inbox Archives

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

How to easily sideload Android apps on your new Googlebook

Chrome Unboxed offers support for independent tech journalism and provides an ad-free experience with membership benefits. Android gamers face challenges with popular titles like Call of Duty: Mobile, which are unavailable for installation on Googlebook via the Play Store. Users can sideload apps on Googlebook OS, built on Android 17, without the limitations of the Play Store. The sideloading process involves downloading an APK from a trusted source, allowing unknown apps in Chrome, and installing the app. Google Play Protect monitors installed applications for malicious activity, but users should still exercise caution when sideloading.

AppWizard

October 9, 2026

Gmail’s Settings Page Is Finally Getting a Much Needed Cleanup

Gmail is developing a redesigned settings page for its Android app, discovered in version 2026.10.05.993506826. The new layout aims to streamline navigation by consolidating general settings and account-specific options onto a single page, making it easier to find specific settings. Key features include grouped notification controls, a section for inbox customizations, and writing assistance tools. Additionally, dedicated sections for Google Chat and Meet will be introduced. Users will need to switch accounts using Gmail’s standard account switcher before accessing the settings page. There is no timeline for the rollout of this redesign, and it may undergo further changes before release.

AppWizard

October 7, 2026

Will Android apps struggle on Intel Googlebooks? Google and Intel offer different answers

Support for independent tech journalism is emphasized, with Chrome Unboxed encouraging contributions through its membership program. The text discusses the challenges of running Android applications on Intel versus ARM processors in the context of the new Googlebook OS, which is built on Android 17. Google has warned that Intel-based Googlebooks may face challenges with certain Android apps, particularly those designed for ARM processors, although 96.6% of the top 10,000 Android apps reportedly run well on Intel devices. Intel disputes the need for developer adjustments, promoting its Intel Bridge Technology as a solution for application compatibility and performance. The ongoing public disagreement highlights concerns for potential buyers regarding the performance of Intel-powered Googlebooks, especially for resource-intensive applications.

Winsage

October 7, 2026

5 Features Introduced In Windows 95 That You’re Still Using Today

In the early days of computing, specifically with MS-DOS and early Windows, file names were limited to eight characters and a three-character extension, leading to cryptic naming conventions. With the introduction of Windows 95, this limitation was lifted, allowing file names up to 255 characters and longer extensions, significantly improving organization and usability of various file formats like JPEG and HTML.

AppWizard

October 7, 2026

Google could soon let Gemini handle your Gmail inbox for you

Google is enhancing its AI Inbox feature in Gmail by integrating support for agentic Gemini tasks, allowing users to delegate specific tasks to Gemini. The latest Gmail app version (v2026.09.28) includes strings indicating the functionality of this feature, such as a “Start with Gemini” button for suggested action items, an “In progress” status while tasks are being handled, and a “Draft Reply” option for responses. Gemini will seek user input when necessary, displaying a “Needs your input” status and a “Give input” button. Once tasks are completed, users will see a “Ready for Review” status to assess and approve or reject modifications made by Gemini. The strings extracted from the code include various user experience prompts related to task management.

BetaBeacon

October 7, 2026

Android gaming on Googlebook is already hitting a frustratingly familiar roadblock

Titles like Call of Duty: Mobile, PUBG Mobile, and Fortnite are not compatible with Googlebook devices, preventing users from downloading and installing them. Other games like Farlight 84 and Delta Force can be installed but are blocked from matchmaking due to unauthorized emulator use.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

Google is quietly making email verification less annoying in Chrome on Android

Chrome 154 introduces Email Verification support for Android, allowing users to confirm their email addresses directly through the browser. This feature eliminates the need for traditional verification emails or one-time codes if both the website and email provider support Google's verification protocol. Users can find the Verified Email section under Settings > Addresses and more to toggle the “Automatically confirm your emails” option. To function, users must be signed into their email provider within the browser, and both the email provider and website must support the protocol. Google is also refining verification codes in Gmail with a “Copy code” shortcut for two-factor authentication emails.

AppWizard

October 3, 2026

These 9 Thunderbird features made me ditch Gmail for good

The author switched from Gmail to Thunderbird after 15 years, citing frustrations with Gmail's ad inundation and cluttered features. They appreciate Thunderbird's offline email access, extensive customization options, open-source nature, absence of forced AI features, free distribution without targeted ads, cross-platform compatibility, reliable notifications, effective multi-account management, customizable junk filtering, and its focus solely on email functionality. These aspects have led to a more streamlined and efficient email experience compared to Gmail.

Winsage

October 3, 2026

Tested: Microsoft cloned Outlook Classic’s look into a New Outlook theme, instead of building a native Windows 11 app

Microsoft introduced a new theme for its New Outlook that resembles Outlook Classic, responding to user preferences for a familiar interface. In August 2026, an optional setting was rolled out for New Outlook on Windows 11 and Windows 10, allowing users to enable a “classic Outlook style” through Settings > General > Appearance. This feature alters the interface to echo Outlook Classic while functioning as a web app. Key redesigns include a dark background title bar, updated navigation bar, and a new Calendar view. The mail folder list has been made more compact, and the ribbon has been updated with familiar design elements. Despite these changes, users still express a desire for a native Outlook app, as the current version operates as a resource-intensive Edge instance.

Winsage

September 25, 2026

Microsoft plans to deprecate Windows Deployment Services

Microsoft has announced that Windows Deployment Services (WDS) will be deprecated in the upcoming Windows Server release, marking a significant change for IT administrators who have used WDS for remote Windows installations. Active development of WDS will cease after the next Windows Server version, and the service will eventually be retired. This follows previous deprecations, including the removal of boot.wim support in 2021 and the disabling of hands-free deployment in January 2026 for certain updates. WDS will continue to operate on currently supported Windows Server versions, but standard desktop operating systems are no longer supported through its native setup engine since Windows 11. The deprecation includes the entire WDS ecosystem, but Microsoft Configuration Manager's deployment capabilities will remain unaffected. Users are encouraged to plan their migration away from WDS dependencies.