering substantial discounts across a range of products. Shoppers can take advantage of remarkable deals on televisions and Android phones, alongside an enticing offer of 10x rewards points. Highlights include: 20% off all official new Pixel 11 Pixelsnap cases A 58-inch Hisense smart TV for just 0 Up to ,350 off on 2026 Copilot+ PC and gaming laptops As the excitement builds around these offers, the spotlight remains firmly on the Google Play deals, which are ripe for the picking. Today’s highlight Android app price drops: While specific details on app price drops are yet to be unveiled, the anticipation is palpable. Users can expect a variety of popular applications to see significant reductions, making this an opportune moment for both casual users and avid gamers to enhance their app collections. As the day unfolds, the convergence of gaming deals and retail promotions paints a promising picture for consumers eager to explore new digital landscapes and upgrade their tech at home. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"], and up to ,350 off 2026 Copilot+ PC and gaming laptops. Users can expect significant price drops on popular Android apps.

Tech Optimizer

August 17, 2026

Norton’s back-to-school deal ends August 27: $3.33/month for full family protection

Norton 360 Deluxe is a comprehensive subscription service that includes real-time threat protection, a secure VPN, a password manager, dark web monitoring, cloud backup, and parental controls. It supports up to five devices across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, all managed from a single dashboard. The service is available for .99 for the first year during a Back to School promotion from August 17 to August 27, which is a 68% discount from the standard rate. After the first year, the subscription renews at .99 annually. Norton offers a 60-day money-back guarantee for its subscriptions.

Tech Optimizer

August 17, 2026

Best Malware Removal Tools of 2026: Tested on Infected PC

A hands-on evaluation was conducted to assess the effectiveness of various malware removal tools by deliberately infecting a PC and running six different cleanup tools. The recommended steps for users suspecting malware infection include disconnecting from the internet, installing an on-demand scanner, removing detected threats, rebooting the system, and changing passwords. The top malware removal tools identified were: 1. Malwarebytes Free: Quick scan in 2 minutes and 20 seconds; complete removal with no remnants. 2. Bitdefender: Quick scan in 1 minute and 4 seconds; complete removal confirmed. 3. Norton 360: Quick scan in 58 seconds; effective for severely compromised devices. 4. Avast One Free: Quick scan in 1 minute and 12 seconds; complete removal with ongoing protection. 5. McAfee: Full system scan took 16 minutes and 47 seconds; complete removal but slower than others. 6. NordVPN Threat Protection Pro: Focuses on preventing reinfection, does not remove existing malware. Signs of infection include unexpected pop-ups, altered homepage settings, and sluggish performance. For Windows, Safe Mode with Networking is recommended for removal, while Mac users should use Activity Monitor to identify suspicious processes. Android users can utilize Safe Mode and Play Protect for scanning. A factory reset may be necessary if infections persist. Malwarebytes Free and Avast One Free are highlighted as effective free options for malware removal.

Tech Optimizer

August 17, 2026

Avast, AVG and Norton in 2026: smarter security for a new generation of threats

In 2026, cybersecurity has shifted from traditional virus blocking to addressing a wider range of threats, including phishing, AI-generated scams, fake websites, account takeovers, ransomware, and fraudulent calls. Key players in this transformation include Avast, AVG, and Norton, which are integrating advanced AI, scam detection, and multi-device security into their offerings. Avert IT Distribution (Avert ITD) is the official distributor for Avast and AVG in Africa and provides Norton solutions, along with essential licensing and support services. Avast has introduced Scam Guardian technology, which combines automated protection with an AI tool to analyze suspicious communications. AVG has enhanced its AntiVirus with AI-driven protection against various online threats and offers mobile security features like Scam Guardian. Norton has expanded its services to include AI-powered Scam Protection and a secure browser for small and medium enterprises, along with significant upgrades to its VPN capabilities. Avert ITD supports African resellers and businesses by providing localized access to these cybersecurity solutions, ensuring tailored support and guidance. The company has also launched a WhatsApp support channel for quick assistance. Avert ITD emphasizes its commitment to reseller growth and accountability in its distribution approach.

AppWizard

August 17, 2026

I played the economic simulator that could ‘make a convert out of Karl Marx himself’ to see if it could convert me

An entrepreneur attempted to build a business empire starting with a department store in Jakarta that sold only laundry detergent, which led to financial losses due to a misalignment with market demand. Despite diversifying the product range to include cookies and leather shoes, losses continued. A later venture in Bombay, selling CPUs, silica, and raw tobacco, yielded a profit, albeit still negative. The entrepreneur learned valuable lessons about market demands and strategies, leading to a successful department store in Guangzhou that focused on shampoo and air conditioners, resulting in substantial profits. The game "Capitalism," which the entrepreneur engaged with, reflects the post-Cold War era and emphasizes the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking in business.

Tech Optimizer

August 16, 2026

Best Free Antivirus Software 2026

Over the past decade, free antivirus software has significantly improved, now competing with paid security suites in malware protection. Independent testing from 2026 shows that Avast and AVG have achieved top scores in protection, performance, and usability. Microsoft Defender is a reliable option for Windows users who prefer not to install additional software. The leading free antivirus options in 2026 include Avast Free Antivirus, AVG AntiVirus Free, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Bitdefender Antivirus Free, Avira Free Security, and Malwarebytes Free. Avast Free Antivirus received perfect scores of 6/6 in protection, performance, and usability from AV-TEST in May and June 2026, totaling 18 out of 18. AVG AntiVirus Free matched these scores and also received an Advanced+ rating from AV-Comparatives. Microsoft Defender scored 6/6 in protection, 5.5/6 in performance, and 6/6 in usability, totaling 17.5 out of 18. Bitdefender Antivirus Free is recognized for its lightweight protection, while Avira Free Security offers additional utilities. Malwarebytes Free is noted for its effectiveness in malware removal. Antivirus software is essential in the current cybersecurity landscape, which includes threats like ransomware and phishing attacks. In 2025, the FTC reported approximately .8 billion in fraud losses, a 25% increase from the previous year. While antivirus software cannot eliminate all forms of online fraud, it plays a crucial role in preventing attacks from escalating to data theft or system compromise. Users should be cautious of counterfeit antivirus software and are advised to download programs from official vendor websites. Free antivirus solutions generally focus on malware detection, while paid options offer additional services. For Windows 11 users, Avast Free Antivirus, AVG AntiVirus Free, and Microsoft Defender are recommended options based on 2026 evaluations.

AppWizard

August 16, 2026

You Can Use Your Old Android Phone As A Universal Remote – Here’s How

Repurposing an old Android phone can enhance home entertainment by connecting it to a smart TV through various methods. Both devices should be on the same Wi-Fi network to use mobile apps like Roku or Amazon's Fire TV remote app. If no official app is available, generic options like Universal TV Remote can be found on Google Play, although they may include ads. Bluetooth connectivity is also an option, exemplified by the Bluetooth Remote app. If Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is not feasible, an infrared (IR) blaster can be purchased to turn the smartphone into a universal remote without needing an internet connection. IR blasters connect via the USB-C port and communicate with the TV's built-in components. Various IR blasters are available, including standard models and more advanced versions that support voice commands. Most Wi-Fi and Bluetooth apps are free, while IR blasters are affordable and widely available.

Tech Optimizer

August 16, 2026

4 Outdated Cybersecurity Tips That No Longer Keep You Safe

Creating strong passwords and storing them securely in a password manager is essential. Utilizing multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security, with passwordless options like passkeys and security keys enhancing convenience and security. Public Wi-Fi networks pose significant risks, as hackers can use Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks to intercept data. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can enhance security by encrypting data. Traditional antivirus software may struggle against adaptive malware, which uses machine learning to evade detection. Companies like Bitdefender have integrated machine learning into their antivirus solutions. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is commonly used but can be bypassed by hackers. Transitioning to passkeys and security keys can improve protection against unauthorized access.