2-in-1 Archives

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Why I’m so excited for the Googlebook Android app experience on a desktop

Support for independent tech journalism is emphasized, particularly for Chrome Unboxed, which offers a membership for an ad-free experience and exclusive access to a private Discord. The author expresses frustration with the limitations of Android apps on ChromeOS, specifically citing issues with PUBG Mobile's performance on Chromebooks. The introduction of Googlebook, particularly the Lenovo Googlebook ‘Sapphire’ detachable tablet, is highlighted as a potential solution, featuring an architecture built on native Android, which promises improved app compatibility, native input mapping, direct hardware acceleration, and seamless Play Store integration. The author envisions an ideal tablet experience that combines the functionality of a desktop Chrome browser with robust Android applications.

Winsage

August 2, 2026

Windows 11: Movable and Smaller Taskbar in Beta Test

Microsoft is expanding the testing of its redesigned taskbar for Windows 11 to the Beta Channel of the Windows Insider Program with the release of Beta Build 26220.9022 on July 31, 2026. This update allows selected participants to reposition the taskbar along any edge of the screen—top, left, right, or bottom—and introduces a more compact variant that reduces icon size and overall height. Users can adjust their taskbar position through the Settings menu under Personalization, and Windows will adapt associated flyouts and animations accordingly. The implementation aims to restore flexibility lost when Windows 11 was launched, where the taskbar was fixed to the bottom of the screen. However, some features remain under development, and limitations exist for alternative positions, including incomplete touch gestures and a simplified search box. The compact taskbar feature currently only supports reduced height at the top or bottom positions. Microsoft is also exploring taskbar positioning across multiple monitors but has not guaranteed different positions for each screen. The recent updates include renewed certificates for the Windows Insider Program and additional builds, with the timeline for stable release of these taskbar adjustments still uncertain.

Winsage

July 29, 2026

Surface Pro with Snapdragon X2 drops by $450 for back‑to‑school

Microsoft's Surface Pro is currently available with discounts at various retailers, including a notable 21% off the model featuring the Snapdragon X2 Elite processor, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. The device is equipped with advanced Snapdragon X2 Plus and Snapdragon X2 Elite processors, offering over a 50% improvement in graphics performance compared to previous generations. The Surface Pro features a built-in kickstand for easy positioning and is complemented by the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard, which is also on sale and compatible with the new model. The Surface Pro has seen a price increase over the past year, but current promotions provide an opportunity for buyers.

Winsage

July 23, 2026

Surface Pro with Snapdragon X2 is now available with a noticeable graphics bump

Microsoft has launched the Surface Pro 13-inch, integrating Snapdragon X2 processors with a 2-in-1 design, starting at 9.99. It is available in black, platinum, and dune colors. The design resembles its predecessor, the Surface Pro 11, and features enhanced performance with up to a 53% increase in graphics performance. The device offers options for LCD and OLED displays, with the OLED variant favored by creators. The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is recommended for optimal use and is currently available at a discount. Early feedback indicates improved performance and battery life compared to the Surface Pro 11.

BetaBeacon

July 20, 2026

Monday’s Android iOS app deals and freebies: LIMBO, Super Dark Deception, WINCH IT OUT, Box Head, more

Today's Android app price drops include titles like WINCH IT OUT, LIMBO, Super Dark Deception, Undead Slayer: Offline Premium, Paign - RPG, and Box Head: Roguelike Premium.

Winsage

July 15, 2026

Microsoft’s Snapdragon X2 Surface Laptop 8 and Pro 12 for Business are now available

Microsoft has released the Surface Laptop 8 for Business and the Surface Pro 12 for Business, both equipped with advanced Snapdragon X processors. The Surface Laptop 8 can be configured with Snapdragon X2 Plus or X2 Elite, while the Surface Pro 12 features the Snapdragon X2 chip. Both devices also offer an Intel model. The Surface Laptop 8 includes haptic feedback capabilities, enhancing user interaction, and the Surface Pro 12 provides improved graphics performance over its predecessor. Key features for business users include pre-installed Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, an integrated Privacy Screen option, Advanced Exchange Warranty service, Device Firmware Configuration Interface (DFCI) cloud management, Windows Autopilot tenant pre-registration, access to the cloud-based Surface Management Portal, native corporate domain onboarding pathways, and availability of Intel models. The Snapdragon X2-powered Surface Pro 12 does not support 5G connectivity. Anyone can purchase a Surface for Business device without needing to own a business.

Winsage

June 30, 2026

Huge 4th of July Windows Copilot+ PC deals now live at Best Buy up to $830 off: New Snapdragon X2 Elite laptops, 2-in-1s, more

Best Buy has launched a 4th of July event featuring significant discounts on various tech products, including Apple devices, Android smartphones, televisions, and Windows laptops and desktops. The sale includes new laptop deals starting at .99, with notable models like the HP OmniBook X 16-inch 2K OLED touchscreen Copilot+ PC priced at ,099.99 (regularly ,450). Key features of the HP OmniBook X include a Snapdragon X2 Elite processor, a 16-inch 2K OLED touchscreen, 24GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and Windows 11 Home. Other highlighted products include Dell and Acer laptops with various specifications and price reductions.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Friday’s Android app deals and freebies: Hyper Light Drifter, Flame Keeper, Dungeon Defense, more

An array of Android game and app deals is currently available, featuring titles such as Hyper Light Drifter – S.E., Flame Keeper, Dungeon Defense, To the Moon, Backflip Madness 2, and Graffiti Simulator. Early Prime Day offers include discounts of up to 36% on TCL NXTPAPER Android tablets and a notable discount on Lenovo’s new 2026 Yoga 7a 2-in-1 touchscreen OLED Copilot+ PC. Amazon has also launched early Prime Day device deals starting at low prices.

Winsage

June 17, 2026

Introducing the next Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, built for performance and flexibility

Surface has evolved over 13 years through contributions from architects, developers, students, and engineers. In 2026, Surface will launch its most extensive Surface for Business lineup, including an integrated privacy screen and the Surface Laptop Ultra, designed for developers and creative professionals. The Surface RTX Spark Dev Box will cater to AI developers needing local compute power. The new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, powered by Snapdragon X2 processors, will be available starting June 16, with business options launching on July 14. The Surface Pro 13-inch features up to 53% faster graphics performance, 15.5 hours of battery life, and a 1440p Quad HD camera, priced from 9. The Surface Laptop, starting at 9, offers up to 20 hours of battery life and 58% more graphics performance than previous models. Both devices include vibrant LCD screens and are available in multiple colors. Surface devices are designed for AI workloads, featuring dedicated NPU silicon and robust cloud connectivity. The new touchpad and Slim Pen provide haptic feedback for enhanced user experience. Surface devices prioritize sustainability, with enclosures made from 100% recycled aluminum and ENERGY STAR certification. A new Surface Repair Tool assists users with repairs. Exclusive offers are available for U.S. customers from June 16 to June 30, including complimentary accessories and trade-in savings.

Winsage

June 11, 2026

Computex 2026: Empowering a billion users with Windows across the ecosystem

Computex has been a significant event for the PC industry, showcasing innovations in hardware, silicon, and user experiences. This year, partners revealed a variety of Windows 11 PCs aimed at diverse user needs. Acer introduced several laptops, including the Aspire X 16 AI for prosumers, the Aspire 18 AI for creative tasks, and the Swift Spin 14 AI, which features both Intel Core Ultra Series 3 and Snapdragon X2 Series processors. ASUS launched its AI PC portfolio with the ProArt P16 and P14 laptops powered by NVIDIA RTX Spark, and the Zenbook 14 for everyday consumers. The ROG Strix SCAR 18 gaming laptop features an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU. Dell unveiled the XPS 13, which is the thinnest and lightest XPS laptop, offering up to 17 hours of battery life and a 2.5K touchscreen. The XPS 16 Creator Edition is designed for creative tasks with NVIDIA RTX Spark technology. HP plans to integrate RTX Spark into its OmniBook Ultra 16 and OmniBook X 14 laptops and will expand its offerings with a compact desktop for creators and AI enthusiasts. MSI introduced the Prestige N16 Flip AI+, a laptop developed with NVIDIA, featuring a 16-inch UHD+ display and a 2-in-1 design. They also announced the Claw 8 EX AI+, a handheld gaming device powered by Intel Arc G3 Extreme processors. The Surface Laptop Ultra is the most powerful Surface Laptop to date, featuring an NVIDIA RTX Spark superchip and a 15-inch mini-LED touchscreen. Intel introduced the Intel Arc G-Series processors for handheld gaming systems, while NVIDIA unveiled the RTX Spark superchip for personal AI agents on Windows devices. Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon C Platform, aimed at providing efficient performance for students and small businesses, with Acer and ASUS already adopting this technology.