third-party applications Archives

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

5 useless Android apps you probably still download (and why you should stop)

Android has evolved to include many built-in features that previously required third-party apps. - Document scanning and optical character recognition (OCR) are now available through the stock camera app in Android 14 and later. - QR code scanning is natively supported from Android 13, accessible via the stock camera app or Quick Settings toggle. - A built-in clipboard history feature is available in Google’s Gboard and Samsung Keyboard, eliminating the need for third-party clipboard managers. - Android devices come with a built-in blue light filter, customizable through the Settings app. - Built-in caller ID and spam protection features allow users to identify callers before answering. - Certain tasks, such as looking up word definitions, converting currencies, and performing unit conversions, still require third-party apps. - The ability to lock apps is expected to be introduced in the upcoming Android 17 QPR2 update.

Winsage

August 25, 2026

Microsoft’s leaked new OS is one you’ll hope stays buried, and it’s not Windows

Leaked documents reveal that Microsoft developed Project Aion, a Copilot-centric operating system distinct from Windows 11, which was never released. Aion was designed without a Start menu, desktop icons, or a traditional taskbar, placing Copilot at the center of user interaction. The project was conceived as early as 2024 and aimed to redefine user engagement with technology, focusing on education, entertainment, and task completion. It utilized a streamlined Windows codebase called Win3, which was lighter than Windows 11 but lacked support for legacy Win32 apps. Aion featured a personalized dashboard with task cards and app icons for both Microsoft and third-party applications. It was intended to run on various AI-focused devices and aimed to create a versatile operating system adaptable to different hardware configurations. Key features included a conversational user experience, an "Ask me anything" box for queries, and "Spaces" for project organization. Despite its innovative design, Aion was primarily aimed at enterprise use and faced limitations due to the absence of traditional desktop applications. The likelihood of Aion's release is slim as Microsoft has shifted its focus to refining Windows 11 and has begun retracting ambitious AI integrations, prioritizing stability and performance enhancements over new operating systems.

AppWizard

August 24, 2026

Google Gemini is becoming easier to access across Android

A recent update to the Google app has introduced the Ask Gemini button within Android's text selection menu, simplifying the process of querying the Gemini AI. This feature allows users to engage with Gemini by long-pressing the power button on most Android devices, and upon tapping the Ask Gemini option, selected text is automatically pasted into the Gemini app for immediate use. The feature is available in versions 17.51.19 and 17.51.18 of the Google app and can be found in the context menus of various browsers, including Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, as well as third-party applications like WhatsApp and Slack. The Ask Gemini option enhances user interaction with the AI across different platforms and has been rolled out through a server-side update.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

A cracked version of Marvel Tōkon is reigniting questions around DRM and its impact on PC games

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls has faced significant criticism since its PC release due to performance issues, including stuttering frame rates and network problems. A patch was issued, but many players still experienced difficulties. The console version has not encountered these issues, leading to speculation that the DRM in the Steam version may be causing high CPU usage. A cracked, DRM-free version has emerged, reportedly offering better performance, with players noting it is less taxing on CPUs and runs smoothly even on lower-end hardware. Social media has highlighted a nearly 40 FPS difference between the two versions. Concurrent player counts on Steam have dropped from a peak of 24,498 to 5,249 shortly after launch, as some players turn to the cracked version, which does not support online matchmaking. This situation raises concerns about the impact of DRM on gaming performance and could affect PC sales and the overall player base. The Marvel Tōkon social media account has indicated that further fixes for the PC version are forthcoming, but inquiries to Sony remain unanswered.

Winsage

August 21, 2026

Will Windows 11 remove the Windows 10-era right-click menu? Microsoft reveals what’s next

Windows 11's right-click context menu has received mixed reviews since its launch, with users finding it cluttered and slower than the Windows 10 version. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and is working on updates to improve the menu's performance and customization options. The legacy context menu from Windows 10 remains accessible through the “Show more options” feature, although it will not appear by default. Microsoft is providing guidance to developers to help transition their applications to the new context menu format while ensuring that users who prefer the classic menu can still access it.

Winsage

August 19, 2026

Microsoft admits Windows 11’s context menus are “cluttered and sluggish”: Announces major upgrades to the right-click menu that increases performance and customizability

Microsoft has announced a major redesign of the context menus in File Explorer and on the desktop for Windows 11, aimed at improving the right-click experience by making it faster, less cluttered, and more customizable. Preview builds with the new context menu are being rolled out for Windows Insiders for testing and feedback. The updated menu addresses previous issues of clutter and sluggishness, allowing for a simpler and quicker user experience. Users can customize their context menus by enabling or disabling specific actions and hiding third-party app extensions. Additionally, users have the option to revert to the Windows 10 context menu layout within Windows 11. The new layout presents fewer actions and allows main commands to be listed inline, with Properties moved to the bottom. A broader rollout of these features is expected later this fall.

Tech Optimizer

August 16, 2026

Best Free Antivirus Software 2026

Over the past decade, free antivirus software has significantly improved, now competing with paid security suites in malware protection. Independent testing from 2026 shows that Avast and AVG have achieved top scores in protection, performance, and usability. Microsoft Defender is a reliable option for Windows users who prefer not to install additional software. The leading free antivirus options in 2026 include Avast Free Antivirus, AVG AntiVirus Free, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Bitdefender Antivirus Free, Avira Free Security, and Malwarebytes Free. Avast Free Antivirus received perfect scores of 6/6 in protection, performance, and usability from AV-TEST in May and June 2026, totaling 18 out of 18. AVG AntiVirus Free matched these scores and also received an Advanced+ rating from AV-Comparatives. Microsoft Defender scored 6/6 in protection, 5.5/6 in performance, and 6/6 in usability, totaling 17.5 out of 18. Bitdefender Antivirus Free is recognized for its lightweight protection, while Avira Free Security offers additional utilities. Malwarebytes Free is noted for its effectiveness in malware removal. Antivirus software is essential in the current cybersecurity landscape, which includes threats like ransomware and phishing attacks. In 2025, the FTC reported approximately .8 billion in fraud losses, a 25% increase from the previous year. While antivirus software cannot eliminate all forms of online fraud, it plays a crucial role in preventing attacks from escalating to data theft or system compromise. Users should be cautious of counterfeit antivirus software and are advised to download programs from official vendor websites. Free antivirus solutions generally focus on malware detection, while paid options offer additional services. For Windows 11 users, Avast Free Antivirus, AVG AntiVirus Free, and Microsoft Defender are recommended options based on 2026 evaluations.

AppWizard

August 16, 2026

You Can Use Your Old Android Phone As A Universal Remote – Here’s How

Repurposing an old Android phone can enhance home entertainment by connecting it to a smart TV through various methods. Both devices should be on the same Wi-Fi network to use mobile apps like Roku or Amazon's Fire TV remote app. If no official app is available, generic options like Universal TV Remote can be found on Google Play, although they may include ads. Bluetooth connectivity is also an option, exemplified by the Bluetooth Remote app. If Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is not feasible, an infrared (IR) blaster can be purchased to turn the smartphone into a universal remote without needing an internet connection. IR blasters connect via the USB-C port and communicate with the TV's built-in components. Various IR blasters are available, including standard models and more advanced versions that support voice commands. Most Wi-Fi and Bluetooth apps are free, while IR blasters are affordable and widely available.

AppWizard

August 16, 2026

Epic Games Store is going to support Linux ‘soon’ — and that’s great news for Steam Deck owners

Epic Games is developing a native version of its launcher for Linux users, coinciding with Nvidia's GeForce Now streaming service now officially available on Linux. This will simplify access to the Epic Games Store for Steam Deck owners and other Linux gamers, eliminating the need for third-party applications. Specific supported Linux distributions are unconfirmed, but SteamOS is anticipated to be included. Limitations will exist, particularly for titles with anti-cheat mechanisms, such as Fortnite, which Epic has blocked on Linux due to cheating concerns. GOG is also porting its Galaxy client to Linux, enhancing options for Linux gamers.

Tech Optimizer

August 15, 2026

A Windows Defender bug is making VLC take 30 seconds to open an MP3 file

Jonathan Blow criticized the VLC media player for significant performance issues, specifically a 33-second delay in loading MP3 files, and announced his intention to switch to Microsoft Media Player. The VideoLAN team responded, attributing the delays to a known issue with Microsoft’s Windows Defender antivirus software, which quarantines the VLC plugin cache. They suggested users could resolve the issue by reinstalling VLC or regenerating the plugin cache. VLC has been downloaded over 6 billion times across various platforms. Microsoft Defender has been known to cause false positives and interfere with third-party applications. Some users have found success using alternative antivirus solutions like Bitdefender Antivirus Free to avoid conflicts with VLC. Additionally, there are suggestions that using VLC for MP3 playback may not be practical, and switching to Microsoft Media Player is viewed unfavorably compared to alternatives like Foobar2000.