notes Archives

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Microsoft Releases a Record Seven Windows 11 Insider Builds

Microsoft's Windows Insider program has released seven Insider builds across all Channels, including two builds on the Beta and Release Preview Channels and three builds for the new Experimental Channel. The updates focus on the Experimental (25H2), Beta (25H2), and Release Preview (25H2) Channels. The new 26H1 builds mainly feature elements from the 25H2 builds and are intended for new ARM-based PCs. Key features include: - A less disruptive Windows Update experience requiring only one monthly restart. - Improved Windows Search capabilities for better typo handling. - A new screen tint accessibility feature to reduce eye strain. - Quieter Widgets that do not open on hover and have a smaller memory footprint. - Magnifier tool enhancements with preset zoom increments and direct input options. - Bluetooth connectivity improvements for better compatibility with select devices. - Voice Access and Voice Typing now available in French, German, and Spanish. - Customizable right-click settings for touchpads. The Release Preview Channel is testing an optional update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, set for release in late June.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Telegram’s Wear OS app makes a comeback, now with full chats, voice notes, and more

Telegram has reintroduced its app to Wear OS, allowing Android smartwatch users to access a fully functional messaging interface. The new version enables users to scroll through complete conversations, view photos, videos, and location previews, and play voice messages directly from the smartwatch. Users can actively engage in conversations by replying with text or voice, sending stickers, and managing chats. On the smartphone side, Telegram has enhanced its Android app with features such as bots that send richly formatted messages and manage group interactions. Group administrators can assign bots for moderation, and Telegram Polls now support clickable links. The in-app browser has been improved to handle links more flexibly, allowing users to customize how links open.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Android Auto Got A Useful New Supported App For June 2026

Adobe has released an update (v26.5.0.45958) for Android Auto on June 5, which adds PDF support. This update includes a Read Aloud feature that allows users to listen to audio renditions of their PDFs. Not all PDFs are compatible with this feature, as only certain documents will trigger the Android Media player when selected. Users must ensure that Adobe Acrobat is updated on their Android smartphones to access this capability. Additionally, future enhancements for Android Auto are expected in 2026, including widgets, HD video playback while parked, and improved integration with Google's AI agent, Gemini.

Winsage

June 11, 2026

PowerToys 0.1 Arrives With Improvements to Several Utilities

Microsoft released PowerToys 0.1, featuring several enhancements: - The Shortcut Guide now appears as a side pane, detecting the active application and displaying relevant shortcuts. - The Command Palette includes an extension gallery for easy management of extensions and supports multiple monitor configurations, along with a new Battery widget. - PowerDisplay has improved startup speed, monitor identification, and settings preservation, with a new Max compatibility mode. - ZoomIt now supports a webcam overlay during recordings and allows appending multiple clips with transitions. - Transition to .NET 10 has optimized performance, reduced installation size by 15%, and improved the auto-update feature. Quick Access and Workspaces have migrated to WinUI with a refreshed UI. - Additional improvements include the Keyboard Manager using the new WinUI editor, a Refresh Connections feature in Mouse Without Borders, enhanced high DPI and multi-monitor reliability in Quick Accent, an option to disable file preview tooltips in Peek, and various calculator enhancements in PowerToys Run. PowerToys can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store, Windows Package Manager (winget), or the web.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Preludes 15: Gods & Ghosts – New Soulframe Update Launches Free for PC

Digital Extremes has released the Preludes 15: Gods & Ghosts update for the closed Alpha of Soulframe, now available for free on PC. The update features a reworked loot and crafting system, allowing players to obtain fully crafted weapons with unique modifiers and forge Ingots with a blacksmith. New social features include gear trading and in-game mail. Players will encounter new enemies, including the Turret Jotar and Ode’n Caeulam, as well as a revamped enemy patrol system. The Totem system has been redesigned to provide stat bonuses and buffs connected to the Virtues: Courage, Spirit, and Grace, enhancing strategic build options with new weapons. Players can sign up for the closed Alpha on the official website, with weekly random selections for access or immediate access available through a Founder option. Detailed patch notes are provided on the official website, and players can follow Soulframe on various social media platforms for updates.

AppWizard

June 9, 2026

I turned my Android phone into a 35-tool science kit with one free app

The Pixel 9 Pro is equipped with various sensors that can measure ambient light, track steps, and navigate maps. Phyphox is an open-source Android application developed by Aachen University that allows users to utilize their smartphone sensors for scientific experiments. It can access sensors such as the accelerometer, gyroscope, microphone, magnetometer, light sensor, GPS, and barometer for real-time data collection and analysis. Users can conduct 35 different tests, including measuring incline, audio spectrum analysis, environmental factors like barometric pressure (e.g., 999.524 hPa), luminance levels (e.g., .177), and color analysis. Phyphox also includes four types of stopwatches and tools for measuring magnetic field strength. The app is available for free on the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

5 apps you should use instead of NotebookLM

NotebookLM is a leading AI research assistant and note-taking application, but there are several alternatives available. In a recent poll, user preferences for alternatives were as follows: OpenNotebook (31%), Obsidian (19%), Recall AI (6%), Notion (0%), Atlas (0%), and 44% preferred NotebookLM. Notion allows users to create a knowledge database and excels in managing interconnected databases, while NotebookLM focuses on analyzing research and generating audio summaries. Obsidian offers a customizable knowledge management system with a knowledge graph for organizing ideas. Recall AI serves as a self-organizing knowledge database that summarizes information into searchable cards and includes a quiz-making feature. Atlas is tailored for academic research, emphasizing accurate source citations and creating visual data representations. OpenNotebook mirrors NotebookLM's functionalities, allowing users to upload sources for AI-generated responses and offers audio summaries, but requires local or online hosting and technical proficiency.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

7 widgets I always add to my home screen on every Android phone

App widgets enhance the functionality of smartphones by providing quick access to information and features. The battery widget offers a comprehensive overview of battery levels for connected devices, displaying detailed information that surpasses the Quick Settings panel. The Brave browser widget features prominent bookmarks, a built-in search bar, and a shortcut for opening private tabs, improving the browsing experience. The Gemini widget allows immediate access to shortcuts for conversations, prompts, and screen sharing, replacing the traditional search bar. The Digital Wellbeing widget displays daily screen time usage and the three most-used apps, promoting mindfulness about device engagement. The Samsung Health widget tracks step count and daily activity, while Google Fit provides similar functionality for non-Galaxy phone users, emphasizing fitness monitoring. Google Maps includes location-sharing widgets for quick access to safety and coordination features with loved ones. The Google Keep widget facilitates quick note-taking, offering shortcuts for various types of notes, making it a versatile tool for users. Maintaining a balance between utility and clutter is important, and widget stacks in One UI can help organize the home screen efficiently.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

There are already two mods to make Gothic Remake’s lockpicking less painful

The Gothic Remake offers a deeper gaming experience but has received criticism for its lockpicking system, which players find tedious. Alkimia Interactive is aware of the feedback and notes that investing skill points can improve the experience. Mods like "Unlock All Chests and Doors" and "Lockpick Settings" are available to help players manage the lockpicking mechanic. Players are also using mods to enhance performance and identify interactable objects in the game. Installing these mods requires downloading files into the game’s directory and launching the game with administrative privileges.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Guild Wars 3 announced for PC and PS5

ArenaNet has announced Guild Wars 3, the third installment in the MMORPG series, set to launch globally on PC, Steam, and PS5. The game takes place over a millennium before the original Guild Wars in the Tyrian region of Orr, where players will assume the role of a Vaelwarden. Players can use a spirit called the Seeker as a mount. The combat system will support both controller and keyboard users, focusing on strategic positioning and movement. Beta testing is scheduled for the third quarter of 2027, and while no specific release date is provided, players can add the game to their wishlists on Steam and the PlayStation Store.