user-friendly interface Archives

Winsage

June 5, 2025

Ancient CD ripping tool updated for the first time in 16 years, now supports Windows 11

CD2WAV32 has been updated to version 4.00jp after 16 years, now fully compatible with Windows 11 24H2, with no support for earlier versions or other operating systems. The developer, Moroboshi Ramu, previously updated the software on Windows 7. Microsoft’s Media Player App has also been updated, allowing music ripping and supporting MP3 format as of 2023, but lacks WAV support. The Media Player App enables users to select audio formats like AAC, MP3, and FLAC, with adjustable quality settings from 96Kbps to 320Kbps for lossy formats. Users can rip CDs by inserting them and selecting the ‘Rip CD’ option, with ripped files automatically added to the music library.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

Don’t toss your Windows 10 PC! Try switching to Plasma instead

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 at midnight on October 14th, ending new features, security updates, and app compatibility. In response, Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11 or recycle their devices. Many users are hesitant to upgrade due to financial constraints or preference for their current system. KDE has launched the KDE for Windows 10 Exiles campaign, promoting Linux as an alternative for those unable to upgrade. The campaign highlights KDE Plasma, a user-friendly interface compatible with various Linux distributions like OpenSUSE, Fedora, Manjaro, and Kubuntu. Users can install OpenSUSE with Plasma to revitalize their machines, and resources are available to help extend the life of Windows 10 PCs after support ends.

Tech Optimizer

June 4, 2025

Snowflake Acquisition Expands Postgres Capabilities Of Its AI Data Cloud

Snowflake is acquiring Crunchy Data, a provider of open-source PostgreSQL technology, to enhance its PostgreSQL database services and bolster its AI Data Cloud platform with the introduction of Snowflake Postgres. This acquisition will provide developers with full PostgreSQL capabilities integrated with governance, security, and operational standards for AI applications. Crunchy Data, founded in 2012, offers products like Crunchy Bridge and has a focus on security and compliance, making it a trusted choice for enterprises. Snowflake plans to integrate Crunchy Data's technology into its offerings, streamlining the lifecycle of enterprise PostgreSQL workloads. The acquisition is estimated to be around 0 million and is pending regulatory approvals. Snowflake aims to support Crunchy Data's existing customers and strengthen ties with the Postgres community.

Tech Optimizer

June 4, 2025

Snowflake to acquire Crunchy Data to enhance Postgres for AI

Snowflake plans to acquire Crunchy Data, a provider of open-source Postgres technology, to enhance its AI Data Cloud with a new database platform called Snowflake Postgres. This platform will offer PostgreSQL compatibility while ensuring governance, security, and operational standards for enterprise-grade AI applications. The demand for secure, enterprise-ready PostgreSQL solutions has increased, and the integration of Crunchy Data is expected to meet these needs, particularly in regulated environments like FedRAMP. PostgreSQL is widely adopted, with 49% of developers using it, and Snowflake's Postgres offering aims to streamline the development and scaling of AI applications. Crunchy Data will bring features such as access to performance metrics, scalable architecture, and a user-friendly interface. Organizations using PostgreSQL, including Snowflake partners like Blue Yonder and LandingAI, are expected to benefit from improved development and operational efficiency. Snowflake will support Crunchy Data's existing customers post-acquisition and engage with the PostgreSQL community. Snowflake Postgres will be available in private preview, pending regulatory approvals.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

8 Free Open Source Android Apps: Hidden Gems for a Better Phone

Enoch Boateng highlights eight standout open source Android apps that prioritize privacy, transparency, and functionality: 1. Mindful: A journaling app for mental well-being that supports text, voice, or photo entries, includes gratitude journaling, guided meditations, mood tracking, and security features like pin locks. 2. YTDL: A media downloader for videos and audio from over 1,000 websites, featuring batch downloads, metadata embedding, and privacy options like incognito mode. 3. ML Manager: An APK management app that allows extraction, backup, and sharing of apps, with batch extraction and integration with APK Mirror. 4. Loop Habit Tracker: A habit-building app with a forgiving scoring system, progress graphs, offline functionality, and an ad-free experience. 5. Shop Sync: A task management app for shopping lists with cloud syncing, offline access, and CSV export capabilities. 6. Snapsafe: A privacy-focused camera app that removes metadata, blurs faces, and offers customizable location tagging. 7. Booming Music: An offline music player with gapless playback, lyrics syncing, equalizer presets, and Android Auto compatibility. 8. Image Craft: An image editing toolkit that compresses, resizes, and converts images, offers batch operations, and creates password-protected archives.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

Pixel VIPs could be the Contacts app upgrade you didn’t know you needed (APK teardown)

Google is testing a new feature for its Contacts app called the Pixel VIPs widget, which consolidates information for up to eight selected contacts. The widget displays recent calls and messages (including from third-party apps), real-time location updates, birthday reminders, and a notes section. It is sized at 4×1 and can be added to the home screen for easy access. Users can set it up by navigating to the Contacts app, selecting the Organize tab, and tapping on Pixel VIPs. The feature is currently in development, with a potential public release coinciding with the upcoming Android 16 QPR1 update.

Tech Optimizer

May 30, 2025

I put Bitdefender and Norton up against each other to see which was best, and the results were almost too close to call

Bitdefender has a detection rate of over 98% for malware, while Norton has a 97% offline detection rate and exceeds 99% online. Bitdefender's firewall is configurable but limited to its Total Security package, whereas Norton offers a powerful and customizable firewall. Bitdefender provides a separate Digital Identity Protection service for .33 per month, while Norton includes identity theft protection through its LifeLock service in higher tiers, offering features like credit monitoring and potential compensation up to million. Bitdefender includes a VPN with a 200MB daily data cap, while Norton offers an unlimited VPN in most subscription tiers. Both have password managers, but Bitdefender lacks two-factor authentication. Bitdefender offers straightforward parental controls, while Norton includes mobile GPS tracking. Bitdefender is recognized for its lightweight design, while Norton is noted for its speed. Bitdefender has a user-friendly interface, while Norton’s may be more complex for beginners. In independent tests, Bitdefender slightly outperforms Norton in offline detection. Norton's basic plan starts at .99 per year, while Bitdefender's Antivirus Plus starts at .99 per year.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

5 habit trackers on Android that can reveal your patterns – and motivate you to change

Habits can influence productivity and well-being, and habit trackers help visualize progress and foster accountability. 1. Loop Habit Tracker is a free, open-source app with a user-friendly interface, habit scores, detailed charts, flexible scheduling, reminders, and offline operation. It is ad-free and available on the Google Play Store. 2. Daylio is a journaling app that integrates habit and mood tracking, allowing users to monitor fitness activities and daily routines. It is free and available on the Google Play Store. 3. Fabulous Daily Routine Planner features an engaging interface with audio and animations, promoting healthy habits and routines. It offers a seven-day free trial, with an annual subscription priced at .99, and is available on the Google Play Store. 4. Clockify is primarily a time tracker that also provides habit tracking capabilities, allowing users to generate reports and integrate with Google Calendar. It is free and available on the Google Play Store, with a desktop version. 5. Habitify allows users to input habits, plan routines, set reminders, and visualize progress. It emphasizes consistency and offers a free version with limitations and an in-app subscription priced at .99 per month for unlimited features. It is available on the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

The best password managers for Android of 2025: Expert tested

Safeguarding personal information like login credentials and credit card details is crucial for Android users, and a password manager is essential for generating and securely storing strong, unique passwords. Bitwarden is highlighted as the best free password manager due to its open-source nature and robust encryption, allowing unlimited credential syncing across devices. It features autofill, secure note storage, a password generator, encrypted sharing, biometric unlock, and passkey support. 1Password is recommended for its user-friendly interface and security features, offering a library of over 20 credential types, autofill capabilities, and a feature called Watchtower for security alerts. It requires a subscription after a 14-day trial. Keeper is noted for its user-friendly onboarding process and enterprise-level security, accommodating various record types and offering features like account recovery and offline access, but it may be less appealing for budget-conscious users. Proton Pass, an open-source option from the creators of Proton VPN and Proton Mail, emphasizes privacy and offers features like password health alerts and hide-my-email aliases, although it currently lacks some functionalities of more established managers. Overall, Bitwarden is the top choice for cost-effective password management, while 1Password is recognized for its user experience.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Windows 11’s sneaky new AI tool is a game-changer

Microsoft introduced Foundry AI Local, a command-line tool for running large language models (LLMs) on users' machines, aimed initially at developers but accessible to a broader audience. The installation process utilizes the "winget" tool, allowing users to install it by opening a command line and entering the command: winget install Microsoft.FoundryLocal. Users can run the Phi-3.5-mini model with the command: foundry model run phi-3.5-mini and explore other models with: foundry model list. Foundry AI Local automatically selects the best model for the user's hardware, enhancing performance. While currently functioning as a local chatbot, it has potential applications beyond text generation, including text extraction tools and integration into Windows applications. Future enhancements may include art generation and custom model training.