subscription fee Archives

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

Google drops 30 percent app store fee. What that means for you.

Google is reducing its service fees in the Android App Store from 30 percent to 20 percent, and in some cases, down to 15 percent, following a settlement with Epic Games. The subscription fee has been lowered to 10 percent. Developers now have the option to use their own billing systems or direct users to their websites for purchases.

Tech Optimizer

February 26, 2026

Avast Antivirus Just Got Smarter: Is It Finally Worth Your Money?

Avast Antivirus has introduced advanced AI tools, enhanced browser protection, and new privacy features in the U.S. market. It offers real-time malware protection, phishing shields, and Wi-Fi scanning. Avast's product lineup includes a free version, a premium security plan, and Avast One, catering to different user needs. Independent lab tests show Avast ranks highly in malware blocking, competing with brands like Bitdefender and Kaspersky. However, users should be cautious of upselling practices and data collection concerns. The free version provides strong protection, while paid plans offer additional features like VPN and advanced ransomware protection. Avast is accessible on various platforms, and pricing fluctuates due to promotions. Users are advised to assess their needs and be mindful of renewal rates before subscribing.

AppWizard

December 17, 2025

Cellik Android malware builds malicious versions from Google Play apps

A new Android malware-as-a-service (MaaS) called Cellik has appeared on underground cybercrime forums, offering capabilities for a subscription fee of 0 per month or a one-time payment of ,000 for lifetime access. This malware can be embedded into any app on the Google Play Store, creating trojanized versions of popular applications while maintaining the original app's interface. Cellik includes features such as real-time screen capture, interception of app notifications, filesystem access, data wiping, and secure communication with a command-and-control server. It also has a hidden browser mode that allows attackers to use the victim's stored cookies and an app injection system for overlaying fake login screens. The malware can inject payloads into installed apps, complicating detection. Cellik is designed to bypass Google Play security features, raising concerns about the effectiveness of automated reviews and device-level scanners.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

Save Up to $30 Off Humble Choice for Cyber Monday

Humble is offering a limited-time discount on Humble Choice memberships in celebration of Cyber Monday, ending today. The monthly plan can be purchased for .50 with the promo code CYBER25, while the annual plan is available for .99 using the code HOLIDAY25IGN. November's game offerings include titles such as Total War Warhammer III, Another Crab's Treasure, Pharaoh: A New Era, Etrian Odyssey HD, No More Heroes 3, Synergy, Spin Hero, and Paleo Pines. Members also receive up to 20% off purchases from the Humble Store and contribute 5% of their subscription fee to charity.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

You can still get free Windows 10 security patches – here’s how until October 2026

This month's Windows updates will roll out automatically on Patch Tuesday, November 11. Official support for Windows 10 has concluded, meaning PCs running this operating system with default settings will no longer receive essential monthly security updates from Microsoft. Microsoft has introduced options for users to continue receiving critical security updates until October 2026. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 consumer PCs are available for free enrollment, particularly for those who do not qualify for a free Windows 11 upgrade. ESU coverage begins immediately and extends through October 13, 2026, for personal devices. Users must sign in with a Microsoft account to activate the subscription, which can be applied to up to ten PCs. The ESU subscription is available for personal Windows 10 PCs running version 22H2, excluding Enterprise and Education editions. Users in Europe qualify for free ESU subscriptions without needing a Microsoft account. Enrollment can be initiated through the Settings menu under Windows Update. Enterprise customers are not eligible for free ESU options and must pay a fee starting at per device per year. If the ESU offer does not appear, users should ensure all requirements are met, including the installation of the latest updates for Windows 10, version 22H2. Users should be cautious of the default 5GB storage limit on OneDrive when syncing settings to the cloud.

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

The Steam Machine feels like the TV gaming PC I’ve always wanted

A conversation at The Verge focused on finding a compact, portable gaming PC that could transition between the living room and home office, similar to the Steam Deck. Two days later, they discovered the Steam Machine, a 6-inch cube hybrid gaming PC and console with an AMD GPU six times more powerful than the Steam Deck. It operates on SteamOS, features a customizable LED bar for monitoring downloads, supports Valve's Steam Controller, and accommodates up to four controllers. As a Linux-based PC, it allows for dual-booting with Windows to access games not available on Linux. The Steam Machine integrates with an existing library of Steam games and includes a microSD card slot for easy game transfers. Valve plans to launch the Steam Machine next year, with pricing details yet to be announced.

AppWizard

October 14, 2025

Xbox PC Game Pass has significantly lost what little value it had to gamers

Recent changes to Xbox Game Pass have led to dissatisfaction among subscribers, particularly due to a price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from .99 to .99, and for PC Game Pass from .99 to .49. While Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has added enhancements like more day-one releases and Ubisoft and EA classics, PC Game Pass has seen little change in its core offerings despite the price hike. Many users feel the value of PC Game Pass has diminished, especially as it lacks new Ubisoft titles as day-one releases. PC Game Pass has often been viewed as a secondary feature within the Xbox ecosystem, with a focus on console players, leaving PC gamers feeling undervalued. Alternatives like Steam and the Epic Games Store offer better options for PC players, making it difficult for PC Game Pass to retain long-term subscribers. Overall, the relevance of PC Game Pass is declining, and it is perceived as an ancillary component rather than a vital part of the gaming experience.

AppWizard

October 7, 2025

Grab eight amazing Steam Deck games for just $15, and save $249

This month's Humble Choice offers a selection of games for Steam Deck users, with all but one title running smoothly on the device. For a subscription fee of .99 / £11.49, users can save .93 / £220.74 compared to the total MSRP of the games. The lineup includes: - Atomic Heart - Steam Deck Verified - V Rising - Steam Deck Verified - Shogun Showdown - Steam Deck Verified - Caravan SandWitch - Steam Deck Verified - Cryptmaster - Steam Deck Playable - System Shock (2023) - Steam Deck Playable - Hotel Renovator - Steam Deck Playable - Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town - Steam Deck Unsupported (but works great) System Shock is a remake of the 1994 classic, featuring a first-person sci-fi horror adventure. V Rising is a gothic survival crafting game where players act as vampires. Cryptmaster is a whimsical dungeon crawler with unique gameplay mechanics. Story of Seasons runs on the Steam Deck with some workarounds despite being marked as unsupported.

Winsage

October 5, 2025

Google offers lifeline to Windows 10 users who want to avoid paying Microsoft subscription this month

Windows 10 support will officially end in October 2025, with no further updates or security patches provided after that date. Microsoft estimates that up to three-quarters of the 1.4 billion Windows PCs worldwide still use Windows 10. Users can opt for Extended Security Updates (ESU) until October 2028 for an annual fee, which has previously ranged from £10 to £159. Google’s ChromeOS Flex is a free alternative that allows users to run a modern operating system on existing hardware, potentially prolonging device lifespan and reducing electronic waste. ChromeOS Flex provides essential security updates but lacks some features of dedicated Chromebooks.

Winsage

October 5, 2025

Windows 11’s MS Edge tests send tabs to Copilot, AI feature that needs 7 days of browsing history

Microsoft Edge is introducing significant enhancements to its Copilot mode, which features a reimagined New Tab Page (NTP) with a Copilot compose box that allows users to switch between traditional address bar functionality, Bing searches, and AI-generated responses. Users can toggle between AI models like GPT-5 and o3, and a new plus icon on the NTP enables users to “Add tabs,” allowing Copilot to identify open tabs and provide context for inquiries. This integration leads users to copilot.microsoft.com, where they can engage in conversations that include their open tabs, enhancing interactivity through a feature called “tab tagging.” Additionally, Microsoft Edge is set to introduce a feature called “Journeys” in 2025, which will summarize users' browsing history in a structured format as cards on the NTP. Clicking on a Journeys card will redirect users to a page summarizing their browsing activity. This feature will require personal Microsoft accounts and access to the last seven days of browsing history, although it raises privacy concerns. Microsoft assures users that browsing history will not be shared with third parties or used for AI training or advertising, but sensitive browsing history cannot currently be filtered out.