collective Archives

Winsage

October 16, 2026

Faster protection, fewer interruptions: How Microsoft Edge is rethinking updates

Microsoft Edge is developing a seamless-updates prototype that allows security updates to be applied without interrupting users' work. Currently, the browser has a Restart to update on idle feature that applies updates when devices are not in use. The goal is to eliminate the need for users to click an update button, enabling background updates that do not disrupt ongoing tasks. Microsoft Edge can also issue patches independently of the Chromium release schedule for urgent security needs. Additionally, Security Update Alerts help organizations manage updates by notifying administrators about critical updates and vulnerabilities. These alerts are available for managed Windows devices through the Edge management service without additional licensing.

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

Googlebook improving ‘Better Together’ Android sync features, Samsung support rolling out

The launch of Googlebook has generated interest due to its integration with Android devices, but initial rollout revealed inconsistencies in the "Better Together" sync features. Google is addressing these issues through updates, including support for Samsung devices. Core functionalities linking Android phones with Googlebook include app streaming, notification synchronization, and the "Continue On" feature, though not all features are performing as expected. Users have reported that while Instant Hotspot works effectively, other features are slow or unavailable. Google has announced improvements to simplify the setup process and resolved a bug related to the QR code used for pairing. Users should ensure their Google Play Services is updated to version 26.37 and Cross-device Services to version 1.0.1346. Initially, there was a lack of support for Galaxy smartphones, but recent updates have allowed Samsung users to utilize the "Better Together" features. To maximize the experience with Googlebook, users should confirm their phone runs Android 17, check Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, use a private home Wi-Fi network, and verify relevant app versions and settings. Some Samsung Galaxy users have reported successful integration of the features following updates, indicating that initial compatibility issues have been resolved.

Winsage

October 9, 2026

Microsoft admits one bad driver can crash all of Windows, and Intel’s Windows 11 26H2-ready GPU drivers are next to get its fix

Microsoft is collaborating with Intel, AMD, and Nvidia to improve driver quality for Windows 11, addressing issues that can lead to system failures. Intel has confirmed that its GPU drivers are compatible with Windows 11 26H2, and recent updates have integrated support for this version. The Driver Quality Initiative (DQI) aims to enhance driver stability and quality across the ecosystem. Microsoft emphasizes that high-quality drivers are essential for reliable Windows performance and that a collective effort from all stakeholders is necessary. The DQI focuses on four principles: Architecture, Trust, Lifecycle, and Quality Measures, promoting user-mode drivers, stricter certification, removal of outdated drivers, and assessments based on stability, functionality, performance, power consumption, battery life, and thermal performance.

Winsage

October 8, 2026

I have to settle for this AI recreation because Microsoft won’t share its gorgeous new Windows 11 wallpaper

Microsoft has showcased a new wallpaper at a recent Windows and Surface event, specifically on new RTX Spark laptops, but has not yet released the image to the public. In response, a user recreated the wallpaper using ChatGPT, while others have previously used AI tools like Adobe Photoshop to generate or modify Windows wallpapers. The RTX Spark laptops are available for preorder and are set to ship on October 16, 2026.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

Mike Tomlin’s Son, Mayce, Takes Us Inside His Dad’s Minecraft City

Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed a Minecraft city he has been building for 12 years, encouraged by his sons, Dino and Mayce. The first episode of his YouTube series received 3.2 million views in four days, and NBC’s Football Night in America featured a segment on it. Dino traveled from Miami to New York to help produce the video, while Mayce assisted with filming and editing. The city includes personal touches and inside jokes reflecting their family dynamics. Mayce mentioned that their relationship goes beyond gaming, appreciating the time spent together. Episode 2 is in development, with details kept under wraps.

Winsage

October 4, 2026

Hacker hijacked Microsoft’s X: “500,000 likes and we bring Clippy back,” all to pump a crypto token

Microsoft's official account on X experienced a security breach, leading to unauthorized posts promoting a Clippy-themed cryptocurrency token. The company confirmed the breach, removed the misleading content, and is investigating the incident. During the hijack, the account followed a Clippy-themed profile and engaged with its posts, which included a call for likes to "bring Clippy back." Microsoft stated that the posts did not originate from them and emphasized that they do not support any cryptocurrency linked to Clippy. The Clippy-themed account has since been suspended, and Microsoft plans to take legal action against the token and related materials. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about Microsoft's internal security measures, especially given a previous similar breach involving the Microsoft India account in 2024.

AppWizard

October 4, 2026

Launched in 2020, Minecraft’s Uncensored Library held around 300 books; RSF continues adding censored journalism

The Uncensored Library is a digital archive created by Reporters Without Borders and BlockWorks within Minecraft to combat censorship by providing access to banned journal articles. It features approximately 300 books across twelve wings, representing countries with restricted information. The library is accessible through a dedicated Minecraft server or by downloading it for Windows and Mac users. The selection of countries and articles is based on Google Analytics and the Press Freedom Index, with contributions from journalists. The library continues to grow, with recent updates adding new content from various countries, including the United States, Egypt, Belarus, and Russia. Since its launch in 2020, it has attracted over one million visitors and its books have been read ten million times.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

To celebrate September 30, the day the cop inside of Leon Kennedy died, here’s my most traumatic encounters in Resident Evil

September 30 marks 28 years since the events that shaped Leon S. Kennedy in the Resident Evil franchise, particularly the Raccoon City incident caused by Umbrella Corporation's bioweapon experimentation. Key moments from the series include: - In Resident Evil Village, players experience a terrifying chase involving a giant fetus, creating a lasting impression of horror. - Resident Evil 7 features Marguerite Baker, known as "Spider-Mum," whose grotesque appearance leaves a significant impact on players. - In Resident Evil 2, the tension from being pursued by Mr. X (T-00) is heightened by the haunting sound of his footsteps. - The emotional scene in Resident Evil 2 with Robert Kendo trying to comfort his daughter Emma as she succumbs to the outbreak resonates deeply with players. - In Resident Evil: Revelations 2, the decision to leave Moira behind results in a gut-wrenching emotional fallout. - The Keeper's Diary from the original Resident Evil explores the descent into madness due to T-virus infection, creating a disturbing narrative.

AppWizard

September 26, 2026

The Elder Scrolls Online’s devs are pushing through hard times after layoffs and delays: ‘We didn’t want to rush to just hit a date’

The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) has faced significant challenges, including the cancellation of Project Blackbird in July 2025, which led to the layoff of 62 employees. In July 2026, Xbox's restructuring resulted in a reduction of 213 positions at Zenimax Online, shrinking the studio's workforce by approximately 60% within a year. Despite expressing optimism earlier in the year about refreshing animations and introducing new gameplay mechanics, the layoffs have led to the postponement of several updates until 2027. A representative from the development team emphasized the importance of maintaining quality over meeting deadlines.

Winsage

September 26, 2026

Is Windows 11 good enough yet?

A viewer on The Full Nerd asked if perceptions of Windows 11 might change after five years. The author, who initially embraced Windows 11 but became disillusioned due to ads and performance issues, has recently had a positive experience with the Dell XPS 13 laptop. Despite having only 8GB of RAM, the laptop performs well with multitasking, maintaining responsiveness even with multiple applications open. However, the Task Manager shows that memory usage starts at 6GB even when idle, indicating that Windows 11 consumes significant resources. The author speculates that ongoing critiques may have led to optimizations in software from companies like Google and Microsoft.