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I tested an Android app that lets anyone fight censorship - and shows your impact in real time
AppWizard
August 14, 2026

I tested an Android app that lets anyone fight censorship – and shows your impact in real time

Snowflake Volunteer is a newly launched Android app available on the Google Play Store, created by the Tor Project, that allows users to contribute to internet freedom by transforming their smartphones into proxies for the Tor Network. It is a collaboration between Bloco, the Tor Network, and Guardian Project, building on the original Snowflake initiative from 2019. The app connects users needing access to the Tor Network, particularly in regions with heavy internet restrictions, by simulating user traffic as a video call via WebRTC and using dynamic proxies. Users can customize settings such as enabling/disabling the app, charging preferences, Wi-Fi operation, background operation, and connection limits. The app is open-source and available on both Google Play and F-Droid. Testing indicates that it does not significantly drain battery life, showing only a gradual decline over three hours with multiple connections. The app aims to enhance the robustness of the Snowflake network, making it harder for oppressive regimes to impose restrictions.
One of our favorite Snapdragon X Plus Surface Laptops just dropped 27% — finally making it affordable again
Winsage
August 14, 2026

One of our favorite Snapdragon X Plus Surface Laptops just dropped 27% — finally making it affordable again

In April, Microsoft increased the prices of its Surface laptops due to the RAM crisis, making them less accessible for consumers. However, discounts are available, such as a 27% reduction on the Microsoft Surface Laptop (7th Edition) at Best Buy, bringing its price to ,099.99. The laptop features a Snapdragon X Plus CPU, a 13.8-inch 2K touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It offers impressive battery life of 18-19 hours and includes a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI applications. The device is suitable for professional and academic tasks and is noted for its durability and portability.
4 Android Brands With The Worst Software Support
AppWizard
August 13, 2026

4 Android Brands With The Worst Software Support

Android smartphones often have a trade-off between price and software support. Motorola typically offers two major Android updates and three years of security patches for flagship models, while mid-range devices receive only one Android update and two years of security patches. Motorola devices, like the Moto G line, are priced under 0 and provide solid battery life and camera performance. Xiaomi's software support varies, with models like the Xiaomi 14 and 15 receiving up to five years of patches starting in 2026, while entry-level models offer only two to three years of support. Imported Xiaomi devices, such as the Redmi Note or Poco X, feature AMOLED screens and rapid charging for under 0. TCL generally provides at least two years of security updates, but not all devices receive two Android version upgrades. TCL's Nxtpaper technology offers a unique display experience, and models like the TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper come with 8GB of RAM and a 120Hz screen. RedMagic promises two major Android updates and three years of security patches starting with the RedMagic 11 Pro. The RedMagic 11 Pro features high-end specifications, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and a 7,500mAh battery, priced around 9. Brands with subpar software support are identified by the number of promised major Android updates and the duration of security patches, with comparisons made against industry standards set by manufacturers like Google and Samsung.
Windows 11's faster app launches released today, enable it using these steps
Winsage
August 12, 2026

Windows 11’s faster app launches released today, enable it using these steps

Windows 11 introduced the Low Latency Profile feature with the August 2026 security update, enhancing app launch speeds. This feature allows the CPU to quickly reach near-maximum frequency when an application is launched, improving loading times and conserving energy by returning to low-power idle states more rapidly. Initially limited to core Windows shell elements, the August update (KB5121003) expanded this functionality to a wider range of applications. Testing showed significant improvements in app launch times, with no adverse effects on CPU performance or battery life. Users can manually enable the feature using the ViVeTool if it hasn't been rolled out to them yet. Microsoft is also working on optimizing Windows 11 for devices with 8GB of RAM and above by the end of 2026.
Lenovo Quietly Drops the Legion Go S Handheld Gaming PC to an All-Time Low, Powered by AMD Ryzen Z2 Go and Radeon Graphics - Kotaku
AppWizard
August 10, 2026

Lenovo Quietly Drops the Legion Go S Handheld Gaming PC to an All-Time Low, Powered by AMD Ryzen Z2 Go and Radeon Graphics – Kotaku

The Lenovo Legion Go S handheld console is currently available at a discounted price of 9, down from its original price of 9, reflecting a 22% savings. It features an 8-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. The console includes three complimentary months of PC Game Pass and EA Play, and it integrates seamlessly with Steam, making it advantageous for both new and existing PC gamers.
Windows 11 users were right about Modern Standby, and Microsoft is fixing it with hibernation
Winsage
August 9, 2026

Windows 11 users were right about Modern Standby, and Microsoft is fixing it with hibernation

A new adaptive hibernate policy has been introduced in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28120.2630, released on July 31, which adjusts hibernation behavior based on battery level to improve power management. If the battery is above 80%, the system avoids hibernation for quicker resumes, while it hibernates sooner when the battery drops below 10% to conserve power. This policy aims to enhance battery longevity and reduce overnight battery drain associated with the Modern Standby feature. Microsoft has also implemented a Driver Quality Initiative to evaluate third-party drivers for their impact on power management, addressing issues that can lead to excessive battery drain.
Mangmi Air Y Makes Android Retro Gaming Cheaper
BetaBeacon
August 6, 2026

Mangmi Air Y Makes Android Retro Gaming Cheaper

Mangmi announced the release of the Air Y series, with pre-orders starting at .99. The base model comes with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage, while the Pro model has a Snapdragon 865 processor. The 4.2-inch 4:3 screen is designed for retro gaming. Buyers should consider the specs and performance before making a purchase.
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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