feature Archives

AppWizard

April 28, 2026

Google warns phone actions are getting cut from its smart home automations very soon

Starting in the first week of May, Google will remove "phone actions and automations" from its Nest devices, which include features like checking battery levels, toggling Do Not Disturb settings, and adjusting phone volume. While these phone-related actions will be phased out, core home automations will remain functional. Google has introduced a new feature for its Gemini platform called "Continued Conversations," allowing users to engage in extended dialogues without repeating context. Additionally, some Nest Hub users are experiencing a glitch where alarms set for PM are announced as AM.

AppWizard

April 28, 2026

These 3 Android Apps Can Block Ads On Your Phone

Users are increasingly seeking effective solutions to enhance their browsing experience in digital advertising, with some opting for methods beyond traditional ad-blockers, such as configuring a private DNS server to filter ads at the system level. This method can face challenges, including certain applications circumventing settings and networks blocking custom DNS configurations, which may lead to connectivity issues. DNS-based ad-blocking can disrupt app functionality or create voids where ads would typically appear. NextDNS offers customizable blocklists for ad-blocking and functions as a customizable endpoint, requiring users to set it up through Android's native DNS settings. It provides a dashboard with parental controls, tracking protection, and analytics tools, free for up to 300,000 queries per month. AdLock focuses on system-wide ad-blocking across various platforms and requires users to download the APK and subscribe for use on multiple devices, starting at .05 per month. It does not allow ads to be displayed and includes a safety check feature for potential threats. Total AdBlock, developed by Total Security Limited, offers free and premium versions, with the premium version providing full functionality, including ad-blocking on YouTube. It has a high effectiveness score on the AdBlock Tester tool and includes features like content blocking and direct support access. The curated list of ad blockers targets options that do not require root access and are cost-effective, designed to operate at the device level for Android users, as the default Chrome browser does not support extensions. Trustworthiness and reputation were key factors in the selection process, focusing on maintaining a clean browsing experience without invasive tracking mechanisms.

AppWizard

April 28, 2026

Google plans to highlight apps that work well on foldable phones and tablets

Google introduced Android 12L four years ago, tailored for larger screens on foldable phones and tablets. This led to optimizations in applications, with Google and Samsung enhancing their offerings, and third-party developers creating apps for these devices. The upcoming version 51.2 of Google Play Services will feature a badge identifying apps optimized for big-screen devices, helping users find suitable applications. This badge aims to increase visibility for these apps and encourage developer investment in the big-screen market. Additionally, Google plans to launch an Android-powered version of ChromeOS later this year, further promoting the use of big-screen devices.

Tech Optimizer

April 28, 2026

Surfshark Has Dropped to $1.78/mo: Unlimited Devices, One Subscription (Ends Soon)

Surfshark is offering a VPN service at a discounted price of .49 per month, down from the regular price, with an upfront cost for a two-year commitment being approximately .76, which includes three additional months free. The service supports unlimited devices, provides security for online activities, access to popular streaming services, and offers unlimited data and speeds with over 4,500 servers in 100 countries. It allows unlimited simultaneous connections and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Additionally, Surfshark has introduced an antivirus option for .08 per month, which includes features like dark web monitoring and anonymous browsing. The antivirus plan costs .96 for the initial two-year period, also at an 88% discount. Surfshark maintains a no-logs policy and has been audited by third parties, making it a secure choice for users.

AppWizard

April 28, 2026

Logitech’s new gaming keyboard lets you hot swap analog and mechanical switches

Logitech has introduced the G512 X gaming keyboard, which features the ability to switch between analog TMR switches and traditional mechanical switches. It has 39 swappable keyswitch locations, allowing for customization with various switch types. The keyboard supports analog input functions for enhanced gameplay, including dual-actuation points and tactile feedback. It is a wired keyboard with an 8kHz report rate and comes in two form factors: 75% (G512 X 75) and 98% (G512 X 98), with the latter including a numpad. The G512 X features a black and purple design, Lightsync RGB light bar, and backlit keys. It will launch on May 2, priced at 9.99 / £169.99 / €189.99 for the G512 X 75 and 9.99 / £199.99 / €219.99 for the G512 X 98.

AppWizard

April 28, 2026

This brutal 95%-rated Postal spin-off is one of Steam’s greatest boomer shooters, and it’s just $1 right now

The Postal series is known for its chaotic gameplay and controversial humor, with the latest release, Postal: Brain Damaged, developed by a new team. This game shifts from the traditional open-world format to a focused first-person shooter style, reminiscent of Quake and Doom. It features absurd humor, modern gameplay mechanics, and nostalgic graphics, while maintaining the series' signature elements, such as the ability to pee on demand. Postal: Brain Damaged is currently priced at / £1 as part of the Build Your Own Adrenaline Bundle from Fanatical, which allows players to select three games for / £3. Other games in the bundle include titles like Blind Fate: Edo no Yami and Sniper Elite V2 Remastered.

Winsage

April 28, 2026

Microsoft starts to remove AI from some of its Windows 11 apps

Microsoft is recalibrating its Copilot AI assistant, which enhances productivity across its applications. In Microsoft Word, Copilot assists with drafting, restructuring, and tone adjustment. Excel users receive help with formulas and data analysis, while PowerPoint users get support for presentations. Notepad has rebranded its Copilot features as "Writing Tools," allowing users to generate text, rewrite content, and adjust tone, but the Snipping Tool has removed all AI functionalities. Microsoft plans to introduce AI agents to the Windows taskbar for answering questions, automating tasks, and interacting with files, although this feature is still in testing.

Winsage

April 28, 2026

Windows 11 Reveals 4 Hidden Features in the Latest Experimental Build

Windows 11 build 26300.8289 has introduced several updates on the Experimental channel, including four undisclosed changes and enhancements to Windows Update. Key features include: - Early support for repositioning the Taskbar, allowing users to place it at the top, left, or right of the screen. - A redesigned Run dialog, which has been updated for the first time in nearly 30 years, featuring a Fluent Design with rounded corners, semi-transparent elements, improved spacing, and support for light and dark themes. The text field is enlarged, and it displays recent commands as users type. This new design is optional and can be enabled through Settings. - A new login animation, replacing animated dots with a solid spinning icon during sign-in, sign-out, shutdown, and restart. - An update in the Settings under Storage, allowing users to toggle between megabytes and gigabytes when resizing volumes. These features are currently not accessible to regular Windows Insiders, indicating ongoing development for future testing.

Winsage

April 28, 2026

Microsoft Releases Enterprise Policy Option to Disable Windows 11 Copilot

Microsoft has introduced a new enterprise policy setting that allows IT administrators to silently uninstall the Microsoft Copilot app from managed Windows 11 devices. The RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp policy became available after the April 2026 Patch Tuesday security updates and is compatible with enterprise management solutions like Microsoft Intune and System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). Administrators can find the policy in the Group Policy Editor under User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows AI > Remove Microsoft Copilot App. It specifically targets Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education SKUs, excluding Home edition users. The uninstallation process is triggered when three conditions are met: Microsoft 365 Copilot is installed on the device, it was provisioned (not user-installed), and it has not been launched by the user in the last 28 days. The policy was initially available for Windows Insiders in January 2026 and became generally accessible afterward. However, future updates or user reinstalls from the Microsoft Store may reintroduce the Copilot app, necessitating ongoing policy enforcement for permanent removal. Organizations seeking broader exclusion may need to use PowerShell scripts or additional MDM configurations.

Winsage

April 28, 2026

Microsoft is finally updating a Windows 8 relic that hung on all the way to Windows 11

Windows 11 will replace the dotted spinner from Windows 8 with a new loading wheel in Insider build 26300.8289. The new animation features a sleek solid-line design. The change was discovered by a user named PhantomOfEarth using a tool called Vivetool to enable feature ID 59728252. Microsoft has not yet activated this feature for all users.