change Archives

Winsage

April 4, 2026

Give Your Laptop an Easy Upgrade with This Microsoft Bundle

The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle is available for .97, originally priced at 9. The bundle includes Windows 11 Pro, valued at 9, which features enhanced security, multitasking capabilities, custom desktops, voice typing, and an AI assistant called CoPilot. It also includes Microsoft Office 2021, valued at 9.99, which contains applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. The bundle offers immediate download and lifetime access. Prices on StackSocial may change.

AppWizard

April 3, 2026

I spent a week with Android 17 Beta 3 on my Pixel, and these 4 features change everything

Google has rolled out Android 17 Beta 3, introducing several new features. Key enhancements include: - App Bubbles: Floating shortcuts for easy access to applications, allowing for multitasking with multiple messaging apps. - Separate Wi-Fi and Mobile Data Toggles: Users can now toggle Wi-Fi and mobile data independently in the Quick Settings menu, improving efficiency. - Assistant Volume Control: A distinct volume level for virtual assistants can be set independently from media volume, enhancing user experience. - Hide App Names on Home Screen: Users can hide app names next to icons for a cleaner interface, allowing for greater customization. The full public release is expected around June 2026.

Winsage

April 3, 2026

Microsoft pushes Edge to auto-launch on Windows 11 startup in latest beta

Microsoft is testing a new feature in the beta version of its Edge browser for Windows 11, which includes a banner notifying users that Edge will automatically launch upon signing into Windows. This banner can be dismissed with a "No Thanks" button, but it remains visible even if users change their default browser. The feature is currently being rolled out to a limited group for testing, and it is uncertain if it will transition to a public release. Microsoft has a history of implementing features that encourage users to stick with its browsers.

BetaBeacon

April 3, 2026

Epic vs Google: How the Game and App Market on Android Might Change Following Tim Sweeney’s Crusade

- Key changes in the Epic Games vs. Google dispute include the introduction of a new "Registered App Stores" system, changes to the Play Store's commission system, introduction of special programs for games and apps, a 0 million deal between Google and Epic Games, and a prohibition on antitrust activity by Google.

AppWizard

April 3, 2026

Meta to shut down Messenger.com

Meta will close Messenger.com on April 16, 2026, redirecting users to Facebook’s messaging page. Users in Vietnam have started receiving notifications about this change. After the transition, users must either reactivate their Facebook accounts or switch to the Messenger mobile app. For those without a Facebook account, the Messenger mobile app will still be available. Users can retrieve their chat history with a PIN after creating a backup. This decision is part of Meta's strategy to phase out desktop services, following the discontinuation of Messenger applications for Mac and Windows. User feedback on platforms like X and Reddit indicates dissatisfaction with the loss of browser access for Messenger. Messenger was originally introduced as Facebook Chat in 2008, became a standalone app in 2011, and was reintegrated into the Facebook app in 2023.

AppWizard

April 3, 2026

PlayStation’s Revenue From Its PC Games Reached $300 Million in 2023

Sony may stop releasing single-player titles on PC, keeping them exclusive to PS5 and future PlayStation consoles. The rumored change affects games like Ghost of Yotei, which is believed to have had its PC port canceled, along with other titles such as Saros, Marvel’s Wolverine, and Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Live-service games like Marathon are still expected to launch on PC. Despite generating significantly higher revenue from PC ports than initially projected (from millions to 400 million from 2021 to 2023), recent PC releases like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and God of War Ragnarok have not performed as well. The requirement for players to create a PSN account may have negatively impacted player engagement. The future of Sony's strategy may depend on the performance of Death Stranding 2 on PC.

Winsage

April 2, 2026

Microsoft wants Edge to automatically open by default every time you turn on your Windows 11 PC

Microsoft is testing a new feature for its Edge browser on Windows 11 that allows the browser to launch automatically upon startup. A banner in the latest Edge Beta build informs users that the app "now launches when you sign into Windows." If users do not select "No thanks," Edge will open automatically each time the PC starts. This feature operates on an opt-out basis and may be available even if Edge is not the default browser. Additionally, Edge is increasingly integrated with Copilot, which has transitioned to an Edge-powered web experience.

AppWizard

April 2, 2026

Google AI Pro just got a massive storage upgrade for free

Google has increased AI Pro storage from 2TB to 5TB at the same monthly rate, exclusively for AI Pro subscribers. This upgrade is being rolled out globally, although there may be a slight delay in users seeing the new limits. The additional storage can be used across various Google services, including Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos backups. Standard Google One plan users will not receive this increase and will remain at their existing limits. The storage increase represents a 150% boost for the same price.

AppWizard

April 2, 2026

Minecraft Herdcraft Update Says Goodbye to Inventory for April Fools

Minecraft has introduced the Herdcraft snapshot, an April Fool's update that eliminates the traditional inventory system in favor of a dynamic, block-following mechanic. Players no longer have inventory slots; instead, their carried blocks are visually represented behind them. To gather resources, players must select the Punch option to bring blocks to life and then use the Attack/Mine option to extract the block's spirit, which can follow them or perform actions. Crafting requires players to manually place blocks on surfaces instead of using a crafting table interface. Combat mechanics have changed, allowing players to command collected weapons to fight autonomously. The Herdcraft snapshot is available for the Minecraft Java Edition through the Minecraft Launcher as snapshot 26w14a. These changes are temporary and exist only within the Herdcraft snapshot, allowing players to explore new mechanics without affecting their existing gameplay.

Winsage

April 2, 2026

Don’t blame Windows 11 updates for every problem, Microsoft veteran says

Corporate clients often report to Microsoft that Windows updates disrupt their systems, particularly after Patch Tuesday. A 2026 report from Omnissa indicates that Windows environments experience more application crashes and forced shutdowns than macOS. However, Raymond Chen, a Windows expert, suggests that many systems are already compromised before updates are installed. Engineers at Microsoft frequently find that issues persist even after rolling back updates, and similar failures can occur on machines that haven't received the update yet. The actual triggers for system failures often stem from changes made by IT departments prior to updates, such as new drivers or configuration modifications. These changes may not show immediate issues until a reboot occurs during Patch Tuesday, revealing existing instability. Best practices for IT admins include controlled change management, validating drivers and policies before deployment, using staged rollouts, rebooting after major changes, and maintaining logging and monitoring systems. Microsoft conducts extensive testing of updates to ensure system security and stability, and delaying updates can increase risks.