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Someone ported Pixel 11’s Rambler voice-to-text to other Android phones
AppWizard
October 11, 2026

Someone ported Pixel 11’s Rambler voice-to-text to other Android phones

Google's Pixel 11 and the Googlebook feature the Rambler voice-to-text functionality, which uses AI to improve traditional voice-to-text capabilities by refining spoken words into coherent text with proper grammar and formatting. Rambler is currently exclusive to the Pixel 11 series, but a developer has ported it to other Android devices through an app called "PixelBoard," a modified version of Gboard. Users can sideload this app from GitHub, but they should proceed at their own risk. Testing on a Galaxy Z Fold 8 showed that the app functions effectively, similar to Rambler on the Pixel 11. It is unclear if Google will extend Rambler support to other devices, and alternatives like Microsoft’s SwiftKey are available on the Play Store.
Windows 11 version 26H2 is rolling out now — here’s how to get the update now and get the most out of the 2026 update
Winsage
October 11, 2026

Windows 11 version 26H2 is rolling out now — here’s how to get the update now and get the most out of the 2026 update

Microsoft is gradually introducing the Windows 11 2026 Update (version 26H2) to compatible devices. The update is optional and requires manual installation for users who want it before the general rollout. Users on versions 25H2 or 24H2 can update without a complete reinstallation, while those on version 23H2 or earlier must perform a full in-place upgrade. To install the update from Settings, users should open Settings, click on Windows Update, enable the toggle for getting the latest updates, check for updates, download and install, and restart the device. If the upgrade option is not visible, it may indicate incompatibility. The Media Creation Tool can be used for creating bootable USB media for users upgrading from older versions like 23H2 or Windows 10, but it requires a complete reinstallation. Steps include downloading the tool, selecting the USB drive option, and following prompts to create the installation media. Users can also download the Windows 11 version 26H2 ISO file from the Microsoft support website, mount the ISO, and run setup.exe to complete the installation.
Windows 11 hides a Windows 7 folder that beats the Settings app, and I use it every day
Winsage
October 11, 2026

Windows 11 hides a Windows 7 folder that beats the Settings app, and I use it every day

The "God Mode" folder in Windows is a hidden feature that provides a streamlined solution to navigating settings by offering an organized index within a single folder. Users can create this folder by right-clicking on the desktop, creating a new folder, and renaming it to "GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}". This transforms the folder icon to resemble the Control Panel, allowing quick access to various settings. The folder can be pinned to the Start menu or Quick Access for easier accessibility. It serves as a useful tool for users who frequently adjust settings, making tasks like managing USB settings or adjusting processor state limits more efficient.
The developer of an AI-powered driving instruction simulator is spending $1,000 per month just to keep its demo running
AppWizard
October 11, 2026

The developer of an AI-powered driving instruction simulator is spending $1,000 per month just to keep its demo running

Artificial intelligence, particularly through large language models (LLMs), is expected to significantly impact the gaming industry by enhancing non-player characters (NPCs). However, practical implementation has been limited, with few titles like Where Winds Meet exploring this technology. A case study from the developers of Teach My Little Sister How To Drive highlights the financial challenges of integrating LLMs, as daily operational costs have exceeded ,000 due to high player interactions. The developers, Easy Fox, have taken out a bank loan to sustain the demo but are uncertain about its long-term viability. They are considering alternatives like local AI models for players with powerful GPUs, though this would limit accessibility. The game’s reliance on a premium LLM raises questions about its necessity, especially given existing design challenges such as artificial dialogue and misinterpreted commands. The full release of the game is scheduled for January next year.
Steam Machine Verified vs Steam Deck: 47 vs 38 Games [2026]
AppWizard
October 11, 2026

Steam Machine Verified vs Steam Deck: 47 vs 38 Games [2026]

Valve has revealed that as of October 5, 2026, the Steam Machine has 47 verified games, surpassing the Steam Deck's 38 verified games. Three games—Dragon’s Dogma 2, Control Resonant, and The Blood of Dawnwalker—were upgraded from Unsupported on the Steam Deck to Verified on the Steam Machine. The Steam Machine's verification standard requires a resolution of 1080p at 30 frames per second, while the Steam Deck requires 800p at 30 frames per second. The Steam Machine is powered by hardware comparable to an AMD Radeon RX 7600M, while the Steam Deck uses a custom RDNA 2 APU. The analysis of the top 100 best-sellers shows that 38 games are Verified on Steam Deck and 47 on Steam Machine, with 28 playable on Steam Deck and 23 on Steam Machine. There are 19 Unsupported titles on Steam Deck and 15 on Steam Machine. Valve's compatibility documentation states that any game verified on Steam Deck is also guaranteed to be verified on Steam Machine.
Microsoft design boss on why Windows 11 can’t please all 1 billion users: “Everyone has different preferences”
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.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
October 11, 2026

Windows PCs that are not up to date will lose Windows Update itself in 2027

Windows machines that are not current with updates will face changes in access to Windows Update due to two critical certificate expirations on May 17, 2027, and June 19, 2027. Supported versions must install specific security updates before these dates to maintain access. - Windows 11, version 25H2 and later: No action required. - Windows 11, version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025: Must install the September 2025 Windows security update or later, before June 19, 2027. - Other in-support Windows 11 versions and Windows Server 2022: Must install the July 2026 Windows security update or later, before June 19, 2027. - In-support Windows 10 versions: Must install the July 2026 Windows security update or later, before June 19, 2027. - Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016: Must install the July 2026 Windows security update or later, before May 17, 2027. - Any other Windows version: Upgrade to a supported release to maintain access. Devices that are up to date will continue receiving updates without interruption, while those that are behind will lose access to Windows Update services after the expiration dates. Out-of-support versions will lose access entirely. The notice regarding the certificate expiration was posted on October 8, 2026, and reiterated on October 10, 2026.
Microsoft Overhauls Windows 11 Search To Control Your PC Faster Than Ever
Winsage
October 10, 2026

Microsoft Overhauls Windows 11 Search To Control Your PC Faster Than Ever

Microsoft has released an update for its Insider Program that includes a revamped Search feature, enhancing user experience with a focus on more informative results and previews. The update integrates advanced capabilities through WinUI 3 and allows users to access quick details without launching files or navigating File Explorer. It introduces web previews for specific queries, such as local weather and stock market data, and includes "inline actions" that enable users to perform tasks directly from the search window, like sending SMS messages or changing themes. Users can explore these features by joining the Windows Insider Program and enabling Feature flags in the settings.
We tested gaming performance in 17-year-old Windows 7 against Windows 11 on a modern gaming PC — older operating system delivers advantages in some scenarios
Winsage
October 10, 2026

We tested gaming performance in 17-year-old Windows 7 against Windows 11 on a modern gaming PC — older operating system delivers advantages in some scenarios

Windows 7 was released in 2009 and has received positive reviews for nearly two decades. A performance evaluation was conducted by installing Windows 7 on a modern PC and testing it against Windows 11 across ten games, including eight DirectX 11 titles and two DirectX 9 titles. In the game Metro 2033 Redux, Windows 11 achieved a higher average frame rate, but Windows 7 had better handling of CPU-related performance drops, resulting in stronger 1% lows. In Batman: Arkham Origins, Windows 7 outperformed Windows 11 in both average frame rate and 1% lows at 1080p and 4K. For Batman: Arkham Knight, Windows 7 showed higher performance when CPU-limited at 1080p, while Windows 11 led in GPU-limited scenarios at 1440p and 4K. In Batman: Arkham City, Windows 11 had the advantage across all resolutions as the game was GPU-bound. In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Windows 7 outperformed Windows 11 in 1% lows at 1080p, but Windows 11 took the lead at higher resolutions. Control showed Windows 11 outperforming Windows 7 across all resolutions due to GPU optimizations. Hitman: Absolution also favored Windows 11 in GPU-limited scenarios. For DirectX 9 games, Windows 7 demonstrated significant advantages in average frame rate and 1% lows in Batman: Arkham Asylum, especially at lower resolutions, while performance in Borderlands 2 was nearly identical across both operating systems at 4K. Overall, Windows 7 excels in CPU-limited scenarios, while Windows 11 performs better in GPU-bound situations, aided by advanced graphics drivers. Microsoft’s ongoing efforts aim to improve Windows 11's performance and reliability.
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