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Microsoft confirms AI agents are still coming to the Windows 11 taskbar as it prepares for public rollout
Winsage
April 19, 2026

Microsoft confirms AI agents are still coming to the Windows 11 taskbar as it prepares for public rollout

Microsoft is integrating AI agents into the Windows 11 taskbar, allowing users to invoke these agents, including third-party options, directly from the taskbar. This feature will be optional and not enabled by default. The AI agents, such as Microsoft 365 Researcher, can operate autonomously to perform tasks like planning, researching, and executing actions without user intervention. Users can activate these agents by hovering over the Microsoft 365 Copilot icon on the taskbar. The Microsoft 365 Researcher can conduct complex research tasks and generate reports using files from OneDrive or Microsoft 365, but it requires a Microsoft 365 subscription to access. A new feature called ‘Ask Copilot’ may enhance the search experience by allowing users to tag and trigger agents using the “@” symbol. This functionality is supported by the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which connects AI models with applications and files. Developers can integrate their agents using the Windows.UI.Shell.Tasks API. Despite earlier statements about reducing AI in Windows 11, Microsoft is adopting a more selective approach to AI integration, ensuring that the use of taskbar agents remains optional and not intrusive. The company is phasing out Copilot branding in certain applications while maintaining AI capabilities in a streamlined manner.
OWC MacDrive 12– One Solution for Complete Mac Disk Access on Windows
Winsage
April 18, 2026

OWC MacDrive 12– One Solution for Complete Mac Disk Access on Windows

OWC has launched MacDrive 12, which allows Windows users to access various Mac formats such as HFS+, APFS, APFS Encrypted, SoftRAID, and Apple RAID through Windows Explorer. Key features include full read/write access to Mac formats, disk management tools for creating and repairing Mac disks, professional performance for demanding tasks, native integration with Windows, enterprise-grade security for encrypted volumes, RAID array support, and advanced APFS crash protection. Use cases include support for creative professionals, production companies, business users, IT administrators, data recovery specialists, and remote teams. MacDrive 12 will be available at the end of April for .99, with upgrade pricing for existing users at .99.
5 Android Auto settings I always change on any new Android phone
AppWizard
April 18, 2026

5 Android Auto settings I always change on any new Android phone

Android Auto has become a popular tool for drivers, supporting both wired and wireless connections in vehicles. Google regularly updates the platform, adding features like Google Meet support. Users can enhance their experience by adjusting settings, such as disabling auto-play for music when connecting, managing notifications from apps like YouTube Music and Spotify, preventing Android Auto from starting automatically, setting up shortcuts for Google Assistant commands, and enabling quick controls for music playback from the taskbar.
Gemini app bug removes features, reverts UI on Android
AppWizard
April 18, 2026

Gemini app bug removes features, reverts UI on Android

A bug in the Gemini app has led to the removal of several features, including the ability to upload NotebookLM notebooks via the ‘plus’ menu, the disappearance of the “Temporary chat” button, and the option to “Import memory to Gemini” from the profile menu. The app's design has reverted to side-by-side pills from a list format, and the background color has changed from black to gray, affecting the visual experience. Android users have also experienced a return to a previous overlay design that limits access to the Tools menu, and the fullscreen glow effect has been removed. This issue is affecting users across both stable and beta channels with Google app version 17.14, and a server-side fix is expected to restore the lost functionalities. The Gemini web platform remains unaffected.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
April 18, 2026

“A solid list from the community,” as Reddit users highlight 10 open‑source apps that run great on Windows 11 and deserve more attention

Open-source software is becoming increasingly popular among Windows 11 users for its control, privacy, and avoidance of subscription models. Key applications highlighted include: - Firefox: A recommended open-source browser known for its privacy, customization, and performance, with robust extension support and regular updates. - Bitwarden: An open-source password manager that offers encrypted vault syncing across devices, end-to-end encryption, and features like password generation and autofill. - OBS Studio: A standard tool for screen recording and live streaming, praised for its flexibility and hardware acceleration support on Windows 11. - LibreOffice: A comprehensive office suite that provides document, spreadsheet, and presentation tools without subscription fees, supporting common Microsoft Office file formats. - 7-Zip: A file compression utility recognized for its speed and efficiency, offering enhanced security features not present in Windows 11's built-in archive support. - LocalSend: A file transfer tool that allows secure transfers over a local network without needing accounts or cloud services. - GIMP: An open-source image editing tool regarded as an alternative to Photoshop, known for its flexibility and extensive customization options. - Blender: An advanced open-source application for 3D modeling, animation, and video editing, benefiting from strong GPU acceleration on Windows 11. - PowerToys: A suite of productivity utilities for Windows 11 that enhances core features with tools like FancyZones and PowerRename. These applications are favored for their ability to enhance the user experience while prioritizing control, transparency, and long-term usability.
TotalAV Keeps Prices Low While Covering the Basics of Online Protection
Tech Optimizer
April 18, 2026

TotalAV Keeps Prices Low While Covering the Basics of Online Protection

TotalAV, founded in 2016, offers a competitive antivirus solution with an entry-level plan aimed at users seeking essential coverage at a reasonable price. Its features include real-time malware scanning, a browser extension called WebShield for blocking dangerous links, a system cleanup tool, and a basic password vault. The Android app is user-friendly, while the iOS version provides limited features due to Apple's restrictions. TotalAV includes a VPN with a daily data cap and effective phishing protection through its WebShield feature. Renewal costs can increase significantly after the first year, and independent lab testing of TotalAV is less frequent compared to competitors like Bitdefender and Kaspersky.
The new Slay the Spire 2 roadmap has no dates: "Exacting deadlines produce sloppy, uninspired work"
AppWizard
April 18, 2026

The new Slay the Spire 2 roadmap has no dates: “Exacting deadlines produce sloppy, uninspired work”

Mega Crit has released a roadmap for Slay the Spire 2, focusing on bug fixes, balancing, and visual enhancements since its launch over a month ago. The development approach is flexible, allowing for creativity, with new features planned such as Steam Workshop support, expanded language options, a Bestiary, and experimental game modes. Upcoming content includes an alternate Act Two, a new character, an alternate Act Three, and additional cards, events, relics, and potions. Ongoing improvements will continue alongside new features, with a humorous promise of "more silly voices" and "less silly placeholder art." Yano also teased the concept of "True Victory," Steam Achievements, Trading Cards, and potential platform ports. Community statistics reveal that 44% of players keep the Lantern Key, 88% free War Historian Repy when taking the key to its destination, 63% indulge in the Room Full of Cheese, and 49% consume the Byrdonis Egg for a health boost. Beta patches are released more frequently than main branch updates, and players are encouraged to join the beta for the latest developments.
Windows 11 finally fixes inconsistent folder views in File Explorer
Winsage
April 18, 2026

Windows 11 finally fixes inconsistent folder views in File Explorer

Microsoft has released Build 26200.8313 (KB5083631) for the Release Preview Channel, enhancing File Explorer by ensuring that folder view settings remain consistent across all access points. This update allows user preferences, such as sorting, icon sizes, and layouts, to persist regardless of how a folder is accessed, addressing previous inconsistencies where settings would reset when opening folders from different applications. The update also includes improved launch performance, reduced white flash in dark mode, expanded support for additional archive formats, and reliability improvements for explorer.exe. The update is expected to roll out to standard Windows 11 PCs by May.
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