notebook Archives

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Lenovo Legion 7 and the N1X leak: Will this be the first serious Windows-on-ARM gaming laptop?

A recent discovery involving Lenovo's model listings revealed a "Legion 7 15N1X11," which may indicate a 15-inch Legion model of the 11th generation potentially powered by an NVIDIA N1X platform. This model deviates from the typical Intel, AMD, or Qualcomm nomenclature associated with gaming laptops. While the specifics of the device's final specifications and potential release remain unverified, the mention of an ARM gaming laptop raises questions about the future of Windows on ARM, a segment that has struggled in gaming. NVIDIA has introduced the GB10 Grace-Blackwell superchip, which integrates an ARM CPU with Blackwell GPU technology, and speculation exists that the N1X might share similarities with this chip. The current Legion 7a generation features AMD Ryzen AI 400 processors and GeForce RTX laptop GPUs. Windows 11 has improved compatibility for ARM, but challenges remain with games relying on anti-cheat drivers not designed for ARM systems. The reference to a 15-inch model suggests a potential transition to a dedicated chassis for this specific SoC class.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

NotebookLM’s Android App Just Unlocked One of Its Most Powerful Features

NotebookLM has introduced the Video Overviews feature for Android users, allowing them to create concise videos from selected notebook content. This feature, previously available only on desktop, can be accessed through the Studio section of the app. The update also includes new customization options for infographics, such as landscape layouts, horizontal formats, and square designs. Additionally, slide deck customization is in development. The update enhances NotebookLM's functionality as a conversational research assistant, enabling users to add sources, ask follow-up questions, and generate tables, summaries, and videos on mobile devices. Availability of these features may vary by device and region.

Winsage

January 31, 2026

Windows security breaks ROG Xbox Ally handheld game consoles

Microsoft's Windows Smart App Control feature has flagged essential software components of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally gaming handheld as untrustworthy following a recent update to Windows 11. This issue affects the Armoury Crate CE software, which manages the hardware functionality of the device, leading to difficulties in launching games outside of the Xbox app and adjusting performance settings. The problem may stem from inadequate configuration of certificates by Asus or the need for an update to Microsoft's trusted application database. Many Windows 11 PCs do not have Smart App Control activated, and users can disable it through SETTINGS > APP AND BROWSER CONTROLS > SMART APP CONTROL SETTINGS. If users choose to disable it, they may later need to reset or reinstall Windows to reactivate Smart App Control. ROG Xbox Ally owners are currently faced with the choice of waiting for a fix or disabling the security feature.

Winsage

December 29, 2025

Microsoft’s canceled dual-screen version of Windows Phone has leaked, and you can now try it on a Surface Duo

Andromeda OS, originally conceived by Microsoft in 2018 for a dual-screen phone, has been revived by developer Gustave Monce, who successfully ported a leaked build to the Surface Duo. The OS was intended to provide a new smartphone experience, featuring a home screen for note-taking and seamless navigation with gestures. Applications can open on one display and be dragged to another for multitasking. Monce has packaged the OS into a user-friendly FFU file for installation, although it is still unfinished and may have bugs. Installing Andromeda OS will erase existing Android data, but a dual-boot option is available with data loss risks. Monce has previously ported Windows 10 and 11 to the Surface Duo, highlighting Microsoft's dual-screen ambitions.

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

Google could be secretly training Gemini to focus on user ‘Projects’

Google is developing a feature called "Projects" for the Gemini app, allowing users to focus the AI on a specific topic by uploading "up to 10" files and providing instructions. This feature is designed to help organize work and ideas, similar to OpenAI's "Projects in ChatGPT." Additionally, Google is reportedly looking to integrate NotebookLM into the Gemini app, enabling users to import their NotebookLM notebooks. Updates to Gemini are expected to include a more personalized experience based on user interests and search behaviors.

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

NotebookLM is so great, Google is adding even more ways to access it

Google is enhancing its Gemini platform by integrating it with applications like Google Photos and Messages, and is considering adding NotebookLM as a Connected App. Currently, Gemini connects with YouTube Music and various Google Workspace applications. The anticipated NotebookLM feature may allow users to import notebooks into the Gemini chatbot, enabling interaction with notebook content without returning to the NotebookLM interface. Google is also exploring linking notebooks as attachments in the text input box of the chatbot. These enhancements aim to improve accessibility and productivity across devices.

Winsage

November 20, 2025

2025 Windows 11 PC holiday buying guide: Best devices and deals

The holiday season is an ideal time to gift a Windows 11 PC, which can enhance gaming setups, assist with creative projects, and simplify daily tasks. Windows 11 PCs now feature Copilot, an AI-powered assistant that streamlines tasks through voice commands. A survey shows that over half of Gen Z and Millennials use generative AI weekly. Various Windows 11 PCs are available for different users, including: - Lenovo Legion 5 15": A gaming laptop with AMD Ryzen 7 260 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 graphics, starting at ,249.99 MSRP, currently ,169.99 at Walmart. - ROG Xbox Ally: A portable gaming device starting at 9.99, available at Microsoft.com and Best Buy. - Dell 16 Plus Laptop: Designed for students, starting at ,149.99 MSRP. - Samsung Galaxy Book5 360: A versatile 2-in-1 PC starting at ,349.99 MSRP. - Acer Aspire 14 AI: A portable laptop starting at 9.99 MSRP at Costco.com. - ASUS Zenbook 14: Lightweight with multi-day battery life, starting at 9 MSRP at Walmart. - Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 Copilot+ PC: Starting at ,199.99 at Best Buy. - Surface Pro 12-inch: A portable 2-in-1 device starting at 9.99 MSRP at Best Buy. - HP OmniBook 5 14-inch: Offers long battery life, starting at 9.99 MSRP. - Surface Laptop 13-inch: Lightweight with AI features, starting at 9.99 MSRP at Best Buy. Retailers like Microsoft, Best Buy, and Costco offer significant holiday deals on these PCs, with discounts and promotions available. Microsoft.com features exclusive deals, price protection, and free shipping until January 31, 2026. Xbox deals include discounts on games and accessories, with Xbox Game Pass Premium subscriptions and Microsoft gift cards available as gift options.

AppWizard

November 15, 2025

NotebookLM now automates your tedious research, so you can focus on big ideas

NotebookLM has introduced a "Deep Research" feature that automatically searches hundreds of websites and compiles a sourced report. It now supports a wider range of file types, including Google Sheets, Word documents, and images of handwritten notes, allowing users to upload materials without needing to convert them to PDFs. Users can input a topic and choose between "Fast Research" for a brief overview or "Deep Research" for a more detailed exploration. The update consolidates user uploads, external web research, AI-generated summaries, and analysis into one space, and will be rolled out to all users within the next week, though some may experience delays. Users are advised to verify the relevance and credibility of the gathered materials.

Winsage

November 12, 2025

My new, new favorite deep Windows lore: in 2004 Microsoft got caught shipping Windows XP with audio files made using cracked software

Microsoft made an adjustment to its Bluetooth driver code for the Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000 due to a ® symbol in the mouse's name causing issues. An archived article revealed that .wav files bundled with Windows contained a watermark indicating they were created using 'Sound Forge,' a professional audio software. 'DeepzOne,' a member of the Warez group Radium, co-founded the group in 1997 and was known for circulating a cracked version of Sound Forge 4.5. Microsoft denied using pirated software, claiming it had the necessary licenses, but the metadata referencing 'DeepzOne' remained. Despite the controversy, many users expressed indifference to the incident when it resurfaced in discussions.

Winsage

October 9, 2025

Omdia: Global PC market grew 7% in Q3 2025 as Windows 10 end-of-service deadline nears

In the third quarter of 2025, global desktop and notebook shipments reached 72 million units, a 6.8% increase from the previous year. Notebook shipments rose by 4% to 57.2 million units, while desktop shipments surged by 17% to 15.2 million units. This growth is attributed to the upcoming end-of-support deadline for Windows 10, prompting demand for upgrades. A September 2025 survey indicated that only 39% of B2B customers had upgraded their PCs, with 18% planning to continue using Windows 10 after the deadline. Key industry players like Qualcomm and Intel are launching new products, with CES 2026 expected to highlight innovations in PC technology. In terms of vendor performance for Q3 2025: - Lenovo shipped 19.4 million units (26.7% market share, 17.4% growth). - HP shipped 15.0 million units (20.7% market share, 10.7% growth). - Dell shipped 10.1 million units (14.0% market share, 2.6% growth). - Apple shipped 6.6 million units (9.0% market share, 4.3% growth). - Asus shipped 5.8 million units (8.0% market share, 7.1% growth). - Others accounted for 15.6 million units (21.6% market share, -3.8% growth).