A new app called Messages by OzarksMade aims to emulate the look and feel of Samsung Messages and include RCS support via integration with Google Messages.
Next week, several games are set to launch for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC:
- Beast of Reincarnation: Releases on August 3, available on Game Pass and optimized for Xbox Series X|S. Players explore a post-apocalyptic Japan as Emma and her dog Koo, with customization options and exclusive pre-order rewards.
- Kynseed: Releases on August 4, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. A life simulation sandbox RPG from the creators of Fable, focusing on farming, family, and community interactions.
- Detective Holmes: Hidden Objects: Releases on August 3, optimized for Xbox Series X|S, featuring Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson in a hidden object game with various gameplay modes.
- Space Tail: Definitive Edition: Releases on August 3, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. Players follow Bea, a dog in space, engaging in observation-based gameplay.
- Fading Clouds: Releases on August 4, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. A puzzle adventure game with 30 levels set in the skies, focusing on creative problem-solving.
- Five Hearts Under One Roof: Releases on August 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. An interactive FMV romance game centered on complex relationships.
- Mate’Morphosis: Releases on August 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. A chess-inspired puzzle game where players become the pieces they capture.
- Aery – Surreal World: Releases on August 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. A flight exploration game through dreamlike landscapes.
- Herd Dispatch: Releases on August 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. A puzzle game where players guide sheep home through strategic planning.
- Montabi: Releases on August 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. A creature-collector roguelike deckbuilding game.
- Sokogem: Releases on August 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. A minimalist puzzle game focused on logical movement.
- Vengeance of Mr. Peppermint: Releases on August 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. A side-scrolling beat-’em-up game featuring a detective seeking vengeance.
- Yellowcreek Stories – The Cabin Watcher: Releases on August 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. A first-person stealth slasher game.
- INK ENIGMA 2: Hidden Object Challenges: Releases on August 7, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. A hidden object game with upgraded gameplay.
- John Fox: Releases on August 7, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. An action-adventure game featuring an elite warrior.
- Limbot: Releases on August 7, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. A multiplayer game with a cardboard robot navigating a destructible city.
- The Relic: First Guardian: Releases on August 7, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. An action RPG set in a devastated world with fast-paced combat.
- Tailbreak: Releases on August 7, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. An arcade shooter featuring dinosaurs and a voiced story mode.
In March, a commitment was made to enhance the quality of Windows, with a focus on several immediate changes including enhanced taskbar customization, meaningful AI integration, minimizing disruptions from Windows Updates, faster and more reliable File Explorer, greater control over widgets and feed experiences, a more straightforward Windows Insider Program, and improving the Feedback Hub experience. The core areas of focus are performance, reliability, and well-crafted experiences, with improvements already being rolled out to Windows Insiders and set to expand across Windows 11 PCs this fall.
Recent updates include enhancements to the Windows Search Box, improvements for developers at Build 2026, advancements in WinUI 3, updates to the Taskbar and Start menu, simplified AI integration, foundational architecture enhancements for File Explorer, updates to widgets and feed experiences, the launch of the Driver Quality Initiative (DQI), memory efficiency improvements, enhanced reliability for Windows Hello, changes to reduce disruptions from Windows Updates, and a simplified Windows Insider Program.
Looking ahead, the team plans to bring enhancements to general availability while focusing on onboarding and setup, memory optimization for PCs with 8GB and above, family features, and improved voice interactions. Engaging with Windows Insiders has been a highlight, and the team remains committed to ongoing improvements based on user feedback.
Google is set to launch the Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and Pixel Watch 5 on August 12 in New York City. Leaked images reveal the user interface of these devices. The Pixel 11 Pro features various menus, including the home screen layout, Emergency SOS setup, TalkBack accessibility options, and Visual Voicemail functionalities. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold has a centered app drawer and a camera interface with video controls on the left and shutter, lens switching, and gallery buttons on the right. The Pixel Watch 5 showcases a circular app grid, large touch targets, and a keyboard layout optimized for its round display.
Mobile carriers in Russia—MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, and T2—will no longer charge data fees for the Max messenger application, effective August 1. Users can utilize Max without using their mobile data allowances, even if their data packages are exhausted. This agreement, confirmed by the Digital Development Ministry and VK, the parent company of Max, allows for zero-rated traffic for the app when connected to the carrier's home network. However, the Max messenger was recently removed from the App Store due to international sanctions, and Google also removed it from its app store following EU sanctions on VK and its subsidiary.
On October 14, 2025, Microsoft ceased support for Windows 10, which means it will no longer receive technical assistance, feature updates, or security patches. Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which has been extended to October 2027, allowing users to continue receiving essential security updates if their device meets specific criteria. Eligibility for ESU includes running Windows 10, version 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstations edition, having the latest Windows update installed, being signed in with an administrator Microsoft account, and enabling Windows Backup. ESU is free for users utilizing Windows Backup; otherwise, a one-time fee or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points is required. For devices not qualifying for ESU, alternatives include installing third-party antivirus software, upgrading to Windows 11, or switching to Linux. To enroll in ESU, users can navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, where an Enroll Now link will appear if eligible.
Owning a Roku TV or streaming box allows for seamless integration with existing tech setups, enhancing the viewing experience. Users can mirror their Android phone's screen to the Roku device, provided both support the Miracast protocol. Most Roku devices support screen mirroring, but some Android devices, like Google Pixels, do not support Miracast natively. Users can still cast individual apps such as YouTube or Netflix using the DIAL protocol.
To mirror the screen, users must navigate to the settings menu on the Roku and select the screen mirroring mode. Samsung Galaxy users can easily mirror their screens by using the Smart View feature. While mirroring, a Smart View pill allows users to adjust settings and aspect ratios. If audio issues arise, users should check the volume on both devices.
Samsung Galaxy smartphone users can utilize the DeX feature for a desktop-like experience when connected to a Roku. To activate DeX wirelessly, users can access quick settings and select the Wireless DeX toggle. Some lag may occur during wireless use, which can be mitigated by adjusting the TV's picture mode to gaming.
Samsung has acknowledged a bug affecting the Edge Panel feature on its Galaxy flagship devices, linked to the One Hand Operation Plus module, which allows users to set swipe gestures. Users report that swipe gestures no longer activate the Edge Panel as intended, with temporary fixes like toggling the Edge Panel or rotating the device's screen providing only short-term relief. Samsung suggests adjusting gesture area settings or disabling One Hand Operation Plus as potential workarounds. The company plans to address the glitch in an upcoming update but has not provided a specific timeline for the fix.
Microsoft is transitioning more Windows UI elements to WinUI3, moving away from legacy UI inconsistencies that have led to increased RAM usage. WinUI serves as the native UI framework designed to replace older technologies like Win32 and UWP. An early preview of the redesigned Properties dialog, rebuilt in WinUI, showcased new native elements. Microsoft plans to bring more Windows UI to WinUI3, despite previous issues with hastily integrating dark mode into legacy code. The decision to rebuild the Properties dialog indicates a commitment to investing resources in this initiative. Updates across various dialogs and system components are ongoing, with the file copy dialog already rewritten in WinUI. The Run dialog has also transitioned to WinUI, loading faster than its predecessor. However, the Start menu rewrite is being cautiously managed due to current memory usage issues with WinUI. Microsoft is actively working to enhance WinUI’s memory usage and integrate it with the Windows system compositor for improved performance.
An array of Android game and app deals is currently available, featuring titles such as Aeon’s End, Runic Curse, Quest of Wizard, HOOK, Slay the Spire, Inbetween Land (Full), Thimbleweed Park, and The Wild Case Adventure (Full). The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is discounted by up to 5 and comes with a free pair of Galaxy Buds 4. Additional price drops include various game titles, productivity apps, creative software, and educational resources.
