wallet Archives

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Recap: Pixel updates, Feature Drops, and new apps in 2024

In 2024, Made by Google released multiple updates for the Pixel phone, introducing new features and enhancing existing functionalities across six updates. - January Feature Drop: Launched with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, it included the Pixel Thermometer app for forehead temperature readings, Circle to Search, and the rebranding of Quick Share from Nearby Share. - March Feature Drop: Introduced with Android 14 QPR2, it featured an expandable Bluetooth Quick Settings Tile, a Material You volume slider, new casting options, and a "Hello?" button for the Call Screen feature. The Pixel Tablet received the Gboard Voice Toolbar. - June Feature Drop: Marked by the early launch of the Pixel 8a, it introduced Audio Emoji, Display Port Support for external screens, Gemini Nano technology, and camera improvements for various Pixel models. The Android 14 QPR3 update focused on minor tweaks. - Pixel 9 Series Launch: Debuted alongside Android 14, backporting features from the Android 15 Beta. Introduced three new applications: Pixel Screenshots, Pixel Studio, and Pixel Weather, along with Gemini Live and on-device Call Notes. - Android 15/October Drop: Introduced Android 15 with a Private Space option, Predictive Back functionality, a redesigned screenshot interface, underwater photography capabilities for the Pixel 9 series, and an enhanced Adaptive Vibration feature. - December Drop: Included Android 15 QPR1 with a Material You redesign for Settings, charging optimization, enhancements to the Pixel Screenshots app, a clear voice feature for the Pixel Recorder, broader rollout of contextual replies for Gemini, and Dual Screen Portrait Mode for foldable devices. Google extended Android OS updates for the Pixel 6 and 7 series.

Tech Optimizer

December 13, 2024

McAfee Plus review

McAfee, founded in 1987, is a pioneer in cybersecurity, known for introducing antivirus software. McAfee Plus offers features like antivirus protection, real-time threat prevention, a VPN, a password manager, and identity theft protection. The annual subscription is currently priced at .99, down from .99. The McAfee Plus Advanced plan costs .99 annually, offering identity theft coverage up to million, while the Ultimate plan is priced at .99 annually, adding bank account takeover monitoring and up to 0,000 in ransomware coverage. Family plans start at .99 annually, providing individual identity monitoring and up to million in coverage per adult member. McAfee Plus includes 24/7 monitoring, a secure VPN for online banking, and parental controls. Competitors include Norton 360, Bitdefender Total Security, and Trend Micro Maximum Security, each with distinct features and performance characteristics. McAfee offers various support options, including a Support Center, community forums, direct assistance via phone and chat, and tutorial videos.

AppWizard

December 12, 2024

Google Wallet rolling out adding passport IDs on Android

Google Wallet is rolling out the ability to add a passport as a form of ID within its Android app, following a successful testing phase in October. This feature is now available for users, particularly benefiting those in states without a digital ID, and is accessible through the “Add to Wallet” option in the app. Users can add their passport by taking a picture of the information page, scanning the security chip inside the back cover, and recording a video of their face for identity verification. This feature is available with version 24.47.35 of Google Play services for Android devices running version 9 and above. At airport security, travelers can use their digital passport by scanning a QR code or tapping their phone near an NFC reader. The digital passport is not a government-issued ID and should not replace physical identification, especially for international travel. Users can remove their ID pass if their phone is lost by visiting myaccount.google.com.

AppWizard

December 8, 2024

Google Wallet adds digital ID support in yet another US state

New Mexico has allowed residents to store their driver’s licenses and state IDs in Google Wallet, becoming the sixth state to do so after California, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Maryland. Physical identification is still necessary for law enforcement and age verification, but many businesses and TSA checkpoints are using the NM Verifier app for smartphone-based verification. Google Wallet will soon introduce digital passport IDs, enabling users to store a digital version of their U.S. passport. Users can create a digital U.S. passport ID by selecting the option in Google Wallet and following on-screen instructions. Travelers are advised to continue carrying physical IDs until digital IDs are more widely accepted and to check the TSA’s map for supported states and airports when planning domestic flights.

AppWizard

December 6, 2024

Here’s everything new Samsung’s Android 15 update, One UI 7, and the full changelog [Gallery]

Galaxy AI offers features for enhancing writing, including spelling and grammar correction, tone adjustment, summarization, and formatting. The Samsung Phone app includes a transcription feature for recorded calls, displaying conversations as text. One UI 7 introduces a redesigned aesthetic with new buttons, menus, notifications, and control bars. The Home screen has a new grid layout, customizable app icons, and larger folders for easier access. The Lock screen features a Now bar for essential tasks and customizable clock options. Quick settings and notifications are separated for efficient access, with customization options available. The camera interface has been improved for ease of use, with enhanced zoom controls and saved exposure settings. Users can erase unwanted objects in photos and create collages in the Gallery app. Samsung Health introduces a Mindfulness feature for stress management. One UI 7 enhances productivity with app previews and simplified alarm management. Calendar management includes drag-and-drop functionality and customizable widgets. Quick Share recommends devices for file transfers, and Knox Matrix provides a security overview. Battery settings allow users to customize power saving options and charging levels. Accessibility features include one-finger zoom and enhanced screen controls. Continuous improvements include video replay, a unified contacts list, and optimized gaming experiences.

AppWizard

December 5, 2024

Android 15’s first major update has arrived

New features are being introduced to Android phones and Pixel devices, including: - Expressive Captions: Descriptive video captions that include annotations for non-verbal moments, such as [gasp] or [applause]. - Lookout App Enhancements: The Lookout app will now feature the Gemini 1.5 model for more detailed audio descriptions of photos and objects for users with low vision or blindness. - Gemini Assistant Expansions: New extensions for Gemini Assistant, including a Spotify extension for music playback and a Utilities extension for performing tasks like making calls and sending emails. - Pixel 9 Features: The call screening feature now includes contextual reply suggestions, and the Screenshots app allows users to save searches made with the Circle to Search feature and suggests search phrases based on saved screenshots. - Updates for Previous Pixel Models: Features like Identity Check for additional security are rolling out for Pixel 6 and newer devices. - Compatibility: The updates are not linked to Android 15 and are supported by various earlier Android versions.

AppWizard

December 3, 2024

How to use Google Wallet to make custom digital passes

Google Wallet allows users to manage various passes, including boarding passes, transit tickets, and loyalty cards, all in one application. It can scan Gmail for existing passes and allows manual addition of passes if needed. Users can create custom passes by uploading images of physical passes, which the app converts into digital cards. The Wallet app supports secure storage of debit and credit cards and has added numerous banking partners in 2024. It can also store digital car keys, corporate office passes, and hotel room keys. The Google Pay app has been discontinued in the U.S. as of June 2024, but Google Wallet continues to serve various financial and organizational needs.

Winsage

December 2, 2024

Save your computer from Microsoft’s Windows 10 end-of-life planned obsolescence

Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ceasing free updates, technical support, and security fixes. Canalys estimates that this decision could lead to 240 million PCs becoming obsolete, which is one-fifth of all computers globally. The environmental impact of disposing of these computers in landfills includes the release of heavy metals and a potential carbon footprint of 158 million metric tons of CO2e emissions if all 240 million PCs are replaced. Linux distributions can provide alternatives for older machines, allowing them to continue functioning.

AppWizard

November 30, 2024

Finals: What is Google’s best four-color app icon?

Google Maps and Chrome emerged victorious in the semifinals of a tournament to crown the best Google app icon. Google Maps defeated Google Photos after initially trailing, while Chrome maintained a lead to win against Google Wallet. Chrome's earlier victory over Gmail's 'M' was considered unexpected.

AppWizard

November 30, 2024

Weekend PC Game Deals: Autumn and Black Friday specials take over

The Humble Store has launched the Rawcember bundle featuring indie games like Kingdom Two Crowns and Star Renegades, with different pricing tiers for additional games. The Disney Classics bundle includes 17 games related to Disney IPs for a low price. The Epic Games Store is offering Brotato for free until December 5, with upcoming free games including LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. Digital Extremes is giving away Dark Sector for free on Steam until November 30. Steam has initiated its seasonal sale with significant discounts on various titles, and the GOG store is offering discounted DRM-free games, including Oaken for free. Availability and pricing may vary by region.