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6 hidden Google apps you aren't using, but should be
AppWizard
August 10, 2026

6 hidden Google apps you aren’t using, but should be

YouTube Create is a free mobile video editor that offers features for creating videos for platforms like Instagram Reels, including filters, effects, and AI capabilities for editing. Snapseed is a free photo editing app with professional-grade features and a user-friendly interface, recently updated to include a camera mode. Google Opinion Rewards allows users to earn Play Store credit by completing short surveys. Action Blocks enables users to create customizable buttons for specific smartphone actions, aiding those who struggle with traditional navigation. Gallery is a minimalist photo management app that focuses on viewing images and videos without distractions. Google Lens is a versatile tool that identifies objects, extracts text, translates in real-time, and engages users in conversations about their surroundings.
Microsoft is updating even more parts of the Windows 11 UI with modern designs: Here's what's next on the list of overhauls
Winsage
August 6, 2026

Microsoft is updating even more parts of the Windows 11 UI with modern designs: Here’s what’s next on the list of overhauls

Windows has faced user dissatisfaction due to inconsistent user interface designs since Windows 8, which worsened with Windows 10. Windows 11, launched in 2021, introduced a consistent design language through the WinUI framework, modernizing various UI components and replacing older elements. Enhancements included a more consistent dark mode and updates to features like volume controls and context menus. Microsoft is revamping the File Properties dialog and the Start menu for improved speed and responsiveness while optimizing resource consumption. Context menus are also being redesigned for better customization and quicker access. Ongoing efforts aim to modernize legacy components of the OS, with a focus on performance and reduced memory usage.
I tested 5 major changes and improvements coming to Windows 11 this year: Microsoft is clearly serious about fixing Windows, and it's doing things right this time
Winsage
August 6, 2026

I tested 5 major changes and improvements coming to Windows 11 this year: Microsoft is clearly serious about fixing Windows, and it’s doing things right this time

Microsoft has made significant improvements to Windows 11 in response to user feedback, focusing on enhancing the user experience. Key changes include a revamped Windows Update process that synchronizes updates for drivers, frameworks, and security, allowing users to restart their systems only once a month and pause updates indefinitely. The presence of ads and AI features has been reduced, with updates to the Widgets board and the removal of Bing and MSN ads from Windows Search. Performance enhancements include a "Low Latency Profile" feature for better CPU optimization and improvements in WinUI interfaces, leading to faster navigation in File Explorer and more consistent search functionality. Microsoft is also testing new customization options for the Taskbar and Start menu, allowing users to reposition and resize the Taskbar and hide specific segments of the Start menu. Additional features are in development, with plans for further updates by the end of 2026 and some expected in 2027.
You Can Now Use Your Old Tablet As An Android Auto Head Unit - Here's How
AppWizard
August 4, 2026

You Can Now Use Your Old Tablet As An Android Auto Head Unit – Here’s How

Repurposing an old Android tablet can enhance your driving experience by turning it into a DIY Android Auto head unit using the app Headunit Revived. This open-source application acts as an Android Auto receiver, allowing navigation with Google Maps and access to apps like Spotify, Facebook Messenger, and Google Calendar. Headunit Revived is compatible with Android devices updated to at least Android 4.1 and can be downloaded for a fee from the Play Store or for free via an APK from GitHub. It can also be used on older Amazon Fire tablets. To set up Headunit Revived on your tablet, grant necessary permissions, agree to terms, and follow the Quick Setup Wizard to select screen size and orientation. The app will optimize the Android Auto layout based on your tablet's specifications. You can modify settings for UI scaling, dark mode, and screen resolution. To connect your phone to the tablet, you can use a USB cable or a wireless connection. For a wired connection, connect the phone via USB, select the appropriate USB settings, and launch Headunit Revived. For a wireless connection, enable Wi-Fi Direct on both devices, set the connection strategy in the app, and use the Wi-Fi Helper app on your phone to connect. Once connected, Android Auto will load on the tablet, allowing access to navigation and music apps. You can switch between navigation apps and exit Android Auto by unplugging the phone or using the Wireless Helper app. Various mounting options are available for securing the tablet in your vehicle.
This handy free Windows update tool drops a feature Windows 11 users can live without
Winsage
August 4, 2026

This handy free Windows update tool drops a feature Windows 11 users can live without

Windows 11 updates include security and feature updates, with recent improvements in update management. Microsoft has introduced the option to pause updates for extended periods and users can utilize WUView, a tool that consolidates installed updates into a navigable list, providing detailed information and advanced logging capabilities. WUView supports saving update history in various formats and allows filtering and excluding specific updates. The latest version of WUView will only support 64-bit systems, reflecting the trend towards 64-bit usage. Enhancements in the new version include theme selection, a new light theme named Pale Graphite, improved localization, and various updates to logging and UI elements. WUView is available on its official GitHub repository.
Google Maps’ “hidden” battery-saving mode: Why isn’t this game-changer available on all Android phones?
BetaBeacon
July 30, 2026

Google Maps’ “hidden” battery-saving mode: Why isn’t this game-changer available on all Android phones?

Google Maps' full dark mode offers a more comfortable look for users, replacing bright maps with a darker, soothing appearance. This feature is available on almost every Android phone and can help reduce power usage on OLED devices. Users can choose between "Always dark theme" or "Same theme as device" settings. While not as significant as the Pixel 10's exclusive feature, dark mode enhances day-to-day visual comfort during navigation.
Windows 11's File Explorer is now faster at deleting large files, in a rare speed win from Microsoft
Winsage
July 26, 2026

Windows 11’s File Explorer is now faster at deleting large files, in a rare speed win from Microsoft

Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8935 on July 20, which improves File Explorer's ability to delete large, fragmented files more quickly in certain scenarios. The update promises at least a 30% speed increase for bulk deletions and enhances the responsiveness of the Home tab in File Explorer. The Recommended section now supports touch scrolling. Future updates will include a modernization of the Properties dialog and improvements to search functionality. These enhancements aim to address the sluggishness of File Explorer, which has been attributed to fragmentation issues in NTFS and the hybrid architecture of the application.
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