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Microsoft may integrate Copilot Chat directly into the File Explorer on Windows 11 next
Winsage
January 9, 2026

Microsoft may integrate Copilot Chat directly into the File Explorer on Windows 11 next

A non-functional button has been discovered in the File Explorer app of the latest Windows 11 preview builds, which appears when users hover over a vacant area in the navigation bar. This button is speculated to be related to a feature called "Chat with Copilot," suggesting an interactive element for user experience. Users may soon be able to detach the Copilot interface from the File Explorer window, potentially as a sidebar or pop-up, allowing direct engagement with Copilot regarding selected documents and files.
Recap: Expressive Android, but Material ‘3.5’ apps
AppWizard
December 27, 2025

Recap: Expressive Android, but Material ‘3.5’ apps

Both Apple and Google plan significant redesigns of their operating systems for 2025. Google's Material 3 Expressive has received positive feedback for its implementation across devices, aiming for a more unified interface across Android versions, though updates to first-party applications are seen as incremental rather than transformative. The redesign includes a taller search app bar in Google Workspace apps, but inconsistencies arise as some applications cannot utilize the new design. A transition back to a shorter bottom navigation bar in some apps does not improve content space. A floating toolbar in Google Chat raises usability concerns, and the overall interface appears more cluttered due to increased use of containers. Buttons have become larger, with mixed reactions regarding their proportions. The new motion-physics system introduces appealing animations, but the functionality of Google apps remains largely unchanged, leading to a sense of familiarity rather than a transformative experience.
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 quietly upgrades Pixel phones where it counts
AppWizard
December 19, 2025

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 quietly upgrades Pixel phones where it counts

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 has been released, likely serving as the final refinement before Android 17. Users can disable the "At a Glance" widget on their home screens. The Quick Settings tile now includes a slider for beam intensity control. Users can rearrange the back and recent keys in the three-button navigation bar. The beta version is available for Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 onward, with a stable version expected around March 2026. The update introduces an expandable location indicator in the status bar for app location access. It also includes support for over 160 new emoji from Unicode 17.0. Users should be aware of potential bugs and performance issues while using the beta software.
Fitbit App Gets Material 3 Expressive Overhaul with Fluid Animations and AI Health Coach
AppWizard
November 11, 2025

Fitbit App Gets Material 3 Expressive Overhaul with Fluid Animations and AI Health Coach

Google is fully embracing Fitbit following its acquisition, as demonstrated by the announcement of the Material 3 Expressive redesign for the Fitbit app. This update features a streamlined bottom navigation bar, a pull-down sync gesture, a distinctive loading indicator, and a linear progress bar for syncing. The redesign includes visual enhancements such as checkmarks for completed goals, unique sheet designs for Today, Fitness, and Sleep feeds, and detailed cards with color coding. The app does not currently support Dynamic Color, maintaining a default blue accent for certain UI elements. The navigation experience is described as seamless, with smooth loading charts and the introduction of an AI-powered Personal Health Coach. The Material 3 Expressive update is set to launch next year, with a current public preview limited to users in the United States.
Windows 11 KB5070300 Updates Widget Board & Adds Numbered Badges to Dashboard Icons
Winsage
November 8, 2025

Windows 11 KB5070300 Updates Widget Board & Adds Numbered Badges to Dashboard Icons

Microsoft has released a new Dev and Beta Insider build for Windows 11 25H2, designated as KB5070300, which updates users to Build 26220.7070. This update includes enhancements to Smart App Control, Quick Machine Recovery, and the Widget Board Settings interface. Users can now select and reorder their default dashboards on the Widget Board, which will default to the first dashboard when live weather content is displayed. The Widget Settings can be accessed via a gear icon, allowing users to drag preferred dashboards to the top of the list. Additionally, numbered badges have been introduced on dashboard icons to indicate new alerts, and the File Explorer has been updated to include a people icon under the “activity” section, showing who has modified files.
Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7070 (Dev & Beta Channels)
Winsage
November 7, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7070 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7070 (KB5070300) has been released to both the Dev and Beta Channels, offering the same builds for Windows 11, version 25H2. Users in the Dev Channel can switch to the Beta Channel while both channels are on the same build. The update includes new features such as customizable default dashboards in Widgets, numbered badges on the Widget Board navigation bar, enhancements to Quick Machine Recovery, updates to Smart App Control allowing toggling without a clean install, reintroduction of people icons in File Explorer, and temporary disabling of certain features in File Explorer. Fixes include addressing issues with desktop interactions, File Explorer functionality, taskbar settings, and Settings navigation. Known issues involve problems with the Start menu and system tray visibility, as well as flickering in the copy progress dialog in dark mode. Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2 and may not be released beyond Windows Insiders.
Microsoft Releases First Windows 11 26H1 Build for Canary Testers
Winsage
November 7, 2025

Microsoft Releases First Windows 11 26H1 Build for Canary Testers

Microsoft has released the first build of Windows 11 version 26H1 for Insiders on the Canary Channel, focusing on refining the platform's architecture to support specific silicon advancements rather than introducing new features. The release is not a feature update for version 25H2 and requires no action from customers. It is expected to be optimized for new Copilot+ PCs powered by next-generation ARM silicon from Qualcomm and potentially other manufacturers. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite chips are anticipated to debut in the first half of 2026, while Nvidia's ARM-based N1X chip and MediaTek's ARM chip for Chromebook Plus devices have also emerged. The current build 28000 does not introduce new features, as version 25H2 remains the primary source for new updates, including enhancements like rearranging dashboards in the Widgets Board and a streamlined Quick Machine Recovery experience.
Valve isn't slowing down with its Steam Labs updates – this one might be the best yet
AppWizard
October 22, 2025

Valve isn’t slowing down with its Steam Labs updates – this one might be the best yet

Valve has introduced a Personal Calendar feature for Steam users through its Steam Labs experiment, designed to help gamers track recently released and upcoming titles based on their gaming activity and wishlists. This tool allows users to view newly launched games, wishlist items, and receive game suggestions based on individual playtime. Currently accessible via Steam Labs, it may be integrated into the Steam platform if it gains popularity. The feature is particularly effective for users with large collections of roguelite and action games. This update comes as Microsoft launches a 'full-screen experience' mode for the ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC, increasing competition among PC game launchers.
Microsoft won't give up on Windows 11's Widgets board as it gets another UI makeover
Winsage
October 19, 2025

Microsoft won’t give up on Windows 11’s Widgets board as it gets another UI makeover

The Discover feed on the Widgets board in Windows 11 is being redesigned with rounded corners, multiple dashboards, and curated stories powered by Copilot. Users can customize or disable their Discover feed. This update will be part of the Windows 11 25H2 update. Widgets originated from Windows Vista's Gadgets in 2007, which included mini-apps like weather updates and calendars. Windows 11 reintroduced Widgets as a standalone feature in October 2021, though it has not been as popular as Gadgets. Copilot Discover, announced in June, aims to summarize content from trusted MSN publishers and is currently being tested in Insider builds. The new Widgets board will support multiple dashboards and feature a left-side navigation bar. User feedback on Widgets is mixed, with some finding the design outdated and cluttered. The effectiveness of the Copilot-curated widget will depend on the quality of news selected for users. The rollout of the new features will occur server-side and through updates to the Copilot app, with personalization options available in the Widgets settings.
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