PDF Archives

Winsage

January 14, 2026

Microsoft Adds Copilot AI to Windows 11 File Explorer Amid Privacy Debates

Microsoft is enhancing its artificial intelligence capabilities in Windows 11 by potentially integrating its Copilot AI into File Explorer, as indicated by recent code discoveries in insider preview builds. This integration may introduce a new Copilot button or sidebar, allowing users to engage with AI for contextual queries about files, such as summarizing documents or organizing folders. Concerns have been raised regarding privacy and system performance, as the AI could access local files. The integration may also include chat capabilities, prompting fears of data exposure. Microsoft has assured users that Copilot prioritizes local processing and operates with consent. However, critics worry about the potential for intrusive AI suggestions and the possibility of forced updates. The integration is expected to leverage Microsoft's agentic AI framework and may require advanced hardware for optimal performance. Financial incentives, such as Copilot Pro subscriptions, are also a factor in this strategic push. User feedback will be crucial in determining the success of this integration, with mixed reactions from the tech community regarding privacy and control.

Winsage

January 13, 2026

CES 2026: Showcasing new Windows 11 PC innovations across the ecosystem

CES showcased significant advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) integrated into the Windows ecosystem, with various companies unveiling new products. Acer introduced the Copilot+ PCs, including the Swift 16 AI laptop with a haptic touchpad and Predator Helios Neo 16S AI gaming laptop. ASUS launched the Zenbook DUO, featuring dual OLED touchscreens, and the ROG Zephyrus Duo, a dual-screen gaming laptop. Dell refreshed its XPS brand with new laptops and monitors, while HP presented the EliteBook X G2 Series and the EliteBoard G1a Next Gen AI PC. Lenovo revealed several new Copilot+ PCs, and Samsung introduced the Galaxy Book6 series. AMD and Intel announced new processor lines, with AMD's Ryzen AI 400 Mobile Series and Intel's Core Ultra Series 3 processors. Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon X2 Plus for enhanced AI experiences in PCs.

Tech Optimizer

January 10, 2026

Protect Yourself From the macOS Flaw that Bypasses Apple Privacy Controls

A newly identified macOS vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-43530, poses a significant risk by circumventing Apple’s privacy controls, potentially exposing users to malicious actors. This flaw arises from two vulnerabilities that allow hackers unauthorized access to systems by exploiting Apple-signed services and a timing gap in process verification. Hackers can execute AppleScript commands and access user files and microphone audio without triggering warnings. The VoiceOver screen reader service is a primary target for exploitation. Users are advised to update to macOS Tahoe 26.2, review app permissions, consider third-party antivirus solutions, and avoid downloading untrusted files to enhance security.

AppWizard

January 5, 2026

5 of the best new Android apps you need to try this January

DogEar is a free widget app for avid readers that cycles through quotes from books, allowing users to pin it to their home or lock screen. The free version limits users to three books, with a paid option for full access. Where Winds Meet is a free open-world RPG set in 10th-century China, featuring over 150 hours of single-player content and various character customization options. Seriatim Reader is a free e-book reader that displays books one sentence at a time, supporting major e-book formats like EPUB and PDF. Caresleep is a free app that offers customizable offline soundscapes for relaxation, including a sleep timer and lullabies, without ads or limitations. Doki Doki Literature Club! is a free visual novel that has been ported to Android, featuring a literature club theme with unexpected narrative twists and support for 1080p content.

AppWizard

January 5, 2026

The best new Android apps to try this January

- DogEar is an app that displays rotating quotes from books on the home or lock screen, with a free version limited to three books and a subscription or one-time payment required for full access. - Where Winds Meet is a 10th-century Chinese open-world RPG for Android, featuring 150 hours of single-player content and character customization, but may require substantial downloads and performance adjustments on mid-range devices. - Seriatim presents books one sentence at a time, supporting EPUB, PDF, and plain text formats, and allows users to adjust reading pace to reduce cognitive load. - Caresleep Offline is an app that provides ambient soundtracks and customizable mixes for offline use, allowing users to create soundscapes and set sleep timers without ads or data usage. - Doki Doki Literature Club is a visual novel now available on Android, featuring remastered graphics and additional content in the Plus version, encouraging players to experience it without prior knowledge of its plot twists.

AppWizard

January 3, 2026

PC Gamer magazine’s new issue is on sale now: Fallout Special

PC Gamer features an exclusive look at the evolution of the Fallout franchise, highlighting its transformation from a cult classic to a global sensation. The narrative covers early titles like Fallout 1 and 2, through to Fallout: New Vegas, and culminates with the Anniversary Edition upgrade of Fallout 4. The issue also includes insights from key figures behind the franchise and a preview of the upcoming Fallout TV show. Additionally, the magazine discusses Valve's new game, Deadlock, which combines movement shooter elements with MOBA strategy, offering initial impressions and a guide for new players. Digital editions of PC Gamer are available in PDF and EPUB format through Pocketmags.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Gemini control to Android: Will we talk to our phones more in 2026?

At the I/O 2025 event, Google presented Project Astra, showcasing its AI, Gemini, which can control Android devices to perform tasks like retrieving web content, playing YouTube videos, managing emails, and making phone calls. The demonstration illustrated Gemini's ability to navigate PDFs and transition between apps. Google introduced a Computer Use model for developers, enabling Gemini to interact with user interfaces in a human-like manner, currently optimized for web browsers. Apple is also enhancing Siri's capabilities to perform actions across multiple apps using voice commands. Google's approach is more generalized and not reliant on prior integrations, aiming to improve user interaction. The new Google Assistant, introduced in 2019, promised to allow voice operation of phones and multitasking across apps but faced challenges and limited adoption. Advancements in generative AI may enable more conversational command issuance, potentially addressing previous limitations. The integration of this technology could significantly impact wearable devices, allowing for phone control and information relay from secondary devices. The future of voice control as a primary interaction method for smartphones remains uncertain.

Winsage

December 25, 2025

10 free Windows apps that improved my productivity (and I’d easily pay money for)

Open-source software provides flexibility and control for users. Notable applications for Windows include: 1. LibreOffice: A free office suite with tools similar to MS Office, offering a modern or classic interface and local data privacy. 2. Flow Launcher: A rapid file search and app launcher that is customizable and visually appealing, available for free. 3. Duplicati: A backup solution that allows data backup to various destinations, including cloud services, with features like scheduling and remote management, free for personal use. 4. Nextcloud: An open-source cloud service for file storage and collaboration, installable on Windows at no cost. 5. Franz: An application that consolidates multiple messaging services into one interface, free to install and use. 6. YAZB: A customizable top bar for Windows that displays system information and provides quick access to controls, enhancing desktop aesthetics and functionality. 7. File Converter: A tool for converting and compressing files directly from the Windows file manager, free to use. 8. Bitwarden: An open-source password manager with essential features, free to use with a premium option for advanced features. 9. AutoHotKey: A tool for automating tasks through scripting, available for free installation. 10. Ollama: An open-source AI solution with a user-friendly interface, free to install and use on Windows.

AppWizard

December 23, 2025

My 18 favorite Android apps of 2025

Mishaal Rahman shared her favorite Android apps from 2025, which include: - Octopi Launcher: A launcher designed for foldable smartphones that allows users to create custom layouts for different screen orientations. - Nobook: A lightweight alternative to the official Facebook app, offering a simplified social media experience without ads. - Banana Browser: A browser that excels in video handling, featuring a built-in player and ad-blocking capabilities. - NotebookLM: A digital manual and note-taking app that helps users organize information effectively. - OSS Document Scanner: An open-source PDF scanner with automatic capture and OCR support. - whoBIRD: An app for identifying birds by their calls using real-time audio sampling. - Tomato: A minimalist Pomodoro timer that integrates focus and rest periods into productivity routines. - Stellarium: An app for exploring celestial bodies with detailed information about stars and planets. - Google Journal: A straightforward journaling app that stores entries locally and supports multimedia integration. - Next Player: A simple video player that supports various formats and offers organizational features. - Weather Master: A user-friendly weather app with customizable data sources and concise summaries. - Perplexity Comet: An AI browser that enhances news and information access. - LocalSend: A file-sharing app for quick and secure transfers across devices on the same network. - Super Display: An app that turns any Android device into a secondary monitor. - URLCheck: A link manager that scans for security threats and allows users to choose apps for opening links. - Samsung Food: A recipe management app that helps users curate digital cookbooks. - DeepSeek: An AI chatbot offering versatile capabilities and offline access. - Androidify: An app for creating personalized avatars and customizing devices with unique designs.

AppWizard

December 14, 2025

This free Android app made me love reading again, one sentence at a time

Aamir Siddiqui, a writer for Android Authority, discusses the challenge of maintaining focus while reading in a digital age filled with short-form content. He introduces Seriatim Reader, a free e-reader app for Android that presents books one sentence at a time, making reading more accessible and less daunting. The app supports various file formats, allows users to download free books and research papers, and offers customizable features such as theme options, text spacing, and animations. After using the app, Siddiqui found renewed enjoyment in reading, highlighting its potential to help others rediscover their reading habits.