review Archives

Winsage

September 3, 2026

Windows 11: Memory Integrity enabled automatically from October

Microsoft plans to automatically activate Memory Integrity on a broader range of eligible systems starting October 2026, rolling it out through standard Windows quality updates. Prior to activation, Windows will assess hardware, drivers, and performance to ensure compatibility. Memory Integrity, part of Virtualization-based Security (VBS), uses the Windows hypervisor to create a secure environment for integrity checks on kernel code. Compatibility with drivers is crucial, as many older applications may not meet the stricter standards required for HVCI. Potential compatibility issues may arise with anti-cheat solutions, third-party input methods, and banking protection programs, which could lead to software malfunctions or boot failures. A readiness check will evaluate hardware compatibility, with eligible systems including Intel processors from the 8th generation, AMD processors from Zen 2, and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8180 or newer, along with specific RAM and storage requirements. The rollout will be gradual, and users who previously disabled HVCI will not face unexpected reactivation. Microsoft recommends updating affected applications or drivers in case of compatibility issues.

AppWizard

September 2, 2026

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy review

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is a prequel in the Plague Tale series that shifts from puzzle-stealth mechanics to a third-person action-adventure format. Set during a Mediterranean treasure hunt, players control Sophia, a smuggler from the second game. The game introduces a new sword combat system focused on melee action, allowing for creative interactions with the environment. While it retains some stealth elements, the main emphasis is on exploration and combat, featuring beautifully rendered Minoan ruins and puzzles involving light manipulation. The visuals are complemented by a thematic score from composer Olivier Deriviere. The narrative evolves from a light-hearted adventure to a darker, horror-infused story. The game is priced at £44, available on Windows 11 and Steam Deck.

AppWizard

September 2, 2026

MHA issues advisory on malicious Android apps used to steal money, take control of phones

Cybercriminals are increasingly using malicious Android applications disguised as pornography apps to take control of users' devices and conduct unauthorized financial transactions. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has issued a warning about this trend. These apps are often promoted on social media and require users to download APK files from outside the Google Play Store. The National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU) has reported a rise in financial fraud linked to these applications, which include names like “Night Play,” “Reloop,” and “Kyss.” Once installed, these apps request sensitive permissions, such as Accessibility access, allowing malware to read screen information, click buttons, enter OTPs or PINs, confirm transactions, and initiate fund transfers, leading to unauthorized access to bank accounts. Additionally, the malware may install secondary applications or a VPN to reroute internet traffic through attacker-controlled servers, exposing sensitive data. These apps may also prevent uninstallation through standard device settings. The NCTAU advises users to only install apps from trusted sources, avoid unknown APK files, refrain from granting Accessibility permissions to unfamiliar apps, regularly review installed applications, and keep their devices updated. Users should monitor bank accounts for suspicious activity and, if compromised, restart in Safe Mode to uninstall malicious apps. If removal is difficult, backing up data and performing a factory reset is recommended. Citizens are encouraged to report fraudulent applications or cybercrime incidents through the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or the government’s reporting portal.

Tech Optimizer

September 1, 2026

What a smart firewall does and why it matters on home Wi-Fi

Home Wi-Fi connects various devices and presents security risks, making firewalls important for network protection. A router firewall is built into the home router and protects all connected devices, while a software firewall operates on individual devices for additional security. Inbound traffic is data coming to a device, while outbound traffic is data leaving it; firewalls analyze this traffic to manage connections. Network security is critical as sensitive information is often accessed on devices used for leisure, and remote work increases data overlap. Firewalls can control network connections and filter unwanted traffic but cannot replace weak passwords or antivirus protection. To enhance home network security, users should secure router settings, keep routers updated, strengthen Wi-Fi access, check connected devices, and replace outdated routers. A comprehensive security strategy includes keeping software updated, using multifactor authentication, being cautious with links, and strengthening firewalls with antivirus protection. Protecting valuable data is essential, and understanding ransomware risks is crucial. The 3-2-1 backup strategy involves maintaining three copies of data on two different storage types, with one copy offsite. Regularly testing backups and knowing how to respond to ransomware incidents are also important.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

Fake Porn Apps Target Android Users Via Ads On Facebook, Instagram: How To Stay Safe

Cybercriminals are targeting Android users with deceptive advertisements for malicious applications disguised as pornographic content on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU) has reported that these ads lead users to phishing traps or malware downloads that can compromise banking credentials. Malicious applications linked to this threat include “Night Play,” “Reloop,” “Kyss,” “Vimo,” “Rivo,” “Nexo,” and “Vixa.” The scam involves promoting these apps through enticing ads, redirecting users to websites offering pornographic content, and prompting them to download APK files directly from these sites, often using “.live” domains. The initial app may request users to download a second package disguised as an update, which can exploit permissions granted to the first app. This malware can gain extensive control over the device, potentially installing a VPN that routes internet traffic through attackers' servers. To protect against this threat, users should download apps only from trusted sources, avoid installing APK files from ads or suspicious links, refrain from granting Accessibility access to unknown apps, regularly review installed apps, keep Google Play Protect enabled, and monitor bank accounts for unusual activity. If a suspicious app cannot be uninstalled, users can try Safe Mode, remove special permissions, or perform a factory reset as a last resort.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

Review: Crumbl And Minecraft Came Together For A Cookie Collab So Good Even Creepers Will Dig It

Crumbl has launched a collaboration with Minecraft, featuring a selection of unique cookie flavors available from August 31 through September 5, 2026. The collection includes: 1. Minecraft Lemon Poppyseed Cookie: A cookie with a poppyseed base, lemon buttercream, and lemon curd, balancing sweet and tart flavors. 2. Minecraft Cookies & Cream Sandwich: Two chocolate cookies with a purple marshmallow mousse filling, brownie bits, and cookies and cream pieces, though the cookies were slightly dry. 3. Minecraft Creeper Key Lime Sandwich: Lime cookies with a zesty lime filling, decorated with sprinkles, offering refreshing tartness but slightly dry. 4. Minecraft Grass Block Cake: A cube-shaped cake resembling a grass block, made with cinnamon brown sugar, cream cheese, and chocolate, noted for its moist texture and exceptional flavor. 5. Minecraft Cherry Blossom Cookie: A soft cookie with a cherry flavor and cherry cream cheese frosting, reminiscent of cherry cheesecake. 6. Minecraft Cookie Butter Cookie: A spiced cookie topped with cookie butter flavors, though less exciting than others. Pricing for the cookies is set at .69 for a single cookie, .49 for a four-pack, .29 for six, and .49 for a dozen. The Grass Block Cake costs an additional [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: Crumbl has recently unveiled a delightful collaboration with the beloved game Minecraft, offering a unique selection of cookie flavors that promise to capture the hearts of both gamers and cookie enthusiasts alike. To assess the potential fan-favorites among these creations, a box of the new cookies was delivered for a taste test, allowing for an evaluation of their flavors, textures, and overall enjoyment. Methodology The tasting began with the Minecraft Lemon Poppyseed Cookie, a visually appealing treat featuring a poppyseed-speckled base topped with lemon buttercream and lemon curd. This cookie struck a harmonious balance between sweet and tart, reminiscent of a lemon tart but in a softer cookie format. Its savory undertones complemented the bright flavors, making it a standout choice for lemon lovers. Minecraft Cookies & Cream Sandwich Next up was the Minecraft Cookies & Cream Sandwich, which featured two chocolate cookies encasing a purple marshmallow mousse filling. The addition of brownie bits and cookies and cream pieces added texture and intrigue, elevating this classic flavor to something more unique. While the chocolate cookies were slightly dry, the overall combination provided a delightful twist on the traditional cookies and cream experience. Minecraft Creeper Key Lime Sandwich The Creeper Key Lime Sandwich showcased two layers of lime cookies with a zesty lime filling, adorned with sprinkles to represent the pixelated character. The key lime flavor offered a refreshing tartness, although the cookie sandwich format could have benefited from a more open-faced design. Despite being a bit drier than desired, the visual appeal and flavor made it a worthy contender. Minecraft Grass Block Cake Among the offerings, the Minecraft Grass Block Cake emerged as a favorite. This cube-shaped cake, designed to resemble a grass block from the game, featured layers of cinnamon brown sugar, cream cheese, and chocolate. Its moist texture and exceptional flavor combination made it a highlight of the collection, proving that Crumbl's cakes can rival their cookies in deliciousness. Minecraft Cherry Blossom Cookie The Cherry Blossom Cookie presented a delightful cherry flavor that avoided the typical artificial taste often associated with cherry-flavored treats. This soft cookie, topped with cherry cream cheese frosting, evoked the essence of a cherry cheesecake, providing a refreshing contrast to the sweeter options in the lineup. Minecraft Cookie Butter Cookie Lastly, the Minecraft Cookie Butter Cookie featured a spiced base topped with cookie butter flavors and crumbs. While it may have seemed less exciting compared to its counterparts, it still delivered a pleasant experience for fans of cookie butter. However, the nonedible chicken topper felt somewhat disconnected from the overall theme. Price and Availability Crumbl's Minecraft cookie collection is available from August 31 through September 5, 2026. Unlike typical weeks, this collaboration offers only large cookies, with pricing set at .69 for a single cookie, .49 for a four-pack, .29 for six, and .49 for a dozen. An additional 99 cents applies for the Grass Block Cake, a worthy investment for its unique flavor and presentation. With six cookies in the collection, opting for the six-pack allows for a complete tasting experience, with some cookies requiring refrigeration while others can be stored at room temperature." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99. Some cookies require refrigeration, while others can be stored at room temperature.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

How to make sure your Android phone is secure

Android devices have various features to enhance security and privacy. A 2025 Pew Research Center study found that nearly 75% of Americans have faced online scams, which have become more sophisticated, including vishing scams using AI-generated deepfakes. Android offers tools to mitigate these risks, such as AI-driven scam detection and theft protection. To safeguard devices, users should keep their software updated by checking Settings > About Phone for the current version and navigating to Settings > System > Software Updates for updates. App updates can be managed through the Google Play Store under Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps. Securing Google accounts with two-factor authentication is recommended, which can be set up via the Google Account management page. Automatic backups can be enabled in Settings > Google > Backup. The Find Hub app helps track lost devices and can be configured in Settings > Location and Settings > Security. Android includes scam detection tools that alert users to potential scams in calls and texts, which can be activated in the Phone app settings. Privacy settings can be managed by adjusting app permissions in Settings > Apps and using the Permission manager in Security & Privacy. Users can opt out of data sharing with advertisers by navigating to Settings > Google > Ads. Google Play Protect scans for harmful apps and should remain enabled for safety. Theft protection features, such as Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock, can be activated in Settings > Google > Personal & device safety.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

Blizzard doing ‘a thorough scrub’ of illegitimate World of Warcraft Mythic-Plus dungeon rankings, with more changes to come

Blizzard Entertainment is reviewing World of Warcraft Mythic Plus Dungeon rankings due to concerns over players purchasing carries, following the introduction of rewards for the top 1% during the Midnight expansion. Game director Ion Hazzikostas confirmed that the team is thoroughly examining this issue and will provide updates soon. The competitive rankings have led to discussions about the rapid increase in cutoff scores and the prevalence of paid invitations for +21 level groups. Players have faced penalties for obtaining Mythic raiding mounts through real-money transactions, causing confusion over legitimate practices. The percentage-based ranking system has increased participation in Mythic Plus dungeons but resulted in lower retention rates compared to the previous season. Community feedback on the new rewards has been mixed, with some players feeling stressed by the uncertainty of the cutoff. Class balance has also become a concern, as successful teams tend to favor specific "meta" specs, potentially limiting accessibility for other players. Blizzard aims to keep dungeons accessible for all classes while considering specialization-specific cutoffs for future seasons.

Tech Optimizer

August 31, 2026

Fake Chrome update scam could infect your computer

A fake Chrome update scam has emerged, linked to a Chrome extension called Enable Right Click & Copy - Smart Unlock + OCR, which was initially legitimate but later compromised. The extension had around 70,000 users before being removed from the Chrome Web Store on August 14 due to its malicious nature. Users may encounter deceptive warnings while browsing benign sites, urging them to download files instead of using Chrome's built-in update mechanism. Google advises against engaging with suspicious pop-ups requesting software installations. The scam highlights that trusted extensions can become threats without warning, and users should regularly review their installed extensions and check for updates directly within Chrome. Similar fake update alerts have also been reported in other Chromium-based browsers. Users are encouraged to adopt safety measures, such as using strong antivirus software, reviewing browser extensions, and being cautious with downloaded files. If a suspicious file has been executed, users should treat their computer as potentially compromised and take appropriate security actions.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

Onimusha: Way of the Sword review

Miyamoto Musashi is the central character in Capcom's upcoming game, Way of the Sword, set to release on September 3, 2026, for £60. The game features a physics-driven combat system that emphasizes parrying and timing, with players building a "burning" meter to increase damage. Notable encounters include battles against a demon named Byakue. The game allows for straightforward controls while encouraging players to utilize environmental elements strategically. Musashi's Oni Armaments serve as secondary weapons that add depth to combat. The visuals are impressive, particularly on high-end hardware, achieving 120 fps, and the narrative explores Musashi's evolution as a warrior.