unique features Archives

Winsage

January 5, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows 11 SE Support in 2026 Amid Low Adoption

Microsoft will conclude support for Windows 11 SE in 2026, ceasing security updates and feature enhancements after October 2026. Launched in late 2021 for K-8 classrooms, Windows 11 SE struggled with adoption due to hardware limitations and competition from alternatives like Google’s Chrome OS. The final feature release for SE will be Windows 11 version 24H2. Schools will face challenges in transitioning to new systems, as devices running SE may become vulnerable to cyber threats without ongoing support. Microsoft is shifting its focus to integrating educational tools into its main operating system rather than maintaining a separate edition. The end of support for Windows 11 SE may accelerate hardware refresh cycles in schools, posing financial burdens on underfunded districts.

Tech Optimizer

December 31, 2025

Planting commits in Siberia: Postgres Pro opens in Akademgorodok

IT companies are increasingly focused on enhancing their public image through innovative contributions, particularly in coding. Postgres Professional emphasizes its commitment to open-source development, actively contributing to PostgreSQL with over 40 engineers involved in patches for version 18. The company has established a new office in Novosibirsk Akademgorodok, chosen for its vibrant scientific community and research environment, to invest in the next generation of systems programmers and engineers. Their initiatives include advancing PostgreSQL components, researching performance models, and providing educational programs such as the Postgres Pro Summer School and collaborative projects with local universities. The aim is to foster hands-on experience and mentorship in systems programming, ensuring the development of world-class technology rooted in open-source principles.

AppWizard

December 21, 2025

5 Essential Android Web Browsers That Can Replace Google Chrome

Chrome on Android has features that could enhance browsing, such as NotebookLM's ability to turn websites into AI podcasts, but it is resource-intensive and has limited customization options. It also has extensive data collection practices that may raise privacy concerns. Alternatives to Chrome include: - Firefox: An open-source browser emphasizing privacy and security, featuring Enhanced Tracking Protection, extension support, a robust incognito mode, and a built-in password manager. It allows customization and synchronization across devices. - Microsoft Edge: Integrates well with Microsoft services, includes Copilot AI for summarizing content, and supports extensions. It has features like Drop for secure sharing and alerts for compromised credentials. - Brave: Focuses on privacy and security with built-in ad and tracker blocking, an integrated VPN, and a password manager. It operates on the Chromium engine and includes a crypto wallet and a private AI assistant. - DuckDuckGo: A lightweight browser prioritizing user privacy with a clean interface, DuckDuckGo Search, and features like the Fire button for clearing data. It offers email alias creation and local firewall protection. - Vivaldi: Highly customizable, allowing users to personalize the interface extensively. It includes tracker and ad blocking, incognito mode, sync support, and a built-in notes tool, but has a longer update cycle. The selection of these browsers was based on their unique features, privacy credentials, and user feedback, ensuring they are actively developed and trustworthy.

AppWizard

December 14, 2025

3 Best Free Android Apps For Learning Another Language (Other Than Duolingo)

Google Gemini is a tool for real-time translations that enhances communication across cultures. Duolingo is a popular language-learning app known for its gamified experience and daily engagement features, including a daily streak for motivation and competition. Preply connects users with over 100,000 tutors from more than 180 nationalities for personalized instruction in 120 subjects, allowing trial lessons to assess tutor compatibility. Busuu offers lessons in over a dozen languages with community feedback from native speakers, fostering interaction among its 120 million registered users. Memrise focuses on memory techniques for language acquisition, featuring video clips of native speakers and a free plan for courses in 23 languages. The selection of these apps was based on their ratings on the Google Play Store, with a minimum rating of 4.5 and significant user reviews.

AppWizard

December 5, 2025

Hytale owner calls Minecraft “one of the greatest” games of all time, but his own sandbox is going in a “different direction” with crafting more like Terraria

Hytale has been compared to Minecraft due to its similar genre of blocky sandbox games with survival elements. Simon Collins-Laflamme, the game's lead creator, acknowledges Minecraft's influence but aims to create a distinct identity for Hytale by enhancing adventure gameplay and prioritizing modders' interests. After reacquiring the rights to Hytale, Collins-Laflamme has restarted development from an older build to ensure a solid foundation. Hytale will not be available on Steam at launch, as the development team believes the platform may not be necessary for their initial release to avoid early reviews from uninformed users.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

SLIPKNOT’s CLOWN Has His Own Minecraft Realm Called Vernearth

M. Shawn "Clown" Crahan, the percussionist of Slipknot, has launched a custom Minecraft world called Vernearth, which features 45-day seasons inspired by Slipknot's music. Vernearth includes four major game modes: 1. Oblivion — The Core World: A survival world with a corrupted aesthetic, featuring custom factions and three capital cities: Raziel, Seniomsed, and The City of Eternal. 2. PVP/Event Server — The Arena: A competitive server hosting weekly tournaments across four arenas, where players can earn "War" currency for exclusive items. 3. Plotworld — The Sanctuary: A collaborative space for creativity, allowing players to build, merge plots, and participate in contests. 4. Challenge Mode: A hardcore mode where players have one life per 45-day season, with themes inspired by Slipknot. The seasons will evolve, starting with Season 1: The Heretic Anthem, followed by Season 2: The Dying Song, and Season 3: Friend or Foe?. Players who succeed will receive titles, cosmetics, and rewards from a prize pool.

AppWizard

November 22, 2025

5 apps to use instead of Google Fit

Google Fit allows users to track daily steps, monitor weight, and review activity history but lacks advanced features such as social functionalities and detailed workout tracking. Strava is a community-driven platform that combines social media with fitness tracking, supporting over 40 activities and integrating with wearable devices. It offers free access, with premium features available for an annual fee. Samsung Health provides comprehensive tracking, including meal logging and hydration monitoring, particularly beneficial for Galaxy device users, with additional features for Galaxy Watch owners. MyFitnessPal focuses on nutrition tracking, allowing users to manage dietary intake and caloric needs, with a subscription available for enhanced features. Hevy is designed for weightlifters, enabling personalized training plans and progress tracking, with social features for sharing fitness journeys. A subscription is required for full access. AllTrails is tailored for hiking and trail running, allowing users to discover and customize routes, with community features for sharing experiences. A subscription is needed for offline map downloads.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

5 Essential Android Apps That Are Actually Worth The Price

Pocket Casts Plus offers a free basic version for podcast listeners, with a paid subscription providing additional features at a yearly cost. The Sun Seeker app, priced at .49, tracks the sun's position and is useful for homebuyers, gardeners, and photographers. The NYT Cooking app is free to download but requires a subscription for full access to thousands of recipes, available for a monthly or annual fee. Balatro is a roguelike poker game priced at .99, recognized for its unique gameplay and multiple awards. The Shonen Jump app costs .99 a month, granting access to a large library of manga with no daily reading limit for subscribers and the option to download chapters for offline reading.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

Tavern Keeper: It’s Good

Tavern Keeper is a fantasy barkeeping video game that combines management simulation with creative customization. Players manage taverns by designing layouts, hiring staff, and ensuring operations run smoothly. The game features a creation suite that allows players to craft items like bookshelves and paintings, fostering a community for sharing designs. Challenges include hiring staff with questionable skills and managing customer satisfaction amidst chaotic scenarios. Players can adjust difficulty settings to suit their preferences. The game incorporates humor throughout, enhancing player engagement. Currently in Early Access, it has received positive feedback for its depth and personalization options.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Todoist price hike: Here are the best alternatives to switch to if you want to save money

Todoist is implementing a price increase, raising the monthly subscription by 40% and the annual plan by 25%. Users on Pro Legacy plans, who signed up before June 2022, will not be affected by the price hike. A poll indicates that 92% of users are considering switching to a competing app. Alternatives to Todoist include: - TickTick: Priced at .99 annually, offers features like custom lists, filters, tags, a built-in calendar, Pomodoro timer, and habit tracker. - Notion: Free and serves as an all-in-one workspace, though it requires setup for task management. - Microsoft To Do: A free app that supports natural language input and offers straightforward task management. - Tasks.org: An open-source, ad-free app that prioritizes user privacy and allows for task creation, due dates, reminders, and tagging, but does not support natural language input.