audio playback Archives

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

Valve’s magical play-Windows-games-on-Linux tech is rebased, updated, and ready to play Resident Evil

Valve has launched Proton 11, which is based on Wine 11 and available to Linux users through Steam settings. This version includes support for several games, such as "Deadly Premonition," "Resident Evil," and "DCS World Steam Edition." Key fixes in Proton 11 include improved KDE window maximization support, video playback fixes, and enhanced controller support. The update also addresses various rendering issues, game crashes, and performance improvements for multiple titles. Proton 11 is rebased on Wine 11.0 and includes updates to several components, enhancing the gaming experience on Linux platforms.

Winsage

July 8, 2026

Lenovo’s stunning new Windows 11 all‑in‑one finally dethrones the Surface Studio with its bold Yoga AIO i Aura design

The Lenovo Yoga AiO i 32 Aura Edition features a unique upside-down V-shaped stand that supports the display and houses the computing hardware, creating a floating screen illusion. It has a 32-inch 4K OLED panel with a 165Hz refresh rate and a 99% DCI-P3 color rating, making it suitable for creative professionals. The device is powered by an Intel Core Ultra X7 358H processor and integrated Intel Arc B390 graphics, performing well in various tasks but lacking a dedicated GPU option for high-performance gaming. The built-in speaker system has been reported to produce a persistent hissing noise, affecting audio quality. The port selection is limited, with only a few USB ports and no Ethernet jack or SD card reader, which may require users to invest in additional adapters or peripherals.

Winsage

June 24, 2026

Here are 5 Windows 11 features coming in July. None of them require AI

Microsoft will release five new features for Windows 11 in July, with an optional preview available in June. Key features include the ability to pause updates for up to 35 days using a calendar view, the Point-in-Time Restore (PITR) feature that automatically generates restore points for the system, and the Screen Tint feature to reduce eye strain with customizable color overlays. Improvements in Bluetooth connectivity will enhance performance, especially for AirPods and Beats Studio Pro headphones. The taskbar widgets will change to reduce distractions by not expanding on cursor hover, and notification icons will be streamlined. These features will be available through an optional update at the end of June or a mandatory update in July.

Winsage

May 21, 2026

The 13 biggest Windows 11 changes from early May — and why they matter for 2026

Microsoft has released several preview builds of Windows 11 as part of the Windows Insider Program in early May 2026, focusing on refining existing functionalities. Key updates include: 1. Taskbar position settings: Users can now reposition the Taskbar to the top, left, or right edges of the screen with build 26300.8493. 2. Modern Run dialog: A redesigned Run dialog was introduced in build 26300.8346, featuring a modern aesthetic and support for light and dark modes. 3. Share interface with suggestions: App suggestions for Azure Active Directory users have been added to the Windows Share interface. 4. File Explorer improvements: Enhancements have been made to address loading issues and improve the "Favorites" section and thumbnail displays. 5. Widgets changes: Default settings for Widgets have been adjusted to minimize distractions, including disabling hover opening and Taskbar badges. 6. Windows Search box with improved results: The search interface will prioritize local apps and files over web results starting with build 26300.8493. 7. New spinner design for core experiences: A unified donut-style spinner animation has been introduced for various core experiences. 8. Touchpad gesture controls: New precision touchpad gestures have been added to adjust scroll and zoom speeds. 9. Home to Pro Education free upgrade: Eligible K-12 organizations can upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro Education at no cost. 10. Task Manager with new NPU visibility: The Task Manager now includes columns for "NPU" and "NPU Engine" in relevant tabs. 11. Voice Typing on the touch keyboard: The touch keyboard's Voice Typing feature has been updated with a new button and animations. 12. Windows Update overhaul: Users can skip updates during setup and pause updates indefinitely in 35-day blocks starting with build 28020.2134. 13. Shared Audio feature: The new "Shared Audio" feature allows two users to listen to the same audio stream from one computer using Bluetooth LE Audio technology.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Android 17 cracks down on shady apps that play surprise background audio

Google is enhancing the audio experience on its Android 17 platform by implementing "Background Audio Hardening," which introduces stricter regulations for applications that play audio in the background. Under new guidelines, apps must either be actively displayed on the user’s screen or use an approved foreground service for audio functions. Android 17 will restrict apps from initiating audio playback automatically at device startup, and non-compliant apps may have their audio actions prevented without an error message. Mainstream media applications are expected to operate normally if developers follow the recommended playback systems, and alarms and timers will remain unaffected by these restrictions.

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

This is not a drill: All-timer weirdo game Deadly Premonition now playable on Linux as of Valve’s most recent Proton beta, plus 17 others and your EA library (until EA breaks it again)

Proton 11 beta 1 has been released by Valve, enhancing the Steam Deck and Linux desktops, and incorporating features from Wine 11. This update includes an initial Arm64 version of Proton, with plans for implementation in the upcoming Steam Frame. Some Windows games may perform better on Linux with this update. Newly playable games include "Unknown Faces," "Gothic 1 Classic," "X-Plane 12," "Breath of Fire IV," and "Deadly Premonition." The update also fixes various issues, such as video playback in "She Sees Red," rendering problems with the Ukrainian language option in "Chambers," and voice chat issues in "Phasmophobia." Improvements have been made in VR support for "No Man's Sky," and many other gameplay and performance enhancements have been implemented across various titles. Proton 11 beta 1 is based on Wine 11.0 and includes updates to several components, including vkd3d, dxvk, and Wine Mono.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

YouTube now works with Android Auto, but not in the way you’d expect

YouTube now supports audio playback on Android Auto, but video viewing is not available. Google has added playback controls such as play, pause, and skip directly to the car interface, allowing users to manage playback without using their phones. This update is being gradually rolled out, and while it improves the user experience for audio content, it does not include video playback. Users subscribed to YouTube Premium Lite can access these features. Future enhancements for a more comprehensive YouTube experience may be introduced at Google I/O 2026.

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

8 Genius Android Apps That Will Change How You Use Your Phone

Your Android device can be customized to enhance lifestyle and productivity through various applications. 1. ScreenCraft: Offers high-quality wallpapers, customizable clocks, and home screen setups for personalization. 2. AkiFlow: A productivity assistant that integrates with platforms like Gmail and Google Calendar, featuring task management and smart scheduling. 3. Typy AI: An AI-powered keyboard assistant providing grammar correction, sentence rephrasing, language translation, and tone adjustment. 4. Yin Yang Launcher: A minimalist launcher that prioritizes essential apps and includes a digital well-being tracker for screen time monitoring. 5. Adaptive Theme: Automatically adjusts display settings between light and dark modes based on the environment to reduce eye strain. 6. Volume Scroll: Allows navigation through the volume buttons for easier one-handed use, customizable for specific apps. 7. Weblo: A privacy-centric browser that blocks ads and trackers, supports background audio playback, and enables quick access to web apps. 8. OmniTools: An all-in-one utility app that includes calculators, unit converters, focus timers, and health trackers for everyday needs.

AppWizard

November 28, 2025

Google could have another killer app for Samsung’s smart glasses

Samsung is collaborating with Google and eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to develop smart glasses, expected to be released in 2026. Google is enhancing its Translate app for these glasses, introducing a new 'Glasses' audio playback option in version 9.26.46.833192481.11, which will allow language translation directly on the device. The Live Translate feature will now function in the background, improving usability. A subsequent generation of Samsung's smart glasses with augmented reality (AR) is anticipated for 2027, competing with offerings from Apple and Meta.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Google is getting Translate ready to be the killer app for smart glasses

The Google Translate app is set to receive enhancements to its Live Translate feature, which allows real-time conversations with on-screen translations and audio playback. Upcoming features include the ability to control audio playback for each language, a persistent notification for seamless use while switching apps, and integration with XR glasses. The interface will also see a drop-down audio control menu with options for mute, speaker, and headphones. Additionally, the persistent notification will enable Live Translate to function in the background, allowing users to pause or resume translations directly from the notification.