control Archives

Winsage

October 1, 2026

Microsoft Enables Windows Settings Backup by Default

Microsoft has announced that Windows settings backup will now be enabled by default on eligible Windows 11 version 26H2 devices. This feature, previously known as Windows Backup for Organizations, automatically preserves users’ Windows settings and Microsoft Store app lists, facilitating restoration after device resets, replacements, or reimages. The change aims to minimize disruptions during device recovery and ensures more devices have recovery data readily available. Administrators will still control the restore process, which requires explicit configuration. The default-on behavior applies only to Windows 11 version 26H2 or later, devices with the backup policy in a “Not Configured” state, and excludes certain environments. Administrators can disable the backup feature if necessary.

Winsage

October 1, 2026

Microsoft enables Windows settings backup by default for orgs

Microsoft has updated its Windows settings backup and restore functionality, now automatically enabled for all enterprise systems joined to Microsoft Entra or operating in a hybrid environment after upgrading to Windows 11 version 26H2. The backup tool, previously known as Windows Backup for Organizations, is designed to facilitate the backup and restoration of essential Windows settings for enterprise users during device resets, replacements, upgrades, or reimaging. Originally introduced in November 2024, it became generally available by August 2025. The backup policy will be activated by default for eligible devices following the release of Windows 11, version 26H2 on September 29, 2025, unless administrators have previously configured the policy. The automatic backup feature applies to devices running Windows 11 26H2 in regions not governed by the EU Digital Markets Act and does not require explicit admin configuration for restoring Windows devices. IT administrators can control the backup policy through mobile device management solutions like Microsoft Intune or Group Policy.

AppWizard

October 1, 2026

5 Open-Source Android Apps to Unlock Your Device

Android manufacturers curate devices, often leading to frustration for users who struggle to find specific settings due to the absence of desired features. The open-source community offers tools to enhance device functionality. MT Manager allows deep app modification directly on devices, providing access to app decompiling and editing without needing a desktop. It requires root permissions for its most powerful features and is not available on Google Play. Install with Options enables users to bypass installation restrictions on Android 7.0 and later, allowing the installation of apps outside the Google Play Store by using shell-level privileges or root access. Canta Debloater helps users safely remove carrier bloatware without root access on devices running Android 9.0 and above, using color-coded safety guidance to assist in the uninstallation process. ColorBlendr offers precise control over Material You color palettes on Android 12 and newer, allowing users to customize colors and themes with a live preview function. It requires elevated access via Root, Shizuku, or Wireless ADB. Kvaesitso Launcher replaces the default home screen with a search-centric interface, streamlining app navigation through a unified search bar that handles queries for apps, contacts, files, and calendar events. It is available on GitHub, F-Droid, and IzzyOnDroid.

Winsage

October 1, 2026

I got hands-on with Panasonic’s new TOUGHBOOKs, and they’re becoming the AI hub for police cars, military drones, and emergency responders

Panasonic's TOUGHBOOK lineup is celebrating its 30th anniversary, with a focus on evolving from rugged devices to intelligent edge computers. The TOUGHBOOK 33 and G3 models feature Intel's latest Core Ultra processors with AI capabilities, enabling local data processing and reducing reliance on cloud connectivity. The TOUGHBOOK 34 has a 12.4-inch display for in-vehicle use, while the G3 is compact with a 10.1-inch display for fieldwork. Both devices support unmanned systems and fleet intelligence applications, allowing for real-time data retrieval and management. The modular xPAK ecosystem enables users to adapt hardware configurations based on specific needs. Connectivity upgrades include 5G support and enhanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. The devices are designed for use in military, emergency response, and utility sectors, emphasizing their role as secure, connected, and AI-capable tools for critical missions.

Tech Optimizer

October 1, 2026

Norton’s antivirus plans drop to Black Friday prices — but the deals end tomorrow

Norton is offering discounts of up to 76% on its antivirus plans, matching last year's Black Friday prices. The current prices for the first year are as follows: Norton AntiVirus Plus for .99 (originally .99), Norton 360 Standard for .99 (originally .99), and Norton 360 Deluxe for .99 (originally 4.99). The AntiVirus Plus plan protects one device and includes features like Scam Protection and 2GB of cloud backup. The Norton 360 Standard plan covers three devices, adds a VPN and Dark Web Monitoring, while the Deluxe plan protects five devices, offers 50GB of cloud backup, Privacy Monitor, and Parental Control. These promotional prices are valid for the first year only, after which standard pricing resumes unless auto-renewal is disabled. Norton provides a 60-day money-back guarantee.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

This Nvidia GeForce Now mod lets you play PC games on your Nintendo 3DS

An open-source, unofficial Nvidia GeForce Now client named Kasumi has been developed for jailbroken Nintendo 3DS consoles, allowing users to stream PC games directly on devices like the Nintendo 3DS, 3DS XL, and 2DS XL. Kasumi enables customization of control schemes and connection settings and supports a library of games from platforms such as Steam, Epic Games, and Ubisoft Connect. It utilizes Nvidia's servers for game rendering while the 3DS handles video and audio decoding and controller input. The application is designed to work within the limitations of the 3DS, capping frame rates at 30fps and bitrates at approximately 1Mbps. Server latency ranges from 60ms to 80ms, and a buffer is included to enhance gameplay experience. Kasumi allows for user-friendly control mapping and is compatible with the free version of GeForce Now, which includes a waiting queue and session limits. The project is still in active development, meaning users may experience some inconsistencies.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

Google Photos could soon give you a fresh start with Ask Photos

Google Photos is introducing a “Delete all” button in its Remember List feature, allowing users to remove all previously shared entries at once. This feature, found in the top-right corner of the Remember List interface, will include a confirmation prompt before data is permanently erased. Currently, users can only delete individual entries. Additionally, a “Regenerate Image” option is being developed for the AI wardrobe tool. The introduction of these features aims to enhance user control and experience.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

Sanctioned Russian firm identifies multiple security vulnerabilities in Android and Apple devices

Russian cybersecurity firm Positive Technologies has identified 11 security vulnerabilities affecting Android and Apple devices, with nine related to Apple and two to Android, classified as high severity. The Android vulnerabilities include one that allows attackers to exploit an NFC tag to execute an app without owner approval and another that lets installed apps modify network settings without additional permissions. Google has addressed these issues in its September 2026 security patches. For Apple, vulnerabilities include a macOS flaw that allows malicious apps to gain the highest system privileges and another that exposes sensitive information. Apple has released patches for these vulnerabilities, but specific OS versions affected have not been disclosed. Users are advised to ensure their devices have the latest security updates to mitigate risks.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

Google Play Cuts Game Fee to 15%, Day-One Rule [2026]

Starting September 30, 2026, Google will implement changes to the Android game distribution economics through the Google Play Games Level Up program, reducing the commission on game revenue exceeding million annually from 20% to 15%. Developers must launch their games on Android simultaneously with other platforms to qualify for this discount; otherwise, they will be ineligible for six months. The new fee structure includes a baseline rate cut to 10% on the first million and 20% on earnings above that, while the Level Up program allows qualifying titles to pay 15% on revenue beyond the first million. The rollout of the Level Up program will begin in Australia, the European Economic Area, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States on September 30, 2026, followed by South Korea on December 31, 2026, and the rest of the world on September 30, 2027. If a game launches on a non-Android platform first, it will face a six-month waiting period before qualifying for Level Up pricing. Existing games launched before September 30, 2026, are exempt from this penalty.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

Making our favorite FPS modes 1v1 to decide the greatest of them all

FOV 90 discusses the first-person shooter (FPS) genre, highlighting its history, community traditions like organized scrimmages, and various gameplay modes. The column features a voting round with matchups between different FPS modes, including Team Deathmatch vs. FFA/Deathmatch, Battle Royale vs. Extraction, Conquest vs. Domination, Bomb Defusal vs. Hostage, Gun Game vs. Payload, Infection vs. Prop Hunt, VIP vs. Capture The Flag, and Attack & Defend vs. King of the Hill. Voting closes on Saturday, October 3 at 11:59 PM PDT, with results to be revealed the following week.