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Winsage

November 8, 2024

Windows Central’s highest-rated laptops are already on sale ahead of Black Friday — save up to $640 with my shopping advice

As the holiday shopping season approaches, discounts on Windows laptops are becoming available, including high-end Copilot+ PCs and budget-friendly options. A curated list of the best deals for 2024 is being compiled, which will be updated as Black Friday nears. Windows laptops are categorized into three primary types: 1. Notebook: A classic clamshell design, often used for gaming. 2. Convertible: Heavier, pricier laptops with 360-degree hinges and touch displays, suitable for media and creative tasks. 3. 2-in-1: Devices with a detachable keyboard, allowing tablet-like use. AI PCs, equipped with processors that include a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), are gaining attention in 2024. Examples include Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen AI 300. Microsoft's Copilot+ PC program enhances the AI experience for laptops with NPUs. However, for most users, having an NPU may not be essential, and focusing on overall performance is recommended. The evaluation process for Windows laptops includes testing hinge strength, chassis durability, port speed, camera quality, speaker performance, fan noise, display quality, and battery life. All laptops in the Black Friday collection have ratings of four stars or higher. Black Friday 2024 is scheduled for November 29, 2024, with many retailers already offering deals. Cyber Monday will follow on December 2, 2024, focusing on online shopping, with some tech deals continuing from Black Friday.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Timed Silence: An Open Source Android App to Automatically Silence Your Phone

Timed Silence is a Kotlin-based application for Android, created by Felix Nüsse, that manages smartphone volume settings, allowing users to mute, vibrate, or ring with sound. The app requires initial setup permissions and features an intuitive interface with a pause/play button. Users can create custom schedules, including pre-defined ones for "Night" and "Day." The app effectively activates Do Not Disturb (DND) at scheduled times, muting notifications while allowing calls and messages from specified contacts. Additional features include Calendar integration, Keywords for managing volume levels, Bluetooth compatibility, and a Sanity Check for priority contacts. The app is available on F-Droid, with source code and APKs on GitHub.

BetaBeacon

November 7, 2024

Rust, the hit PC survival game, is coming to mobile

Rust, a popular open-world survival game, is coming to mobile. It is known for its realistic gameplay and intense clan warfare. The mobile version is expected to be released no earlier than late 2025.

BetaBeacon

November 7, 2024

Play, Manage, Collect and Compete Anywhere with NBA® 2K25: MyTEAM on iOS and Android

Pre-registration for NBA 2K25: MyTEAM mobile game has started on November 7, 2024. The game will be launched on November 29, 2024, and players can build their dream roster, engage in favorite modes, and sync progress across platforms. New features include the Auction House, Showdown & Breakout modes, roster management, and refreshed gameplay. The game is developed by Visual Concepts and requires compatible Apple or Android devices.

Tech Optimizer

November 7, 2024

TotalAV vs PCProtect: Which Is the Best Antivirus?

TotalAV offers superior protection and user experience compared to PCProtect, with affordability enhancing its appeal. TotalAV blocked all prepared malware samples and nine out of ten wild samples in tests, while PCProtect missed two prepared and three wild samples, achieving a 75% effectiveness score. TotalAV features an intuitive interface, effective password manager, and superior VPN, while PCProtect's interface could benefit from redesign. TotalAV provides three pricing options, with the basic version covering four devices, making it more cost-effective than PCProtect, which is available for three devices. Both antivirus programs support Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. TotalAV has received high ratings from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, while PCProtect has not been evaluated by leading cybersecurity firms.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

This free tool ‘purifies’ Windows 11 and skips Microsoft account logins

A new PowerShell script called UnattendedWinstall allows Windows 11 users to bypass the mandatory Microsoft account login during setup. The script can be downloaded from the UnattendedWinstall GitHub releases page, with version 2.0.0 being the latest. It utilizes Windows' "response files" to automate tasks and modify system settings, effectively removing the login prompt. UnattendedWinstall offers several additional functionalities: - Bypasses Windows 11's system requirements. - Disables Windows Security services by default. - Turns off User Account Controls by default. - Permits execution of PowerShell scripts by default. - Removes most pre-installed bloatware applications. - Disables features like Copilot and Windows Recall. - Limits Windows Update to security updates for a year. - Optimizes the Windows registry for better performance. - Disables unnecessary scheduled tasks. - Enables the “Ultimate Performance” power plan. Users are advised to exercise caution when using the script and to test it in a virtual machine first. Reactivating Windows Security is recommended after execution. Microsoft may not endorse such tools, and their availability could be at risk if issues arise. However, the tool allows users to continue receiving security updates.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

PC Gamer magazine’s new issue is on sale now: Path of Exile 2

PC Gamer provides an exclusive look at Path of Exile 2, an upcoming action RPG from Grinding Gear Games, after visiting their headquarters in Auckland, New Zealand. The magazine includes hands-on gameplay impressions and developer interviews, highlighting features set to debut in Early Access later this year. Additionally, the issue features a discussion with Gunfire Games about Remnant 2, marking its one-year anniversary, and includes previews of various games such as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Reviews of new releases like Frostpunk 2 and Final Fantasy XVI are also included, along with a group test of gaming mini PCs and features on gaming mods and guides. Issue 403 is available in stores and on digital platforms.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2024

Here are some fun multiplayer games for Android

Star Wars: Hunters is a free-to-play arena combat game set after the fall of the Galactic Empire, with new characters and locations inspired by classic Star Wars settings. It takes place between Star Wars: Episode VI and Episode VII on the planet Vespaara, where players must be strategic in choosing and customizing their Hunter. The game is available on Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch.

AppWizard

November 5, 2024

I’ve seen the future of gaming — AI model creates playable Minecraft from a picture

Oasis is an AI model that generates Minecraft-like gameplay using only images, developed by Decart and Etched. It is described as the world's first real-time AI world model, dynamically constructing gameplay based on user input and visual data, processing commands and generating frames at approximately 20 frames per second. The AI architecture combines Vision Transformer technology with a diffusion model, allowing for frame generation in about 0.04 seconds on a single NVIDIA H100 GPU. However, the gameplay experience is low-resolution and glitchy, with issues related to object permanence and unexpected environmental shifts. The technology could transform the gaming industry by enabling rapid game development and real-time adaptation to player preferences, while also raising concerns about copyright and creative ownership. As the technology evolves, improvements in resolution, frame rates, and game complexity are anticipated.

AppWizard

November 5, 2024

5 Reasons To Check Out The First Ever Interactive Minecraft Experience In Dallas

A new immersive experience called Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue has opened in Plano at 2712 N. Central Expressway. This attraction allows visitors to explore life-sized versions of Minecraft's biomes, equipped with an Orb of Interaction to gather resources and engage in battles. Participants can solve puzzles and complete quests, encountering familiar creatures like creepers and skeletons. The experience is designed for all ages, making it enjoyable for both longtime fans and newcomers. Tickets start at .64.