Upgrade Archives

AppWizard

April 2, 2026

Google AI Pro just got a massive storage upgrade for free

Google has increased AI Pro storage from 2TB to 5TB at the same monthly rate, exclusively for AI Pro subscribers. This upgrade is being rolled out globally, although there may be a slight delay in users seeing the new limits. The additional storage can be used across various Google services, including Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos backups. Standard Google One plan users will not receive this increase and will remain at their existing limits. The storage increase represents a 150% boost for the same price.

AppWizard

April 1, 2026

‘NoVoice’ Android malware on Google Play infected 2.3 million devices

A new Android malware called NoVoice has been found in over 50 applications on Google Play, with more than 2.3 million downloads. The malware targets older Android versions, specifically those patched between 2016 and 2021, and attempts to gain root access by exploiting vulnerabilities. It conceals malicious components within the com.facebook.utils package and uses steganography to hide an encrypted payload within a PNG image file. NoVoice avoids infecting devices in certain regions and has checks to detect emulators and VPNs. Once activated, the malware contacts its command-and-control server to gather device information and polls it every 60 seconds for tailored exploits aimed at rooting the device. It can exploit 22 vulnerabilities, including kernel bugs, and establishes persistence by replacing key system libraries and installing recovery scripts. The malware injects code into applications, particularly targeting WhatsApp to extract sensitive data for session replication, which is then exfiltrated to the C2 server. The malicious apps containing NoVoice have been removed from Google Play, but users who installed them should consider their devices compromised. Upgrading to devices with later security patches is recommended to mitigate the threat.

Winsage

April 1, 2026

Get a Windows 11 Pro license for just $12.97 (That’s a 93% discount!)

The Windows 11 Pro license is currently available for .97, significantly reduced from its standard retail price of 9. This offer is found on the Tech Deals website and is intended for Windows machines needing a new license, not for devices already running Windows 10 that cannot access a free upgrade. Minimum system requirements include a 1GHz processor with at least 2 cores, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, UEFI Secure Boot capability, TPM version 2.0, a GPU compatible with DirectX 12 or later, a display of at least 9 inches with 720p resolution, and internet connectivity for activation. Activating Windows 11 Pro removes the "Activate Windows" watermark, unlocks personalization options, ensures access to updates and technical support, and provides enhanced security and remote management features compared to the Home version.

AppWizard

April 1, 2026

ARC Raiders and Minecraft Devs Reveal Gorgeous AAA Co-Op RPG

Wayfinder Studios has announced Wyldheart, a cooperative RPG developed by veterans from games like ARC Raiders, Minecraft, and Battlefield. In Wyldheart, players take on the role of a peasant imprisoned and seek an ancient relic to protect their town, with options to play solo or with up to three friends. The game features a semi-cartoonish visual style inspired by early Elder Scrolls games and the Fable series, focusing on social dynamics, NPC interactions, and exploration. Players can engage with local villagers, uncover quests, gather materials, craft items, and upgrade gear. The combat system offers 19 backgrounds and various skill trees, including magic, adventuring, and survival, along with a range of melee and ranged weapons. The co-op experience includes a drop-in and drop-out system with cloud-shared saves and group XP, designed for busy gamers with campaigns of approximately 10 hours of story content and an additional 15 hours of optional gameplay. Wyldheart is currently in alpha and will enter Early Access later this year, with players able to wishlist it on Steam.

Tech Optimizer

April 1, 2026

Norton Review 2026: Solid Antivirus With Great Safe Browsing Tools and Parental Controls

Norton Antivirus has a score of 8.3/10. It offers extensive parental controls on some plans, cloud backups for sensitive data, and a high-quality safe browser. However, its identity theft protection features are limited to U.S. users, it has higher resource usage than most competitors, and reaching human customer support can be difficult. Norton provides a comprehensive cybersecurity suite that includes a password manager, safe browser, cloud backups, and privacy monitoring. Its antivirus software features real-time protection, manual and automated scans, and scan scheduling. Norton Family allows parents to implement controls on children's devices. Norton does not offer a free version but provides complimentary tools such as a password manager and data breach scan. Norton AntiVirus Plus is priced for basic security needs, while Norton 360 Standard and Deluxe offer additional features like dark web monitoring and enhanced parental controls. The setup process is user-friendly, and the software operates smoothly with moderate resource usage during scans. Norton’s additional tools include device optimization, a safe browser, and a privacy monitor, though some features may not meet expectations. Norton has received high marks in security rankings, maintaining a perfect security ranking from AV-Test for the past decade. It employs strong encryption protocols for its tools and adheres to a no-logs policy for its VPN. Customer support options include a community forum, knowledge base, and 24/7 live chat and phone support, though email support is absent. Norton’s pricing is competitive, especially for families, and it can cover up to 10 devices depending on the plan.

AppWizard

April 1, 2026

Minecraft Gets New Deluxe And Ultimate Bundles – More Content, More Coins, More Creativity

Mojang has released two new bundles for Minecraft: the Deluxe Collection (£24.99) and the Ultimate Collection (£31.99). These bundles are available on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile. The Deluxe Collection includes Minecraft, three add-ons (Celebration Food, Rescue Dogs, and Plenty O’ Blocks), three exclusive Character Creator items, and 700 Minecoins. The Ultimate Collection includes everything in the Deluxe Collection plus two additional add-ons (Decocraft and Weapons + Tools), five exclusive Character Creator items, and 1000 Minecoins. The Deluxe Collection is designed for players seeking a solid starter pack, while the Ultimate Collection is for those wanting more tools, content, and currency from the beginning. Both bundles offer better value compared to purchasing content separately.

Winsage

April 1, 2026

US PC sales grow by 3% in late 2025 as companies and consumers scrambled to replace Windows 10 — 2026 forecast sees 13% drop as storage and memory prices expected to climb another 60%

In the fourth quarter of 2025, U.S. PC shipments increased by 3% year-on-year, totaling 18.2 million units. This growth was driven by seasonal holiday demand, the need to upgrade aging Windows 10 computers, and retailers securing inventory ahead of supply chain challenges due to a chip shortage. The overall PC market in 2025 also grew by 3%, reversing declines from the previous two quarters. Commercial sector shipments rose by 6% to 8.2 million units, supported by holiday spending and a shift to more affordable products, as enterprises migrated to Windows 11 before the end-of-support deadline for Windows 10. However, Omdia predicts a 13% contraction in PC shipments for 2026 due to rising RAM and storage costs, alongside CPU shortages from Intel and AMD. The entry-level PC market may face significant challenges, potentially diminishing by 2028. Despite declining shipment numbers, the market value is expected to rise due to price increases from supply constraints. Omdia forecasts a rebound in 2027, with shipments projected to grow by 7% to exceed 66 million units, still below the 71.5 million units recorded in 2025.

BetaBeacon

March 31, 2026

Tom Clancy’s THE DIVISION RESURGENCE Is Now Available On iOS And Android Devices

Ubisoft has released Tom Clancy’s The Division Resurgence on mobile platforms, offering a new standalone experience set in a collapsing New York City during the early days of the Green Poison outbreak. Players can choose from five specializations, engage in solo or co-op gameplay, and participate in various activities such as Dark Zone, Conflict, and open world missions. The game is free-to-play with in-game purchases available for cosmetic items and convenience options.

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

Free Antivirus for Android: Best Apps to Protect Your Smartphone

Smartphones are integral to daily life, storing emails, banking apps, and social media. The Android operating system is vulnerable to threats like viruses and ransomware. Free Android antivirus tools offer basic protection but have limitations compared to paid versions. Free antivirus solutions focus on malware scanning and threat detection. Bitdefender Mobile Security (Free Version) provides lightweight background operation, real-time scanning, and web protection but lacks anti-theft and VPN features. Norton Mobile Security (Free Tier) offers essential malware scanning, with advanced features available in premium subscriptions. Avast Mobile Security (Free) includes virus scanning, malware protection, and anti-theft tools, allowing users to lock apps and protect against malicious websites. AVG AntiVirus (Free) offers virus, malware, and spyware scanning, real-time updates, and a "Photo Vault" for securing images. Kaspersky Mobile Security (Free) provides basic virus protection and ranks high in malware detection, with additional features available in paid plans. Free antivirus tools detect malware and monitor real-time system activity, alerting users to phishing sites. They may scan files transferred via USB or Bluetooth and offer limited VPN services. Limitations of free antivirus include the absence of advanced features like unlimited VPN, application locking, and anti-theft capabilities. Many rely on ads for revenue, which can disrupt user experience. Choosing the right antivirus depends on usage habits and security concerns. Running multiple antivirus apps can cause conflicts and hinder performance. Upgrading to premium versions may be necessary for comprehensive protection, especially for sensitive tasks. User behavior is crucial for security; regularly updating the OS and applications, using strong passwords, and considering two-factor authentication can enhance protection. Free antivirus apps offer core threat protection but lack advanced features. Most are lightweight, with minimal impact on performance. Regular scans are recommended, and reputable sources should be used for downloads. Free antivirus apps can warn about phishing attempts but cannot eliminate the risk entirely. A built-in VPN is not essential for basic protection but is advisable for public Wi-Fi use.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Microsoft to upgrade Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) with faster file access, better networking and easier setup

Microsoft plans to enhance the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in 2026, focusing on several key improvements for developers. These enhancements include: - Faster file performance between Linux and Windows to address current latency issues. - Improved network compatibility and throughput for better communication between environments. - A streamlined setup and onboarding experience to simplify installation for newcomers. - Enhanced enterprise management and security features to improve control and safety in corporate settings.