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Best Instagram Downloader Apps 2024

By admin February 9, 2024

Best Instagram Downloader Apps 2024, With millions of stories getting uploaded on Instagram every day, people are looking for a way to save their favorite Insta stories and videos. In this blog, we bring the latest utility software best Instagram downloader app, which will enable easy downloading of Instagram videos and photos.

There are many instances when you come across a few images and stories that stay in your mind for a long time. You wish to save them but are unsure of the method as Instagram does not allow media downloading. But does that mean there is no rescue point for you?

Well, to your surprise, the market is full of Instagram Photo and Video Downloader Apps, which are developed keeping this specific issues in mind. Here, we have prepared a well-researched list of some of the best Instagram Downloader App for you.

Stay tuned to learn “How To Download Instagram Photos/Videos.”

Best Apps to Download Instagram Photos & Videos:

If you are still wondering “how to Download Insta Videos and Photographs,” then this article has everything that you need to know. Let’s now move on the check about some of the best Instagram Video Downloaders.

Instagram Photo & Video Downloader Apps for Android Devices:

1. FastSave for Instagram

Another most popular app for downloading videos and images is FastSave for Instagram. With this incredible software, you can easily save all your preferred posts and pictures, and if you wish, you can also repost them.

The most beautiful part of this software is that there is no limit on the number of saves and downloads that you can do. It supports fast downloading, and users can view all their saved posts from the top of the main screen.

FastSave for Instagram is a perfect way to repost, share, and delete videos and Insta photos.

Best Instagram Downloader Apps 2024

2. Saver Reposter for Instagram

First on our list of Instagram Photo downloader Apps is “Saver Reposter for Instagram.” This incredible app allows you to copy text, hashtags from other Insta posts, and save videos and images.

Once Saved, you can freely use your saved items to repost them on your profile. It comes with a comfortable and clean functionality, which means you can instantly switch between the app and the Saver.

You can also use it to copy the description of various posts and hashtags. It also supports background downloading, which means that you can continue with your current activities while your video is getting downloaded.

3. Video Downloader for Instagram Repost App

Next in our list of Instagram Video Downloader is “Video Downloader– for Instagram Repost App”. With this highly popular app, you can effortlessly download Instagram content and repost it whenever required. In addition to this, you can also use it to copy tags.

On top of everything, it works on a single click mechanism. The downloaded videos and pictures are saved in your phone gallery, which can also be shared on various social media platforms.

4. IV Saver Photo Video Download For Instagram & IGTV

Automatically download videos and pictures from Instagram using this multi-functional app. All you need to do is, click on the “Copy Share URL” and your task will be done.

This IG downloader app also supports downloading of profile ID, name, public media, tags, and captions.

Another most notable feature that you do not require an account to use this app.

5. Repost for Instagram – Regrann

Another incredible app that supports downloading and reposting of Instagram videos and photos is Regrann. Not to forget, the reposted images are without any watermarks.

Just select the “Copy share URL” to repost all your desired content and videos, furthermore you can also use it to schedule various activities and posts.

You can also add a signature wherever required.

6. InstaGet

This incredible app keeps you away from repeated login requirements to see your favorite videos on Instagram. With InstaGet, you can download various videos and images and admire them whenever you wish.

It a must-have tool for anyone who wishes to have their favorite pictures at their fingertips. Instant also supports sharing and reposting, and you can also use it to copy tags.

7. Quick Save

Just like any other Free Download Instagram Videos app, Quicksave allows you to download and save videos and images which you can, later on, repost and share with your friends.

It comes with an easy to use and clean UI.

However, what makes it different from its competitors is that it has several built-in features, pre-set filters, and editing tools. These tools can be used for photo split and grid styling.

8. Ezrepost+

Another most incredible and interesting Instagram video downloader apps. It comes with a basket of cool features and offerings.

With this impressive application, you can not only download videos and photos but also repost them.

Instagram Photo & Video Downloader Apps for iOS Devices:

9. Instant Save from Instagram

Just like its name suggests, this stunning piece of software assists you in downloading various photos and videos from Instagram. To do so, you have to copy and paste the video URL in the app, and it’s done.

Going a step further, it also allows you to give the picture credit to its original owner, which takes care of all copyright issues.

10. Repostly – Repost For Instagram

Repostly is another Instagram Photo Downloader. This popular app comes with a clean and convenient user interface that supports easy navigation and functioning.

Having an account is not a necessity to save and repost videos and images. The most loved feature of Repostly is that you can save unlimited videos and images with it.

So these are some of the most popular and the best Instagram Photo and Video Downloader Apps for Android and iOS devices. However, if you are looking for a web application, we have it covered for you.

Wrapping up

So these are some of the most popular and leading Instagram Photo and Video Downloader Apps in 2024. Select one to enjoy comfortable and effortless downloading.

Image Source: Play Store, App Store

Artificial Intelligence

10 Best AI Tools to Boost Productivity in 2024

By admin February 6, 2024

10 Best AI Tools to Boost Productivity in 2024, In the last month, a few new AI-powered sensations have swept the internet by storm. Tools like ChatGPT, Google Bard, and other AI productivity tools help people increase their workflow. Now, if you are in seek of more AI tools to boost productivity, then keep reading this article.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a technology that’s becoming famous day by day as we are moving into 2024. It has the potential to change or help individuals or many industries by improving business operations, and healthcare among other things.

As a result, the demand for AI productivity tools is increasing among organizations and the people running small businesses are highly interested in implementing AI tools to gain a competitive edge.

AI tools offer a variety of benefits ranging from automating tasks to enhancing user interaction. As we approach 2024, there are many exciting AI tools that are available to help businesses and individuals.

In this article, we are going to discuss 10 AI tools to consider in 2024, each with its own unique capabilities and potential applications. whether you are looking to automate small tasks, enhance decision-making or gain deeper insights from the data, these tools can help you achieve your goals or unlock new possibilities in the world of AI.

1. ChatGPT

ChatGPT is a natural language processing tool driven by AI technology and developed by OpenAI that allows us to generate a text-based response in human language. In the list of AI productivity tools it is one of the best tool. The language model can assist you with tasks such as generating essays and composing emails, and coding. The main aim to build this tool was to eliminate the problem of the traditional chatbot methods which we were using throughout the platforms like e-commerce, banking, etc and it works like a normal human being.

Features:

• Text Based Response: This can provide information on a variety of topics and responds to the user with text-based responses.

• Wrok Like Vartual Assistant: It can serve as a virtual assistant for managing little jobs.

• Language Feature: Analyze the language and suggest changes that can make the information more readable and accessible.

• User Recommendation: Recommend things like movies, restaurants, etc. based on the user’s input.

• Code Builder: Used to create code for different programming languages.

• Simple UI: ChatGPT is made to be simple to use and navigate while offering a warm and engaging experience.

• Subject Expert: This is able to converse about several different subjects at once and comprehend and react to difficult queries.

•Free: ChatGPT is free.

10 Best AI Tools to Boost Productivity in 2024

2. Hostinger AI Website Builder

Hostinger AI Website Builder is designed to help users build websites that are suitable for a variety of goals. This all-inclusive solution streamlines the process: after registering, provide information about your brand, and watch as the AI creates a unique website design in a matter of minutes. 24/7 customer support is provided in case you get stuck at any step.

The platform is extensive, covering duties like creating engaging material, choosing pertinent graphics, and combining crucial design components. The application ensures an amazing appearance and good search rankings for your site thanks to its intuitive drag-and-drop editor and integrated AI SEO tools. All of this is offered at a price that is exceptionally low. It’s free to try and $2.99 or ₹149 per month, get free hosting and domain and 30-days money back guarantee. The best part is no payment method attachment is required for accessing the free hosting service.

Features:

• AI Logo Generator: The logo maker produces a professional and AI-generated logo for your brand within a few minutes.

• AI Business Name Generator: Discover distinct business name concepts that mirror your brand identity – commence at no cost by inputting pertinent keywords into the search field.

• AI SEO Tool & AI Writer: Includes templates optimized for SEO and a multitude of SEO capabilities. To kick things off, your sitemap will be generated automatically – no manual work is required. Then, their AI tools can craft meta titles, descriptions, and alt texts, all contributing to improved search engine rankings.

• Ecommerce Features: Access a complete set of online selling tools at your disposal. Showcase upto 500 products, oversee inventory and order management, facilitate payment processing, and beyond. Enable hassle-free appointment bookings with just a few simple clicks.

• AI Heatmap: The AI Heatmap feature enables you to understand user interactions with your website. It visually represents the sections of your page that garner the highest engagement, empowering you to rearrange them based on user clicks and gaze patterns.

3. DeepBrain AI

DeepBrain AI is a cutting-edge video synthesis and the best AI video generator company that specializes in creating hyper-realistic AI humans. You can create stunning videos with just a script, and use photo-realistic AI avatars that can speak 80+ languages and gesture naturally.

It has the right template for you, whether you need a training video, a marketing video, a how-to video, or a news video. Creating high-quality videos manually is time-consuming and challenging. But, with the DeepBrain AI productivity tool, video production has become a lot more efficient and less time-consuming.

Features:

• AI Avatars: DeepBrain AI has 100+ fully licensed AI avatars that can support video production. It also gives you the option to create custom avatars for celebrities, politicians, brand ambassadors, and more.

• AI Video Generator: Create generative AI videos with just a script. Text-to-video conversion in 5 minutes and reduce the time and cost by 80%.

• Conversational AI Humans: Humanize the digital engagement by AI Humans that can listen and respond to your customers or users in real time. Also, integrates with chatbots and Large Language Models for natural conversations.

• Metahumans: Create immersive experiences with the upcoming 3D digital humans that are ready for the metaverse.

• This comes with marketing features built-in that can automate certain simpler activities, including creating tweets on any subject.

• It enables you to share your writing with others and work on writing projects with others.

• Flexible Text-to-Video Maker: Use text-to-speech to make your AI avatars speak any language. Select various video templates to start from and do hassle-free online video editing.

DeepBrain AI is the best AI video generator that can help you create amazing videos with ease. All of this is offered at a price of $30 per month and just $24 per month with the yearly plan. It also comes with a free trial. So, try it today, create a free AI video and see the difference for yourself.

4. Freepik AI Image Generator

Freepik’s AI image generator is one of many pioneering features provided by the online platform, placing users at the very center of creating out-of-this-world visuals for personal or commercial projects.

Its highly intuitive interface provides the perfect environment to get creative, and with an entire asset library at your fingertips, this is more than just a clever image generator. Let your inner perfectionist shine with the freedom to edit on the go. Change the style, size, color, and tone levels to squeeze the most out of your dreamlike image. Designed by creatives for creatives, Freepik’s AI image generator is amongst the most sought-after AI tools out there.

Features:

• Free to use: Sign up for free and generate up to 3 images per day

• Subscription benefits: Premium users can generate up to 400 images per day

• Beginners guide: An in-depth beginners guide to get you started

• Huge asset library: Support of a colossal asset library to help create stunning, functional designs

• Editing on the go: An in-browser editing tool that allows you to crop, scale, and retouch

• Fantastic quality: Highly detailed outputs that are generated in seconds

5. Personal AI

Personal AI is an advanced conversational AI tool that is designed to help you have smarter conversations with business partners, co-workers, and prospects. Whether you’re looking to automate responses, generate questions, or just have a more natural conversation.

You can automate responses to frequently asked questions, set up automated replies to emails, and even generate personalized messages for your clients or customers. It is designed to be user-friendly and easy to use, regardless of your level of technical expertise. It can be accessed through various platforms, such as messaging apps, email clients, and social media, making it easy to stay connected and productive no matter where you are.

Features:

• Can be used to book flight tickets, check plans, and schedule meetings, it comes with a range of other powerful features to help you stay organized and productive.

• Has several built-in features like a to-do list, calendar, and reminders. This makes it easy to keep track of your tasks, appointments, and deadlines all in one place. Whether you’re managing a busy schedule or just trying to stay on top of your daily tasks.

• It has the ability to connect with all your other accounts and sync all your documents and notes directly. This means that you can access all your files and information from one centralized location, no matter where you are. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go it can help you.

• This can create or send messages on your behalf in your own language. This feature is particularly useful for individuals who need to communicate with people who speak different languages. This can translate your messages into the language of the recipient, ensuring that you can communicate effectively and efficiently.

6. Synthesia

Synthesia is an advanced AI video creation platform that is designed to help you create professional-quality videos quickly and easily. Transforming text into a video within minutes, allows you to create engaging videos for a wide range of purposes, from marketing and advertising to educational and instructional content. its ability to generate videos in different languages and accents.

Whether you’re looking to create content for an international audience or just need to communicate with people who speak a different language, It supports multiple languages and accents and can help you reach a wider audience and communicate more effectively.

Features:

• It has a library of professional actors’ avatars that users can choose from to create their videos. With realistic movements, facial expressions, and gestures, these avatars add a human touch to your videos that help them feel more engaging and authentic.

• Ability to add consistent and professional voiceovers to your videos without the need for expensive equipment. Using advanced text-to-speech technology, it can generate high-quality voiceovers in a range of languages and accents, allowing you to create videos that sound professional and polished.

• Users have complete control over their videos, allowing them to edit and tweak them as needed. Whether you need to change the wording of a script, adjust the timing of an animation, or add additional elements to your video, its editing tools make it easy to customize your videos to your exact specifications.

• Has own built-in video editing tool and this tool allows you to edit your videos quickly and easily, without the need for external software. Whether you’re looking to add music, captions, or special effects, these editing tools give you the flexibility to create videos.

7. Replika

Replika is an advanced AI chatbot that is designed to interact with users in a way that feels natural and human-like. Unlike other chatbots that rely on pre-programmed responses, it uses an autoregressive model to generate responses that are unique to each conversation. As users interact with it, the AI learns more about them and their preferences, allowing it to tailor its responses to their specific needs and interests.

Features:

• It is designed to engage users in meaningful, two-way conversations that feel like they’re talking to a real person. By using natural language processing and machine learning, It can understand the nuances of human communication and respond in a way that feels authentic and personal.

• As users interact with it, the AI learns more about them and their interests, allowing it to generate responses that are tailored to their unique preferences. Whether you’re discussing your favorite hobbies, sharing your thoughts on a particular topic, or just looking for someone to talk to, it can provide personalized responses that feel like they’re coming from a close friend.

• It also has virtual assistant capabilities that can help users manage their daily tasks and stay organized. From setting reminders and scheduling appointments to providing helpful tips and advice, it is a versatile tool that can help users stay on top of their busy lives.

8. Flair.ai

Flair is an advanced AI design tool that is designed to help businesses create professional, branded content in a fraction of the time. With its modern and clean design, Flair is easy to use and navigate, making it a great option for designers of all levels of experience. By analyzing the content of your scene, Flair can become smarter over time, learning from your design choices and recommending improvements that can help you create even better content in the future.

Features:

• Flair allows you to simply drag and drop product images into the canvas, making it easy to create designs that showcase your products in the best possible light.

• It has a range of scene construction features that make it easy to create complex designs that incorporate multiple products and design elements.

• Used machine learning to provide smart prompt recommendations that can help guide your design choices and improve the overall quality of your content. Whether you’re looking for color suggestions, font recommendations, or design tips, Flair has the tools you need to create stunning, professional content in no time.

9. HeyDay

HeyDay is an AI-powered memory assistant that uses advanced technology to help you remember important information you’ve come across online. It allows you to save web pages and content for later use and integrates seamlessly with popular apps like Gmail, Slack, and Google Drive. With this, you’ll never forget important details or miss out on valuable information again.

Features:

• HeyDay uses machine learning algorithms to analyze your browsing history and suggest pages that may be relevant or useful for you to save.

• It helps you stay on top of important events and deadlines by sending you reminders and notifications about tasks you need to complete.

• This can integrate with popular apps like Gmail, Slack, and Google Drive, allowing you to save content and documents directly from these platforms.

10. Chinchilla

Chinchilla is an innovative AI tool that aims to provide an unparalleled experience in natural language processing. It has been designed to be more efficient than GPT-3 with its compute-optimal model and 70 billion parameters, which is four times higher data than Gopher. Additionally, it requires considerably less computing in terms of fine-tuning, making it more accessible and cost-effective for businesses.

Features:

• Requires considerably less computing in terms of fine-tuning.

• Impressive accuracy rate of 67.5%, surpassing the Gopher language model. With its larger size, three times the size of GPT-3 from OpenAI, it can generate more diverse and precise responses to user queries.

• It also offers support for multi-task learning, which enables it to perform various language-related tasks such as machine translation, text summarization, and question-answering. Its versatility and efficiency make Chinchilla a game-changer in the field of natural language processing.

Conclusion:

As we move further into the future, we can expect more advanced AI productivity tools to emerge. These tools will undoubtedly help individuals and businesses alike to streamline their processes, increase their productivity, and make more informed decisions. With the help of AI, we can analyze vast amounts of data in a matter of seconds and gain insights that were previously impossible. It is exciting to think about what the future holds for AI and the impact it will have on our lives. In the meantime, these 10 AI tools discussed here can be incredibly valuable assets for anyone looking to improve their efficiency and effectiveness in their personal or professional lives.

Best AI Tools to Boost Productivity – FAQs

Q1. What is fastest growing AI tools?

There are multiple tool that increase your work productivity like ChatGPT, Hostinger,Deepbrain AI, Freepik.

Q2. Is AI Tools are Free?

Yes, most of the AI tools like Google Bard, ChatGPT 3, DALL-E 2 are free but there are some AI tools that are not free.

Q3. How AI will impact productivity?

AI tool can easily prove a worker’s performance by as much as 40% compared with workers who don’t use it.

Featured

The best phones to buy in 2024

By admin February 3, 2024

The best phones to buy in 2024, Fivu has tested just about every major smartphone released over the past year, including foldable Androids and the latest iPhone and Samsung Galaxy models. These are our picks for the best phones.

We’re in the early days of 2024, which means we’re at the start of another year of new phones expected from most of the big manufacturers. Samsung kicked off the year by unveiling its new Galaxy S24 line, the company’s first to build in generative AI features like real-time call translation.

Below, I’ve compiled the definitive list of top phones you can buy right now, based on over a year’s worth of hands-on testing. My pick for the best phone overall goes to Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for its immersive and vibrant display, reliable battery life, and wealth of special features, including generative AI.

The best phones of 2024

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Best phone overall

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Display size: 6.8 inches | Storage options: Up to 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto (5x), 10MP telephoto (3x) | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh

Samsung’s newly-released Galaxy S24 line is the first to go all-in on AI, and the S24 Ultra is the most premium phone you can buy. The new Galaxy AI model embedded in the device brings a number of generative capabilities, including real-time phone call translations, the ability to circle an object on screen to perform an image-based Google search, AI-assisted photo editing and transcriptions, and a Chat Assist feature for figuring out how to phrase a message in different tones.

Like its predecessor the S23 Ultra, the S24 Ultra is built with a large 6.8-inch AMOLED display and a reliable 5,000mAh battery. Though the price has gone up to $1,299 ($100 more than the S23 Ultra), the phone’s upgrades make it well worth it: The S24 Ultra is made of a lightweight yet durable titanium frame, compared to last year’s aluminum, and features Corning’s new Gorilla Armor. It feels lighter in the hand, noticeably grippier, and more durable.

Under the hood, it includes an upgraded Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset for improved graphics and AI features, 12GB RAM (an increase from last year’s 8GB), and 2,600 nits of brightness — a big improvement over last year’s 1,750. The four-camera system also got an upgrade, with a 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom for higher-quality shots of distant objects, sharper images, and clearer shots in dimly-lit environments.

iPhone 15 Pro Max

Best iPhone overall

iPhone 15 Pro Max specs: Processor: A17 Pro | Display size: 6.7 inches | Storage options: Up to 1TB | Rear cameras: 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto (2x), 12MP telephoto (5x) | Front camera: 12MP

The new iPhone 15 Pro Max offers everything a premium flagship smartphone should, including a brilliant 6.7-inch AMOLED display for all the media consumption — and mobile productivity, of course.

This year’s model also looks and feels different than any prior Pro Max devices, as it’s made of titanium instead of stainless steel and, therefore, significantly lighter in the hand. This makes the iPhone 15 Pro Max noticeably more comfortable to use.

Another major feature of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the USB-C connector; particularly, one that supports faster charging and data transfers, the ability to charge other devices including the Apple Watch from your iPhone, and the ability to connect to an external 4K monitor. These benefits are game-changing for professional content creators.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max also features a new 5x zoom camera lens — the equivalent of a 120mm focal length on a mirrorless or DSLR camera. A new Action button lets you better customize shortcuts and easily open the apps you need, including firing up the camera with a press-and-hold. And the A17 Pro chip rounds out the year’s upgrades, offering improved graphical performance.

Apple is charging you more for this year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max, with a starting price that’s now been bumped up to $1,199. In turn, the device comes with a base storage of 256GB.

The best phones to buy in 2024

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Best camera phone

Google Pixel 8 Pro features: Processor: Google Tensor G3 | Display size: 6.7 inches | Storage options: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto | Front camera: 10.8MP

When it comes to camera performance, you really can’t go wrong with any of the flagship devices from the big three (Apple, Samsung, and Google). Depending on your preference for color temperature and feature set, you may lean towards one manufacturer over the other. But more often than not, it’s Google’s Pixel camera system that satisfies the most users, and the latest Pixel 8 Pro remains a champion both for instant capturing and post-processing.

This year’s model features a reliable triple lens setup, with a 50MP primary lens, a 48MP ultrawide that’s notably more capable at capturing macro and close-up photos, and a 48MP telephoto lens for far-distance shots. Should you want more granular control over the Pixel 8 Pro’s camera quality, there’s now a series of Pro controls that allow you to tweak settings like the exposure and shutter speed.

But real-time capturing is only half the battle with mobile photography; there’s also post-processing and how flexible devices are with editing and tweaking subjects around. To that regard, the Pixel 8 Pro may just have the most flexible and creative photo toolbox on the market, with AI features like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Best Take that can turn any bad photo into a good one.

OnePlus Open

Best tablet-style foldable phone

OnePlus Open features: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Display size: 6.3 inches and 7.8 inches | Storage options: 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 64MP telephoto| Front camera: 32MP (outer) and 20MP (inner)

The number of foldable phones on the market this year basically quintupled compared the 2022, thanks to the collective effort of just about every manufacturer, including Google with its Pixel Fold, Motorola with its Razr lineup, and OnePlus with the OnePlus Open. While Samsung has held the reins of the best foldable honor for years, I’m giving the top spot this year to the OnePlus Open.

Unlike its competitors, the OnePlus Open strikes the best balance of weight-to-size ratio. When folded, the phone is as light as an iPhone Pro Max, and when unfolded, it expands into a thin slate of visual goodness. OnePlus leverages the 7.8-inch display by offering some of the most intuitive multitasking features I’ve tested, headlined by “Open Canvas”. With it, you can open up to three apps at once, and as you tap into each one, the other one or two will tuck itself to the side, ready to reappear when needed.

The triple camera setup, while presented in a casing that sticks out more than I’d prefer, captures spectacular photos and videos, with an emphasis on blue and orangish hues that cinematographers and photography buffs know and love. By nature of the foldable form factor, the Open is also capable of taking hands-free selfies and group photos.

OnePlus got the fundamentals down pat with the Open, too, including 65W fast charging capabilities (with a charger in the box) that blow past Samsung and Google’s foldable standards, a base configuration of 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, and a crease-less inner display. The cherry on top for me is its $1,699 price tag, with OnePlus offering $200 off when you trade in any phone in any condition.

Motorola Razr Plus

Best flip-style foldable phone

Motorola Razr Plus features: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Display size: 3.6 inches and 6.9 inches | Storage options: 256GB | Rear cameras: 12MP main, 13MP ultrawide | Front camera: 32MP

Flip phones have made a (somewhat) triumphant return, even if teenagers and young adults are opting for the dumber option of the two types. The Motorola Razr Plus marks the return of the old-school handset, or as I put it in my full review, “a return to form, modernizing a classic flip phone into one of today’s best foldables.”

With the new Razr Plus, Motorola has equipped the outer cover of the phone with a 3.6-inch display. Besides doubling as a rear-camera viewfinder, the external display basically serves as a secondary, smaller phone. You’re able to run the same apps and services that you would on the inner 6.9-inch panel, including making phone calls, text messaging, watching TikToks, and playing games. The same can be achieved with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, though you’d have to jump through a loophole or two.

The foldable form factor of the Razr Plus ultimately lends itself to an improved camera experience. Since you’re able to flex the display at an upright angle, it’s easier to get everyone in the frame for group photos, take selfies, and capture long-exposure shots that would typically require a tripod or mounting accessory.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

Best budget phone

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G features: Processor: Exynos 1380 | Display size: 6.3 inches | Storage options: 128GB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro| Front camera: 32MP

Believe it or not, Samsung’s best-selling smartphone last year was not one of its S-series or foldable devices, rather it was the humble Galaxy A53 5G, which delivered an uncompromising phone experience with a smooth-scrolling screen, reliable battery, and up to five years of software support. The device was priced at just $449, undercutting its more premium competitors and heavy-handedly beating Apple’s own mid-range handset, the iPhone SE.

This year’s A54 5G ticks just as many boxes as its predecessor but with a series of subtle yet useful upgrades. For example, the display is still a large 6.4-inch panel that ramps up to 120Hz refresh rate, but now shines at 1,000 nits of brightness (from 800 nits), the battery size is still a healthy 5,000mAh capacity, and the unit is now powered by an Exynos 1380 chipset. That’s a minor bump from last year’s Exynos chip, but a bump nonetheless.

The Galaxy A54 also features an exterior design that’s more in line with Samsung’s S-series phones and a new camera system that’s headlined by a 50-megapixel main lens. From our testing, the photo results — both in daytime and nighttime — were evenly lit and sharpened just enough for you to share with others with confidence. Video capturing is capped at 4K, though the 128GB internal storage that can be expanded via MicroSD card should be ample enough for use.

OnePlus 11

Best fast-charging phone

OnePlus 11 features: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Display size: 6.7 inches | Storage options: Up to 256GB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 32MP telephoto| Front camera: 16MP

A slow-charging phone can be a real pain point, especially if you’re always on the go. That’s why the OnePlus 11 carves out its own best category, beating Apple, Google, and even Samsung when it comes to charging speed. The latest model comes with 100W SuperVooc fast charging or 80W in the US, which is still great.

For reference, the highest-end iPhone 15 Pro Max has a charging speed limit of 30W and Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra caps out at 45W. From ZDNET’s testing and comparisons, both of those devices take a least an hour to go from 0% to 75% battery, falling noticeably short of the OnePlus 11’s numbers.

In less than 27 minutes, the OnePlus can go from empty to full. That charging speed, and the fact that OnePlus includes its proprietary charger in the box, put it a step above the rest.

The best part is that the rest of the phone is no slouch either; you’re getting a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a 5,000mAh dual-cell battery, and a competitive triple-camera array that gets the job done. In total, OnePlus is charging you a starting rate of $699, which is just as good of a value pickup as the best budget smartphone on this list.

Asus Zenfone 10

Best compact phone

Asus Zenfone 10 features: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Display size: 5.9 inches | Storage options: Up to 512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 13MP ultrawide | Front camera: 32MP

There’s no denying that, over the past five years, smartphones have become more and more unwieldy. Apple now offers Plus and Max-sized iPhones, Samsung has an “Ultra” beast, and even Google has a foldable that opens up to 7.6 inches. On the other end of the spectrum sits the Asus Zenfone 10, a device that deviates from the norm in favor of ergonomics and in-hand comfort, and the decision pays off.

Like last year’s Asus Zenfone 9, which I called “the iPhone Mini alternative for Android enthusiasts,” the newest model features a compact 5.9-inch AMOLED display, all the power you’d need in a modern-day phone thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, and two capable cameras on the rear.

The battery life on the Asus holds up surprisingly well, too, with my review unit recording nearly two days of usage before hitting 0%. Some smaller yet significant details to note include the 3.5mm headphone jack on top, a physical side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a texturized back cover that looks and feels great in the hand.

What is the best phone?

Our pick for the best phone overall is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. It features everything you could want from a smartphone including a large display, four cameras that can shoot 200MP photos and 8K video, up to 1TB of storage, a built-in S Pen for writing and drawing, and a 5,000mAh battery powering the system. Here’s how the S23 Ultra fares with the rest of our top picks.

Which phone is right for you?

Choosing a phone can be a daunting task. But having a list of your must-have features can go a long way toward narrowing down your options. If you’re a mobile professional or travel a lot for work, you’ll want to choose a phone that can provide you with at least a full day of use on a full battery as well as both LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity.

If you’re looking for your teen’s first smartphone, a budget-friendly and less feature-heavy option may be better to prevent overspending as well as misuse. And if you’re a content creator or other creative professional, you’ll want a phone with an excellent front and rear camera to capture photos and videos for your social media feed.

Choose this best phone…	If you want…
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra	A no-compromise smartphone that virtually any type of user can take advantage of. It’s the only 2024 smartphone with a built-in stylus.
iPhone 15 Pro Max	The best iPhone money can buy. It has a large screen, the longest-lasting battery out of all the models, and a toolbox of a camera system.
Google Pixel 8 Pro	A flagship camera experience at your fingertips. The Pixel 8 Pro differentiates itself with a slew of AI-powered camera tricks like Magic Editor and Best Take.
OnePlus Open	The best phone-to-tablet foldable that money can buy. And if you’re a power user, the multitasking and charging features especially will serve you well.
Motorola Razr Plus	A flip-style foldable that’s both compact and performant. With a large 3.6-inch external display and the market’s first dust-resistant build, this is the foldable to buy for most people.
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G	A more budget-friendly smartphone that doesn’t compromise on performance and battery life. The A54 5G is also eligible for up to five years of software and security updates, besting that of any phone of a similar price.
OnePlus 11	A phone that lasts long and charges from 0% to 100% in just 30 minutes. The OnePlus 11 is quietly good value, too, starting at $699.
Asus Zenfone 10	A compact phone that’s easy to pocket but doesn’t compromise on performance and specs. The Zenfone 10 is also competitively priced, starting at $699.

How did we choose these phones?

The process to make our phone selections includes real-world testing and researching about the phones for weeks, consulting with colleagues, industry experts, and analysts who also have hands-on experience with the smartphones, and then selecting the best from all of the available choices.

Ultimately, we weigh in the following aspects when curating this list:

Design: There’s only so much you can do with a slab design, but size differences, material choices, color options, and even the ability to bend a screen in half give shoppers enough diversity to have a preference. That’s why we have a recommendation for every form factor.
Performance: For many, smartphones are the center of our lives, which means the best ones are performant and can handle most, if not all, tasks you throw at them.
Camera: Arguably the most valuable feature of a smartphone; the consistency and reliability of a camera system can make or break the overall mobile experience. We test every device in broad daylight and in the darkest of nights when finalizing this list.
Battery: Every option in this guide should last you at least a day of moderate use. We also take into consideration what devices support fast charging and/or wireless charging.
Value: Price points are noted, but the most important thing with buying a phone is getting your money’s worth. With these picks, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

Which phone has the best camera?

It’s debatable between the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Google Pixel 8 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. For long-distance shots, Samsung’s 200MP rear camera with 100x Space Zoom can capture subjects as far out as the moon. For point-and-shoot pictures and a rather simplified (but effective) camera experience, Google’s Pixel phones have always been at the top. If you’re a videographer at heart, then the iPhone 15 Pro, with Cinematic mode and Action mode, makes for an excellent tool to get the shots you need.

How long should a phone battery last?

The average phone battery gives you about 22 hours of use on a full charge, which is great for staying connected on your commutes, work flights, and at home in the evenings. But that’s just the average, actual use time varies by phone model and by what you’re using your phone for.

For example, the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a 29-hour battery life. But you’ll most certainly get less than that if you habitually scroll through social media or stream video and music. And the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 has just a nine-hour battery life, which is further reduced by streaming, social media, and making calls.

How much storage should my phone have?

Most smartphones have a base storage capacity of 128GB, which is plenty of space for average users to download apps and music, take photos, and shoot videos. However, if you’re a mobile or creative professional, you’ll need more space. Many smartphones have expanded storage options up to 512GB or even 1TB, and you can always sync your phone to your preferred cloud storage service to free up local storage space.

Which phones are also worth considering?

If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, there are tons of options out there. Whether you’re looking to upgrade or get your first smartphone, Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus have great choices:

Featured

Best Google Maps Alternatives in 2024

By admin January 16, 2024

Have you ever wondered what are the best Google Maps alternatives? Google Maps lets you switch to incognito mode, it translates for you in foreign languages, provides live traffic updates, and a lot more. Then, why would you even have second thoughts about switching to another alternative web mapping service other than Google Maps?

Google Maps can sometimes provide incomplete or inaccurate information. Additionally, accessibility can be challenging at times as it often depends on downloading and displaying larger images. This may lead to its slow or no loading if there is a poor internet connection. Sometimes, it also fails to load on browsers properly if the user is not using the latest browser version.

So, several minor constraints can pose a roadblock at times, which may influence users to look for other best maps and navigation services. Let us take an in-depth look at thirteen of them through this blog.

The 13 Best Google Maps Alternatives in 2024

Understand from the below points about the alternative options in the category of best way finding software and web mapping services with worldwide availability.

1. Bing Maps

Bing Maps, an online web mapping service by Microsoft is powered by the Bing Maps for Enterprise framework and was originally launched as MSN Virtual Earth.

Well, this online mapping service can do a lot for you apart from showing street maps in multiple viewing styles. Wondering what more is possible with Bing Maps?

Bing Maps is definitely the best alternative to Google Maps as it can become your sense of direction while walking and driving. It can provide traffic updates too. ClearFlow is an in-built impressive feature that can anticipate traffic patterns. It is also enabled with the location sharing feature and map embedding feature.

Read Also : Best Android phones in 2024

2. Here WeGo

This is another excellent free online web mapping service from Here Technologies, which runs mapping and location data services for individuals as well as enterprises.

This web mapping service captures location information and sells or licenses it to businesses like Amazon.com, BMW, Oracle, etc.

It provides a myriad of features for effortless navigation through the streets. The app lets you book cabs, and provides information about public transit including the fares and live traffic updates.

3. MapQuest

This is another best Google Maps alternative by Verizon Media and was the first commercial-scale mapping service.

MapQuest had used satellite imagery for some time but later removed it due to some limitations imposed by AOL’s terms and conditions. Currently, MapQuest utilizes TomTom‘s services for its mapping system.

Well, if you are curious to know what its striking features are, then let’s take a look at them. MapQuest offers a bit of street-level information and navigation instructions.

It also offers a free mobile app for Android and iOS, enabled with POI search, voice-guided navigation, real-time traffic updates, etc.

The USP of this service lies in the POI search feature which can guide someone directly to the entrance of the destination, rather than directing to the street address where the destination is located.

4. OpenStreetMap & OsmAnd

Steve Coast created this mapping service predominantly for the United Kingdom. The mapping data is crowdsourced and then made available under the Open Database License. Facebook, OsmAnd, MapQuest Open, and Craigslist are few of the renowned clients of OSM.

OsmAnd is the offline navigation app for Android that pulls data from the OpenStreetMap location database. It provides voice and visual navigation with the help of GPS.

The Map feature displays POIs (points of interest) and helps to find places offline. Nautical Maps and Ski map plugin are among its other notable offerings.

5. Waze

Formerly known as FreeMap Israel, Waze is a Google-owned GPS navigation software. It collects user-submitted travel times and route details and downloads location information from a mobile telephone network.

Do you know why Waze is the best map and navigation service provider? It’s because you get to know about the vehicular congestion on roads along with roadblocks and road accidents in real-time.

The community-driven GPS navigation app locates the fastest route for you and also calculates the ETA based on the live traffic data.

6. Maps.me

This is an incredible Google Maps offline alternative as it can provide navigation guidelines for driving, walking, and cycling.

What makes this app more interesting is that it can help you plan your trips with its ready-made travel guides. It is also enabled with the nearby POI information like restaurants, ATMs, public transport, etc.

You can also share your location via social media and text messages. It lets you bookmark locations and provides timely updates of traffic congestions in 36 countries.

7. Pocket Earth

This is an exclusive navigation app for iOS that pulls data from OpenStreetMap to help the user navigate smoothly around the world. The offline map feature can be easily downloaded.

Traveling is now a cakewalk with the availability of offline travel guides. This mapping service is the ultimate app for adventurous souls. Now hike up in the mountains and hills and never get lost with the GPS Track Recording & Waypoint Navigation function.

8. Navmii

With HD maps, voice-guided navigation and real-time traffic updates, this smartphone app is one more efficient Google Maps alternative.

With a user base of 24 million, this app can provide live traffic updates, POI’s and a lot more with the help of GPS alone and doesn’t have a dependency on the internet.

The app is also embedded with Google Street View. Apart from this, it provides its services in association with TripAdvisor, Foursquare and What3words.

9. CoPilot

Whether you are a professional caravan driver or driving your own car, CoPilot has got you covered on the roads with an excellent level of navigation assistance. It truly is your copilot and a perfect alternative to Google Maps.

This online web mapping service can come up with three route choices for you. Do you know what’s the best feature of your app based copilot? It can keep guiding you on the right path even when you have lost network on your phone with the aid of automotive-grade offline maps.

It also has specially crafted routes and directions for caravans and motorhomes based on the size of your vehicle.

10. TomTom

TomTom is undoubtedly the best Google Maps substitute because it offers three types of products, which are maps, connected services, and navigation systems.

It offers multiple navigation models with a flying interface. They are mostly GPS-based systems. It also provides real-time traffic updates.

11. Citymapper

This App is the best online web mapping alternative and can relieve you of your tensions. It can provide you with the most appropriate, fastest, and shortest routes. It checks with the real departure services and brings you the best directions.

12. BackCountry Navigator TOPO GPS

The best navigation app for Android, it brings you the best experience if you’re trying to find out the topographical features of a place. Bikers can have a gala time with this bike. Hiking can be more fun than it ever has been until now.

13. Polaris GPS Navigation

This is one of the truest GPS navigation apps. When you’re on a path with no roads, you literally have to create one for yourself. For nautical and off-road conditions, it can help soldiers, wayfarers, and adventurers immensely. It is an absolutely free online web mapping service.

Final Words

Web mapping refers to the process of using maps delivered by GIS (geographic information systems) in the World Wide Web by collating multiple geographic datasets from free as well as proprietary datasets.

Web mapping services are immensely indispensable in today’s world. Let these Google Maps alternatives guide you on your path whether you are a globetrotter or regular office commuter.

Visit Avataaars Generator

Arts

Best Free Avatar Creator 2024

By admin January 15, 2024

Best Free Avatar Creator 2024, This article lists some of the best free avatar creator apps for you in 2024 that offer optimal features and functions. Creating and sharing cartoon or avatar images for your character is becoming quite popular nowadays. You can use and share these avatars on different social media platforms and use them on various apps and portals. Moreover, users also upload these avatars as profile pictures on various gaming platforms.

Although professional graphics editing tools can help you create an avatar for your image, you need professional knowledge to use the tools. This is where an avatar-making website comes in. Using such websites and portals, you can easily create the desired avatar for your images as you like. Additionally, you don’t even need professional skills to create or edit the avatar. Hence, even a beginner can create and modify the avatar very easily.

So, to help you further, we will list and present to you some of the best free avatar creator websites for you. Using these, you can create an avatar for your personality and character as you want. Let’s have a look at portals to proceed.

What is the Best Free Avatar Creator Website?

To provide the perfect answer to what is the best free avatar creator, we are listing the top 11 avatar creator websites below. You should check out the description and features of all of these popular avatar maker portals and then use the one(s) you want.

1. Avatar Maker Free- One of the Most Popular Avatar Maker Websites

Let’s start this list of the best free avatar creator websites with the best one first. Avatar Maker is indeed a great portal to create avatars as you want. What’s different about the portal is that it allows you to create the avatars in four different styles. All you need to do is select the gender for your charter and proceed. Then the website will redirect you to the creation and editing tool.

Here, you can use the best avatar maker and creator. The website allows you to change the shape of your face, and customize your eyes, hair, wardrobe, and other attributes. After creating the avatar, you can share or download the same as required with ease.

Visit Avatar Maker

Best Free Avatar Creator 2024

2. Avataaars Generator

Avataaars Generator is as simple as it sounds. This is one of the best free avatar creator websites that boasts an easy-to-use interface. Additionally, the portal has a lot of other features as well. Instead of an image-based UI, the website uses a listicle one. Hence, you need to edit and provide your avatar’s characteristics by picking out the attributes from the list.

Lastly, when you complete the avatar customization, you can save it in PNG and SVG formats. Additionally, the portal also allows you to edit the coding of the avatar for better management. One of the best features of the portal is that it allows you to create a random avatar for better results.

3. Avachara

Avachara is a smart and the best free avatar creator that allows multiple portals to create an avatar. You can select from a variety of options and then select the one according to your requirements. Additionally, the avatar maker also allows you to create customizable wedding cards.

One of the best features of the avatar maker websites under Acachara is that you get to select the attributes of your character as you want. From face shape to beard style, from wardrobe to hair color, and more. You can customize the character as required very easily with a couple of clicks.

Visit Avachara

4. CARTOONIZE

CARTOONIZE is an easy way to cartoon your character. Using this best free avatar creator, you can easily create the avatar of your images. All you need to do is upload your image from the device storage and create avatars. Moreover, the website also has come with smart editing and customization tools to help you introduce the desired edits.

If you want to add objects and stickers to your image. You can also do this with the CARTOONIZE website. Being one of the best avatar-making websites, CARTOONIZE allows you to adjust the colors and other attributes of your character with ease.

Visit Cartoonize

5. Cartoonify

Cartoonify is the next website as the best free avatar creator. With the help of this portal, you can create your cartoon avatar very quickly. You can start creating the character after you select the gender of the character you want. Additionally, the portal provides a lot of customization features to you.

This is one of the free avatar creator websites that allows you to change the skin color of your character as well. Apart from this, you will find features like customizable faces, eyes, hair, backs, clothes, and more. Lastly, you can either share or download the avatar created with a single click.

Visit Cartoonify

6. BeFunky

BeFunky is another one of the best free avatar creator websites. When you use this portal to edit the images, you get a chance to create an avatar or a collage. This is a popular avatar maker with multiple editing and customization features for your image. Moreover, the procedure to use the tool is quite easy for both beginners and professionals.

With the help of this avatar creator free, you can also edit the images if required. The portal provides you with multiple options to cartoon the images. You can select any one of these for the desired results. Additionally, you can also share the outputs straight to social media platforms and more.

Visit BeFunky

7. The Character Creator

The next website on our list is The Character Creator. With the help of a character creator as the best free avatar creator, you can easily create male or female cartoons with a simple click. Using the portal, you can easily create a new avatar or get a random one. You can use the same and edit the character as required.

Additionally, this is one of the most amazing avatar creator websites that allows you to edit the skin tone of your avatar. Nextly, you can modify the attributes of your character like accessories worn, hair style, body pattern, legs, etc. This is one of few websites that provides a full-body avatar instead of the common bust size.

Visit The Character Creator

8. Superherotar

If you are into superheroes and other fictional characters. Then the Superherotar is the best free avatar creator for you. As the name suggests, the Superherotar is a portal that allows you to create characters based on superheroes. Moreover, you get to select the universe for your character, Marvel or DC.

Using this avatar-making website, you can customize the eyes, hair, height, makeup, accessories, and other attributes of your character. Additionally, apart from the superhero character, you can also use the portal to create the normal ones. The website is very easy to use and provides a lot of features for you.

Visit Superherotar

9. Portrait Illustration Maker

If you want a simple yet the best free avatar creator, then the Portrait Illustration Maker is the best option for you. Although the interface of the website is quite simple and unattractive. It can get the job done for you. Just like any other viable alternative, you can use the Portrait Illustration Maker to edit and customize your character as required.

With the help of this popular avatar maker, you can easily edit and set the eyes, hair, glasses, and other attributes and accessories of your character. The portal allows you to get the desired character up to the bust size only. Additionally, you can also download or share the output on different social media platforms.

Visit Portrait Illustration Maker

10. Charat

The last name on our list of the best free avatar creator tools is Charat. If you are into manga comics, then we think that the Charat website is the perfect fit for you. With the help of this portal, you can create your manga characters as required. The smart customization options of the website make everything quite easy for you.

Moreover, the Charat is one of the few avatar maker websites that allows you to share your creations directly. Additionally, you can also use the portal and get customized hairstyles, eye colors, hair colors, outfit styles, and more. You can also change the intensity and depth of the colors used for the character very quickly. The interface of the tool is multilingual and allows you to select from over 10 different languages.

Visit Charat

11. Bitmoji

Here’s another one of the best avatar creator tools for you. Bitmoji is like an advanced emoji creator for you. Especially if you are an active Snapchat user, then you should download this avatar creator and use it. The app allows you to use your facial and physical features and characteristics to create an avatar. You can also create an avatar using hypothetical characteristics. Also, the app offers a wide range of attributes to select from like beard styles, hair styles, and more.

Visit Bitmoji

Best Free Avatar Creator Websites With Multiple Features: Listed

So, these were some of the best free avatar creator websites for you in 2024. With the help of these websites, you can easily create the desired avatar or character you want. These websites are a secure and helpful source to bring your imagination into a reality.

You can use any of these avatar-making websites as you want. However, all of these websites have different avatars in different styles. Hence, the first thing you should do is select a portal according to the type of character provided. Moreover, not all of these offer the same features as one another. Hence, go through the description of the portals, check out the websites, and then select the one you want.

Additionally, if you face any problems while using the portal(s) or for more information. You can contact us using the comments section below. We will provide you with the required solutions as soon as possible. Additionally, if you liked any of the free avatar creator portals, do let us know. Subscribe to the Techpout blog by providing your email address below. You will get instant updates about the new additions to the blog straight to your inbox.

Guide

How to Fix high CPU usage 2024

By admin January 14, 2024

How to Fix high CPU usage 2024, PC freezing, going slow, or running into hitches where it shouldn’t? Even if you have one of the best processors, high CPU usage could be to blame. Unfortunately, if you aren’t too computer savvy, what this means, what part of your computer causes the issue, and CPU failure symptoms are all sort of a mystery.

So, what is CPU usage? Here, we’ll investigate high CPU usage, the factors that affect CPU utilization, and more.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

What is CPU usage?

The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU) is arguably the most important component inside any computer. Whether you’ve got one of the best processors on the market or you’re running an entry-level machine, your processor always serves as the brain of the operation. It sends instructions to all the other pieces of hardware in your device and is responsible for executing each and every task. If you’d like to read a more in-depth explanation about the CPU itself, check out our guide to what is a CPU.

Every processor has a limited capacity at which it can execute commands and run various programs. The better the CPU, the more tasks you can simultaneously perform without a hitch. However, no matter how powerful the CPU is, every chip will eventually hit its maximum capacity and begin slowing down. This will depend on your current CPU usage: In other words, the number of things your processor is being made to do at the same time.

When you’re not running many applications, your CPU usage should be low, and in an ideal scenario, everything should run smoothly. However, if you open a CPU-intensive program (such as certain games or video editing software,) you may notice that the response times increase as your CPU usage goes up.

Fluctuations in CPU usage are normal and nothing to worry about — as long as your PC continues running smoothly. If you’re unsatisfied with the performance of your PC, the first step is to check its CPU usage.

How to Fix high CPU usage 2024

How to check CPU usage

Checking CPU usage on Windows comes down to simply opening the Task Manager. If you already know how to do that, you can skip ahead to our next steps.

The three easiest and quickest ways to run Task Manager are:

• Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+Escape to bring up the Task Manager directly.

• Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+Alt+Delete to bring up the lock screen and select Task Manager from there.

• Right-click on the taskbar or the Windows icon at the bottom-left side of your screen. Pick Task Manager from the list.

With Task Manager open, navigate to the Performance tab and select CPU from the left-hand side menu. This will produce a curve diagram that displays real-time updates about the performance of your CPU. You can also check the Open Resource Monitor option at the bottom to see more detailed information about your processor.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

What is a normal CPU usage?

Before you jump right in and start trying to fix the problem, it’s important to learn whether the CPU usage you’re currently experiencing is abnormal in the first place.

Remember that depending on your processor, it could be that your computer is just utilizing the resources available to it in an efficient manner under heavy workloads. High-end CPUs are able to handle all manner of multitasking, but budget processors may not be able to run multiple resource-heavy programs at once.

If you are currently not running any additional programs, your CPU usage should be anywhere between 1% and 10% just through Windows processes alone. Anything higher than that on an idle PC means that something might be wrong. However, if you’re playing a game or even have multiple browser windows open, the CPU usage will climb accordingly.

If you’re unsure whether your CPU usage is too high, here are a few indicators to look out for:

• High idle CPU usage: You’re not running any programs and your CPU usage is still above 20%.

• Higher than usual CPU usage: You’re not using any new programs, and yet your CPU usage is higher than it used to be.

• High CPU usage during tasks that aren’t resource-heavy, like word processing, or browsing social media in just a couple of tabs.

• High CPU usage combined with freezes, crashes, and slow performance.

There are some programs that commonly consume a lot of processing power. Check out our suggestions below if you’re not sure whether your software is one of them.

How to fix high CPU usage

It’s important to monitor CPU usage and act if something seems amiss. If the amount of software you’re running doesn’t warrant slower loading times or high CPU usage, check out our quick steps below to resolve this problem.

Restart your computer

Sometimes all your PC may need is just a quick restart. This will clear out temporary files, shut down any programs you didn’t know were running, and give your computer more of a fresh slate.

If a while has passed since you last restarted your computer, save all your work and reboot. After the restart, launch the programs you’ve previously had open and check if your CPU usage is now back to normal.

Check open processes

If the problem comes back after re-launching previous software, it’s time to check which program is the culprit.

Launch Task Manager (if you’re not sure how to do that, click here,) and click the Processes tab at the top. You will be presented with a list of processes that are currently running on your computer. This is a long list, and it’s important that you don’t close any programs without knowing what they do. To make the list easier to navigate, click on Name to sort by software type.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Programs found under Apps are usually safe to close if needed. Check their CPU usage. If it’s a program that typically consumes a lot of CPU power, it might be that your high CPU usage is not abnormal. In any case, you can close the program to make sure your PC is running smoothly without it. Save all your work before you proceed.

Pick the program with the highest CPU usage and click End Task in the bottom right corner. Start it back up and check whether your CPU usage has improved. Try to close all the programs you don’t currently need — if the program or background process that consumes the most CPU power is unknown to you, write down its name and give it a quick Google search. It could be a virus that you need to get rid of.

Be mindful of the following:

• Apps with a very high CPU usage that shouldn’t require too many resources

• Background processes with a high CPU usage

• Windows processes with a high CPU usage

If any of the processes on your computer are CPU-heavy and you’re not sure what they are, write down their names and make sure they’re safe.

Scan your computer for viruses and malware

Unfortunately, malware and viruses are often the culprits behind high CPU usage. You may sometimes notice them by browsing through the Task Manager, but oftentimes they will be concealed and won’t be that easy to spot.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Getting rid of malware and viruses can be tricky and highly situational, but there are a few steps you should take that can resolve your problem.

• Download one of the best antivirus programs available and scan your computer.

• In addition to an antivirus program, you can download malware and spyware-specific programs such as Malwarebytes and SpyBot S&D. Scan your PC with these programs after the antivirus scan is over.

If the software finds any harmful programs on your computer, it will likely help you get rid of them. This may lower your CPU usage.

Update your drivers

Your CPU can take quite a beating if you’re using old drivers or unoptimized software. Sometimes, fixing high CPU usage may be as easy as simply updating your drivers.

In this step, try to update all of your drivers. This includes motherboard drivers, GPU drivers, audio drivers, and more. Check out our dedicated guides on updating all of your drivers and updating your graphics card drivers if you’d like a step-by-step tutorial on how to do this.

A word of warning: Do not use third-party software for updating drivers. A lot of the commonly advertised software on the internet may be dangerous to your computer. Whether it’s out-right malware or it simply downloads all the wrong things, you don’t want to deal with that. It’s best to learn how to update your drivers yourself and rely on secure methods of doing so.

Update your software

The software you’re using may simply be an older version of an already updated program. In such cases, the CPU usage may be abnormally high and it may have been fixed in a patch that you haven’t downloaded yet.

Following the Task Manager, update your most CPU-heavy software to the latest version and see whether that will do the trick.

Update your BIOS

This is more of an advanced option, but in some cases, updating your BIOS may help fix the issue with high CPU usage. Updating your BIOS will require knowing the exact model of your motherboard.

If you’re not sure which motherboard you’re using, we’ve got you covered. Check our guide to find out all of the specifications of your PC, including the motherboard. Once you know the model of your motherboard, simply search for it in Google and add “BIOS.” Download the latest BIOS directly from the manufacturer’s website — do not trust other sources. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer in order to update your BIOS.

Check your power settings

Certain power settings in Windows may affect your CPU performance. This applies to both laptops and desktops. You may currently be using a low power setting without even knowing it, so changing it might help.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Follow the steps below to change your power plan in Windows.

• Click on the Windows logo in the bottom left-hand corner and type in: “Power Settings.”

• On the right-hand side of the Power & Sleep section, navigate to Additional Power Settings.

• Click on Show Additional Plans and then select the High Performance plan. Alternatively, if you’re already running the High Performance plan and you’re experiencing CPU problems, try out the Balanced plan instead.

Clean your PC

Keeping your PC clean is important, not just on the software side, but on the dust-free side. That’s right — our computers gather a lot of dust every single day. The more dust your PC or laptop has accumulated, the worse it will run, and that’s all thanks to the rising temperatures within the chassis.

Don’t let us catch you letting it get this bad … Wikimedia

If you haven’t given your PC a good clean for a while, it might be the time to do so. This process will usually require the use of compressed air. You can pick up a can of compressed air on Amazon and from many other stores.

Remember that before you ever attempt to clean your computer’s vents, you need to fully turn it off and unplug it. If you want to learn how to clean your PC, as well as a few more handy tips to make it run faster, check out our in-depth guide on the topic.

Run System Restore

If your high CPU usage is a recent development and everything was running smoothly just a few days ago, fixing the problem may be as easy as running System Restore on Windows. Windows 10 users can refer to our separate guide on reinstalling and restoring Windows here.

For Windows 11 users, accessing System Restore can be done in a few quick steps:

• Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen and type in Control Panel.

• Once in the Control Panel, type in Recovery in the search box.

• Pick Recovery and then Open System Restore.

• In the Restore System Files and Settings section, click Next.

You will then be prompted to select a restore point that you want to go back to. Choose one from before these issues started and follow the instructions provided by Windows. Keep in mind that you may lose any new files and programs you’ve installed since the restore point.

Unfortunately, many users cannot utilize System Restore. This is because Windows doesn’t automatically create restore points, which is why your list may be empty. If that’s the case, you may need to take more drastic measures.

Reinstall Windows

This option should be treated as a last resort. If all the other steps failed and you still cannot pinpoint the reason why your CPU usage is so high, giving your Windows a clean install may be the solution to your problems.

Before you pull the trigger, keep in mind that reinstalling Windows will delete all of your installed programs. You are allowed to keep your files, but you may also opt to do a completely clean install and let Windows delete all of them. Whether you choose to keep your files or not, it’s good to back up your data before you begin.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Reinstalling Windows 10

If you’re not sure how to reinstall Windows 10, check out our guide that will lead you through the steps required to do so.

Reinstalling Windows 11

In order to reinstall Windows 11, click on the Windows logo at the bottom-left side of the screen and type in: “Reset this PC.”

Once you’re in the correct section, select Reset PC. Windows will then prompt you to choose from several reinstall options. You can choose whether to keep your personal files, keep any changes you’ve made to Windows settings, and keep pre-installed apps that came with your Windows 11 PC.

Pick the option that suits you best and allow Windows to reinstall itself. When the reinstallation is complete, you will have to install all your drivers and trustworthy programs again. Once your system is back up and running, check your CPU usage again — you should be able to see a marked improvement.

Further troubleshooting

If you have tried every one of our recommended steps and found no improvement, the issue may be more complex than can be covered in any given guide. Fortunately, all you need is an internet connection in order to troubleshoot your computer.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

There are two main things to search for in times of abnormal CPU usage:

• Your exact model of CPU + “high CPU usage.” Check our guide to learn which processor you have.

• The process or program that hogs the most CPU usage in Task Manager + “high CPU usage.”

Searching for these terms will give you more specific advice from users who have gone through the same kinds of issues. Read the advice carefully and follow it as best as you can. However, never download any third-party programs: You may put your PC at much greater risk instead of fixing it.

CPU usage FAQ

Which programs cause high CPU usage?

Many kinds of programs can cause high CPU usage. If you’re running one of them, your computer may slow down. In such cases, make sure you close all other programs to give your processor the breathing space it needs in order to run these resource-heavy tasks.

Some of the most notorious CPU-heavy programs include:

• Video and photo editing software

• Encoding and decoding software

• CPU-heavy games, such as PUBG

• Browsers with many tabs open, many plug-ins, websites with a lot of videos and photos, etc.

• DVD burning programs

• Video or photo converters

• 3D modeling software

• Benchmarking programs

Is high CPU usage bad?

Every PC will go through cycles of high CPU usage — there is nothing wrong with that. However, If your CPU usage is constantly high or even at 100%, there is definitely a reason for concern.

Your CPU heats up when under heavy loads. This may cause your computer to overheat, but even in the best-case scenario, it contributes to wear and tear. Your PC may freeze when running at 100% CPU usage as soon as you add an extra application into the mix. Freezes and crashes are common, and each one may cause another problem to pop up.

In short: Yes, it’s bad, although as long as you’re expecting your CPU usage to be high, it’s fine and fully expected to happen at times.

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10 best psychological thriller movies ever

By admin January 14, 2024

10 best psychological thriller movies ever, Psychological thrillers have long been a favorite among viewers who enjoy intense explorations of the human psyche. The genre is chock-full of gripping stories that combine character studies with nail-biting suspense, alongside mind-bending twists and a deliciously dark atmosphere.

The greatest psychological thrillers ever made range from the genre-defining classic Rear Window to the modern masterpiece Get Out to the incomparable and iconic The Silence of the Lambs. These essential entries in the genre showcase the directors, writers, and actors’ mastery of their distinct chilling journeys, with their impact, innovation, and lasting influence on the world of cinema cementing them as the best of the best.

10. Black Swan (2010)

Fox Searchlight Pictures

Natalie Portman stars as Nina Sayers in Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan, a riveting movie that portrays the intense and competitive world of professional ballet. Nina has worked hard for years and is vying for the lead role in a New York City production of Swan Lake. It’s just within her reach, but newcomer Lily (Mila Kunis) suddenly threatens her position and sparks a rivalry that causes Nina to experience a descent into madness.

Black Swan captures the pressures of perfectionism in ballet, with the disturbing depiction of Nina’s psychological unraveling illustrating what obsession can do to an artist. Aronofsky brilliantly uses mirrors, doubles, and surreal imagery to create a disorienting and nightmarish visceral experience for Nina, and by extension, the audience. Of course, Portman’s award-winning performance is what elevates the entire film, as she plays the talented, yet fragile ballerina flawlessly.

10 best psychological thriller movies ever

9. Perfect Blue (1997)

Rex Entertainment

Director Satoshi Kon is known for works that blur the line between fantasy and reality, and Perfect Blue is certainly the most iconic example of this. The animated movie tells the story of Mima Kirigoe (Junko Iwao), a pop idol who decides to quit her popular group to pursue a career in acting. She doesn’t expect how intense her fans’ reactions would be, nor the elusive stalker and bizarre website that begins to haunt her every waking moment.

One of the best anime movies to come out of the ’90s, Perfect Blue was a trailblazer that would help make the widespread popularity of anime films in the West possible. It’s also remembered as a remarkably powerful and disturbing portrait of fame and obsession, with some of its shockingly violent moments underscoring how terrifyingly effective animated films can be.

8. Rear Window (1954)

Paramount Pictures

Rear Window is often cited among Alfred Hitchcock‘s greatest works. The 1954 film is centered on the voyeuristic L.B. “Jeff” Jefferies (James Stewart), who spends his time watching his neighbors across the courtyard while he’s confined in his apartment due to a broken leg. One day, his telephoto lens and binoculars capture something peculiar enough that it might be murder.

Hitchcock’s groundbreaking movie puts the audience in the dark, as Jeff’s perspective becomes the viewer’s as well. As the protagonist tries to piece together the clues, suspense and curiosity build to enthralling levels, with the latter ironically serving as a criticism of Jeff and the audiences glued to the screen. Rear Window examines not just the human tendency to look, but to wish that something terrible would happen while looking.

7. Get Out (2017)

Universal Pictures

Actor, comedian, and now director Jordan Peele wowed everyone with his widely acclaimed feature film debut Get Out. The psychological horror movie follows Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya), a Black man who meets the family of his white girlfriend, Rose Armitage, (Allison Williams) for the first time. Their awkward interactions at the family estate initially seem to stem from uncertainty around the interracial relationship, but it soon turns into something much more sinister.

Now counted among the best social horror and thriller movies, Get Out combines clever commentary and satire to emphasize the insidious nature of racism. Its unsettling atmosphere perfectly complements seemingly small tensions that devolve into full-blown horrific truths about Rose’s family. While most audiences likely already know about its legendary twist, it’s still worth discovering the film for the first time today.

6. Oldboy (2003)

Show East

Oldboy is a classic of modern South Korean cinema by director Park Chan-wook. A psychological thriller and violent action film, it shows the experiences of Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik), a man kidnapped and then imprisoned without any explanation for 15 years. After he’s released out of the blue, he begins a quest for revenge to find the ones responsible for his suffering, only to walk into a major conspiracy. He also meets the charming sushi chef, Mi-do (Kang Hye-jung), along the way.

A tragic character, Oh Dae-su follows a haunting arc, with its beginning marked by desperation and rage, and its end marked by utter defeat. The movie may be remembered for flawlessly choreographed action sequences like the legendary hallway scene, but it’s the twisty psychological drama that will end up staying with viewers who stick around for its deeply disturbing ending.

5. Taxi Driver (1976)

Columbia Pictures

Robert De Niro disappeared into one of his most renowned roles as Travis Bickle, a disturbed Vietnam War veteran who becomes a cabbie in 1976’s Taxi Driver. Set in a gritty and dreamlike version of New York City in the 1970s, the film follows Travis as he spends sleepless nights becoming obsessed with the moral decay around him. He soon plots to kill a presidential candidate as the first step in his grand plan to save the world.

Alienated from the rest of society due to his traumatic past, Travis’ actions in the movie feel both avoidable and totally inevitable. Audiences have an unreliable perspective as the protagonist’s increasing detachment from reality paints an unclear picture of what’s really going on. Taxi Driver is often hailed as one of director Martin Scorsese’s best movies, as it captures the social anxieties of its time and continues to have a lasting impact on filmmaking as a whole.

4. Memento (2000)

Summit Entertainment

In director Christopher Nolan‘s Memento, a man living with anterograde amnesia struggles to track down the man responsible for the rape and murder of his wife. Unable to form new memories, Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) devises a system where he uses images, notes, and even tattoos to identify and exact revenge on the perpetrator.

Anyone who has heard of Memento will likely know that its narrative structure is extraordinary, as one part of its story unfolds in reverse order, while the other happens chronologically, mirroring Leonard’s disjointed perception of time. Leonard’s grueling task to hold on to the transient fragments in any way possible invites audiences to do the same, with the entire film turning into a kind of intriguing puzzle. It’s a complicated and engrossing way to dive into Leonard’s psyche, which hides some terrible secrets.

3. American Psycho (2000)

Lions Gate Films

Based on what was once considered an unadaptable 1991 novel by Bret Easton Ellis, American Psycho is a massively popular film that needs no introduction. Directed by Mary Harron, the movie takes place in the late 1980s in New York City, where Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is living his best life as a wealthy and successful investment banker. What his colleagues don’t know is that he leads a sinister double life as a serial killer, or does he?

A smart exploration of the greed of Wall Street and a biting satire of toxic masculinity, American Psycho pointedly criticizes society’s obsession with materialism. Although it was specifically about the excesses of the yuppie culture, renewed interest in the film today highlights how relevant it still is. Christian Bale’s tour de force performance as the chilling Bateman alone makes the movie worth revisiting.

2. Mulholland Drive (2001)

Universal Pictures

From the master of the surreal, director David Lynch, Mulholland Drive unfolds like a cryptic puzzle in a dreamy version of Los Angeles. There, a woman with amnesia from a car accident (played by Laura Elena Harring) meets an aspiring actress named Betty Elms (Naomi Watts), who helps her figure out what happened. This deceptively simple premise fades into the background as Mulholland Drive turns into a strange nonlinear journey through Hollywood.

Challenging conventional storytelling through its distinct structure and unsettling atmosphere, Lynch’s masterpiece sees the characters’ identities transform from two women trying to find the truth to something else entirely. For anyone who has never seen the surrealist neo-noir, Mulholland Drive is one worth turning off the lights for and focusing on a cinematic masterpiece that’s still debated and studied today.

1. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Orion Pictures

The Silence of the Lambs is not just the best psychological thriller of all time, but one of the greatest movies ever, having long ago established its place as an influential classic. Directed by Jonathan Demme and based on Thomas Harris’ eponymous 1988 novel, the film revolves around the unusual relationship between a young FBI agent and a cannibalistic serial killer. The young agent, Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), is struggling to find any clues about an ongoing case, which leads to her interviews with Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), who was once a well-known psychiatrist before he was revealed to be a violent killer.

Featuring stellar performances from Foster and Hopkins, the film sets up the psychological game they engage in, which soon turns into an unnerving exploration of each other’s minds. The tense atmosphere builds to alarming levels as Clarice gets closer to catching her killer, while Dr. Lecter seems to be hiding a goal of his own.

The Silence of the Lambs is notable for being one of the few movies to win the “Big Five” Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Its impact on pop culture endures and cannot be understated, as Hannibal Lecter has become an iconic figure in cinema and is known as one of the greatest villains to ever grace the big screen.

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The best Mac apps for 2024

By admin January 12, 2024

The best Mac apps for 2024, One of the best parts about owning an Apple computer is the massive ecosystem of superb Mac apps it gives you access to. There are apps available to Mac users no matter what you are looking for, whether that’s productivity, photo and video editors, security suites, and more. You can get them from Apple’s own App Store or from third-party developer websites, and many of the best Mac apps are even free.

Whether you just bought your first Mac or you’re a longtime Apple customer, here’s a look at some of the best Mac apps you can get.

Alfred

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Think of Alfred as Spotlight with a dash of Siri. It’s an application launcher, but it can do a lot more than just that. With Alfred, you can quickly perform calculations, execute web searches, and find word definitions, among many other functions.

It’s a Mac app that fills the gap between Siri and your Spotlight search by allowing you to automate tasks and perform advanced functions that, frankly, Siri should be able to handle on its own. Version 4 improves the workflow creator, introduces rich text snippets, and more.

Get Alfred

The best Mac apps for 2024

Best Remote Desktop Software in 2024

By admin January 11, 2024

Best Remote Desktop Software in 2024, Screen sharing windows, more accurately known as Remote desktop software, are tools that allow you to access one pc from another pc remotely.By remote, we mean that users can take the access of a mouse and keyboard of a distant PC just like their own. Remote access is highly beneficial for people sitting at long distances, the IT department of large corporates and many more.

However, to do this, you need specialized software which will connect your PC to the host system. Once you have the required software in place, you can easily connect your client pc with the host pc with proper credentials.

Are you scared about the technical aspect of sharing the screen with another computer? Just download a free screen sharing software to get your job done.

List of the 9 Best Remote Desktop Software for 2024

While many Windows computers come with in-built software, however, there are several best screen sharing software that can do the job in a much better way and also provide additional features.

1. Zoho Assist

Zoho Assist is a blessing to IT departments and works on a cloud-based software platform. It is one of the best ways to connect to end customers within seconds.

It works on an On-demand mechanism and sends email invitations to its user to connect with the host PC. It supports file transfer, video, and voice chat along with solving rebooting issues on the client-side.

Additional features:

• It comes with an easy to use auto-detect tool.

• It also supports the recording of sessions for monitoring purpose.

• It can also club client system based on their location and functions.

It is one of the best troubleshooting tools for IT companies which can solve all kinds of system-related issues. This stunning application comes in both a free and paid version. With the free version, you can connect with up to 5 machines.

With all the features, this tool is undoubtedly worth a try.

2. TeamViewer 14

This all-round software undeniably deserves a place in the list of best screen sharing software. This comprehensive tool can support multiple devices with a massive number of platforms.

It’s easy to use UI makes it the right choice. It also comes in a free version for home users. You can connect up to 4k desktops, share files, and also supports alternative VPN’s.

3. Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop is one of the easiest and the most straightforward screen sharing application. It works as a chrome extension and is quite easy to install.

You can add multiple users to the host computer using a security pin. The only drawback of this application is that when compared to other players is has a limited number of features to offer.

4. Remote Desktop Manager

It is a must-have application for SME businesses who are looking for an efficient system to control their computer systems remotely.

It comes with a good range of features and is quite easy to use. Individual users can opt for its limited free edition while large corporates can buy a site license to support all PC.

5. Remote Utilities for Windows

Another most trusted and reliable option in the category of best screen sharing software is “Remote Utilities for Windows.” It comes with incredible features that can give enough competition to even the paid software.

Users can connect up to 10 PC with this feature-rich tool. It works on 2 platforms, the first one if the Host software that is installed on the Host PC and the Viewer software that need to be installed on the clients pc.

The only downside of this incredible piece of technology is that it can only work on Windows PC.

6. LogMeIn Pro

LogMeIn is the ultimate choice for large companies which require a powerful and robust screen-sharing technology.

It is specially developed to support large enterprises and comes with a suite of sophisticated and useful tools that can easily manage multiple systems and users.

The only downside is that it does not suit everybody’s pocket. However, as an additional benefit, you get 1TB of cloud storage with its premium subscription.

7. Remote PC

Personal or business use, Remote PC is suitable for both. It works on Cloud, which makes it a good option for individual users as well as large enterprises.

Several computers can be configured with the host PC, and additional users can also be added with an access key and password.

All the remove connection are highly secure with AES-256 encryption, and use of access credentials adds on to the security level.

A round the clock support team is also available to help users and customers. Individual users can get this stunning tool in $ 51.12 as first-year subscription.

8. Connectwise Control

This powerful application is effortless to use and comes with an array of features. It works on 2 key options: Access and support.

Support is a Cloud-based service which supports real-time accessing of users machine. It also uses a 2FA mechanism and AES-256 encryption to ensure high-end security.

Users can schedule meetings, give remote prints, and transfer files. Its standard plan costs $35 annually and allows a single user to connect with 3 different system.

9. VCN Connect

Another well-known name in the list of best screen sharing software is VCN Connect. It is most suited for multinational companies.

Users can easily connect, monitor, support, and collaborate with the user’s devices. Real-time remote access is quite easy with this powerful desktop tool

What is remote desktop software?

Remote desktop software, also known as remote access software, allows users to access another computer or system remotely in real time and work on it like their local device. It ensures easy, efficient, and secure access to one or many remote desktops.

While the software can also be used for remote support, a remote desktop tool is typically used by employees to access a machine remotely rather than to resolve a technical problem. Though the maintenance functions may not be as extensive as those of remote support solutions, remote desktop tools aid support teams in performing basic maintenance tasks on numerous devices from a single station.

Typical use cases of a remote desktop tool include granting employees access to and managing distant computers anytime, from any device, which gives them the privilege to work from anywhere. Sometimes IT support professionals use remote desktop software to troubleshoot and perform maintenance tasks remotely.

What are the common features of remote desktop software?

The following are some core features of a remote desktop tool that can help users achieve greater flexibility and cost savings through remote work:

• Remote access and control: Remote desktop software provides end users access to and control over other devices not in their physical vicinity. The software facilitates the visibility of a specific window or the entire desktop.

• Multi-monitor support: Many workplaces now opt for multiple monitors at their workstations to help improve productivity. As a result, the remote desktop tool supports the capability to view multiple monitors at a time.

• Multiple operating system (OS) support: Businesses today use Windows, macOS, Linux, or other OS, and sometimes multiple OS within the same company. Remote desktop software has features to handle viewing and functioning on any OS, independent of the OS the end user is connecting from.

• Mobile device access: Remote desktop tools allow administrators to access connected mobile devices and support mobile OS like Android, iOS, and more.

• Data encryption: When a user’s device is being used and managed remotely, it may leave the user feeling vulnerable. The remote desktop tool offers a data encryption feature to secure the connection and protect data.

• File management: Remote desktop software facilitates file sharing and transfers to enable quick and effortless work discussion, collaboration among colleagues, and viewing of relevant documents when working remotely. The shared or transferred files are highly secure as permission to access them is granted only to authenticated user accounts.

• Remote configuration: The software helps configure a remote PC for access so that the end user can take complete control of the device over the internet anytime.

• Chat: The chat functionality of the remote desktop software allows users to send and receive messages between computers.

• Application management: Remote desktop tool centrally manages, configures, and monitors applications on employee devices.

• Session transfer: Access to remote sessions for IT support can be transferred between users using a remote desktop application.

• Session recording: A remote desktop tool provides the ability to record remote sessions at a desired location on the local computer.

• Security: All the data shared across a remote connection is encrypted. It also uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure only authorized users can log in and notify suspicious activities.

• Deployment flexibility: Remote desktop tools can be deployed on the cloud and on-premises, depending on the organization’s requirements.

• Remote printing: Some remote desktop solutions provide remote printing capabilities to help users print documents using a locally plugged or network printer.

• Session usage reporting: Activity log tracking and session analytics is essential for IT managers and chief information officers (CIOs) looking to track, manage, and optimize helpdesk activities.

• Branding: Remote desktop systems may let businesses customize client applications to match their websites.

What are the benefits of remote desktop software?

There are several benefits that a business can reap from a remote desktop tool. Below is a list of advantages that the tool offers:

• Efficiency: Remote desktop tools offer the potential to maintain numerous devices from a single workstation. Users can access the systems they need from wherever they are located.

• Cost savings: Remote desktop tools may require the installation of remote client software on user devices. However, some web-based remote desktop software provides remote access with zero endpoint installation or configuration. Clientless, centrally-managed solutions do not require installation, management, and software maintenance on individual devices, thereby cutting down IT support costs. Additionally, these solutions enable users to work from home with the most reliable and secure connection resulting in reduced overhead expenditure for office space, computing equipment, software, utilities, etc.

• Flexibility: Employers are increasingly promoting flexible and remote work. The ability to work from anywhere, at any time, and on multiple devices increases employee productivity and turnover. These tools enable employees to work remotely with a seamless remote desktop connection to one or many desktops at the workplace.

• Business continuity: Remote desktop platform ensures business continuity in times of crisis, such as pandemic outbreaks, harsh weather, and transportation strikes. It provides access to business applications and data from home, enabling organizations to meet their business objectives.

Who uses remote desktop software?

• Customer support teams: Employees on support teams are most likely to use the remote desktop tool. The software greatly improves the efficiency of most support teams’ day-to-day routines and tasks.

• IT departments: Software and licensing administrators in the IT department can use remote desktop tools for scheduling and running maintenance on devices, regardless of the device’s physical location or the administrator.

• Data archive teams: Teams that do heavy data archive work may also benefit from using a remote desktop tool. Data archives tend to be optimized toward UNIX systems like Linux’s numerous variants, so having a remote Linux build that can be tapped into from a Windows desktop can be incredibly valuable.

• Software engineers: Remote desktop solutions enable developers and engineers to share a single workstation, use integrated development environments (IDEs), access remote servers, and investigate bugs remotely.

• Educational institutions: Teachers, professors, educators, and administrators use remote access solutions for conducting classes and accessing tools and files from remote locations.

• Remote users: Remote employees rely on these solutions to access company files and servers and complete tasks without being in the office.

What are the Alternatives to Remote Desktop Software?

• Remote support software: Remote support and remote desktop tools are so similar that many use the two names interchangeably. There is a slight but notable difference between the two. Remote desktop software focuses more exclusively on access to and control over a remote device. While remote support software does this as well, these solutions offer more expansive features to assist with maintenance and troubleshooting.

• Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) software: Remote desktop and VDI software have similar characteristics but slightly different target functions. A remote desktop tool tends to focus on creating connections to physical devices. In contrast, a VDI tool hones in on entirely virtual desktops associated with servers or even an OS being run within another OS. VDI software allows for centralized hosting and viewership of numerous desktops, whereas remote desktop focuses on the ability to access numerous physical desktops from a single location.

• Screen sharing software: These systems partially match the functionality of remote desktop solutions by allowing users to share screens and demonstrate processes to viewers. Sales, marketing, and support teams use screen sharing tools to provide demos, brainstorm, and resolve technical issues.

Challenges with remote desktop software

Remote desktop tools can come with their own set of challenges.

• Connectivity: Remote desktop usage occurs entirely via the internet, so connectivity issues can end up disrupting the experience. When implementing a remote desktop tool, users must ensure high internet connectivity.

• Hardware dilemmas: Remote desktop software relies partly on the end device’s hardware functioning optimally. If there is an issue with the end device’s hardware, the software may not be able to access the remote device.

• Privacy: The means to take control of other users’ computers remotely does come with a certain degree of privacy risk. In the wrong hands, losing control of one’s computer means compromised data on the computer or an entire network. Companies need to use strong endpoint protection software when implementing remote support software to protect internal devices.

• Operating system compatibility: Some remote desktop systems may not efficiently support different operating systems such as Linux, macOS. or their outdated versions. This Os non-compatibility makes it challenging for remote users to receive timely solutions.

• High-performance tasks: Network speed and bandwidth variation may impact remote desktop tools’ ability to to complete tasks demanding high computational resources, including video rendering, data analysis, and graphic design.

• User experience: Complex remote desktop applications make it difficult for users to log in, establish connections with remote devices, and share files.

How to choose remote desktop software

Organizations buying remote desktop software must consider business-specific needs and the following factors to maximize the return on their investment.

• Device whitelisting and authentication: Choosing a remote desktop platform with device or endpoint authentication is crucial for preventing unauthorized systems from connecting with remote devices and gaining unattended access.

• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Remote desktop solutions with 2FA capabilities verify user identity to protect devices and data from brute-force attacks, social engineering, and phishing.

• Security compliance: Buyers must ensure that the remote access tool of their choice meets different security standards, including General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), System and Organization Controls (SOC 2), Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Also, consider choosing solutions that update security protocols regularly.

• Ease of use: Selecting a user-friendly remote desktop tool is essential for ensuring that even non-technical users have a seamless experience while using the system. Moreover, users should be able to install the application without any difficulty.

• File transfer: Remote desktop tools with file sharing features allow users to share presentations, documents, and data, enabling them to send or receive files immediately. Also, consider looking for systems with remote printing, chat, multi-monitor support, and remote wake-on-LAN functionalities.

• Available on mobile devices: Choosing a system that users can access from a phone or tablet helps technical support specialists resolve issues on the go.

• Price and customer support: Consider thoroughly evaluating customer support availability and features against price to find the best solution.

Depending on their organizations’ sizes, needs, and preferences, buyers must try different tools to find the one that best fits their compatibility, security, usability requirements, and budget.

Remote desktop software pricing

Remote desktop software is available in two deployment models: on-premises and cloud. Based on the models, the software can also be purchased as a perpetual license or as annual or monthly subscriptions. Remote desktop tools are priced as a perpetual license for on-premises software, whereas cloud-based solutions are available on a subscription basis. Some remote desktop tools can be downloaded for free private usage and are available as a three-tier license, often business, premium, or corporate.

Remote desktop software pricing varies depending on the number of seats, devices, and features organizations require. Below is a general overview of pricing based on tiers buyers choose.

• Entry-level plans range from $10 to $15 monthly and include basic features. These plans suit individual users and small businesses.

• Mid-range plans can cost businesses up to $35 per month. They provide more features suitable for larger business teams.

• Advanced plans cost around $75 monthly and offer advanced support and user management features. These are ideal for larger enterprises with extensive business requirements.

Implementation of remote desktop software

How is remote desktop software implemented?

There are generally two ways in which a remote desktop software is implemented:

• OS-based implementation: OS-based remote desktop solutions are built directly into the OS. No extra software is required to use OS-based remote desktop solutions as the tools are already installed. For example, some versions of Windows come with built-in remote desktop software.

• Third-party-based implementation: Third-party-based implementation is needed when remote desktop software has to be licensed by the user. Once the buyer has decided on the software that fits their particular needs and installed it, it should be ready for use.

Remote desktop software trends

• Companies will adopt a hybrid workplace model: Companies are now looking at providing the choice of working from the office only for a few days a week. The remote working element in a hybrid workplace is a trend that is expected to grow. Employees within an organization have increasingly started preferring to work from home or anywhere else with flexible working schedules. Employers are also providing the flexibility to do so. Remote desktop and remote support software will be widely used when working remotely, as they provide seamless IT support without letting external factors hinder business processes from running smoothly.

• Organizations will opt for consolidation of remote work tools: Organizations use multiple software solutions such as video conferencing, remote support, and remote desktop to enable effective collaboration across employees, clients, and partners. It is essential to consolidate these tools and provide the organization with better visibility to enhance operational productivity, thereby reducing the need to monitor each device individually. The adoption of centralized solutions is expected to rise, considering it would help companies ensure compliance and tackle software management issues.

• BYOD trends continue gaining popularity: Many organizations encourage employees to use BYOD devices to control capital expenditure costs rising from hardware purchase and maintenance. Employees using their devices often rely on remote desktop solutions to connect with peers or access server files. Remote workers using their devices for office work are more likely to experience cybersecurity threats. Businesses must continue investing in cybersecurity, cloud security, and vulnerability management tools to prevent data leaks and unauthorized access and mitigate remote work tech vulnerability.