enhanced search Archives

Winsage

January 13, 2026

Give your old PC a fresh start with this Microsoft bundle

The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro Bundle is available for .97, reduced from 8.99, resulting in savings of 9.02. The bundle includes a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021, which features eight tools such as Word, Excel, Teams, OneNote, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, and Access. It also includes Windows 11 Pro, which offers an intuitive interface, snap layouts, enhanced search capabilities, and cybersecurity features like biometric logins and antivirus protection.

Winsage

January 8, 2026

Microsoft’s Windows 11 AI Integration Draws Backlash on Performance, Privacy Woes

Microsoft's integration of artificial intelligence into Windows 11 has led to significant user dissatisfaction, with reports of sluggish performance, software bloating, and increased hardware strain. Users have experienced issues such as longer boot times, higher memory usage, and frequent glitches, particularly with features like Copilot, which disrupt multitasking. Outage trackers indicate surges in complaints about Microsoft Copilot, highlighting reliability issues. Concerns have also been raised about AI agents exhibiting hallucinations and security vulnerabilities, with users reporting risks of data leaks. Microsoft's claim that 30% of new Windows code is AI-generated has been met with skepticism due to persistent bugs. Hardware partners, such as Dell, have noted consumer disinterest in AI PCs, reflecting broader market hesitance. Privacy concerns have emerged regarding AI scanning user data, and internal reliance on AI for coding has led to notable errors. Security experts warn that deep AI integration could introduce new attack vectors. User feedback mechanisms have been criticized for slow responses, and there is a general call for AI tools that enhance rather than hinder user experience. Microsoft has adjusted its internal goals due to low demand for AI products, signaling a potential shift towards more user-centric updates.

Winsage

January 8, 2026

How to get started with PowerToys Command Palette on Windows 11 — an answer to macOS Spotlight for Windows PCs

The Command Palette is a feature in PowerToys for Windows 11 that allows advanced users to access applications, settings, and system tools quickly, similar to macOS Spotlight. To install it, users must install PowerToys via Command Prompt or the Microsoft Store. Configuration involves enabling the Command Palette, customizing activation shortcuts, and adjusting display settings. Users can search for applications, settings, and files, perform calculations, access clipboard history, and execute system commands. Keyboard modifiers enhance functionality, and users can create custom search shortcuts with community plugins. The Command Palette also includes a Registry browser extension for navigating the Windows Registry.

Tech Optimizer

December 23, 2025

Better Relevance for AI Apps With BM25 Algorithm in PostgreSQL

Tiger Data, formerly known as Timescale, has released a preview version of pg_textsearch, an open-source extension for PostgreSQL that uses the BM25 algorithm to improve keyword search relevance and performance. The project quickly gained over 1,800 stars on GitHub. The rebranding reflects a strategic shift from a focus on time-series databases to a broader scope, including cloud offerings and PostgreSQL for various applications. The pg_textsearch extension addresses the need for enhanced search capabilities in PostgreSQL, particularly for AI applications, as customers sought a general-purpose search primitive. The BM25 algorithm improves relevance ranking in information retrieval systems, offering features like inverse document frequency and term frequency saturation. The extension is compatible with PostgreSQL versions 17 and 18 and enhances performance for large datasets. Development of pg_textsearch began in October, utilizing AI tools to streamline the process, with a production-ready version expected early next year.

Winsage

December 21, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (KB5072043) has been released to the Dev and Beta Channels. Users in the Dev Channel can switch to the Beta Channel while both channels continue to receive the same updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2. New features include Ask Copilot on the taskbar for commercial users, which allows voice or text engagement with contextual information, and enhancements to the taskbar for monitoring AI agents. The update also introduces Agent Launchers for AI agents across apps, improved customization for Narrator announcements, a refined voice typing experience, and a new Discover Windows widget for tips on Windows features. Language support for the Settings Agent has expanded to include additional languages. Fixes have been made for various issues in the taskbar, File Explorer, login screens, and more. Known issues include unresponsiveness of Researcher on the taskbar and problems with Bluetooth device battery levels. The Paint app has been updated with a collapsible toolbar feature.

Winsage

December 21, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (KB5072043) is being released to the Dev & Beta Channels. Insiders in the Dev Channel can switch to the Beta Channel while both channels are offering the same 25H2-based updates. New features include Ask Copilot on the taskbar for commercial customers, which provides one-click access to Microsoft 365 Copilot and a streamlined search experience. The update also introduces Agents on the taskbar for monitoring tasks, Agent Launchers for app integration, and enhanced Narrator customization. Voice typing experience has been improved, and a new Discover Windows widget is being introduced. The Settings Agent now supports additional languages, and the Click to Do feature now supports Microsoft 365 Copilot. Various fixes and known issues have been documented, including improvements to File Explorer and taskbar functionality. The Paint app is also receiving an update with a collapsible toolbar feature.

Winsage

December 18, 2025

2025 in review: How we elevated the Microsoft Store experience

In 2025, the Microsoft Store on Windows attracted over 250 million monthly users and introduced new offerings, including productivity tools like Raycast, Noteastic, and Cephable, as well as popular games such as Fortnite and Hollow Knight: Silksong. Accessibility apps like DotVista and applications like RunCat 365 and Adobe Premier Elements 2026 were also launched. In collaboration with Tencent, the catalog in China expanded to include mini apps and games like Rednote and Fire to the Zombies. The 2025 App Awards winners were announced, recognizing exceptional value for Windows users. The Microsoft Store introduced Special Events to help users discover timely content within their favorite apps. A dedicated Themes department was launched to simplify the process of personalizing computing environments. Enhancements made since June focused on providing a tailored experience, with personalized content available on home and app pages. The app installation process was streamlined with multi-app install features and improved methods for finding and launching apps through the Windows Search Bar. The AI Hub was refreshed to help users discover AI-powered apps, with new app badges indicating AI capabilities. Copilot now assists with Store browsing in the U.S., and finding Agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot has been made easier. Key improvements included quicker navigation, improved error handling, the ability to uninstall apps directly from the Library, better update orchestration, and enhanced search functionality.

Winsage

December 17, 2025

Windows 11 version 26H1 plays catch up with new features brought over from version 25H2

Microsoft has released a preview build of Windows 11, version 28020.1362, for Insiders in the Canary Channel. This build includes several new features: - Expanded Xbox Experience for handheld devices - Revamped context menu for the Click To Do interface - Enhanced search functionality in Windows Settings - New file share drag tray feature - Windows Studio Effects for external webcams - Improved mobile device settings management - Enhancements to dark mode in File Explorer Additionally, Windows 11 version 26H1 will launch on devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2, and the Bromine feature is expected to roll out with version 26H2 in the latter half of next year.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

Google Weather ‘app’ for Android to be replaced by Search: Report

Google is replacing its Weather app for Android devices with a revamped Search experience, integrating weather data into Google Search results instead of a standalone app. This transition began in mid-October, with users noticing that the Weather shortcut now directs them to search results.

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

Epic Games Store opens December 2025 PC free games lineup with two acclaimed hits

The Epic Games Store has announced updates to enhance user experience and expand its offerings, including a revamped user interface, enhanced search functionality, and improved social features. Additionally, Epic is supporting developers through a competitive revenue sharing model, funding for indie developers via the Epic MegaGrants program, and access to Unreal Engine technology. These initiatives aim to create a user-friendly platform and nurture a thriving developer community.