desktop Archives

Winsage

June 26, 2026

Microsoft gives Windows 10 users a reprieve by extending security updates another year

Microsoft has extended the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 personal computers until October 12, 2027. This extension was noted in a revised support document and aims to give users more time to transition to Windows 11 while still receiving security updates. The ESU program, launched in June 2025, was initially set to conclude in October 2026. Currently, Windows 10 powers approximately 26% of desktop Windows PCs globally, with around 1 billion PCs still running it, according to Dell COO Jeffrey Clarke.

Winsage

June 26, 2026

Microsoft extends free Windows 10 security updates for a second year — program now ends on October 12, 2027

Microsoft has extended its free consumer Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program by an additional year, with the new deadline for critical security patches set for October 14, 2027. The ESU program was originally scheduled to end on October 12, 2026. Devices already enrolled in the program will automatically transition to the new date. Approximately 400 million active PCs are unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations. IDC forecasts a 10% to 20% rise in prices for PCs, tablets, and smartphones through the end of 2026. Third-party solutions, such as unofficial Windows 10 micropatches from security firm 0patch, will be available through 2030.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

This free app puts Microsoft to shame by bringing widgets to the Windows 11 taskbar

WidBar is a beta application for Windows 11 that allows users to integrate widgets into the taskbar, currently offering two widgets: "Now Playing" and "System Metrics." Users can drag and drop these widgets into a live preview of their taskbar and place them across multiple monitors. The native Widgets Panel in Windows 11 has 56 widgets but lacks a dedicated Now Playing widget, as media controls are only available in the Action Center. WidBar is gaining attention for its potential to enhance user experience and is being discussed in the tech community on platforms like Reddit.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

Gemini on desktop could soon get Gemini Live, Magic Pointer, and voice dictation

The Gemini desktop application for macOS is testing several new features, including support for Gemini Live, a system-wide voice dictation feature called “Speak to Window,” cursor tracking for contextual assistance, and a toolbar option labeled “Connect another Mac.” These features are currently being evaluated by a select group of users.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

This free Pixel app is the reason I canceled my AI note-taking subscription

Sanuj Bhatia from Android Authority highlights the capabilities of Google’s Pixel Recorder app, which he found effective enough to cancel his subscription to a paid AI note-taking service. The app, upgraded with Gemini Nano technology in the Pixel 9 series, can record audio and generate live transcripts with punctuation and grammar corrections, identifying multiple speakers during meetings. It integrates with a web application for easy access to recordings and transcripts on desktop devices. The app processes data on-device, ensuring privacy, which is advantageous for professionals handling sensitive information. While it has limitations, such as not being able to join meetings virtually and lacking collaborative features, it is considered a reliable and cost-efficient alternative to traditional AI note-taking tools.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

PowerToys replaced tools I used to install on every Windows PC

Raycast for Windows, a productivity app, was initially a valuable tool for launching applications and executing actions quickly. However, the introduction of the Command Palette in Microsoft PowerToys provided similar functionality, leading to Raycast being less essential for the user's needs. The user found that the Command Palette effectively served as a fast app launcher, integrating well with other PowerToys features. The user also transitioned from GlazeWM, a tiling window manager, to FancyZones in PowerToys for better window management, as FancyZones offered more tailored window layout options. Additionally, Text Extractor in PowerToys streamlined the user's optical character recognition (OCR) tasks by allowing easy text extraction from images. Overall, PowerToys consolidated several utilities into one suite, enhancing the user's productivity while reducing the need for multiple separate applications.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

This open source app unlocks the Fitbit Air’s premium features at no cost

The Fitbit Air is a screenless fitness wearable that allows users to subscribe to Google Health Premium for advanced health insights. An open-source desktop application named OpenFit, created by developer Flavio Adamo, replicates Google Health Premium's functionalities for free, providing comprehensive health data analysis from the Fitbit Air. OpenFit uses ChatGPT Codex to enhance user experience by interpreting health data. Another developer, Francesco Oddo, has created a similar open-source app, and both are considering collaboration. Users of Fitbit Air can access a three-month free trial of Google Health Premium, and subscribers to Google AI Pro and AI Ultra plans can use the service at no cost.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

I finally found the best personal knowledge management tool on Android after years of switching back and forth

The author explored various personal knowledge management (PKM) tools on Android and initially avoided Obsidian due to dissatisfaction with its earlier mobile app versions, which felt cramped and outdated. However, after revisiting the redesigned Obsidian app, they appreciated its modern user interface and improved usability. Obsidian's use of plain Markdown files allows for better file management and future-proofing of notes. The app supports both quick capture of ideas and deeper exploration through linking notes and creating a cohesive knowledge base. Features like Quick Note, Daily Note widget, and Graph View enhance its functionality. Data syncing requires some setup, with options for Obsidian Sync or third-party solutions. Ultimately, Obsidian stands out as a customizable and long-lasting PKM tool for the author’s workflow.

Winsage

June 24, 2026

“This is the gaming handheld we’ve been waiting for” — MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ review of a masterpiece priced for the few

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is a gaming handheld powered by Intel's Arc G3 Extreme processor, priced at 9.99. It features an 8-inch FHD+ display (1920x1200) with 500 nits brightness and supports variable refresh rates from 48Hz to 120Hz. The device includes Hall-Effect analog sticks, tactile buttons, and dual front speakers with Bluetooth Core 6.0 support. It scored 6,726 on the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark. The 80Whr battery lasts approximately 3.5 hours on demanding games and over five hours on lighter titles. It has Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and dual Thunderbolt 4 ports for desktop functionality when docked.

Winsage

June 24, 2026

Here are 5 Windows 11 features coming in July. None of them require AI

Microsoft will release five new features for Windows 11 in July, with an optional preview available in June. Key features include the ability to pause updates for up to 35 days using a calendar view, the Point-in-Time Restore (PITR) feature that automatically generates restore points for the system, and the Screen Tint feature to reduce eye strain with customizable color overlays. Improvements in Bluetooth connectivity will enhance performance, especially for AirPods and Beats Studio Pro headphones. The taskbar widgets will change to reduce distractions by not expanding on cursor hover, and notification icons will be streamlined. These features will be available through an optional update at the end of June or a mandatory update in July.