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Tech Optimizer

July 29, 2025

Surfshark One Review

Surfshark has launched Surfshark One, a comprehensive security suite that includes a VPN, antivirus software, a data leak detection system, and a private search engine. Surfshark One features over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch. The antivirus component offers real-time protection and was awarded 'Top Product' by AV-TEST in June 2024 for a 100% detection rate against advanced malware. Surfshark Alert notifies users of data breaches involving sensitive information, while Surfshark Search provides an ad-free, private browsing experience. Users can choose from various plans, with competitive pricing and a seven-day free trial available. The interface is user-friendly and supports multiple devices, allowing protection for up to five devices per account. The antivirus continuously monitors devices, and users can conduct on-demand scans or schedule them. Surfshark's VPN offers features like NoBorders mode, Dynamic MultiHop, and a built-in speed test. Additional features include the Alternative ID for managing online personas and the option for a dedicated IP address for an extra fee. However, some features like a password manager and parental controls are not included.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

One of 2024’s best games and a new horror classic has been delisted on Itch.io amid the payment processor crackdown on NSFW games

Itch.io confirmed that the game Mouthwashing has been de-indexed since October 2024, a decision not related to payment processor crackdowns. The game is currently not indexed due to not meeting specific criteria for discoverability on the platform, as it directs users to its Steam page instead of offering purchasable content directly on Itch.io. Despite this, Mouthwashing remains accessible on Itch.io via a direct link and is available for purchase on Steam.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

The newest Windows 11 Beta and Dev builds make searching for images a lot easier

Microsoft has introduced a grid view feature in the Windows 11 Beta and Dev branches that enhances the image search experience by displaying thumbnails of search results, making it easier for users to identify and locate desired images. Other updates include configuration options for lock screen widgets, expanded notification center functionality for secondary monitors, and a fix for CPU reporting in Task Manager.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5722 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5722 (KB5062669) is being released to the Beta Channel for Windows Insiders on Windows 11, version 24H2. A new agent for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs is introduced, allowing users to articulate their needs for settings adjustments, with AI providing tailored recommendations. A refreshed SCOOBE screen is being rolled out for reviewing recommended settings. A new tutorial for Click to Do is introduced, guiding users on efficient task completion. Enhancements are made to the speed of applying enterprise pins to the taskbar, and a new grid view is added to the search results in the Windows Search box. Updates to the lock screen widget configuration UI and Notification Center functionality for secondary monitors are also included. Task Manager now uses standard metrics for CPU utilization across all pages, with a new optional CPU Utility column. Various fixes address issues with the taskbar, login and lock screens, File Explorer, Start menu, input methods, and Settings. Known issues include potential rollbacks during installation and crashes with live captions and Xbox controllers.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5722 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5722 (KB5062669) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Key updates include a new agent in Settings for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs that helps users modify settings through AI-driven recommendations. A refreshed SCOOBE screen for reviewing recommended settings is being rolled out, along with a new tutorial for Click to Do that guides users on completing tasks efficiently. The update optimizes the speed of applying enterprise pins to the taskbar, introduces a grid view in search results, and enhances the lock screen widget configuration. Notification Center functionality has been extended to secondary monitors, and Task Manager now includes an optional CPU utility column. Various fixes have been implemented across the taskbar, login and lock screens, File Explorer, Start Menu, input methods, and Settings. Known issues include potential rollback errors during installation and problems with live captions and Xbox controllers.

Winsage

July 27, 2025

Five things Windows 10 never fixed

Microsoft announced in 2015 its intention to phase out the legacy Control Panel in favor of the Settings app, but the transition remains incomplete nearly a decade later. The Windows Recovery Environment error 0x80070643 has persisted for over a year without an automated fix from Microsoft, leaving users to troubleshoot manually. Tablet Mode, intended to provide a touch-friendly interface, has not significantly improved productivity, with users often preferring to use a keyboard. Windows Search prioritizes Bing, which can lead to unsatisfactory search results for users. The Fluent Design scheme introduced in 2017 has been inconsistently applied, resulting in a mix of modern and legacy design elements and uneven implementation of dark mode across Microsoft applications.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

One of the best Windows File Explorer alternatives just got a killer new feature

The application "Files" has released an update (version 3.9.12) that introduces a new feature called the Omnibar. This feature combines breadcrumb navigation with search functionality, enhancing the user interface. Key capabilities of the Omnibar include: - Breadcrumb Bar: Displays the current path with expandable breadcrumbs for easy navigation through subfolders, along with a new home button and flyout menu for quick access to frequently used folders. - Edit Path: Allows users to switch to edit mode by clicking an empty space in the breadcrumb bar or using the Ctrl + L shortcut, enabling easy copying or modification of the current path. - Command Palette: Access to advanced commands is simplified with a dedicated button or the Ctrl + Shift + P shortcut. - Search Functionality: Activated by clicking the search icon or pressing Ctrl + F, the search box is focused automatically, with search suggestions appearing in a flyout. The update also includes a filter button for toggling between search and filtering modes and offers seamless integration with OX Drive. The Preview build is available for download on the Files website.

AppWizard

July 6, 2025

Android users pumped with features as the OnePlus 13 update arrives

OnePlus has started rolling out a firmware update for the OnePlus 13 in the U.S., identified by build number CPH2655_15.0.0.832(EX01), with a size of 7.47GB. The update includes the June Android security patch and introduces several new features: remote control support for Windows PCs, a Game Camera for live screenshots and recording during gameplay, a Speaker Cleaner for audio performance, a Drag & Drop feature for third-party apps, and a "reduce white points" option for color sensitivity. Additionally, it brings system-wide improvements such as enhanced app management in Settings, improved responsiveness of floating windows, smoother animations, stacked notifications summary, better color consistency for navigation and app icons, and optimized background app support. A similar update is also being rolled out to the OnePlus 13R.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

I disabled Windows Search indexing to improve performance and replaced it with this free tool

Windows 11's built-in search functionality is criticized for being slow and resource-intensive, particularly when users choose to index all files, which can degrade performance. Alternatives like Everything and Listary offer improved search capabilities, with Everything being a fast, free option, while Listary is preferred for its speed, user-friendly interface, and integration with File Explorer. Listary also functions as an efficient app launcher, allowing quick access to installed software and custom actions on files. Transitioning to Listary can lead to reduced system resource usage and enhanced productivity, despite a brief adjustment period.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

New Google app setting disables sharing link shortener on Android

Google has introduced a feature in its Android app that allows users to disable the automatic shortening of URLs when sharing links from Google Search results or the Discover feed. Users can opt out of this feature, which is enabled by default, by navigating to Settings in the Google app and toggling the option under “Other settings.” This change aims to provide clearer links by displaying the original URL instead of a shortened format. However, this setting does not apply to links shared directly from the Google Discover feed, which will still appear as search.app links. The update is being rolled out in both the stable version (16.23) and the beta version of the Google app.