March 2026 Archives

Winsage

October 11, 2026

Microsoft design boss on why Windows 11 can’t please all 1 billion users: “Everyone has different preferences”

Microsoft is planning a significant transformation of Windows 11, focusing on modernizing its user interface and legacy features while addressing diverse user preferences. The new Windows Search capabilities allow users to perform actions like toggling settings directly from search results, which has led to discussions about the relevance of the Start menu. Diego Baca, Vice President of Design at Windows, emphasized the challenge of designing for over a billion users while aiming to improve performance and customization. The Recommended/Recent section of the Start menu has received mixed feedback, with many users expressing discontent despite Microsoft viewing it as a valuable feature intended to enhance productivity. Scenarios for its use include displaying missed meeting recordings and suggesting frequently used apps. In March 2026, Microsoft acknowledged past oversights with Windows and committed to revitalizing the operating system, aiming to modernize interfaces and integrate more WinUI-based features. The company plans to deliver 100% native applications on the platform and is focused on providing greater customization options for users.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

New Menu Added! Android’s “Google Play Store” Integrates Google Store

A new "Buy devices" menu has been integrated into the Android version of the "Google Play Store" app as of early October 2026, allowing users to access a curated selection of products from the "Google Store," primarily focusing on Google Pixel devices like the "Pixel 11" series and the "Google Pixel Watch 4 / 5." This feature follows earlier hints from Google in July 2025 and a temporary display in March 2026. The menu simplifies the purchasing process for these devices, although it does not include the entire range of products available on the "Google Store." The app also frequently features special offers on Google Pixel devices, with anticipation for future promotions related to the integration.

AppWizard

October 4, 2026

Launched in 2020, Minecraft’s Uncensored Library held around 300 books; RSF continues adding censored journalism

The Uncensored Library is a digital archive created by Reporters Without Borders and BlockWorks within Minecraft to combat censorship by providing access to banned journal articles. It features approximately 300 books across twelve wings, representing countries with restricted information. The library is accessible through a dedicated Minecraft server or by downloading it for Windows and Mac users. The selection of countries and articles is based on Google Analytics and the Press Freedom Index, with contributions from journalists. The library continues to grow, with recent updates adding new content from various countries, including the United States, Egypt, Belarus, and Russia. Since its launch in 2020, it has attracted over one million visitors and its books have been read ten million times.

BetaBeacon

October 1, 2026

Fortnite Google Play Australia: Fees Drop to 20% [2026]

The ACCC granted Google and Epic a six-year authorization covering Google Play service fees and rules governing alternative payment options inside Android apps sold in Australia.

Winsage

September 28, 2026

Windows 11 preview update causes black screen after sign-in; Microsoft publishes workaround

On September 24, Microsoft reported an issue affecting devices that installed the August 27 preview update for Windows 11, causing a black screen after sign-in and preventing the desktop from loading correctly. This issue primarily impacts Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) hosts using FSLogix with existing user profiles. The affected OS versions are Windows 11 versions 26H1, 25H2, and 24H2, and the causal update is KB5120998. Microsoft has issued interim workarounds, including a manual desktop launch and a Known Issue Rollback (KIR), which will be automatically delivered to non-enterprise devices. Affected enterprise-managed devices require manual deployment of the KIR policy. The black screen issue is part of a series of update-related problems for Windows 11 in 2026, while Windows 10 has experienced fewer issues during the same timeframe.

Tech Optimizer

September 25, 2026

Norton 360 for Gamers vs Bitdefender vs Malwarebytes [2026]

Norton, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes have adjusted their antivirus products to mitigate the negative effects on gaming performance. In June 2026, Norton 360 and Bitdefender Total Security both received a perfect AV-TEST score of 18 out of 18, while Malwarebytes achieved a 100% real-world protection rate in AV-Comparatives testing, though it had more false positives. Bitdefender Total Security is recommended for gamers due to its low frame-rate impact of 0-2%, while Norton 360 offers features for streamers and competitive players, and Malwarebytes serves as a lightweight secondary scanner. The value of gaming accounts has increased, making them targets for cybercriminals, with malware campaigns like Vidar 2.0 accounting for 41% of gaming-related malware detections. New malware families such as Katz and Bee specifically target Discord and gaming platforms. In terms of performance, Norton showed a 2-3% FPS decrease in Cyberpunk 2077, while Bitdefender's impact was only 0-2%, and Malwarebytes had less than 1% impact. Norton and Bitdefender are tied in detection capabilities, both scoring 18/18 in AV-TEST, while Malwarebytes had a 92.4% offline detection rate and 98.3% online. Norton includes a no-log VPN and gamer-tag monitoring, while Bitdefender offers identity protection without specific gamer-tag monitoring. Malwarebytes lacks a VPN and password manager. Pricing varies, with Norton starting at .99 for three devices, Bitdefender at .99 for one device, and Malwarebytes at .99 for one device. To switch antivirus solutions, users should back up their license keys, use removal tools, and ensure game-aware modes are active. Each product has unique strengths: Norton excels in gamer-tag monitoring, Bitdefender minimizes CPU usage, and Malwarebytes is lightweight but lacks additional features.

Tech Optimizer

September 25, 2026

We Tested 10 Best Antivirus Software for 2026

Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, with Verizon’s 2026 Data Breach Investigations Report indicating that 48% of breaches involve ransomware and 31% arise from software vulnerabilities. A review of leading antivirus programs assessed their effectiveness against various threats. Top antivirus software includes: - Bitdefender: Best overall, effective against various threats, perfect score from AV-TEST. - Norton 360: Best all-in-one suite, includes VPN and parental controls, perfect score from AV-TEST. - McAfee+ Premium: Best for families, unlimited device coverage, full marks from AV-TEST. - Malwarebytes: Best for simple protection, user-friendly interface, rated 5.5/6 by AV-TEST. - ESET NOD32: Best for advanced users, lightweight and fast, includes Gamer Mode. - Avast: Best free option, offers various scanning options, straightforward upgrade path. - Microsoft Defender: Built-in for Windows, essential protection, perfect score from AV-TEST. - Intego ONE: Best for Mac users, includes firewall and VPN. - Surfshark Antivirus: Combines antivirus and VPN services, real-time protection. - TotalAV: Best for beginners, combines antivirus with web security tools. The evaluation process included lab data from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, hands-on experience, and criteria such as malware protection, false positives, system performance impact, phishing protection, ease of use, platform coverage, additional security features, and pricing. Key metrics from antivirus lab tests include protection scores, false positives, and performance impact. The choice between antivirus software and internet security suites depends on individual needs. Antivirus software remains necessary, especially for Windows PCs, to complement other security measures.

Winsage

September 24, 2026

Microsoft tried to ban “Microslop,” and six months later it has given up

Microsoft has lifted its ban on the term "Microslop" in its official Copilot Discord server, which was initially blocked due to its use as a critical nickname for the company in response to its AI features. The term gained popularity around late 2025, leading to significant user frustration and the development of a browser extension to replace "Microsoft" with "Microslop." By March 2026, messages containing the term were being filtered in the Discord, prompting users to find ways around the restrictions. Microsoft later clarified that the filtering was a temporary anti-spam measure. Discontent with Copilot had been growing prior to this, with backlash against Windows chief Pavan Davuluri's comments about AI integration. In March, Davuluri announced a more intentional integration of Copilot, leading to changes such as the removal of the Copilot button from the Snipping Tool and the rebranding of features in Notepad. Microsoft also ceased the auto-installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app and promised a less cluttered user interface. The Copilot key has become customizable, although some users are frustrated by changes to the Copilot logo. Despite improvements, user backlash persists, with some expressing a desire for the "old Copilot." Microsoft is shifting from overt branding of AI features to a more integrated approach in user experience.

BetaBeacon

September 19, 2026

Valve’s Android Compatibility Tool Designed for the Steam Frame Goes Open-Source

Valve has made Lepton, the compatibility layer for running Android games on the Steam Frame, open-source. The project is available on Valve's GitLab repository and aims to assist game developers in bringing their VR Android games to the Steam Frame. Lepton combines Valve's proprietary code with components from Waydroid, Anbox, Halium, and Hybris, as well as portions of the AOSP. Open-source developers may utilize Lepton's code, adapt it for various applications, or fork the project to introduce new features or optimize its functionality.

BetaBeacon

September 18, 2026

LDPlayer vs MEmu vs GameLoop: 10% FPS Gap [2026]

- LDPlayer is a general-purpose performance emulator - MEmu is a multi-instance workhorse for players juggling several accounts - GameLoop is Tencent's first-party tool built almost exclusively around its own mobile titles - LDPlayer, MEmu, and GameLoop are all designed around mobile gaming rather than general Android app testing - LDPlayer is actively patching graphics driver bugs, MEmu is quietly polishing quality-of-life features, and GameLoop's update cadence has slowed - GameLoop is specifically tuned for Tencent-published titles like PUBG Mobile - LDPlayer runs two branches, with LDPlayer 14 being the most actively patched version - MEmu's defining feature is multi-instance management for running multiple Android sessions - MEmu's release cadence has been steady in 2026, with the latest build adding a toggle to disable Android system sounds