distractions Archives

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Microsoft says RGB is responsible for recent Windows 11 and game crashes

RGB lighting setups may be causing system instabilities on Windows 11, particularly during gaming sessions, as reported by Microsoft. The issue affects PCs running Windows 11 version 25H2 or newer, especially after the August 11 KB5121003 update, and is linked to driver or code components associated with 'inpoutx64'. Users have experienced 'ExceptionAccessViolation' blue screens, which occur when software accesses memory outside its designated boundaries. The problem may be related to anti-cheat technology in various games conflicting with RGB software. Affected titles include Arc Raiders, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals. Microsoft and game developers are working on solutions and recommend temporarily disabling inpoutx64, which may result in loss of RGB functionality. The issue also affects internal RGB components.

AppWizard

August 23, 2026

Big Walk is a new co-op puzzle game classic

Big Walk is a collaborative puzzle-adventure game designed for up to 12 players, best enjoyed with smaller groups of three or four. It features built-in proximity chat that encourages in-game communication, adding complexity to problem-solving. Players must navigate puzzles while adhering to communication restrictions, often leading to creative non-verbal solutions. One puzzle involves players matching sounds from booths to speakers while relying on visual cues and limited communication. The game is available on Steam and is recommended for dedicated groups, as a full playthrough may take around 12 hours without achieving 100% completion.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

These apps send texts at the rate of a pigeon

Roost Social and Carrier Pidge are mobile applications launched in April 2025 that allow users to send messages via carrier pigeons in a digital format. Roost features various birds and a turtle with different speeds, while Carrier Pidge focuses solely on pigeons. Roost was created by Logan Mendelsohn, who initially proposed the idea over a decade ago but revisited it in 2025, launching the app on April 30 after development. Noah Iarrobino spontaneously created Carrier Pidge within days, aided by AI tools. Both apps are free to download but include in-app purchases to cover operational costs. As of mid-August 2025, Roost has over 700,000 users, and Carrier Pidge has 76,000 users, reflecting a trend among younger demographics for simpler communication methods. Roost is available on both Apple and Google Play Stores, while Carrier Pidge is available only on the Apple App Store.

AppWizard

August 20, 2026

Android 17’s new distraction-killer is a Pixel 11 exclusive, Google confirms

Google has introduced a feature called Pause Point in Android 17, which prompts users to take a 10-second pause before opening distracting apps like TikTok or Instagram. This feature is currently exclusive to the Pixel 11 series, with no confirmation on availability for older devices. A video on the official Android YouTube channel suggests that Pause Point may be available for "select Android 17 devices" that require users to opt in, indicating a possibility for broader access in the future.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

How I turned a single Google Keep note into the ultimate productivity hack

A single Google Keep note has become essential for daily productivity, allowing for a streamlined approach to task management. In a poll, 27% of respondents use Google Keep as their main productivity tool, while 31% use it in a supporting role. The note consolidates all relevant information, reducing digital clutter and enabling easy access across devices. It includes sections for tasks, recurring responsibilities, and personal reminders, facilitating organization without distraction. The user also maintains a separate Undated Tasks section for less urgent items. While Google Keep simplifies workflow, it lacks advanced features, prompting the use of other apps for specific needs.

AppWizard

August 17, 2026

The Sinking City 2 review

Players can expect a survival horror game with Lovecraftian themes set in the 1920s, developed and published by Frogwares, scheduled for release on August 18. The game is priced at £41.35 and is designed for single-player gameplay, focusing on an immersive narrative. It has been reviewed on a setup with Windows 11, an Intel Core i9 processor, 32GB of RAM, and an Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics card. Steam Deck compatibility is unknown.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Windows 11’s August update has arrived — here are 3 reasons to download it, including turbocharged app launching

Windows 11's August update introduces several enhancements, including the expansion of Launch Performance Optimization (LLP) to all applications, improving app launch speed by temporarily boosting processor performance. Voice Access now features Voice Isolation to filter out background noise, requiring a one-time setup for optimal performance. Precision touchpad users gain new gesture controls for zoom and scroll speed adjustments. The update reinstates the ability to manually set the threshold for the Energy Saver feature. Lock screen widgets now display only the weather by default, and notification badges in the taskbar have been visually updated to use the Windows accent color. Additional changes include support for peripheral fingerprint sensors in Windows Hello and a parental controls notice during setup.

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Windows 11 KB5121003 & KB5120240 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released cumulative updates KB512103 and KB5120240 for Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2, addressing security vulnerabilities, bugs, and introducing new features. These updates include the August 2026 Patch Tuesday security patches, which address 400 vulnerabilities. Users can install the updates via Start > Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. This is the eighth 'Patch Tuesday' release of 2026, with no exclusive changes for either version. Key enhancements in the August 2026 update include: - File Explorer: Improved file size display, middle-click functionality for folders, resolution of loading issues, and enhanced clarity of file thumbnails. - Windows Search: Better handling of typos in app search and improved relevance of settings in search results. - Voice Access: Introduction of Voice Isolation and Korean language support, along with reliability improvements. - Widgets: Taskbar notification badges now reflect the Windows accent color, and the Lock screen Widgets experience has been simplified. - Start Menu: Improved reliability of view preferences and enhanced keyboard navigation. - Windows Hello: Enhanced Sign-in Security now supports peripheral fingerprint sensors. - Power and Battery: Improved reliability of power settings and restored threshold setting for energy saver activation. - Accessibility: Enhanced Magnifier experience on touch devices. Microsoft has not reported any new issues related to this month's updates.

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Microsoft Releases August 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates

Microsoft has released the August 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for all supported versions of Windows 11, including the KB5121000 update for version 26H1, which introduces a new Screen tint accessibility option, a subdued Widgets experience, and the ability to pause Windows Updates for up to 35 days. The KB5121003 update for versions 25H2 and 24H2 includes new gesture controls for precision touchpads, enhanced Windows Hello security for peripheral fingerprint sensors, taskbar notification badges reflecting the Windows accent color, improved app search functionality, upgraded Voice Access with Voice Isolation, better Windows Update settings, and the ability to set a threshold for energy saver activation. Additionally, Microsoft has addressed 398 Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) this month, with 62 classified as ‘Critical’ and one ‘Important’ flaw currently being exploited by attackers.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

6 hidden Google apps you aren’t using, but should be

YouTube Create is a free mobile video editor that offers features for creating videos for platforms like Instagram Reels, including filters, effects, and AI capabilities for editing. Snapseed is a free photo editing app with professional-grade features and a user-friendly interface, recently updated to include a camera mode. Google Opinion Rewards allows users to earn Play Store credit by completing short surveys. Action Blocks enables users to create customizable buttons for specific smartphone actions, aiding those who struggle with traditional navigation. Gallery is a minimalist photo management app that focuses on viewing images and videos without distractions. Google Lens is a versatile tool that identifies objects, extracts text, translates in real-time, and engages users in conversations about their surroundings.