editor Archives

AppWizard

April 10, 2026

22 of Russia’s 30 most popular Android apps monitor whether users have VPN enabled, study finds

Recent research by RKS Global found that 22 out of the top 30 Android apps in Russia monitor users' VPN status. Banking apps like T-Bank, Sberbank, VTB, and Alfa-Bank are leading this trend, along with Yandex and VK applications such as Yandex Browser and VKontakte. Online marketplaces including Wildberries, Ozon, MegaMarket, and Samokat also track VPN usage. In total, 18 of the 30 apps transmit VPN status data to their servers, while 24 send lists of installed applications. Yandex Browser uniquely searches for the Tor browser, and Samokat and MegaMarket retrieve lists of installed VPN apps. The Russian Digital Development Ministry has mandated that major internet platforms restrict access for users with VPNs by April 15.

AppWizard

April 10, 2026

Review: Forza Horizon 6 Is a Racing Game That’s Fun without a Sim Rig

Forza Horizon 6 is set to launch on Xbox and PC on May 19, 2026, with a later release for PlayStation 5. The game emphasizes enjoyment over complexity, allowing players to engage in casual racing without intricate setups. It features a garage customization option that rivals city-building games, extensive vehicle aesthetic upgrades, and an immersive representation of Japan with diverse biomes and seasonal changes. Players can drive various impressive cars, including the 641-hp Toyota GR GT and a widebody Nissan Silvia. The game is available for preorder through the Microsoft Store, Steam, or for wishlisting on PlayStation, with early access for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers starting May 15.

Winsage

April 10, 2026

Microsoft begins removing Copilot from Windows 11, starting with Notepad, Snipping Tool

Microsoft has removed the Copilot branding from the Notepad app for Windows Insiders, replacing it with a "Writing tools" icon in the latest update (version 11.2512.28.0). Despite the removal of the logo, AI functionality remains intact, and users can disable the feature through the Settings menu under "Advanced Features." The Snipping Tool has also eliminated the Copilot button and currently shows no AI integration. Microsoft is scaling back unnecessary Copilot integration in various apps, including Notepad and Snipping Tool, while still maintaining underlying AI capabilities.

Winsage

April 9, 2026

“Listening to how we can keep making it better for you”: Windows Insider meetups are coming back after years away, connecting Windows 11 users with Microsoft

Pavan Davuluri, President of Windows at Microsoft, committed to improving user sentiment for Windows 11 by addressing pain points and listening to customer feedback. Microsoft has reinstated the vertical Taskbar and is scaling back the visibility of AI features like Copilot. The company is reviving Windows Insider meetups to engage more with users, with scheduled events in New York City, Hyderabad, Taipei, San Francisco, and London. Senior Editor Zac Bowden noted a decline in the appeal of the Windows Insider Program, and he advocates for the revival of a major annual Windows event.

AppWizard

April 8, 2026

Whispers of the Tallgrass, a Creepy First-Person Survival Horror Game, Announced for PC

Whispers of the Tallgrass is a first-person atmospheric survival horror game set in an abandoned industrial wasteland where players must evade a predator while scavenging for resources. The game restricts saving to specific locations, enhancing tension and making every decision significant. Item placements are randomized in each playthrough, providing a unique challenge. Players can discover multiple escape routes with varying risks and rewards, encouraging strategic thinking. The game is set to launch later this year on PC via Steam, and an announcement trailer and first screenshots have been released.

BetaBeacon

April 8, 2026

Google enables system-wide gamepad customization in Android 17

Google has introduced native controller remapping for its Android 17 Beta, allowing users to customize gamepad buttons, sticks, and triggers uniformly across games.

AppWizard

April 8, 2026

It Looks Like Steam Will Soon Use Frame Rate Data Gathered by Its Millions of Users to Estimate How Well a Gam

Valve is collecting frame rate data from its user base to predict game performance on individual systems. This initiative started with a SteamOS beta that gathers performance metrics. A code string in a recent Steam update suggests that Valve plans to use this data to estimate game performance based on users' CPU, GPU, and RAM specifications. Users will have the option to input their hardware details or receive projections based on their existing configuration. This feature aims to provide more comprehensive performance estimates compared to existing offerings from other digital game stores. The current data collection is limited to the beta client, but the rollout of this feature is expected to help gamers assess their hardware's capability to run new titles.

Winsage

April 7, 2026

How to prevent updates on Windows 10 desktops

Organizations may pause or block Windows updates to maintain system stability and compatibility, particularly to avoid disruptions with legacy applications or customized environments, manage bandwidth consumption, and protect fortified Windows configurations. IT departments can disable updates using several methods: 1. Centralized patch management tools like WSUS or Microsoft Intune allow control over update deployment. 2. Configuring Group Policy settings can notify users of available updates without automatic installation. 3. Disabling the Windows Update service halts all future updates until re-enabled. 4. Setting a connection as metered can reduce automatic updates, though some critical updates may still download. In Windows 11, similar strategies apply, but organizations must consider the risks of blocking updates due to the end of regular security updates for Windows 10 and align their strategies with Microsoft's evolving update delivery methods.

Winsage

April 7, 2026

Notepad (25H2)

Microsoft has transformed its Notepad text editor in Windows 11, introducing features such as a tabbed user interface, basic session state management, a "Recent files" option, and AI-driven writing tools. Notepad now supports Markdown markup language for light formatting and includes customizable settings for themes, fonts, document opening preferences, and the ability to disable certain features. Users can access AI writing tools through a Copilot button, which requires a Microsoft account and an active Microsoft 365 subscription. The classic Notepad version is still available, allowing users to revert to the previous interface, although it cannot be set as the default app for text files.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

It Looks Like Steam Will Soon Use Frame Rate Data Gathered by Its Millions of Users to Estimate How Well a Gam

Valve is planning to use frame rate data from its user base to estimate game performance on individual gaming PCs. This initiative began with a beta version of SteamOS that collects performance metrics. A code string found in a recent Steam update indicates that users will soon be able to input their CPU, GPU, and RAM specifications to receive tailored performance estimates. Steam will also automatically generate projections based on users' current hardware configurations. This feature aims to provide more comprehensive performance insights compared to existing platforms like the Xbox app and Windows Store. The frame rate data collection is currently in beta and may take time to become widely accessible.