individuals Archives

Winsage

September 29, 2026

AMD & Perplexity bring local AI to Ryzen Windows PCs

AMD and Perplexity have launched Portable Computer, a software solution for Windows PCs with Ryzen AI Max Series processors, enabling local AI tasks and workflow management for Pro and Max subscribers. This allows users to run extensive AI models on their devices without relying on cloud processing, enhancing privacy and conserving Perplexity Computer credits. The software integrates local models with agent orchestration, scheduling, and security controls, and connects with popular workplace applications like Gmail and Slack. AMD's AI PCs, introduced in 2023, feature a neural processing unit that allows local AI operations alongside standard applications. This collaboration signifies a shift towards more AI processing on personal devices, aiming to automate tasks and improve user experience. Jack Huynh from AMD highlighted the transformation of PCs into intelligent partners, emphasizing the coexistence of local and cloud AI in their strategy.

Winsage

September 28, 2026

Windows 11 can keep thumbnails of photos you deleted. Here’s how to remove them

A recent post on X claims that Windows retains a thumbnail of every deleted photo in a file named thumbcache_256.db, which has raised privacy concerns among users. While Windows does maintain a thumbnail cache for efficiency, this practice is not unique to Windows, as other operating systems like macOS, Linux, and Android also use similar systems. Users can inspect or clear their thumbnail cache by accessing specific database files in the Windows Explorer directory. The claim that Windows retains "every photo you’ve ever deleted" is misleading, as thumbnails are only created when images are viewed in thumbnail mode. Windows does not cache every file, and thumbnails must exist before they can be cached. Additionally, Windows keeps app launch records in Prefetch files for performance optimization, maintains entries for USB devices in the USBSTOR registry key, retains records of Wi-Fi networks and passwords (which are encrypted), and can keep clipboard history and recent file shortcuts. Caching previews is common across various operating systems, and Microsoft is focused on user consent and privacy as it enhances Windows 11 with AI functionalities.

Tech Optimizer

September 28, 2026

Norton’s antivirus plans drop to Black Friday prices — but the deals end tomorrow

Norton is offering substantial discounts on its antivirus plans, with reductions up to 76%. Current prices for the first year are as follows: Norton AntiVirus Plus at .99 (originally .99), Norton 360 Standard at .99 (originally .99), and Norton 360 Deluxe at .99 (originally 4.99). The plans provide protection for one, three, and five devices respectively, with additional features like VPN and dark web monitoring for higher-tier plans. After the first year, prices revert to standard rates unless auto-renewal is canceled. Norton also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

New cozy PC bundle is perfect for Halloween with eight spooky games for just $10

Humble Bundle has launched the Fall Into Fun-dle bundle, featuring eight games themed around witchcraft, magic, and sorcery. The bundle is available in two tiers: the first tier includes five games for €5.29 / £4.51, and the second tier adds three more games for a total of eight at €10.59 / £9.04. The games included are: 1. Sugar Snack - Release Date: September 14, 2023 - Steam Rating: 66% positive 2. Outlanders - Release Date: March 7, 2023 - Steam Rating: 91% positive 3. Witch It - Release Date: October 22, 2020 - Steam Rating: 89% positive 4. Bunny Park - Release Date: January 14, 2020 - Steam Rating: 90% positive 5. Alchemy Story - Release Date: April 15, 2020 - Steam Rating: 79% positive 6. Witchtastic - Release Date: October 26, 2021 - Steam Rating: 92% positive 7. Mika and the Witch’s Mountain - Release Date: January 22, 2025 - Steam Rating: 86% positive 8. Alchemist Shop Simulator - Release Date: March 11, 2025 - Steam Rating: 74% positive

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

Super Mario Galaxy Is Getting an Unofficial PC Native Port

PC gamers have been playing Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 through a Nintendo Wii emulator since 2016. An unofficial native PC port of Super Mario Galaxy 1, codenamed AstroCore, is being developed by Luma’s Workshop, with a trailer showcasing the game running at 60 frames per second. The team plans to focus on Super Mario Galaxy 2 after completing necessary cleanup work. The projects will not include any in-game assets from the original games to avoid takedown requests from Nintendo. Various unofficial PC ports are already available, including Super Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. In September 2026, several unofficial PC ports were released, including Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link and Super Mario Strikers. The PC gaming community has a growing library of unofficial ports to look forward to.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

Industry insiders and Tokyo gossip suggest Kojima is getting less money from Xbox than original PlayStation budget for Physint

A new initiative invites individuals to join an exclusive club for swift access to insights and updates by entering their email address. Participants must be 16 years or older, acknowledge the Privacy Policy, accept the Terms & Conditions, and may be subject to geographical restrictions. After registration, users receive a confirmation email and are enrolled in a newsletter for updates.

Winsage

September 26, 2026

Windows Insiders Can Test Phone Companion Improvements and New Mouse Pointer Effects

Microsoft has released new Windows 11 preview builds for Insiders in the Experimental and Beta Channels. The Experimental build 26340.9577 includes energy recommendations accessible from the system tray’s Quick Settings. The Beta build 26220.9568 allows users to preview recent message content in the Phone Companion by hovering the mouse cursor over it. New Pointer Indicator settings have been added under Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch, providing crosshair effects for easier cursor location for users with low vision, which can be toggled with Win + Ctrl + X. The Beta build also features a contrast theme toggle in the Magnifier tool that recolors the interface without altering the original hues of photos, videos, and charts. No new features were introduced in the new 26H1 preview builds for Insiders on both channels, and there was no new release from the Experimental segment.

Winsage

September 25, 2026

Confused? Your Windows 10 PC still works, but the clock is running out

A customer visited a service center with a functional Dell laptop running Windows 10, which lost mainstream support from Microsoft in October 2022. While the laptop still operates, Microsoft no longer patches security vulnerabilities for Windows 10 unless specific actions are taken. Users have three options: 1. Upgrade to Windows 11 for free if the PC meets requirements, which can be checked with the "PC Health Check" app. 2. Purchase a new or refurbished PC, especially if the current device is six or seven years old. 3. Enroll in extended security updates through methods such as syncing with a Microsoft account, redeeming rewards points, or paying a fee, valid until October 2027. There has been an increase in scams related to Windows 10, with fraudulent popups and calls misleading users about their operating system's status. Microsoft will not contact users unexpectedly regarding expired systems. Users should check their PC's eligibility for Windows 11 using the "PC Health Check" app and seek professional help if needed.

AppWizard

September 25, 2026

Google Maps is failing to complete basic searches for some users

Users are experiencing a glitch with the search functionality in the browser version of Google Maps, where searching for general terms like "restaurants" results in an error message suggesting a misspelling or incomplete query. Specific location searches work normally, but general searches yield a message stating, “Google Maps can’t find restaurants,” prompting users to check spelling or provide additional location details. This issue appears to be limited to the browser version, with no problems reported on the mobile app. Some users have found that searching in incognito mode may resolve the issue, though this workaround is not universally effective. The glitch affects multiple browsers, not just Chrome. Android Authority has contacted Google for clarification on the matter.

AppWizard

September 25, 2026

Forget new models — Gemini’s working on what really matters: dark mode options

The Gemini app for Android is introducing new features aimed at enhancing user experience. Upcoming updates include innovative dark mode controls that allow users to override their device's system settings, enabling them to choose their preferred mode specifically for Gemini. This feature will be exclusive to the Gemini app and will not affect other Google applications. Additionally, a notification history feature will be added, allowing users to archive and review past notifications via a bell icon in the app. Users will also be able to long-press notifications to open or remove them. These developments are part of version 17.61.19.sa.arm64 of the Google app for Android, although not all features may make it to the final version.