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AppWizard

August 27, 2026

One of Google Keep’s biggest note-taking annoyances could soon be fixed

Google is introducing a new feature in Google Keep (v5.26.341.03.90) that allows users to create to-do lists within their regular notes. Users can now convert a single line into a to-do item without changing the entire note into a checklist. The checkbox icon has been redesigned to prioritize this new functionality, making it easier to manage tasks alongside standard text. This improvement aims to enhance organizational capabilities within the app.

BetaBeacon

August 26, 2026

LDPlayer 14 vs LDPlayer 9 vs BlueStacks: 21% FPS Gap [2026]

LDPlayer 14 has moved to an Android 14 kernel, allowing newer titles that reject Android 9 installs to run natively. BlueStacks allows users to spin up separate instances running different Android versions, giving flexibility to users. LDPlayer 14 has introduced Eco Mode and an updated LDMultiplayer manager for running multiple accounts in parallel. LDPlayer 9 remains the stable version listed on LDPlayer's homepage and has a mature ecosystem of community macro and script tools. BlueStacks offers multiple Android versions from a single install, catering to users with a game library spanning old and new titles.

Winsage

August 26, 2026

Windows NT 4.0 was released on this day 30 years ago

On August 24, 2001, Microsoft launched Windows XP to manufacturing. Five years earlier, on August 24, 1996, Windows NT 4.0 was released to the public, following the launch of Windows 95 in 1995. Windows NT 4.0 featured a user interface similar to Windows 95, incorporating elements like the Start button, taskbar, and Windows Explorer, while maintaining the security and networking advantages of the NT line. It emphasized business networking, with its Server edition including Internet Information Server and support for PPTP for virtual private networks. However, it faced challenges such as increased risk of system crashes due to architectural changes and limited driver availability, lacking official USB support. The legacy of the NT line continues in modern Windows operating systems, including Windows 2000, XP, and Windows 11.

Tech Optimizer

August 26, 2026

How to Protect Against Ransomware: 13 Steps [2026]

Global ransomware attacks increased by 0.8% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2026. The group Qilin has 279 confirmed victims, maintaining its position as the leading threat actor for four consecutive quarters. The rival group The Gentlemen saw a 62% increase in victims, reaching 269. Checkpoint Research's report indicates a shift in the ransomware landscape, challenging the narrative of declining attacks. IBM's analysis shows breaches within supply chains and third-party vendors have quadrupled over the past five years. Effective ransomware protection requires administrative access to endpoints, firewalls, and backup systems, along with specific software versions and tools. The 3-2-1-1-0 backup strategy is recommended, emphasizing offline, immutable backups. Organizations should implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all access points and actively patch known vulnerabilities. Network segmentation is crucial to limit ransomware spread, and canary files can provide early warnings of attacks. Regular phishing simulations and a well-documented incident response plan are essential for preparedness.

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.

AppWizard

August 25, 2026

Windows update that breaks some multiplayer games linked to our desire for gaming PCs that light up all the colors of the rainbow

A bug following the Windows update KB5121003 has caused several games, including Arc Raiders, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals, to become unresponsive. Embark Studios suggested that the crashes are linked to the driver inpoutx64.sys and recommended disabling it through the Command Prompt. Microsoft confirmed that the update is the cause of the issues and is investigating a potential connection between RGB lighting components and the affected games. They provided a method to disable the driver via the registry, advising users to back up the registry first. Disabling the driver may affect RGB lighting features. Users can also consider rolling back to a previous Windows update as a temporary solution.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Windows XP turns 25 today, and the nostalgia hits hard

Windows XP celebrates its 25th anniversary today, having been released to manufacturing on August 24, 2001, and to consumers on October 25, 2001. It marked a significant transition for Microsoft by combining consumer and business operating systems onto the Windows NT kernel, moving away from the older Windows 9x-based systems. The operating system was supported until April 8, 2014, nearly 13 years after its launch. Windows XP is noted for its iconic design and has left a lasting impact on personal computing, representing a blend of modernity and nostalgia.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Back to the Start: How Microsoft launched Windows 95 to the world

In 1995, Microsoft launched Windows 95, an operating system designed to transition users from 16-bit to 32-bit computing, with a marketing budget estimated between 0 million and 0 million. Windows 95 featured a 32-bit architecture capable of managing up to 4GB of memory, the Start button, taskbar, Microsoft Exchange, and Plug and Play technology. The global launch event occurred on August 24 at Microsoft's headquarters, featuring Bill Gates and a promotional campaign that included The Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up" and a videotape guide with Friends stars. In Malaysia, the official launch was on August 29, with some dealers organizing midnight sales, although turnout was disappointing. Microsoft hosted a Windows 95 Expo in Kuala Lumpur, leading to strong sales of additional products. By 1996, Microsoft announced the shipment of 40 million units of Windows 95 worldwide.

BetaBeacon

August 24, 2026

PPSSPP vs Dolphin vs RetroArch Android: 127 Cores

PPSSPP is a dedicated PSP emulator that does not require a BIOS file to boot a game. Dolphin emulates GameCube and Wii consoles and requires newer Android versions for better performance. RetroArch is a frontend that loads separate cores for different systems, offering a wide range of emulation options.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Windows 11 Now Suffering From BSODs And Instability Due To An Unlikely Culprit; RGB Peripherals, Microsoft Offers A Remedy To Users Experiencing Problems

Microsoft's update for Windows 11, designated “KB5121003,” has caused issues for users with RGB peripherals, leading to system freezes, game crashes, and Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors. The problems are linked to drivers associated with RGB lighting, particularly a driver named “inpoutx64,” which disrupts system stability when certain games are launched. Affected games include Arc Raiders, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals, with BSOD errors citing “EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION.” Microsoft has suggested a workaround involving temporarily disabling the inpoutx64 driver via the Windows registry, but users are cautioned about potential complications. Disabling this driver may affect the functionality of RGB features on peripherals, and re-enabling it carries risks as well.