update

AppWizard
July 26, 2025
Creative Assembly has launched the beta phase of the Siege Rework for Total War: Warhammer 3, named the Proving Grounds Siege Beta, available for download on Steam. Key changes include the removal of "pocket ladders," a siege equipment rebalance allowing for more siege towers and battering rams, enhanced wall towers with increased lethality but reduced firing range, improved Battle AI addressing over 50 issues, and refined siege maps for better gameplay. The beta will last for two weeks, ending on August 7, and players can activate it through the Steam library. The focus on the siege overhaul has delayed the release of the Tides of Torment DLC to later this year.
Winsage
July 26, 2025
Microsoft has indicated that the release of Windows 11 25H2 is expected between October and November, although an official announcement has not yet been made. The company has lifted an update block that previously prevented the Windows 11 24H2 update from appearing for certain PCs, allowing more devices to become eligible for the update. The Windows 11 24H2 update was made accessible to all users in May, except for those under a "Compatibility hold" due to performance instability issues, particularly affecting PCs with Intel's Alder Lake processors or those using Easy Anti-Cheat software. The recent removal of the compatibility hold allows Alder Lake+ PCs to download and install the 24H2 update, but some devices may still face other compatibility holds. Users are advised to wait for Microsoft to remove these blocks instead of attempting manual installations. Additionally, some Alder Lake+ PCs may need to update Easy Anti-Cheat to install the 24H2 update, which can be triggered by launching a frequently played game. While progress has been made in resolving these issues, not all update blocks have been lifted, and the timeline for removing the remaining compatibility holds is uncertain.
AppWizard
July 26, 2025
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora launched on Steam in late 2023, featuring a visually stunning rainforest environment and allowing players to navigate as Na'vi characters. The game had simplified combat mechanics and faced a decline in player engagement due to minimal marketing support from Ubisoft. Developer Massive Entertainment released paid DLC patches, including a New Game Plus mode that retains gear and introduces stronger equipment and a new skill tree. A significant update will add a third-person perspective, allowing seamless switching between first and third-person views. The game received mixed reviews, with some praising its world while others criticized its performance and narrative. A third-person update is set to launch on December 5, coinciding with the release of the film Avatar: Fire & Ash on December 19.
AppWizard
July 26, 2025
Google introduced Material 3 Expressive in May, which is set to redefine Android's design language. The recent update of the wallpaper app Backdrops to version 6.0 incorporates Material 3 Expressive elements, enhancing its interface with dynamic features such as an animated carousel on the Explore page and a whimsical pull-down refresh animation. The Search page has bold icons and oversized text for improved usability, with wallpapers displaying delightful animations. Other apps like Google Docs and Google Keep are also expected to adopt this design, suggesting a vibrant future for Android applications.
Winsage
July 26, 2025
Microsoft has updated its Link to Windows app, allowing users to lock their Windows PC directly from their Android phone with a simple tap. This feature enhances security by enabling remote locking, which is useful when users leave their devices unattended. The app also provides insights into the PC's status, such as battery level and Wi-Fi connectivity, and has streamlined the setup process. This update reflects Microsoft's responsiveness to user feedback, offering a proactive approach to device security.
Tech Optimizer
July 26, 2025
Cyber threats targeting smartphones have evolved to include sophisticated malware and ransomware, with Android being particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks compared to iOS. Google recommends downloading apps only from the official Play Store, but some malicious applications can bypass these security measures. To protect Android devices from malware, investing in a reliable antivirus app is essential. Bitdefender Mobile Security is currently the top-rated Android antivirus app with a 4.7-star rating on Google Play, offering features like real-time web protection and app scanning. A free version is available, but a subscription is required for enhanced features. Sophos Intercept X for Mobile is a commendable free option with a 3.9-star rating, providing threat scanning and app protection. Other notable antivirus apps include Avast Security and Virus Cleaner, which has a 4.6-star rating and features a web shield and junk removal, and Malwarebytes Mobile Security, also rated 4.6 stars, known for its quick scans and digital footprint service. Norton360, with a 4.6-star rating, offers a comprehensive suite of features including antivirus scanning and a VPN. The best Android antivirus apps of 2025 include: - Bitdefender Mobile Security: Free, per year, 4.7 stars, 448K reviews - Sophos Intercept X: Free, 4.1 stars, 47.1K reviews - Avast: Ad-supported free, 4.6 stars, 7.34M reviews - Malwarebytes: Free, per year, 4.6 stars, 423K reviews - Norton360: Paid plans, 4.6 stars, 1.92M reviews The mobile malware landscape has reportedly increased by 151% since the beginning of 2025, with Google taking legal action against the BadBox 2.0 botnet targeting IoT devices, including Android. A new malware variant named ClickFix is also emerging, affecting macOS, Android, and iOS platforms. Relying solely on built-in protection and the Google Play Store is not advisable; a reputable antivirus app is recommended for additional security.
Winsage
July 25, 2025
Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11, though many older PCs may not meet compatibility requirements. Flyby11 is a utility that helps users bypass these restrictions by making the system appear as if it is running on Windows Server, thus avoiding checks for processor compatibility, TPM, and Secure Boot. Flyby11 is free but does not guarantee a smooth upgrade experience, and users are advised to back up their data before proceeding. To use Flyby11, users must download and unzip the latest version, check their system's compatibility, and initiate the upgrade process by dragging and dropping a Windows 11 ISO file into the interface. Potential issues include hardware and applications not functioning correctly, persistent notifications about incompatibility, and lack of support from Microsoft for incompatible devices. Users may also miss out on updates, although they can manually retrieve some from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Alternatives to upgrading include purchasing a new PC, continuing to receive Windows 10 updates for another year, or switching to a different operating system like Linux, which is compatible with older hardware.
Winsage
July 25, 2025
Microsoft has introduced a new logging system in a test build of Windows 11 that automatically gathers performance logs when users experience sluggishness. This feature allows Windows Insiders to provide feedback on slow performance, with logs collected automatically to help identify issues. Users should select the Desktop > System Sluggishness category for feedback, and logs are stored locally in the %systemRoot%TempDiagOutputDirWhesvc folder before being sent to Microsoft upon feedback submission. This initiative is part of ongoing performance enhancements for Windows 11, which have included improvements to the Taskbar, notifications area, and quick settings panel, as well as reduced impact from startup applications. The upcoming 25H2 update will introduce new certification requirements for Windows drivers, including static analysis to identify potential issues before deployment.
Winsage
July 25, 2025
Microsoft is updating its Link to Windows app for Android, introducing new features that enhance connectivity between Android devices and Windows PCs. Users can now remotely lock their Windows PCs, check battery and Wi-Fi status from their phones, and cast their phone's screen without using the PC app. These features, previously in development channels, are being rolled out through the Insider program. The app also allows direct file transfers without using Android’s share sheet, provides access to recent files, and enables viewing the clipboard from the PC. Additionally, the app has a refreshed interface for improved usability. Users can join the Insider program to access these updates by ensuring they have version 1.25071.155 of the app and following specific steps in Windows Settings to enable the new features.
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