app launch Archives

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Windows quality update: Progress we’ve made since March

The Windows Insider Program is undergoing changes to improve transparency and user control. Two main channels, Experimental and Beta, are being introduced, with the Beta channel eliminating controlled feature rollouts. Users will have the ability to select features in the Experimental channel and switch between channels more easily. Updates to the Feedback Hub are aimed at enhancing user experience. Windows updates will now be consolidated into a single monthly restart, providing users with more flexibility. AI features are being refined, with a focus on intentional integration. File Explorer is receiving architectural improvements for better performance, and there will be more control over widgets and notification settings. System performance enhancements include memory optimization and improved app launch responsiveness. Upcoming features include Taskbar customization, and the team is engaging with Insiders in various cities for feedback.

Winsage

February 24, 2026

How to Disable Copilot in Windows 11 — Uninstall, Hide, and Stop It from Coming Back

Microsoft has integrated its AI assistant, Copilot, into various parts of Windows 11, including the taskbar, Edge, and Notepad. Users have expressed a desire to remove Copilot, leading to the creation of a guide detailing methods to disable it. Copilot can be uninstalled through Settings, but additional steps are required to remove it from Edge, Notepad, and Windows Search. Users can also prevent Copilot from reinstalling after updates by adjusting registry settings. The Copilot app is categorized as a standalone application in Windows 11 24H2, making it easier to uninstall compared to previous versions. Methods to disable Copilot include: 1. Uninstalling the app via Settings. 2. Hiding the icon from the taskbar. 3. Using Group Policy Editor (limited to Pro, Enterprise, Education). 4. Removing Copilot for all users using PowerShell. 5. Adjusting settings in Edge and Notepad to disable Copilot features. 6. Editing the registry to remove Copilot from Windows Search and Paint. 7. Remapping the physical Copilot key on newer laptops. 8. Disabling silent reinstallation of Copilot through registry edits. Disabling Copilot will not affect core Windows functionality but will remove AI-specific features such as the chatbot and writing assistance.

AppWizard

February 13, 2026

Nvidia GeForce Now just landed on Amazon Fire TV, making couch PC gaming easier than ever

Nvidia has launched the GeForce Now app for Amazon Fire TV devices, allowing users to play PC games on televisions with just a Bluetooth controller. The app provides performance similar to the RTX 5080 and supports a wide range of devices, including Windows, Linux, MacOS, ChromeOS, and Android. It can be downloaded from app stores on Amazon Fire TV devices. Nvidia has also expanded its game library to over 4,000 titles, including new releases like Disciples: Domination and Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Subscription options include a free tier with access to over 2,000 games and paid tiers offering enhanced performance and longer session times.

BetaBeacon

January 29, 2026

Linux users can finally stream games via GeForce NOW

GeForce NOW on Linux only works with Ubuntu version 24.04 or later, with plans to expand to other distributions in the future.

AppWizard

January 5, 2026

Four Google Play Store Features That Change How App Installs and Updates Work

The Google Play Store has introduced several enhancements to improve the app installation and update experience for users. Key features include: 1. Per-app auto-update control: Users can now enable or disable auto-updates for individual apps, allowing essential apps to remain on stable versions while less critical ones update automatically. 2. Built-in download manager shortcut: A new circular icon on the Apps and Games pages provides access to a list of recently installed or updated apps, showing timestamps and allowing users to launch apps directly from this list. 3. Auto-open when ready: A toggle that, when activated, launches an app automatically after installation, accompanied by a notification with a countdown timer for user intervention. 4. Viewing changelogs without opening app pages: Users can now view update changelogs directly from the app management screen without navigating to each app's store listing, enhancing efficiency in reviewing updates. These features collectively enhance user control and transparency in app management.

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

Popular YouTube app for Android TV ‘SmartTube’ compromised with malware

The developer of SmartTube, an ad-free YouTube client for Android TV, confirmed a security breach involving the app's signing key, which allowed malicious actors to inject harmful code into app updates. The breach was disclosed by Yuriy Yuliskov, the maintainer, who advised users to avoid reinstalling the old app and instead wait for a newly signed version. A reverse-engineering analysis of the infected APKs revealed that they were gathering sensitive information and transmitting it to a remote server. Versions 28.56 to 30.52 were particularly affected, and Google Play Protect began disabling installations of SmartTube. In response, Yuliskov wiped his hard drive and released a new version, 30.56, with a different signing key and app ID. Transparency concerns remain, and the developer plans to disclose details about the breach and measures to prevent future incidents. Users have requested additional security assurances, including hashes of clean builds.

BetaBeacon

November 7, 2025

Nintendo’s new Store app lets you buy games and browse products

The Nintendo Store app offers a product storefront along with news hub, purchase history, play activity, wish list, and various news categories.

AppWizard

September 30, 2025

Google is quietly testing a better app launch shortcut for the Pixel Launcher

Recent user reports indicate a potential enhancement in the Pixel Launcher, where the search bar now highlights the app name with "open" next to it, and the search button has changed to an arrow or enter button, allowing users to launch applications directly from the keyboard. This change is currently limited to a small number of users as part of a server-side test, with no widespread rollout confirmed yet.

Tech Optimizer

September 3, 2025

Malwarebytes Ultimate

Malwarebytes offers a cybersecurity suite called Malwarebytes Ultimate, which includes antivirus protection, VPN services, and identity theft remediation. The pricing starts at .99 per year for a single device, with higher costs for additional devices. The suite provides coverage for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The identity theft protection is powered by TransUnion but lacks the extensive features of competitors like Bitdefender and Norton. Malwarebytes Ultimate includes a VPN with over 60 server locations across 34 countries, though it does not cover regions like Africa or certain countries. The VPN features include an automatic activation option and split tunneling. Malwarebytes has received high scores in independent testing for its antivirus capabilities on Android but did not appear in some recent evaluations. The identity theft protection system allows users to monitor personal information and receive alerts if their data is found on the dark web. Users can also track financial transactions for suspicious activity and access resources for identity and credit protection. Malwarebytes provides a dedicated resolution specialist for identity theft cases and offers a personal data removal service.

Winsage

July 26, 2025

6 Chromebook features I wish Windows had

Chromebooks run on ChromeOS, which includes features such as the customizable Home Launcher for app organization, the Quick Insert button for integrating various elements into documents, and three-finger tab swipes for efficient multitasking in the Chrome browser. The Welcome Recap feature provides a daily overview of tasks, while Select to Search allows users to highlight text or images for immediate contextual information. Additionally, ChromeOS simplifies the process of pinning files to the taskbar compared to Windows.