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"Control Panel gets tricky" Microsoft CVP explains why killing Windows legacy code takes so long, and how it's evolving its tools to make modernizing apps like File Explorer and Registry Editor faster
Winsage
August 3, 2026

“Control Panel gets tricky” Microsoft CVP explains why killing Windows legacy code takes so long, and how it’s evolving its tools to make modernizing apps like File Explorer and Registry Editor faster

Marcus Ash, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President of Design and Research for Windows and Devices, discussed the company's efforts to refine the user interface of Windows 11, focusing on modernizing the Control Panel. This initiative began with Windows 8 over 13 years ago and is still ongoing.
Monday’s Android app deals and freebies: Sea of Stars, Gambonanza, This Is Fine, more
AppWizard
August 3, 2026

Monday’s Android app deals and freebies: Sea of Stars, Gambonanza, This Is Fine, more

A selection of Android game and app deals includes titles such as Sea of Stars, Doom & Destiny Worlds, Gambonanza, Skel and Defense, Nerd Survivors, This Is Fine (Cards Survival), and Soul Huntress: RPG Premium. Pre-order deals for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8 are available, with a bundle discount at Amazon. The Best Buy August Back to School sale features a Lenovo 2.5K tablet bundle priced at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: As the afternoon unfolds, a treasure trove of Android game and app deals awaits eager users. Among the standout titles featured today are Sea of Stars, Doom & Destiny Worlds, Gambonanza, Skel and Defense, Nerd Survivors, This Is Fine (Cards Survival), and Soul Huntress: RPG Premium. Each of these games offers a unique experience, catering to a variety of gaming preferences. In addition to the exciting app offerings, the pre-order deals for the latest Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8 continue to attract attention. With deliveries set to commence shortly, savvy shoppers are encouraged to explore an enticing bundle discount available at Amazon. This promotion coincides with the Best Buy August Back to School sale, where deals abound, including a Lenovo 2.5K tablet bundle priced at just 0 and the Pixel 10a starting at 5, representing savings of up to 5. Today’s highlight Android app price drops: The landscape of app deals is rich and varied, with numerous price drops enhancing the appeal of these digital offerings. Users can take advantage of these reductions to expand their app collections without straining their budgets. The full list of discounted apps is available below, showcasing the breadth of options now accessible to Android users. With such a diverse array of games and applications on sale, the opportunity to enhance your device with new experiences is just a click away. Whether you're looking to dive into an epic adventure or simply want to explore new functionalities, today's deals present an excellent chance to do so." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] and the Pixel 10a starting at , with savings of up to .
Microsoft is testing deeper Phone Link integration in Windows 11, but do you actually use it?
Winsage
August 3, 2026

Microsoft is testing deeper Phone Link integration in Windows 11, but do you actually use it?

Windows Insiders can access new features in Windows 11 Insider Build 26300.9032, available through the Experimental Preview Channel. Key updates include: - Windows Search: Introduces customizable options for integrating personal or work/school Microsoft accounts and OneDrive in search results. It can automatically expand indexing based on user activity, which can be managed in Settings > Privacy & security > Search. - Phone Link: Users can now preview recent messages or notifications by hovering over them in the Start menu, enhancing visibility into mobile activity. This feature is gradually rolling out and requires a minimum Phone Link build of 1.26021.3.0. - Settings App: Improved search functionality for quicker navigation to relevant settings. - Adaptive Hibernate Policy: Enhancements for instant-on resumes from Modern Standby and better battery preservation based on battery levels. - Start Menu: A fix for an issue causing crashes when dragging apps. - Taskbar: Resolved an issue where hovering over app window previews in an overflow state dismissed them. - File Explorer: Home now retains the state of sections, and improvements have been made for reliability when dragging files to disconnected network drives. Issues with files on DFS mapped drives being misidentified have also been addressed. - Windows Spotlight: Changes to enhance reliability on the lock screen. - Storage: Fixes for File History automatic backups to network shares that displayed false "invalid credentials" errors.
4 Pre-Installed Google Pixel Apps You Can Safely Delete
AppWizard
August 2, 2026

4 Pre-Installed Google Pixel Apps You Can Safely Delete

Users can optimize their Google Pixel devices by disabling or uninstalling certain pre-installed apps that may no longer serve a purpose. 1. Google Chrome: Users can disable it to hide its icon and prevent updates, especially if they prefer a different browser. Recent regulatory changes may allow some users to uninstall it entirely. 2. Google Photos: While it offers features like AI enhancements, it can consume significant storage, particularly after the discontinuation of unlimited photo storage for Pixel users. Disabling it may affect the camera app's functionality, but it can be re-enabled later. 3. Google Books: Users can typically uninstall this app if they prefer alternatives like Kindle or Libby. However, removing it may restrict access to purchased ebooks or audiobooks. 4. YouTube Music: This app may be unnecessary for users already using other music services. Depending on the device, users may be able to disable or uninstall it to free up space.
How to sideload Android APKs on your Chromebook
AppWizard
August 2, 2026

How to sideload Android APKs on your Chromebook

A Chromebook can be used for productivity, gaming, and entertainment, and users can sideload Android apps when they are not available on the Google Play Store. Sideloading involves installing Android Package Kits (APKs) directly onto the device, but caution is advised as these apps have not been verified by Google. Users should research APKs to ensure they are legitimate and free from malware. To sideload an app, users can enable Linux on their Chromebook and use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This requires enabling ADB debugging in the Linux development environment and using the Terminal to install the APK. Alternatively, users can run APKs using an emulator in Android Studio, which involves setting up Android Studio and creating an Android Virtual Device to install the APK.
I can't get the Pixel's Now Playing feature on my Android phone, but one of my long-time favorite apps gets the job done
AppWizard
August 2, 2026

I can’t get the Pixel’s Now Playing feature on my Android phone, but one of my long-time favorite apps gets the job done

The Now Playing feature on Google Pixel phones allows users to identify songs playing nearby, but Google has no plans to extend this feature to other Android devices. Shazam is a popular alternative for song identification, offering an Auto Shazam feature that works in the background on nearly all Android devices. This feature processes song identification on-device, conserving battery life and data usage. Shazam is often one of the first apps downloaded when setting up a new phone, making it a key tool for music discovery.
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