planning Archives

AppWizard

October 3, 2026

The latest planning applications in Trafford from last week

Trafford Council has received the following planning applications: - Land Off Bold Street, Old Trafford: Application for approval of details reserved by conditions of planning permission 114786/FUL/24, including landscape maintenance, remediation strategy, and sustainable drainage scheme. Ref. No: 120058/CND/26. - 170 Lostock Road, Davyhulme, Manchester M41 0TB: Certificate of proposed lawful development requested for the formation of a rear dormer. Ref. No: 120063/CPL/26. - 39 Green Walk, Timperley, Altrincham WA15 6JN: Application for the demolition of an existing garage and erection of a single-storey front extension, two-storey side extension, and part single/part two-storey rear extension. Ref. No: 120043/HHA/26. - Bridge Works, 2 Bridgewater Embankment, Altrincham WA14 4RL: Non-material amendment proposed to planning permission 111563/FUL/23 to vary wording of condition 4 and extend timescale to within 31 months. Ref. No: 120049/NMA/26. - White House, Booth Road, Altrincham WA14 4AU: Application for the demolition of an existing detached garage and construction of a single-storey rear and side extension with first-floor access, basement car parking with external car lift, and landscaping. Ref. No: 120044/HHA/26. - T G I Fridays, Cross Street, Sale M33 7JR: Application for approval of details reserved by condition 5 (landscaping) of planning permission 118058/FUL/25. Ref. No: 120053/CND/26. - 22 Oulton Avenue, Sale M33 2WA: Application for the erection of a single-storey rear and side extension, along with a new front porch. Ref. No: 120046/HHA/26. - 1 Bow Green Road, Bowdon, Altrincham WA14 3LZ: Proposal for the erection of a two-storey front extension and part single-storey/part two-storey side and rear extensions, with external alterations. Ref. No: 120036/HHA/26. - 54 New Street, Altrincham WA14 2QP: Application to demolish a conservatory and erect a rear extension with external alterations including replacement windows and a rooflight. Ref. No: 120038/HHA/26. - 1 Trafford Wharf Road, Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1BY: Non-material amendment proposed to planning permission 114818/FUL/24 to amend wording of conditions 3 and 4 and change the phasing plan. Ref. No: 120041/NMA/26.

AppWizard

October 2, 2026

6 Android Auto Features You Should Use On Your Next Road Trip

Android Auto enhances the driving experience with features that prioritize safety and convenience, including a split-screen option for accessing multiple apps simultaneously. Users can customize their Android Auto settings on their mobile devices. Key features include: - Google Maps' offline maps: Users can download offline maps for areas with unreliable cellular service by selecting "Offline maps" in the app and choosing the desired route section. - Multi-stop planning: Google Maps allows users to add up to nine stops along their route by selecting "Edit stops" after entering a destination. - Trip sharing: Users can share their trip progress with contacts through the "Share trip progress" option in Google Maps. - Audio streaming downloads: Users can download content from music and audiobook services for offline access, with specific features varying by service and subscription level. - Customization of Android Auto features: Users can adjust settings for phone accessibility, media autoplay, and app launcher preferences. - Google Gemini integration: Users can enable Google Gemini for voice commands, allowing for navigation, media playback, and interaction without unlocking the phone. Gemini can also provide weather updates and engage in conversations during drives.

AppWizard

October 2, 2026

HP’s Googlebook 14 Looks Like an Android User’s Dream, But Check the Price

HP has introduced the Googlebook 14, a premium laptop designed to integrate seamlessly with Android phones, featuring phone-file access, app streaming, and a 2.8K OLED touchscreen powered by Snapdragon X Elite hardware. The laptop starts at ,199.99, with Google listing it at ,299 for a configuration with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It supports Android 17 or newer phones, allowing users to access phone files and applications directly from the laptop. The Googlebook 14 has a slim profile, vapor-chamber cooling, a 5MP infrared camera, and supports up to two UHD external displays. Battery life is claimed to be up to 19 hours, but testing methods vary. The laptop includes AI features like Magic Pointer and Rambler, but some features are limited by region and age. Eligible buyers receive 12 months of Google AI Pro with 5TB of cloud storage, available in select countries.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

Blender, the 3D modeling app, is launching for Android next year; iPad app still on pause

Blender is planning to port its 3D modeling application to the Android platform, with an anticipated launch in the first half of 2027. This was announced during the Blender Conference 2026, where an APK demo was also released. The port will primarily target tablet users, but challenges exist due to Blender's reliance on keyboard shortcuts, requiring a redesign for touchscreen interfaces and the integration of stylus support. Support for iPad is currently on hold.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

Your guide to Google Messages’ new hidden gestures

Google Messages has introduced several new features for Android devices, including the ability to reply to messages with context by quoting earlier messages, a conversation info screen for managing interactions, a future scheduling feature for planning messages, and customizable swipe gestures for navigation. The long-press functionality provides quick access to various options, improving efficiency and user experience.

Winsage

September 30, 2026

How to get the Windows 11 2026 Update

Windows 11, version 26H2 is now available for eligible devices running Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2. The update is delivered via a small enablement package that activates new features already integrated into the operating system. The installation process is similar to a monthly update, requiring a minor download and a quick restart. The update includes enhancements in quality, reliability, and security. For commercial and educational customers, it can be accessed through existing management tools like Windows Autopatch and the Microsoft 365 admin center. Version 26H2 offers 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Some features that were disabled in version 25H2 will now be enabled by default in version 26H2.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

Google Play Cuts Game Fee to 15%, Day-One Rule [2026]

Starting September 30, 2026, Google will implement changes to the Android game distribution economics through the Google Play Games Level Up program, reducing the commission on game revenue exceeding million annually from 20% to 15%. Developers must launch their games on Android simultaneously with other platforms to qualify for this discount; otherwise, they will be ineligible for six months. The new fee structure includes a baseline rate cut to 10% on the first million and 20% on earnings above that, while the Level Up program allows qualifying titles to pay 15% on revenue beyond the first million. The rollout of the Level Up program will begin in Australia, the European Economic Area, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States on September 30, 2026, followed by South Korea on December 31, 2026, and the rest of the world on September 30, 2027. If a game launches on a non-Android platform first, it will face a six-month waiting period before qualifying for Level Up pricing. Existing games launched before September 30, 2026, are exempt from this penalty.

Winsage

September 29, 2026

Microsoft Retires Windows PowerShell Support for Graph SDK

Microsoft is initiating a 12-month retirement period for support of Windows PowerShell 5.1 for the Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK due to maintenance challenges. Organizations using Graph PowerShell automation on Windows PowerShell 5.1 may face disadvantages, as existing scripts will remain operational but will miss platform-specific bug fixes. Microsoft encourages a transition to PowerShell 7.x, which will be the focus of Graph PowerShell v3.0, set to launch in Q4 2026. During the retirement phase, Graph PowerShell v2.x will remain operational and receive security updates. Transitioning to the new SDK version may require migration planning, script validation, and runtime upgrades, especially for organizations with dependencies on older PowerShell runtimes or outdated components.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

Stop Uninstalling Your Android Apps When You Need Space

Android 15 has introduced an Archive option that allows users to remove an app from their device while preserving all associated data in the cloud. This feature is useful for seasonal apps that may only be needed at certain times. To use the Archive option, users can go to Settings, find the Apps section, select the app to archive, and choose the Archive option. The app will be removed, and its data will be uploaded to the cloud. Users can restore the app by selecting it again in the Settings app and choosing Restore, which reinstalls the app with all previous settings, though new updates will need to be downloaded. Regular maintenance tasks, such as clearing the app cache, should still be performed for optimal performance.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

Opera For Android Adds Free 3GB Travel eSIM To Rival US Roaming Passes

Opera has integrated a built-in travel eSIM into its Android web browser, allowing international travelers to access cellular connectivity without expensive roaming fees. The company is offering a promotional trial that includes 3 GB of free mobile data for three days in 47 major destinations. This feature provides comprehensive cellular data access across the smartphone's operating system, enabling essential apps to function without physical SIM swapping. The activation process does not require credit card registration or personal email verification and can be completed within the app. The service is designed for American travelers as a cost-effective alternative to high international day passes from U.S. carriers. It operates in partnership with Holiday.com, offering additional paid data bundles of 3 GB, 5 GB, and 10 GB with 30-day validity at competitive prices. Users must have a carrier-unlocked smartphone running Android 10 or newer with eSIM support, and the service is exclusive to the standard Opera for Android client. It supports high-speed 5G networks where available and covers popular destinations in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas.