technology Archives

Winsage

June 27, 2026

I refuse to upgrade to Windows 11, here’s what I’m doing instead

An old PC's motherboard has recently marked a decade of service, and while it performs well for web browsing and media streaming, the end of support for Windows 10 is approaching in October. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to a new Copilot+ PC. The user contemplates several options: continuing to use the PC after the end-of-life date, switching to a Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) version of Windows, or attempting to install Windows 11. The user expresses dissatisfaction with Windows 11, feeling it lacks essential features and customization options. They also find staying with Windows 10 impractical due to the eventual phasing out of support. The user identifies Linux Mint as a compelling alternative, having found it compatible and customizable, and expresses hope that other Windows 10 users will consider transitioning to Linux Mint as well.

AppWizard

June 27, 2026

Ticketmaster’s ‘customizable pass’ collab with Google Wallet sounds great for gameday

Ticketmaster has partnered with Google Wallet to introduce "customizable passes" for Android users, allowing event clients to personalize digital passes with designs and up to 12 links for venue details. These passes can provide information on parking, food, drinks, merchandise, and VIP access. The collaboration also includes an update to Google Wallet that uses "context-aware" technology to display relevant passes automatically as users approach specific locations, enhancing user convenience.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

RAM crisis provokes enthusiast to try Windows 11 on DDR1-era hardware — other key vintage components included the Core 2 Q6600 and ATI Radeon HD 4650 AGP

Omores has successfully demonstrated running Windows 11 on a Core 2 Quad Q6600 with a DDR1 motherboard and an ATI Radeon HD 4650 AGP graphics card. The system is stable and capable of running modern browsers, games, and 3D benchmarks, including the demanding game Crysis. Compatibility was achieved by integrating ATI’s Windows 7 64-bit drivers from 2012. Windows 11 operates on older systems without UEFI and only ACPI 1.1, and it officially supports BIOS systems through Windows 11 IoT.

AppWizard

June 27, 2026

These Israeli apps can make your phone smarter: calls, language learning and more

- Arabic Through Humor is a language learning app that uses humor to help users retain vocabulary and grammar while learning Arabic. - Hidden Touch Button allows users to access various functions of their device from the selfie-camera area through a discreet touch. - An accessibility service app provides real-time transcription and sign language interpretation for deaf and hard-of-hearing users to enhance communication. - An open-source document scanner app enables users to digitize, edit, and organize documents on Android devices, promoting productivity and sustainability.

AppWizard

June 26, 2026

Gemini gains the power to help find and install Google Play apps right in chat

The Google Play connected app for Gemini is being rolled out to enhance app discovery and interaction. This integration allows users to receive tailored app recommendations based on their needs, facilitating easier navigation of the Google Play Store. Users can request specific types of apps and inquire about in-app purchases through Gemini. To use this feature, users must be 18 years or older, have the Google Play Store app installed, be signed into Gemini with a personal Google Account, and enable the “Keep Activity” option in Gemini settings. Connecting Google Play to Gemini involves logging into the same account used for the Play Store and following on-screen prompts if the connection is not already established.

Winsage

June 26, 2026

These are the most popular Prime Day deals according to Windows Central readers — Laptops, mini PCs, storage, monitors, and more are still on sale

- Seagate 2TB Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S: .99 (was 9.99) - Buy at Newegg - Geekom A7 Max mini PC: .15 (was ) - Buy at Best Buy - Microsoft Surface Pro 11: ,199.99 (was ,499.99) - Buy at Walmart - Beelink SER9 Pro: (was ) - Buy at Amazon - Samsung Odyssey G55C: .99 (was .99) - Buy at Amazon - Samsung 990 PRO 2TB: .99 (was .99) - Buy at Amazon - SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: .99 (was .99) - Buy at Amazon - SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: .99 (was .99) - Buy at Amazon - Geekom A8: .65 (was ) - Buy at Amazon

Winsage

June 26, 2026

Microsoft Office lifetime license deal for Windows and Mac

Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows is available for a one-time payment of .97, reduced from 9.99. Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021 is priced at .97, down from 9. This promotion runs through June 28 during StackSocial's Deal Days. The Windows version includes eight applications, while the Mac version includes five applications. Both licenses allow offline access without monthly subscription fees.

Winsage

June 26, 2026

Windows 11’s huge July 14 update is loaded with new features — these are the 13 that matter most

Microsoft will launch the Windows 11 July 2026 Security Update on July 14, 2026, introducing new features and bug fixes. Key features include the Point-in-time Restore recovery feature, which allows users to revert to a stable system state using restore points, and enhancements to Bluetooth, network virtualization, and touchpad functionality. The update will be available for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, managed through Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) technology. The update enhances the "Pause updates" functionality with a calendar view for pausing updates for up to 35 days. The Magnifier tool will allow users to input exact zoom percentages, and printer installations will default to the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). Location settings will be simplified, and File Explorer will see performance improvements, including new options on the Home page. Bluetooth enhancements will improve reliability and audio performance, while Phone Link will refine call handling between Windows 11 and smartphones. Voice Typing and Voice Access will be improved for real-time text refinement and support multiple languages. Networking improvements will focus on reliability and performance, particularly in virtualized environments, and touchpad customization options will allow adjustments to the right-click area.

AppWizard

June 26, 2026

New York Has a Gamer Mayor Now — and a $2.6 Billion Game Industry to Match

In June, New York City celebrated the NYC Battle of the Boroughs Champions at a press conference on June 10, recognizing the winners of the 2026 Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs. Among the winners was Team Hyper Pigmentation, an all-girl squad that won back-to-back titles. The city's digital games sector supports approximately 7,600 jobs, contributing billion in wages and generating a total economic output of billion. The NYC Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment (MOME) has established the Game Development Industry Council, launched the NYC Summer of Games campaign, and funded grants for developers. New York City's digital gaming ecosystem has an annual economic impact of .6 billion, with around 380 digital gaming firms, 65 percent of which are small or indie studios. The share of open roles in the gaming industry increased from 15.1 percent to 29.2 percent between Q3 2024 and Q1 2026. The Summer of Games features events from May through September, including the NYC Video Game Festival and the Tribeca Games Gallery. Mayor Zohran Mamdani is recognized as the first "Gamer Mayor," engaging with gaming culture and platforms like Twitch. Jones-Harvey emphasizes the importance of addressing affordability issues to retain talent in the gaming industry. She advocates for recognizing video games as a vital part of New York City's cultural landscape, alongside music, film, and theater.

Tech Optimizer

June 26, 2026

Bitdefender vs Norton vs McAfee 2026: 2 Win Gold, 1 Bronze

In 2026, Bitdefender, Norton 360, and McAfee each achieved a perfect score of 18 out of 18 in AV-TEST’s April evaluation. Bitdefender excels in protection technology and has the lightest footprint among paid tiers. Norton 360 offers an unlimited VPN, substantial cloud backup, and LifeLock identity theft protection, achieving the best real-world protection score in 2025. McAfee is strong in identity protection and unlimited-device pricing but falls short in core malware engine performance. Bitdefender is noted for its advanced threat detection and has a low entry price of .99 for its Antivirus Plus. Norton 360 includes an unlimited VPN and up to 250 GB cloud backup, while McAfee+ Ultimate provides identity theft coverage and three-bureau credit monitoring. All three products received perfect scores in AV-TEST’s April evaluation, but independent lab results from AV-Comparatives showed Norton and Bitdefender as Top-Rated Products, while McAfee did not achieve this status. The specifications comparison reveals that Bitdefender supports up to 25 devices, Norton 360 offers unlimited devices, and McAfee also supports unlimited devices. Bitdefender employs Advanced Threat Defense, Norton uses SONAR and Intrusion Prevention, and McAfee utilizes Real Protect. Norton and McAfee received AV-Comparatives Performance awards in 2025 for their light system impact, while Bitdefender did not receive such recognition. Pricing strategies include significant renewal increases after steep first-year discounts. Customer support varies, with Norton and McAfee providing extensive 24/7 support, while Bitdefender offers limited phone support. The ownership structures differ, with Norton under Gen Digital, McAfee as a private entity, and Bitdefender remaining independent. Real-world scenarios suggest Bitdefender is best for single users, Norton 360 or McAfee+ for families, McAfee+ Ultimate or Norton for identity theft concerns, and Norton 360 for privacy-focused users.