pop-up Archives

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

Your Samsung phone already has something better than Android 17 App Bubbles — here’s how to use it

Android 17 introduces App Bubbles, allowing users to create floating bubbles for apps on their screen for easier access while using other applications. Samsung Galaxy phones have a similar feature called Pop-Up View, which offers a more refined multitasking experience with resizable, floating windows. Pop-Up View allows users to interact with multiple apps simultaneously without disrupting the primary app, making it useful for tasks like watching videos while chatting. Users can access Pop-Up View through the Recents menu, a swipe gesture, or the Edge Panel. The swipe gesture is preferred for its speed, though it may require practice. Pop-Up View supports individual window resizing and maintains visibility of app contents in the background, unlike App Bubbles, which can obscure the screen.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

How to Retrieve Deleted Facebook Messenger Messages?

Deleted Facebook Messenger messages are removed from the user's view but may still exist in local storage temporarily, while Meta retains server data for specific periods based on the deletion type. 1. Unsend / Remove for Everyone: Messages are removed from all chats for up to 14 days (or 6 hours for end-to-end encrypted chats). 2. Deleted Facebook Account: Messages are removed from active servers but may remain in backup storage for 90–180 days. 3. Deleted from Your Inbox Only: Messages are removed only from the user's view; the recipient retains their copy. To recover deleted messages, users can rely on backups through Google Drive or local copies, and Facebook's "Download Your Information" feature, which may not include unsent messages. Dr.Fone – Data Recover (Android) is a recovery software that can scan phone storage for remnants of deleted messages, supporting over 14 data types across more than 6000 Android devices without needing root access or USB debugging. Steps to recover messages using Dr.Fone: 1. Access the Data Recovery tool for Android and select “Recover Android Data.” 2. Initiate a read-only scan for messages. 3. Filter and preview messages, then restore them to a chosen export location. To prevent future loss of important messages, users can: - Enable Google Drive Backup. - Archive conversations instead of deleting them. - Download a Facebook Data Archive. - Screenshot critical messages. - Enable end-to-end encrypted chats. - Use Dr.Fone for regular backups.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

I finally fixed my 2 biggest annoyances with Google Messages

Samsung Messages offers features like automatic deletion of old messages, which Google Messages lacks. However, Google Messages is preferred for its seamless integration across Android devices and the Messages for Web functionality. Google Messages allows users to customize swipe gestures, with the option to change left and right swipes for archiving, marking as read/unread, or deleting. It also includes Smart Reply suggestions, which can be edited before sending. Users can disable expressive animations and adjust message sounds and text size for a more personalized experience.

AppWizard

July 29, 2026

How to Stop Scammers From Showing You Ads on Your Android After Every Phone Call

Android users experiencing unexpected ads after phone calls are encountering a form of ad fraud linked to applications on the Google Play Store that utilize a tactic called AfterCall. These applications, often benign utility apps, request overlay permissions to display ads over the Android interface. They can launch full-screen advertisements disguised as call information screens after detecting the end of a call. Overlay permissions are categorized as "special permissions" and require users to enable them in system settings, rather than through typical installation pop-ups. Users are advised to check for apps with overlay permissions by navigating to Settings > Apps > Special app access and uninstall any unfamiliar applications. Regular audits of these permissions are recommended to disable unnecessary ones. While these apps primarily serve as an annoyance, they can waste advertising dollars and potentially harm brand reputations.

Winsage

July 29, 2026

This forgotten Windows shortcut from the ’90s replaces your worst terminal habit

Pressing F7 in the Command Prompt displays a pop-up with a numbered list of recently executed commands, allowing users to select and execute commands quickly without retyping. This feature, introduced in MS-DOS 5.0 through DOSKEY.exe, has been integrated into Windows since the early 1990s. Users can navigate the command list with the Up and Down arrow keys and execute a command by pressing Enter. The command history is session-specific and is lost when the window is closed. The F7 feature provides a visual overview of commands, enhancing efficiency compared to repeatedly pressing the Up Arrow key. However, it does not retain command history between sessions or offer advanced features found in modern shells like PowerShell.

AppWizard

July 29, 2026

Ubisoft is bundling free PC copies with 13 Xbox games, including Rainbow Six Siege and Valhalla

Ubisoft is offering Xbox users free PC copies of 13 popular games through the Ubisoft Connect app when they purchase or already own the digital Xbox versions. Users need to link their Xbox and Ubisoft Connect accounts to access the PC versions, with availability expected by August 4. The titles included in the offer are: - Assassin's Creed Mirage - Assassin's Creed Valhalla - Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora - Far Cry 6 - Immortals Fenyx Rising - Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown - Riders Republic - Skull and Bones - The Crew 2 - The Crew Motorfest - Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Extraction - Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege - Watch Dogs: Legion Non-consumable downloadable content will transfer between console and PC versions, and some games support cross-progression through cloud save files. Users can link their Xbox accounts on Ubisoft's Account Information page. Other Ubisoft games have recently been added to the Xbox Store, with significant discounts available, but these titles do not support Xbox Play Anywhere and require separate purchases for console and PC versions.

Winsage

July 25, 2026

Microsoft finally found a Windows ad it doesn’t like

Users of LG monitors have reported frustration over unsolicited McAfee pop-up ads that automatically appear during the Windows Update process. This issue arises from the installation of the "LG Monitor App Installer," which includes promotional software alongside the standard monitor driver. Reports indicate that this software installs without user consent, even when only a video cable is connected. Following an investigation by Gamers Nexus, Microsoft announced that LG has agreed to disable the McAfee pop-up, although the LG Monitor App Installer will still be automatically downloaded via Windows Update.

Tech Optimizer

July 24, 2026

Microsoft has ensured that LG monitors no longer prompt users to install McAfee on Windows

Owners of LG monitors have expressed frustration over an automatic prompt that appears when connecting their devices to Windows 11 PCs, encouraging the download of the LG Monitor App Installer, which suggests installing McAfee antivirus software. Microsoft has intervened, with executive vice president Pavan Davuluri confirming on July 22 that they reached out to LG to address the issue. LG has agreed to disable the McAfee pop-up from their app. Users have also raised concerns about the extensive permissions granted to the app, which reportedly accesses "all system resources" and the Internet connection. Similar practices have been observed with other manufacturers, including Alienware and Samsung.

Tech Optimizer

July 24, 2026

Microsoft steps in after LG monitors were found auto-installing apps with McAfee ads

McAfee's reputation has declined from being a trusted antivirus software during the MS-DOS era to facing user backlash against its advertising practices. The advertising partnership between LG and McAfee has ended following Microsoft's intervention, which prompted LG to remove McAfee promotions from its Windows Store app. This controversy arose when users reported that the "LG Monitor App Installer," automatically installed with new LG monitors, displayed McAfee promotions. Microsoft and LG aim to enhance the Windows ecosystem and improve customer software experiences. Several LG monitor models were identified as having inadvertently installed the app. The automatic installation feature used by LG is also employed by other companies, indicating a trend in the industry that raises concerns about user experience and promotional strategies.

Winsage

July 24, 2026

LG kills McAfee pop-up after Windows boss steps in

LG has decided to stop the McAfee pop-up notifications in its Monitor App Installer following intervention from Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows at Microsoft. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, had previously highlighted the annoyance caused by these advertisements. The pop-ups appeared when certain LG devices, like the LG UltraGear, were connected to a Windows device for the first time. Windows allows hardware manufacturers to silently add software during external device installations, which can lead to advertising and mixed user experiences. LG is not exploiting vulnerabilities for software installation, and the automatic process is well-documented. This incident raises questions about review procedures and the implications of advertising within the Windows ecosystem.