VPN Archives

Tech Optimizer

March 28, 2026

Don’t miss out: Bitdefender, One of the World’s Best Antiviruses, Is Now on Sale

Bitdefender is known for its effective early threat detection and elimination, reflected in high scores from independent lab evaluations. The current deal offers the complete all-in-one security suite at a competitive price, allowing users to upgrade from standard protection. Bitdefender operates in the background, providing real-time scanning of files, links, and downloads for safe browsing. The suite includes virus detection, web protection, ransomware defenses, a built-in VPN, a password manager, and anti-tracking capabilities. It offers proactive protection, such as scanning downloads on public Wi-Fi to prevent security risks. Bitdefender is resource-efficient, allowing users to run it without significant impact on system performance. The current sale makes it easier to justify moving from free tools to a comprehensive solution, especially given the sensitivity of information stored on devices.

Tech Optimizer

March 28, 2026

Trend Micro Maximum Security Review 2026: Is It The Best Protection?

Trend Micro offers five distinct subscription versions for online security, including a 12-month subscription to its Maximum Security Suite Pro Plus, which provides multi-device antivirus, anti-scam software, a VPN, and identity theft protection. The pricing starts at AUD for a basic subscription for one device, with additional costs for more devices and features. The tested plan costs 99.95 AUD per year for six devices. Key features include AI-scam detection, a Gamer Mode that pauses notifications during gameplay, and a minimalist user interface. Installation requires separate logins for each program, and the suite supports MacOS, Android, and iOS, though with limited features on Mac. The built-in VPN is developed in-house, and phishing protection is provided via a browser extension. Folder Shield protects against ransomware by securing specific folders. Independent lab tests show mixed results for Trend Micro's performance, particularly in real-time web-threat protection and ransomware defense, with some weaknesses in offline malware detection.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Android 17 to Finally Let You Exclude Specific Apps from Your VPN Connection

Using a VPN on Android can enhance privacy but may hinder access to location-dependent services. Many users utilize "split tunneling" to exclude specific apps from the VPN connection, allowing access to these services. Android 17 Beta 3 is set to standardize split tunneling across the operating system, providing a cohesive settings screen for users to manage app exceptions. This development aims to simplify the user experience by eliminating the need to navigate different VPN app interfaces. Users will be able to configure specific apps, like banking applications, to use their local IP address while keeping other web traffic secure under the VPN. The feature is still in development and will require updates from VPN applications to utilize the new system screen.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Google rolling out Android 17 Beta 3 for Pixel

Google has released Android 17 Beta 3, introducing Platform Stability, which finalizes internal and external APIs and app-facing behaviors for developers. Key enhancements include full activation of bubbles for multitasking, a redesigned screen recording toolbar, customizable photo picker grid view, support for 14-bit per pixel RAW images, vendor-defined camera extensions, Bluetooth LE audio hearing aids, reduced wakelocks for idle alarms, a system-provided location button, post-quantum cryptography hybrid signing, widget support on external displays, desktop interactive picture-in-picture, VPN app exclusion settings, and dynamic system font fallback. Feedback can be submitted through the Android Beta Feedback tool, and system images are available for various Pixel devices.

Tech Optimizer

March 26, 2026

Protect your devices from AI scams, malware, and identity theft for under $30 — Norton 360 Premium is ‘the antivirus deal to go for’ in Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

The Norton 360 Premium 2026 one-year pre-paid subscription is available for a reduced price of .99 on Amazon, down from .99. It provides security for up to 10 devices and includes features such as AI-powered scam protection, a VPN for secure internet connections, Dark Web Monitoring for personal information, real-time threat detection, and cloud backup support for up to 75GB. The subscription offers automatic renewal with the option to cancel anytime before renewal.

AppWizard

March 26, 2026

How to Install & Use Stream Cinema App on Android/Google TV

Stream Cinema is a media center application that enables users to stream Video on Demand content and supports various Stremio Addons. It can be installed on devices like the Onn 4K Pro, NVIDIA SHIELD, and Google TV Streamer, but currently does not have an APK for Firestick or Fire TV. The free version offers robust features, while the Premium version costs .99 per year or .99 for a lifetime subscription, providing additional benefits like favorites management and trailer access. The installation process involves downloading the app from the Google Play Store, enabling external sources, and configuring third-party addons. Users can connect to TorrentsDB for streaming links and are advised to use a VPN for privacy. The app features a modern user interface, quick playback, and limited settings. While its legality is uncertain, its presence on Google Play suggests some vetting.

Tech Optimizer

March 26, 2026

Announcing Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL serverless database creation in seconds

Colin Lazier, Vice President of Databases at AWS, announced at re:Invent 2025 that developers can now create production-ready databases using Amazon DynamoDB and Amazon Aurora DSQL in seconds. AWS introduced an express configuration for Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL, allowing users to set up a serverless database in two clicks without needing an Amazon VPC network. This configuration includes preconfigured defaults, IAM authentication for passwordless access, and an internet access gateway for secure connections. Users can create an Aurora PostgreSQL serverless database via the AWS console or command-line interface, and they can customize settings during and after creation. The new setup supports additional features like read replicas and automated failover. AWS also enhanced the Free Tier program, providing up to 0 in credits for new users, and integrated Aurora with platforms like Vercel for rapid application development. Users are billed based on Aurora Capacity Units (ACUs), which scale automatically.

Tech Optimizer

March 25, 2026

This Norton Deal Makes Premium Cybersecurity Worth It

Norton’s premium suites, traditionally seen as luxury cybersecurity options, are now more accessible due to a recent promotional offer. This package includes antivirus protection, a VPN, a password manager, and dark web monitoring, all in one subscription. It offers real-time protection and simplifies cybersecurity management through a single interface. The VPN protects data on public Wi-Fi, while the password manager enhances security by securely autofilling credentials. The deal allows protection for multiple devices under one subscription. However, it is a paid plan with renewal pricing returning to the original rate, and some features may not be included in every package. The software may consume more system resources than free alternatives, and users seeking basic malware scanning might find the additional tools excessive. The promotion encourages consumers to invest in cohesive cybersecurity solutions rather than relying on free tools.

Winsage

March 24, 2026

Microsoft Announces WSL Upgrades for Windows 11

Microsoft has announced enhancements for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to improve the experience for developers using Linux tools on Windows. Key areas of focus include: - Faster file performance between Linux and Windows - Improved network compatibility and throughput - A more streamlined first-time setup and onboarding experience - Enhanced enterprise management with stronger policy control, security, and governance Networking improvements are particularly significant, addressing past issues with mirrored networking that caused “No route to host” errors. Additionally, a new dxgkrnl driver patch has been submitted to improve GPU support for WSL2, introducing compute-only GPU capabilities and support for multiple virtual GPUs. Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft VP for Windows and Devices, emphasized ongoing quality improvements for Windows 11, including reducing Copilot integration in built-in applications, enhancing Bluetooth and USB reliability, and improving search functionality and responsiveness. Despite these commitments, concerns remain, such as the mandatory Microsoft Account sign-in requirement.

Winsage

March 24, 2026

I’m seriously tempted to drop Microsoft Edge after the latest Firefox update

Mozilla Firefox has released version 149, which includes features such as Split View, a free VPN for public Wi-Fi, enhanced PDF performance, and improved security measures that block notifications and revoke permissions on malicious websites. Firefox allows users to easily disable all AI features with a single switch, while Microsoft Edge requires users to navigate through multiple settings. Firefox is available for download on its website and the Microsoft Store.