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AppWizard

September 9, 2026

Gemini’s Daily Brief drops its subscription fee

Google's Gemini's Daily Brief feature is now available to free users in the United States, removing the previous paid subscription requirement. The Daily Brief compiles information from Gmail, Google Calendar, and other connected applications, along with insights from past interactions, to create a personalized morning summary. Users need to have Personal Intelligence, Memory, and Google Workspace integration activated to fully utilize the feature. The rollout is gradual, and currently limited to U.S. users. Daily Brief allows users to manage tasks, initiate chats, and receive updates via Gemini Live. Future developments may include audio Daily Briefs and integration into the Android lock screen.

Winsage

September 9, 2026

Windows 11 set to gain upgraded sound settings, cross-device improvements, and new family safety features as Microsoft begins testing

Microsoft has released new Windows 11 preview builds for testing, featuring several enhancements. Key updates include: - Enhanced sound settings with redesigned volume sliders that provide real-time audio feedback and the migration of more Control Panel sound settings to Windows Settings. This includes options to set default audio devices, enable hardware acceleration, configure exclusive mode, and adjust adaptive communication sound levels. The All sound devices page has also been improved for easier management of audio devices. - Improved cross-device functionality allowing users to download the Windows app for a phone directly from the Taskbar via Phone Link, facilitating easier task resumption across devices.

Winsage

September 8, 2026

Microsoft Releases September 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates

Microsoft released its September 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11, focusing on versions 26H1 and 25H2/24H2. Key features include: - Taskbar customization for versions 25H2 and 24H2, allowing users to choose the taskbar's location and size. - Faster Windows Search with options to hide web and Microsoft Store suggestions. - Touch scrolling support in the "Recommended" section of File Explorer. - Start Menu customization options for size and visibility of sections. - Stability improvements for Microsoft Teams and Outlook on Arm64 PCs. For version 26H1, updates include: - Improved app search and Settings relevance in Windows Search. - Voice Isolation technology in Voice Access. - Updated taskbar notification badges and Weather widget display on the Lock Screen. - New gesture controls for Precision Touchpads. - Enhanced Sign-in Security supporting peripheral fingerprint sensors. - Optimized Windows Update progression calculations and clean-up logic. - Power settings allowing users to set energy saver activation thresholds. Microsoft is using AI to identify vulnerabilities, with 997 Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures reported, including one actively exploited vulnerability (CVE-2026-81963). Windows 11 version 26H2 has been made available to Insiders, with a public rollout expected next month.

Winsage

September 8, 2026

Microsoft releases Windows security update addressing 723 flaws

Microsoft released its September 2026 security updates, addressing two critical Windows elevation-of-privilege vulnerabilities: CVE-2026-85880 and CVE-2026-81963. Both vulnerabilities were exploited before their public disclosure on September 8. CVE-2026-85880 involves a heap-based buffer overflow in the Windows Advanced Local Procedure Call (ALPC), allowing low-privileged attackers to gain SYSTEM privileges. CVE-2026-81963 affects the Windows Update Stack due to improper link resolution and access controls, enabling similar privilege escalation. The September release also includes 974 Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) across various Microsoft products, with 723 affecting Windows. Users of Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 receive updates via KB5124008, while Windows 11 26H1 receives KB5124012. Windows 11 24H2 Home or Pro editions will reach end of servicing on October 13, 2026. Users are advised to install the updates promptly and back up important data.

BetaBeacon

September 8, 2026

Absolum coming to iOS, Android on November 5

Absolum is a game where players join a rebellion led by high enchantress Uchawi to free the lands of Talamh from the oppressive rule of Sun King Azra. Players can choose from four heroes with different fighting styles and must craft new strategies to defeat Azra's elite guard. The game features arcade beat 'em up action combined with modern roguelite mechanics, set in a fantasy world with beautiful art and music by composer Gareth Coker. The game is available on both iOS and Android with revamped touch controls and cross-progression between devices.

BetaBeacon

September 8, 2026

Drop Duchy is bringing its unique block-stacking strategy to Android; pre-registration now live

Drop Duchy is a game that combines geometric block-stacking with strategic elements. Players must build their realm using blocks of different shapes and types, collect resources, protect their castle, and grow a powerful army. Each run presents a new landscape where tiles can be placed strategically to gain bonuses and resources. The game also features a deck-building system with over 110 unique cards, allowing players to experiment with new structures, upgrades, and modifiers. Additionally, players can trade with markets and guilds, improve their deck, and more.

AppWizard

September 8, 2026

Persona 1 and 2 remakes are something Atlus will ‘probably eventually do’, which is great, but the PS2-era Shin Megami Tensei games are sitting right there

Kazuhisa Wada, the producer of the Persona series, hinted at the possibility of remakes for Persona 1 and 2, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation in gaming. Atlus recently remade Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne, but fans are curious about the future of Digital Devil Saga and its sequel. Shin Megami Tensei 4 remains exclusive to the Nintendo 3DS, while Shin Megami Tensei 3 and 5 are available on PC. Fans are urging Atlus to prioritize remakes of Shin Megami Tensei 4, Digital Devil Saga 1 and 2, and Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon.

Winsage

September 7, 2026

Microsoft just stumbled onto a way to fix Windows 11, but it hasn’t realized it yet

Microsoft has launched Project Zenith to improve the Windows 11 experience for developers, providing a streamlined environment primarily for high-end PCs. Devices under this initiative will come preloaded with essential development tools and optimized settings to reduce setup time. While the features are tailored for developers, similar configurations can be achieved on any Windows 11 machine by adjusting settings and installing applications like Visual Studio Code. Additionally, Microsoft plans to enhance security in Windows 11 by automatically enabling memory integrity protection on eligible devices starting next month.

Tech Optimizer

September 7, 2026

Intego ONE now protects your iPhone too – and there’s 50% off in September

Intego ONE Complete has launched the Intego ONE: VPN & Wi-Fi Security app for iPhone, available at no extra charge to Complete subscribers. The app provides VPN protection, Wi-Fi security assessments, and checks on built-in iPhone security settings but does not function as antivirus software. It enhances existing Apple security measures by addressing vulnerabilities related to insecure Wi-Fi connections and unprotected internet access. The app is accessible to both new and existing subscribers, and Intego is currently offering a 50% discount on subscriptions until September 30, 2026. Intego ONE is available in three tiers: Essential, Advanced, and Complete, with the Complete tier including the new iPhone app. The app features a VPN that encrypts internet connections on public Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi security checks, and assessments of iPhone security settings. While traditional viruses are rare on iPhones, threats like spyware and exploits still exist. The app does not replace Apple's malware protection but complements it. Intego ONE Complete is recommended for Mac and iPhone owners, particularly those who travel frequently or connect to public Wi-Fi. The pricing includes various deals, with a 50% discount currently available and a subsequent 35% discount after the promotional period.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

This beloved Android Auto app now lets you send videos from your phone to your car

The developer of Xtream Player has released an update (v1.6.0) that includes several new features: a Winamp-inspired visualizer with nine styles available to all users, the ability to send videos from a smartphone to a car (currently experimental), automatic playback resumption after phone calls, and hidden in-page controls for a cleaner interface. Premium users receive additional benefits, such as the app remembering the last visualization used and support for official MilkDrop and libprojectM visualizers. Xtream Player v1.6.0 can be downloaded from GitHub or the Fermata Xtream website.