Collections Archives

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Sharing Google Photos albums via QR codes may soon become way easier

Google Photos is set to release version 7.93.0, which will enhance album-sharing by allowing users to copy and download QR codes directly, eliminating the need for screenshots. The update will include buttons labeled "Copy" and "Download" below the QR code for easier sharing. Additionally, an updated Collections tab will allow users to pin items and reorder folders, with a new bottom sheet to improve organization and accessibility. The timeline for the QR code update is uncertain, but the revamped Collections tab is expected to launch soon.

Winsage

September 17, 2026

Windows Search’s default indexing mode could be writing gigabytes to your SSD every day for a feature almost nobody uses

The search index on Windows 11 can contribute to storage bloat, with reported sizes varying significantly among users. The search index database, named Windows.db, is crucial for delivering quick search results and can grow dramatically, with some users experiencing sizes exceeding 200GB. A PowerShell script can be used to check the size of the Windows.db file. If the file size is unusually large, users can rebuild the search index through the Indexing Options in the Control Panel. Windows 11 has two indexing modes: Classic and Enhanced, which affect the size and number of indexed items. Classic mode indexes specific folders, while Enhanced mode indexes the entire PC. Excluding certain directories can help manage index size. Performance issues may arise on PCs with over 400,000 indexed items.

Winsage

September 17, 2026

Microsoft Pushes OneDrive After Killing Windows 11 Transfer Tool

Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of Windows 11’s PC-to-PC migration tool, which was designed for direct file transfers over local Wi-Fi or LAN connections. This tool, integrated into the Windows Backup application, allowed users to connect two computers using a one-time code to transfer specific files and folders without requiring cloud storage. Users are now directed to use Windows Backup, which relies on OneDrive for file synchronization and restoration, posing challenges for those with limited OneDrive capacity. The former tool also allowed the transfer of certain Windows settings but did not include installed applications, saved passwords, or sign-in credentials. Microsoft has updated its support documentation to confirm that the PC-to-PC Migration feature is no longer available.

Winsage

September 10, 2026

Windows users are getting Harry Potter ads as their Bing Wallpaper, and they aren’t happy

Microsoft's Bing Wallpaper app has faced backlash after users discovered that their daily wallpaper, typically featuring serene landscapes, was replaced by an advertisement for the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film collection. This change has frustrated users, with some questioning the presence of ads and considering uninstalling the app. Social media reactions have been critical, with users expressing disappointment over the shift from nature images to promotional content. The choice of a Harry Potter-themed advertisement has also drawn ire due to the controversial views of series creator J.K. Rowling. This incident follows a history of Microsoft integrating advertisements into its Windows ecosystem, starting with ads in Windows 10 in 2016 and continuing with various promotional content in Windows 11.

AppWizard

September 9, 2026

Corporations want to kill physical media, but Big Box PC game packaging just got a second chance

Interest in classic big box PC games from the 1990s has surged, particularly after Sony announced it would stop producing physical PlayStation games. GOG is offering printable big boxes inspired by scans of authentic commercial packages, allowing enthusiasts to showcase collections on shelves. Revenue from CD sales increased by 58% in 2026 compared to the previous year, indicating a resurgence in physical media. GOG's DRM-free model enables users to burn game files onto CDs or DVDs, fostering a sense of ownership in a digital landscape.

AppWizard

September 8, 2026

Sick of Sony killing physical games? Relive the glory days with a PlayStation 3 emulator that can play discs through your PC

The RPCS3 team has expanded their PlayStation 3 emulator to allow users to play PS3 discs on macOS, Linux, and FreeBSD, in addition to Windows. This update enables users to enjoy titles dating back to 2006 on modern hardware. Minimum specifications for a suitable PC include an Nvidia GTX 400 series or newer GPU. To set up the emulator, users need to install the RPCS3 software, download the PS3 system software, and acquire a decryption key from a community-maintained database. A Quickstart guide is available for installation, and additional resources can be found in forums and Reddit threads for troubleshooting.

Winsage

September 8, 2026

Microsoft is now using your Windows 11 wallpaper as ad space

The Bing Wallpaper app is popular for its beautiful images that enhance desktop backgrounds, but users have reported unwanted changes where their backgrounds are replaced by fullscreen ads promoting Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. This has led to frustration among users, who have expressed their concerns on platforms like Reddit. The controversy extends to the definition of advertisements within Windows 11, with some users viewing prompts for OneDrive as ads. The recent promotional content in the Bing Wallpaper app has upset many, as it alters the user experience by combining beloved imagery with marketing messages. While users are generally open to learning more about images, intrusive promotional content on personal desktops is seen as unacceptable. Despite being an optional app, the introduction of ads could jeopardize the positive reputation of Bing Wallpaper.

BetaBeacon

September 8, 2026

Wave Launcher Drops V1.0: A PS3-Style XMB Frontend for Android Retro Handhelds

Wave Launcher, an Android launcher inspired by the PlayStation-style XrossMediaBar design, has officially reached its V1.0 release. It prioritizes controller-first functionality, offers game management features, robust asset scraping capabilities, multimedia functionality, and extras such as FTP support and Discord Rich Presence integration. It is available for download on its official page and GitHub.

AppWizard

September 8, 2026

You Can Now Play Your Physical PS3 Games on PC Straight from the Disc

The RPCS3 emulator has added physical Blu-ray support for PlayStation 3 games, enabling users to play many PS3 titles directly from the disc on their PCs. Players need a compatible Blu-ray disc drive, and the emulator supports over 75% of the PS3 library, including titles like Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time and inFAMOUS 2. This development occurs as Sony plans to phase out physical media by January 2028 and will disable the PS3’s online storefront next summer. The introduction of Blu-ray support by RPCS3 reflects growing frustration among fans regarding access to PS3 games on newer platforms, particularly the PS5, which lacks native support for PS3 titles outside of PS Plus Premium cloud streaming.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

Google Photos just halved the time you have to rescue trashed pictures

Google Photos has changed its photo retention policy, reducing the grace period for restoring deleted images from 60 days to 30 days. This update aligns the retention period for deleted cloud images with that of locally stored photos. Notifications about this policy change are being sent to Android users, marking its official rollout.