A new app called Messages by OzarksMade aims to emulate the look and feel of Samsung Messages and include RCS support via integration with Google Messages.
Samsung Messages offers features like automatic deletion of old messages, which Google Messages lacks. However, Google Messages is preferred for its seamless integration across Android devices and the Messages for Web functionality. Google Messages allows users to customize swipe gestures, with the option to change left and right swipes for archiving, marking as read/unread, or deleting. It also includes Smart Reply suggestions, which can be edited before sending. Users can disable expressive animations and adjust message sounds and text size for a more personalized experience.
Microsoft will release the Windows 11 August 2026 Security Update on August 11, 2026, featuring new functionalities and enhancements. Key additions include Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, the ability to uninstall AI models from Copilot+ PCs, new touchpad gestures, voice isolation for Voice Access, Fluid Dictation for Voice Typing, and a redesigned Start menu with parental controls notice.
File Explorer improvements include displaying file sizes in appropriate units, middle-clicking to open folders in new tabs, and fixes for bugs. Users can manage AI models through Settings, and the Lock screen will default to the Weather widget. Touchpad settings will allow customization of scroll and zoom speeds. Fluid Dictation will be deactivated by default, with tooltips for guidance, while Voice Access will feature enhanced speech recognition settings.
The Account Control interface will be redesigned for clarity, and power settings will apply across all plans. Windows Update will provide better progress estimates and improved post-update cleanup. Enhancements to system sounds in dark mode will also be included.
AnduinOS is a new Linux distribution created by a Microsoft engineer, based on Ubuntu, designed to provide a user experience similar to Windows 11. It offers both Long-Term Support (LTS) and short-term releases, with the latter featuring enhancements over its predecessor. Unlike Ubuntu, which uses Snap packages, AnduinOS utilizes Flatpak for software management, allowing access to a wider range of applications. The desktop environment closely resembles Windows 11, featuring a taskbar, Start menu, and other familiar elements, enhanced by GNOME extensions. Users can customize the taskbar and Start menu extensively, surpassing the customization options available in Windows. The integration of GNOME extensions, such as Clipboard History and Tiling Shell, further enhances productivity and user experience.
Wear OS 7 has been rolled out for smartwatches currently operating on Wear OS 6, with future models like the Galaxy Watch 9 expected to come with this update pre-installed. Current devices eligible for the upgrade include the Galaxy Watch 8 series and the OnePlus Watch 3 (release date pending).
Key features of Wear OS 7 include Live Updates for real-time notifications, Remote Media Routing and Per-App Auto Launch for media apps, and Android XR Control for managing Android XR devices. The update introduces a new Neural Expressive design language, Gemini Intelligence for task automation, and a Personal Intelligence feature for personalized suggestions based on app data. Customization is enhanced with Widgets replacing traditional tiles, allowing users to create dynamic dashboards.
Updates to the Google Contacts app include an improved search interface and an Emergency Sharing feature for location sharing during emergencies. The Wear Workout Tracker standardizes fitness tracking across devices, and battery life improvements promise up to a 10% increase in longevity.
Samsung's One UI Watch is evolving with the upcoming One UI 9 Watch, which is expected to feature a refreshed interface and new customizations. Firmware for One UI 9 Watch has been detected on Galaxy Watch 8 models, indicating an imminent release, with the Galaxy Watch 9 series anticipated to launch in July alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8.
Windows 11 update KB5094126 (Build 26200.8655), released on June 9, 2026, has caused boot failures, blue screens, and BitLocker recovery prompts for users, particularly affecting business devices from HP and Dell, including models like HP EliteBook 840 G10 and Dell Precision 7530. The issues stem from changes in Secure Boot and EFI partition modifications, with insufficient EFI partition space leading to errors. A workaround involves disabling Secure Boot in BIOS. Additionally, users have reported disruptions with OneDrive and Microsoft Word integration, particularly in enterprise environments. Microsoft has not yet acknowledged these problems.
Windows 11 KB5094126, released on June 9, 2026, is a significant update that introduces new features, including the Low Latency Profile, and addresses up to 200 security vulnerabilities. However, it has caused boot failures for some HP devices, particularly the HP EliteBook 840 G10, leading to BSODs or BitLocker Recovery prompts. The update may conflict with specific BIOS configurations or EFI/System partition settings, especially on devices with older EFI partitions. Users experiencing boot failures may need to disable Secure Boot as a temporary workaround.
Additionally, the update has disrupted OneDrive integration in File Explorer, preventing access from the left pane and tray icon, although users can still access cloud folders directly. Similar issues have been reported with Dropbox and iCloud Drive. The update has also affected Microsoft Word integration in various business applications, leading to failures in document handling. Furthermore, changes to desktop.ini files have impacted custom folder icons, requiring users to unblock these files to restore functionality.
Windows 11 users have reported that their custom folder icons have reverted to default settings due to new security protocols from Microsoft. If a desktop.ini file, which defines folder icons, is detected as coming from an untrusted source, Windows will automatically revert to the standard icon without notification. Microsoft has confirmed that 'untrusted' icons will no longer display, and identifies scenarios that classify a source as untrusted, including files downloaded from the internet with a Mark-of-the-Web (MOTW), files copied from certain remote locations, and files on unrecognized network paths. To restore customizations, users can add the source to their Trusted Sites list, enable the "Allow the use of remote paths in file shortcut icons" policy, or remove the Mark-of-the-Web tag from affected files.
In the June 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 and Windows 10, Microsoft implemented a change that prevents custom folder icons and localized folder names from appearing if derived from an untrusted "desktop.ini" file. Users may initially perceive this as a bug, as folders may revert to default settings without user intervention. To maintain customizations, organizations should add trusted sources to the "Trusted Sites" list via Control Panel. Businesses can enable the "Allow the use of remote paths in file shortcut icons" policy through the Group Policy Editor, although this may reduce security. Users can also remove the Mark-of-the-Web tag from trusted "desktop.ini" files using PowerShell commands. This update reflects a broader trend of prioritizing security over customization in the operating system.
Tasker is an Android application available for .99 on the Google Play Store that enables extensive hacks, automations, and customizations for a personalized Android experience.
- Users can change alarm sounds based on current weather conditions.
- Tasker enhances reminders with features like customizable fonts, colors, sounds, vibrations, and specific recurrence options.
- It can automate connecting to specific coffee shop wifi networks when in range.
- Users can enable auto-rotate selectively for certain apps.
- The ShakeWake project helps keep users awake during long sessions by sending alerts at intervals.
- Tasker can restore ticker-style notifications for app alerts in the status bar.
- It can disable touch inputs when the phone is in a pocket using the proximity sensor.
- GPS can be activated only when specific apps, like Google Maps, are opened to conserve battery life.
- Users can set a designated app to launch upon the first unlock of the day.
- Tasker allows different apps to launch based on the fingerprint used to unlock the phone.
