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Site provides instructions to get up to $175 back for your pre-installed Windows 11 license — new portal provides legal forms, but warns buyers not to wipe storage first
Winsage
August 29, 2026

Site provides instructions to get up to $175 back for your pre-installed Windows 11 license — new portal provides legal forms, but warns buyers not to wipe storage first

A significant portion of new PCs is sold with Windows 11 pre-installed, causing frustration among Linux enthusiasts. The Refund4Freedom initiative, launched by the Italian Linux Society and the Free Software Foundation Europe, aims to provide consumers with the option to purchase laptops without being tied to a specific operating system and to avoid paying for unwanted software. The initiative has three main demands: 1. Freedom of Choice: Consumers should not be forced to use or pay for pre-installed software. 2. Transparent Pricing: Consumers should be able to purchase hardware without pre-installed software and see price differences. 3. Clear Refund Processes: Manufacturers must provide clear guidelines for requesting refunds for pre-installed software. The Refund4Freedom website details various brands' reimbursement practices, noting that Acer and Lenovo have established refund processes for Windows, while Asus has a less visible route primarily in Italy. Dell and HP currently do not offer reimbursement options. For those wishing to reject Windows, Refund4Freedom advises documenting contract clauses, contacting customer service, and using a pre-made form for refunds, which is tailored for Italy. The typical reimbursement amount for a Windows license is around €50, though it varies by region and manufacturer.
I test Windows laptops for a living, and these are the 7 features I can't pass up
Winsage
August 29, 2026

I test Windows laptops for a living, and these are the 7 features I can’t pass up

The author has spent five years testing laptops and has identified seven essential features for selecting a Windows laptop based on their experience and travel needs: 1. An OLED display for better contrast and deeper blacks. 2. A 14-inch chassis that is lightweight, ideal for travel. 3. At least 512GB of storage to accommodate large files. 4. At least one USB-A port for compatibility with older hardware. 5. All-day battery life, enhanced by Intel's "Lunar Lake" processors. 6. A backlit keyboard for usability in low-light environments. 7. No proprietary chargers, favoring USB-C for flexibility and convenience. The author notes that while many brands offer these features, pricing has been affected by the ongoing memory crisis, pushing preferred models into a higher price range.
Windows on Arm just hit 7,000 compatible apps. It's still not enough
Winsage
August 28, 2026

Windows on Arm just hit 7,000 compatible apps. It’s still not enough

Windows on Arm offers energy-efficient performance with extended battery life, minimal heat generation, and quiet operation. However, compatibility issues arise as most applications are designed for x86/x64 systems, making it difficult for Arm-based systems to run them effectively. A significant resource, the "Works on Windows on Arm" website, lists over 7,000 apps and games that support Arm architecture, including popular applications like Adobe Photoshop and Firefox. Microsoft plans to launch Arm-based computers from major manufacturers, but the number of compatible apps is still a small fraction of those available for traditional Windows systems. For non-native Arm applications, Microsoft provides an emulation solution through Prism in Windows 11, though this does not perform as well as native support. Gamers face challenges with current Snapdragon laptops, which struggle to deliver a smooth gaming experience, and the existing app offerings do not meet the gaming community's needs.
Lenovo's first Android handheld lets you stream PC games without a network connection
BetaBeacon
August 26, 2026

Lenovo’s first Android handheld lets you stream PC games without a network connection

Lenovo has launched the Legion Cloud Gaming Handheld C700 in China, offering a budget-friendly option for gamers. The device features a unique dongle for offline game streaming, a 7.82-inch FHD 120Hz LCD panel, Dimensity 7400 processor, 6-8GB of RAM, 128-256GB of storage, and an 8,000mAh battery. Priced at around 7, the C700 is currently available in China with no global availability confirmed.
Microsoft Touts Windows on Arm Ahead of Nvidia RTX Spark
Winsage
August 25, 2026

Microsoft Touts Windows on Arm Ahead of Nvidia RTX Spark

In June, Microsoft and Nvidia introduced the Windows on Arm-based RTX Spark chipsets, signaling a shift in personal computing. New PCs, including models from Microsoft’s Surface line, are expected soon, driven by increasing customer demand for efficient Windows on Arm devices. This interest follows Apple's announcement of its Arm-based chips, prompting Microsoft to adapt to the changing market. Klaus Diaconu from Microsoft indicated that Nvidia RTX Spark PCs from manufacturers like ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and MSI are set to launch in fall 2026. The growth of the Windows app ecosystem is also noted, with over 7,000 verified apps and games available for Windows on Arm. Microsoft’s App Assure program collaborates with developers to enhance application representation in this ecosystem. Significant advancements in compatibility have been reported across various app categories since the last update. Diaconu emphasized that Windows on Arm is now characterized by a growing ecosystem of PCs and applications that meet consumer needs. Microsoft has not explicitly referenced "Windows 11" in its communications, focusing instead on the "Copilot+ PC" narrative.
Microsoft celebrates major progress with Windows 11 on Arm PCs, confirms Windows on Arm is now "a first-class platform for any workload" and that "customer demand is growing"
Winsage
August 25, 2026

Microsoft celebrates major progress with Windows 11 on Arm PCs, confirms Windows on Arm is now “a first-class platform for any workload” and that “customer demand is growing”

Microsoft has announced advancements in the Windows on Arm platform, highlighting the upcoming addition of NVIDIA's RTX Spark SoC later this year, which will enhance the existing Qualcomm Snapdragon X platform. By fall 2026, devices from manufacturers like Microsoft Surface, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and MSI will feature RTX Spark technology. There are currently over 7,000 compatible applications for Windows on Arm, available on the "Works on WOA" website. Users can engage in discussions about these developments on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral.
Manic Android Malware Exfiltrates Data From Offline Phones via Nearby Infected Devices
AppWizard
August 23, 2026

Manic Android Malware Exfiltrates Data From Offline Phones via Nearby Infected Devices

A new Android malware threat, codenamed Manic, poses significant risks to Ukrainian banks, government services, and messaging applications, with a reach extending to Russian and European financial institutions, global fintech platforms, cryptocurrency services, and military communication channels. Manic combines Android banking malware and mobile spyware, targeting sensitive applications and enabling comprehensive device takeover. It features a novel Wi-Fi mesh technique for data relay through compromised devices and utilizes phishing sites and dropper apps. The malware originated in February 2026, with initial development leading to its first deployment by late May. It monitors 169 package IDs related to banks, payment services, and messaging applications, primarily affecting Ukrainian targets but also impacting applications in Russia and Europe. Manic can infiltrate commercial and military messaging apps, track locations, monitor notifications, and collect files. It exploits Android's accessibility services to capture sensitive data and employs a store-and-forward relay mechanism for data exfiltration through nearby compromised devices. Google has stated that no apps containing this malware are found on Google Play, and Android users are protected by Google Play Protect.
Friday’s Android app deals and freebies: Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom, Little to the Left, Onigo Hunter, more
AppWizard
August 21, 2026

Friday’s Android app deals and freebies: Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom, Little to the Left, Onigo Hunter, more

A selection of Android games and apps is on sale, including Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom, A Little to the Left: Stars, A Little to the Left: Drawers, RPG Onigo Hunter, Premium-RPG Wizards of Brandel, and Data Defense. The Best Buy 60th Anniversary sale features price drops on select items from Nothing, an all-time low price on Anker’s SmartTrack Google Find Hub wallet card, and a 0 discount on Lenovo’s 2026 IdeaPad 2K touchscreen Copilot+ laptop. Additional Android app price drops include various genres and styles, providing limited-time offers for users.
Here's what the Googlebook 'Desktop Camera' UI will look like
AppWizard
August 17, 2026

Here’s what the Googlebook ‘Desktop Camera’ UI will look like

Google has updated the Play Store listing for its 'Desktop Camera' app, introducing a new app icon that reflects Google's gradient design. The updated listing features a more detailed view of the user interface with four new screenshots, maintaining a layout similar to the Pixel Camera app. Key controls are positioned along the right edge, with additional settings accessible from a button in the bottom-left corner. The app includes four main features: 1. Optimized for large screens (tablets, laptops, desktops). 2. External webcam support. 3. Document scanning with machine learning for auto-cropping and image enhancement. 4. QR code scanning. The Desktop Camera app is expected to enhance the user experience on upcoming Googlebook devices, anticipated to launch this fall, with leaks about designs and specifications from manufacturers like Lenovo, Acer, and ASUS.
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