streaming services Archives

Winsage

January 11, 2026

Windows Media Player’s ‘find album information’ functionality has been removed — you’ll have to find other software for playing and ripping CDs with relevant track information

Microsoft has removed the 'find album information' and 'update album info online' functionalities from the Media Player applications in Windows 11. Neither the Windows Media Player Legacy nor the latest Media Player app can connect to retrieve data such as album artwork, track names, and details when an audio CD is inserted. The built-in 'Find Album Information' service, which relies on musicmatch-ssl.xboxlive.com, is unreachable. Users attempting to update album information in the latest Media Player app receive an error message indicating a connection issue, despite having a stable internet connection. The removal of these features is disappointing for users who still appreciate physical media, especially as optical drives are becoming rare in new computers.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

The UK box office had its best year since COVID in 2025

The U.K. box office generated £1.07 billion in 2025, marking its most successful year since the COVID-19 pandemic, though still 21 percent below pre-COVID levels. The top ten films of the year were all sequels, remakes, or adaptations, with "A Minecraft Movie" leading at £56.8 million. Other top films included "Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy" (£46.3 million), "Wicked: For Good" (£45.8 million), "Lilo & Stitch" (£37.3 million), and "Jurassic World Rebirth" (£36.1 million). Notably, no superhero films made the top half of the chart for the first time since 2020. Gen Z audiences showed a 25 percent increase in cinema attendance in 2025.

AppWizard

January 6, 2026

How Android Apps Are Adapting To The Rise Of Cross-Platform Digital Payments

Android developers are adapting to a rapidly changing global payments landscape, driven by user demand for seamless experiences across platforms, shifting regulatory frameworks, and the rise of cross-border transactions through mobile applications. This evolution is particularly relevant for international sectors like igaming, which often utilize alternative payment methods under offshore licensing. Developers are focusing on streamlined in-app experiences by adopting payment frameworks that enhance security and expedite verification processes. Over the past two years, payment standards have diversified, leading to the implementation of unified payment layers in Android apps to accommodate various tokens, cards, mobile wallets, and region-specific methods. The number of global mobile payment users is projected to reach 5.6 billion by 2025, highlighting the need for cross-platform support. Mobile wallets, NFC, and universal payment APIs are being integrated more deeply into the Android ecosystem, allowing for instant recognition of users' preferred wallets. Streaming platforms are adopting cross-platform billing strategies, while travel apps are implementing flexible frameworks to adapt to regional regulations. In online gaming, there's a focus on diverse payment options to meet international audience expectations. By 2026, Android applications are expected to feature more cohesive payment interfaces, increased biometric verification, and dynamic updates of payment methods based on user location and device capabilities.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

Android Central’s Best of 2025 Awards: The best phones, smartwatches, tablets, apps, and more

The OnePlus 15 was named Best Android Phone, featuring a fast chip, three-day battery life, and a 165Hz display. The Google Pixel 10 Pro won Best Camera with its Gemini-powered photo system. The Nothing's CMF Phone 2 Pro was recognized as the best budget option. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 was awarded Best Foldable Device, while the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 was named Best Flip Phone. Samsung was recognized as the most improved brand. The Google Pixel Watch 4 won Best Smartwatch, and the Oura Ring 4 was the top smart ring. The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 was the best smart glasses, with the Oakley Meta Vanguard for athletes and the Xreal One Pro as Best XR Glasses. Marvel's Deadpool VR won Best Single-Player VR, and Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked was Best Multiplayer VR Game. The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 was the Best Chromebook, and the OnePlus Pad 3 was the best tablet. The Amazon Kindle Scribe was awarded Best E-Reader. Spotify was named Best Music Streaming Service, and Netflix was Best Video Streaming Service. The Gemini app won Best Android App, and Pokémon TCG Pocket was Best Android Game. Spigen was recognized as Best Phone Case Manufacturer, Anker was the top charging brand, Sony WH-1000XM6 won Best Wireless Headphones, and Apple AirPods Pro 3 were the best earbuds.

AppWizard

December 22, 2025

Android Auto Lets You Install a Web Browser, and It Isn’t Actually Dangerous

Android Auto lacks a built-in web browser, but users can utilize the open-source AA Browser to access web content and streaming services while parked. The AA Browser disables itself when the vehicle is in motion for safety. To install AA Browser, users must enable developer mode in Android Auto settings, download the AAAD app, and install AA Browser from the list of available apps. Once installed, AA Browser appears in the Android Auto interface, allowing users to browse the internet, access bookmarks, and navigate using a touchscreen. Most websites are compatible, but some may not function properly. Users can exit the browser to return to other applications.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

Apple TV’s Android app adds Google Cast support, right as Netflix removed it

Apple has integrated Google Cast support into the Apple TV app for Android with the latest update, version 2.2.0. Users can now stream content to compatible devices like Chromecast and Google TV by tapping the new Cast icon in the app. This move contrasts with Netflix's recent decision to remove Cast support from its app for certain devices. The Apple TV app allows users to access popular series and films and is expanding its offerings in sports streaming, including Major League Soccer, Friday Night Baseball, and Formula 1 races in the U.S.

Tech Optimizer

December 12, 2025

The digital impersonators: How cybercriminals hijack your brand to launch malvertising attacks

Brand trust is highly valued by consumers, leading cybercriminals to exploit it through malvertising, which embeds malicious code in legitimate ads. Malvertising can redirect users to phishing sites or download malware. Cybercriminals create fake ads that mimic trusted brands, targeting high-traffic moments and using real-time bidding to distribute these ads on reputable sites. The process involves setting up fake accounts, creating convincing ads, purchasing ad space, and delivering malware through exploit kits. The consequences include identity theft and financial loss for consumers, and reputational damage for brands. To protect against these threats, organizations should implement regular software updates, continuous employee training, protective tools, and consider partnering with managed service providers for enhanced security measures.

TrendTechie

December 8, 2025

Торренты и пиратство в разных странах

Amnezia's team has received user feedback about VPN limitations for downloading torrents, attributed to legal frameworks in server-hosting countries rather than technical issues. VPN services face abuse reports from hosting providers when torrents are downloaded, leading to traffic restrictions. Specialized B2B servers, like Amnezia's Swiss P2P server, are more expensive but located in countries with lenient torrent laws. In 2024, visits to pirate sites reached 216 billion globally, with the U.S. leading at 26.7 billion visits. All major jurisdictions prohibit the distribution of copyrighted content, but penalties for piracy vary by country. - **Switzerland**: Allows personal downloading from illegal sources for personal use; uploading is prohibited. - **Netherlands**: Personal copying from illegal sources banned since 2014. - **Germany**: Intentional copyright infringement can lead to fines or imprisonment; enforcement often results in civil actions. - **France**: Increased efforts to block pirate sites; penalties include fines and potential criminal charges. - **Canada**: Notice-and-Notice model with rare fines for piracy. - **India**: Both sharing and downloading torrents are illegal; courts can issue injunctions against unknown infringers. - **United Kingdom**: Strict anti-piracy measures with civil lawsuits and potential prison sentences. - **United States**: Stringent laws with civil lawsuits for piracy; criminal cases are rare. - **Singapore**: Criminal liability for serious copyright infringement. - **Japan**: Illegal downloading can lead to prison or fines; severe penalties for sharing. - **Thailand**: Distributing pirated content is illegal; penalties vary by violation type. - **Vietnam**: Laws against piracy exist, but enforcement is rare. - **Turkey**: Prohibits downloading and sharing pirated content; enforcement focuses on commercial piracy. - **Portugal**: Prohibits downloading from copyright-violating sources; piracy levels remain high. - **Russia**: Civil lawsuits for damages are pursued, but individual users are rarely targeted. Overall, while anti-piracy laws are strict, enforcement is often lax, leading to a low likelihood of legal repercussions for torrent downloading in many regions, except in Germany and Japan.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

Take my money: These are the 7 apps I gladly pay for every month

The subscription model for digital services is becoming more common, eliciting mixed feelings among users. Many are willing to invest in apps that enhance their daily lives. A recent poll showed varied monthly spending on app subscriptions, with most users balancing free and premium options. Balance is a popular meditation app with a yearly subscription cost of around , appreciated for its guided sessions. Todoist, a task management app, faces scrutiny due to recent price hikes, leading users to reconsider its value. YNAB (You Need A Budget) costs monthly or annually and is valued for its financial planning capabilities. Gemini, a versatile tool for content creation, has a monthly subscription price of , which users find justified by its features. Spotify, a leading music streaming service, costs .99 per month and is favored for its extensive library. Netflix is a preferred video streaming service, though users often switch between platforms like HBO and Prime Video based on content preferences. Niagara Launcher, a minimalist smartphone customization app, costs annually and is valued for its clean interface and accessibility features.

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

Netflix is killing Chromecast support, with casting removed on many devices

Netflix has begun removing casting support on newer Google TV and Chromecast devices, requiring users to use the app instead. Many users have reported the disappearance of the Cast button in the Netflix app, which the company has officially confirmed. Netflix states that most TVs and streaming devices no longer support casting, except for older Chromecast models without remotes. This change affects all Netflix subscription tiers, including ad-supported and Premium plans, with the only exceptions being older Chromecast devices and select TVs.