experience Archives

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Status Update 2: Windows 11 Field Guide 2026 Edition

The Windows 11 Field Guide has been significantly reduced from 103 MB and 990 pages to 73.9 MB and 839 pages, marking a notable achievement in its transformation. At its peak, the guide was over 300 MB and contained more than 1,150 pages. The reduction includes the removal of the Microsoft Edge section, which had about 100 pages of outdated content, replaced by a more concise chapter. The top-level table of contents has been restructured, and numerous chapters have been updated and consolidated, introducing new sections on Hardware, Security, Apps, Command Line Interfaces, Virtualization, XBOX and Videogames, and Help and Recovery. Additional work remains on consolidating chapters like Multitasking, Files, and Accounts. A monthly update schedule is planned to keep the guide current with new Microsoft features. Access to the guide is included for Thurrott Premium members, available in PDF and ePUB formats, with files currently hosted on Google Drive.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Microsoft should be jealous of what this file explorer just shipped

The latest update to the Files application, version 4.2, introduces a Tree View feature that allows users to navigate folders and subfolders in an expandable hierarchy from the sidebar. Additional upgrades include the ability to split the view into multiple panes, reorganized context menus, a cleaner breadcrumb bar design, and various UI improvements such as quick access to compatible apps, always showing file extensions when renaming, and enhancements to media file metadata. Other notable highlights include proper font thumbnails in the Windows Fonts folder, automatic selection when creating a new archive, and the addition of a "Skip" button in the File In Use dialog.

Tech Optimizer

July 7, 2026

The TechBeat: How Small Postgres Metadata Tables Quietly Throttle Your Largest Queries (7/6/2026)

- Websites detect VPN usage through factors like IP reputation, DNS leaks, WebRTC, and browser fingerprints, with strategies to mitigate tracking. - Slow Postgres dashboards may be caused by stale metadata statistics rather than the fact table, with solutions provided to rectify these issues. - Spec-driven development enhances the reliability of AI coding agents through structured specifications, workflows, reusable skills, and proof. - A comparison of usage-based billing platforms for 2026 includes Credyt, Metronome, Orb, Lago, Stripe Billing, and Chargebee. - Loop Engineering is a rising trend in AI workflows expected to dominate in 2026, though challenges may accompany it. - ONLYOFFICE released version 3.7 of DocSpace Developer, introducing AI file generation, new webhook events, expanded plugin tools, and enhanced form workflows. - ANY.RUN's data inspection tool offers SOC teams comprehensive browser visibility for quicker phishing investigations. - AI systems are reducing obvious hallucinations, but deeper structural failures remain a risk for professionals. - A vendor audit revealed supply chain vulnerabilities in AI, including unpinned models and the use of trust_remote_code=True. - Developers using OpenAI Codex should avoid overloading a single conversation with tasks to maintain performance, recommending the use of subagents. - Barriers to AI adoption are not purely technological, as shared by insights from discussions with 500 individuals. - Guidance on creating production AI agent loops emphasizes state management, tool governance, evidence verification, and domain-specific controls. - Dawnguard launched a security architecture automation platform with million in pre-seed funding to address AI code vulnerabilities. - The AI boom is driven by complex memory architecture rather than GPUs, influencing consumer electronics pricing strategies. - The origins of functional programming trace back to John McCarthy's practical needs for differentiating expressions. - A guide for AI startup founders addresses common pitfalls in understanding AI agents and the autonomy trap for developing reliable systems.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

CD Projekt Red thanks 6000 Edgerunners 2 advance viewers for not spoiling the show in stunning display of opsec: ‘Thank you so much for keeping your promise properly’

CD Projekt Red expressed gratitude to fans for their discretion regarding the premiere of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, following an advance screening attended by 6,000 fans at LA's Crypto.com Arena during Anime Expo 2026. Despite the excitement, no recorded footage of the episode has surfaced, demonstrating the audience's commitment to keeping the experience spoiler-free. Radek Grabowski, the global PR director for CD Projekt Red, commended fans on Twitter for their understanding and restraint. The second season is set to launch this fall.

Winsage

July 6, 2026

Microsoft just broke custom folder icons in Windows, and the reason is a bug from 2003

Microsoft has updated Windows to stop trusting untrusted desktop.ini files, a change aimed at addressing a long-standing security vulnerability that has existed since 2003. This decision affects the display of custom folder icons, as Windows will now ignore customization metadata from potentially unsafe sources. Users can still use custom folder icons if the desktop.ini file and icon resources come from trusted locations. A workaround allows users to manually create a desktop.ini file with the desired icon while following new security protocols.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

After Samsung Health, the Wearable app could be getting its biggest redesign yet

Samsung is redesigning its Galaxy Wearable app to improve user experience with a new interface and enhanced functionality. The app will transition from a black interface to soft blue and purple gradients, organized into three main sections: Watch Faces, Home, and Settings. The Home tab will display the connected Galaxy Watch's image, battery level, and shortcuts for frequently adjusted settings. The watch face browser will show the entire watch with the selected face for better assessment. The Settings menu will have a refined appearance with simpler icons and reorganized options for quicker access. New features include AI-generated Tiles for personalized information aggregation and a raise-to-talk function for the Gemini voice assistant. Health monitoring upgrades will introduce a Daily Cardio Load feature for training recommendations and a Vitals feature to track overnight health metrics. Additionally, a Sound Exposure feature will monitor daily noise levels, and outdoor-focused tools are being developed for Samsung's rugged Ultra watches.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Survey says this is the best Play Store alternative, but Google might not agree

In a recent poll of nearly 3,000 participants, F-Droid was the most favored alternative to the Google Play Store, receiving 37.7% of the votes. Aurora Store followed with 17.4%, Samsung’s Galaxy Store garnered 16.3%, APKMirror received 13.7%, and Obtanium had 11.9%. F-Droid is an open-source app store that does not replace the Play Store, lacking popular apps like Spotify and Gmail but offering open-source alternatives. Aurora Store allows access to the Play Store's catalog without a Google account but does not support purchases made through the Play Store.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Samsung’s Wearables app leaks with an all-new look to get ready for new watches

Samsung is redesigning its Wearables app to align with the One UI aesthetic, featuring a home screen that prominently displays the user's connected Galaxy Watch and simplifies tab options. The update is expected to introduce new Health features, including the Vitals feature that consolidates heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, skin temperature, and blood oxygen levels. These enhancements are anticipated to roll out to Galaxy devices in June. Additionally, the app may include personalized "custom tiles" generated by Galaxy AI and real-time elevation tracking for outdoor activities.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Monday’s Android app deals and freebies: Almost Out of Mana, Botanicula, CHUCHEL, more

A fresh lineup of Android game and app deals includes titles such as Almost Out of Mana, Botanicula, CHUCHEL, Front Armies [RTS], Slime Legends – Survivor, The Last Station – Baku, Loop, and Rogue Hearts. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is available for [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Your afternoon just got a little more exciting with a fresh lineup of enticing Android game and app deals. Among the standout titles are Almost Out of Mana, Botanicula, CHUCHEL, Front Armies [RTS], Slime Legends – Survivor, The Last Station – Baku, Loop, and Rogue Hearts. These games promise to deliver hours of entertainment at unbeatable prices. In addition to the gaming deals, tech enthusiasts will appreciate the substantial discounts on hardware. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is now available for 0 off, while Best Buy offers open-box units with savings of up to 0. For those looking to enhance their mobile experience, the official Samsung Galaxy Magnetic Battery Pack is also on sale. Furthermore, the unlocked TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro Android phone has dropped to an attractive price of 0. Today’s highlight Android app price drops: Almost Out of Mana - Dive into a whimsical world filled with adventure. Botanicula - Explore a charming universe with delightful characters. CHUCHEL - Engage in a hilarious quest with quirky puzzles. Front Armies [RTS] - Command your troops in strategic battles. Slime Legends – Survivor - Test your survival skills in a vibrant realm. The Last Station – Baku - Experience a gripping narrative in a post-apocalyptic setting. Loop - Enjoy a relaxing puzzle experience that challenges your mind. Rogue Hearts - Embark on a thrilling adventure filled with roguelike elements. With these remarkable deals, the afternoon is ripe for exploration and enjoyment. Whether you're a gamer seeking new adventures or a tech aficionado looking for the latest gadgets, there's something for everyone in this enticing array of offers. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] off, with Best Buy offering open-box units with savings of up to [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Your afternoon just got a little more exciting with a fresh lineup of enticing Android game and app deals. Among the standout titles are Almost Out of Mana, Botanicula, CHUCHEL, Front Armies [RTS], Slime Legends – Survivor, The Last Station – Baku, Loop, and Rogue Hearts. These games promise to deliver hours of entertainment at unbeatable prices. In addition to the gaming deals, tech enthusiasts will appreciate the substantial discounts on hardware. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is now available for 0 off, while Best Buy offers open-box units with savings of up to 0. For those looking to enhance their mobile experience, the official Samsung Galaxy Magnetic Battery Pack is also on sale. Furthermore, the unlocked TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro Android phone has dropped to an attractive price of 0. Today’s highlight Android app price drops: Almost Out of Mana - Dive into a whimsical world filled with adventure. Botanicula - Explore a charming universe with delightful characters. CHUCHEL - Engage in a hilarious quest with quirky puzzles. Front Armies [RTS] - Command your troops in strategic battles. Slime Legends – Survivor - Test your survival skills in a vibrant realm. The Last Station – Baku - Experience a gripping narrative in a post-apocalyptic setting. Loop - Enjoy a relaxing puzzle experience that challenges your mind. Rogue Hearts - Embark on a thrilling adventure filled with roguelike elements. With these remarkable deals, the afternoon is ripe for exploration and enjoyment. Whether you're a gamer seeking new adventures or a tech aficionado looking for the latest gadgets, there's something for everyone in this enticing array of offers. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"]. The Samsung Galaxy Magnetic Battery Pack is on sale, and the unlocked TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro Android phone has dropped to [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Your afternoon just got a little more exciting with a fresh lineup of enticing Android game and app deals. Among the standout titles are Almost Out of Mana, Botanicula, CHUCHEL, Front Armies [RTS], Slime Legends – Survivor, The Last Station – Baku, Loop, and Rogue Hearts. These games promise to deliver hours of entertainment at unbeatable prices. In addition to the gaming deals, tech enthusiasts will appreciate the substantial discounts on hardware. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is now available for 0 off, while Best Buy offers open-box units with savings of up to 0. For those looking to enhance their mobile experience, the official Samsung Galaxy Magnetic Battery Pack is also on sale. Furthermore, the unlocked TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro Android phone has dropped to an attractive price of 0. Today’s highlight Android app price drops: Almost Out of Mana - Dive into a whimsical world filled with adventure. Botanicula - Explore a charming universe with delightful characters. CHUCHEL - Engage in a hilarious quest with quirky puzzles. Front Armies [RTS] - Command your troops in strategic battles. Slime Legends – Survivor - Test your survival skills in a vibrant realm. The Last Station – Baku - Experience a gripping narrative in a post-apocalyptic setting. Loop - Enjoy a relaxing puzzle experience that challenges your mind. Rogue Hearts - Embark on a thrilling adventure filled with roguelike elements. With these remarkable deals, the afternoon is ripe for exploration and enjoyment. Whether you're a gamer seeking new adventures or a tech aficionado looking for the latest gadgets, there's something for everyone in this enticing array of offers. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].

Winsage

July 6, 2026

Microsoft just confirmed that this Windows 11 bug is hoarding up to 500GB of your storage

Microsoft has acknowledged a storage issue related to the Capability Access Manager service in Windows 11, which can consume up to 500GB of SSD space due to a bug causing the log file, CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal, to inflate to gigabytes instead of a few megabytes. Users have reported file sizes reaching 200GB and even 513GB. The issue can be checked via Settings > Storage > System & reserved or by using a command in the Windows Command Prompt. Microsoft plans to address this in the June KB5095093 update, which will improve disk space usage for the log file, with updates expected to roll out starting July 14.