devices Archives

AppWizard

August 11, 2025

Google is giving Android’s headphone and earbud notifications a fresh new look

Google is enhancing the user experience on Android devices with a visual update for headphone and earbud battery status. The updated notification features color-coded rings around icons for each earbud and their charging case, allowing for quick assessment of battery status. Dynamic icons indicate whether the earbuds are charging and if the case is discharging power. This redesign replaces the previous method of displaying a battery icon with a percentage. The update will be available with the rollout of Android 15 QPR2 on Pixel devices.

Winsage

August 10, 2025

A guy in California is suing Microsoft for discontinuing Windows 10, demanding free extended support

Lawrence Klein, a San Diego resident, has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft challenging the company's decision to discontinue support for Windows 10 in October. Klein argues that Microsoft should maintain free support for Windows 10 until its user base falls below 10% of all Windows users, claiming the discontinuation pressures users to purchase new devices and helps Microsoft establish a monopoly in the generative AI market. As of April 2025, Windows 10 users make up approximately 52.94% of all Windows users, while Windows 11 adoption has been slow. Klein estimates that over 240 million devices may become obsolete due to Windows 11's hardware requirements, leading to increased e-waste. He criticizes Microsoft's strategy as atypical, noting that the transition to Windows 11 is being mandated only four years after its release, and he describes Windows 11 as "wildly unpopular." Klein seeks judicial intervention to stop misleading advertising, ensure clear communication about support discontinuation, and mandate continued updates for Windows 10 at no extra cost until its user base declines significantly. Klein is only requesting reimbursement for attorney's fees.

BetaBeacon

August 10, 2025

8 forgotten Android classics I still play today

Dead Trigger is a single-player, story-driven first-person zombie shooter game that offers a fairly pure experience without pushing micro-transactions for upgrades. The game was optimized for Tegra chipsets and had stunning graphics for its time. It remains playable despite looking a bit dated and offers bite-sized missions for players.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

5 file management apps you should use instead of Files by Google

Files by Google is a free and lightweight file management application for Android that helps users manage files, clean up duplicates, and free up storage space. In a recent poll, users reported their preferences for file management apps: Files by Google (15%), Mixplorer (4%), Material Files (12%), Solid Explorer (23%), Cx File Explorer (12%), Fossify File Manager (12%), and another app (8%). Mixplorer is noted for its versatility, integrating various storage solutions and supporting symlinks, with a customizable design and a dropdown breadcrumbs menu. It is available for free via XDA, with a paid version, Mixplorer Silver, on the Play Store. Material Files features an intuitive interface influenced by Material You, adapting to device color themes, but lacks Google Drive browsing capabilities. Solid Explorer offers a polished UI with a two-pane file management system and real-time folder size displays, along with fingerprint security for storage access. Cx File Explorer focuses on managing storage with analysis tools that highlight storage usage and a clean design. Fossify File Manager is a free, open-source option that emphasizes privacy, allowing users to lock files and folders, with a user-friendly interface and customizable themes.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

WhatsApp Might Soon Let You Send Motion Photos With Audio and Movements

WhatsApp for Android is testing a new feature called motion photos, which captures audio and movement before and after a snapshot. This feature is available in the beta version 2.25.22.29 for select testers on Google Play. It is indicated by a new icon with a play button in the image selection interface. Motion photos are described as recordings of moments surrounding a photo, enhancing the photo-sharing experience. Users can only send motion photos if their devices support this functionality, but they can view them regardless of their device's capabilities. The feature aims to prevent motion photos from being converted into video files when shared. There is no timeline for its official launch yet.

Winsage

August 10, 2025

Revamp your PC with Windows 11 Pro for $15

You can upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for .97, down from its regular price of 9. This offer is valid for one more day and allows you to rejuvenate up to two compatible PCs. Windows 11 Pro features a new user interface, productivity tools like snap layouts and improved voice typing, and advanced security measures including Smart App Control, TPM 2.0, and BitLocker device encryption. It also enhances gaming performance with DirectX12 Ultimate and includes remote work capabilities such as remote desktop access and tools like Azure AD, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

Google can make AI good if it puts its mind to it. The Storybook Gem is proof

Skepticism towards artificial intelligence exists, with some viewing the surge in AI development as profit-driven, particularly by companies like Google. Google has introduced Gemini, which features Storybook, allowing users to create a 10-page children's book by specifying a theme and illustrations. This tool enhances user experience and fosters creativity, especially for storytelling between grandparents and grandchildren. However, there are concerns about the misuse of AI technology. The text reflects on Google's past initiatives aimed at positive societal impact, contrasting them with a current focus on consumer products. There is a desire for more user-friendly applications that benefit society, such as tools for children to learn coding or assist seniors. The integration of Gemini AI into devices like the Google Pixel 9 Pro demonstrates how technology can enhance creativity and everyday experiences.

Winsage

August 9, 2025

California man sues Microsoft for discontinuing Windows 10 — says company is doing this to “monopolize the generative AI market”

Lawrence Klein has filed a complaint against Microsoft in the San Diego Superior Court due to the company's announcement to stop support for Windows 10 by October 14, 2025. Klein owns two laptops running Windows 10 and argues that this decision will render his devices obsolete. He believes Microsoft's strategy is aimed at forcing customers to buy new hardware compatible with its generative AI software, including the Copilot feature in Windows 11. The upgrade to Windows 11 is free, but requires TPM 2.0 technology, which many devices lack, making them ineligible for the upgrade. Users can bypass this requirement but will not receive official support from Microsoft. The Enhanced Security Updates program requires a Microsoft Account, which has deterred many users from upgrading. As the deadline nears, some users may need to invest in new devices, while others are considering transitioning to Linux to avoid hardware costs.

Winsage

August 9, 2025

3 apps that are saying ‘no’ to Microsoft’s invasive Recall tool, and how you can too

Microsoft's Recall tool is currently available only on Copilot+ PCs, and users can easily disable it. There are concerns that Recall may become an integral part of Windows, limiting user control. Signal has developed a workaround to prevent Recall from capturing data by enabling screen security, which uses Microsoft's DRM to keep its windows blank during screenshots. Brave has implemented a similar strategy by labeling every browser window as a private browsing session, preventing Recall access while allowing screenshots. AdGuard has updated its functionality to specifically target Recall, providing an additional layer of protection for users concerned about data privacy.

Winsage

August 9, 2025

9 Hidden Default Settings and Behaviors on Windows 11

Windows 11 has several default settings that users may not be aware of: 1. Windows Update can utilize renewable energy by scheduling installations during times of lower carbon intensity. 2. Microsoft accounts automatically back up apps and settings, but individual item restoration is not available. 3. Delivery Optimization is enabled by default, allowing updates to be downloaded from both Microsoft servers and local devices. 4. The "Find My Device" feature is automatically turned on for Microsoft account users to help locate lost or stolen computers. 5. Device Encryption (BitLocker) is enabled by default, with the decryption key stored in the user's Microsoft account. 6. System Protection is disabled by default, requiring users to enable it manually for recovery capabilities. 7. Storage Sense is enabled by default to automatically delete unnecessary files and free up disk space. 8. Hibernation is disabled by default, likely due to hardware compatibility issues. 9. The default account lockout policy allows for 10 invalid sign-in attempts before locking the account for 10 minutes.