streaming services Archives

TrendTechie

July 18, 2026

Что такое троттлинг и как понять, что провайдер намеренно замедляет ваш трафик

Throttling is the intentional limitation of speed for specific types of traffic, services, protocols, devices, or users. It can occur due to various reasons, such as exceeding data caps, prioritization of certain services, load management during peak hours, or technical policies in networks. Users may experience speed drops that are selective to specific traffic types, indicating potential throttling, while universal slowdowns suggest network overload or outages. Speed tests measure connectivity to specific servers and may not reflect actual download speeds across different paths. Signs of potential throttling include isolated speed drops, consistent slowdowns at specific times, and discrepancies between speed tests and real-world performance. Initial checks should rule out home network issues, and practical diagnostics can help identify throttling by comparing speeds across different servers, types of downloads, and times of day. If throttling is confirmed and support does not resolve the issue, exploring alternative ISPs may be necessary.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

EA vice president of advertising says game ads are a ‘huge opportunity’, but it ‘has to make sense for the game’

Electronic Arts (EA) has announced a new advertising platform aimed at integrating in-game ads in a way that feels organic and beneficial for both players and brands. EA's vice president of advertising, Alexander Dao, highlighted the importance of designing advertising experiences from the outset to create a native feel and allow for greater brand participation. He emphasized the need for standardization in advertising practices, particularly regarding viewability standards and reporting metrics, to ensure consistency and accountability in advertising investments. EA recently collaborated with Coach to offer nine free branded items in The Sims, based on player surveys about brand preferences. Dao expressed a desire to balance commercial interests with player satisfaction, noting concerns about advertising potentially detracting from the gaming experience.

Tech Optimizer

July 17, 2026

Psychology says people who use only free version of antivirus aren’t careless: What this choice may reveal

Individuals who choose free antivirus software often do so based on a careful evaluation of their needs, budget constraints, and personal experiences with security. Factors influencing this decision include monthly budget, type of internet usage, trust in software brands, previous experiences with malware, confidence in personal online habits, and awareness of cybersecurity risks. Psychological theories, such as Prospect Theory and Satisficing Theory, suggest that users assess the perceived benefits of free software against the costs of paid options, leading many to conclude that free solutions are sufficient for their needs. Research indicates that technology choices are based on perceived usefulness and value, with positive past experiences reinforcing the decision to continue using free antivirus software. Overall, individuals often make decisions by balancing their requirements with available resources, highlighting the importance of evaluating personal needs before making purchases.

Winsage

July 16, 2026

This surprisingly useful Windows 11 tool helps me block distractions

Microsoft's Focus Mode, integrated into Windows 11, includes features like Do Not Disturb and Focus Sessions, which help users maintain concentration by silencing notifications and providing a countdown timer for focused work periods. The Focus Sessions feature is located in the Clock app and allows users to customize session durations and breaks, effectively replacing traditional productivity tools like Pomodoro timers and sticky notes. It integrates with Microsoft To Do and can automatically launch Spotify during focus sessions. The app tracks daily progress and stores data locally for privacy, deleting it every 90 days. Customization options are available for alert tones and app theming, though some settings are located in separate menus. The app operates without elevated permissions and does not include distraction-blocking features.

Winsage

July 5, 2026

The Curious Case of Windows 11 Pro for Workstations, Essentially Windows 11 “Pro Max”

Windows 11 Pro for Workstations, available since 2021, is a successor to Windows 10 Pro for Workstations. It focuses on performance and efficiency, lacking consumer bloat such as sponsored shortcuts. Key features include support for the Resilient File System (ReFS), which enhances fault-tolerant storage, and the ability to support up to four CPU sockets and a maximum memory capacity of 6 TB. Networking capabilities include support for SMB Direct client and RDMA, which improve performance for clustered AI inferencing setups. It also supports NVDIMM-N for enhanced workstation applications. Unlike Windows Server, it does not include a native NVMe SSD driver. Windows 11 Pro for Workstations is not available for direct purchase by end-users; it can only be obtained through OEM channels or the Windows for Business channel.

AppWizard

June 28, 2026

From casual hobby to luxury investment: memory costs hit PC gaming hard

Two years ago, the gaming landscape was improving with affordable video games and devices like the Steam Deck making PC gaming more user-friendly. However, demand for AI data centers has disrupted manufacturing, causing component prices to rise significantly. Microsoft reported a 2.5 times increase in costs for memory and storage, leading to a 20% price hike for the Xbox Series S in the U.S. starting in August. Apple also announced a similar 20% increase on its hardware. The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ has been launched at a price of ,499 in Australia, offering advanced gaming performance but at a steep cost. The Steam Deck remains a popular option at 9, while the ASUS ROG Ally provides alternatives for Windows users. The Nintendo Switch 2 offers a 1080p, 120Hz screen at a lower cost but lacks many major releases. Valve's Steam Machine was initially expected to start at 9, but due to the component crisis, it now starts at 9 for a 512GB model. DIY PC builds are becoming more accessible, with a recent build costing just over ,000. Consoles from Sony and Microsoft may offer better pricing for components despite recent increases. Cloud streaming services like Nvidia GeForce NOW and Xbox Game Pass are also emerging as cost-effective options.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

GM is adding 200 new apps to its cars with Google built-in

General Motors is enhancing the digital experience in its vehicles by introducing support for over 200 new applications on its "Cars with Google built-in" platform, moving away from Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The new apps will be available on select 2024 and newer models of Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles equipped with Google built-in. Driver-focused apps will be accessible only when the vehicle is parked, while passengers can enjoy games and streaming services during travel. The new offerings include games like basketball, chess, and solitaire for drivers, and streaming services such as Disney Plus, Hulu, Tubi, and YouTube for passengers. Music and podcast platforms like Spotify, SiriusXM, iHeartRadio, and Amazon Music will also be supported. The passenger and rear displays will support these apps in select 2025 and newer GM models, including the Chevy Tahoe, Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and GMC Yukon. Users can find these applications under a “car compatible apps” section in Google Play. GM vehicle owners are encouraged to monitor their infotainment systems for the new apps.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

GM just ‘unlocked’ over 200 Android Automotive apps, including YouTube, for its Google built-in vehicles

General Motors (GM) is expanding its Google built-in vehicles to support over 200 additional Android Automotive apps, enhancing the entertainment experience for passengers with access to applications on backseat screens. GM is phasing out support for Android Auto and CarPlay in newer models, relying instead on an integrated infotainment system that utilizes Android Automotive apps. The latest software updates allow vehicles with Google built-in to access a wide range of apps from the center display and on front and rear passenger screens. Streaming apps available include YouTube, Disney+, and Hulu, with support for these apps on backseat displays in select vehicles. Models from the 2025 lineup that will support these applications include the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, Cadillac Escalade and CELESTIQ, and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL. Additional streaming services expected to be available include AMC+, Tubi, TuneIn, ViX, and more.

AppWizard

June 13, 2026

As a longtime Android privacy nerd, here are 6 privacy apps I actually regret installing

The author shares experiences with six privacy applications that did not meet expectations. 1. Private Internet Access (PIA): A robust VPN service with a cluttered interface and concerns about its U.S. base; transitioned to NordVPN for a better user experience. 2. Brave Browser: Known for ad and tracker blocking, but had issues with Brave Search reliability, syncing, and battery drain; switched to Firefox with uBlock Origin. 3. LastPass: A former leading password manager that lost trust due to security breaches; moved to Bitwarden for its solid and secure platform. 4. KeePassDX: Impressive for local storage and clean UI, but lacked cloud syncing and required manual password management; eventually chose Bitwarden for convenience. 5. OpenBoard: A privacy-focused keyboard app that is no longer available on Google Play; basic features and installation hassles led to regret over its use; better alternatives exist. 6. OsmAnd: An open-source offline navigation app with extensive customization but a steep learning curve and rigid address searches; now prefers Organic Maps for ease of use.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Xbox’s new chief strategy officer is still a big believer in in-game ads

Matthew Ball, a videogame analyst and chief strategy officer for Xbox, predicts a significant rise in in-game advertising within PC and console games, viewing it as an untapped revenue stream essential for the industry's growth. He highlights challenges such as escalating game development costs and rising hardware expenses, which may lead consumers to reduce their gaming spending, threatening the industry's economic framework. A Comscore report supports this trend, noting that Netflix's ad-supported subscription tiers accounted for 45% of viewing hours in 2025, with free ad-supported services seeing a 43% year-over-year increase in hours watched. Ball emphasizes the need for accessibility, sustainability, and adequate funding for development teams while acknowledging the potential benefits of in-game advertising for the gaming community.