strong Archives

Winsage

August 6, 2025

These $80 Windows XP Crocs just made me desperate for Android footwear

Microsoft has collaborated with Crocs to create limited-edition footwear celebrating the 50th anniversary of the company and the nostalgia of Windows XP. The shoes feature a sky blue design with grassy green soles, reminiscent of the Bliss wallpaper. Each pair includes a six-pack of Microsoft-themed charms, such as the MSN logo, Internet Explorer emblem, Clippy, and the classic mouse pointer. Microsoft employees have exclusive pre-order access, and each purchase comes with a matching Bliss drawstring backpack. The price of the Crocs is not specified. There is also a growing desire in the tech community for similar custom footwear, particularly Android-themed Crocs.

Tech Optimizer

August 6, 2025

Avast Named Best Antivirus by Software Experts for Multi-Platform Protection.

Avast has been recognized as the Best Antivirus by Software Experts for its strong threat detection, broad platform support, and comprehensive privacy features. It offers real-time antivirus, privacy, and performance solutions for consumers and businesses across multiple devices. Avast Premium Security includes malware detection, phishing protection, ransomware shields, and web threat prevention, with subscription options for single or multiple devices. The newly introduced Scam Guardian Pro features AI-driven components: Avast Assistant for real-time guidance, Web Guard for scanning website content, and Email Guard for flagging dangerous emails. Avast Ultimate combines Premium Security with SecureLine VPN, AntiTrack, and Cleanup Premium for enhanced protection and performance. In 2024, Avast received the Best MacOS Security Award from AV-Test and achieved a perfect score in protection, performance, and usability. In 2023, it was recognized as a Top-Rated Product by AV-Comparatives and received an A+ grade from Virus Bulletin for its high malware detection rate. Avast serves over 435 million users globally and is certified by multiple independent laboratories.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Microsoft yanks the plug on Windows 11 SE, giving school and college IT techs a little over a year to find a suitable replacement

Microsoft introduced Windows 11 SE four years ago as a specialized operating system for web-first devices in education, but it has not gained popularity among students and IT professionals. The end-of-life date for Windows 11 SE is set for October 2026, after which all updates, security patches, and technical support will cease. Microsoft has not announced plans for a successor and advises users to transition to devices that support other editions of Windows 11. Windows 11 SE faced challenges with application accessibility due to strict limitations on non-educational software, which complicated its use in educational environments. In contrast, Google’s ChromeOS is preferred in the education sector for being more user-friendly and adaptable. The removal of support for Windows 11 SE raises security concerns, as devices will become vulnerable without updates. Microsoft’s quick phase-out of Windows 11 SE indicates a retreat from the lightweight OS market, where Google has a strong presence, and past attempts by Microsoft, such as Windows 10 S and Windows RT, have failed to gain traction.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Windows Central Podcast: 10 years of Windows 10, and Copilot Mode!

This week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast celebrates the 10th anniversary of Windows 10, discussing its evolution over the past decade. The hosts, Dan and Zac, also address Microsoft's strong financial performance alongside recent layoffs. They explore new Copilot features in Microsoft Edge and Copilot Vision on smartphones, as well as the current state of the Surface line, including limited-edition laptops. The anticipated integration of GPT-5 into Copilot is discussed, along with the latest Windows 10 security updates, Adobe's new ARM-native beta applications, and a deal on the Asus ZenBook A14. The podcast also touches on the future impact of artificial intelligence on daily life and the tech industry.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

Why Android E-Readers Are Superior to the Kindle Colorsoft (Especially If You Read Comics)

The Boox Go Color 7 is an Android e-reader with full access to the Google Play Store. The Kindle Colorsoft features an impressive color e-ink screen but is limited by Amazon's proprietary operating system, restricting access to content only from the Amazon store and lacking native support for EPUB files. It does not have dedicated comics apps, which is a significant drawback for users interested in comics. In contrast, Android e-readers offer access to various comics apps, improved web browsing capabilities, and the potential for gaming and other creative uses. Alternatives to the Kindle Colorsoft include the Boox Note Air 4C, which has a 10.3-inch display and comes with a stylus, and the Bigme B751C, a budget-friendly option with a seven-inch display.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

US court mandates Android app competition, loosens billing rules

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Google's dominance in Android app distribution is illegal, reinforcing a previous jury verdict in favor of Epic Games. Google is now subject to a three-year injunction from 2024 to 2027, requiring the inclusion of rival app stores and alternative billing systems in the Google Play Store. A technical compliance committee, appointed by Epic and Google, will oversee the implementation, ensuring competitors access Google’s app catalog while minimizing security risks. Developers will no longer be required to use Google’s billing system for in-app purchases. Market analysts predict that this could lead to a decline in Google’s app revenue by .5 billion annually. Google plans to appeal the decision and seek delays to prevent rapid changes. Advocates for the ruling, including Microsoft and regulators, view it as a significant step toward a more competitive mobile market.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

Over a million people have claimed free NSFW games from GOG’s FreedomToBuy initiative

Today is the last day for gamers to claim 13 free titles from GOG as part of the FreedomToBuy.games initiative, which opposes censorship in the gaming industry. The games are categorized as NSFW, which have faced scrutiny from payment processors on platforms like Steam and Itch.io. GOG reported that within 24 hours of the initiative's launch, one million individuals claimed the games, indicating strong support. The bundle is available until midnight EST tonight, and GOG may offer more bundles in the future. Developers can contribute by donating their games to the initiative. The FreedomToBuy initiative highlights concerns about gaming censorship, particularly regarding adult-only games, and warns that if the trend continues, other games could also be delisted.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

Google Home App Gains Material 3 Media Controller Redesign on Android

Google has rolled out a redesigned media controller in the Google Home app for Android, featuring a Material 3 aesthetic with rounded edges and dynamic color theming. The new interface replaces the previous card-style layout with a streamlined floating panel that activates during media playback on connected devices. Users now see a pill-shaped controller at the bottom of the screen, displaying album artwork, playback controls, and a progress bar, which can be expanded for additional features. The redesign enhances accessibility with larger touch targets and improved contrast ratios. This update is part of a broader initiative to create smarter home experiences, including potential voice-activated media adjustments with upcoming Gemini AI enhancements. The redesign aims to improve user interaction and simplify multi-room audio management, while also positioning Google competitively against Amazon's Alexa and Apple’s HomeKit.

BetaBeacon

August 2, 2025

The Best Roguelikes on Android and iOS: great rogues and roguelites on mobile and tablet

The text provides a guide to Android and iOS roguelikes and roguelites, highlighting various games that are worth playing on mobile devices.

AppWizard

August 2, 2025

Cinemark 2nd Quarter Revenue Surges 28% to $941 Million Off of ‘Minecraft’ and ‘Lilo & Stitch’

In the second quarter of 2025, Cinemark reported a 28% year-over-year revenue increase, totaling million, driven by strong audience turnout for films like “A Minecraft Movie,” “Sinners,” and “Lilo & Stitch.” The revenue growth followed a challenging second quarter in 2024, which was impacted by strikes and poor box office performances of films such as “Deadpool & Wolverine,” “The Fall Guy,” and “Furiosa.” “A Minecraft Movie” grossed million domestically, contributing to matching the .6 billion total from the same period in 2023. Cinemark sold 58 million tickets during the quarter, a 16% increase from the previous year, resulting in admissions revenue of .4 million. Concessions sales generated million, with an average spend of .34 per patron. Despite the positive performance, Cinemark's stock declined 7.7% over the past five trading days, closing at .87 per share. The company also expanded its partnership with CJ 4DPlex to add 20 more ScreenX auditoriums.