websites Archives

Winsage

December 5, 2025

Decline of Native Windows Apps: Electron’s Rise and Hybrid Future

Native Windows apps, once central to the desktop experience, are declining in favor of web-based technologies like Electron and Chromium. Developers are shifting towards web wrappers for cross-platform compatibility and efficiency, despite performance drawbacks. WhatsApp has transitioned from a native app to a web wrapper, prioritizing maintenance over performance. This trend is evident across various software categories, with applications like Spotify and Slack adopting web frameworks, leading to increased resource consumption and slower performance. Microsoft’s focus on cloud services and AI has influenced this shift, as has the demand for cross-platform solutions. Native apps are being overshadowed by web technologies, which often lack deep integration with Windows features. Performance trade-offs are significant, with web wrappers consuming more memory than native apps. The rise of progressive web apps (PWAs) and AI integration further complicates the landscape, suggesting a future where the definition of "native" may evolve. The tech community is divided on these changes, with some advocating for a balance between web and native solutions.

Tech Optimizer

December 4, 2025

Cyber security essentials with WSA partner PureCyber

Cyber security is crucial for organizations in the sport and leisure sector to protect digital assets from hackers and cybercriminals. Neglecting cyber security can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, operational disruptions, and legal issues. Key practices for enhancing cyber security include keeping software updated, using strong passwords, training employees, and employing firewalls and antivirus solutions. The Welsh Sports Association (WSA) has partnered with PureCyber to offer a subscription service called Foundations, which provides various cyber security benefits such as incident response, phishing simulations, endpoint detection and response, dark web monitoring, employee training, Microsoft 365 protection, and vulnerability management. WSA members can access this service at preferential rates, and a Lunchtime Learning session will be held to improve skills within member organizations. Interested parties can contact Maria Lopez for more information on the subscription.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

Opera brings desktop AI features to its Android app

Opera has integrated innovative artificial intelligence features into its Android application, following previous updates to its desktop browsers. The latest update includes contextual AI, which allows users to use content from their current tab in prompts, and visual intelligence, enabling the attachment of images and files for AI analysis directly within the search bar. A new access point for AI is located beside the search box, allowing users to switch between traditional search and the Ask AI feature easily. The visual intelligence upgrade allows users to attach documents or photos for processing by the AI. Contextual AI reduces typing by using content from the current tab, ensuring that only relevant information is utilized and that user data is not used for AI training or advertising. The update is available for download through the Play Store.

Winsage

December 3, 2025

Windows 11 growth slows as millions stick with Windows 10

By November 2025, Windows 11 held 53.7 percent of the Windows desktop market, while Windows 10 had 42.7 percent. Statcounter's data is based on a sample of around 1.5 million websites. Many consumers have devices incompatible with upgrades or prefer not to change functioning systems. In the EU, consumers benefit from free Microsoft Extended Security Updates (ESU). Businesses face slow change management processes due to poor planning and resource challenges. Organizations use ESUs to maintain security during transitions, but costs can be burdensome for unprepared businesses. Consumers often retain older Windows 10 machines for secondary tasks, affecting usage statistics. Organizations strategically leverage ESUs for mission-critical systems and budget constraints. The cost of ESUs is often less than the potential disruptions from migration. Windows 11 lacks compelling features to prompt enterprises to upgrade, and adoption is slower than previous operating systems, lagging by 10-12 points according to Dell's COO.

Tech Optimizer

December 3, 2025

Fileless protection explained: Blocking the invisible threat others miss

Fileless malware operates within a computer's active memory, avoiding detection by traditional antivirus solutions that rely on file scanning. It uses legitimate tools like PowerShell to execute harmful commands without creating files, making it difficult to identify. Cybercriminals can use fileless malware for various malicious activities, including data theft and cryptocurrency mining. Malwarebytes combats fileless attacks through two defense layers: Script Monitoring, which intercepts potentially dangerous scripts at execution, and Command-Line Protection, which scrutinizes command-line tools for suspicious activities. Examples of fileless attacks include malicious email attachments activating PowerShell to download ransomware, hidden JavaScript on websites mining cryptocurrency, and attackers using Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) to create backdoors. Malwarebytes' Fileless Protection operates automatically in the background, ensuring legitimate applications function normally while monitoring for threats. It is part of a comprehensive security framework that includes machine-learning detection and web protection, designed to stop attacks that do not write files. This protection is included with Malwarebytes Premium, aimed at safeguarding personal and small business systems.

Winsage

December 2, 2025

I accepted all of Microsoft’s suggested Windows 11 setup settings with a fresh ISO, forced online accounts and extra telemetry included — can any of it be bypassed?

The latest version of Windows 11, 25H2, has been released with minimal changes from 24H2. Windows 11 is gaining market share as Windows 10 approaches its "End of Life" phase, but user satisfaction remains a concern. Many users express frustration over the TPM 2.0 hardware requirement, which raises e-waste concerns for incompatible PCs. Setting up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account has become challenging, as Microsoft has removed popular workarounds, and a mandatory Internet connection is required during setup. Users also express apprehension about Microsoft Copilot and its data collection practices, which include gathering "Optional diagnostic data" and location services information. Although users can disable tracking features after setup, initial selections are not permanent. Windows Recall, a feature that tracks user activity through visual snapshots, is now available for compatible Copilot+ PCs but is not enabled by default. Users can disable Windows Recall in the Settings app.

Tech Optimizer

December 2, 2025

AWS Transform announces full-stack Windows modernization capabilities

AWS launched AWS Transform for .NET in May, aimed at modernizing .NET applications. In response to user feedback, AWS introduced AWS Transform for full-stack Windows modernization, which streamlines modernization tasks across the Windows application stack. This service enhances modernization efficiency by up to five times and supports migration from .NET Framework to cross-platform .NET and SQL Server to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition. It includes features for validating and testing applications, customizable deployment configurations, and modernizing ASP.NET Web Forms UI to Blazor. AWS Transform connects to source code repositories and database servers to analyze dependencies and create modernization waves. Users can configure database connectors for SQL Server and source code repositories, leading to a wave-based transformation plan. The service generates a SQL Modernization Assessment Report detailing the proposed modernization strategy. The transformation process involves converting SQL Server schema to PostgreSQL, migrating data, transforming .NET application code, and deploying applications for testing. AWS Transform exclusively supports codebases in .NET 6 or later. It also facilitates UI modernization from ASP.NET Web Forms to Blazor, managing the conversion of various project files. Additional features include support for porting to .NET 10 and .NET Standard, an editable transformation report, real-time tracking of transformation progress, and a markdown file outlining remaining tasks post-transformation. AWS Transform for full-stack Windows modernization is available in the US East (N. Virginia) Region, with no additional charges for the features beyond standard resource usage. It supports SQL Server versions from 2008 R2 to 2022 and Entity Framework versions 6.3 to 8.0.

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

December Sees The Arrival Of Five New Apps For Android

- Comet is a new mobile browser built on the Chromium engine that offers features like instant answer cards, ad and tracker blocking, and a global dark mode, enhancing news consumption with concise summaries that can expand into detailed articles. - Sift is a recipe management app that allows users to choose their preferred AI provider for parsing and suggestions, excels in importing recipes from various websites, and features a minimalist design without social media distractions. - Escape Launcher is a minimalist home screen app that includes a clock, favorite contacts, and a searchable app drawer, promoting Digital Wellbeing by helping users regain focus and control over their app usage. - Red Dead Redemption is available on Netflix Games for mobile, providing an ad-free experience without in-app purchases, allowing players to explore the open world as John Marston, including the Undead Nightmare expansion pack.

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.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

Signal’s president warns AI agents are an existential threat to secure messaging apps

Meredith Whittaker, president of Signal, expresses strong concerns about the rise of AI agents, describing them as an “existential threat” to secure messaging platforms and app developers. AI agents require access to sensitive information, creating new vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals. Whittaker points out the risk of prompt injection attacks, which can manipulate AI to execute harmful actions, leading to data breaches. She argues that unrestricted access to user communications by AI agents poses a significant risk to privacy and security, undermining the foundational security of the internet. Whittaker criticizes the reckless implementation of AI by Big Tech companies, suggesting it compromises cybersecurity in favor of rapid deployment and financial pressures.