device

Winsage
July 12, 2026
Many users enhance their Windows 11 experience with third-party applications, but the operating system also offers built-in customization options, such as setting custom folder icons in File Explorer. This feature allows users to personalize their navigation experience and improve efficiency. To change folder icons, users can download .ico files, right-click the folder, select Properties, go to the Customize tab, choose Change Icon, browse for the downloaded .ico file, and apply the changes. The process is quick and reversible. For better visual appeal, users can select "View > Extra large icons" in File Explorer. Additionally, the Object Desktop package provides further customization options.
Winsage
July 12, 2026
Windows 11 is set to receive a slightly larger search box in the Start menu, increasing its height by four pixels to enhance the search experience. This change is currently in preview and may be rolled out to all users. Microsoft is also addressing design inconsistencies in Windows 11 through the Windows K2 project, which aims to refine the operating system's aesthetic and performance. The initiative may lead to improvements in RAM usage and overall visual appeal, contributing to a more polished user experience.
Winsage
July 12, 2026
Microsoft is enhancing the Windows 11 user experience by improving the integration of smartphones through significant upgrades to the Phone Link feature. Key upgrades include enhancements to the Phone Companion feature in the Start menu, allowing users to view recent activities and notifications without launching the app. A new smartphone flyout will be tested in the Taskbar's system tray, displaying a phone icon for connected devices and offering quick access to settings and file sharing. Clipboard history synchronization between the phone and PC is also being considered, enabling users to access a comprehensive list of copied content. Additionally, a standalone Messages app for Windows 11 is in development, allowing users to sync SMS conversations and respond directly from their PC. These features are in the exploration and prototyping stages, with feedback from Insiders expected before any final decisions are made. Microsoft aims to create a cohesive ecosystem where smartphones and PCs work seamlessly together.
Winsage
July 12, 2026
Microsoft is enhancing the Windows 11 shell and user experience by integrating smartphone features more seamlessly. Significant upgrades are planned for Phone Link, which will evolve into a more native experience. The Phone Companion feature in the Start menu will allow users to view recent activities without launching the Phone Link app, enabling easy scrolling and detailed information on hover. A new smartphone flyout is being tested for the system tray, featuring a phone icon that provides an overview of the phone's status and quick access to functions like Do Not Disturb and file sharing. These features are in the exploratory stages, reflecting Microsoft's commitment to integrating Phone Link capabilities into Windows, allowing access to phone files and using the phone's camera as a webcam.
Winsage
July 11, 2026
Microsoft is advocating for a reevaluation of Windows patch management practices due to the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) impacting cybersecurity. The company emphasizes that traditional timelines for patch deployment, typically spanning several weeks after the monthly Patch Tuesday, are inadequate against modern cyber threats. Microsoft recommends organizations shorten deployment windows to under three days for quality updates, with immediate installation deadlines and minimal user grace periods. To support these changes, Microsoft is enhancing Windows Autopatch with a new reporting dashboard for patch compliance and security insights. The company is promoting cloud-managed deployment through Microsoft Intune and Windows Autopatch while continuing to support legacy tools. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing Windows Hotpatch technology, allowing security updates to be installed without immediate reboots, and advocating for the use of identity-based access controls to isolate unpatched devices. The guidance reflects a shift from scheduled patching to continuous risk management, encouraging organizations to prioritize high-risk assets and automate update deployments. Microsoft is also investing in AI-assisted vulnerability discovery and automated code analysis to improve defensive capabilities. The overarching message is that enterprises must adapt their update strategies to address the accelerated pace of AI-driven exploitation.
BetaBeacon
July 11, 2026
Mangmi announces new vertical handheld consoles called Air Y and Air Y Pro, which will have different numbers of joysticks, a Qualcomm processor, and minimal bezels around the screen.
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