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Prepare for Microsoft's Windows and Surface event with these cutting-edge features for Insiders
Winsage
October 6, 2026

Prepare for Microsoft’s Windows and Surface event with these cutting-edge features for Insiders

Microsoft is testing five new builds of Windows 11 as part of the Windows K2 initiative, which includes several updates: - Support for Unicode 17.0 has been added, allowing Windows to display over 4,800 new characters and scripts. - Performance improvements have been made to the Settings home page, reducing loading times. - The Settings > Apps > Installed apps section now shows version numbers for packaged apps. - A new entry point for Cloud Rebuild has been introduced under Settings > System > Recovery. - The Cloud rebuild feature can restore a Windows 11 PC to a clean state without USB media. - The Address Bar in File Explorer now supports the '~' character for quicker navigation. - Adjustments to the preview pane in File Explorer include a new button for HTML files and automatic previews for non-HTML files. - Folder view customizations in File Explorer are now consistently maintained. - The Windows Magnifier now allows input of exact zoom percentages and includes preset step increments. - Cloud rebuild options have been enhanced to include drive sanitization. - The Windows share window now allows users to pin favorite apps. - Messaging related to age-restricted parental controls in Family Safety has been improved. - Minor visual issues in the taskbar have been addressed. - Fixes have been implemented for certain USB Audio Class 1.0 devices. - Corrections have been made for Remote Desktop window sizing. - Issues causing lag for some Insiders after updates have been resolved.
How to supercharge your Windows 11 PC with this built-in automation tool
Winsage
October 6, 2026

How to supercharge your Windows 11 PC with this built-in automation tool

Windows 11 includes a Task Scheduler that automates repetitive tasks to enhance productivity. To set up a task, users should open Task Scheduler, select "Create Task," and fill in details under General, Triggers, Actions, Conditions, and Settings. It's important for laptop users to avoid scheduling tasks that run every five minutes to maintain low-power idle states. The "Run with highest privileges" option should be used cautiously for security reasons. Three recommended automations include: 1. Using WinGet to keep software updated with the command winget upgrade --all --silent --accept-package-agreements --accept-source-agreements --disable-interactivity, scheduled weekly. 2. Disabling unnecessary startup applications and launching them with a delayed logon trigger to reduce startup clutter. 3. Automating tasks with PowerShell for file transfers or system maintenance, ensuring they run during idle times or when connected to AC power. Windows also performs some maintenance tasks automatically, such as deleting temporary files and optimizing drives.
Microsoft might bring Windows XP's 3D Pinball to Windows 11, as Windows boss puts it on the list
Winsage
October 6, 2026

Microsoft might bring Windows XP’s 3D Pinball to Windows 11, as Windows boss puts it on the list

Microsoft's Windows chief, Pavan Davuluri, acknowledged a fan's request for the return of 3D Pinball during the Inside Windows podcast. While he noted that 3D Pinball is part of a "matrix for things to think about," he clarified that no team is currently working on reviving the game, nor is it planned for Windows 11. The absence of 3D Pinball is attributed to technical challenges during the transition to 64-bit Windows. The nostalgia for classic Windows games has been highlighted, with a desire to incorporate more engaging features into Windows 11. Microsoft has an upcoming event on October 7, which may present an opportunity for surprises, though there is no indication that 3D Pinball will be featured.
Devart rolls out dbForge 2026.2
Tech Optimizer
October 6, 2026

Devart rolls out dbForge 2026.2

Devart has released dbForge 2026.2, a database management suite update featuring a PostgreSQL Debugger for error tracking, visual editors for managing PostgreSQL objects, and an enhanced dbForge AI Assistant with broader context awareness. The AI Assistant now supports models from Anthropic and OpenAI and includes a free Express edition with limited features. The update also improves SQL development and schema comparison functionalities, with new refactoring commands and support for MySQL 26.7 and MariaDB 13.x. dbForge 2026.2 is available for download, with current users able to update through the Help menu.
Pixel 11's new Pixel Search app could be coming to older Pixels
AppWizard
October 6, 2026

Pixel 11’s new Pixel Search app could be coming to older Pixels

The Pixel Search app version 1.0.983036833 suggests compatibility with devices launched since 2021, specifically the Pixel 6 and newer models. This compatibility may allow older Pixels to access the app, depending on the stable release of Android 17 QPR2, expected in December 2026. However, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro have reached their end-of-life status with the rollout of Android 17 QPR1 and are excluded from the beta program for Android 17 QPR2. Support for the Pixel Search app may ultimately be limited to the Pixel 6a and newer devices.
Snapseed could soon bring a professional camera feature to your phone
AppWizard
October 6, 2026

Snapseed could soon bring a professional camera feature to your phone

Google is adding a Focus Peaking feature to its Snapseed app, which helps users identify in-focus areas by highlighting them in the viewfinder. This feature can be toggled on and off in the camera settings and is designed to assist with manual focusing for both still photography and video recording. The latest version of Snapseed (v4.1.10.992428248) includes evidence of this feature, although it is still under development and may not function correctly at this stage. Additionally, the update improves LUT workflows by adding support for HaldCLUT.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
October 6, 2026

This Google Play Store alternative is my first stop for Android apps now – here’s why

F-Droid, an alternative app store for Android, has undergone a significant transformation with a new user-friendly interface designed to enhance usability and accessibility. It operates independently of Google, offering only free and open-source software (FOSS) applications, allowing users to inspect and modify the code. Each app is vetted for security issues before being added to the repository, although the vetting process is not exhaustive. The new interface, developed using Kotlin Compose and aligned with Android Material Design principles, features a streamlined layout with three main sections: Discover, Search, and My Apps. The category system has been improved, and the search functionality now allows users to search by app titles, descriptions, and categories. Installation and updating processes have been refined to provide a seamless experience similar to that of the Google Play Store. These changes come at a time when Google has modified its sideloading process, potentially raising concerns about alternative app sources.
Google Acknowledges Some Android Apps Don't Run Well on Intel-Based Googlebooks
AppWizard
October 6, 2026

Google Acknowledges Some Android Apps Don’t Run Well on Intel-Based Googlebooks

Googlebook laptops from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo have started shipping to consumers in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, and Australia, with prices beginning at 9. HP and Dell are using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X1 Elite chip, while Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo are integrating the Intel Core Ultra 3 (Panther Lake) chip. The Googlebook OS aims to provide an AI-enhanced experience and supports native Android app functionality, though some compatibility issues exist on Intel-powered devices. A Google spokesperson noted that most Android apps run smoothly on both Intel and Qualcomm Googlebooks, but a few complex apps may require developer adjustments for optimal performance on Intel platforms. The competition between Qualcomm and Intel in the laptop market is intensifying, especially with the development of more powerful ARM-based chips.
The Googlebooks include a file transfer trick you probably didn't know about
AppWizard
October 6, 2026

The Googlebooks include a file transfer trick you probably didn’t know about

The recently launched Googlebooks features include Quick Access functionality, allowing seamless file management between a paired Android phone and the Googlebook. Users can access their phone's Downloads, Documents, and Camera folders through the Files app. Quick Access supports drag-and-drop for files under 200MB, while larger files should use the Quick Share feature. Another feature, Files AI, provides instant descriptions of files and enhances file searching by allowing users to search for an image's subject rather than just file names. Users need a device running Android 17 or newer to utilize these features, and Files AI may take up to an hour to activate and has limitations during low battery conditions.
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