Google has introduced a new feature called Passive Sign-In for YouTube users. This feature allows users to stay signed in to their Google accounts while using YouTube, making it easier to access videos and playlists without repeatedly entering login credentials.
Windows 11 allows users to optimize their experience by disabling or uninstalling various features.
1. OneDrive: Users can unlink or uninstall OneDrive through File Explorer or the Settings app.
2. Copilot: Copilot can be uninstalled via the Settings app, and its keyboard shortcut can be customized.
3. Widgets: The Widgets board can be disabled or removed through the Settings app under Personalization.
4. Start Menu: Users can streamline the Start Menu by turning off pinned apps, recent items, and account notifications in the Settings app.
5. Phone Link: This feature can be minimized or uninstalled using the Settings app or Windows PowerShell.
6. Xbox Features: Xbox and Xbox Live can be uninstalled through the Settings app, and Game Mode can be toggled off. The Xbox Game Bar can be removed via PowerShell.
7. Search Results: To improve search efficiency, users can disable Bing and web results using Windows PowerShell.
The Messenger-Inquirer is launching a mobile application to enhance reader experience by providing access to its content. The app will feature comprehensive content access, a user-friendly interface, real-time notifications for breaking news, and a personalized news feed option.
Android Auto is used in over 250 million vehicles worldwide and offers extensive customization options to enhance usability, safety, and personalization. Key features include the ability to clean up the home screen by selecting relevant apps, accessing hidden developer settings for wireless connectivity and video resolution adjustments, manually setting a consistent theme, enabling automatic launch when entering the vehicle, controlling automatic media playback, and utilizing Google's Gemini AI assistant for personalized commands and shortcuts. These adjustments can improve the overall driving experience without requiring advanced technical skills.
Microsoft has released Windows version 26H2 on the Release Preview Channel, with a public launch expected later this year. Key features include:
1. Taskbar Customisation: Users can reposition the taskbar and adjust its size.
2. Local-only Search: A feature that allows searching only local files without web results.
3. Ask Copilot Integration: An optional AI feature for accessing settings and launching applications from the taskbar.
4. Start Menu Redesign: Customization options for hiding user information and a streamlined layout.
5. Low Latency Profile: Improved performance for quicker app launches and responsiveness.
6. Pause Windows Updates for Longer: Users can pause updates for up to 35 days, with smarter update bundling.
7. Modern Run: A redesigned run window with a larger input field and dark mode option.
Identity theft complaints are increasing, leading to a competitive market for protection services. Aura offers a comprehensive security suite with up to million in identity theft insurance, while LifeLock provides tiered coverage from million to million under the Norton brand. Identity Guard is a budget-friendly option with coverage capped at million and lacks features like antivirus and VPN. Aura includes three-bureau credit monitoring on all plans, while LifeLock's comprehensive monitoring is only available on its highest tier, and Identity Guard's entry-level plan does not include credit monitoring. All three services provide dark web monitoring and SSN alerts, but Aura features AI-driven scam detection. Aura's Family plan covers up to five adults and unlimited children, whereas LifeLock's family options are more restrictive. Identity Guard's pricing is predictable, with a 20% increase after the first year, while Aura does not advertise significant post-year-one hikes. LifeLock operates under Gen Digital, which also owns Norton, while Aura is privately held and Identity Guard operates independently.
In September 2026, Microsoft will release an update for Windows 11 that enhances user control over the interface with new customization options. Users will be able to relocate the Taskbar to the top of the screen, modify the size of the Start menu, and disable web results from Windows Search. These features are part of the Windows K2 initiative and will be rolled out gradually across devices.
Smart Launcher 6 automatically categorizes apps into groups such as games, messaging, and tools, has over 50 million downloads, and offers features like a customizable news reader and font changes. Niagara Launcher features a minimalist design with an alphabetical list of apps optimized for one-handed use, fluid animations, and extensive customization options without ads. Octopi Launcher uses tags for app organization, offers auto-scrolling widget stacks, and allows for tailored layouts for portrait and landscape orientations, with a one-time payment for additional functionalities. Lawnchair replicates the Google Pixel launcher experience, supports Material You theming, is open-source, free of ads, and actively maintained on GitHub. Kvaesitso focuses on search functionality for quick access to apps, contacts, and files, is ad-free, operates independently of Google Play services, and is designed for a streamlined, productivity-focused experience.
Windows 11 users can now relocate the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen with the latest Insider Preview builds. This feature will be included in the September Patch Tuesday update, but is available immediately to those in the Release Preview Channel. The update also allows for a smaller taskbar option, enhancing screen space for smaller devices.
Key features in Build 26100.9267/26200.9267 include:
- Taskbar customization with new positioning options and a smaller taskbar option.
- Enhanced Start menu with size options, renaming of the Recommended section to Recent, and a redesigned settings page.
- Improvements to Windows Search, including a simplified interface and automatic indexing of frequently used folders.
- Updates to File Explorer for faster launch times and touch scrolling support.
- General design updates with modernized progress indicators.
- New Windows Share feature for discovering apps from the share window.
- Enhanced security with just-in-time privileges for administrative tasks.
- Improved responsiveness when switching between virtual desktops.
- Updates for display settings and brightness reliability.
- Reliability improvements for Task Manager and Windows Update behavior.
- Network improvements for VPN-related issues.
- Enhanced typing reliability with the Japanese IME.
- Introduction of the ML-KEM algorithm for TLS key exchange.
- Removal of the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line utility in future versions.
