content Archives

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

Google Expands Payment Choices and Alternative App Stores on Android

Android is introducing updates to enhance app and game distribution, focusing on three areas: expanded payment options, easier installation of alternative app stores, and reduced fees for developers. Developers can now implement their own payment systems alongside Google Play’s billing framework and direct users to their websites for purchases. A Registered App Stores program will streamline the installation of approved alternative app stores. The fee structure is revised to include a 5% billing fee for using Google Play’s payment system, a 20% service fee for in-app purchases on new installs, a 20% service fee for developers in new incentive programs (reduced to 15% on new installs), and a 10% fee for subscription payments. The updates are expected to reach the US, UK, and European Economic Area by the end of June, with plans to extend to Australia by September and to South Korea and Japan before the year ends. The remaining global markets may see these updates by September 2027, and the Registered App Stores program will launch with Android 17 later this year.

BetaBeacon

March 5, 2026

Here’s how Google describes its fee-reducing Apps Experience and Games Level Up programs

Google is aiming to expand the presence of apps on a wide range of devices, including tablets, headsets, TVs, and PCs. Starting in July, developers will see a reduction in fees for in-app purchases and subscriptions. Google has introduced new categories of apps and two new programs, Apps Experience and Games Level Up, to help developers optimize their apps for multiple devices beyond phones. Developers are not required to distribute apps on all form factors, providing flexibility in their app deployment strategies.

Winsage

March 5, 2026

Bitwarden now lets users log into Windows 11 using passkeys

Bitwarden has introduced a feature that allows Windows 11 users to log in using passkeys stored in their vaults, enhancing security by enabling phishing-resistant authentication at the operating system's login screen. Users can authenticate by scanning a QR code displayed on the Windows screen with the Bitwarden app on their mobile device, which verifies access to the stored passkey. This feature requires the Windows device to be joined to Microsoft Entra ID and for the organization to enable FIDO2 security key sign-in. Users must also register a passkey for their Entra ID profile stored in Bitwarden. The integration aims to improve security against cyber attacks targeting operating system authentication. Microsoft plans to roll out this passkey-based Windows login feature in March, depending on the organization's Microsoft Entra ID configuration, and it will be available across all Bitwarden plans, including the free tier.

Winsage

March 5, 2026

I tested Windows 11 LTSC in 2026, and it’s the best version of Windows 11 without Copilot, AI and other bloat

Windows 11 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is a specialized edition of Windows 11 designed for organizations that prioritize stability over the latest features. It allows users to defer feature updates for up to ten years, receiving only monthly quality updates and optional feature updates every three years. LTSC includes only Microsoft Edge as a modern app, with classic versions of Calculator, Notepad, and Paint, and lacks Copilot integration, the Microsoft Store, and Widgets. Users can operate LTSC without signing into a Microsoft account. The version was officially announced in April 2023, with Enterprise and IoT editions set to launch in late 2024. It is suitable for large organizations, industrial systems, IT departments, and IoT devices needing long-term support. General users can download a 90-day trial of LTSC, but a clean installation is required for transitioning from Windows 11 Pro or Home. The minimum system requirements include a 1 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage. LTSC offers advantages such as no bloatware, a stable environment, and a lower storage footprint, but it does not receive new Windows features and lacks access to the Microsoft Store by default.

Winsage

March 5, 2026

Copilot App on Windows: Opening web links alongside your conversations begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

Microsoft has introduced significant enhancements to the Copilot App on Windows, allowing users to open links in a sidepane next to their ongoing conversation. With user consent, Copilot can access the context of opened tabs, enabling users to ask questions, summarize information, and receive assistance with tasks. Opened tabs will be saved alongside conversations, and there is an option to sync passwords and form data. The update improves speed and reliability and includes features like Podcasts and Study and Learn mode. The rollout of these updates for Copilot app version 146.0.3856.39 and higher is currently underway across all Insider Channels, with availability varying as it expands globally.

Winsage

March 5, 2026

Microsoft is Testing Web Integration in Copilot on Windows 11

Microsoft is rolling out a new feature for the Copilot app on Windows 11 that integrates web browsing directly within the app, allowing users to open links in a side pane next to their conversation. This update ensures that Microsoft Edge is the default browser for these interactions and requests permission to access content from any web tabs opened during a conversation. Tabs opened will be saved for future reference, and users can sync passwords and form data. The update also includes new features from Copilot.com, such as Podcasts and Study and Learn mode, while some features have been temporarily removed but will be reinstated before the general release. Performance and reliability improvements are also included in Copilot app version 146.0.3856.39.

BetaBeacon

March 4, 2026

Android New Update Adds Kids Games to Android Auto and New Sharing Tools

- Kids games designed for children between the ages of 3 and 12 are now available on Android Auto, allowing them to play on the car's infotainment display while parked.

Winsage

March 4, 2026

Windows XP “Bliss” has been remixed for 2026 — here’s how to download it.

Windows XP's "Bliss" wallpaper, photographed by Charles O'Rear, was made the default wallpaper for Windows XP after Microsoft secured the rights in 2000. The default wallpaper for Windows 11, called Bloom, was created by the design studio Six N. Five. A Reddit user, Left_Hovercraft451, combined the Bliss image with the Windows 11 wallpaper, reflecting a desire for more personalized desktop aesthetics as we approach 2026. The rise of AI tools has sparked debates about ownership and originality in art, particularly regarding AI-generated content inspired by specific photographs.

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

After 6 hours, Crimson Desert is one of the most overwhelming, chaotic, madcap videogames I’ve ever played—and I’m hungry for more

Crimson Desert is a single-player game developed by Pearl Abyss, known for Black Desert Online. It features a dynamic combat system with a skill tree that allows players to explore various combat styles, including archery, unarmed combat, swordplay, and grappling maneuvers. The protagonist, Kliff, can perform a range of moves such as parrying, grappling, and executing special attacks. The game includes multiple playable characters, each with unique abilities, and offers a variety of activities beyond combat, such as cooking, resource gathering, and minigames. The control scheme is complex, leading to a steep learning curve. The game is ambitious in scope, with numerous objectives and side quests, but raises concerns about sustaining its complexity. The narrative features quirky characters and scenarios, contributing to the game's whimsical tone.

Winsage

March 4, 2026

Best Windows drawing apps: Paint & more

Windows offers a suite of drawing tools designed to enhance visualization and communication. Key tools include: - Microsoft Whiteboard: An infinite canvas for brainstorming and collaborative sketching. - Snipping Tool: Captures specific screen areas for annotations and clarifications. - Photos app: Allows for simple edits on images to emphasize details or add context. These tools work together to support various phases of visual thinking: - Paint: Ideal for sketches and illustrations. - Whiteboard: Expands early ideas on an open canvas. - Snipping Tool: Captures details with annotations. - Photos app: Refines images with targeted edits. Choosing the right tool enhances the creative process, with Paint for hands-on creation, Whiteboard for concept mapping, Snipping Tool for quick captures, and Photos app for refining images.