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Google Home’s latest update fixes the worst part of smart cameras
AppWizard
May 6, 2026

Google Home’s latest update fixes the worst part of smart cameras

Google is set to unveil a comprehensive update to the Google Home app in Spring 2026, featuring a complete overhaul focused on speed, performance, and a more intuitive interface. The update includes faster performance, smoother scrolling, and a modernized camera experience. AI integration will allow cameras to collaborate for clearer narratives, with features for swiping between views, resizing the video player, and skipping clips using 10-second jump buttons. Gemini 3.1 will enhance the voice assistant, enabling users to execute complex, multi-step commands in a single request. The app will also feature a revamped event details page, improved frame rates, and reduced lag, with Google Home Premium users receiving Gemini-generated event summaries. The camera settings menu will be simplified, consolidating all "seen" and "heard" events onto a single page. Additional home automation features will allow users to manage kitchen appliances, control robot vacuums, check smart lock statuses, and monitor battery levels. The "Ask Home on Web" feature will enter Public Preview, enabling users to search camera history, check device statuses, and set up automations from their desktops.
For $26, you can get lifetime licenses to Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro
Winsage
May 6, 2026

For $26, you can get lifetime licenses to Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro

A bundle is available for .99 that includes Windows 11 Pro and a lifetime license for Microsoft Office 2019, significantly reduced from the regular price of 8. This package allows users to upgrade their older PCs from Windows 10 to a supported operating system while eliminating subscription fees for Office applications. Windows 11 Pro offers advanced security features and improved usability, while Office 2019 can be installed on a single device without ongoing costs. Both licenses are tied to one device, making it suitable for enhancing a single machine.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
May 5, 2026

Google Home’s latest update fixes the worst part of smart cameras

The Google Home app will receive a significant update in Spring 2026, focusing on enhanced performance and a more intuitive interface. The update will improve smart camera functionality, allowing cameras to work together for a clearer understanding of home events, and will feature a revamped event details page for easier navigation of recorded footage. Google Home Premium users will receive Gemini-generated event descriptions for older Nest cameras, and the camera settings menu will be simplified. The voice assistant will be upgraded to Gemini 3.1, improving reasoning capabilities for complex commands. Additionally, a new "Ask Home on Web" feature will enable users to manage devices and automations from their desktops. Privacy considerations regarding AI-generated summaries of home footage will also be a factor for users.
Xbox Releases A Game-Changing Update For PC
AppWizard
May 5, 2026

Xbox Releases A Game-Changing Update For PC

Microsoft has begun the phased rollout of Xbox Mode for Windows 11 PCs, enhancing the gaming experience. Xbox Mode provides a full-screen user interface optimized for controller use, displaying only one application at a time to minimize distractions. Players can switch between Xbox Mode and the traditional Windows 11 desktop and Xbox Game Pass subscribers can navigate their game libraries easily. Xbox Mode was initially available for testing in late 2025 and officially started its public rollout on April 30, with deployment occurring in waves across various regions.
“Xbox mode is easily the headline feature”: In May’s Windows 11 update, I walk through the 11 upgrades that change how we use the OS, and why some of them surprised me
Winsage
May 2, 2026

“Xbox mode is easily the headline feature”: In May’s Windows 11 update, I walk through the 11 upgrades that change how we use the OS, and why some of them surprised me

Microsoft will begin rolling out the May 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 on May 12, 2026. Key features of this update include: 1. Xbox Mode: Transforms PCs into a console-like experience, prioritizing system resources for gaming and freeing up to 2GB of memory. 2. Voice Typing Improvements: Redesign of Voice Typing elements on the touch keyboard. 3. New Arabic 101 Legacy Keyboard Layout: Available for addition from the Region page in Settings. 4. Drop Tray Changes: Renamed from Drag Tray and can be disabled in Settings > System > Multitasking. 5. Taskbar AI Agents Support: Allows monitoring of AI agents directly from the Taskbar, starting with the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. 6. Debloat Policy with Dynamic List Support: Enables administrators to specify additional apps for removal beyond the default list. 7. Windows Driver Policy Update: Changes how the kernel manages trust for third-party drivers, eliminating default trust for cross-signed drivers. 8. Batch File Security Changes: Enhances security for batch files and Command Prompt scripts, with an option for a hardened processing mode. 9. Format FAT32 up to 2TB: The format command-line tool now supports formatting volumes up to 2TB using FAT32.
Xbox Mode Begins Rolling Out to Players on Windows 11 PCs Today
Winsage
May 1, 2026

Xbox Mode Begins Rolling Out to Players on Windows 11 PCs Today

The rollout of Xbox mode for Windows 11 PCs begins today in select markets, providing a console-inspired gaming experience for laptops, desktops, and tablets. This mode features a controller-optimized, full-screen interface that allows easy access to games and minimizes distractions. Players in select regions can download Xbox mode today, with plans for broader availability in the coming weeks. Xbox mode enables users to browse and launch games, switch between Xbox mode and the Windows desktop, and access a comprehensive game library, including Xbox Game Pass titles. Feedback from players has influenced the development of Xbox mode, which aims to create a consistent Xbox experience across devices. To access Xbox mode, users must ensure their Windows 11 PC is set to receive the latest updates.
The new 'Xbox mode' for Windows 11 has arrived, but don't get your hopes up for performance improvements: it's just a new UI
Winsage
May 1, 2026

The new ‘Xbox mode’ for Windows 11 has arrived, but don’t get your hopes up for performance improvements: it’s just a new UI

Microsoft has begun rolling out its Xbox mode for Windows 11, which aims to provide a full-screen, dedicated gaming experience similar to console functionality. This feature, announced in March, is now available in select markets as of April 30. Xbox mode is designed to create a cohesive Xbox experience across various devices, including laptops, desktops, and tablets, and caters to gamers who prefer using a controller. The launch is part of Microsoft's strategy to enhance the integration of Xbox with Windows, although some users still find the Xbox experience on PC lacking compared to competitors like Steam.
Windows 11 PC gamers: Xbox mode rolls out and ROG Xbox Ally updates include Auto SR preview
AppWizard
April 30, 2026

Windows 11 PC gamers: Xbox mode rolls out and ROG Xbox Ally updates include Auto SR preview

Xbox mode is launching on Windows 11 PCs in select markets, providing a console-like gaming experience for users on laptops, desktops, and tablets. It features a streamlined interface that prioritizes accessibility, allowing easy access to game libraries and recently played titles while minimizing distractions. Xbox Wire offers detailed information on the new features, including Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR) for the ROG Xbox Ally, which enhances visuals to 1440p resolution when docked to an external display. Xbox Insiders can manage Auto SR settings through the Game Bar, and updates also include a default setting for docked play switching to TV displays.
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