device settings Archives

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Windows Insider Program Releases Copilot Actions, New Release Preview Builds

The Windows Insider Program has introduced Copilot Actions, an AI feature in the Copilot app for Windows 11, allowing users to specify tasks for an AI agent to perform. This feature is currently experimental and requires the latest version of the Copilot app (1.25112.74 or higher) to access. Additionally, new Release Preview builds for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 have been released, transitioning users to build 26200.7296 (25H2) or 26100.7296 (24H2) with cumulative update KB5070311. Key features in these builds include Windows Studio Effects for USB webcams, enhancements to Click to Do, improvements in the Agent in Settings, updates to File Explorer, Desktop Spotlight enhancements, Drag Tray improvements, Settings updates, Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security for external fingerprint sensors, Share enhancements for OneDrive files, mobile device management improvements, Quick Machine Recovery updates, and Widgets enhancements. A new Canary build for Windows 11 version 26H1 (build 28000.1199) is also available, but it does not introduce new features or significant changes.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

5 third-party tweaks Microsoft needs to implement into Windows 11 natively

Windows 11 has evolved since its launch, but many users feel it lacks certain features. Third-party enhancements can improve the operating system. StartAllBack allows users to customize the Start menu and taskbar, resize icons, re-enable classic context menus, and restore quick access to the Control Panel. PowerToys is a collection of utilities from Microsoft that enhances Windows 11 with tools like PowerRename, a Color Picker, and Keyboard Manager, but these are not included by default. EarTrumpet simplifies audio management, allowing users to switch devices and adjust levels more easily than the default sound settings. Everything (Voidtools) offers a fast alternative to Windows Search by indexing files quickly and providing real-time results. OneCommander modernizes file management with a dual-pane interface, keyboard shortcuts, and cloud service integration. Many of these enhancements could benefit a wider audience if made available for users to enable as needed, rather than being pre-installed.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

What’s new in Android’s November 2025 Google System Updates [U]

Google's monthly release notes detail updates across its ecosystem, including enhancements to Play services, Play Store, and system updates for various platforms. Google Play services v25.44 (2025-11-10): - Users receive clear information before blocking the Gemini app through Parental Controls. - New developer features enhance Maps-related functionalities within applications. - A live video feature for emergency calls is integrated to enhance user safety. - Users can back up and restore SMS retriever preferences on Android devices. - Updates to system management services improve overall stability across devices. - The Cards QR feature is discontinued in Brazil, streamlining wallet functionalities. Google Play Store v48.8 (2025-11-10): - Users can uninstall applications directly from the Play Store listing. - The Subscription center allows users to view all active subscriptions and accumulated Play Points. Android TV Core Services v7.2.3 (2025-11-03): - New account capabilities for Backdrop and an update to SDK version 36 are introduced. Google Play services v25.43 (2025-11-03): - Improvements to Parent-managed contacts and School Time features facilitate easier supervision. - Enhancements to the Storage section of Google Settings improve user experience. - Support for customizing a camera for image scanning is added. - Additional updates to system management services enhance stability. - Android Autofill now supports storing and retrieving CVV numbers. - Pix payment functionality is available for GBoard users.

Winsage

October 24, 2025

Windows Weekly 955: Chewy Indifference

Microsoft has announced new Copilot and AI features for Windows 11, transitioning to Windows.ai. An emergency update was released for Windows 11 to address issues that disabled USB mouse and keyboard support in the Windows Recovery Environment. The Windows Insider Program is evolving with improvements to mobile device settings, File Explorer, and Drag Tray in the Dev and Beta channels, while a revamped Start menu and Copilot Vision integration are set for the Release Preview. Microsoft's annual report highlights three core business segments: Windows, Microsoft 365 Consumer, and Xbox/gaming, with Xbox/gaming having 500 million users but the highest engagement levels. Microsoft plans to launch Copilot for Education in December and integrate Anthropic Claude into Microsoft 365 commercial offerings. The Xbox president indicated that the next console will be "very premium," and new hardware options are available for purchase. The Xbox Development Kit has seen a 33 percent price increase due to U.S. tariffs. Many laptops are now designed to be end-user repairable and upgradeable, allowing users to swap out SSDs and other components.

AppWizard

October 20, 2025

The Easiest Ways to Make Your Slow Android Phone Feel New Again

If an Android device is sluggish, it may be due to digital clutter rather than a failing device. Users can improve performance by deleting unused apps, eliminating old files, tweaking home screen settings, optimizing device settings, and customizing privacy options. Uninstalling apps can free up storage and protect personal information. Users can manage files using the Files app or similar tools to delete or transfer unwanted items. Adjusting home screen settings can refresh the device's interface, while revisiting device settings can enhance user experience. Reviewing privacy settings allows users to control app permissions and safeguard personal data.

Winsage

October 18, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6972 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6972 (KB5067106) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Users can now add and manage mobile devices from their PC under the "Mobile Devices" section in Bluetooth & Devices. A new entry point in the Start menu allows direct access to the benefits page for Microsoft accounts. The build includes updated Game Pass references in Settings, improvements to File Explorer's dark mode, and the ability to enable or disable the Drag Tray feature in Settings. Fixes include resolving a catastrophic error in File Explorer when extracting large files, correcting display issues with videos and games, and fixing update installation errors. Other fixes addressed issues with Outlook, Remote Credential Guard, and print preview in Chromium-based browsers. Known issues include problems with text actions in Click to Do and Recall, disabled taskbar preview animations, and issues with the Start menu and notification center. Users may also experience bugs with Xbox Controller connectivity via Bluetooth. Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are rolled out gradually with feedback monitoring.

AppWizard

October 14, 2025

Top 4 Instagram Monitoring Apps for Android Devices

Monitoring Instagram activity on Android devices is increasingly popular among parents, employers, and individuals focused on online safety. Four notable Instagram monitoring apps for Android are: 1. uMobix: - Monitors Instagram messages, posts, and stories in real-time. - Offers GPS tracking, geofencing, and a keylogger. - Operates in stealth mode and supports multiple devices. - Requires physical access for installation and has subscription-based pricing. 2. mSpy: - Provides insights into Instagram direct messages and media files. - Monitors other social media, tracks GPS, and offers ambient recording. - Operates in stealth mode and includes customer support. - Requires physical access for installation and some features are limited to higher-tier plans. 3. Eyezy: - Monitors Instagram messages and stories, with keystroke capture and live screen streaming. - Emphasizes user privacy and supports multiple devices. - Some features may need additional permissions, and pricing can be higher than competitors. 4. Spynger: - Tracks Instagram direct messages and media files, with real-time alerts. - Specializes in detecting suspicious behavior and provides detailed reports. - Easy installation but has limited features compared to more comprehensive apps.

Winsage

October 12, 2025

Windows 10: When you should update and what it means for you

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning devices will no longer receive security updates. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 at no cost, but not all devices will meet the upgrade requirements. As of July 2025, approximately 43% of over 1.4 billion Windows devices were still using Windows 10, with around 21 million users in the UK. A quarter of these users plan to continue using Windows 10 after support ends, while one in seven are considering new devices. Users can either upgrade to Windows 11 or enroll in a program for Extended Security Updates (ESU) for an additional 12 months, which requires having the latest version of Windows 10 and a Microsoft account. ESU will not include technical support or additional software updates. The lack of security updates will increase vulnerability to cyber threats, and businesses may struggle with regulatory compliance.

AppWizard

September 22, 2025

Here’s what OnePlus told us about HeyTap’s US shutdown

HeyTap, the company behind the OHealth and HeyMelody applications, announced that US account services will cease on September 28. However, OnePlus stated that all US user accounts and community content will transition to a new, US-hosted platform starting September 26. Users will retain their health data and device settings during this migration, and the core functionalities of the applications will remain intact. OnePlus customer support confirmed that the discontinuation of HeyTap’s US services will not affect the performance of OnePlus applications.

AppWizard

September 22, 2025

How to Stop Android Battery Optimization from Killing Apps

Users and developers managing Android devices must navigate the balance between battery life and app functionality. Android's aggressive power-saving features can mute notifications or suspend background processes, leading to a state known as “sleeping.” To maintain app functionality, users can exempt specific applications from battery optimization through the Settings app under “Battery” or “Apps & notifications.” This feature, introduced in Android 6.0 Marshmallow, allows apps to operate seamlessly in the background. For example, disabling sleep mode for essential apps like WhatsApp can prevent missed notifications. Samsung's Adaptive Battery is particularly aggressive, often pushing unused apps into a “deep sleep” state after a few days, which can disrupt vital functions. Users may need to manually exempt applications in Samsung’s “Device care” settings. Other manufacturers like Huawei and Xiaomi impose similar restrictions, while Google’s stock Android offers more straightforward adjustments. Developers can incorporate foreground services or request permissions like “android.permission.WAKE_LOCK” to keep apps awake, balancing user privacy and battery health. Android’s Doze mode activates during inactivity and organizes background tasks into maintenance windows, but apps can request exemptions. Monitoring battery usage statistics can help identify problematic apps. In enterprise environments, tools like Ivanti’s mobile device management can automate these settings. Combining exemptions with notification settings ensures that apps remain active, although blanket exemptions may lead to faster battery depletion. The dynamic between operating system efficiency and app demands continues to evolve, particularly with Android 14’s enhanced foreground service requirements.