enhanced capabilities Archives

Winsage

July 26, 2026

Windows 11’s File Explorer is now faster at deleting large files, in a rare speed win from Microsoft

Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8935 on July 20, which improves File Explorer's ability to delete large, fragmented files more quickly in certain scenarios. The update promises at least a 30% speed increase for bulk deletions and enhances the responsiveness of the Home tab in File Explorer. The Recommended section now supports touch scrolling. Future updates will include a modernization of the Properties dialog and improvements to search functionality. These enhancements aim to address the sluggishness of File Explorer, which has been attributed to fragmentation issues in NTFS and the hybrid architecture of the application.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Gemini gets better memory: smart home update refines automations and more

Google is enhancing its smart home ecosystem with updates that include an expansion of Gemini's "conversational memory" to 15 minutes, the debut of Gemini Live on first-generation Home Mini and Nest Hub devices, improved automation guidance, and new smart lock alerts for removed users. Recent updates also introduce Pet Memory for personalized recognition of pets and Suggested Automations to streamline user commands. The early access version of Gemini for Home has received refinements, with Gemini Live being exclusive to Google Home Premium subscribers. The memory capabilities of Gemini now support a broader range of Walmart's Onn cameras, and bug fixes have been implemented for a smoother user experience. The Continued Conversations feature allows Gemini to remember ongoing interactions for a few extra seconds, enabling follow-up commands. Pet Memory allows users to personalize interactions with their pets by using their names.

Winsage

July 5, 2026

Windows 11 Pro has entered “too good to ignore” territory at just $10.49 through today only

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for .49 (regular price 9) through today only. This is a lifetime license with no recurring subscription fees. Key features include BitLocker, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, Azure AD support, Snap Layouts, DirectX 12 Ultimate, biometric sign-in, and an AI Assistant Copilot. The offer ends today at 11:59 p.m. PT using the code JULY30.

Winsage

July 2, 2026

Windows Weekly 990: Don’t Be Nostalgic for Stupid

Microsoft has extended the Windows 10 Extended Security Update (ESU) program for consumers by an additional year, now set to end in October 2027. Significant changes are being made to the Windows Insider experience, including a new Windows Update feature and the introduction of five new builds. Microsoft has started offering 8 GB models of its Surface Pro and Laptop, while discontinuing its Surface Go products. HP has partnered with OpenAI, and Anthropic has launched Sonnet 5. Xbox Series X|S prices are set to increase on August 1, coinciding with the discontinuation of the 2 TB X model. Microsoft may lay off approximately 5,500 employees, about 2.5 percent of its workforce. The Minecraft Bedrock edition has introduced closed captions, and Sony plans to cease the sale of physical PS media by 2028.

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Microsoft Releases a Record Seven Windows 11 Insider Builds

Microsoft's Windows Insider program has released seven Insider builds across all Channels, including two builds on the Beta and Release Preview Channels and three builds for the new Experimental Channel. The updates focus on the Experimental (25H2), Beta (25H2), and Release Preview (25H2) Channels. The new 26H1 builds mainly feature elements from the 25H2 builds and are intended for new ARM-based PCs. Key features include: - A less disruptive Windows Update experience requiring only one monthly restart. - Improved Windows Search capabilities for better typo handling. - A new screen tint accessibility feature to reduce eye strain. - Quieter Widgets that do not open on hover and have a smaller memory footprint. - Magnifier tool enhancements with preset zoom increments and direct input options. - Bluetooth connectivity improvements for better compatibility with select devices. - Voice Access and Voice Typing now available in French, German, and Spanish. - Customizable right-click settings for touchpads. The Release Preview Channel is testing an optional update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, set for release in late June.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

Microsoft releases Windows 10 KB5094127 extended security update

Microsoft has released the Windows 10 KB5094127 extended security update, which addresses vulnerabilities identified during the June 2026 Patch Tuesday and enhances monitoring of updated Secure Boot certificates. Users on Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC or enrolled in the ESU program can install it via the Windows Update settings. The update upgrades Windows 10 to build 19045.7417 and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 to build 19044.7417. It focuses on security enhancements and bug fixes, resolving a total of 200 vulnerabilities, including three zero-day flaws. Key features include improved File Explorer search functionality for Chinese text and UTF-8 encoded files, dynamic status reporting for Secure Boot states, a new policy setting to limit Secure Boot service data sent to Microsoft, and enhanced targeting data for automatic receipt of new Secure Boot certificates. A known issue may cause BitLocker recovery notifications on certain systems, particularly those with specific BitLocker Group Policy settings. Microsoft recommends removing the Group Policy setting and suspending/resuming BitLocker as a temporary fix.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

NotebookLM just got a big upgrade, and research could get a lot easier

Google has upgraded NotebookLM to enhance its capabilities beyond simple document summarization, making the research process more efficient and reliable. The new features include: - NotebookLM can now automatically search the web and recommend sources, reducing manual reference gathering. - A cloud-based system allows NotebookLM to perform background tasks and generate various file types, including PDFs, spreadsheets, charts, images, and presentations. - The advanced Gemini 3.5 and Antigravity models improve the accuracy of responses and the handling of complex projects. - The tool previously relied on user-uploaded files for information but now offers more precise responses without placing the burden of reference collection on users. - Some features are currently available to Google AI Ultra subscribers and Workspace customers, with broader access expected soon.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

5 apps you should use instead of NotebookLM

NotebookLM is a leading AI research assistant and note-taking application, but there are several alternatives available. In a recent poll, user preferences for alternatives were as follows: OpenNotebook (31%), Obsidian (19%), Recall AI (6%), Notion (0%), Atlas (0%), and 44% preferred NotebookLM. Notion allows users to create a knowledge database and excels in managing interconnected databases, while NotebookLM focuses on analyzing research and generating audio summaries. Obsidian offers a customizable knowledge management system with a knowledge graph for organizing ideas. Recall AI serves as a self-organizing knowledge database that summarizes information into searchable cards and includes a quiz-making feature. Atlas is tailored for academic research, emphasizing accurate source citations and creating visual data representations. OpenNotebook mirrors NotebookLM's functionalities, allowing users to upload sources for AI-generated responses and offers audio summaries, but requires local or online hosting and technical proficiency.

AppWizard

June 6, 2026

Google just pulled the plug on Pixel’s AI image generator

Google has discontinued the Pixel Studio image generation app, redirecting users to the Gemini app for image creation using Nano Banana models. Pixel Studio version 2.3 has disabled image creation, following previous feature removals. Existing images in Pixel Studio remain accessible for viewing and sharing. The app was launched alongside the Pixel 9 series in 2024 but struggled to gain a substantial user base. Users are now prompted to use the Gemini platform for their image generation needs.

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

Over 116,000 Mincraft systems infected in WeedHack malware campaign

A malware operation called WeedHack has targeted Minecraft players since January, compromising over 116,000 systems with daily infections between 2,000 and 3,000. It primarily distributes malware through malicious mods, clients, cheats, and utilities promoted on YouTube, utilizing SEO poisoning to reach victims. The campaign features polished YouTube videos with embedded download links and targets keywords related to popular Minecraft clients. WeedHack operates as a malware-as-a-service (MaaS) model, offering a free tier that steals Minecraft session IDs, cookies, and passwords across various platforms, and a premium tier with enhanced capabilities. The operation's Telegram channel has over 800 members, mostly teenagers or young adults. Minecraft players are advised to trust only official sources for mods and verify download links to protect against these threats.