specs Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 5, 2025

I put Trend Micro and McAfee antivirus in a head to head showdown – here’s how it went

McAfee and Trend Micro are two antivirus software options with distinct features. Specifications: - McAfee costs per year for a single user; Trend Micro starts at per year for 2 adults and 4 children. - McAfee supports Windows 10 and 11; Trend Micro supports Windows 8.1 to 11. - Malware protection is rated as good for McAfee and adequate for Trend Micro. - Both do not offer backup software. - System resource usage is light to heavy for both. Costs and Coverage: - Both do not have a free tier but offer a 30-day trial. - Trend Micro's entry-level Antivirus + Security is priced at , while McAfee's Basic plan typically retails for for a single device. - Trend Micro offers packages for 3 devices, 5 systems, and 10 systems, while McAfee's plans cover up to two adults and four children. Antivirus Protection: - Trend Micro uses heuristic behavioral analysis, while McAfee employs cloud-based infrastructure and machine learning. - Both provide periodic updates, but McAfee features Ransom Guard for monitoring file changes. Antivirus Performance: - McAfee has a 99.8% protection rate; Trend Micro has a 98.1% rate. - McAfee has fewer false positives (10) compared to Trend Micro (76). Security and Privacy Features: - Trend Micro includes a Firewall Booster; McAfee emphasizes phishing protection and personal data privacy. Performance and System Impact: - Trend Micro has minimal impact on system resources; McAfee uses more resources during scans. Interface: - Trend Micro's interface is user-friendly; McAfee's interface is simplified but less customizable. Installation and Support: - McAfee's installation takes under five minutes; Trend Micro's takes over twelve minutes. - McAfee offers 24/7 support; Trend Micro's support is limited to business hours unless on a premium plan. Overall, McAfee is rated higher in performance and features, while Trend Micro is noted for its efficient resource management and user-friendly interface.

AppWizard

March 25, 2025

With Nvidia Ace taking up 1 GB of VRAM in Inzoi, Team Green will need to up its memory game if AI NPCs take off in PC gaming

Nvidia unveiled its latest RTX technologies, including the Ace suite of digital human technologies, at the Game Developers Conference (GDC). The game Inzoi, reminiscent of The Sims, is one of the first to utilize Nvidia Ace, enhancing character interactions through 'thought bubbles' that reveal emotions and intentions. The AI system is powered by the Mistral NeMo Minitron, a language model with 500 million parameters, using 1 GB of VRAM. This model is limited to NPCs within the player's line of sight and does not change a character's life trajectory. While smaller models can lead to inaccuracies, the potential for larger models in expansive RPGs is significant. Nvidia has maintained an 8 GB memory standard for its mainstream graphics cards, but the demand for more advanced AI may prompt a reevaluation of VRAM offerings. High-end GPUs like the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080 offer 16 GB of VRAM, which is becoming more common in affordable graphics cards.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

Microsoft readies next Windows 11 feature drop with gaming, emoji, and lock screen updates

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 with new features, including: - A dynamic emoji panel button on the Taskbar that appears when typing in a text field. - A reintroduced gamepad keyboard for easier typing with a controller. - Customizable widgets on the lock screen through the Windows Settings app. - A real-time language translation feature for Intel and AMD-powered devices, translating over 44 languages into English during video calls. - A natural language feature in voice access for Snapdragon PCs. - Live captions and real-time translation capabilities for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs. - Real-time translation support for Chinese (Simplified) on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. - A new Settings homepage for commercial customers with relevant cards for enterprise-managed PCs. - An overview of key PC specifications under Settings > System > About. - Natural Language Commanding in voice access for more fluid command issuance. - Voice access support for commands in Simplified and Traditional Chinese. - An icon in the system tray to enhance the discoverability of the emoji panel. - Adjustments to Task Manager's CPU utilization calculations and a new optional column for backward compatibility. - The ability for web developers to create dynamic and interactive widgets using existing web content. - Extended support for lock screen widgets in the European Economic Area (EEA). - A Gamepad keyboard layout for the touch keyboard for Xbox controller users. These features are currently being tested in the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel, with a broader rollout expected in the coming weeks.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

Windows 11’s Hidden FAQ Could Tell You Why Your PC Is So Slow

Microsoft is testing a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) feature in Windows 11 that aims to analyze system specifications and provide tailored advice on performance issues. This feature is located within the System tab of Settings and addresses common queries related to device specifications and performance. Examples of questions include the sufficiency of a GPU for high-end gaming and the impact of RAM on PC performance. The FAQ section aims to offer personalized information based on each user's specific system, making it a more accessible resource compared to the current basic list of system specs. However, the responses are currently somewhat generic, and Microsoft must ensure accuracy to avoid misleading users regarding potential performance improvements from upgrades.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Microsoft might make your PC specs easier to understand

Microsoft has introduced a new FAQ section in the latest preview build of Windows 11, located beneath the device specifications list. This section aims to help users, especially those less familiar with technical terms, understand how hardware components affect performance. It addresses common questions about RAM, GPUs, and whether users are running the latest version of Windows. The FAQ is designed to be user-friendly and dynamic, adapting to the user's system status. However, Microsoft has not officially confirmed this feature in their support documentation.

BetaBeacon

March 18, 2025

AYANEO Pocket S2 is an Android handheld game console with a faster processor, bigger battery, and improved controllers

AYANEO is releasing an upgraded version of its handheld game console called the Pocket S2, which features a larger display, next-gen processor, and other improvements. The device promises better graphics and CPU performance, extended battery life, and a compact and lightweight gaming experience. Pricing and availability details have not been announced yet, but it is expected to be in line with the premium price tag of its predecessor.

BetaBeacon

March 13, 2025

The Retroid Pocket Classic will soon be here for all of your vertical gaming needs

The Retroid Pocket Classic has a 3.92-inch AMOLED display, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of expandable storage, a 5,000mAh battery, and active cooling. It is powered by a "Qualcomm 4nm" chip, possibly the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. Pricing has not been announced yet.

Winsage

March 10, 2025

Microsoft tests Windows 11 Start menu’s smart snap suggestions, PC specs guide FAQ in Settings

Microsoft is testing new features for Windows 11, including smart snap suggestions in the Start menu and an FAQ section in the Settings menu. The Start menu will soon include recommendations for frequently snapped applications, aimed at improving multitasking. These 'snap group' recommendations are expected to be part of Windows 11 24H2, with the potential for users to pin suggested configurations to the taskbar. Additionally, the Settings menu will introduce "Cards" in the System > About section, allowing users to view essential PC specifications like storage, GPU, RAM, and processor details. An FAQ section will accompany this feature, addressing common questions about PC hardware, particularly for beginners.

AppWizard

March 4, 2025

What’s the difference between Grand Theft Auto 5 Enhanced and Legacy?

Grand Theft Auto 5 Enhanced has been released on PC, featuring new elements such as Hao's Special Works auto shop, new vehicles, and various technical improvements. The Enhanced edition is available on Steam and can be accessed at no additional cost by players who own the original GTA 5, now called GTA 5 Legacy. Key features include ambient animals in Southern San Andreas, a Wildlife Photography Challenge, a Career Progress feature for GTA Online, an improved Landing Page, enhanced security measures, and options for GTA+ Membership. However, there is no crossplay between GTA Online Legacy and Enhanced versions. The Enhanced edition requires an SSD for optimal performance and supports ray tracing, Nvidia DLSS 3, and AMD FSR. The minimum system requirements include Windows 10, Intel i7 4770 or AMD FX 9590, 8GB RAM, Nvidia GTX 1630 4GB or AMD RX 6400 4GB, and 105GB SSD. Recommended specifications include Windows 11, Intel i5 9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600, 16GB RAM, Nvidia RTX 3060 8GB or AMD RX 6600XT 8GB, and a DirectStorage-compatible drive.

AppWizard

March 4, 2025

Everything about GTA 5 Enhanced Edition PC, release date, content and specs

Rockstar Games is set to release an Enhanced version of Grand Theft Auto 5 on March 4, 2025, available for free to all PC players. Preloading for the update has begun. The updated system requirements include: Minimum Specs: - OS: Windows 10 (latest service pack) - CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-4770 or AMD FX-9590 - RAM: 8GB - GPU: NVIDIA GeForce® GTX 1630 (4GB VRAM) or AMD Radeon™ RX 6400 (4GB VRAM) - Storage: 105GB, SSD required - Sound Card: 100% DirectX 10 compatible Recommended Specs: - OS: Windows 11 - CPU: Intel® Core™ i5-9600K or AMD Ryzen™ 5 3600 - RAM: 16GB Dual-Channel Configuration - GPU: NVIDIA GeForce® RTX 3060 (8GB VRAM) or AMD Radeon™ RX 6600XT (8GB VRAM) - Storage: 105GB, DirectStorage-compatible drive - Sound Card: Windows Spatial Sound-compatible audio system; Dolby Atmos support required The update will feature graphical improvements such as ray tracing, DLSS support, and enhanced compatibility for high-performance PCs. It will also support PS5 controllers and introduce new vehicles to the game.