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Winsage

August 5, 2026

How to Disable Windows Recall in Windows 11 Home and Pro

Microsoft's Windows Recall feature captures periodic snapshots of user screens on Copilot+ PCs with Neural Processing Units (NPUs) to create a visual timeline of digital activities. Users can pause, disable, or remove Windows Recall on Windows 11 Home or Pro, but system updates may reactivate it. Methods to disable Windows Recall include: 1. Settings Toggle: Users can turn off snapshot collection through the Privacy & Security settings and reset recorded history. 2. Windows Optional Features: Users can uninstall the Recall feature via the optional features menu. 3. Group Policy Management: Windows 11 Pro users can block Recall through the Group Policy Editor. 4. Registry Editor Modification: Windows 11 Home users can modify the registry to disable Recall, though this method carries risks. Each method requires specific steps and may necessitate a system restart to take effect.

Winsage

August 5, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 arrives in October. Here’s why you shouldn’t skip it

The Windows 11 update designated as 26H2 is expected to be released as early as the last week of September. It is anticipated to be a lightweight update, delivered through an enablement package of 174 KB, activating features already embedded in previous versions. The Windows 11 Home and Pro versions are currently available at a reduced price.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

Google is replacing one of its most popular apps

Google is phasing out the Google Assistant app and transitioning users to its new AI-powered assistant, Gemini. Notifications have been sent to users about the discontinuation, which will begin on September 4 and take several weeks to complete. Devices that meet system requirements and are in supported regions will automatically switch to Gemini, allowing users to use familiar commands. The transition will also impact other connected devices like smartwatches and wireless earphones. Gemini aims to replicate the capabilities of Assistant while offering a more natural conversational experience.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

Why Running Your Own Minecraft Server Is Still Worth It in 2026

In 2026, players have three primary options for hosting Minecraft servers: self-hosting on personal computers, free hosting services, and paid hosting plans. Self-hosting offers complete control but requires maintenance and can lead to performance issues as player numbers grow. Free hosting is suitable for casual play but has limitations like restricted RAM and player slots. Paid hosting provides dedicated resources, DDoS protection, automatic backups, and technical support, making it a reliable choice for larger communities. Owning a server allows for customization of game settings, mods, and player access, enhancing the gaming experience. However, self-hosting can expose users to security risks and requires network configuration. Upgrading to paid hosting is advisable for those needing more resources, reliability, and support.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

Minecraft now says Minecraft For Nintendo Switch, suggesting Switch 2 Edition coming soon

Players have noticed that Minecraft is now displayed as "Minecraft for Nintendo Switch" on the system’s Home Screen, suggesting a potential update or new edition. Fans are anticipating the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, speculating about enhanced graphics, new gameplay features, and cross-platform play.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

This Android launcher made my home screen fun again – and I’m using the free version

Mango Launcher is a home screen launcher for Android that is described as "minimal and fast," featuring playful physics effects that animate app icons. The free version includes premade themes, dynamic physics effects, a favorite apps section, three app list layouts, folders, frosted glass effects, accent color options, icon customizations, font selection, notification badges, and extensive customization options. The Pro version, available for .99 per year or a one-time fee of .99, adds widgets, custom themes, auto-changing wallpapers, custom gestures, scribble functionality, voice commands, and digital well-being tools. Users can modify the app drawer layout and customize the notification shade, although the latter remains unchanged by the launcher’s themes.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

Google Assistant shutting down on Android and Wear OS in September

Google will discontinue Google Assistant on Android devices effective September 4, 2026, replacing it with Gemini, a new AI-powered assistant. The phased removal of Google Assistant will take several weeks to implement across all devices, including mobile phones, tablets, Wear OS watches, headphones, and vehicles using Android Auto. However, Google Assistant will continue to function in vehicles equipped with Google built-in beyond the September 2026 deadline. Gemini will also be available on Google TV devices, Google Home speakers, and smart displays, though the rollout timeline for the Pixel Tablet is uncertain. The decision to phase out Google Assistant was initially planned for the end of 2025 but has been extended to 2026. Users currently have the option to switch to Google Assistant within the Gemini app, but this will soon become obsolete.

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.

Winsage

August 4, 2026

Microsoft delivered plenty of Windows 11 updates in July — and I’m highlighting the most important changes for your PC

Microsoft has introduced several enhancements to Windows 11 in July 2026, including: - An updated Windows Search that automatically identifies additional relevant folder locations based on user activity. - Enhancements to the Phone Link companion flyout in the Start menu for quick previews of recent messages or notifications. - An adaptive hibernate policy that prevents hibernation when the battery is above 80% and initiates it when below 10%. - Performance improvements in File Explorer, including faster deletion of large files and touch scrolling support. - Streamlined Windows Update process that reduces system restarts by consolidating updates. - New gesture controls for Precision Touchpads to adjust scroll and zoom speeds. - Support for removing smart card policies in Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 sessions. - Improved usability of refreshable Braille displays with Narrator for instant connectivity. - Ability to reposition the Taskbar to any side of the screen for personalization. - Introduction of Voice Isolation for Voice Access to enhance speech recognition in noisy environments.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Your Galaxy’s SmartThings app looks set for its biggest redesign in years

Samsung's SmartThings app is undergoing a redesign to align with the One UI design language, featuring a floating navigation bar for easy access to tabs like Home, Devices, Life, Routines, and Menu. The Home tab will have animated wallpapers that change with the time of day and allow for personalized backgrounds for different locations. A new SmartThings Now card will suggest underutilized features, which can be disabled by users. The redesign includes three types of home-screen widgets: Device Control, Screen Device Control, and Routines. The Devices tab will have a refreshed background, and the Life section will continue to offer services like Energy and Music Sync, with customizable card arrangements. The Routines tab will separate existing automations from a Discover section showcasing popular community routines. A release date for the update is not confirmed but may align with the rollout of One UI 9.