personalization Archives

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

Gemini is working on a ton of useful UI changes: filters, notifications, and more

Google is developing significant interface updates for its AI application, Gemini, aimed at enhancing user experience. Key features in development include: - A dedicated Notifications section to consolidate alerts related to completed tasks and activities, addressing the issue of disappearing notifications. - An updated Recents section with filters (Unread, Ready, Needs attention, In progress) to help users sort conversations without relying solely on keyword searches. - A Customize section for Gemini Spark, allowing users to discover and manage various skills and applications, enhancing functionality and personalization. - A new setting to hide Gemini’s status bar icon for a cleaner interface, giving users more control over customization. These features are currently in testing and not yet available to the public.

AppWizard

August 25, 2026

Nothing’s Android 17 update debuts this week with redesigns, new apps, 3D emoji [Gallery]

Nothing OS 5.0, based on Android 17, will begin rolling out in mid-October. Key features include a new font style, status bar animations, camera app enhancements, improved sorting in Nothing Gallery, enhanced homescreen personalization, new lockscreen clock designs, added depth in wallpapers, new widgets, a dedicated Glyph app, upgraded Bluetooth controls, and essential AI updates. The rollout will start with Phone (3) and extend to other devices, including Phone (2a) by mid-January. Open Beta builds will launch on August 26 for Phone (3), with subsequent releases for other models. Official release dates for Nothing OS 5.0 are set for various devices from mid-October to mid-January 2027.

Tech Optimizer

August 24, 2026

Bitdefender vs Avast: Which is the right antivirus software package for you

Antivirus software is essential for protecting PCs from threats, with Windows 11 including Microsoft Defender. Bitdefender offers a range of plans, including family plans for up to 25 devices, while Avast provides a free antivirus option and cheaper Premium Security. Bitdefender's basic antivirus starts at £17.99 for one device, with Premium Security at £59.99, Total Security at £49.99, and Ultimate Security at £69.98. Avast Premium Security is priced at £39.99 for one device. Bitdefender includes unlimited VPN with Premium Security, while Avast requires an upgrade for VPN access. Both offer scam protection, but Bitdefender is noted for its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface. Bitdefender provides 24/7 support, while Avast offers live chat and toll-free support but has a less appealing support layout. Overall, Bitdefender is preferred for its features, ease of use, and support options.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

Google made the My Pixel app actually match your Pixel 11’s color

Google has updated its My Pixel app with the launch of the Pixel 11 series, introducing a color-matching feature for the app's icon that reflects the specific color of the user's Pixel 11 device. The app now adapts its icon color to match devices like the Pixel 11 Pro Fold in Olive or Pro XL in Canyon. Additionally, a new search function has been added to help users quickly locate information and features within the app. These updates are currently exclusive to the Pixel 11 series and do not extend to older Pixel models.

Winsage

August 20, 2026

I spent time with the August Windows 11 Insider builds, and these 8 changes reveal Microsoft’s next phase for the OS

In early August, there were no new Windows 11 builds released for over 15 days in the Windows Insider Program. On August 17, Microsoft released five new preview builds, introducing several features and enhancements. Key updates include a fully customizable context menu, allowing users to tailor options directly from Settings under Personalization, and improvements to the desktop background experience with higher resolution previews and better slideshow transitions. The Camera Roll backup feature now automatically backs up photos and videos to OneDrive. The Magnifier tool received a visual refresh, and the Windows Recovery Environment was upgraded to reuse eligible Wi-Fi profiles automatically. Microsoft also removed the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool and the Drag Tray feature while maintaining access to WMI through PowerShell. File Explorer improvements include a faster launch for the "Home" page and touch scrolling support in the "Recommended" section. Minor visual adjustments were made to the Windows Security app, enhancing its alignment with the Windows 11 design language.

Winsage

August 18, 2026

Improving File Explorer & Context Menu: faster, simpler, and more customizable

File Explorer is a key component of Windows, and Microsoft is focused on improving its performance, reliability, and user experience. Enhancements include faster launch times, reduced freezes and delays, and improved navigation workflows. The Address Bar now supports more input types, and users can open folders in new tabs with middle-click. The context menu has been updated to be faster, simpler, and more customizable, allowing users to tailor it to their preferences. Users can manage built-in commands and app extensions, and there are options to restore layouts familiar from Windows 10. Microsoft is committed to ongoing improvements based on user feedback.

Winsage

August 18, 2026

The 32-year-old Windows placeholder that Microsoft says is now a permanent feature

The Windows Format dialog box was initially created in late 1994 by Microsoft engineer Dave W. Plummer as a temporary solution during the transition from Windows 95 UI to Windows NT. It has remained largely unchanged for over three decades, retaining many of the same options and layout, despite the advancements in Windows 11's design. The dialog box has effectively functioned over the years, leading to a lack of updates or complaints from users. Additionally, the FAT32 format limit of 32GB, also established by Plummer, persisted until it was raised to 2TB in 2024, although the maximum file size remains at 4GB. Windows 11 features many elements from older versions, including the Windows 7 personalization menu and the Disk Management utility, showcasing a blend of nostalgia and functionality.

Winsage

August 18, 2026

Microsoft Ships Five New Insider Builds With a Major File Explorer Update

Microsoft has released new pre-release builds for Windows 11 that include a redesigned context menu for File Explorer, which is faster, simpler, and more customizable. A notable feature is the "Customize menu" option that directs users to a settings page for personalization. Microsoft plans to continue improving File Explorer with future updates.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

The Windows 11 Microsoft shipped in 2021 and the Windows 11 we have in 2026 are worlds apart — this is the full breakdown of what changed

Microsoft unveiled Windows 11 in October 2021, featuring a centered Start menu, revamped Taskbar, and rounded corners, along with productivity enhancements like Snap Layouts and a redesigned Microsoft Store. The initial release faced criticism for lacking familiar features from Windows 10, such as tabbed File Explorer and extensive Taskbar customization. Over the years, Microsoft has worked to restore many of these features and improve user experience. The Start menu has evolved from a basic design with limited customization options to a more flexible interface with size options and better organization of content. The Taskbar has seen the restoration of drag-and-drop functionality, app labels, and repositioning options. File Explorer now includes tabs, a Gallery feature, and improved cloud integration. The Settings app has become more consistent and capable, reducing reliance on the Control Panel. Productivity features like Search and Snap Layouts have improved significantly, with AI becoming a central aspect of the operating system. Performance has also enhanced, addressing initial sluggishness. Security and accessibility features have evolved, with stronger protections and expanded interaction methods. The setup experience has shifted to emphasize connectivity and Microsoft accounts, making local account creation more challenging. Despite these improvements, some legacy components and issues remain.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

Windows 11 is dangerously close to letting you move the taskbar

Windows 11 users can now reposition the taskbar to the top or either side of the screen in the latest Insider Preview builds. This feature is currently available to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, with a broader rollout expected with the September Patch Tuesday update. Additional enhancements include a more customizable Start menu, improved Windows Search, and a faster File Explorer. Users can choose between small or large Start menu sizes, recent items are highlighted, and search functionality has been refined for better clarity. File Explorer now launches more quickly and supports touch scrolling. Updated progress indicators and enhanced security features for administrators are also included in the updates.