user behavior Archives

AppWizard

January 29, 2026

‘Secret’ car button can save lost drivers without opening Google Maps…

News Group Newspapers Limited has reminded users of its strict policies against automated access to its content, prohibiting data mining and activities related to artificial intelligence, machine learning, or large language models. For commercial use inquiries, users can contact crawlpermission@news.co.uk. Legitimate users mistakenly flagged by the system are encouraged to reach out to customer support at help@thesun.co.uk for clarification.

Winsage

January 28, 2026

Microsoft is finally fixing Windows 11 under the hood — but new stats suggest it could be too little, too late

Microsoft is introducing significant platform changes with Windows 11, specifically the 26300 series in the Dev channel. Recent statistics from Statcounter indicate a decline in Windows 11's market share from 55.18% in October 2025 to 50.73% in December, a decrease of approximately 4.5%. In contrast, Windows 10's user base has increased by 3%, while Windows 7 has seen a 1.3% uptick. Microsoft is launching the Bromine platform to support Arm-based laptops, separating its development from existing Windows 11 systems. The upcoming Windows 11 26H1 will specifically cater to Arm devices, while non-Arm PCs will receive updates based on the Germanium platform. The company aims to improve stability and rebuild consumer trust amid ongoing concerns about bugs and AI integration.

Tech Optimizer

January 28, 2026

Top Android Antivirus Apps for 2026: Reviews and Key Features

Android users face increasing cyber threats as we approach 2026, with AI-driven malware and ransomware becoming more prevalent. The antivirus market has evolved to include advanced features like real-time threat intelligence and integrated privacy tools. Norton Mobile Security is noted for its machine learning-powered malware detection, VPN, app advisor, and dark web monitoring, achieving a 99.9% detection rate. TotalAV offers user-friendly antivirus scanning and system optimization, with features like real-time phishing protection and cloud-based scanning. Aura Antivirus combines antivirus with identity theft protection and family safety features, excelling in AI-driven behavioral analysis. Bitdefender Mobile Security is recognized for its lightweight design, anti-theft features, and effective web protection. McAfee Mobile Security provides secure Wi-Fi scanning and IoT integration, with high user satisfaction reported. Norton leads in predictive analytics, while TotalAV includes a VPN for remote workers. Aura offers family-oriented tools and compliance-friendly features, incorporating blockchain technology for secure identity verification. Bitdefender is efficient in battery usage and has a high detection rate. McAfee supports multi-device protection and has strong customer support. Norton’s dark web monitoring helps prevent identity theft, and TotalAV blocks trackers and ads. Aura links antivirus protection to financial security with credit monitoring. Bitdefender automates threat responses and has a strong anti-ransomware module. McAfee scans for vulnerabilities in smart devices and provides threat intelligence feeds. Future developments may include quantum-resistant encryption. TotalAV is praised for its user interface, while Aura encourages user feedback for improvements. Bitdefender uses machine learning to reduce false positives, and McAfee employs predictive modeling for personalized security. Organizations must evaluate antivirus solutions based on integration with existing security frameworks, cost, and performance impact. Emerging trends include biometric authentication and deeper hardware-level security protections.

BetaBeacon

January 28, 2026

Phantom Malware in Android Game Mods Hijacks Phones for Ad Fraud

A malware strain known as Android.Phantom is being distributed through popular titles and unofficial app sources, operating silently alongside games to conduct click fraud. The malware can mimic user behavior, interact with ads through automated clicks, and establish peer-to-peer connections to allow remote controllers to interact with the user's screen in real time. It is recommended to avoid installing apps from third-party stores to reduce the risk of encountering malicious software.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

Google Plans Extra Safety Checks for Android App Sideloading

Google is introducing an online developer verification system to enhance the safety of sideloaded Android applications. This feature will verify the authenticity of app developers when users sideload applications, requiring an active internet connection for verification. If a device is offline, users will receive a warning message indicating that the app developer cannot be verified. The verification system aims to provide transparency and empower users to make informed choices without restricting sideloading. Google has historically allowed sideloading but is increasingly aware of the associated security vulnerabilities. The company promotes Play Protect and has introduced warnings and safety checks to encourage cautious user behavior. Google acknowledges that many users rely on sideloaded apps for valid reasons and aims to ensure they are aware of the risks and can verify the trustworthiness of developers.

Winsage

January 6, 2026

Microsoft’s latest ad proves even its own marketing team won’t use Edge

Microsoft's recent advertisement for PC gaming featured Google Chrome pinned to the taskbar of a Windows computer, despite the company's promotion of its own browser, Microsoft Edge. The ad displayed Chrome prominently early in the video, which is notable given that nearly 95% of Steam gamers use Windows, with 70.83% having upgraded to Windows 11. Although Windows dominates the gaming sector, there is a growing interest in alternatives like Linux, which now supports about 90% of Windows games, though major titles remain unavailable due to anti-cheat systems. The inclusion of Chrome in the ad is seen as an anomaly, as promotional content typically avoids showcasing competitors. It is also noted that not all Microsoft employees exclusively use Microsoft Edge, suggesting a disconnect between the company's advertising and user behavior.

Tech Optimizer

December 27, 2025

Best Virus Protection for PC (2026): Webroot Rated Top Choice for Fast Threat Detection by Software Experts

Webroot has been identified as the leading platform for rapid threat detection and lightweight PC security, according to a recent analysis by Software Experts. The evaluation highlighted Webroot's cloud-based threat intelligence, efficient scanning, and low system resource usage, making it suitable for home and small office users concerned about malware, phishing, and system slowdowns. Webroot's detection system can classify files within seconds, even during multitasking, and it effectively addresses behavior-based attacks through monitoring tools and rollback features. The platform's advantages include minimal local footprint, continuous monitoring without large updates, and robust firewall and network safeguards. Users expect virus protection tools to function quietly with minimal maintenance, and Webroot's compact installer and rapid setup cater to this need. The study also noted a shift towards cloud-based cybersecurity solutions, with Webroot's cloud network facilitating faster identification and categorization of threats. Key features of Webroot's protection include real-time scanning, behavioral monitoring, rollback tools, anti-phishing functions, browser shields, and network filtering, all designed to operate with minimal user intervention.

AppWizard

December 19, 2025

Android 16 QPR3 Alerts for Apps Using Your Location

Android is introducing a real-time privacy feature in the Android 16 QPR3 beta that notifies users whenever an app requests access to their location. A blue dot appears next to the battery indicator when location data is actively being used, and users can swipe down to see which apps are accessing their location. This feature aims to enhance user awareness and control over location tracking by providing immediate notifications and options to manage permissions. The feature is currently available for Pixel devices, with plans for broader rollout in future updates. It aligns with Android's ongoing efforts to improve privacy, including one-time permissions and background access queries. Developers will not need to opt into this feature, as it will automatically display whenever an app requests location data.

AppWizard

December 15, 2025

Final chance to save chats as Facebook shuts down Messenger app today

News Group Newspapers Limited has issued a notice regarding the prohibition of automated access, collection, or mining of content from its services, as stated in their terms and conditions. The organization acknowledges that legitimate human activity may sometimes be misinterpreted as automated behavior and encourages users to contact customer support if they believe this is the case. The policy against automated access applies to applications like artificial intelligence and machine learning. For commercial use inquiries, parties should contact crawlpermission@news.co.uk.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

As Windows 11 turns into an AI OS, Microsoft Copilot boss does not understand how AI is underwhelming

Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft's AI CEO, noted user frustration with the aggressive integration of AI into Windows 11, despite the company's efforts to enhance user experience with features like Copilot, which operates on models similar to ChatGPT. Windows 11 includes various AI functionalities, such as Copilot Voice and Copilot Vision, and aims to transform the OS into an "agentic OS" with features like Copilot Actions in Microsoft Edge. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with AI being present in applications like Notepad and File Explorer, perceiving it as intrusive rather than beneficial. Microsoft 365 applications have also integrated Copilot functionalities, but concerns about safety and privacy persist. User feedback indicates a desire for more thoughtful AI integration, as many feel that AI is being applied to problems that do not exist, leading to stress and uncertainty regarding the operating system's control.