cross-device Archives

AppWizard

September 6, 2026

I spent months testing the top Android keyboards; one easily replaced Gboard for good

The author initially favored Google Gboard but began exploring alternatives due to declining typing accuracy and clipboard management issues. They found Microsoft SwiftKey's stable version effective for swiping, predictive text, and multi-language support, but were disappointed with its voice input feature. Transitioning to SwiftKey Beta improved voice typing significantly, though it still lacks support for some niche languages and font scaling options. FUTO Keyboard is noted for its privacy and offline functionality but has limited language support and clipboard management. Samsung Keyboard, now the author's primary choice on their Galaxy Tab, offers deep integration with One UI and improved text prediction, though voice input still needs work. Gboard remains competent, especially in voice typing, but the author feels it is becoming less appealing due to data harvesting concerns and limited customization. Currently, the author plans to continue using Microsoft SwiftKey Beta, which meets most of their typing needs.

AppWizard

September 5, 2026

Google wants to let you use your phone as a remote Googlebook trackpad

Google is set to launch Googlebook laptops, which will integrate with Android devices and serve as an alternative to Chromebooks. An early version of Google’s Cross-Device Services system app has revealed a feature called the “Cast trackpad,” allowing users to control their Googlebooks using their phone’s touchscreen. This feature will support basic gesture controls, include buttons for functions like “back” and volume control, and offer adjustable sensitivity settings. The Googlebooks are expected to be released this fall, with multiple manufacturers involved in their rollout.

Winsage

August 30, 2026

5 Windows Security Settings You Should Never Skip Over

Microsoft has over 1.4 billion active devices each month, making it a target for security vulnerabilities. Users can enhance their security using built-in features without third-party software. Key security measures include: - Windows Hello: Enables secure login via PIN or biometric methods. Activation steps: Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Select method > Set up. - Windows Firewall: Protects against malicious internet traffic. Activation steps: Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection > Toggle on Microsoft Defender Firewall for Public, Domain, and Private networks. - Microsoft Defender: Pre-installed antivirus solution. Ensure it is operational by enabling Real-time protection and Controlled folder access. Activation steps: Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings. - Microsoft Account: Linking a Microsoft account provides benefits like cross-device syncing and advanced security features. Steps to link: Settings > Accounts > Your info > Sign in with a Microsoft account. - Device Encryption: Protects sensitive information using BitLocker. Activation steps: Settings > Privacy & security > Device encryption > Toggle on. - Find My Device: Allows users to locate their device if lost. Activation steps: Settings > Privacy & security > Location > Toggle on Location services > Find my device > Toggle on Find my device.

Winsage

August 25, 2026

Microsoft’s leaked new OS is one you’ll hope stays buried, and it’s not Windows

Leaked documents reveal that Microsoft developed Project Aion, a Copilot-centric operating system distinct from Windows 11, which was never released. Aion was designed without a Start menu, desktop icons, or a traditional taskbar, placing Copilot at the center of user interaction. The project was conceived as early as 2024 and aimed to redefine user engagement with technology, focusing on education, entertainment, and task completion. It utilized a streamlined Windows codebase called Win3, which was lighter than Windows 11 but lacked support for legacy Win32 apps. Aion featured a personalized dashboard with task cards and app icons for both Microsoft and third-party applications. It was intended to run on various AI-focused devices and aimed to create a versatile operating system adaptable to different hardware configurations. Key features included a conversational user experience, an "Ask me anything" box for queries, and "Spaces" for project organization. Despite its innovative design, Aion was primarily aimed at enterprise use and faced limitations due to the absence of traditional desktop applications. The likelihood of Aion's release is slim as Microsoft has shifted its focus to refining Windows 11 and has begun retracting ambitious AI integrations, prioritizing stability and performance enhancements over new operating systems.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

Minecraft Closed Beta for Switch 2 | Survival Gameplay Test Part 5

Google has introduced a new passive sign-in feature for YouTube that streamlines the sign-in process, allowing users to access content without interruptions. This feature activates automatically, enabling a seamless viewing experience across multiple devices. It aims to enhance user satisfaction, increase engagement, and reduce barriers to signing in.

AppWizard

August 3, 2026

Microsoft brings Xbox 360 games to PC via Project Helix

Microsoft plans to expand its backward compatibility initiative by bringing Xbox 360 games to PC, allowing players to access iconic titles like Halo 3 and Gears of War across multiple devices, including the upcoming Project Helix console and handheld gaming devices. This move aims to create a unified gaming ecosystem and aligns with Microsoft's strategy of reducing traditional console exclusivity. The initiative enhances subscription services like Xbox Game Pass by incorporating a rich catalog of classic games. The technical implementation remains unclear, but Microsoft's previous backward compatibility efforts have been commendable. This strategy also presents opportunities for game developers to reach new audiences without extensive remasters. Additionally, the inclusion of handheld devices indicates Microsoft's intentions to compete in the portable gaming market.

AppWizard

July 29, 2026

Xbox and Ubisoft console-to-PC collab lets users access games cross-device “at no additional cost”

Xbox has expanded its collaboration with Ubisoft to offer premium editions of franchises like Assassin's Creed and Far Cry, along with add-on content for the Xbox PC app. Gamers who own the digital Xbox console version of select games can access the PC version through Ubisoft Connect at no additional cost. This offer includes titles such as Assassin's Creed Mirage, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Far Cry 6, and others. The initiative will be rolled out gradually, concluding on August 4.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

WhatsApp adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto upgrades, iPad sign-ups, and more

WhatsApp is enhancing its platform for cross-device communication by introducing new features for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to listen to incoming messages, respond, view call history, and access favorite contacts while driving. Users can now create an account directly from their iPads without linking to a primary phone, although a phone number is still required for registration. The app also allows users to share songs from Apple Music or Spotify to their WhatsApp Status and enables opening and editing PDFs directly within the app on web and desktop versions. Additionally, WhatsApp has introduced usernames for privacy and launched a subscription plan, WhatsApp Plus, which offers premium features.

Winsage

July 18, 2026

Edge Drop Clipboard Manager Brings Mouse-Driven Copy Management to Windows 11

A new clipboard manager for Windows 11 called Edge Drop is in early testing, developed by AdiArtist. It enhances the clipboard experience by sitting on the left side of the screen and can be accessed by hovering the mouse or using the Alt+C shortcut. Edge Drop handles text, images, and various file types, automatically integrating copied items. Users can download it from its official website or GitHub, currently at version 0.1.0. The app allows users to drag items into it and features stacking capabilities for grouping related content, although it does not support combining different content types in a single stack. Unlike Windows 11's built-in clipboard history, which supports item pinning and cross-device syncing, Edge Drop focuses on mouse interaction. The name "Edge Drop" may face challenges due to a similar feature in Microsoft's Edge browser, which is being phased out. Users should be aware of potential rebranding and instability as the app is still in development. Installation involves downloading from the official website or GitHub, and it is not available in the Microsoft Store. Edge Drop is designed for creative workflows but may not suit users who prefer keyboard navigation or require clipboard syncing across devices. Ongoing development may introduce new features and improvements.

Winsage

July 11, 2026

This Windows feature has been eating users’ RAM for years, Microsoft still hasn’t fixed it

Memory leaks have been reported with the Phone Link feature in Windows 11, specifically the Cross Device Service, which is consuming excessive amounts of RAM. Users have noted that this service can use between 15 to 30GB of RAM, leading to significant system slowdowns and reduced internet speeds. Complaints about this issue have been ongoing since early 2023, with users often needing to manually intervene via Task Manager to restore system performance. The Cross Device Service is intended to facilitate features like clipboard sharing and notification syncing but appears to malfunction and enter a loop that increases memory usage. Microsoft has not officially acknowledged the problem, and while generic troubleshooting steps have been suggested, they may not resolve the issue for all users. Disabling the Phone Link feature has been proposed as a potential solution to mitigate memory consumption.