A lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, reduced from 9. Key features of Windows 11 Pro include Azure AD support, BitLocker Encryption, and Hyper-V. The offer ends on September 10 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Windows and macOS offer various power management features to optimize energy consumption for both laptop and desktop users.
In Windows, users can access power options through Settings > System > Power (for desktops) or System > Power & battery (for laptops). Key features include:
- Power Mode options: Best Power Efficiency, Balanced, and Best Performance.
- Configurable screen, sleep, and hibernate time-outs to reduce energy use.
- Energy Saver mode, which minimizes background activity and dims the display.
- Customization of the Power & sleep button controls.
In macOS, users can find power settings under System Settings via the Apple menu. Key features include:
- Low Power Mode for laptops, which reduces background activity and dims the screen.
- Energy Mode options for Macs with Apple Silicon: Low Power, Automatic, and High Power.
- Options to prevent automatic sleep and optimize video streaming performance.
- Screen time-out settings under Lock Screen to adjust display delay when idle.
Motorola has launched the Moto Watch Ultra at IFA 2026, featuring a Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 SoC, a 1.5-inch pOLED display with 2,700 nits peak brightness, up to two days of battery life, Wear OS 6, and LTE eSIM support.
Microsoft has released a quick-start guide for developers to create native WinUI 3 applications for Windows 11 in about 30 minutes, using tools like VS Code, .NET 10, GitHub Copilot's free tier, and Microsoft's winapp CLI, without requiring Visual Studio. The guide details project scaffolding, AI integration for features, testing, and packaging as an MSIX installer. The AI agent, winui-dev, is a specialized plugin for WinUI tasks, and developers are encouraged to connect it to the Learn MCP server for updated documentation. This initiative aims to move developers away from web wrappers and Electron-style applications, which use more RAM. Microsoft announced at the Build 2026 conference that "3" will be removed from WinUI's name, reinforcing its long-term stability. WinUI 3 is being integrated into Windows 11 components, although some apps still use WebView2 technology, which consumes more RAM than native options.
Android Auto provides a range of applications designed to enhance the driving experience for electric vehicle (EV) owners. Key apps include:
- A Better Routeplanner (ABRP): A navigation app specifically for EV owners that helps plan road trips by generating trip plans with charging stops, estimated charging times, and projected battery levels. It supports over 1,000 EV models and offers a free version with basic features and a premium version with additional functionalities.
- Waze: A versatile navigation app that offers real-time traffic updates, estimated arrival times, and turn-by-turn directions. It can display charging stations along routes and is useful for both long and short trips.
- PlugShare: An app that provides a detailed overview of charging stations, allowing users to search for locations compatible with their specific EV. It includes community-driven features for reviews and connections among EV owners.
- Electrify America: An app for users of the Electrify America charging network that integrates with Android Auto, enabling drivers to find charging stations and access details directly from their vehicle's display.
These apps address common challenges faced by EV owners, such as locating charging stations and planning routes effectively.
Steam Deck debuted in early 2022 with SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system that uses the Wine-based Proton compatibility layer to run Windows games. This development has significantly advanced Linux gaming, with approximately 95% of games functioning well on Linux. Steam's Verified program lists nearly 9,000 Verified games, and around 30,000 playable titles, with only about 1% of popular games failing to run entirely. Anti-cheat systems remain a major limitation, preventing popular titles like "Fortnite" and "League of Legends" from being playable on Linux. Game streaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW offer alternatives for playing anti-cheat games on Linux. Linux distributions provide better controller support compared to Windows, particularly for handhelds and living room PCs. Accessing non-Steam games can be cumbersome, though tools like Heroic Launcher help. Compatibility issues with proprietary standards, such as HDMI 2.1 support, persist in Linux gaming.
Android Auto was designed for simplicity, but users want more functionality like streaming YouTube or screen mirroring. Sideloading allows users to install unapproved apps, unlocking additional features, though it poses risks to security, reliability, and safety. To sideload apps, users must enable Developer Mode on their phone and Android Auto, then install the Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD) and explore open-source apps like CarStream and AAMirror. Risks of sideloading include safety concerns with video streaming while driving and increased exposure to malware, as sideloaded apps bypass Google’s security checks. Google plans to introduce new verification requirements for developers starting in late 2026 to mitigate these risks. Most drivers find the standard Android Auto experience sufficient, and sideloading should be approached cautiously.
Android Auto, enhanced by Gemini, allows users to navigate to restaurants, make calls, and play music. It integrates with applications like Google Maps for real-time navigation and supports voice commands for hands-free operation. The platform is compatible with third-party apps such as Spotify and Waze, and offers specialized apps for electric vehicles. However, users have reported issues with the Gemini voice assistant, including misunderstandings and system shutdowns. Google Maps can automatically display the last-used navigation app, which may not be preferred, and navigation apps can consume data unnecessarily. Message notifications can distract drivers, but users can disable them for better focus.