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Circle to Search has 3 secret powers most people don’t know about
AppWizard
February 24, 2026

Circle to Search has 3 secret powers most people don’t know about

Circle to Search has reached its second anniversary, marking a significant milestone for Google. It was introduced to Android as a practical application of artificial intelligence and has evolved to include enhanced functionalities relevant in 2026. Users can access the generative AI model Nano Banana directly through Circle to Search for image creation and editing, streamlining the remixing process. The tool also features a full-screen translation capability that allows instant translation of text displayed on screens across various apps and websites, supporting multiple languages and enabling scrolling translations. Additionally, Circle to Search can scan QR codes and barcodes displayed on screens, functioning similarly to the Camera app. Its capabilities include text selection, image searching, generative AI, code scanning, song recognition, and on-screen translation, making it a versatile tool that enhances user experience. The Google Pixel 10 is highlighted as an ideal companion for Circle to Search, equipped with AI-powered tools that enhance overall user experience.
Android AI app exposes nearly 2m user files - including private videos
AppWizard
February 19, 2026

Android AI app exposes nearly 2m user files – including private videos

A privacy breach involving the "Video AI Art Generator & Maker" app has exposed millions of private user files due to a misconfigured Google Cloud Storage bucket lacking authentication. Since June 2023, approximately 8.27 million media files, including nearly 2 million original user-uploaded files, have become publicly accessible. This includes over 1.57 million private images, more than 385,000 personal videos, and millions of AI-generated assets. The app's developer, Codeway Dijital Hizmetler Anonim Sirketi, has fixed the configuration issue, but users remain at risk for phishing attacks, identity theft, and misuse of their private content. Legal experts suggest the app's privacy documentation may not comply with international standards like GDPR. Additionally, Codeway has a history of similar issues, as another app they developed also faced a security breach exposing 300 million messages from over 25 million users.
A dev on Minecraft-like Hytale has already used its creative tools to make a homebrew side-scroller
AppWizard
January 12, 2026

A dev on Minecraft-like Hytale has already used its creative tools to make a homebrew side-scroller

Hytale, a standalone game inspired by Minecraft, is set to enter early access on January 13. It is developed by Hypixel Studios, founded by Simon Collins-Laflamme, and aims to provide players with extensive custom game creation tools. A level designer at the studio created a 2D side-scroller as a demonstration of the game's potential. The game will feature mechanics for object placement similar to an MMO housing system and include machinima-making tools. Hytale's development has been tumultuous, but it is expected to unleash a wave of creativity in the gaming community upon its launch.
2025 in review: How we elevated the Microsoft Store experience
Winsage
December 18, 2025

2025 in review: How we elevated the Microsoft Store experience

In 2025, the Microsoft Store on Windows attracted over 250 million monthly users and introduced new offerings, including productivity tools like Raycast, Noteastic, and Cephable, as well as popular games such as Fortnite and Hollow Knight: Silksong. Accessibility apps like DotVista and applications like RunCat 365 and Adobe Premier Elements 2026 were also launched. In collaboration with Tencent, the catalog in China expanded to include mini apps and games like Rednote and Fire to the Zombies. The 2025 App Awards winners were announced, recognizing exceptional value for Windows users. The Microsoft Store introduced Special Events to help users discover timely content within their favorite apps. A dedicated Themes department was launched to simplify the process of personalizing computing environments. Enhancements made since June focused on providing a tailored experience, with personalized content available on home and app pages. The app installation process was streamlined with multi-app install features and improved methods for finding and launching apps through the Windows Search Bar. The AI Hub was refreshed to help users discover AI-powered apps, with new app badges indicating AI capabilities. Copilot now assists with Store browsing in the U.S., and finding Agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot has been made easier. Key improvements included quicker navigation, improved error handling, the ability to uninstall apps directly from the Library, better update orchestration, and enhanced search functionality.
OpenAI Teases Sora Android App Coming Soon
AppWizard
October 26, 2025

OpenAI Teases Sora Android App Coming Soon

OpenAI's video model, Sora, will launch on the Android platform, confirmed by project lead Bill Peebles. Pre-registration is now available on Google Play, and the app will feature character cameos, in-app editing capabilities, and improved performance metrics. Android holds about 70% of the global smartphone market, making this launch a strategic move to expand Sora's reach in the mobile-first creator economy. The app will allow creators to capture and share ideas on the go, facilitating collaboration without needing laptops. Features include the ability to upload media for animation, lightweight editing tools, and enhancements for personalized social channels. Sora 2 is noted for producing coherent shots, with comparisons to competitors like Google’s Veo 3 and Runway’s Gen-3. Pre-registration indicates strong intent for release, though details on pricing, credits, and safety measures remain unclear. Performance on mid-range devices and user trust regarding likeness and consent will be critical considerations for the app's success.
Great, now even Microsoft Paint can make AI slop
Winsage
October 26, 2025

Great, now even Microsoft Paint can make AI slop

MS Paint has introduced a new feature called Restyle, currently being rolled out for Windows Insiders in Paint version 11.2509.441.0. This feature allows users to apply preset artistic styles to existing images, accessible through Paint's Copilot menu. Users can either incorporate the generated images into their Paint canvas or save them as separate files. Restyle is designed to transform images sourced from the internet, raising ethical questions about image appropriation. The feature will only be available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs.
Switch to Windows 11 and your PC will be TWICE as fast, Microsoft claims
Winsage
October 19, 2025

Switch to Windows 11 and your PC will be TWICE as fast, Microsoft claims

Microsoft claims that laptops and desktop PCs running Windows 11 are "up to 2.3x faster than Windows 10 PCs," based on benchmarking data from Geekbench 6. Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14, leaving around 5 million users in the UK vulnerable to security risks. Microsoft offers a free upgrade to Windows 11 for users with a legitimate copy of Windows 10, although not all existing devices may support it. The upcoming Windows 11 Version 25H2 update will provide a smoother installation experience and introduce features like a redesigned Start menu and CPU throttling for better power management. Microsoft will offer free security updates to Windows 10 users who subscribe to OneDrive, while others will need to pay a one-time fee of £22 for updates. Some users report that Windows 10 may have better gaming performance, which could affect their decision to upgrade.
Google’s Mixboard brings Android users an AI boost for creativity
AppWizard
September 25, 2025

Google’s Mixboard brings Android users an AI boost for creativity

Mixboard is an AI mood board app by Google, currently available only in the U.S. through Google Labs as an experimental tool. Users can start from scratch or use templates, and the app generates images, layouts, text, and color palettes based on user prompts. It utilizes Google's Gemini AI and a new image engine called Nano Banana, which allows visual adjustments through simple text instructions. Users can also upload their own images for the AI to adapt. Mixboard is designed for brainstorming and is not intended to replace traditional design software like Photoshop or Canva. It aims to democratize the creative process by making it accessible to those without formal design training.
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