app Archives

Winsage

June 25, 2026

This free app puts Microsoft to shame by bringing widgets to the Windows 11 taskbar

WidBar is a beta application for Windows 11 that allows users to integrate widgets into the taskbar, currently offering two widgets: "Now Playing" and "System Metrics." Users can drag and drop these widgets into a live preview of their taskbar and place them across multiple monitors. The native Widgets Panel in Windows 11 has 56 widgets but lacks a dedicated Now Playing widget, as media controls are only available in the Action Center. WidBar is gaining attention for its potential to enhance user experience and is being discussed in the tech community on platforms like Reddit.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

Gemini on desktop could soon get Gemini Live, Magic Pointer, and voice dictation

The Gemini desktop application for macOS is testing several new features, including support for Gemini Live, a system-wide voice dictation feature called “Speak to Window,” cursor tracking for contextual assistance, and a toolbar option labeled “Connect another Mac.” These features are currently being evaluated by a select group of users.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

This free Pixel app is the reason I canceled my AI note-taking subscription

Sanuj Bhatia from Android Authority highlights the capabilities of Google’s Pixel Recorder app, which he found effective enough to cancel his subscription to a paid AI note-taking service. The app, upgraded with Gemini Nano technology in the Pixel 9 series, can record audio and generate live transcripts with punctuation and grammar corrections, identifying multiple speakers during meetings. It integrates with a web application for easy access to recordings and transcripts on desktop devices. The app processes data on-device, ensuring privacy, which is advantageous for professionals handling sensitive information. While it has limitations, such as not being able to join meetings virtually and lacking collaborative features, it is considered a reliable and cost-efficient alternative to traditional AI note-taking tools.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

GM is adding 200 new apps to its cars with Google built-in

General Motors is enhancing the digital experience in its vehicles by introducing support for over 200 new applications on its "Cars with Google built-in" platform, moving away from Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The new apps will be available on select 2024 and newer models of Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles equipped with Google built-in. Driver-focused apps will be accessible only when the vehicle is parked, while passengers can enjoy games and streaming services during travel. The new offerings include games like basketball, chess, and solitaire for drivers, and streaming services such as Disney Plus, Hulu, Tubi, and YouTube for passengers. Music and podcast platforms like Spotify, SiriusXM, iHeartRadio, and Amazon Music will also be supported. The passenger and rear displays will support these apps in select 2025 and newer GM models, including the Chevy Tahoe, Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and GMC Yukon. Users can find these applications under a “car compatible apps” section in Google Play. GM vehicle owners are encouraged to monitor their infotainment systems for the new apps.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

Making Windows a developer platform, again

Setting up a PC with the base Dev Config has been streamlined for developers, utilizing the Winget configuration service to install applications, execute updates, and apply developer settings on Windows. Users can access setup scripts by cloning a GitHub repository or downloading a zip archive, with clear instructions provided by Microsoft. The installation may require a reboot during the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) installation, but the script resumes automatically afterward. The process installs applications such as PowerShell, Git, GitHub command-line interfaces, Windows App SDK, Visual Studio Code, and language support for Node.js, Python, and .NET. It also includes developer-friendly fonts and a theme engine for Windows Terminal, along with options for customizing File Explorer and the Windows Task Bar. After WSL installation, developers can use WSL Comfort scripts to install additional tools and personalize their Windows Terminal experience. This utility has two phases: the Windows component configures WSL and Ubuntu, while the Linux component fine-tunes the WSL environment, allowing for zsh and starship terminal display tools. It also integrates popular command-line interfaces and supports the Homebrew package installer, targeting existing Ubuntu instances without needing a new Linux distribution installation.

BetaBeacon

June 25, 2026

Google Play Store Fees Will be Lowered Thanks to Epic Games Lawsuit, Settlement

Google Play Store fees are getting lower starting on June 30, with the service fee starting at 10% on the first million in annual earnings. Developers using Google Play's billing system will pay an additional 5% billing fee. The changes are a result of Epic Games' lawsuit against Google, which required the company to make structural changes to its Play Store operations. Apple also made changes to its App Store policies following a lawsuit from Epic.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

PowerToys replaced tools I used to install on every Windows PC

Raycast for Windows, a productivity app, was initially a valuable tool for launching applications and executing actions quickly. However, the introduction of the Command Palette in Microsoft PowerToys provided similar functionality, leading to Raycast being less essential for the user's needs. The user found that the Command Palette effectively served as a fast app launcher, integrating well with other PowerToys features. The user also transitioned from GlazeWM, a tiling window manager, to FancyZones in PowerToys for better window management, as FancyZones offered more tailored window layout options. Additionally, Text Extractor in PowerToys streamlined the user's optical character recognition (OCR) tasks by allowing easy text extraction from images. Overall, PowerToys consolidated several utilities into one suite, enhancing the user's productivity while reducing the need for multiple separate applications.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

Is Halifax down? Issues with banking app and login reported

Bank account holders have reported difficulties accessing the Halifax app and online banking services since around 8:30 AM, with users voicing concerns on Downdetector. In the UK, including cities like Birmingham, London, and Bristol, 69% of users experienced problems with the app, 12% faced login issues, and 13% reported mobile banking problems. A notice on the app indicated a technical error preventing users from logging in. Downdetector tracks disruptions in online services by allowing users to report issues, providing real-time analysis of reported problems.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

Google’s new rules for the app store will allow alternative billing next week

Google is overhauling its app store billing structure, moving away from the 30 percent commission rate. A tiered fee system will be introduced, allowing developers to potentially receive direct payments from users. Developers earning over one million dollars annually will have a reduced rate of 20 percent on new in-app purchases and 10 percent on subscriptions. Google is launching two new initiatives, the Games Level Up and Apps Experience programs, to reward developers who meet specific performance benchmarks and guidelines. Changes to the billing system will roll out in phases, with updates expected by the end of September 2026 and full implementation by September 30, 2027.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

The Useful Feature That Isn’t Enabled By Default On Your Windows 11 Laptop

The Night Light feature reduces blue light impact from screens, creating a warmer visual experience. Devices like Macs, iPhones, and iPads have a similar feature called Night Shift. Utilizing Night Light can enhance comfort during late-night work and alleviate eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule, lowering screen brightness, and enabling dark mode can further help with eye care. To enable Night Light on Windows, users can press Win + A to access Quick Settings or go through the Settings app by pressing Win + I, selecting System, then Display, and toggling the Night Light option. Third-party applications like f.lux can provide additional customization. Once activated, users can adjust the warmth using a "Strength" slider in the Night Light settings. Night Light also offers a scheduling feature to automate activation from sunset to sunrise or at specific times set by the user.