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Winsage
April 2, 2026

Microsoft Provides a Secure Boot Certificate Update

Microsoft will roll out new Secure Boot certificates starting in April 2026, allowing users to access and understand their Secure Boot certificate status through the Windows Security app. This feature will be found under the Device security section in the Secure Boot area. Users with PCs manufactured in 2024 or later will have the necessary certificates, while older models will receive updates via Windows Update. The Windows Security app will use a color-coded system to indicate certificate status: a green check box for up-to-date certificates, a yellow bang for safety recommendations, and a red stop icon for critical issues. Further enhancements, including notifications and in-app guidance, will be introduced in May. Resources for IT administrators are available on Microsoft Support.
Microsoft teases Windows 11's vertical taskbar — then deletes the video
Winsage
April 1, 2026

Microsoft teases Windows 11’s vertical taskbar — then deletes the video

Users will soon be able to reposition the taskbar along any edge of their screen in Windows 11, a feature similar to macOS. This functionality was hinted at in Microsoft's roadmap and briefly showcased in a now-removed video. The taskbar can currently be moved by dragging, but the new feature aims to refine this process. Microsoft has not confirmed if the right-click method demonstrated will be the final implementation, as the finalized version is expected to integrate with the Settings app. Additionally, users will have the option to resize the taskbar, which currently cannot be adjusted in physical dimensions. Microsoft executives have also discussed upcoming features like dark mode and updates to legacy UI elements.
Samsung’s new app claims to alleviate motion sickness using sound
AppWizard
April 1, 2026

Samsung’s new app claims to alleviate motion sickness using sound

Samsung has launched an application called Hearapy for Android users, available on the Google Play store, designed to alleviate motion sickness symptoms through sound. The app guides users to listen to a low 100Hz sine wave tone for 60 seconds via connected headphones, which engages the vestibular system responsible for balance. Users can adjust the playback time between 40 to 120 seconds, with one minute providing relief from motion sickness for up to two hours. The app is inspired by research from Nagoya University, which found that specific sound wavelengths can reduce discomfort while reading in a moving vehicle. Hearapy's effectiveness may vary based on the headphones used, and Samsung recommends using it with Galaxy Buds 4 Pro for optimal results. The app is compatible with most headphones that can produce the tone at a volume of 80 to 85 decibels.
The first Elder Scrolls Online season is upon us, but I'm already more excited for the second
AppWizard
March 31, 2026

The first Elder Scrolls Online season is upon us, but I’m already more excited for the second

The Elder Scrolls Online is launching a new seasonal model starting with Season Zero on April 2, 2026. This model consists of approximately 90-day cycles, including Season Zero, Season One, and Season Two, with all seasonal content available for free to players who own the game. Season Zero will feature the Night Market, a limited-time event zone in the Daedric realm of Fargrave, available for seven weeks, where players can align with one of three NPC factions. The season will also introduce challenge difficulty options for overland experiences and improvements to combat, including a new test for the large-scale PvP mode, Vengeance. Season One will see the return of the Thieves Guild with new gameplay elements and dynamic world events. Additionally, a new base-game trial, the Crimson Veldt, will be introduced later in the year.
Microsoft is Forming New Team Tasked With Building "100% Native" Windows Apps
Winsage
March 31, 2026

Microsoft is Forming New Team Tasked With Building “100% Native” Windows Apps

Microsoft is establishing a dedicated team to develop native, high-quality Windows applications, led by Rudy Huyn, a Principal Lead Architect with experience in the Microsoft Store and File Explorer. Huyn emphasizes that prior experience with Windows is not necessary, focusing instead on strong product thinking and a customer-centric approach. The goal is to create "100% native" applications to improve the app experience on Windows, which has been criticized for lower quality compared to macOS applications. The Microsoft Store has faced criticism for offering basic web apps, and there are ongoing performance issues with applications like Microsoft Teams and Copilot for Windows. Microsoft plans to enhance Windows 11's performance and reliability by reintroducing features and improving core applications.
Microsoft to upgrade Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) with faster file access, better networking and easier setup
Winsage
March 31, 2026

Microsoft to upgrade Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) with faster file access, better networking and easier setup

Microsoft plans to enhance the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in 2026, focusing on several key improvements for developers. These enhancements include: - Faster file performance between Linux and Windows to address current latency issues. - Improved network compatibility and throughput for better communication between environments. - A streamlined setup and onboarding experience to simplify installation for newcomers. - Enhanced enterprise management and security features to improve control and safety in corporate settings.
Bethesda, Epic, Microsoft, and Ubisoft unite in this new Humble Bundle with games under $3 each
AppWizard
March 31, 2026

Bethesda, Epic, Microsoft, and Ubisoft unite in this new Humble Bundle with games under $3 each

The latest Humble Bundle features a collection of eight video games, including titles from major studios such as Bethesda, Ubisoft, and Microsoft, and supports the Entertainment Software Association. The highlighted game, Pentiment, is a narrative-driven experience set in 16th-century Bavaria, where players control artist Andreas Maler and make impactful decisions while unraveling a murder mystery. Other games in the bundle include Far Cry Primal, Dishonored 2, Mafia Trilogy, State of Decay 2, Horizon Chase 2, Tetris Forever, and Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions. The bundle is available for £16.21 and will be offered until Friday, April 3.
Google Rolls Out Developer Verification for Android Sideloaded Apps
AppWizard
March 31, 2026

Google Rolls Out Developer Verification for Android Sideloaded Apps

Google introduced developer verification features for the Android Developer Console and Google Play Console on March 30, 2026, to enhance security against malware from sideloaded applications. Sideloaded apps are known to contain over 90 times more malware than those on the Google Play Store. Developers can establish accounts on the Android Developer Console for verification, and existing apps on the Google Play Console will be automatically recognized as verified if they meet the new requirements. The Android developer verification tool will be integrated into Android Studio within two months. The rollout will occur in phases: - April 2026: Introduction of the “Android Developer Verifier” tool. - June 2026: Early access to “Limited Distribution Accounts” for hobbyist developers and students. - August 2026: Global rollout of “Limited Distribution Accounts” and launch of an “Advanced Flow” for installing unverified sideloaded apps. - September 30, 2026: Mandatory registration for apps installed or updated on certified Android devices in select countries, with unregistered apps installable only via ADB or the Advanced Flow. - 2027 and beyond: Global expansion of verification requirements.
Remember when Mastercard pressured Steam to remove a bunch of NSFW games? The FTC says that's not cool—sort of
AppWizard
March 30, 2026

Remember when Mastercard pressured Steam to remove a bunch of NSFW games? The FTC says that’s not cool—sort of

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has addressed concerns to the CEOs of major financial service companies, including Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, and Stripe, regarding the potential denial of services to customers based on political or religious beliefs. The letters warn that such practices could lead to investigations and enforcement actions. This initiative follows an incident involving Valve, where Mastercard was alleged to have pressured the company into removing adult-themed games from its Steam platform, although Mastercard clarified it did not directly influence the removals. FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson emphasized the importance of ensuring all law-abiding individuals can engage in commerce. The situation is further complicated by an executive order from former President Donald Trump, which raised concerns about financial institutions surveilling individuals involved in conservative activities. Ferguson urged Mastercard's CEO to prevent unlawful debanking practices by its network members. There is uncertainty regarding a proposed rule change that may not significantly alter the discretion financial institutions have in customer-related decisions. Inquiries have been made to Valve and the FTC about the implications of these letters for adult video games on the Steam platform.
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