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"A new PC is a meaningful purchase" — Microsoft thinks Windows 11 is finally good enough to be the selling point
Winsage
October 15, 2026

“A new PC is a meaningful purchase” — Microsoft thinks Windows 11 is finally good enough to be the selling point

Microsoft has announced significant updates to Windows 11, including enhancements to the Photos app, an upgraded Search experience currently being tested with Windows Insiders, and improved phone integration. Key features include faster Bluetooth pairing with AirPods, which is up to 15 seconds quicker, and gaming improvements through Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) that reduce initial game load times for titles like Forza Horizon 6 and Gears of War: E-Day. Microsoft has also introduced an Xbox 25th Anniversary bundle with over 0 worth of games, including Skyrim Special Edition, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Age of Empires II Definitive Edition, Minecraft Dungeons, and Gears of War: Reloaded. The company is encouraging users to consider new hardware as it implements changes based on user feedback through its Windows K2 initiative.
The Sinking City 2 Update 1.1.0 Adds PS5 Pro Support And Over 150 Fixes
AppWizard
October 15, 2026

The Sinking City 2 Update 1.1.0 Adds PS5 Pro Support And Over 150 Fixes

Frogwares has released Update 1.1.0 for The Sinking City 2, which includes combat adjustments, new features, and over 150 fixes for PC and console players. The update reduces enemy numbers and fine-tunes combat mechanics for a better experience. It adds HDR and HDR10+ support, enhancements for PlayStation 5 Pro users through PSSR, and new upscaling options for PC. The Ex Oblivione mode has been reworked to allow more upgrade carryovers, and two new free outfits have been introduced for player customization.
New Epic Games Launcher Arrives in Preview for Windows, Mac, and Linux
Winsage
October 15, 2026

New Epic Games Launcher Arrives in Preview for Windows, Mac, and Linux

Epic Games has released a preview version of its Epic Games Launcher for PC, which is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. The new launcher features improved performance, lower resource usage, voice chat capabilities, revamped game landing pages, customizable options, and a new download experience with detailed speed metrics. Fortnite will soon be available on Linux, supported by a restructured Easy Anti-Cheat system (EAC Linux v2) aimed at enhancing security and minimizing player setup alterations. The launcher can be downloaded from the Epic Games website.
Google Messages adding ‘enhanced protection mode’ as Android works to combat phone scam
AppWizard
October 14, 2026

Google Messages adding ‘enhanced protection mode’ as Android works to combat phone scam

Google has introduced new features to enhance user security on its Android platform during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, focusing on combating messaging and phone scams. The key feature is an enhanced protection mode for the Google Messages app, which includes Scam Detection using Private AI Compute to analyze message context and identify scammer intent through cloud-based Gemini models. This mode complements existing on-device detection and aims to uncover sophisticated scams while ensuring user data remains encrypted and secure. Additionally, link protections have been upgraded with real-time web signals to assess unfamiliar links' trustworthiness, available on select devices such as Pixel 10+, Samsung Galaxy S26 series, Galaxy Z Flip 8, and Z Fold 8. Redesigned warnings will provide clearer context before users tap links from unknown numbers, previously limited to select countries or devices with Android Advanced Protection. Google is also expanding its on-device Scam Detection to more brands beyond Pixel, including HONOR, Infinix, iQOO, itel, JOVI, Motorola, OPPO, OnePlus, realme, TECNO, vivo, and Xiaomi. For phone scams, automatic screen-share privacy will conceal sensitive information in native apps and extend to Chrome and WebView on devices running Android 15 and above. Google plans to block apps from enabling call forwarding in the background to prevent one-time passcode theft, with this feature rolling out in early December on Pixel and select other devices. Android will also proactively warn users if a scammer attempts to trick them into entering an MMI forwarding code.
Android 17 could soon fix your phone's Wi-Fi and mobile data problems for you
AppWizard
October 14, 2026

Android 17 could soon fix your phone’s Wi-Fi and mobile data problems for you

Google is expanding its diagnostic tools for Pixel smartphones to address connectivity issues related to calls, Wi-Fi, and mobile data. The new features will be located under Device Health & Support, alongside existing diagnostics for battery, Bluetooth, and touchscreen. The latest Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 and an updated version of Google Play Services introduce these diagnostic options, allowing users to analyze and potentially resolve connectivity problems or receive troubleshooting guidance.
It's Patch Tuesday and There Are Some Changes
Winsage
October 14, 2026

It’s Patch Tuesday and There Are Some Changes

Microsoft has released its monthly quality updates for all supported versions of Windows 11 on the second Tuesday of October. This update marks the first Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 version 26H2 and the end of support for version 24H2. Cumulative update KB5127648 is available for Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2, upgrading them to builds 26100.9711, 26200.9711, or 26300.9711. Key features include enhancements to File Explorer, support for Emoji 17.0, a new Tips widget, personalization improvements, an Accessibility setting for maximizing apps, precision touchpad functionality improvements, enhanced configuration options for the Copilot key, upgrades to the Windows Recovery Environment, and changes to Windows Backup. Windows 11 version 26H1 will receive cumulative update KB5127646, advancing it to build 28000.3231. This update features a redesigned Taskbar, a revamped Start menu, a new Windows Search experience, performance improvements in File Explorer, modernized progress indicators, Administrator Protection, and enhancements to the Get Started app.
Android Auto 18.0 update starts rolling out, continues to gear up for redesign
AppWizard
October 14, 2026

Android Auto 18.0 update starts rolling out, continues to gear up for redesign

Google is working on a redesign of Android Auto, codenamed “Cielo,” as it rolls out Android Auto 18.0 in beta. This update is primarily a maintenance patch focused on bug fixes and stability improvements, with no significant new features. A recent teardown revealed an asset named “cielolauncher,” suggesting it will replace the previous dashboard redesign known as “Coolwalk.” Previous updates have indicated potential new screen layouts and support for widgets. The name “Cielo,” meaning “sky” in Italian and Spanish, may imply a theme of openness. The current update builds on the existing redesign framework, with no immediate plans for a full rollout of new features, and remnants of the “Coolwalk” codename remain in the code.
Android Automotive Getting Huge Google Play Upgrade
AppWizard
October 14, 2026

Android Automotive Getting Huge Google Play Upgrade

Google is set to enhance the Google Play Store experience for Cars with Google built-in (Android Automotive) by introducing a redesigned interface that simplifies app discovery and installation. The updated store will feature over 700 apps, prominently displayed featured apps, a section for new arrivals, detailed app information, and single-tap downloads. It will also include a streamlined navigation system with curated collections and an adaptive layout for various screen shapes and sizes. New apps from STARZ, Firefox, Ludo King, and JioHotstar will be added, and YouTube will allow users to watch videos while parked, transitioning to background audio when driving.
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