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3 Google updates from Galaxy Unpacked 2026
AppWizard
July 22, 2026

3 Google updates from Galaxy Unpacked 2026

Gemini allows users to monitor task progress on their screens while multitasking across applications or letting it operate in the background. Users can intervene for adjustments before Gemini finalizes tasks and notifies them for review. Gemini Notebook, available on Samsung's latest foldable devices, enhances project management by allowing users to drag and drop various elements into a side-by-side workspace. It features a chat function for discussions about sources and enables users to create custom resources like slide decks, videos, flash cards, quizzes, and podcasts.
Gardaland Resort Launches Minecraft Meet The Mobs — an Italian exclusive event, coming to real life for the first time this summer
AppWizard
July 22, 2026

Gardaland Resort Launches Minecraft Meet The Mobs — an Italian exclusive event, coming to real life for the first time this summer

Gardaland Resort is hosting the Minecraft Meet the Mobs event, running until 28 August 2026, making it the only location in Italy and one of two in Europe to feature this event. Guests can interact with Minecraft characters like Steve, the creeper, and the chicken jockey, and participate in themed activities. The event includes the Minecraft Hub, where visitors can take photos and enjoy themed snacks, and the Baby Mobs Trail, an interactive adventure across six areas featuring baby mobs. Completing the trail rewards guests with a digital prize. Additional activities include Mob Hunt and Zombie Freeze, and exclusive merchandise is available for purchase.
Windows 11 will let you search for your files in plain language
Winsage
July 21, 2026

Windows 11 will let you search for your files in plain language

Microsoft is testing a new semantic search feature for Windows 11's File Explorer, which aims to improve file search by understanding user intent rather than relying on exact word matches. This feature allows users to search in natural language, such as "photos from last summer" or "Europe trip budget," and can identify files based on context, even if specific names are not mentioned. The functionality is powered by an AI model that operates locally on users' machines to maintain privacy and does not require an internet connection. However, it is only available on Copilot+ PCs, which have specialized AI chips capable of executing at least 40 trillion operations per second, limiting access for users with older machines. Currently, the feature is available only to Windows Insiders as Microsoft rolls it out in test builds.
Facebook desktop version hit by global outage
AppWizard
July 19, 2026

Facebook desktop version hit by global outage

The desktop version of Facebook experienced a global outage on Sunday morning, causing users to receive messages indicating their accounts were “currently unavailable due to a site issue.” The platform returned to normal operations just before noon after approximately three hours of downtime. During this period, the DownDetector website noted a spike in searches for “Facebook down,” peaking around 9 am. While the desktop version faced issues, the mobile app continued to function largely without disruption, although some users had difficulties uploading content or sending messages. Instagram users also reported problems, receiving error messages related to viewing and sharing posts. Meta had not issued an official statement regarding the outage. Approximately 1.5% to 2% of Facebook's estimated 3 billion monthly active users access the platform exclusively via desktop, while over 81% use mobile devices.
Sound Recorder, Camera, and Windows Studio Effects
Winsage
July 18, 2026

Sound Recorder, Camera, and Windows Studio Effects

Windows 11 includes a suite of audio and video recording applications: Sound Recorder, Camera, and Windows Studio Effects. The Sound Recorder app allows audio capture using PC microphones, featuring a navigation pane, recording area, and playback controls. Users can customize audio input in the Settings app under System > Sound, selecting microphones and adjusting quality formats like “CD quality” or “Studio quality.” Within the Sound Recorder app, users can change the recording format (default is AAC) to MP3, WMA, FLAC, or WAV and set audio quality to Best, High, or Medium. To record audio, users click the red “Start recording” button, with options to stop, pause, or mark significant moments using keyboard shortcuts. Recordings can be played back, managed, shared, renamed, or deleted through the app's interface. Users can also import compatible audio files into Sound Recorder. The Camera app allows users to take photos, record videos, and scan items using the PC's webcam, with an interface similar to smartphone camera apps. Users can customize camera settings in the Settings app under Bluetooth > Cameras, adjusting brightness, contrast, and resolution. Photos are taken in Photo mode, while videos are recorded in Video mode, with options for pausing without creating new files. Windows Studio Effects offers AI-driven enhancements for audio and video calls, requiring a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for some features. Enhancements include automatic framing, background effects, creative filters, eye contact simulation, portrait lighting adjustments, and voice focus. Compatibility can be checked in Quick settings or the Settings app under Bluetooth & devices > Cameras. Each effect can be configured individually through the Settings app or supported applications.
Instacart, YouTube Music join a Connected Apps expansion in Google's AI Mode
AppWizard
July 16, 2026

Instacart, YouTube Music join a Connected Apps expansion in Google’s AI Mode

Google has expanded its Connected Apps feature in AI Mode for U.S. users, integrating services like Instacart, YouTube Music, and Canva. Users can streamline grocery shopping with Instacart by selecting their preferred store, while YouTube Music integration allows for AI-assisted playlist creation. The feature enables users to incorporate Gemini into applications such as Gmail and Google Drive, enhancing functionality through direct app connections via Search. The introduction of Personal Intelligence in January allowed users to connect personal data across multiple applications, improving tasks like finding important dates or products. This expansion broadens the range of services available and enhances user engagement and satisfaction.
Hasselblad's signature photo editing app, Phocus Mobile finally comes to Android
AppWizard
July 16, 2026

Hasselblad’s signature photo editing app, Phocus Mobile finally comes to Android

The Hasselblad Phocus Mobile app has been released for Android users after being exclusive to iPhones and iPads. The app integrates with Hasselblad's medium format cameras, including the X2D II 100C and X2D 100C, and offers a suite of editing tools. It supports Hasselblad's Natural Colour Solution for accurate color representation and allows image exports in various formats. The editing toolkit includes features like exposure adjustment, curves, white balance, and noise reduction. Users can connect via Wi-Fi or USB-C, and the app is available for download on the Google Play Store and Hasselblad's website.
Windows 11 has more recovery options than ever, and here’s exactly when I would use each one to fix a broken PC
Winsage
July 16, 2026

Windows 11 has more recovery options than ever, and here’s exactly when I would use each one to fix a broken PC

Microsoft has enhanced Windows 11 with various recovery tools that allow users to address system issues without needing to perform a complete reinstall. Key features include: - Reset This PC: Offers two options: "Keep my files" (reinstalls Windows while retaining personal files) and "Remove everything" (wipes the computer before reinstalling). Users can choose between a Local reinstall or Cloud download. - Cloud Rebuild: Accessible via the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), it reformats the OS partition, downloads a fresh Windows image, and restores the original setup without relying on local recovery images. - Go Back (Rollback): Allows users to revert to a previous installation after an upgrade if issues arise, utilizing the Windows.old folder, but is time-sensitive (files purged after about ten days). - Uninstall Updates: Enables users to remove recent updates that may cause problems without a full system reset. - System Restore: Creates restore points to revert to a stable state without affecting personal files. - Startup Repair: A tool in WinRE that scans for and fixes common startup issues. - Safe Mode: Starts Windows with essential drivers and services to troubleshoot problems. - Quick Machine Recovery: Automatically connects to Microsoft's recovery service to download fixes if Windows fails to start due to a faulty update or driver. - Point-in-Time Restore: Automatically reverts the system to a previous working state when updates fail. Other tools include the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), Recovery Drive for bootable USB access, Command Prompt, Startup Settings, and the Windows Backup app for restoring settings and files. The legacy Backup and Restore (Windows 7) tool is still available for creating backups and full system images.
Google Images turns 25: celebrate with a 'dynamic gallery,' Nano Banana in AI Overviews
AppWizard
July 15, 2026

Google Images turns 25: celebrate with a ‘dynamic gallery,’ Nano Banana in AI Overviews

Google Images is celebrating 25 years of its image search functionality and is rolling out a new "immersive, browseable gallery" in July. The redesigned interface will feature a real-time updating gallery based on user interests and an option to save content into "Collections." Additionally, the introduction of Nano Banana within AI Overviews allows users to generate images from text prompts. The updated Google Images will resemble a collage layout and continue to pull results from across the web. Google has made significant advancements in search technology, including the introduction of Circle to Search in 2024, Lens in 2018, and multi-search in 2022, with plans to enhance the user experience further by 2026.
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