personalization Archives

Winsage

March 29, 2026

Microsoft quietly shipped 9 meaningful Windows 11 improvements this year, and they actually make the OS feel more polished

Microsoft has released a series of quality updates for Windows 11 in the first quarter of 2026, introducing several new features: - Cross-device resume allows users to resume Android apps directly on Windows 11 via the Taskbar. - Windows MIDI Services now support MIDI 0 and 2.0, including WinMM and WinRT MIDI 1.0 support. - Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security now supports external fingerprint readers. - A new "Device info" card in the Settings app displays key hardware specifications. - Quick Machine Recovery is now enabled by default for Windows 11 Pro. - A new network speed test feature can be accessed via the Taskbar. - Camera settings enhancements allow management of pan and tilt controls. - Sysmon is now a native feature in Windows 11, providing advanced monitoring capabilities. - Windows 11 supports WebP images as wallpapers.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Android 17 adds ‘location button’ for apps and more private ‘Approximate’ algorithm

Android 17 has introduced updates to enhance location privacy, including a new "location button" in Beta 3 that allows users to access location services for one-time use without granting permanent or background access. This feature provides a streamlined user experience, enabling users to share their location only when necessary and eliminating repeated prompts for location-dependent features. Developers can customize the button's appearance while the location icon remains mandatory and non-customizable. Additionally, Android 17 Beta 3 includes an improved runtime permission dialog with distinct options for "Precise" and "Approximate" location access. A persistent blue dot in the status bar indicates when a non-system app accesses a user's location, and users can view notifications about which apps have recently accessed their location. The algorithm for approximate locations has also been improved to consider local population density, enhancing privacy in low-population areas.

AppWizard

March 26, 2026

Android 17 Beta 3 lets you control which apps are forced into dark theme

In Android 17 Beta 3, Google introduces a feature allowing users to control the "Expanded" dark theme settings for individual applications. This feature enables apps that do not support dark mode to adopt a darker aesthetic while allowing users to disable forced dark mode for specific apps that may have readability issues. Users can access this feature through Settings > Display & touch > Dark theme > Expanded.

AppWizard

March 26, 2026

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn will get pre-orderers in for beta testing nearly a year before launch

Owlcat Games has announced a new RPG titled The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, inspired by a television series and book series. The game features traditional CRPG elements and a dynamic environment with frequent shootouts. It is set to be released in spring 2027, with a closed beta starting April 22 for purchasers of the physical Collector’s Edition and the digital "Miller’s Pack" edition. A unique feature includes an identical twin character influenced by the player's character creation choices.

Winsage

March 23, 2026

Microsoft announces changes to Windows 11: movable taskbar, less Copilot and improved update control

Microsoft is rolling out enhancements for Windows 11 in test builds for Windows Insider members during March and April of 2026. Key updates include: - Users can now reposition the taskbar to the top or sides of their screens and access more personalization settings. - The integration of the Copilot feature will be reassessed across applications like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets, and Notepad, focusing on specific use cases. - Windows Update will allow users to skip updates during initial setup, shut down or restart without mandatory updates, pause updates for extended periods, and reduce the frequency of automatic restarts and notifications. - File Explorer will see performance upgrades, including faster startup times, fewer visual artifacts, and enhanced stability. - The Feedback Hub will have an updated interface for easier feedback submission and improved visibility of user messages. - Future developments for Windows 11 will focus on enhancing system performance, stability, and predictability, reducing resource consumption, boosting application speed, improving driver stability, minimizing crashes, enhancing peripheral connectivity, and ensuring reliable updates. - There will be ongoing improvements to the Windows Subsystem for Linux to enhance file operations between Windows and Linux environments.

Winsage

March 21, 2026

Microsoft announces major Windows 11 updates designed to fix biggest flaws

Microsoft has announced plans to enhance Windows 11, focusing on user feedback from the past two years. Key improvements will include better system performance, app responsiveness, and user interface adjustments. Users can expect enhancements in tools like File Explorer and the Windows Subsystem for Linux, with a goal of a more responsive and less resource-intensive operating system by year-end. The Taskbar will be repositionable, allowing customization, and the Windows UI framework, WinUI, will be expanded across more system areas. Windows Update will offer users greater control over updates, including the ability to pause them indefinitely. Microsoft aims to improve reliability by strengthening the Windows Insider Program, increasing OS and driver reliability, and enhancing Windows Hello biometric authentication. The focus areas for improvements are Performance, Reliability, and Craft, with specific goals outlined for each category, such as reducing resource usage, enhancing memory efficiency, and improving the search experience.

Winsage

March 21, 2026

Microsoft Lays Out Next Windows Updates: Faster, Lighter and More Flexible

Microsoft announced a series of enhancements for Windows, including less intrusive Windows Update operations, improved Copilot integration, a streamlined start menu and taskbar, reduced notifications, a smaller memory footprint, and enhanced stability. The integration of Copilot will focus on creating useful experiences, while widgets will provide glanceable information with fewer interruptions. A significant performance update will reduce memory usage, allowing users to free up resources for applications. Users will also be able to pause updates for longer periods and restart or shut down devices without forced installations. New users will have the option to skip updates during initial setup, improving the out-of-the-box experience, especially for handheld gaming devices. Additionally, there will be support for controller-based navigation during setup. Microsoft aims for faster, more consistent performance, with improvements in File Explorer, Bluetooth, USB connections, and overall system stability.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Our commitment to Windows quality

- Enhanced Taskbar Customization: Users will be able to reposition the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen. - Intentional AI Integration: Copilot will be integrated thoughtfully across Windows, starting with apps like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets, and Notepad. - Streamlined Windows Updates: Users will have more control over updates, including options to skip updates during setup, restart without installing updates, and pause updates. - Improved File Explorer: Enhancements will lead to quicker launches, smoother navigation, and more reliable performance. - Widget Control and Personalization: Widgets will have quieter defaults and improved personalization options. - Simplified Windows Insider Program: The program will be made more accessible with clearer channel definitions and enhanced engagement opportunities. - Revamped Feedback Hub: The Feedback Hub will be updated to streamline the process for submitting feedback and engaging with the community. - System Performance Improvements: Resource usage will be reduced to enhance performance, resulting in faster app launches and improved memory efficiency. - Fluid App Interactions: Core experiences will transition to the WinUI3 framework to minimize interaction latency. - File Explorer Optimization: Efforts will be made to lower latency for search and navigation. - Elevating the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL): Performance and integration for developers using Linux tools will be enhanced. - Windows Insider Program Enhancements: Expectations for each Insider channel will be clarified, and the quality of builds will be raised. - OS, Driver, and App Reliability: Improvements will be made to system stability and driver quality. - Windows Update Experience: Updates will be streamlined to minimize disruptions and provide clearer control over timing. - Windows Hello Improvements: Biometric authentication will be enhanced for a more reliable sign-in experience. - Start and Taskbar Enhancements: These areas will be made more reliable and personalized. - Focused User Experience: Distractions will be reduced to help users maintain focus. - Search Enhancements: Faster, more accurate search results will be delivered across Windows surfaces. - Commitment to security enhancements aligned with Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative.

AppWizard

March 18, 2026

Google’s Gemini for Home is finally useful enough to not drive you crazy

Google is updating its Gemini-powered home assistant to enhance user experience by providing concise responses and executing common commands up to 40% faster. Users will now receive straightforward confirmations for actions like setting alarms. The assistant can set timers based on real-world events and chain multiple commands while providing updates on timers. Gemini now supports 30 languages, enabling real-time translation for smoother conversations. The Google Home app includes new automation tools for triggering actions based on conditions and creating personalized routines. New AI features like “Help me create” and “Ask Home” simplify automation processes. Google is expanding access to these features to 14 additional countries, including Canada, which now has full support. Some features require a Google Home Premium subscription, and users may experience delays in receiving updates.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

This open-source app turns Microsoft’s GitHub into an app store for your Android phone — and your Windows PC, too

GitHub Store is a new feature on GitHub that enhances discoverability and provides a mobile app store experience. It is designed to be user-friendly, with tabs for trending projects, hot releases, and popular selections. Users can search for mobile-compatible applications and filter results by platform. Installation is straightforward, similar to downloading apps from the Play Store, but does not include automatic updates unless using an additional app called Obtainium. GitHub Store also has a Windows version that showcases desktop-friendly projects. The app offers aesthetic customization options, including font choices and basic theming features.