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Google Unveils Googlebooks: Premium Laptops Built for Android and Gemini Intelligence
AppWizard
September 21, 2026

Google Unveils Googlebooks: Premium Laptops Built for Android and Gemini Intelligence

Google is launching its new line of premium laptops called Googlebooks in Australia, with pre-orders starting today and devices available from manufacturers like HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, and ASUS. The laptops will start at an RRP of ,299 and are set to be available on October 5th. They feature the new Googlebook OS, built on the Android technology stack, and include advanced functionalities powered by Gemini Intelligence. The devices will support over 20,000 games and allow seamless integration with Android phones, enabling users to transfer settings and access apps easily. The Googlebooks will have a premium build quality, powered by Intel and Qualcomm processors, with battery life exceeding 14 hours, and will come standard with 16GB of RAM and SSD storage starting at 256GB. Various models will be offered, including different form factors and specifications. Additionally, users will receive a 12-month subscription to Google AI Pro, which includes cloud storage and access to advanced tools.
Microsoft explained why Windows 11 dropped these Windows 10 features
Winsage
September 17, 2026

Microsoft explained why Windows 11 dropped these Windows 10 features

Windows 11 was released in 2021 and received mixed reactions, with users noting the removal of several familiar features from Windows 10. The taskbar was locked in place, preventing repositioning, and the ability to drag files onto taskbar applications was initially absent but restored within a year. The Start menu lost flexible resizing options, and Microsoft faced challenges in transferring established features due to the new framework. By 2026, Microsoft announced changes allowing users to relocate the taskbar, responding to user demand. The Start menu remained less flexible than its predecessor, leading to user frustration. Microsoft acknowledged the need for a movable taskbar, which was implemented in a preview by May 2026, coinciding with the September 2026 Patch Tuesday update. The integration of AI into development processes has accelerated feature implementation, but also introduced new stability issues.
Valve has ported Half-Life: Alyx to ARM, and it’s free with Steam Frame
AppWizard
September 14, 2026

Valve has ported Half-Life: Alyx to ARM, and it’s free with Steam Frame

Valve has released the Steam Frame, its first VR headset since 2019, priced at ,059, bundled with Half-Life: Alyx. The game has been ported to run natively on the Qualcomm Snapdragon Gen 3 chip, allowing it to operate without a traditional desktop PC. The Steam Frame features eye-tracking technology and foveated rendering, enhancing performance by focusing on areas where the user is looking. Valve invested a year in software development for the headset, benefiting not only Half-Life: Alyx but also other games on the platform. The Steam Frame supports various games without extensive porting and can run Windows games through translation and emulation layers. Valve has not been developing new VR content since 2025, though speculation about Half-Life 3 persists.
Feel peak Windows was 7? You might like Kumander Linux
Winsage
September 8, 2026

Feel peak Windows was 7? You might like Kumander Linux

Kumander Linux is set to launch version 3.0, built on Debian 13.6 with the Xfce 4.20 desktop environment. It aims to replicate the look and feel of Windows 7 using free and open-source software, including LibreOffice 25.2 and GIMP 3.0.4. The distribution replaces the default Task Manager with a new System Manager and includes an intuitive Software Center. It has a download size of 4.25 GB and requires 11 GB of disk space, consuming approximately 725 MB of RAM when idle. The name "Kumander" references Commodore computers and reflects its Filipino origins. The distribution is currently in its Release Candidate 2 phase.
Excel keeps people on Windows, and a Linux distro creator wants Microsoft to end that
Winsage
September 7, 2026

Excel keeps people on Windows, and a Linux distro creator wants Microsoft to end that

Omarchy is a Linux distribution created by David Heinemeier Hansson (DHH), designed for developers and creators, based on Arch Linux. DHH has challenged Microsoft to develop native Office applications for Linux, highlighting that while Microsoft 365's web version is available, Linux users only access about 90% of the functionality compared to Windows users. Microsoft’s revenue from Windows has decreased by 7% year-over-year, while Microsoft 365 Commercial cloud revenue has grown by 14%, and Azure by 43%. Windows now accounts for only 5% of Microsoft's total revenue, indicating a shift towards cloud services. Microsoft has launched Edge for Linux and supports tools like VS Code and PowerShell on the platform. The web version of Office lacks features found in the desktop version, affecting usability for professionals. Despite Linux's growing interest, particularly through the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), it may not be enough to prompt Microsoft to prioritize a native Office port. DHH's Omarchy aims to create a user-friendly Linux experience rather than convert Windows users.
These 5 Linux distros promise to run Windows apps—I tried them all, and one was clearly the best
Winsage
September 4, 2026

These 5 Linux distros promise to run Windows apps—I tried them all, and one was clearly the best

One of the main challenges when transitioning from Windows to Linux is software compatibility. Wine and its frontends allow Windows applications to run on Linux, but the ease of use varies across distributions. Zorin OS integrates Windows application support into its desktop experience, allowing users to install .exe and .msi files directly through its Windows App Support component. It simplifies the process by eliminating the need for complex commands and provides a database of popular Windows installers. Winux (Wubuntu) creates a familiar environment for Windows users but faces challenges with running Windows software, requiring additional configuration for proprietary components. Bazzite focuses on gaming, utilizing Wine-based tools for compatibility but may not cater to everyday Windows applications. Nobara, a Fedora-based distro, emphasizes gaming enhancements and shares similar limitations regarding standard Windows productivity applications. Garuda Linux is aimed at experienced users and offers flexibility with Wine and Proton support, but its complexity may not suit those looking for a simple transition. Zorin OS is identified as the most effective solution for running Windows applications on Linux, providing a manageable transition while maintaining access to necessary software.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
September 4, 2026

These 5 Linux distros promise to run Windows apps—I tried them all, and one was clearly the best

One of the main challenges for users transitioning from Windows to Linux is software compatibility. Linux has many applications, but users often depend on specific Windows programs. Wine and its frontends allow Windows applications to run on Linux without a virtual machine, although the ease of use varies by distribution. Zorin OS integrates Windows application support directly into its desktop experience, allowing users to install .exe and .msi files easily through its Windows App Support component. It provides a familiar workflow and recommends the best usage options for popular Windows installers. Winux (Wubuntu) aims to create a Linux environment that resembles Windows, making it easier for users to adapt. However, running Windows software can be challenging due to compatibility issues with proprietary components. Bazzite focuses on gaming, offering excellent compatibility for Windows games through Wine-based tools, but may not be ideal for users seeking to run standard Windows applications. Nobara Project, based on Fedora, enhances gaming experiences and simplifies configuration for gaming on Linux, but is not primarily designed for running Windows productivity applications. Garuda Linux caters to experienced users and gamers, leveraging Wine and Proton for compatibility but may be complex for those simply wanting to install Windows applications. Zorin OS is identified as the best choice for users needing to run Windows applications on Linux, providing a manageable transition while maintaining a familiar aesthetic.
Windows 11 update sends some desktops into an unwanted goth phase
Winsage
September 3, 2026

Windows 11 update sends some desktops into an unwanted goth phase

Microsoft's latest update for Windows 11 has caused some users to experience a default black background due to issues with personalization settings in the August update preview for versions 24H2 and 25H2. Users are unable to restore their preferred desktop backgrounds, and the update may also affect other desktop settings like slideshow configurations and contrast themes. Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and is working on a fix for a future update.
Windows NT 4 went on sale 30 years ago today
Winsage
August 24, 2026

Windows NT 4 went on sale 30 years ago today

Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 was officially released on August 24, 1996, marking its 30th anniversary today. Codenamed “Tukwila,” it integrated the Windows Explorer desktop from Windows 95 with the NT operating system. Windows 95 was released a year earlier on August 24, 1995, and was initially codenamed “Chicago.” Windows NT 4 incorporated a modern user interface while maintaining the reliability of the NT kernel. It introduced features like the journaling NTFS filesystem but had limitations such as stability issues due to changes in the Graphics Device Interface (GDI) and lack of support for FAT32 and USB interfaces. Despite these shortcomings, NT 4 was a significant operating system that contributed to the competitive landscape of operating systems.
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