third-party Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 14, 2026

Avira Review 2026: Decent Antivirus and Excellent Device Optimization, but Privacy Is Lacking

Avira Antivirus offers a freemium model that includes antivirus protection and device optimization tools. Its highest-tier plan, Avira Prime, provides comprehensive protection for up to 25 devices. Performance metrics for Avira are as follows: Performance: 7/10, Security: 8/10, Customer Support: 6/10, Usability: 9/10, Value: 8/10, Features: 8/10. Pros include excellent device optimization tools and higher-tier suites with privacy and dark web monitoring. Cons involve significant resource usage during scans, challenging customer support communication, inconsistent performance in third-party lab tests, and a slow VPN service. Avira's plans include: - Avira Free Antivirus: Basic features for 1 device at no cost. - Avira Internet Security: Advanced features for 1, 3, or 5 devices, with a starting price for the first year. - Avira Prime: Comprehensive features for 5 or 25 devices, with a starting price for the first year. While Avira excels in device optimization, it lacks advanced identity theft protection and privacy monitoring tools compared to competitors. Installation is straightforward, but the active scans consume up to 90% of CPU power. The VPN service is slow and lacks essential privacy features. Customer support quality is inconsistent, and while Avira is budget-friendly, more comprehensive solutions may be found with competitors.

BetaBeacon

April 13, 2026

Pixel X Racer: Retro-Style Drag Racing Arcade Game Debuts on iOS and Android

Pixel X Racer is a new mobile arcade racing game with retro pixel graphics and deep car customization options. It offers players the chance to build their ultimate pixel car garage and compete in various game modes, including real-time multiplayer. The game has received positive feedback and promises future updates with more content.

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Windows 11 is finally removing the 32GB FAT32 capacity limit

Microsoft has released new test builds for Windows Insiders, specifically Dev Build 26300.8170 and Beta Build 26220.8165, which remove the 32GB limit on FAT32 formatting for external drives. Users can now format external drives up to 2TB using FAT32 through the Command Prompt. This change, which has been anticipated by users, is a shift from the long-standing restriction that required third-party applications or specialized commands for larger drives. The enhancement applies only to the Command Prompt, as the graphical interface remains unchanged, and the 4GB file size limit for individual files on FAT32 drives still applies. This feature is currently available only in preview versions for Windows Insiders, with a broader rollout planned for future standard Windows 11 updates.

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Windows File Explorer is outdated, and these alternatives fit how you actually use your PC

Windows' File Explorer has limitations such as slow operations and minimal customization, prompting users to seek third-party file managers. FilePilot is a popular choice for its fast, simple, dual-pane interface that enhances speed and efficiency, particularly for bulk operations and multi-monitor setups. OneCommander features a modern design with a column-based navigation system, a preview panel, and color tagging for file organization, making it user-friendly while addressing multitasking issues. Directory Opus is recognized as a comprehensive solution with customizable layouts, scripting capabilities, and advanced search filters, catering to users managing complex datasets. Files is an open-source file manager known for its polished interface, tabbed browsing, dual-pane layout, and extensive customization options, providing a faster and cleaner alternative to Windows 11's Explorer. Each of these alternatives offers unique features that improve upon the limitations of File Explorer.

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Tested: Microsoft may finally end forced Windows 11 updates with a new pause feature that gives you full control

Microsoft is piloting a feature that allows users to select a specific date for pausing updates in Windows 11, moving away from the previous system that allowed pauses of up to five weeks. Users can access this feature through Settings > Windows Update, where they can choose to pause updates for a specific date using a calendar flyout. Currently, Windows 11 typically receives updates at least twice a month, with additional updates as needed. Users of Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise can defer updates for extended periods, potentially up to a year. The new pause controls are still in development, and while the upper limits for pause duration are unclear, there may be a cap similar to the Group Policy limit of one year. Microsoft is also working on streamlining the installation process for large updates and enhancing user control over third-party drivers.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

Russia sees WeChat, Douyin as models for its homegrown Max messenger

Russia is developing the Max messaging application, inspired by Tencent's WeChat and Douyin, to compete with Telegram. The Kremlin is promoting Max as an alternative to Telegram, which has faced user resistance due to perceived limitations in functionality. Kiriyenko, CEO of VK, highlighted that Max will adopt an open platform model similar to WeChat, integrating third-party chatbots, and noted that 500,000 companies have already registered on the platform. The Russian government aims to establish a robust "platform economy" to boost economic growth, leveraging partnerships and innovative services. Kiriyenko also expressed interest in utilizing Douyin's e-commerce strategies involving short video content.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

Apex Legends reaches 20-month Steam high, proving Respawn’s communication is paying off

Apex Legends was launched by Respawn Entertainment in February 2019 with minimal fanfare. As of April 11, 2024, the player count on Steam surpassed 300,000 for the first time in 20 months, coinciding with the launch of Season 22. After experiencing a decline in player numbers following Season 25, the game has seen a 50% increase in players since the launch of Season 28 in February 2024. Respawn has actively addressed issues like cheating and server performance, implementing strict measures and maintaining open communication with the community. The recent crossover with Gundam has positively impacted player sentiment, which is reflected in favorable discussions on Reddit. Community feedback highlights Respawn's consistent quality updates and responsiveness to player concerns.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

Android 17: All new Features, Release Date, & Major Leaks So Far

Android 17 Beta 2 was unveiled in April 2026, introducing significant features aimed at enhancing user experience and supporting autonomous AI agents. Key features include: 1. A "Dual-Shade" UI redesign with a Split Control Center for notifications and customizable toggles. 2. A system-level Native App Lock for securing individual apps with biometric authentication. 3. Integration of Project Astra, enabling real-time contextual memory and live translation through the camera. 4. A "Frosted Glass" aesthetic with translucency and glassmorphism in UI elements. 5. Advanced desktop windowing capabilities for larger screens, including free-form resizing and a persistent taskbar. 6. A Battery Health Dashboard providing insights into battery performance. 7. Introduction of the RAW14 Image Format for professional-grade image capture and a redesigned Screen Recording toolbar for creators. The release roadmap includes developer previews completed by March 2026, public beta phases in April 2026, platform stability expected in June 2026, and a final public release anticipated in August/September 2026 with the Pixel 11. Devices expected to receive Android 17 include Pixel 7 and newer models, Samsung Galaxy S24, S25, S26 series, and flagships from OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Nothing.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

Fighting game YouTuber offers $10,000 bounty for upgraded netcode in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3

Maximillian Christiansen, known as Maximilian Dood, is offering a financial reward for integrating rollback netcode into Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, which currently uses a delay-based netcode that affects gameplay. He previously invested nearly ,000 into a mod for Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite in 2024. Rollback netcode improves online play by anticipating player actions, resulting in a smoother experience compared to delay-based systems. Christiansen aims to enhance the online experience for Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and draws inspiration from the Super Smash Bros. Melee community, which successfully implemented rollback netcode through an emulator wrapper.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

Hackers demand ransom from GTA6 studio Rockstar, threaten to leak stolen data

Rockstar Games is facing a security breach involving the hacking group ShinyHunters, which has issued a ransom demand for sensitive data. A Rockstar spokesperson confirmed that a limited amount of non-material company information was accessed due to a third-party data breach, stating it has no impact on the organization or its players. This incident follows a similar breach in 2022 when a 17-year-old hacker infiltrated Rockstar's systems. ShinyHunters has targeted various high-profile companies in the past, including Microsoft and AT&T. The breach highlights that many security incidents can result from simple human errors rather than sophisticated hacking techniques.