notes Archives

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Windows 10’s latest patch keeps your Secure Boot certificates on track

A recent update has been released, addressing security vulnerabilities and improving system functionality. Key improvements include a fix for the Backup feature, resolving an "invalid credentials" error that caused automatic backups to fail when using Server Message Block (SMB). The update also enhances the Secure Boot feature by introducing high-confidence device targeting data, allowing more devices to receive new Secure Boot certificates. This update addresses outdated Secure Boot certificates for Windows 11 and Windows 10 users. The update, identified as KB5120249, is under 1 GB and is available only to PCs enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which ensures Windows 10 PCs receive security updates until at least October 2027. Non-enrolled PCs lost security update support in October 2025.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

“I’m not interested in bypassing DRM” – Preservationist brings back physical PC games using discs and even mechanical HDD “cartridges”

Preservationists are finding innovative ways to keep physical media alive, including modern PC games. Archades Games, led by Ryan Enstrom, offers options to transfer new titles onto discs and cartridges. At the Utah Retro GameXpo, Enstrom showcased discs compatible with platforms like Steam, GOG, and the Xbox app. He uses GOG's DRM-free installers, emphasizing adherence to licensing agreements. Enstrom notes that most games released before 2020 can run from mechanical drives, and the Xbox app can dynamically detect drive changes, unlike Steam. He has developed a custom user interface for multi-carts and created custom Blu-rays for retro games. While these products are not for sale, there is potential for publishers to adopt this idea, promoting physical PC games. Archades Games provides video tutorials and resources for those interested in converting digital collections into physical formats.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

I tried to love ‘second brain’ apps. Here’s why I abandoned them — and what I’m using instead

Megan Ellis explored various "second brain" apps like Notion and Obsidian for personal knowledge management but found them to decrease her productivity instead of enhancing it. A poll revealed that 64% of users found these apps too complicated, while only 14% loved them. Ellis noted that the setup process for these tools can be overwhelming, leading to frustration. She experienced challenges with apps like Gemini Notebook, which, while good for content generation, did not serve as a comprehensive productivity tool. Her neurodivergence, including ADHD and autism, made it difficult to adapt to complex systems. Limitations in functionality, such as Gemini Notebook's Android app issues and Notion's manual offline mode, further hindered usability. Ultimately, she found greater success with simpler, purpose-built applications like Notesnook for note-taking and TickTick for task management, which better aligned with her workflow and reduced overwhelm.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Gemini hits 1 billion monthly users, and Google just revealed what’s next

Gemini, Google's app, has surpassed 1 billion monthly active users, making it the fastest-growing product in the company's history. Google plans to enhance Gemini's functionality with new integrations, connecting it to popular applications like Ticketmaster, Otter.ai, Wix, OpenTable, Zocdoc, and Pandora. These integrations aim to streamline user experiences, allowing for seamless task management within a single conversation. Users will soon be able to manage meeting outcomes more directly with Granola and Otter.ai, edit websites through Wix, and plan social activities with services like Fever and GetYourGuide. Additionally, Gemini will assist in home management and entertainment through partnerships with iHeartRadio and Pandora, as well as services like Angi and Thumbtack. The rollout of these new services is expected in the coming weeks.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Marvel Tōkon’s first big PC patch has mostly fixed performance woes, though it hasn’t done much for its Steam reviews

Marvel Tōkon, a 4v4 tag fighter from ArcSystem Works, has received "Mixed" reviews and has declined to "Mostly Negative" ratings due to issues such as mandatory PlayStation Network logins and significant frame drops, reportedly up to eight frames of rollback in online modes. A recent patch has improved gameplay performance by addressing unnecessary audio input checks that caused frame drops and high CPU usage, resulting in a smoother experience for players. Despite these improvements, the mandatory sign-in remains a contentious issue among gamers.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Mesh, Automattic’s CRM for everyone, comes to Android

Mesh, a personal CRM acquired by Automattic, has launched on Android, allowing users to manage their networks with features like notes, reminders, and real-time synchronization. The app includes enhancements for Android, such as split-screen views, keyboard shortcuts for foldable devices, in-app search, and home screen widgets. Mesh is currently in early access with Nexus AI, which helps users navigate their networks. It prioritizes user privacy and operates on a subscription model, offering a free version for up to 1,000 contacts. Approximately 70% of users utilize Mesh for business purposes, and it is available for download on Google Play.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Automattic has introduced the Mesh app for Android

Automattic has launched the Android version of its app, Mesh, which helps users manage personal and professional contacts with privacy. Mesh allows users to visualize their network, add notes, and set reminders. The Android version utilizes features like split-screen mode, pop-up windows, and supports keyboard shortcuts on foldable devices. It includes in-app search, home screen widgets, and real-time synchronization. Mesh partially integrates with Automattic’s Beeper messenger for streamlined communication. Currently in early access, Nexus AI enhances user experience by enabling intuitive queries about contacts. Mesh prioritizes user privacy and operates on a subscription model, offering a free version with a limit of 1,000 contacts and paid tiers for unlimited contacts. Approximately 70% of users utilize Mesh for business purposes. The app, formerly known as Clay, is available on Google Play and compatible with various devices.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Google’s Android chief lays out his vision for how AI will change our smartphones

Google introduced new features in its Pixel 11 Pro smartphone, including a light that indicates when its Gemini AI is processing commands and a forthcoming Android feature named Halo that provides real-time updates on AI task progress. The company aims to reduce the need for users to micromanage their devices by allowing AI to handle routine tasks, such as scheduling appointments. Google anticipates consumer needs three years ahead in its Android development, focusing on how AI can enhance user experience. Other companies, like Samsung and Apple, are also investing in AI integration, with Apple planning to revamp Siri for better functionality. Despite advancements, there is growing consumer skepticism about AI, with 79% of Americans expressing distrust in businesses to use AI responsibly.

Tech Optimizer

August 12, 2026

Databricks acquires Electric to give every AI agent its own Postgres database

Databricks has acquired Electric, a startup known for its WASM-based Postgres project, PGlite, and the Electric sync engine. The Electric team will integrate with Neon, a serverless Postgres company acquired by Databricks for approximately billion last year. PGlite is a full Postgres database implemented in WebAssembly, capable of running in various environments and supporting dynamic extension loading, including pgvector. PGlite's weekly downloads increased from 1 million to 13 million over the past year. The Electric sync engine allows near real-time synchronization of a central Postgres database across platforms, similar to collaborative tools like Figma and Google Docs. Electric's founders have assured that all previously open-sourced components will remain accessible, while the hosted service, Electric Cloud, will be phased out. Databricks has noted that agents are now responsible for creating four times more databases than human users on Lakebase, with the average lifespan of a database compute instance being less than 10 seconds. The architecture of Lakebase separates storage from compute, facilitating cost-effective operations. PGlite originated from an experiment by Stas Kelvich, co-founder of Neon, who compiled Postgres to WASM, which Electric later developed into a production project.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

Windows 11 ships nine AI components, you can delete one

Microsoft announced the release of new AI components for Windows 11 Home and Pro editions, documented in KB5101684 on July 28, 2026, introducing the Windows Copilot+. Additionally, updates KB5121003 and KB5121000 were released on August 11, 2026, focusing on performance enhancements, bug fixes, and optimizing user experience.