watches Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 28, 2025

Norton AntiVirus Plus for Mac

Windows is the primary target for malware attacks, leading to a focus on antivirus applications for the platform, while macOS users have fewer options. Norton AntiVirus Plus for Mac offers robust cross-platform protection and has received perfect scores from independent testing labs, excelling in phishing protection. It is priced at approximately .99 annually for a single license and .99 for a five-license subscription. Norton supports the latest three macOS versions: Sequoia (15), Sonoma (14), and Ventura (13). The Gen stack, a new antivirus engine, consolidates technology from Norton, Avast, and AVG, ensuring consistent performance. Norton achieved a perfect score of 18 points in independent testing, with a 100% detection rate for Mac malware and Windows-specific threats. It offers flexible scanning options, with quick scans completing in 30 seconds and full scans in 27 minutes. Norton has a 100% detection rate for phishing sites and includes a smart firewall and intrusion prevention system. Its password manager offers basic functions but lacks advanced features. Norton Genie is an AI-based scam detection tool integrated into the ecosystem. The software includes performance improvement tools like File Cleanup and Startup Manager, but privacy components require separate purchases.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

Microsoft says goodbye to the Windows blue screen of death

Microsoft has announced the retirement of the "blue screen of death" in favor of a new black screen for Windows 11 24H2 devices, set to debut this summer. This change aims to streamline the restart experience and reduce downtime during unexpected interruptions to two seconds for most users. The blue screen has been part of Windows since the early 1990s, and the transition is part of a broader initiative to minimize disruptions.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft Ends FrontPage RPC in Secure 365 Update

Microsoft plans to block outdated protocols, including FrontPage Remote Procedure Call, as part of its "Secure by Default" initiative to enhance cybersecurity within its Microsoft 365 ecosystem. This decision aims to phase out legacy technologies that pose security risks, reflecting a broader industry trend toward prioritizing robust cybersecurity over maintaining older systems. The impact will be significant in enterprise environments, where legacy systems are often critical, requiring IT teams to identify dependencies on these protocols. While Microsoft provides guidance for migration, the responsibility lies with customers, which may strain relationships with long-time clients.

Tech Optimizer

June 17, 2025

Novel Lyrix ransomware sets sights on Windows systems

Freedman HealthCare experienced a significant data breach involving 52.4 GB of sensitive data and 42,204 files, allegedly compromised by the hacking group World Leaks, also known as Hunters International. The group has threatened to release the compromised information by Tuesday morning.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

Marathon is delayed, new release date will be announced in the fall: ‘We need more time to craft Marathon into the game that truly reflects your passion’

Bungie announced that the release of the game Marathon has been delayed due to varied feedback from playtesters. The initial release date of September 23rd has been postponed, with a new timeline to be communicated in the fall. Concerns about the game's development progress have arisen, and a document suggests that Marathon could be released in Sony's fiscal year 2025, which ends on March 31, 2026.

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

Sony quietly removes PC sale restrictions in dozens of countries for four huge PlayStation games

Sony has eased regional restrictions on several popular PC games, including God of War Ragnarök, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, and Helldivers 2, as of June 13. The changes were noted on SteamDB, showing a reduction in the number of countries where these games are unavailable, with only the Russian Federation added to the list of restricted sales. This decision follows a backlash from a previous incident involving Helldivers 2, which was removed from sale in 177 countries due to a PSN requirement. Additionally, Sony's president, Hideaki Nishino, mentioned that the company is considering adjustments to the pricing of its PlayStation Plus service to maximize profitability through a dynamic pricing strategy.

AppWizard

June 12, 2025

MindsEye maker BARB “heartbroken” by game’s messy launch

Build a Rocket Boy, the developer of MindsEye, has acknowledged a memory leak issue affecting about 10 percent of players, which has led to game instability. The studio is actively working to resolve these technical challenges and has dedicated resources to optimize performance. Sony Interactive Entertainment is issuing refunds to players who purchased MindsEye on PlayStation 5, a rare action in the gaming industry. The studio expressed regret that not all players could experience the game as intended and is focused on delivering a high-quality experience for all users.

Winsage

June 11, 2025

‘Classic Apple’: Why Apple is taking the slow road with AI

Apple held its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in Cupertino, California, where it announced updates to its software ecosystem but did not introduce major AI announcements. The company plans to open its AI software to third-party developers, allowing access to on-device language models, which could lead to innovative software solutions and enhance user privacy. New features include live real-time translation in Phone, FaceTime, and Messages, improvements to the Visual Intelligence app, AI capabilities in the Reminders app, and a generative AI-powered fitness coach in the Apple Watch's Workout app. These updates aim to integrate AI into Apple's operating systems, positioning the company competitively in the AI landscape.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

The absence of Marvel’s Blade during the Xbox Games Showcase has left me worried about Arkane—after a rough couple of years it needs a win

Last night’s Xbox Games Showcase did not provide any updates on the Blade game, disappointing fans who were eager for news. A cinematic teaser was revealed at The Game Awards in 2023, showcasing a Parisian setting designed for vampire slaying, with aesthetic elements reminiscent of 19th-century European architecture and industrial technology. It has been a year and a half since the initial announcement, and details about the game’s mechanics, narrative, and perspective remain unclear. Arkane has faced challenges under Microsoft's ownership, particularly after the poor performance of Redfall, leading to concerns about the studio's future. The lack of communication regarding Blade raises questions about potential development hurdles and the level of support from Microsoft. The decision to align Arkane with a Marvel property like Blade is seen as a calculated risk to generate revenue.

AppWizard

June 9, 2025

Cool Pixel Watch features keep trickling in from the Wear OS 6 dev code

Recent insights from the Wear OS 6 developer preview and an APK teardown have revealed new features for the upcoming Pixel Watch 4, including an Adaptive Charging tool that stops charging at a predetermined percentage (likely around 80%) and a rebranded Water Lock mode. The Pixel Watch 4 may also automatically lock your phone if it is left behind. The official rollout of Wear OS 6 is expected to begin in late summer. Additionally, the update will introduce a new Material 3 Expressive UI, dynamic color theming, and a third-party watch face storefront. The Pixel Watch 4 may be thicker than its predecessor to accommodate a larger battery, enhancing the battery life with the new adaptive charging feature.