Regular Updates Archives

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

Google Takes Down Over 1.5 Million Android Apps From Play Store But That’s A Good Thing

Google has removed over 1.5 million low-quality Android applications from the Play Store in 2024, reducing the total app count from 3.4 million to approximately 1.8 million. This initiative aims to enhance user safety and quality, responding to concerns about security and functionality. Additionally, Google has blocked over 2.3 million applications, with developers withdrawing their apps to avoid penalties.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

Windows 11’s WSL 2 now officially has support from Arch Linux

Arch Linux is now available on Microsoft's Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) for Windows 11 users. This release follows Fedora 42's addition to WSL. The collaboration between the Arch Linux team and Microsoft led to the creation of a dedicated GitLab repository for Arch Linux on WSL. Monthly updates will be provided, but this version is only compatible with WSL 2. Users can install Arch Linux on WSL using the command: wsl --install archlinux. After installation, it can be accessed via Windows Terminal or PowerShell. Performance is reported to be impressive, though it may vary based on user familiarity.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

The Best PC Games of 2025 So Far (Spring Edition)

Spring 2025 has seen the release of several notable PC games, including: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Released on April 24, 2025, by Sandfall Interactive, it sold over 1 million copies in three days and features a blend of French art nouveau aesthetics and JRPG combat mechanics. - Monster Hunter Wilds: Released on February 28, 2025, by Capcom, it introduces full narrative integration and dynamic monster interactions. - The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered: Released on April 22, 2025, by Bethesda Game Studios, it attracted over 4 million players shortly after launch and features enhanced visuals and gameplay updates. Other early 2025 releases include: - Blue Prince (April 10, 2025) - Split Fiction (March 6, 2025) - Atomfall (March 27, 2025) - Assassin’s Creed Shadows (March 20, 2025) - Two Point Museum (March 5, 2025) - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (January 23, 2025) - Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist (January 22, 2025) - Ninja Gaiden II Black (January 23, 2025) - The Talos Principle: Reawakened (April 10, 2025) Highly anticipated titles for later in 2025 include: - Grand Theft Auto VI (Late 2025) - Doom: The Dark Ages (May 15, 2025) - Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (August 28, 2025) - The Outer Worlds 2 (Expected 2025) - Borderlands 4 (September 12, 2025) - Marvel’s Blade (TBA 2025) - Hades II (Full Release later 2025) - Frostpunk 2 (Summer 2025) - Slay the Spire 2 (Early Access Expected 2025) - Anno 117: Pax Romana (Expected 2025) - Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 (October 2025) - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Expected 2025) - Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl (Expected 2025) In 2024, top-rated PC games included: 1. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree 2. Metaphor: ReFantazio 3. UFO 50 4. Tekken 8 5. Caves of Qud 6. Animal Well 7. Satisfactory 8. Balatro 9. Thank Goodness You’re Here! 10. The Last of Us Part II Remastered The PC gaming landscape in 2024 was characterized by significant hardware advancements, improved game integration and compatibility, and thriving online communities.

BetaBeacon

April 30, 2025

Epic Games store challenges mobile monopolies

- Flappy Bird has made a comeback exclusively for Android users through the Epic Games store, developed by Flappy Bird Publishing. - The game includes Classic mode and a new Quest mode with unlockable worlds and obstacles. - Epic Games Store has struggled to meet installation goals, achieving fewer than 30 million installs out of a goal of 100 million by the end of 2024. - Alternative marketplaces on iPhones are needed to increase competition and benefit consumers through improved pricing and innovation.

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2025

5 Free Antivirus Programs To Eliminate Malware and Viruses (2025)

Users are increasingly seeking effective malware protection without the cost of premium software, leading to the emergence of free antivirus programs that offer robust security features. This trend is particularly beneficial for Windows 11 users who want real-time protection while staying within budget. Several leading cybersecurity firms provide free antivirus solutions equipped with advanced features such as real-time scanning, phishing defenses, cloud-based malware detection, and system optimization tools. These free programs can adequately protect a diverse audience, including gamers, remote workers, students, and casual users. Top free antivirus programs for Windows 11 in 2025 include: 1. Bitdefender Antivirus Free: Utilizes the same malware engine as its paid version, offers real-time detection, anti-phishing protection, and is ultra-light on system resources. 2. Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Integrated into Windows 11, provides cloud-delivered protection and built-in ransomware mitigation without ads. 3. Avast Free Antivirus: Offers additional tools like network scanning and a Do Not Disturb mode for gaming. 4. AVG AntiVirus Free: Features a simpler interface, link and attachment protection, and fewer pop-ups. 5. TotalAV Free Antivirus: A newer option with a clean interface, real-time protection, and a junk file cleaner. Key factors to consider when selecting free antivirus software include real-time protection, low resource usage, minimal intrusion, and extra security tools. While free solutions are suitable for most users, premium protection may be necessary for small businesses or those handling sensitive data. For gamers, Bitdefender and Avast are recommended for their low system impact and gaming modes. For remote workers, Microsoft Defender and TotalAV are highlighted for their ease of use and integrated protections. Essential features of effective antivirus programs include robust virus protection, real-time scanning, and a behavior shield to detect new threats. Performance should not significantly slow down the system, and the interface should be user-friendly. Experts recommend Windows Defender for basic protection, with AVG and Avast receiving endorsements for their feature balance, while Bitdefender Free is noted for its detection rates and minimal system impact. Free antivirus programs may lack advanced features and technical support compared to paid versions.

BetaBeacon

April 29, 2025

Flappy Bird Returns: Classic Mobile Hit Now Available Exclusively On Epic Games Store For Android

- Flappy Bird has been updated to include Classic and Quest modes - Quest mode introduces unlockable worlds with new themes and obstacles - Regular updates with new characters, worlds, and themes will be released until 2025 - The game will focus on ads and in-app purchases for support, without Web3 elements - Flappy Bird is now available exclusively on Android through the Epic Games Store

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

This is the notification manager Google should’ve built for Android years ago

Buzzkill is a premium application designed to help users manage notifications on their devices through customizable "rules." It allows users to dictate responses to notifications based on the application sending them, the content of the notification, and the desired action. Buzzkill offers 25 actions, including dismissing notifications, obfuscating content, reading notifications aloud, and triggering device functions. Users can create rules to suppress spam, prioritize important messages, copy one-time PINs, batch news notifications, and manage smartwatch alerts. The app is priced at .99 and requires regular updates and adjustments to maintain effectiveness.

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

How to organize wishlists on Flipkart’s Android app

Maintaining a streamlined wishlist enhances purchasing decisions and the shopping experience. Effective strategies include regular reviews to assess interest in items, removing unwanted products, and minimizing impulse purchases by curating the list. An up-to-date wishlist reflects current tastes and needs.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

This Windows 10 bug looks serious – but apparently it’s lying

A new bug has emerged on Windows 10 machines following the KB5057589 update, which began rolling out on April 8 and focuses on enhancing the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Users have reported encountering the 0x80070643 error during installation, indicating a potential failure of a crucial data protection tool. Microsoft advises users to remain calm, suggesting that the error message is largely inaccurate and often resolves after a reboot. While some issues related to the update have been fixed, Microsoft is actively working on further solutions. Windows Update may continue to display the update as failed, but this should clear after the next daily scan. Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing security patches and support unless users opt for the Extended Security Updates program. Meanwhile, Windows 11 is receiving regular updates and new features, including enhancements to the Start menu and the introduction of passwordless sign-in options.

Winsage

April 13, 2025

Microsoft is digging its own grave with Windows 11, and it has to stop

Microsoft is actively encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11 through advertisements and reminders, which raises sustainability concerns. The upgrade requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip, and while upgrading without it is technically possible, it is not recommended. The end of life for Windows 10 may lead to increased e-waste as many devices could be discarded. Users desire a stable, continuously updated operating system without disruptive upgrades, similar to macOS. A 2021 Kaspersky report indicated that 73% of healthcare providers globally still use outdated operating systems for critical medical equipment, highlighting financial constraints that hinder upgrades. Users are frustrated with the increasing presence of ads and notifications in Windows, feeling that Windows 11 operates more like a service they pay for but do not fully own. The dissatisfaction extends to Windows 10 users, who anticipate the end of life for the OS as a way to regain control over their digital experience.