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Gboard could have a huge accessibility feature on the way for sign language
AppWizard
July 21, 2026

Gboard could have a huge accessibility feature on the way for sign language

Google is developing a feature for its Gboard app called "Sign-to-text," which aims to convert sign language into written text using the user's camera and AI technology. This feature is designed for users who communicate using sign language, enhancing accessibility. The feature was found in the code of a recent Gboard update, indicating that Google is exploring its feasibility. Additionally, Android 16 has improved accessibility for hearing aid users by introducing Fast Pair support for easier connectivity and allowing adjustments for call audio and hearing aid volume.
Microsoft Releases July 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates
Winsage
July 14, 2026

Microsoft Releases July 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates

Microsoft has released the July 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11 versions 26H1, 25H2, and 24H2, introducing several key features: - A new recovery feature allows users to revert their PCs to a recent restore point. - The Widgets experience has been revamped to minimize distractions, including no longer opening upon hover and reduced memory usage. - Users can pause Windows updates for up to 35 days and re-pause them as needed. - A new screen tint feature applies a color overlay to reduce eye strain. - Magnifier now offers preset zoom increments and allows specific zoom percentages to be input. - Bluetooth connectivity improvements include quicker pairing for Apple’s AirPods and better reliability for Beats Studio Pro headphones. - Voice access and voice typing features are now available in French, German, and Spanish. - Users can customize the right-click zone size on touchpads with a pressable surface. - The emoji panel now uses GIPHY for GIF content. - Taskbar notification counts and badge visuals will update accurately. For Qualcomm-powered PCs running Windows 11 version 26H1, the KB5101649 update includes the Point-in-time restore feature and introduces new NPU usage metrics in Task Manager, the option to assign a custom user folder name during setup, and allows multiple applications to access the camera stream simultaneously. Improvements have also been made to Windows Hello authentication and Microsoft Store performance, along with enhancements to Windows Search for better file location and prioritization.
Windows 11’s huge July 14 update is loaded with new features — these are the 13 that matter most
Winsage
June 26, 2026

Windows 11’s huge July 14 update is loaded with new features — these are the 13 that matter most

Microsoft will launch the Windows 11 July 2026 Security Update on July 14, 2026, introducing new features and bug fixes. Key features include the Point-in-time Restore recovery feature, which allows users to revert to a stable system state using restore points, and enhancements to Bluetooth, network virtualization, and touchpad functionality. The update will be available for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, managed through Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) technology. The update enhances the "Pause updates" functionality with a calendar view for pausing updates for up to 35 days. The Magnifier tool will allow users to input exact zoom percentages, and printer installations will default to the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). Location settings will be simplified, and File Explorer will see performance improvements, including new options on the Home page. Bluetooth enhancements will improve reliability and audio performance, while Phone Link will refine call handling between Windows 11 and smartphones. Voice Typing and Voice Access will be improved for real-time text refinement and support multiple languages. Networking improvements will focus on reliability and performance, particularly in virtualized environments, and touchpad customization options will allow adjustments to the right-click area.
I dug through the Windows 11 Insider builds for June 2026 and found 7 features worth paying attention to
Winsage
June 17, 2026

I dug through the Windows 11 Insider builds for June 2026 and found 7 features worth paying attention to

Microsoft rolled out several preview builds of Windows 11 in early June 2026 as part of the Windows Insider Program, focusing on refining existing functionalities rather than introducing many new features. A new Beta channel for version 26H1 was launched, featuring: - Screen Tint: An accessibility feature that provides a system-wide color overlay to reduce eye strain, accessible through Settings > Accessibility > Vision > Screen Tint, offering six preset colors or custom hues. - Low Latency Profile: Temporarily boosts processor frequency for 1 to 3 seconds during interactive tasks, improving application launch times by up to 40% and interaction times by as much as 70%, operating automatically without manual toggles. - Widgets Experience Update: Widgets now open without hover activation, Taskbar badges are off by default, and alerts are limited until user interaction. The dashboard displays Widgets under "widgets," and badging aligns with the system accent color. - Magnifier Enhancements: Users can input specific zoom percentages directly and access additional zoom presets ranging from 5% to 400%. - File Explorer Changes: Improvements for compatibility, performance, and reliability, including support for paths with double backslashes and quotation marks, and middle-click support for opening folders in new tabs. - Windows Update: Unification of drivers, .NET, and firmware updates with monthly quality updates, reducing required restarts to one per month. - Windows Search Enhancements: Improved handling of typos, missing letters, and partial app names, prioritizing accurate search results even with input errors.
Microsoft Releases a Record Seven Windows 11 Insider Builds
Winsage
June 12, 2026

Microsoft Releases a Record Seven Windows 11 Insider Builds

Microsoft's Windows Insider program has released seven Insider builds across all Channels, including two builds on the Beta and Release Preview Channels and three builds for the new Experimental Channel. The updates focus on the Experimental (25H2), Beta (25H2), and Release Preview (25H2) Channels. The new 26H1 builds mainly feature elements from the 25H2 builds and are intended for new ARM-based PCs. Key features include: - A less disruptive Windows Update experience requiring only one monthly restart. - Improved Windows Search capabilities for better typo handling. - A new screen tint accessibility feature to reduce eye strain. - Quieter Widgets that do not open on hover and have a smaller memory footprint. - Magnifier tool enhancements with preset zoom increments and direct input options. - Bluetooth connectivity improvements for better compatibility with select devices. - Voice Access and Voice Typing now available in French, German, and Spanish. - Customizable right-click settings for touchpads. The Release Preview Channel is testing an optional update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, set for release in late June.
Microsoft Releases June 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates
Winsage
June 9, 2026

Microsoft Releases June 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates

Microsoft's June 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11 include enhancements for versions 25H2, 24H2, and the new 26H1, which is designed for new PCs with Qualcomm ARM chips. Key features of the update include: - Shared audio allowing two users to listen to the same audio stream via Bluetooth LE audio accessories. - NPU usage displayed in Task Manager for devices with NPUs, including optional columns for NPU and NPU Engine. - Multi-App Camera support enabling multiple applications to access the camera stream simultaneously. - Improvements to the Magnifier feature for clearer announcements and support for magnifying protected content. - Customizable user folder names during setup. - Optimized Windows Search functionality for locating local files with just two characters. - Performance enhancements through a “Low Latency Profile” for faster app launches and core shell experiences. The update also addresses a BitLocker security bypass vulnerability (CVE‑2026‑45585) that could allow attackers to circumvent BitLocker Device Encryption. The KB5095051 patch for version 26H1 includes support for shared audio over Bluetooth LE and features from the previous month's update, such as Xbox mode and expanded archiving support in File Explorer.
Announcing new builds for 22 May 2026
Winsage
May 23, 2026

Announcing new builds for 22 May 2026

The Windows Insider Program is rolling out changes across various channels, with new builds of Windows 11 Insider Preview available. The transition for devices in the Canary 29500 Series Channel to the new experience has not yet begun. New features include: 1. Screen Tint: An accessibility feature that applies a color overlay to reduce screen intensity. 2. Narrator: Enhanced support for HID-compatible braille displays, allowing for plug-and-play functionality via USB or Bluetooth. 3. Voice Isolation in Voice Access: A feature that improves voice recognition by filtering out background noise, processing occurs privately on the device.
Windows 11's May Optional Update Lands on the Release Preview Channel
Winsage
May 15, 2026

Windows 11’s May Optional Update Lands on the Release Preview Channel

The May optional update for Windows 11 introduces several features, including shared audio for Bluetooth LE accessories, simultaneous camera access for multiple applications, and NPU usage visibility in Task Manager. The update also improves the Magnifier accessibility feature and aims to enhance app launch speeds and core shell experiences. Additionally, Microsoft has released a first build of version 26H1 on the Release Preview Channel, which is intended for devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon® X2 Series chips. Devices running version 26H1 will not be eligible for the next annual feature update scheduled for late 2026.
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