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I used this free Microsoft Edge feature to replace a $29 subscription, here's how it held up
Winsage
August 4, 2026

I used this free Microsoft Edge feature to replace a $29 subscription, here’s how it held up

Microsoft Edge includes a Read Aloud function, which allows users to listen to content. Speechify has launched a Windows app that offers real-time text-to-speech and voice typing capabilities. Speechify provides a variety of natural-sounding voices and allows users to customize speech speed and tone, while Edge's Read Aloud is integrated into the browsing experience without additional downloads. Speechify's app includes voice typing, a feature not available in Edge's Read Aloud.
An official Microsoft engineer gives a favorite unofficial Windows 11 app a shiny polish
Winsage
August 3, 2026

An official Microsoft engineer gives a favorite unofficial Windows 11 app a shiny polish

Microsoft is addressing performance gaps in Windows 11, particularly with built-in applications. Users have turned to third-party applications like Files, which has received a substantial update focusing on file extraction and folder loading improvements. The update includes enhanced user experience features, such as updated sidebar icons and improved management of encrypted archives. A notable addition is the integration of WindowSill into Files, allowing users to perform various tasks directly from file selections without opening dedicated applications. This integration provides context-aware actions for different file types, including images, PDFs, videos, and Office documents. The update also includes numerous bug fixes and performance enhancements. The latest version of Files, 4.2.2, is available for download on GitHub and the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft is testing deeper Phone Link integration in Windows 11, but do you actually use it?
Winsage
August 3, 2026

Microsoft is testing deeper Phone Link integration in Windows 11, but do you actually use it?

Windows Insiders can access new features in Windows 11 Insider Build 26300.9032, available through the Experimental Preview Channel. Key updates include: - Windows Search: Introduces customizable options for integrating personal or work/school Microsoft accounts and OneDrive in search results. It can automatically expand indexing based on user activity, which can be managed in Settings > Privacy & security > Search. - Phone Link: Users can now preview recent messages or notifications by hovering over them in the Start menu, enhancing visibility into mobile activity. This feature is gradually rolling out and requires a minimum Phone Link build of 1.26021.3.0. - Settings App: Improved search functionality for quicker navigation to relevant settings. - Adaptive Hibernate Policy: Enhancements for instant-on resumes from Modern Standby and better battery preservation based on battery levels. - Start Menu: A fix for an issue causing crashes when dragging apps. - Taskbar: Resolved an issue where hovering over app window previews in an overflow state dismissed them. - File Explorer: Home now retains the state of sections, and improvements have been made for reliability when dragging files to disconnected network drives. Issues with files on DFS mapped drives being misidentified have also been addressed. - Windows Spotlight: Changes to enhance reliability on the lock screen. - Storage: Fixes for File History automatic backups to network shares that displayed false "invalid credentials" errors.
4 Pre-Installed Google Pixel Apps You Can Safely Delete
AppWizard
August 2, 2026

4 Pre-Installed Google Pixel Apps You Can Safely Delete

Users can optimize their Google Pixel devices by disabling or uninstalling certain pre-installed apps that may no longer serve a purpose. 1. Google Chrome: Users can disable it to hide its icon and prevent updates, especially if they prefer a different browser. Recent regulatory changes may allow some users to uninstall it entirely. 2. Google Photos: While it offers features like AI enhancements, it can consume significant storage, particularly after the discontinuation of unlimited photo storage for Pixel users. Disabling it may affect the camera app's functionality, but it can be re-enabled later. 3. Google Books: Users can typically uninstall this app if they prefer alternatives like Kindle or Libby. However, removing it may restrict access to purchased ebooks or audiobooks. 4. YouTube Music: This app may be unnecessary for users already using other music services. Depending on the device, users may be able to disable or uninstall it to free up space.
Microsoft wants Windows 11’s right-click menu to work the way it should, by giving users more control
Winsage
August 2, 2026

Microsoft wants Windows 11’s right-click menu to work the way it should, by giving users more control

Microsoft is redesigning the context menu in Windows 11 to address complaints about its sluggishness and clutter. The new design will feature a more compact layout that enhances loading speed and offers full customization options. Users will be able to prioritize frequently used actions, hide seldom-used entries, and rearrange items in the menu. This initiative is part of the broader Windows K2 project aimed at improving the operating system's performance and user experience. The redesigned context menu is currently functional in internal testing, but no timeline for its public rollout has been announced.
5 Android Tablets With The Longest Software Support
AppWizard
August 2, 2026

5 Android Tablets With The Longest Software Support

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra offers seven years of updates, ensuring support until at least 2032. It features a 14.6-inch AMOLED display, 120 Hz refresh rate, 1,600 nits peak brightness, 12 MP front camera, dual rear cameras (13 MP wide and 8 MP ultrawide), and an 11,600 mAh battery with 45 W fast charging. The tablet was launched in 2025 at ,200 and is now available for ,095 on Amazon. The Honor MagicPad4 provides six years of OS and security updates, launched in early 2026, with a 12.3-inch OLED display, 165 Hz refresh rate, and 2,400 nits peak brightness. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip and starts at £599.99 in the U.K. The Google Pixel Tablet, released in mid-2023, initially promised three years of OS updates and five years of security updates, which were extended in 2026 to five years of OS updates. It features a 10.95-inch IPS display and a Tensor G2 processor. The OnePlus Pad Go 2 offers five years of major Android updates and six years of security updates, running on OxygenOS 16. It has a 12.1-inch IPS display and is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra chip. It was launched at a starting price of 9. The Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro debuted in 2026 with four Android OS updates and six years of security updates. It features an 11.2-inch display, Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and runs on Android 16 with Xiaomi's HyperOS 3 interface, starting at approximately €499 in Europe.
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