search feature Archives

Tech Optimizer

November 29, 2025

This Black Friday deal will protect 10 devices from malware for just $4 a month

Norton is offering significant discounts on its antivirus software, particularly Norton Premium, which is available at a 68% discount for Black Friday. Norton Premium provides protection for up to 10 devices and includes features such as a VPN, parental controls, a password manager, dark web monitoring, and scam protection. In independent tests, Norton scored 6 out of 6 in the AV Test and achieved a 99.96% malware detection rate in the AV Comparatives Protection Test. The software is tailored to meet diverse user needs and includes robust anti-malware capabilities.

Tech Optimizer

November 28, 2025

Don’t wait! Our favorite antivirus software is 75% off during Black Friday

Norton is offering a 75% discount on its antivirus software, Norton 360 Deluxe, which is currently priced at .99 annually for coverage across five devices. This software includes features such as real-time malware protection, a VPN, parental controls, and a password manager. Norton received a perfect score of 6 out of 6 in the AV Test's January/February 2025 report and a 99.96% detection rate for malware in the AV Comparatives March 2025 Protection Test. Additionally, Norton 360 Deluxe scans the dark web for personal information and includes a Safe Search feature.

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

Google is secretly testing a feature on Circle to Search for effortless follow-ups

Google is refining its Circle to Search feature by introducing a follow-up search bar at the bottom of the screen to enhance user interaction. This simplified interface includes a new AI Mode that allows for voice input and context-specific queries. The feature is currently in beta testing and is not yet available to all users. The design aims to make follow-up queries more seamless, allowing users to explore further information without losing sight of initial results. The feature is being tested in the latest beta version of the Google app (version 16.47), with an uncertain timeline for a wider release.

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

Slick and stylish, this underrated roguelike twist on Diablo now feels better than ever, and a big expansion is coming

Hell Clock, developed by Rogue Snail, is an action role-playing game (ARPG) set during the Brazilian War of Canudos in 1896. The game features a quest to rescue the soul of a fallen mentor and allows players to battle through hellish landscapes while enhancing their characters with various blessings. Update 1.2, released recently, improves movement dynamics, granting players 360-degree freedom and enabling skills to be executed while moving, albeit with a slight speed penalty. This update also buffs melee builds, introduces community-created unique items, and adds new constellations. A significant expansion is planned for next year, which will include a new storyline, new skills, and one-third of the base game's content. Most improvements will be free, with a paid component for those who wish to support the developers. A free update is also scheduled for 2026, featuring 12 new biomes, enhancements to dungeon generation, a respec system, and a new mapping system called 'Endless Nightmares.' Hell Clock is currently available at a 30% discount, priced at .99 / £10.55.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

Messenger – Texting App For Android

Messenger for Text is a texting application with a rating of 4.6 stars and over 10 million downloads. Key features include over 3,000 emojis and animated GIFs, a Private Box for secure messaging, customizable layouts, backup and restore options, a spam blocker, driving mode with auto-reply, SMS collections, scheduled SMS, and compatibility with Android Wear devices. Additional functionalities comprise easy text copying, quick reply options, customizable message signatures, group messaging, and a message history search feature. The app is free to use and prioritizes user experience, creativity, and security. Users can contact support via email and find more information on the app's website.

Winsage

November 20, 2025

Windows 11’s Only New Useful Feature Has Nothing to Do With AI

Microsoft has introduced a range of artificial intelligence features in Windows 11, marking a departure from Windows 10. The Calendar flyout feature, which was absent since October 2021, will return, allowing users to access it by clicking the date and time stamp in the bottom right corner of the screen. The new Copilot chatbot will integrate AI capabilities into various text boxes across the operating system, utilizing the neural processing unit (NPU) of modern PCs to enhance efficiency. The taskbar will include the "Ask Copilot" function and a new Researcher app for facilitating research. Users can opt out of these taskbar apps if desired. The "Fluid dictation" tool will convert speech to text, while Microsoft 365 applications will use AI for email summaries and automatic alt-text for images. An "Agent Mode" will enable users to create documents and spreadsheets based on simple prompts. At the Ignite 2025 conference, Microsoft emphasized its vision of Windows 11 as an "agentic" operating system capable of executing complex tasks autonomously, although this raises concerns about data security.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

Windows 11 KB5068861 won’t install, File Explorer SMB search not working on network shares, and other issues

Windows 11 users are facing installation issues with the KB5068861 update from the November 2025 Patch Tuesday release, which addresses 63 critical security vulnerabilities. Errors reported include 0x80070306, 0x800f0983, and 0x800f081f. Affected users can wait for an optional release or use the Media Creation Tool, which downloads the same patch. Some users have reported a malfunctioning SMB search feature after the update. The installation errors have prompted reports of specific error codes, and attempts to resolve them through SFC scans or health checks have been largely ineffective. Downloading the .msu package from the Microsoft Update Catalog is recommended, followed by an installation attempt. If unsuccessful, the Media Creation Tool can be used while retaining user data. The November 2025 Update includes enhancements like a revamped Start menu, improved battery icons, and performance improvements, particularly for gamers. However, some users have encountered Bluetooth connectivity issues, especially on AMD PCs, with a temporary fix involving adjustments in Device Manager. The KB5068861 update has also caused a bug affecting search functionality over shared networks, leading to slower search results or empty listings for businesses. This issue arises from a breakdown in communication between the Windows client and the server’s search index. Users can restore functionality by restarting the Windows Search service or rebuilding the index. Additionally, the remote search functionality over SMB is compromised, preventing the Windows client from utilizing the server’s index. Users may need to uninstall the update to restore functionality, which requires disabling the Sandbox feature first. Specific DISM commands can be used to identify and remove the update, or it can be uninstalled through the Settings menu.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

Google’s upcoming review search feature might soon help you save time on the Play Store

Google is testing a new feature called "Search reviews" in the Play Store, which will allow users to search for specific keywords in app reviews. This feature is designed to improve the user experience by enabling users to find feedback related to specific topics rather than scrolling through generic comments. Although it is not yet live and lacks a confirmed rollout date, it may be introduced gradually in select regions. The latest version of the Play Store (48.7.17-31) includes a string labeled "Search reviews," indicating progress towards a more user-centric approach. Additionally, a flag named AllReviewsPageenablesearchbar suggests an upgrade to the review browsing experience. Currently, users can only filter reviews by star ratings or broad categories, making it difficult to find relevant feedback. The new search function could streamline this process, saving users time and reducing frustration. However, the timeline for public availability and the extent of the search functionality remain uncertain, including whether it will support multiple languages or advanced filtering options. The interface for the feature has not yet been revealed.

AppWizard

November 8, 2025

Google app redesigning voice search on Android

The Google app is updating its voice search feature with a new interface that includes a prominently displayed ‘G’ logo and a “What’s on your mind?” prompt. The previous compact waveform has been replaced by a dynamic arc that vibrates with the user's voice. A new shortcut, “Search a song,” has been added, replacing the globe animation with a “Play Sing Hum” option. The sound cues for microphone activity have also been refreshed. This redesign is not yet widely available on Android devices.

AppWizard

November 7, 2025

This upcoming Google Play Store change could make app reviews actually useful

User reviews are essential for assessing app quality, but the Google Play Store lacks a comprehensive search tool for tailored reviews. Current filtering options include score, date, and specific topics, but users must sift through many reviews to find relevant insights. Recent findings from version 48.7.17-31 of the Google Play Store suggest that Google is developing a "Search reviews" feature, with a variable indicating a potential search bar for the reviews section, although it is not yet functional. This indicates efforts to improve user access to relevant feedback, potentially streamlining the review-searching process.