The biggest addition to the latest Google Chrome (Beta) is the inclusion of speech recognition for applications. The browser includes a new Web Speech API, which provides developers tools to integrate speech recognition within their web apps. There is some controversy over the security of such an API as apps will have permission to record and send audio.

Google Chrome (Beta) also adds some security enhancements, most importantly for extensions. Extensions that don't explicitly ask for permissions will be blocked automatically. This is great and will force extension developers to be more transparent.

If you want to check out what's on the horizon for Chrome, download and try the Google Chrome (Beta).

Download Google Chrome (Beta) 28.0.1500.20 in Softonic

The EverNote utility features versions for many different operating systems: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Windows Mobile, WebOS and more. It lets you capture and sync anything you throw at it, from notes to images, media or passwords. All your information is stored in the program and you can organize it in so called “notebooks”, as well as using tags to categorize.

Using EverNote is really simple. The program displays tips for the most important functions and is also thoroughly documented. The pleasant interface in EverNote, with a clean, eye-catching design, makes it even easier to use.

Now that we can access the internet from anywhere and on multiple devices, having a synced copy of all your information available at all times is crucial. If you have EverNote installed on all your devices – desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone - all it takes is an internet connection and a press of the Synchronize button from the menu to ensure that you have the same information stored on all of them.

EverNote is a very promising application that captures, stores and syncs any sort of information on all your devices.

Download EverNote 4.6.6.8360 in Softonic

Compared to the latest stable version this edition contains subtle modifications that make it worth trying for die-hard Chrome fans. As you expect from Google Chrome, you get a web browser with a sleek, minimalist design.

Even compared with Safari and especially Firefox, the browser has very few buttons. All settings and options to choose your extensions are accessible via icons in the top right.

Please note that this version of Google Chrome is strictly a developer release, so bear in mind that you may occasionally encounter bugs and the developers are very keen to hear feedback on such problems.

The latest developer version of Google Chrome gives you a taste of what's to come from one of the fastest growing browsers out there.

Download Google Chrome Dev 28.0.1500.20 in Softonic

The good thing about Wise Disk Cleaner is that it works with lots of different formats, from temporary internet files to installation logs, including user temporary files, old files and index files – with support for a wide range of extensions.
Plus you can add a list of folders to include in the cleanup, and filter special file types by including them in the exclusion list.
When launching Wise Disk Cleaner you’ll be presented with a wizard that guides you step by step through the whole process.
You can select which types of file you want to remove and the location you want to scan, along with tweaking a few options. The procedure can be automated, meaning you can schedule cleanups and also tell Wise Disk Cleaner to auto-exit once the task is completed.

Wise Disk Cleaner features an easy-to-use, customizable interface. The program also includes a built-in basic defragmenting tool. On the downside, the program is quite slow, especially if you’re removing lots of files.

Download Wise Disk Cleaner 7.83.554 Free in Softonic

Firefox Beta 19 adds a built-in PDF viewer so you don't have to rely on a plug-in. The other big update is that Firefox will offer to reset the URL bar for the default search provider if a third-party program changed it.

Smaller improvements include faster startup performance so the browser should open quicker. Developers also gained new features with the debugger supporting pausing on exceptions, the remote web console being able to connect to Firefox on Android or the Firefox OS, and a browser debugger add-on.

Firefox Beta didn't add many major features, but continues the steady development of the browser.

For the stable version Firefox, click here.

Download Firefox Beta 22.0 Beta 2 in Softonic

As you would expect from an Apple product, Quicktime is extremely slick to use to the point of sometimes "hiding" features that you would expect to be more readily available - such as creating playlists for example. When it comes to performing basic functions such as playback, it's very easy to use although launching it is still a little slow. If you want to really get the most out of QuickTime however, you need to upgrade to the Pro version which allows you to do much more such as edit and convert video files.

QuickTime is designed to play Apple's MOV video format although but beyond this on Windows, it isn't very flexible. There are other players such as VLC media player which play almost any format and are much quicker to launch.

QuickTime is Apple's flagship media player although there are many other free players out there for Windows that are much more powerful

Download QuickTime 7.74.80.86 in Softonic

Forget paying for a program to rip your DVDs to your computer ever again. Considering HandBrake doesn't cost a dime, the application delivers exceptional results. Converting any type of DVD through a simple-to-understand user interface (UI), HandBrake whizzes through the process of producing an MPEG-4 file to save on your machine.

You'll need to have the right codec installed for the type of file you wish to convert (DivX, Xvid, OGM, 3ivx, etc.) but HandBrake lets you perform two-pass conversions and codify a double soundtrack.

Another great feature is the bitrate calculator, which alters the quality of the video according to the final file size you wish to achieve. You can even trim the black bands around a movie to maximize the size of the file.

Some users might experience occasional stability issues with the program.

HandBrake is a great open source solution for ripping your DVDs.

Download HandBrake 0.9.9 in Softonic

When you install SpyBot Search & Destroy, you are immediately given the choice to update, which is of course all important when dealing with the various forms of spyware that you want to be protected from. Unfortunately, when updating, progress can seem rapid and then stop for no apparent reason, for several minutes before finishing off the job.

Once you get over that small hiccup, you are prompted to create a system backup, just in case SpyBot Search & Destroy happens to remove something that is actually quite important for the smooth running of your system. It should go without saying that making this backup is recommended after which you may finally immunize your system with SpyBot Search & Destroy from a growing database of malicious processes.

SpyBot Search & Destroy has plenty of options for tweaking and customizing scans as well as some unrelated functions like the secure shredder and a start-up manager.

Although SpyBot Search & Destroy is a powerful piece of anti-spyware software, it may be better to see it as part of your security solution. For example, team this up with Ad-Aware SE and you should be covered from practically every form of threat to your online safety.

Download SpyBot Search & Destroy 2.1.19.0 in Softonic

Chrome's outstanding features, like its download manager, incognito browsing mode and bookmark syncing, already make it a stand out app. In version 20, it adds a more new features, as well some tweaks that make it even more user-friendly.

New features

Being able to search directly from the address bar is one of the great things about Google Chrome. Now Omnibox, Google Chrome's address bar, will offer you various suggestions as you type. Depending on how accurate it thinks its results are, Chrome may even begin to pre-load a chosen page. Popular sites like Facebook and Twitter are now sure to load almost instantaneously.

You'll now also receive warnings when Google Chrome thinks a downloading file that might contain malware or something harmful to your PC. It does this by tracing the download's originating server and comparing it to sites on its blacklist. If you're concerned about privacy when it comes to Google looking at your downloads for potential malware, you can disable this feature within your browser preferences.

Updates and tweaks

Google Chrome introduces several smaller updates designed to improve the user experience. First, Google Chrome has improved page zooming to make it more consistent with other browsers - you can now zoom up to 500%. In addition, Print Preview no longer shows up in its own tab but rather appears in a highly-configurable modal window - this improves your workflow and makes printing even quicker. Google Chrome's History tab has also undergone a redesign. It now allows users to filter out or even remove specific domains you don't want showing up there.

There's also been an update to the V8 JavaScript engine and more than a dozen security fixes. In short, these changes make browsing even quicker - and using the internet even safer.

In addition, version 20 helps with vulnerability greatly, in that it covers patches for quite a few security-related bugs. Google Chrome's latest update will consequently help make your browsing experience even safer.

Chrome extensions

Last, but not least, there are also changes for extensions - not only can you now count on a range of Google Chrome extensions that rivals (and in many cases betters) Firefox's, but those of you with a more technical bent can take advantage of improved extension APIs, so if you've got an idea, it's even easier to make it into an extension yourself.

If you're considering making the switch from old favorites like Firefox or Internet Explorer, we'd wholeheartedly recommend Google Chrome as the browser of the future!

Google Chrome, Google's browser, mixes a clean, minimalist interface with a variety of powerful tools, making it a great browser.

Download Google Chrome 27.0.1453.93 in Softonic

It distinguishes itself by being free, without skimping on options. In fact, iSpy is hugely flexible, and all but the most demanding users will find that it offers enough to happily meet their needs. The interface is a little strange (the top half looks great, but the bottom is old-fashioned), and the program takes up a huge amount of RAM. But these problems aside, it's a really impressive piece of software.

iSpy can be configured to work with various input sources, whether a conventional webcam, IP cam, capture card, desktop camera or microphone, all with a view to monitoring your home and making sure everything is well. Setting up a camera for iSpy is easy - in all probability, it will automatically detect your device, but if it doesn't, there's a handy wizard to help you along the way.

The iSpy interface is completely configurable, but the default layout gives you a main feed on the top, the movement captures beneath, and quick options to the side. It's also accessible from the taskbar, and remotely, provided you have an active iSpy subscription.

Although iSpy is ready to go from the moment you install it, it's really worth taking a look at the configuration options and settings. Although extensive, they're not complicated, and will really help you get the most from a very flexible app. Just bear in mind that for a lot of the program's features, you will need a paid account - primarily secured remote access, SMS, MMS, email alerts and mobile device access.

On the iSpy web site, there's a huge list of possible uses, and it certainly gives you food for thought. The program's options certainly back this up, as it's flexible enough to cater for all eventualities. The only problem we can see, in fact, is the resource-intensive usage.

When we tested iSpy, it seemed clear that only those using pretty powerful machines would be able to run it at the same time as other applications. Of course, as iSpy is mainly used for remote monitoring, that may not be a problem for all users, but it's worth bearing in mind.

iSpy is a very promising piece of surveillance software - but you'll need a subscription and a powerful PC to get the most from it.

Download iSpy 5.0.9 in Softonic

Under a nicely designed interface, Freemake Video Converter presents us with a powerful set of tools that let you convert videos and DVD movies between different formats, as well as create photo slideshows and music visualizations. The program supports the most popular formats (AVI, MP4, WMV, 3GP, DVD, MP3) and can even upload your newly converted file to YouTube straight away.

Using Freemake Video Converter couldn’t be easier. Just select the files you want to convert – either one by one or in batches – and pick the desired target format. Each format includes a few conversion profiles, which you have to choose depending on where you plan to watch your video. Conversions in Freemake Video Converter are quite quick, though obviously it all depends on your original file’s size.

Freemake Video Converter still keeps an ace up its sleeve: the program includes a basic editor with which you can crop, rotate and flip your videos before converting them. In the case of photos and music, the editor lets you create simple visual presentations. On the downside, the editor in Freemake Video Converter was quite unstable during our testing: video playback was a bit clunky and sometimes it didn’t load up the images we had selected.

All in all, Freemake Video Converter is a handy tool to convert videos – and other types of media – to other video formats, all in a very simple way and within a nice interface.

Download Freemake Video Converter 4.0.1.3 in Softonic

Ashampoo Uninstaller has a user-friendly and intuitive interface. It uses tabbed browsing, and everything is accompanied by interactive guides that are activated by rolling over the name of the tool. Given that Ashampoo Uninstaller has lots of extra system functions in addition to the basic uninstallation tools, this is very useful.

The program performs its basic function with ease, giving you two options for uninstallations - either doing the job manually, as you would normally, or by following a wizard, which is helpful for beginners or those who want some guidance in the slightly more advanced installation and uninstallation options, such as saving configurations and creating log files.

Ashampoo Uninstaller also has a wealth of secondary tools, which range from duplicate and invalid link managers to a registry cleaner and restore point manager. Ashampoo Uninstaller is complemented by a comprehensive help file and the option to extend the test period by registering on their website.

Ashampoo Uninstaller will easily manage all of your installation and uninstallation needs.

Download Ashampoo Uninstaller 5.0.3 in Softonic

Usability

Complications arise later on when trying to share files between computers: you'll have to do it through network sharing on Windows because it's not a feature Hamachi itself supports. In the end, I have to admit we were unable to share files over Hamachi during our tests – you know how stubborn Windows folder sharing configuration can get. Oh well, at least we could have a chat – a very safe one, of course.

Quality

Hamachi features a simple interface that enables you to create personal safe networks in just a couple of steps. At first sight, it all looks very easy to use. Plus your connection is conveniently protected by an AES-256 encryption algorithm.

Conclusion

Hamachi is a great solution to establish safe, private P2P connections between two computers; unfortunately it's not as easy to use as it seems at first sight.

Download Hamachi 2.1.0.362 in Softonic

For those of you who aren't sure, disc partitioning is a way of dividing up your computer's hard drive so that you can use different areas for different purposes. It's not something for beginners, but if you think you might like to give it a try, Partition Wizard's disc partitioning wizards are a good starting point.

Partition Wizard's interface is self-explanatory and clear. It detects the partitions you have on your machine and offers you tools to help carry out activities such as formatting, deleting and copying them. If you know what you are doing, you can use Partition Wizard to manage your partitions. If not, give the various wizards a try.

Partition Wizard uses color-coded symbols to indicate the different parts of the hard drive and their functions. There is also an undo button, in case you make a mistake, and a decent help file, for advice along the way. Finally, there is a comprehensive disc explorer, so you can see exactly what files and documents you'll be affecting if you make any changes.

If you are new to the business of partitioning, Partition Wizard's wizards are sure to help you along the way.

Download Partition Wizard 7.8 Home Edition in Softonic

This update includes:

Updated Media Player Classic Home Cinema to version 1.6.5.6237
Updated LAV Filters to version 0.53.2-8-g7fd402c
Updated DirectVobSub to xy-VSFilter version 3.0.0.211
Fixed a problem that could result in subtitles failing to load

These new installations will ensure that any broken codecs are repaired and optimized for useability.

Download K-Lite Codec Pack Update 9.9.4 in Softonic

Despite being a free security tool, AVG Anti-Virus is as good as any paid anti-virus app. It features a bunch of dedicated modules to protect you from antivirus, spyware and rootkits and spam, and also includes the so called LinkScanner – an extra layer of protection that checks search results and web links to make sure they’re safe. In recent years, the developers have added more intrusive features that try to intefere with browser settings such as your preferred search engine but overall, it still remains a good anti-virus option.

One of the best things about AVG Anti-Virus is that it offers neat, effective protection while staying silently minimized in your system tray without guzzling system resources and of course, without constantly bothering you with warning windows or update messages. Since it's the free version of a complete program, AVG Anti-Virus does show the odd nag screen encouraging you to buy AVG Professional, something which may annoy some users.

AVG Anti-Virus features a nicely designed, more user-friendly interface, which mimics the Windows Modern UI, and supports touch in Windows 8. Of course, you still have the same three types of scan: full system, selected files and folders and anti-rootkit. AVG Anti-Virus also lets you schedule scans for a certain day and time.

New in 2013 is an enhanced and simplified firewall. Previous versions of AVG didn't include any firewall at all so it's a nice addition. Settings for the firewall are easy to use and understand, making personalization network access for specific apps a breeze. The firewall will also help scan links, fight spam, and protect against wi-fi hacking.

The whole AVG Anti-Virus package should be enough to ensure you're not infected with any virus. The program also integrates seamlessly with Windows Explorer, allowing you to scan files from their context menus. AVG Anti-Virus's database is automatically updated on a daily basis, so you're always protected from even the most recently discovered threats. Although AVG Anti-Virus still remains a very powerful packages, there are other anti virus tools - such as Avast! - that do as good a job if not better.

Performance of AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition has increased as well. Startup times are now 26% quicker, scanning times are 36% faster, and interface loads over 200% faster

AVG Antivirus remains a perfect security solution for the average computer user, providing a powerful weapon against viruses.

Download AVG Antivirus FREE 2013 2013.0.3343 in Softonic

Like many other security apps, the installation of AVG Internet Security is quite long. The installer downloads the 123 MB application file, and also requires you to uninstall any other security apps present on your system – even if they’re also an AVG product. This is understandable though, as AVG Internet Security includes pretty much everything you need to stay safe while browsing the web. Also, bear in mind that unless you choose the custom installation option, the program will change your homepage and install the AVG browser bar.

Once AVG Internet Security is finally installed in your system, and after the usual system restart, you’re presented with an easy, clear interface, with icons that take you to the program’s functions. Some of the tools included in AVG Internet Security are an antivirus, an antispyware, scanners for links and email (including an anti-spam tool), two special security shields (Online for web activity and Resident for local active processes), an anti-rootkit app and a special tool to protect your identity online.

AVG Internet Security includes also an extensive configuration menu so that you can easily adapt the program to your needs. It may take a while, but it’s worth the effort.

With AVG Internet Security you’ll be protected against all sorts of online threats and dangers.

Download AVG Internet Security 2013 2013.0.3343 (32 bits) in Softonic