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AppWizard

August 19, 2026

The Pixel Thermometer app icon is finally getting a gradient makeover

Google has updated the Pixel Thermometer app to version 1.0.947990598, featuring a new gradient app icon with a white background and blue gradient. The previous design, which had a blue background with a white thermometer, has been replaced. The "Apps" section has changed from "Fitbit" to "Google Health," reflecting a consolidation of health-related services under Google Health. The new app icon is being rolled out via the Play Store.

Winsage

August 19, 2026

Windows 11 is getting a major privacy upgrade, blocks apps spying on your camera and mic with new controls

Windows 11 has introduced individual privacy controls for desktop applications, allowing users to manage access permissions for apps like Chrome and Steam through Settings > Privacy & security. This change enables users to selectively grant or deny access to features such as the microphone, camera, and location for each app, moving away from the previous system where traditional Win32 software was grouped under a single toggle. With the latest Experimental build (26340.9212), apps like Edge and Brave now have separate toggles for microphone, camera, and location access. Additionally, a new centered system dialog prompts users for permission when a desktop app attempts to access the microphone or camera for the first time. These features are still in testing and may not be universally available.

Tech Optimizer

August 18, 2026

Avira Antivirus Review 2026: Plans, Test Results, and Alternatives

Avira has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, with specific ratings as follows: Protection: 4.2/5, Performance: 3.9/5, Features: 4.6/5, Support: 4.0/5, and Value: 4.3/5. Pricing starts at .99 for the first year. Avira's detection rate is 99.96%, but it has a slower full scan time of 18 minutes and 14 seconds and flagged 12 false positives during testing. The software includes a free tier with a VPN, password manager, and software updater, while the paid version, Avira Prime, covers up to five devices for .99 in the first year. Avira Operations GmbH, based in Germany, was acquired by NortonLifeLock in 2021, forming Gen Digital. The software is considered safe and trustworthy, with a clean installation process and detailed privacy policy. Avira's free version offers real-time protection, web safety features, a firewall, and a limited VPN service, but lacks automatic patching and unlimited VPN data.

AppWizard

August 16, 2026

League of Legends YouTuber unearths the original investor pitch from when the game was called Onslaught: War of the Immortals

Content creator Necrit, in collaboration with Riot Games' Paul "Pabro" Bellezza, revealed the early concept of League of Legends, originally known as Onslaught: War of the Immortals. Necrit's video showcases an investor pitch with video footage, design documents, and lore breakdowns, providing new insights into the game's initial vision. The game transitioned from a vibrant cityscape divided into realms of "order" and "chaos," where players would customize immortals and pledge allegiance to one of the realms. Some champions, like Annie and Sion, have familiar traits but with significant changes, while Singed was rebranded as Zij. The lore depicted a world of two factions until a cataclysmic event caused chaos. Riot's logo in the pitch video featured a blood-red hue.

AppWizard

August 15, 2026

EverQuest Legends is the only MMO that could hook me in 2026

PC Gamer's column "Terminally Online" explores the world of MMOs, featuring insights and guest writers discussing their favorite games. The author reflects on their experience with EverQuest, recalling their first adventures in 1999 at the age of six, influenced by their father's choice of a gnome magician. They describe the game's vastness and their initial fear of exploring beyond West Freeport, where they spent time battling rats and orc centurions. The recent release of EverQuest Legends aims to evoke nostalgia by reconstructing the original game with its graphics and mechanics while introducing modern conveniences such as in-game maps and a more forgiving gameplay experience. Project 1999 offers a free-to-play version of classic EverQuest, but many find it a fleeting experience. EverQuest Legends, developed by Game Jawn, has made the game more accessible with frequent level-ups and a gentler learning curve, inviting players to explore at their own pace. The game retains the essence of the original while appealing to those who enjoy mastering its systems, blending nostalgia with modernity.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Saber Interactive denies replacing writer with ChatGPT on its new driving game, but says it will use AI for dialog ‘as the number of passengers in the game is infinite’

Saber Interactive's upcoming game, Rideshare "Stimulator," has sparked controversy due to comments from former lead writer Stella Sacco, who claimed she was replaced by ChatGPT during development. Sacco stated that all passenger voices in the game were also AI-generated, raising concerns about transparency in the game's development. She attributed the decision to use AI to higher-ups at Saber, despite her supervisor's support for her involvement. Saber Interactive has denied Sacco's claims but acknowledged the use of AI in the game. The game's Steam page promotes "unique and unpredictable passenger stories," but Sacco's remarks suggest a disconnect between the marketing narrative and the creative process, particularly regarding the lack of disclosure about AI usage.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

8 free Android productivity apps I can’t live without in 2026

Notesnook is a free, open-source note-taking app that offers end-to-end encryption and syncs across devices, featuring a text editor, support for attachments, and organizational tools. Obsidian serves as a personal knowledge base with customizable plugins, Graph View, and Advanced Tables for structured note-taking. TickTick is a to-do app with essential features in its free version, including task lists, subtasks, reminders, and Smart Recognition for creating tasks using natural language. Trello is a project management tool with a Kanban-style interface, allowing users to manage multiple projects with custom fields and subtasks. Toggl Track is a time management app that logs hours spent on tasks and provides insights into productivity through a calendar view. Airtable is a database app with a spreadsheet-like interface for organizing information, customizable for various purposes. Raindrop.io is a bookmark manager that allows users to save articles, images, and videos, with tagging and search features for easy retrieval. MacroDroid is an automation tool for Android that enables users to create macros for repetitive tasks, improving efficiency.

Winsage

August 7, 2026

Microsoft quietly removes 32GB RAM recommendation for Windows 11, while it continues to sell 8GB laptops

Microsoft has changed its guidance on RAM configuration for Windows 11 users, removing articles from its Windows Learning Center that previously recommended 32GB of RAM as ideal for gamers and power users. These articles have been replaced with redirects to the homepage, and there has been no official explanation for this change. The last archived version of the deleted content was captured on March 12, 2026, with the transition to redirects noted on May 2, 2026. Despite the removal of these recommendations, Microsoft has not changed the official minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, which remains at 4GB of RAM. The company continues to release devices with only 8GB of RAM as the base configuration.

Winsage

August 6, 2026

Microsoft is updating even more parts of the Windows 11 UI with modern designs: Here’s what’s next on the list of overhauls

Windows has faced user dissatisfaction due to inconsistent user interface designs since Windows 8, which worsened with Windows 10. Windows 11, launched in 2021, introduced a consistent design language through the WinUI framework, modernizing various UI components and replacing older elements. Enhancements included a more consistent dark mode and updates to features like volume controls and context menus. Microsoft is revamping the File Properties dialog and the Start menu for improved speed and responsiveness while optimizing resource consumption. Context menus are also being redesigned for better customization and quicker access. Ongoing efforts aim to modernize legacy components of the OS, with a focus on performance and reduced memory usage.

AppWizard

August 6, 2026

Android Apps Share Location Data With Advertisers by Default

A recent investigation by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) revealed that many Android applications contain third-party code that automatically transmits users' precise location data to external companies, including advertisers and data brokers, once location permission is granted. There are no specific location permissions for Software Development Kits (SDKs) on Android, meaning that granting one app access allows all bundled components to access the same data. Developers may be unaware that their apps are configured to share location histories with external firms, as advertising SDKs often prioritize data collection for revenue generation. The EFF calls for advertising SDKs to stop making personal data sharing the default setting and urges developers to disable unnecessary data collection. Location data can reach data brokers, which may experience breaches, compromising user privacy and security. This situation poses hidden risks for investors in the mobile advertising sector, as legal challenges and reputational damage may arise from regulatory scrutiny of location data practices. The EFF emphasizes that app-level permissions do not provide meaningful consent for third-party data sharing, highlighting the value and risks associated with location data.