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Windows Insiders have one week to update their PCs before test builds start expiring
Winsage
August 5, 2026

Windows Insiders have one week to update their PCs before test builds start expiring

Windows Insiders are advised to update their PCs to the latest build within the week due to a renewed flight certificate that expires on August 11, 2026. This update is necessary for all Insider channels, including Experimental and Beta. The latest Insider build includes a renewed flight certificate to ensure devices remain on supported builds and continue receiving updates. A chart outlines the minimum builds required for various channels, with specific builds available by July 31, 2026. Failure to update will result in a warning message about the build's expiration, and automatic updates will stop once the certificate expires. Users should check Settings > Windows Update to install the latest build.
Microsoft never learns, IT admins rage as a new OneDrive app invades Windows 11 and keeps coming back when you remove it
Winsage
August 4, 2026

Microsoft never learns, IT admins rage as a new OneDrive app invades Windows 11 and keeps coming back when you remove it

Microsoft has begun silently installing the "OneDrive Photos" app on Windows PCs, including enterprise systems managed via Microsoft Intune, without prior notification. IT professionals have expressed significant frustration over this unexpected addition, noting that the app is incompatible with Entra accounts and cannot be removed without uninstalling OneDrive entirely. The app functions as a web-based gallery feature, indexing and displaying photos stored on local machines, but its necessity is questioned due to the existing Microsoft Photos app. OneDrive Photos is linked to the OneDrive sync client, making it impossible to uninstall independently. Users have reported that the app appears in Windows Search results with an 'Uninstall' option but does not show up in the Installed apps page, leading to confusion. A script has been developed to remove the shortcut, but it often reappears due to its connection with the OneDrive sync client. Discussions with Microsoft suggest that the rollout may have been unintended, with an apology expected soon.
If you use the Xbox App on Windows 11 with non-Xbox games then you absolutely need to use this Game Bar widget
Winsage
August 4, 2026

If you use the Xbox App on Windows 11 with non-Xbox games then you absolutely need to use this Game Bar widget

SteamGridDB is now available on Windows 11, allowing users to enhance their gaming library's visual appeal by replacing low-resolution box art with better artwork. It can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store and is easily accessible through the Widgets Menu on the Game Bar. Users can select a game, search for compatible artwork, and integrate their chosen artwork into the Xbox App library. This feature is particularly beneficial for handheld gaming PCs and is pinned as a permanent widget in the Game Bar for quick access.
Windows 11 Home Vs Pro: What's the difference, and is it worth the upgrade?
Winsage
August 4, 2026

Windows 11 Home Vs Pro: What’s the difference, and is it worth the upgrade?

Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro share a user-friendly interface and many features, but Pro offers additional functionalities and security enhancements. Windows 11 Home is available as a complimentary upgrade for users of Windows 10, while new installations cost 9 for Home and 9 for Pro. Pro includes features like BitLocker for data security and remote desktop access, which are beneficial for demanding users. Windows 11 Home supports up to 128 GB of RAM, while Pro supports up to 2 TB, catering to enterprises with advanced needs. For average users, the Home edition suffices for tasks like browsing and gaming, while Pro is more suited for business users and developers due to its advanced features. Performance is similar in both versions for general use.
Why I’m so excited for the Googlebook Android app experience on a desktop
AppWizard
August 4, 2026

Why I’m so excited for the Googlebook Android app experience on a desktop

Support for independent tech journalism is emphasized, particularly for Chrome Unboxed, which offers a membership for an ad-free experience and exclusive access to a private Discord. The author expresses frustration with the limitations of Android apps on ChromeOS, specifically citing issues with PUBG Mobile's performance on Chromebooks. The introduction of Googlebook, particularly the Lenovo Googlebook ‘Sapphire’ detachable tablet, is highlighted as a potential solution, featuring an architecture built on native Android, which promises improved app compatibility, native input mapping, direct hardware acceleration, and seamless Play Store integration. The author envisions an ideal tablet experience that combines the functionality of a desktop Chrome browser with robust Android applications.
Android app developers may be unwittingly sharing their users' location data with advertisers
AppWizard
August 4, 2026

Android app developers may be unwittingly sharing their users’ location data with advertisers

Mobile apps often require precise location data for functionality, but there are concerns about the unintentional sharing of this sensitive information with third parties, such as advertisers and data brokers. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) found that third-party code in apps may collect location data without users' explicit consent due to default settings in software development kits (SDKs). Unless developers disable this feature, SDKs inherit app permissions, leading to the collection of users' location data. This raises privacy issues, as users' location histories can be sold to data brokers and potentially accessed by military and intelligence agencies. The EFF identified that certain Android apps, downloaded over 60 million times, were sharing location data without user awareness. Currently, there are no SDK-specific location permissions, meaning that consent to share location data with an app also extends to advertisers. The EFF calls for a change in industry standards to prevent default data sharing by advertising SDKs.
You Can Now Use Your Old Tablet As An Android Auto Head Unit - Here's How
AppWizard
August 4, 2026

You Can Now Use Your Old Tablet As An Android Auto Head Unit – Here’s How

Repurposing an old Android tablet can enhance your driving experience by turning it into a DIY Android Auto head unit using the app Headunit Revived. This open-source application acts as an Android Auto receiver, allowing navigation with Google Maps and access to apps like Spotify, Facebook Messenger, and Google Calendar. Headunit Revived is compatible with Android devices updated to at least Android 4.1 and can be downloaded for a fee from the Play Store or for free via an APK from GitHub. It can also be used on older Amazon Fire tablets. To set up Headunit Revived on your tablet, grant necessary permissions, agree to terms, and follow the Quick Setup Wizard to select screen size and orientation. The app will optimize the Android Auto layout based on your tablet's specifications. You can modify settings for UI scaling, dark mode, and screen resolution. To connect your phone to the tablet, you can use a USB cable or a wireless connection. For a wired connection, connect the phone via USB, select the appropriate USB settings, and launch Headunit Revived. For a wireless connection, enable Wi-Fi Direct on both devices, set the connection strategy in the app, and use the Wi-Fi Helper app on your phone to connect. Once connected, Android Auto will load on the tablet, allowing access to navigation and music apps. You can switch between navigation apps and exit Android Auto by unplugging the phone or using the Wireless Helper app. Various mounting options are available for securing the tablet in your vehicle.
Samsung follows LG in killing Smart TV apps that rent out your internet
AppWizard
August 4, 2026

Samsung follows LG in killing Smart TV apps that rent out your internet

Security researchers found that several Samsung Smart TV applications, including Pac-Man, were embedding residential proxy SDKs from data brokers like Bright Data. In response, Samsung has banned the inclusion of residential proxy functionality in new app submissions and is working to remove existing apps with such software. The investigation by Norwegian cybersecurity firm Mnemonic revealed that the Bright Data SDK was integrated into various gaming applications, some promoted by Samsung. While Samsung TVs were not automatically sharing internet connections, the SDK could be activated remotely by developers, requiring user consent. Once consent was granted, the proxy service could operate in the background. Many Samsung TV applications were found to download most of their code from remote servers, complicating verification processes. The issue of residential proxy software is not limited to Samsung, as it has also been identified in various Android apps and devices. Following these findings, LG and Google have also taken measures to address the risks associated with residential proxy networks.
Google Keep is finally rolling out the search feature you've been asking for
AppWizard
August 4, 2026

Google Keep is finally rolling out the search feature you’ve been asking for

Google is reintroducing the "Find in note" feature in the Google Keep app, which allows users to search for specific terms within individual notes. This feature can be accessed through the three-dot menu in a note, providing a search box that highlights all instances of the search term. It is currently available in app version 5.26.301.00.90, although some users have reported not seeing the feature despite having the correct version. Additionally, Google is working on a new user interface for the toolbar at the bottom of notes, which will include rearranged buttons and a redesigned plus icon.
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