Microsoft has released Windows version 26H2 on the Release Preview Channel, with a public launch expected later this year. Key features include:
1. Taskbar Customisation: Users can reposition the taskbar and adjust its size.
2. Local-only Search: A feature that allows searching only local files without web results.
3. Ask Copilot Integration: An optional AI feature for accessing settings and launching applications from the taskbar.
4. Start Menu Redesign: Customization options for hiding user information and a streamlined layout.
5. Low Latency Profile: Improved performance for quicker app launches and responsiveness.
6. Pause Windows Updates for Longer: Users can pause updates for up to 35 days, with smarter update bundling.
7. Modern Run: A redesigned run window with a larger input field and dark mode option.
Google has introduced enhancements to its Ask Play feature in the Google Play Store with version v52.8.55-34. Users can now attach images from their device's camera or gallery to Ask Play queries, allowing for contextualized searches. This feature enables users to upload images and ask specific questions about them, facilitating the discovery of apps that meet particular needs. Additionally, Google plans to retire the "Ask Play about this app" section in favor of a horizontally scrollable strip of contextual question chips. When tapped, these suggestions will display tailored answers in an updated Ask Play bottom sheet overlay. These features are not yet publicly available.
Jeff Fritz, a former Microsoft engineer, is developing an app called DayFrame, which revitalizes the concept of Live Tiles. The app combines Windows Phone aesthetics with Outlook functionality, serving as a centralized hub for email, calendar, and contacts. It features a retro design with bold, square icons and a blue color scheme, and will be available on both PC and Mac. DayFrame has a modular design that allows independent development of each module, enabling continuous improvement. Currently marked as "Coming soon," a private preview is expected to launch soon, with real, running code already demonstrated.
A selection of Android game and app deals includes titles such as Sea of Stars, Doom & Destiny Worlds, Gambonanza, Skel and Defense, Nerd Survivors, This Is Fine (Cards Survival), and Soul Huntress: RPG Premium. Pre-order deals for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8 are available, with a bundle discount at Amazon. The Best Buy August Back to School sale features a Lenovo 2.5K tablet bundle priced at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: As the afternoon unfolds, a treasure trove of Android game and app deals awaits eager users. Among the standout titles featured today are Sea of Stars, Doom & Destiny Worlds, Gambonanza, Skel and Defense, Nerd Survivors, This Is Fine (Cards Survival), and Soul Huntress: RPG Premium. Each of these games offers a unique experience, catering to a variety of gaming preferences.
In addition to the exciting app offerings, the pre-order deals for the latest Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8 continue to attract attention. With deliveries set to commence shortly, savvy shoppers are encouraged to explore an enticing bundle discount available at Amazon. This promotion coincides with the Best Buy August Back to School sale, where deals abound, including a Lenovo 2.5K tablet bundle priced at just 0 and the Pixel 10a starting at 5, representing savings of up to 5.
Today’s highlight Android app price drops:
The landscape of app deals is rich and varied, with numerous price drops enhancing the appeal of these digital offerings. Users can take advantage of these reductions to expand their app collections without straining their budgets. The full list of discounted apps is available below, showcasing the breadth of options now accessible to Android users.
With such a diverse array of games and applications on sale, the opportunity to enhance your device with new experiences is just a click away. Whether you're looking to dive into an epic adventure or simply want to explore new functionalities, today's deals present an excellent chance to do so." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] and the Pixel 10a starting at , with savings of up to .
Microsoft will release the Windows 11 August 2026 Security Update on August 11, 2026, featuring new functionalities and enhancements. Key additions include Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, the ability to uninstall AI models from Copilot+ PCs, new touchpad gestures, voice isolation for Voice Access, Fluid Dictation for Voice Typing, and a redesigned Start menu with parental controls notice.
File Explorer improvements include displaying file sizes in appropriate units, middle-clicking to open folders in new tabs, and fixes for bugs. Users can manage AI models through Settings, and the Lock screen will default to the Weather widget. Touchpad settings will allow customization of scroll and zoom speeds. Fluid Dictation will be deactivated by default, with tooltips for guidance, while Voice Access will feature enhanced speech recognition settings.
The Account Control interface will be redesigned for clarity, and power settings will apply across all plans. Windows Update will provide better progress estimates and improved post-update cleanup. Enhancements to system sounds in dark mode will also be included.
A significant outage recently affected Microsoft, causing a temporary halt in Windows 11 updates through both the Windows Update channel and the Microsoft Update Catalog. Microsoft is leveraging AI technology to identify vulnerabilities within its updates, addressing security challenges. Users often encounter inconsistencies with the Windows Update progress tracker, leading to uncertainty during the download and installation phases. Microsoft has confirmed improvements in the update management process with the latest Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 Release Preview builds, including enhancements to the Orchestrator and Arbiter logging components. The update enhances the calculation of update progress in Windows Update Settings and introduces changes to the cleanup logic for improved system performance post-update. These enhancements could benefit users with less powerful PCs, addressing concerns about sluggishness after installations.
Google is testing new features in the Play Store, including Play Labs, which allows users to experiment with new functionalities. The company is also exploring the integration of third-party app stores, allowing users to install alternative app stores directly from the Play Store, although this feature is not yet available to the general public. Users have reported limited access to these experimental features through adjustments in the latest Play Store version. Additionally, Google has confirmed the rollout of a revamped search experience, featuring a new two-row search bar for longer queries and a prompt labeled “Ask Store” to enhance search capabilities. These updates aim to improve user experience and accessibility in the Play Store.
Microsoft is set to release Windows 11 version 26H2, an enablement package based on version 25H2, without introducing new features at launch. The update will require only a single restart for devices on versions 25H2 or 24H2, while users on older versions, such as 23H2 or Windows 10, will need a full feature update. Both versions share identical features and are built on the same platform, with version 26H2 using build numbers in the 26300 series. The update process will vary depending on the current version, and version 26H2 will not change hardware requirements. Microsoft plans a gradual rollout of the update, initially as an optional install. Version 26H2 aims to extend support, adding approximately a year to the support timeline, with version 25H2 support continuing until October 2027. Users should verify their current version and back up important files before upgrading.
Windows 11 has introduced several new features and security enhancements in July 2026, including:
1. A transformed Widgets Board that provides a more streamlined experience without expanding completely when hovered over.
2. A new calendar feature allowing users to postpone Windows Updates, though Microsoft advises against long delays.
3. The Point-in-Time Restore (PITR) feature, which automatically creates restore points for the system, applications, settings, and files, allowing users to revert to snapshots from the last 72 hours.
4. The Screen Tint feature, which applies a customizable color overlay to reduce eye strain, allowing personalization of color and intensity.
5. Improved Bluetooth connectivity, including a new Shared Audio feature that allows users to listen to audio from multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously.