browsers Archives

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

How To Access Your Android Phone’s Secret System Update Menu

Android devices with the Google Play Store have a hidden 'System services' menu that allows users to manage updates for essential system services. This menu includes various modules such as Adaptive Connectivity Services, Android AICore, Android System WebView, Google Play Protect Service, and many others. Users can apply pending updates or remove recent updates from this menu, which is useful for troubleshooting. Most modules allow for one-tap updates, though some may require a device restart. These modules receive monthly updates through Google Play System updates, and while manual updates are available, automatic background installations occur over time. The update distribution model originates from Google's Project Treble and Project Mainline, which aim to streamline the OS update process by allowing independent updates for various services.

Winsage

September 7, 2026

Excel keeps people on Windows, and a Linux distro creator wants Microsoft to end that

Omarchy is a Linux distribution created by David Heinemeier Hansson (DHH), designed for developers and creators, based on Arch Linux. DHH has challenged Microsoft to develop native Office applications for Linux, highlighting that while Microsoft 365's web version is available, Linux users only access about 90% of the functionality compared to Windows users. Microsoft’s revenue from Windows has decreased by 7% year-over-year, while Microsoft 365 Commercial cloud revenue has grown by 14%, and Azure by 43%. Windows now accounts for only 5% of Microsoft's total revenue, indicating a shift towards cloud services. Microsoft has launched Edge for Linux and supports tools like VS Code and PowerShell on the platform. The web version of Office lacks features found in the desktop version, affecting usability for professionals. Despite Linux's growing interest, particularly through the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), it may not be enough to prompt Microsoft to prioritize a native Office port. DHH's Omarchy aims to create a user-friendly Linux experience rather than convert Windows users.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

Xbox Cloud Gaming Caps Hours: 15 for Ultimate [2026]

On September 3, 2026, Microsoft announced that Xbox Game Pass subscribers will see a shift in cloud gaming access. Starting November 2026, unlimited cloud streaming will be replaced by a tiered hour bank system: 15 hours for Ultimate, 10 for Premium, and 5 for Essential subscribers. Once a subscriber exhausts their allotted hours, they must wait for the next billing cycle or purchase additional time. This change is the most significant since the beta launch of Xbox Cloud Gaming in 2019. The announcement was made on Xbox Wire, and the new structure is reflected on Xbox’s product pages. The new tiered system introduces a scarcity model, with every paid tier now having its own cloud gaming quota. Essential subscribers, who previously had no cloud access, will now receive 5 hours per month. The pricing for the Game Pass tiers is as follows: Ultimate at .99 for 15 hours, Premium at .99 for 10 hours, and Essential at .99 for 5 hours. The free ad-supported tier remains unchanged at 5 hours per month. Microsoft's rationale for the change is based on usage data indicating that most subscribers do not heavily utilize cloud streaming, coupled with the rising costs of operating cloud gaming services. The company has stated that additional hours can be purchased once a subscriber's monthly allotment is used up, although pricing details for these add-ons have not yet been disclosed. The new hour caps will take effect in November 2026, following a shorter notice period compared to NVIDIA's GeForce NOW service, which implemented a 100-hour monthly cap earlier in 2026. The response from gaming communities has been largely negative, with concerns about the limits falling short of typical usage patterns and conflicting with the marketing of Game Pass as offering unlimited access. The introduction of hour caps could impact Game Pass's subscriber base, particularly among those who rely on cloud gaming as their primary access point. Microsoft's internal usage data will determine the extent of this impact, as the company aims to control costs without raising subscription prices.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

This Google Chrome alternative is the most exciting Android browser I’ve used all year

Solipsism Browser is a third-party, open-source browser based on Chromium, launched just over three months ago. It features a unique side-rail design for navigation buttons, allowing for ergonomic one-handed use, especially on larger devices. Users can customize the homepage with HTML and CSS, and it includes a built-in ad blocker powered by uBlock Origin and a malware scanner. However, it lacks extension support, which is a strength of Firefox, and the address bar's placement at the top can hinder one-handed usability. Solipsism is not available on the Google Play Store and requires updates through platforms like F-Droid or Obtanium. The developer plans to create a future version based on the Servo engine.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

Xbox Cloud Gaming Limits Start in November: 15 Hours on Ultimate

Microsoft will implement monthly limits on Xbox Cloud Gaming starting in November 2026. Game Pass Ultimate members will receive 15 hours of cloud gaming per month, Premium members will have 10 hours, and Essential members will have 5 hours. Additional hours can be purchased, but pricing details are not yet available. Currently, Game Pass subscribers have unlimited access to cloud gaming. Microsoft estimates that only about 4% of subscribers will be affected by these new limits. The service will be accessible on various platforms, and Microsoft plans to expand the library of games available for cloud streaming. The decision to impose limits is attributed to rising infrastructure costs due to increased usage. Specific details regarding the purchase of additional hours and other related information are still pending.

Tech Optimizer

September 1, 2026

Fake Microsoft Security Scan Tells You to Remove Antivirus—Then Scammers Ask for Remote Access

A new web-based scam is using counterfeit Microsoft-branded security scans to deceive users into uninstalling their antivirus software. The scam websites conduct fake inspections, reporting false security failures and claiming third-party antivirus products are unsupported by Windows. They gather browser information to create customized-looking scan reports and aim to mislead victims into a fraudulent refund process. Investigators have identified 11 related scam sites under the name SysScan, which present themselves as legitimate Microsoft security checks. The scam does not involve file downloads but relies on convincing websites, fabricated security scores, and personal information forms. The scan results are hard-coded, and the security score is limited to a range between 13 and 30 out of 100. The scams instruct users to uninstall antivirus software, which is misleading since Windows does not cease support for third-party antivirus solutions. The scam sites request extensive personal information, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and banking details, and redirect victims to a page claiming a refund manager will call shortly. This process allows scammers to gain remote access to victims' computers. Indicators of compromise include specific IP addresses and domains associated with the scam.

Tech Optimizer

August 31, 2026

Fake Chrome update scam could infect your computer

A fake Chrome update scam has emerged, linked to a Chrome extension called Enable Right Click & Copy - Smart Unlock + OCR, which was initially legitimate but later compromised. The extension had around 70,000 users before being removed from the Chrome Web Store on August 14 due to its malicious nature. Users may encounter deceptive warnings while browsing benign sites, urging them to download files instead of using Chrome's built-in update mechanism. Google advises against engaging with suspicious pop-ups requesting software installations. The scam highlights that trusted extensions can become threats without warning, and users should regularly review their installed extensions and check for updates directly within Chrome. Similar fake update alerts have also been reported in other Chromium-based browsers. Users are encouraged to adopt safety measures, such as using strong antivirus software, reviewing browser extensions, and being cautious with downloaded files. If a suspicious file has been executed, users should treat their computer as potentially compromised and take appropriate security actions.

Winsage

August 29, 2026

Windows 11 Now Supports Emoji 17.0

Microsoft has begun rolling out Emoji 17.0 support for select users via a Windows 11 Release Preview update, which includes 163 new emojis—13 new concepts and 150 skin tone variations. This update is part of a servicing update leading to the upcoming Windows 11 version 26H2. The 2D Fluent emoji set has also been updated, but the 3D Fluent design is now the standard experience across Windows 11. Several emoji designs have been modified for consistency with other platforms, including changes to the Saluting Face, Face with Peeking Eye, and others. The update is available as a complimentary upgrade for select users in specific regions, with a wider rollout expected soon. Users on Windows Insider builds may have already accessed Emoji 17.0 support.

AppWizard

August 29, 2026

Android 17 adds new protections against sneaky Wi-Fi tracking and web snooping

Google has introduced several network security enhancements in Android 17 to improve user privacy. One key feature is Encrypted Client Hello (ECH), which encrypts domain names to prevent external observers from monitoring user activities. ECH is integrated with private DNS and is enabled by default for apps using compatible networking libraries. Google claims to be the first major mobile operating system to implement widespread ECH support. Testing conducted by Jigsaw showed stable connection success rates and minimal interference across various networks. Additional security features in Android 17 include: - Local Network Protection, requiring apps to request permission before accessing devices on a user's home network. - Certificate Transparency, mandating public logging of certificates to detect forged ones. - A 2G Network Shutdown option for mobile operators to disable 2G services, reducing exposure to phishing messages.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Windows 26H2 Is Nearly Here: 7 Features Worth Knowing About

Microsoft has released Windows version 26H2 on the Release Preview Channel, with a public launch expected later this year. Key features include: 1. Taskbar Customisation: Users can reposition the taskbar and adjust its size. 2. Local-only Search: A feature that allows searching only local files without web results. 3. Ask Copilot Integration: An optional AI feature for accessing settings and launching applications from the taskbar. 4. Start Menu Redesign: Customization options for hiding user information and a streamlined layout. 5. Low Latency Profile: Improved performance for quicker app launches and responsiveness. 6. Pause Windows Updates for Longer: Users can pause updates for up to 35 days, with smarter update bundling. 7. Modern Run: A redesigned run window with a larger input field and dark mode option.