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AppWizard

May 29, 2025

Google says Instagram fixed a battery drain issue on Android

Instagram has released an update (version 382.0.0.49.84) to address battery drain issues affecting users of Pixel phones. This problem was reported after a Pixel software update earlier in the month and has impacted various Pixel models from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 9. Users can access the update through the Google Play Store, and those who do not see the update may already have the latest version installed.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

Updating Instagram Might Stop Your Android Battery From Draining

Instagram has rolled out an update (version 382.0.0.49.84) to address a significant battery drain issue affecting Android users. Google confirmed this development in a post on its Help Community blog, indicating the problem was considerable. Users can check for updates on the Play Store to potentially resolve battery performance issues related to the app.

Tech Optimizer

May 29, 2025

How to turn off antivirus

Antivirus software is crucial for digital security, providing protection against malware threats. Users may need to disable antivirus temporarily for reasons such as system resource consumption, particularly during resource-intensive tasks like gaming, or to bypass false positives when installing applications. Disabling antivirus software poses risks, especially when browsing the internet, as even legitimate sites can be compromised. Precautions to take when disabling antivirus include disconnecting from the internet, avoiding USB drives, using trusted networks, closing non-essential applications, verifying the legitimacy of downloaded files, and limiting browsing to secure websites. Users should promptly re-enable their antivirus after completing necessary tasks.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

Update Instagram if you’re having battery drain issues on Android

Many Android users have reported unexpected battery drain, with Google identifying Instagram as a potential cause. Google announced that Instagram is rolling out an updated app to fix this battery drain issue, and users should ensure they have the latest version, build 382.0.0.49.84. Complaints from Pixel device owners about rapid battery depletion were linked to the Instagram app following a May 2025 update. The exact reason for the app's impact on battery life is unclear, but keeping applications updated is emphasized as a preventive measure.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Here’s an early look at Google TV app’s Material 3 Expressive overhaul (APK teardown)

Google is updating its Google TV app to align with Android's Material 3 Expressive design language, featuring a more colorful interface with accented gradients and enhanced visual elements. A beta version has shown a revamped blue color palette, a new section for recent searches, and a potential "Hot and New" tab, although these features are still in development. The latest app version (4.39.3208.761013668.5) includes updates to the For You tab, making it more vibrant with an updated search icon and larger text and buttons. The floating action button has changed from gray to blue. The rollout of these design changes is expected after the stable release of Android 16 QPR1.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Windows 11’s Snipping Tool gets a handy upgrade it should’ve had from day one

Microsoft has updated the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 to version 11.2504.38.0, introducing a built-in color picker that allows users to determine exact color values from their screen in HEX, RGB, and HSL formats. The color picker operates by hovering a dropper icon over any area of the screen. Users can also zoom in or out for precision using Ctrl and the +/- keys. Additionally, an AI-powered feature called Perfect Screenshot intelligently resizes screenshots based on selected content. Users can access this feature through keyboard shortcuts by holding the Ctrl key while invoking the Snipping Tool. These features are currently being tested for Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels, with a gradual rollout expected.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Windows 11’s new Color Picker tool makes finding color codes a breeze

Windows 11 has introduced a new color picker tool that allows users to obtain HEX, RGB, and HSL color codes without third-party applications. This feature is part of an enhanced Snipping Tool, which includes automatic cropping and GIF conversion. Users can access the color picker by using the shortcut Win + Shift + S, where a dropper icon will appear, enabling them to hover over any color on their screen to see the corresponding color codes. This tool is currently in testing and available only to Windows Insiders with Snipping Tool version 11.2504.38.0 installed.

Winsage

May 26, 2025

Deadline approaching: It’s time to say goodbye to Windows 10

Microsoft will officially discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, which has specific hardware requirements including a modern processor, a minimum of 4 GB of RAM, and a TPM 2.0 security chip. To check compatibility, users can use the PC Health Check app. If a device does not meet the requirements, hardware upgrades or firmware adjustments may be necessary. If the BIOS mode is set to Legacy, users must convert the hard drive from MBR to GPT using the command mbr2gpt /convert /allowfullOS. It is recommended to back up data before upgrading. Microsoft is also offering an Extended Security Updates (ESU) option for approximately €27, extending support for an additional year.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

This new Android launcher is my new must-have app for foldable phones

Foldable smartphones often face software limitations, particularly with launchers, leading users to choose between restrictive first-party options and inadequate third-party alternatives. Octopi Launcher has emerged as a promising solution, recently launching in beta on the Play Store. It offers unique configurations tailored to both the smaller cover screen and the larger display of foldable devices, allowing users to customize layouts for different orientations and purposes. Users can create up to four distinct layouts, with options for portrait and landscape modes, and can easily set up new layouts with intuitive prompts. Octopi excels in widget management, allowing independent sizing of widgets and app icons without compromising icon size. It supports overlapping and stacked widgets, enhancing visual appeal. The app drawer offers customizable options, including traditional icon shapes or tiles that display app names. While Octopi is impressive, it is still in development, with limitations in its gesture library and basic search functionality. It is best suited for foldable phones, although it can still benefit traditional devices. Overall, Octopi Launcher is tailored for heavy customizers and shows promise for future updates.

AppWizard

May 25, 2025

Android Auto will get Spotify Jam and support for video apps and web browsers

Google introduced enhancements for Android Auto, including the Gemini assistant and a revamped Spotify app featuring Spotify Jam, which allows users to collaboratively control playlists. Users can join by tapping a "Jam" icon and scanning a QR code. Quick Share integration will enable adding stops to Google Maps routes, and passkey support is forthcoming. A new light mode theme is in development, and web browsers and video apps will soon be available, limited to use when parked. The browser feature is in beta for vehicles with Google built-in, while weather app support has transitioned out of beta.