audio accessories Archives

Winsage

February 28, 2026

Microsoft testing Windows 11 batch file security improvements

Microsoft has released new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds that enhance security and performance for batch files and CMD scripts. IT administrators can now activate a secure processing mode by adding the LockBatchFilesInUse registry value, which prevents modifications to batch files while they are running. This update also requires signature validation only once per batch file, improving performance. Additionally, the Shared Audio feature has been refined, allowing users to share audio across multiple devices with individual volume sliders and a new taskbar indicator. The feature now supports more Bluetooth LE Audio accessories, including Samsung Galaxy Buds 4, Sony WF-1000XM6, and Xbox Wireless Headset. These updates are available for Windows Insiders in the Beta and Dev channels with specific preview builds installed.

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7934 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7934 (KB5077242) has been released to the Beta Channel. Key updates include: - Enhanced security and performance for batch files with a new secure mode that ensures batch files remain unchanged during execution, improving performance and security. - Shared audio feature now includes individual volume sliders for each listener and a taskbar indicator for ongoing audio sharing sessions. - A new command for Narrator users allows reading the status bar contents in applications like Word and Excel. - The rollout of improved taskbar animations has been temporarily paused. - Reliability improvements for removing Windows Update files and windows.old files. - Enhanced typing reliability with the ADLaM keyboard. - The Paint app has introduced a freeform rotate feature for shapes, text, and selections. Insiders can access these updates through Settings > Windows Update, and features may be gradually rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. A desktop watermark is displayed for Windows Insider pre-release builds.

Winsage

November 1, 2025

Windows 11 tests shared Bluetooth audio support, but only for AI PCs

Microsoft is testing a "shared audio" feature on Copilot+ PCs that utilizes Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology, allowing simultaneous audio streaming to two Bluetooth devices. This feature is part of Windows 11 Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115) and can be activated through quick settings. Currently, it is compatible with select PCs, including various models of Surface laptops and Surface Pro devices, and will expand to additional devices in the future, such as Samsung Galaxy Book models. Users will need compatible audio accessories to utilize the feature, which is being rolled out to Windows Insider Program participants in the Dev and Beta channels.

Winsage

November 1, 2025

Extending Bluetooth® LE Audio on Windows 11 with shared audio (preview)

Today, the shared audio (preview) feature has been rolled out in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build (26220.7051) for Dev and Beta Channels, allowing users to share audio between two Bluetooth audio devices simultaneously. This feature utilizes Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology and is currently available on select Copilot+ PCs, with plans to expand support to more devices in the future. Users can share audio by connecting two compatible Bluetooth LE Audio accessories to their Windows 11 PC and accessing the “Shared audio (preview)” tile in quick settings. Compatible devices include specific Surface Laptop and Surface Pro models, as well as Samsung Galaxy Book models. Compatible Bluetooth LE Audio accessories include Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Buds3, Galaxy Buds3 Pro, Sony WH-1000XM6, and recent hearing aids from ReSound and Beltone. To use the feature, users must enroll in the Windows Insider Dev or Beta Channels and ensure their OS and drivers are updated. Feedback from users is encouraged to improve the experience.

AppWizard

August 11, 2025

Google is giving Android’s headphone and earbud notifications a fresh new look

Google is enhancing the user experience on Android devices with a visual update for headphone and earbud battery status. The updated notification features color-coded rings around icons for each earbud and their charging case, allowing for quick assessment of battery status. Dynamic icons indicate whether the earbuds are charging and if the case is discharging power. This redesign replaces the previous method of displaying a battery icon with a percentage. The update will be available with the rollout of Android 15 QPR2 on Pixel devices.

AppWizard

February 19, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Sun Origin Apocalypse, Front Armies, Halls of Torment, more

The Google Play Store is offering discounts on Android games and applications. Samsung devices are also discounted, with the Galaxy Watch 7 seeing a price drop, and the Galaxy Tab S10+ and Ultra models available at significant markdowns. Notable audio accessories include Nothing’s transparent ANC wireless earbuds and Sharge’s 30W Pouch Mini 10,000mAh power bank. ASUS has a discount on an alternative to the Surface Pro 11. Some discounted app titles include "The Sun Origin Post Apocalypse," "Front Armies," and "Halls of Torment."