manufacturers Archives

AppWizard

September 2, 2026

Developer uses Claude Code to debloat Android smart TV for ‘unbelievable’ performance upgrade — TV now smoother than it was new as autonomous agent deactivates apps, shortens animations, all without root access

A developer, Mert Cobanov, optimized his smart TV using Claude Code, resulting in improved performance that surpasses its original state. He connected to his Android TV via ADB, deactivated unnecessary applications, and installed FLauncher without root access. Cobanov has created a website, "Clean up your Android TV," which provides a four-step process for others to achieve similar results. The process allows for reversibility, ensuring nothing is permanently uninstalled, and includes instructions for restoring specific apps if needed.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

Microsoft extended Windows 10, but Nvidia just made the extension meaningless for gamers

Windows 10 will receive support until October 2027 under the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, with approximately 30% of PCs still operating on this system. Nvidia will stop releasing Game Ready Drivers for Windows 10 in October 2026, and from November 2026, users will not receive game-related fixes or optimizations. Security updates will remain available until at least October 2029, but the lack of patches for new bugs may affect gaming experiences. HP reports that around 30% of PCs are still running Windows 10, and the company expects these users to transition to Windows 11 or invest in new hardware. Microsoft acknowledges that the growth of Windows 11 has slowed and is focusing on enhancing its features.

Winsage

August 31, 2026

3 tasks that are still easier on Linux than Windows

Linux users benefit from a streamlined software update process through package managers like APT, DNF, and Pacman, allowing all applications to be updated with a single command. In contrast, Windows requires multiple update mechanisms for the operating system and third-party software, often necessitating manual checks. Most drivers in Linux are built into the kernel, enabling automatic recognition and configuration of new hardware, while Windows typically requires users to download drivers from manufacturers' websites. Linux provides clearer system logs for troubleshooting, making it easier to diagnose issues, whereas Windows error messages can be vague and less informative. Overall, Linux offers advantages in software updates, driver management, and troubleshooting compared to Windows.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

The AI memory crunch has reached the apps on your phone

Google will implement new memory usage regulations for Android applications starting in February 2027, due to a global RAM shortage. Apps exceeding the set memory limits may be throttled, terminated, or face reduced visibility on the Play Store. The memory thresholds vary based on device specifications, with specific limits for foreground, background, and bitmap memory usage. Non-compliance will result in penalties affecting app distribution and visibility. The memory crisis is attributed to increased demand from the AI data center industry, leading to rising RAM costs. The new limits will first apply to Pixel devices with Android 17, and other manufacturers are expected to follow. Additionally, by April 2027, all apps on the Play Store must support zero-tap credential restoration for users transitioning to new devices.

Winsage

August 30, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 is almost here, but where is the flagship Surface to sell it?

Microsoft is set to release a significant update to Windows 11, version 26H2, in the Release Preview Channel, with a general rollout expected in a few weeks. The update includes a new user interface, such as the ability to reposition the Taskbar, and various enhancements. There is currently no new Surface device to showcase these changes, which is seen as a missed opportunity. Microsoft has integrated Windows 11 with Snapdragon technology, as shown by the Surface Pro 11, which highlights the potential of fanless, Snapdragon-powered PCs. However, marketing the new features of Windows 11 poses challenges, particularly for under-the-hood enhancements.

Winsage

August 30, 2026

Dear Microsoft, where is the Surface to showcase all these improvements to Windows 11?

Microsoft has introduced Windows 11 version 26H2 to the Release Preview Channel, signaling a broader rollout in the coming weeks. This update includes user interface enhancements such as the ability to reposition the Taskbar, resize the Start menu, and disable web and Store suggestions. Over 7,000 applications are now optimized for Arm architecture, indicating growing support for Windows on Arm. PowerToys has also updated with a feature called Window Hopper for easier window management. Despite challenges in communication and design consistency across its products, Microsoft is focusing on the advancements in Windows 11, particularly in relation to Snapdragon technology, which has encouraged the production of Snapdragon-powered laptops. There is currently no unified marketing strategy or event planned to showcase the upcoming changes in Windows 11.

Winsage

August 30, 2026

Your GPU’s scheduling toggle was pointless in 2020, and a growing list of Windows features now need it

For over a decade, Windows managed graphics card operations through a single CPU thread. In May 2020, Microsoft introduced Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling (HAGS), allowing users to transfer scheduling tasks to the GPU. HAGS shifts scheduling from the CPU to a dedicated processor on the GPU, reducing CPU overhead. The introduction of WDDM 3.0 with Windows 11 21H2 requires HAGS for the basic hardware flip queue, which reduces power consumption. The advanced hardware flip queue, which addresses presentation latency, also requires HAGS. With Windows 11 24H2 and WDDM 3.2, native GPU fences were introduced, allowing the GPU to manage dependencies without CPU intervention. Nvidia's frame generation features require HAGS, while Intel's Arc B-series cards do not. The state of HAGS is determined by GPU drivers, and applications like OBS have shown caution towards HAGS due to historical issues.

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.

AppWizard

August 28, 2026

Google clamps down on Android app RAM usage amid AI memory crisis — developers have until February 2027 to adapt to new memory-optimizing rules

Google has introduced new guidelines to improve memory management for Android applications due to a shortage of memory, requiring developers to reduce their apps' memory usage by February 2027. Smartphone manufacturers are responding to memory shortages by decreasing the memory in devices, with many entry-level smartphones now featuring only 4GB instead of the previous 6GB to 8GB. Microsoft is also optimizing Windows 11 for devices with 8GB of memory to ease the need for upgrades.

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.