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Winsage
January 14, 2026
The Collections tool in Microsoft Edge is being retired, and users will soon be unable to add new items to it. They are advised to export their saved content or transfer pages to Favorites before the feature is removed. Transferring to Favorites will result in the loss of additional content like images and notes, while exporting will preserve content in a CSV file but will not keep it within the browser. Collections has not gained significant traction among users, leading to its phased-out status. Additionally, the Edge Sidebar app list is also being retired, raising concerns about the future of the entire Sidebar feature as Microsoft aims to simplify Edge and promote Copilot.
AppWizard
November 14, 2025
Todoist is implementing a price increase, raising the monthly subscription by 40% and the annual plan by 25%. Users on Pro Legacy plans, who signed up before June 2022, will not be affected by the price hike. A poll indicates that 92% of users are considering switching to a competing app. Alternatives to Todoist include: - TickTick: Priced at .99 annually, offers features like custom lists, filters, tags, a built-in calendar, Pomodoro timer, and habit tracker. - Notion: Free and serves as an all-in-one workspace, though it requires setup for task management. - Microsoft To Do: A free app that supports natural language input and offers straightforward task management. - Tasks.org: An open-source, ad-free app that prioritizes user privacy and allows for task creation, due dates, reminders, and tagging, but does not support natural language input.
Winsage
November 13, 2025
Google's November 2025 update to ChromeOS introduces enterprise-grade virtualization, allowing Chromebooks to stream and run legacy Windows applications through Cameyo. This update enables users to access full-featured desktop applications without traditional Windows installations. Enhancements in generative AI, including Gemini and intelligent file suggestions, are also part of this update. ChromeOS now features AI-generated recaps, personalized activity suggestions, and a Focus mode to minimize distractions. The operating system can be installed on older Windows PCs or Macs for free through ChromeOS Flex, offering quick boot times and automatic security patches. While ChromeOS excels in speed and efficiency for general tasks, it does not natively support resource-intensive software, which remains a strength for Windows.
AppWizard
November 7, 2025
Android's built-in security features are sufficient for most users, making paid antivirus subscriptions often unnecessary. YouTube Premium costs .99 per month for an ad-free experience, background playback, and offline downloads, but users can use the Brave Browser for ad removal and background playback for free, while NewPipe allows offline downloads. NordVPN costs .99 per month, but Proton VPN offers a free tier without data caps suitable for casual users. WPS Office Premium requires payment to remove ads and increase cloud storage from 1GB to 20GB, while Google Docs provides 15GB of free cloud storage and better functionality. LinkedIn Premium costs .99 per month but does not guarantee better job offers; optimizing a profile and networking are often more effective. CCleaner and similar apps may slow down devices, while built-in tools like Files by Google can effectively manage cache for free. Adobe Express Premium offers advanced graphic design features for a fee, but Canva provides a robust free alternative. CamScanner Premium is only necessary for advanced features; Adobe Scan and Microsoft Lens offer similar functionality for free. Evernote's free version limits users to 50 notes on one device, while Google Keep allows unlimited note-taking and syncing for free. Kaspersky and other antivirus apps may be unnecessary as Android's Play Protect feature offers adequate security for most users.
Winsage
October 30, 2025
The Windows 11 Start menu has been criticized for its cumbersome layout and limited customization options. Microsoft has made attempts to improve it, including adding folder creation for shortcuts in late 2022 and a redesign in October 2025, but user dissatisfaction remains. Alternatives to the default Start menu include: - Start11: A paid application by Stardock, available for .99 annually or a permanent license, offering seven layouts, extensive customization options, and the ability to rename, move, and delete folders directly from the menu. - StartAllBack: A more affordable option at .99 per license, providing a simpler interface with three themes and customization of the taskbar and File Explorer features. - Open Shell Menu: A free alternative that allows users to choose from various layouts and customize the Start button, offering a traditional experience without cost. Uninstalling any of these alternatives will revert the system back to the standard Windows 11 Start menu.
Winsage
October 28, 2025
Microsoft is discontinuing support for Windows 10, raising concerns about increased electronic waste and cybersecurity risks for users unable to upgrade. Approximately 40% of Windows users may lack alternatives, as many devices do not meet the requirements for Windows 11. Research indicates that up to 240 million outdated devices could end up in landfills due to this policy change. Microsoft will provide security updates for Windows 10 for one more year, but users delaying upgrades may face vulnerabilities to cyber threats. Upgrading to new devices can be costly, with prices starting around 0, while Linux Mint is suggested as a free alternative that can extend the life of current devices. Linux Mint requires only 2GB of RAM, 20GB of disk space, and a minimum resolution of 1024×768. Advocates are promoting the right to repair and legislation to combat planned obsolescence to make technology more sustainable.
Winsage
October 5, 2025
Windows 10 support will officially end in October 2025, with no further updates or security patches provided after that date. Microsoft estimates that up to three-quarters of the 1.4 billion Windows PCs worldwide still use Windows 10. Users can opt for Extended Security Updates (ESU) until October 2028 for an annual fee, which has previously ranged from £10 to £159. Google’s ChromeOS Flex is a free alternative that allows users to run a modern operating system on existing hardware, potentially prolonging device lifespan and reducing electronic waste. ChromeOS Flex provides essential security updates but lacks some features of dedicated Chromebooks.
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