freedom Archives

Winsage

October 17, 2026

You’re not alone: even the former CEO of Microsoft’s advertising can’t put the Windows 11 taskbar on the left yet

Users of Windows 11 are awaiting taskbar customization options, including autohide and size controls, which are not yet available despite the rollout of the 26H2 update. Mikhail Parakhin expressed disappointment on social media, stating that the taskbar is "not usable yet." The rollout of these features is staggered, with some users having access while others do not.

Winsage

October 16, 2026

Windows 11 Is Finally Becoming the OS It Should Have Been From the Start

Microsoft has announced updates to Windows 11, currently available in the Insider beta and set for full release later this year. Key enhancements include the ability to reposition the taskbar, a revamped Search function allowing direct access to controls, and a redesigned Photos app featuring semantic search and advanced editing options. The updates aim to improve user experience and address criticisms of Windows 11, particularly regarding performance on devices with limited RAM. Additionally, Microsoft will offer classic and contemporary games with new Windows 11 PC purchases starting in November.

Winsage

October 15, 2026

We test the RTX Spark Superchip in Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Ultra — Nvidia’s Windows on Arm platform impresses in local AI, but gaming isn’t its strong suit

Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang introduced the RTX Spark platform at Computex 2026, which integrates the GB10 Superchip with a specialized version of Windows on Arm for local AI execution. Nvidia collaborates with Microsoft, Dell, HP, MSI, Lenovo, and Asus to create PCs that function as autonomous companions. The platform's local AI performance is assessed using a new benchmark called AgentPerf-local, focusing on completion time for AI tasks. The RTX Spark-powered Surface Laptop Ultra has shown good performance, though it comes with a high price of ,899 for 1TB of storage. The platform faces challenges due to rising DRAM and NAND prices and is still in development, with full software infrastructure yet to be established.

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

Android’s New Sideloading Rules Add a 24-Hour Wait

As of September 30, Google has introduced a 24-hour waiting period for Android users in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand before they can install applications from unregistered developers. This initiative aims to enhance security against potential scams. Users can still access apps from recognized stores, including Google Play and various manufacturer-specific app markets. The rollout is currently limited to the specified countries and has not been implemented globally. The new verification process may affect users who prefer alternative app stores and those who do not use a Google account.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

How to easily sideload Android apps on your new Googlebook

Chrome Unboxed offers support for independent tech journalism and provides an ad-free experience with membership benefits. Android gamers face challenges with popular titles like Call of Duty: Mobile, which are unavailable for installation on Googlebook via the Play Store. Users can sideload apps on Googlebook OS, built on Android 17, without the limitations of the Play Store. The sideloading process involves downloading an APK from a trusted source, allowing unknown apps in Chrome, and installing the app. Google Play Protect monitors installed applications for malicious activity, but users should still exercise caution when sideloading.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

Bad Magpie Demo Is Here to Cause Some Mischief on Steam and Xbox PC

Players can experience the demo of Bad Magpie, a game by Milktooth, on Steam and Xbox PC. The demo features a school biome where players control a one-winged magpie on a quest involving shiny meteorites, a fallen star, and a missing flock. The gameplay is open-world and non-linear, allowing for creative exploration and mischief. The full game is set to be released in 2027.

AppWizard

October 9, 2026

Amazon is gradually phasing out the Fire Tablet after 15 years: Why the return to Android?

Amazon has announced that it will cease the development of new Fire Tablets and will focus on the Alexa Tablet line, which runs on Android and supports the full Google Play store. The Fire Tablet line, which began with the original Kindle Fire in 2011, will no longer produce new generations, although existing devices will continue to receive security updates. The new Alexa Tablet series includes three models: the Alexa Tablet 8, Alexa Tablet 11, and Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, with prices starting at .99. The Alexa Tablets offer access to popular applications and features that cater to reading enthusiasts, as well as integration with Amazon's Alexa AI assistant. Additionally, Amazon is launching the Alexa Kids Tablet, which includes Google Play and parental controls. The transition reflects Amazon's strategy to enhance its tablet offerings and improve the overall user experience.

AppWizard

October 7, 2026

I had 3 hours with Arc Raiders Frozen Trails update and spent most of it playing with the new grapple hook

Morgan Park discusses the recent gaming session of Arc Raiders, highlighting the introduction of a grapple hook that operates with a simulated rope, allowing players to climb, swing, and descend with versatility. The grapple hook can adhere to various surfaces and be redeployed midair without cooldown, enhancing movement options significantly. The Frozen Trail update also includes a launcher that tethers objects and a grenade for pulling down Arc bots, though testing of these features is limited. The skill tree has been reworked, allowing players to invest XP points in abilities, but the changes provide only incremental boosts rather than transformative gameplay alterations. The focus remains on loot and crafting rather than combat enhancements. Pendola Pass is visually appealing but feels familiar compared to other maps like Marathon, lacking unique gameplay elements. The snowy landscape introduces some challenges, such as flash freezes and a new enemy, the Bully Arc, but overall, the gameplay revisits familiar territory. The Emperor is mentioned as a significant draw for players, though it was not explored during the preview.

Winsage

October 7, 2026

5 Features Introduced In Windows 95 That You’re Still Using Today

In the early days of computing, specifically with MS-DOS and early Windows, file names were limited to eight characters and a three-character extension, leading to cryptic naming conventions. With the introduction of Windows 95, this limitation was lifted, allowing file names up to 255 characters and longer extensions, significantly improving organization and usability of various file formats like JPEG and HTML.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

India Orders Apple to Pull Jack Dorsey’s Offline Messaging App Bitchat

Apple has removed the decentralized messaging application Bitchat, developed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, from its App Store in India following a directive from the Indian federal government under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, citing national security. The notice from Apple's App Review team, shared by Dorsey on October 3, 2026, did not specify the illegal content. The app remains available in other regions, but users in India will lose access to TestFlight testing and public beta links. This action follows a previous request made on July 23, 2026, by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre to GitHub to disable access to three Bitchat repositories, invoking Section 79(3)(b) and Rule 3(1)(d). The Internet Freedom Foundation has contested the July order, claiming authorities bypassed established blocking frameworks. Bitchat, introduced as open-source software in July 2025, allows local Bluetooth mesh communication and internet messaging without relying on a central server, raising concerns for law enforcement. The timing of the restrictions coincided with youth-led protests in India, which led to a significant increase in Bitchat downloads, accounting for about 85% of the app's global downloads during a protest period from July 17-23. Despite the removal, existing installations can still communicate locally without needing app store access. Previously, in May 2023, India invoked Section 69A against other messaging applications, and China also mandated Bitchat's removal in April 2026 for similar reasons. Digital rights advocates argue the government's justification for the ban is concerning as it sets a precedent for restricting software based on technical capabilities.