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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.
Data Doctors: What the deadline extension for Windows 10 means
Winsage
August 3, 2026

Data Doctors: What the deadline extension for Windows 10 means

Microsoft has extended its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 consumers until October 12, 2027, providing critical security updates for eligible systems. Windows 10 remains functional, but no new features will be introduced, and users must ensure their devices are enrolled in the ESU program to receive updates. Users are advised to check their computer's compatibility with Windows 11 and consider upgrading, as it is available as a free upgrade for eligible machines. If a computer does not meet the requirements for Windows 11, the ESU extension allows additional time to plan for replacement. Users should keep their internet security software and applications updated and maintain backups of important data.
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.
Own Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for Just $33
Winsage
August 3, 2026

Own Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for Just $33

Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows is available for .97 until August 9, down from its regular price of 9.99. The suite includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access, Publisher, and a free version of Microsoft Teams. It offers lifetime access on a single Windows PC and features significant performance enhancements and updated collaboration tools. The software is installed locally, allowing use without an internet connection for many tasks. It does not include continuous feature updates like Microsoft 365, providing a stable, perpetual version of the software.
One of Kerbal Space Program's biggest inspirations was a promotional Flash game for Top Gear: 'That was the most similar game to KSP that I could find back then'
AppWizard
August 2, 2026

One of Kerbal Space Program’s biggest inspirations was a promotional Flash game for Top Gear: ‘That was the most similar game to KSP that I could find back then’

Felipe Falanghe began his journey in PC gaming by playing Flight Simulator 4 on his father's laptop, which sparked his interest in modding and game development. In 2010, while at a marketing firm called Squad, he was given the opportunity to create Kerbal Space Program, which became one of PC Gamer's highest-rated games. Currently, he is playing the remastered version of Oblivion and enjoys the first-person shooter BattleBit, as well as Old School RuneScape, which he played back in 2005. He keeps Fragile Allegiance and Full Throttle installed on his system. Falanghe has logged nearly 2,000 hours in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024 combined and considers Flight Sim and Fragile Allegiance as games he will never uninstall. He uses OBS for remote work and OneCommander for file management. His desktop is somewhat cluttered, with a preference for the classic Windows 10-style Start menu.
The World as a Sliding Puzzle: Puzzle-Platformer Lost Twins 2 Released on iOS and Android
BetaBeacon
August 2, 2026

The World as a Sliding Puzzle: Puzzle-Platformer Lost Twins 2 Released on iOS and Android

Lost Twins 2 is a puzzle-platformer game where players help twins Abi and Ben reunite and find their way home through a world of unique creatures. The game features an environment rearrangement mechanic where players can move and swap tiles to create new pathways and solve puzzles. Players will encounter increasingly complex challenges, including controlling both twins and coordinating their actions. Lost Twins 2 offers solo and local co-op modes, with a "try before you buy" model allowing players to download the game for free and unlock the full version with a one-time purchase.
Every household management app I tried came up short, so I built my own with Claude
AppWizard
August 2, 2026

Every household management app I tried came up short, so I built my own with Claude

The author sought to improve household management by creating a customized app after finding existing apps inadequate. They initially planned to develop a traditional Android app but switched to a progressive web app (PWA) for quicker prototyping. The PWA evolved to include features for tracking family spending, inventory, and chores, with integration of Google Calendar and Firebase for syncing. The author repurposed an old tablet as a family hub for easy access to the app. After multiple iterations, they are now working on a native Android version, appreciating the learning experience gained from developing the PWA.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 3 to 7
AppWizard
August 2, 2026

Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 3 to 7

- Beast of Reincarnation: Release Date: August 3; Availability: Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Kynseed: Release Date: August 4; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Detective Holmes: Hidden Objects: Release Date: August 3; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere. - Space Tail: Definitive Edition: Release Date: August 3; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Fading Clouds: Release Date: August 4; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Five Hearts Under One Roof: Release Date: August 5; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere. - Mate'Morphosis: Release Date: August 5; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere. - Aery – Surreal World: Release Date: August 6; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Herd Dispatch: Release Date: August 6; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Montabi: Release Date: August 6; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere. - Sokogem: Release Date: August 6; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Vengeance of Mr. Peppermint: Release Date: August 6; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery. - Yellowcreek Stories – The Cabin Watcher: Release Date: August 6; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere. - INK ENIGMA 2: Hidden Object Challenges: Release Date: August 7; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere. - John Fox: Release Date: August 7; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere. - Limbot: Release Date: August 7; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere. - The Relic: First Guardian: Release Date: August 7; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Tailbreak: Release Date: August 7; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere.
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