feature Archives

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Microsoft preps this year’s Windows 11 feature tweaks: 26H2 hits Release Preview

Microsoft has introduced Windows 11 26H2 into the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel, coinciding with the rollout of August's preview update. This version shares its servicing branch with previous versions 24H2 and 25H2. Notable features in the August Preview Update include a movable taskbar, expanded Start Menu customization options, and the ability to exclude web and Microsoft Store suggestions from local search results. The update is delivered through an enablement package, allowing activation of already downloaded functionalities without a complete OS overhaul. Windows 11 26H2 resets the support timeline, offering 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Enterprises need to validate this release, but compatibility with 25H2 and 24H2 is expected. Microsoft advises organizations to test compatibility with their applications and infrastructure. The company has adopted a more cautious approach to updates since the problematic Windows 10 October 2018 update. The August Preview Update faced some criticism from users reporting issues, but Microsoft claims it is not aware of any significant problems.

AppWizard

August 28, 2026

AI Memory Crunch Causes Android To Tighten Data Usage Around its App Ecosystem

Google is adjusting its Android smartphone ecosystem to optimize app memory usage in response to increased demand for memory chips in AI. The initiative, titled ‘Elevating app quality: Reducing memory usage and improving device migration,’ aims to help developers manage hardware constraints and improve app quality through new onboarding standards. Google has outlined specific technical quality requirements and is implementing performance thresholds for dynamic memory usage and bitmap management. New tools will notify developers when their apps exceed these thresholds, and diagnostic tools with a memory limiter feature will be introduced later this year. Developers must comply with the new performance thresholds by February 2027, and by April 2027, all apps on the Play Store must implement the Zero Tap Sign-in feature for device migrations. Non-compliance may lead to reduced app visibility and publishing capabilities on Google Play.

AppWizard

August 28, 2026

Your inbox secret sauce: 16 hidden Gmail gems for Android

The Gmail Android app includes features such as text formatting for personalized messages, a contact pop-up panel for easy access to recipient information, and simplified copying of email addresses and subject lines. Users can manage email recipients with a slide action, and the app prioritizes user confirmation for actions like archiving emails. It provides delivery updates at the top of the inbox and allows easy editing of out-of-office auto-responders.

AppWizard

August 28, 2026

Google clamps down on Android app RAM usage amid AI memory crisis — developers have until February 2027 to adapt to new memory-optimizing rules

Google has introduced new guidelines to improve memory management for Android applications due to a shortage of memory, requiring developers to reduce their apps' memory usage by February 2027. Smartphone manufacturers are responding to memory shortages by decreasing the memory in devices, with many entry-level smartphones now featuring only 4GB instead of the previous 6GB to 8GB. Microsoft is also optimizing Windows 11 for devices with 8GB of memory to ease the need for upgrades.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

“God Mode? Hardly.” Microsoft debunks Windows 11’s God Mode, but the trick still works

The "God Mode" in Windows is activated by creating a folder and renaming it to GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}, which transforms the folder icon to resemble the Control Panel and displays a comprehensive list of all settings tasks available in Windows. This trick was clarified by Microsoft engineer Brandon Paddock, who stated that the name "GodMode" is misleading, as the folder can be named anything with the same CLSID code, and it merely exposes two documented elements of the Windows shell. The functionality was intended for developers and not casual users, and the trick could be altered or removed in future updates.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

The 5 best Linux alternatives to Windows in 2026 (that aren’t Mint)

Linux is gaining popularity due to increased privacy concerns, reduced reliance on artificial intelligence, and improved user experience. Many users are looking for alternatives to Windows that maintain ease of use, leading to the emergence of curated Linux distributions for those considering a switch. 1. Zorin OS is user-friendly, designed for Windows migrants, and features a subsystem for installing Windows applications with open-source alternatives. It offers four layouts, including one that resembles Windows. 2. MainstreamOS provides an exceptional onboarding experience, surpassing Windows, with a MacOS-like desktop and extensive customization options. It is built on Arch Linux with the Hyprland window manager. 3. stillOS features a polished interface and an Electron-based web app runtime called SWAI, allowing web applications to function like native apps. It offers multiple layout options and an atomic update feature for reliability. 4. Kubuntu combines Ubuntu's robustness with KDE Plasma's elegance, providing a visually appealing and reliable operating system with a Windows-like desktop layout and extensive customization options. 5. VanillaOS focuses on security and stability, using atomic updates and a unique installation process called ABRoot. It defaults to a GNOME desktop but can be customized with the Dash to Dock extension for a more familiar interface.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Microsoft rolls out fix for Windows 11 crashes, gaming issues

Microsoft has begun rolling out a permanent solution to a system stability and gaming performance issue on Windows 11 devices, which has caused crashes, game launch failures, and freezing, often with the "EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION" error message. The problem was linked to updates from August 2026 and was identified as being related to peripherals with RGB lighting features that installed disruptive drivers. Specifically, the inpoutx64.sys driver was found to be responsible for these disruptions. Microsoft is deploying a fix that disables this driver on affected systems, starting from August 26, 2026. This driver block will also be included in the September 2026 Windows security updates. For enterprise-managed devices, a temporary workaround involves manually disabling the inpoutx64 driver via the Windows Registry. Microsoft has assured users that this action should not cause unintended behavior and can be reversed.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Microsoft rolls out fix for Windows 11 crashes, gaming issues

Microsoft has begun rolling out a permanent solution to a problem causing system crashes and gaming disruptions on Windows 11 devices, specifically related to game launch failures and freezing with "EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION" errors. The issue affects various games, including ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals, particularly on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, and is linked to peripherals with built-in RGB lighting. The inpoutx64.sys driver has been identified as the cause of these complications. Microsoft is deploying a fix that disables this driver on affected devices, starting on August 26, 2026, and it may take up to 24 hours to reach all impacted devices. This driver block will also be included in the September 2026 Windows security updates. For enterprise-managed devices that do not automatically receive the fix, a temporary workaround involves disabling the inpoutx64 driver via the Windows Registry. Microsoft has stated that disabling this registry key should not lead to unintended behavior.

AppWizard

August 28, 2026

Did A New Google ‘Pulse’ App Just Appear On Your Android Phone? Here’s What It Does

A new app called Pulse has been released on the Play Store, quickly reaching over 10 million downloads. It is an existing Google system service that became more visible in the settings app following a recent update and has been in place since March. Pulse may collect information related to app performance but does not share data with third parties. It can be accessed on Pixel devices through Settings > Google services > All services > Privacy & security > System services. Disabling system services like Pulse could disrupt features, so it is advisable to keep it installed. Pulse helps monitor resource usage in Android, including battery drain, memory usage, and CPU activity, and is part of Google's efforts to track issues within the operating system. Google plans to implement stricter measures against apps that excessively consume resources.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Microsoft Issues Windows 11 Version 26H2 to Release Preview

Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 26H2 (Build 26300.9278) in the Release Preview Channel for customers to preview ahead of its general availability later this year. This version will be delivered as an enablement package, allowing for seamless integration of new features and enhancements. Users with PCs in the Release Preview channel can manually install this version. Key features for business users include Windows Backup, app actions from the Taskbar, and improvements to File Explorer. Organizations can deploy Windows 11 version 26H2 using Windows Update client policies and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). Updates to the ISOs on the Windows Insider Program download site will also reflect this new version.