Author: Richard

Top 5 Essential Windows Apps for 2025

file explorer on steroids.

Let’s review five treasures from the vast realm of Windows applications that are essential for every PC. Our suggestions cater to a broad audience of Windows users and improve the operating system experience by introducing new features or providing a more efficient way to accomplish tasks compared to what’s already in Windows.

Everything

The native search functionality in Windows leaves much to be desired and can be quite slow to locate files. It is also tedious to index and heavily impacts system resources. A great alternative to this is Everything, a free application from Voidtools. It’s considerably quicker than Windows search while remaining resource-friendly and user-friendly. If you recall the file name, it will take hardly a second to locate your file.

In contrast to Windows search, it solely indexes the names of files and folders, greatly speeding up the indexing process, and the developer claims it can catalog a million files in roughly a minute. Although content within files is not indexed, you can request the app to find files containing specific content, but that will consume more time since it has to index and search through everything. In addition to your local files, you can instruct Everything to index your mapped network drives for searching them as well. Furthermore, the application accommodates Boolean operators and wildcards for more complex searches.

Flow Launcher

Another valuable addition to your Windows PC is <a href="https

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More than 800 App Discounts Offered for Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Revised List

# Black Friday and Cyber Monday App Promotions 2025

In keeping with tradition, numerous indie (and prominent) app developers utilize Black Friday and Cyber Monday to provide substantial and uncommon discounts for their applications. Here’s an array of fantastic offers you ought to explore.

## PCalc and Dice by PCalc
James Thomson’s renowned scientific calculator PCalc is discounted by 50% until the conclusion of Monday, December 1st, along with his other well-known app, Dice, which features physics-driven simulations of polyhedral dice.

## Things 3
This acclaimed task management application is hosting a rare Black Friday promotion. Things is accessible on Mac, iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Vision Pro, all of which are offered at a 30% discount until Friday, December 1st.

## Adobe Creative Cloud Pro
Adobe is providing a 50% discount on Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, and more. The subscription also encompasses the Adobe Firefly suite of generative AI tools, and the discount expires today, so be sure not to miss it.

## Gentler Streak and The Outsiders
Gentler Stories’ inspiring exercise tracking application is available at a 40% discount on the Yearly Plan (Family Sharing included) until Monday, December 1st. Likewise, The Outsiders, their new app aimed at high-performance athletes, is also 40% off on the Yearly Plan.

## SongCapsule
SorcererHat refers to SongCapsule as “your personal DJ.” The app assists you in rediscovering overlooked favorites from your music library, and it is available at 50% off until Monday, December 1st.

## SongCapsule Quiz
This entertaining and contemporary music trivia game assesses your music knowledge using any Apple Music playlist. You can also craft your own playlists to challenge your Game Center friends. SongCapsule Quiz’s lifetime Deluxe subscription is at a 50% discount until Monday, December 1st.

## MacWhisper
Jordi Bruin’s outstanding AI transcription application is priced at 25% off for the MacWhisper Pro license, ahead of a price increase anticipated early next year. MacWhisper is quite powerful and essential if your workflow depends on transcription of any kind.

## BundleHunt
While we’re discussing Mac, don’t overlook this year’s BundleHunt Black Friday promotion, showcasing well-known applications like iStat Menus with discounts of up to 90%.

## Darkroom
This acclaimed photo and video editing application, a recipient of the Apple Design Award, is available at 50% off for the first year of Darkroom+, and 25% off for the Darkroom+ Forever membership. The sale is active until Wednesday, December 3rd.

## Textsniper
Although macOS comes with a built-in optical character recognition feature, TextSniper enhances the experience with advanced functions like automatic clipboard copying, text-to-speech, and more. TextSniper is discounted by 75% until Monday, December 1st.

## Bartender
Bartender 6 has encountered some issues since the launch of macOS Tahoe 26. However, it remains a beneficial app that allows you to tailor which items you prefer to display, hide, or never see on the menu bar. You can acquire it at a 20% discount this Black Friday using code: BLACKFRIDAY2025.

## CardPointers
CardPointers assists you in saving money and maximizing credit card rewards, from points to miles, across various categories of your everyday spending. You can avail yourself of a 50% discount this Black Friday on their annual or lifetime subscriptions.

## CardioBot
Developer Majid Jabrayilov’s application enables you to explore heart data collected by your Apple Watch in greater detail than what is shown in the Health app. Featuring useful charts, graphs, and analysis, CardioBot simplifies the process of recognizing trends and obtaining a clearer overall view of your heart health. Use code CARDIOBOT15 to receive the annual package at 50% off until December 8th.

## Dark Noise
This popular sound generator app allows you to customize frequencies and sound effects to create the ideal ambient noise for working, sleeping, or simply relaxing. You can obtain Dark Noise Pro at a 50% discount until Monday, December 1st.

## Lumafusion
This award-winning, user-friendly professional video editing platform is offering a 33% discount until Monday, December 1st. If you already own Lumafusion, you can take advantage of a $20 discount for a 1-year subscription to the Creator Pass.

## What about games?
If you’re a gaming enthusiast, make sure to explore 9to5Toys’ compilation of 30+ price reductions on popular and classic titles, featuring Grim Fandango Remastered, Full Throttle Remastered, and Hitman GO.

## Want even more?
Don’t overlook this year’s Indie Apps Sales list, which currently features over 800 iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, macOS, watchOS, Android, and

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Amazon Presents $120 Smartwatch, Perfect for Holiday Presents

Fitbit Versa 4 smartwatch priced at $119.95, offering an impressive 40% discount from the usual $199.95 retail price. Various color choices are available in this deal: Black/Graphite, Pink Sand/Copper Rose, and Waterfall Blue/Platinum. Extra bands are provided for those with smaller or larger wrists, making it a perfect gift for yourself or an active individual.

Even though it may often appear that time drags during your workout, possessing a smartwatch that prioritizes your fitness can be a significant advantage. While numerous affordable Android smartwatches have loyal fans, the Fitbit Versa 4 also stands out for Apple users – just ensure your iPhone is operating on iOS 16.4 or above, while Android users must have Android 10 or later.

Enjoy a 40% Discount on the Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch

If you’re debating between the Fitbit Versa 4 and the Apple Watch, Amazon’s latest deals might make your decision easier. Loaded with functionalities that encourage an active lifestyle, the Fitbit Versa 4 is designed for early risers eager to fit in a run, and the current price is quite competitive.

Designed for fitness enthusiasts who work out daily, the Fitbit Versa 4 features a Daily Readiness score, which considers your heart rate variability (HRV), resting heart rate (RHR), and recent sleep patterns to assess your readiness for physical activity. Furthermore, the Versa 4 incorporates GPS, comprehensive exercise tracking, tailored Sleep Profiles, daily Stress Management, and additional features. You’ll also receive a 6-month subscription to Fitbit’s premium offerings, which provide deeper insights and analytics. This is alongside various standard smartwatch features such as Bluetooth calls and texts, built-in Amazon Alexa, and beyond.

With more than 10,000 units sold in just the last month on Amazon, the Fitbit Versa 4 boasts a 4.3-star rating with over 17,200 reviews. Users commend the smartwatch for its sturdiness, exceptional battery longevity, and remarkable health tracking capabilities. If you’re in the market for a smartwatch with an average battery life of 6 days, water resistance up to 50 meters, and compatibility with iOS or Android, the Fitbit Versa 4 at this price is worth considering.

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Apple Glasses: Expected to be Next Year’s Most Eye-Catching Device

Apple has a range of software and service launches set for December, but any new hardware offerings are expected to debut next year. Among the company’s speculated products for 2026, one is bound to attract significant interest: Apple Glasses.

## Glasses Expected to Be Revealed in 2026 as Apple’s Latest Product Category

It is rare for Apple to introduce products in entirely new categories. Each year, the company rolls out various new hardware, but we typically see updated iPhones, iPads, Macs, and items within other established lines. The most recent “brand new” product category was Apple Vision Pro. However, rumors suggest that another completely new introduction could occur in 2026: Apple Glasses (or possibly ‘Apple Vision’).

While the product may not actually be available until 2027, Bloomberg indicates that Apple Glasses could be showcased this year as an early glimpse. This advanced reveal often occurs with entirely new product categories. For instance, Vision Pro and Apple Watch were both introduced more than six months before they became available.

The launch of a completely new product category will generate considerable excitement. Additionally, Apple Glasses could warrant extra attention for two further reasons:

1. Making smart glasses more widely accepted
2. Apple’s inaugural AI-driven product

## Apple May Make Smart Glasses More Widely Accepted

Smart glasses are gaining traction, yet they still belong to their nascent stage. Ray-Ban Meta currently leads the market, but they still cater to a niche, early-adopter audience. However, Apple’s entry into the smart glasses market could significantly elevate the category’s mainstream appeal.

The company’s history in this domain is impressive. The iPod, iPad, and Apple Watch were not the “first” in their respective categories, but they significantly contributed to the success of those categories. Apple Glasses could follow suit—though success is not guaranteed. The product may mirror the trajectory of Apple Vision Pro, which hasn’t made the anticipated impact on the VR landscape.

With a much lower price point, a user-friendly form factor, and positioning as an iPhone accessory, Apple Glasses are set to make a significant impact. Regardless of its actual performance, the mere presence of Apple Glasses will heighten awareness around the smart glasses market.

## Apple Glasses Will Be the Company’s Initial AI-Driven Product

Another factor contributing to the attention surrounding the product is its status as Apple’s first new AI-driven offering. For the past few years, Apple has claimed that new iPhones, iPads, and Macs are “designed for Apple Intelligence.” However, Glasses will rely heavily on Siri and AI capabilities unlike any preceding product—and it enters a hardware category that didn’t exist before the advent of AI.

The forthcoming AI enhancements to Siri will likely play a significant role in the Apple Glasses experience. Apple Glasses have a lot to offer. As a completely new product category with the potential to mainstream smart glasses, and as Apple’s first AI-focused introduction, they certainly deserve considerable attention.

The big question is: will that attention lead to success? Are you intrigued by Apple Glasses? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Amazon and Google’s Fresh ‘Interconnect’ Seeks to Avert Significant Web Outages

**Outages at Major Web Hosts: The Consequences and an Innovative Remedy**

Outages at prominent web hosts can result in considerable consequences across different industries, as illustrated by events like the recent Cloudflare outage. Such disruptions can influence numerous applications and websites, creating a chain reaction that affects both businesses and consumers. Nevertheless, a new partnership between Amazon and Google could lead to minimizing the repercussions of these outages.

### AWS and Google Cloud Interconnect: A New Era of Robustness

Amazon and Google have revealed a revolutionary cross-cloud undertaking aimed at improving interoperability between AWS (Amazon Web Services) and Google Cloud. This fresh multicloud networking solution employs AWS Interconnect alongside Google Cloud’s Cross-Cloud Interconnect, facilitating private and rapid connectivity between the two services.

Per Google’s announcement, this partnership presents an open specification for network interoperability, allowing clients to create connections with high degrees of automation and speed. This marks a significant advancement in cloud computing, as it enables a more robust architecture capable of enduring various types of failures.

Amazon has also noted that while Google Cloud is the inaugural partner for this venture, there are plans to broaden the interconnect system to include Microsoft Azure in 2026. This extension is anticipated to further bolster the resilience of cloud services.

### The Advantages of Multi-Cloud Solutions

One of the key benefits of implementing multi-cloud hosting solutions is the additional layers of protection they provide against network interruptions. Google highlights that this new architecture offers safeguards against facility, network, and software failures, ensuring that essential applications continue to function even amid outages.

The capability for essential systems to switch to an alternate host when one provider experiences an outage means that end users are less likely to encounter disruptions. This functionality is vital for enterprises that depend on uninterrupted operations.

### Conclusion

The alliance between Amazon and Google signifies a notable progression in cloud technology, with the potential to substantially lessen the impact of outages on users and enterprises. As multi-cloud solutions become more prevalent, they may establish a new norm for ensuring resilience in the face of network failures. The future of cloud computing appears bright, with improved reliability and decreased downtime on the horizon.

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5 Crucial Factors to Think About Prior to Buying a Mac Mini

Mac Mini stands out as one of Apple’s most attractive computers, especially for users seeking desktop functionality without facing the elevated costs associated with Apple’s more professional-oriented Mac Studio. After all, the Mac Mini is Apple’s most compact desktop choice, and with the recent iterations equipped with the M4 or M4 Pro chip, it provides ample performance to meet the computing needs of the majority. Priced from $599 for the entry-level variant, the Mac Mini is also significantly cheaper than a new iMac.

However, the Mac Mini differs slightly from other Apple devices. To maintain that $599 pricing, Apple has excluded certain items from the bundle that you would usually receive when acquiring another Apple product. Additionally, the Mac Mini necessitates a bit of knowledge to ensure you maximize the value of your investment, which are crucial factors to keep in mind when considering a purchase.

Comprehending what is included in the packaging, what is absent, and which hardware setups best suit your requirements will be essential as you navigate the process of buying a Mac Mini. These factors could determine whether you make a great value investment or an expensive blunder. Thus, let’s delve into some key points you should be aware of before finalizing your Mac Mini purchase.

You’ll require peripherals

Kobo Libra Colour Cyber Monday Offers and Must-Have Accessories Make Transitioning from Kindle Rewarding

Now is the moment to enjoy the finest reading journey of your life! I assure you!

Recently, I shared my experience of parting ways with my Kindle and finally acquiring a Kobo Libra Colour. The offer is still available for Cyber Monday, and it’s a fantastic one.

The Libra Colour typically retails for $249.99, but it’s currently discounted to $199.99. This e-reader features color ink, allowing you to admire all those stunning book covers, and you can highlight and annotate in various colors. You can choose from an elegant pearlescent white or a basic black. Personally, I chose the white (it’s genuinely breathtaking in person!)

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Apple Designates Specific iPhone SE, iPad Pro, and Apple Watch Models as Outdated

Apple has refreshed its catalog of vintage and obsolete products, incorporating five new entries into the ‘obsolete’ category. This includes the original iPhone SE, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation), along with various models of the Apple Watch and Beats. Below are the specifics of the newly added items:

### Five New Additions to Apple’s Obsolete Products List

As reported by Aaron Perris on X, Apple has recently revised its list of obsolete products. The items that are now categorized as obsolete are:

– iPhone SE (first generation)
– iPad Pro 12.9-inch (second generation)
– Apple Watch Series 4 Hermes models
– Apple Watch Series 4 Nike models
– Beats Pill 2.0

It’s noteworthy that the standard Apple Watch Series 4 still maintains its vintage classification and has not yet transitioned to obsolete status, as only the Hermes and Nike variants have been included on this list.

### What Does It Mean for a Product to Be Considered Obsolete?

Per Apple, products are considered obsolete when they haven’t been sold for over 7 years. Moreover, Monster-branded Beats items are considered obsolete irrespective of their purchase date. Apple ceases all hardware service for obsolete products, and service providers cannot order parts for these devices. Nonetheless, Mac laptops may be eligible for an extended battery-only repair period of up to 10 years from their last sale date, contingent upon parts availability.

The designation of products as obsolete takes place 7 years after they are no longer sold, opposed to 7 years after their original launch. This can result in certain versions of a product being obsolete while others are still classified as vintage. For example, the standard Apple Watch Series 4 was still available for purchase after the Nike and Hermes models were discontinued.

### Keeping Track of Vintage and Obsolete Products

If you are worried about your devices becoming obsolete and losing their repair eligibility, you can find the complete list of vintage products on Apple’s support page. A product is deemed vintage 5 years after it stops being sold, which means items on this list will convert to obsolete status in two years or less.

For individuals wishing to remain informed about Apple’s product classifications, it is recommended to periodically check the lists provided by Apple to ensure that your devices continue to qualify for service and support.

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$25 Gadget Provides More Than 500 Complimentary Live TV Channels, Exceeding Cyber Monday Streaming Discounts

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is now available at a 50% discount for Cyber Monday!

(Image credit: Roku)

This year’s focus has been on the streaming offers during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and it’s easy to understand why. As subscription services continue to pile up and prices keep increasing, people appear more inclined toward reducing their monthly expenses rather than purchasing the newest smart TV or video gaming system. 

Luckily, there’s been no lack of Cyber Monday streaming offers over the last few days, but if you’re looking for a different way to save money, you might consider a device such as the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. This small device provides access to ALL your favorite streaming platforms along with more than 500 FREE live channels in stunning 4K, and due to Amazon’s Cyber Monday promotion, it is presently at a 50% discount. However, there’s always a possibility that the

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Apple’s iPhone Fold Enters Pre-Production as Release Strategies Evolve

IT Home). As reported by the publication, the iPhone Fold has begun the engineering verification and pre-mass production phase.

Moreover, certain assembly facilities indicated that they have already reached a stocking status, allowing them to send components of the iPhone Fold to assembly sites as soon as Apple provides approval. In addition to the iPhone Fold, Apple is anticipated to reveal the upcoming generation of its Pro iPhone models, with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max expected to debut in September 2026. Previous speculation suggests that the iPhone Fold will significantly alter Apple’s iPhone release timetable, with a reveal of the standard iPhone 18, iPhone Air 2, and iPhone 18e in the first half of 2027.

Current rumors surrounding the iPhone Fold