preparation Archives

Winsage

June 21, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H2 for fall 2026 release, reveals supported PCs and other details

Microsoft has confirmed the upcoming Windows 11 26H2 feature update, set to roll out in fall 2026, likely in October. This update will not be a major overhaul and will utilize an enablement package (eKB) for installation, similar to the previous Windows 11 25H2 version. The last major update was the 24H2 version, released on October 1, 2024, while 25H2 launched in 2025 and reset the OS life cycle, extending support by an additional year. Support for Windows 11 24H2 ends on October 13, 2026, and for 25H2 until October 12, 2027. Windows 11 26H2 will be supported until October 2028 for Home, Pro, Pro EDU, and Pro for Workstations editions, and until October 2029 for Enterprise, Education, or IoT Enterprise editions. Devices running Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 will transition to 26H2 without new hardware requirements, maintaining specifications of 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and a 1GHz or faster 64-bit dual-core processor. Windows 11 26H1, another update, requires new silicon but does not introduce exclusive features. Major changes will be delivered through monthly cumulative updates rather than annual feature updates.

Winsage

June 21, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H2, urges IT admins to prepare for release

Microsoft has introduced a "26H1" version of Windows 11, which is a scoped build for select new silicon PCs and not accessible to users on the 24H2 and 25H2 builds. The company is preparing for the release of version 26H2, which will be delivered as a small enablement package (eKB) to activate features already in the operating system's code. Users of Windows 11 26H1 will not be able to upgrade to 26H2 as they operate on different branches. Windows 11 26H2 will have a support cycle of 24 months for Home, Pro, Pro EDU, and Pro for Workstations editions, and 36 months for Enterprise, Education, IoT Enterprise, and Enterprise Multi-session editions. A specific release date for Windows 11 26H2 has not been announced, but it is expected to roll out soon, potentially in early October 2026. IT administrators are advised to validate Windows Insider releases and prepare rollout strategies.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

5 Surprisingly Useful Android Apps That Aren’t On The Play Store

Google's sideloading process allows users to access applications beyond the Play Store, including open-source and free apps. Five notable apps highlighted are: - WriteOn: A minimalist note-taking app that supports checklists, numbered lists, images, an in-app calendar, and a calculator. It features a Scratchpad for temporary notes and allows exporting notes as TXT files. It also includes a Flashcards feature for studying. - Fridgey: An open-source app for managing fridge and pantry inventory, allowing users to catalog food items by freshness and expiration. Users can input item details and adjust quantities as items are consumed. - PrivacyFlip: An app that enhances privacy control for Android users, enabling toggling of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other features even when the device is locked. It includes a battery-saving feature and requires a straightforward setup process. - Timety: A productivity app that combines a to-do list, habit tracker, and focus timer. Users can categorize tasks, set priorities, and create subtasks. It features customizable habit tracking and a Pomodoro timer for maintaining focus. - Lune: An offline music player that supports Hi-Fi audio, allowing users to organize songs by various criteria and create customizable playlists. It includes equalizer adjustments and playback controls from notifications. These apps were selected for their open-source nature and utility in productivity and entertainment, with a focus on those that have received updates in the past year.

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

I finally found a Gemini feature I love, and it’s changed my whole morning routine

Each morning, the author begins with a cup of tea, checks emails and messages, and often plays games for 20-30 minutes. They received a notification for the Gemini Daily Brief, which integrates calendar entries, emails, and tasks into a coherent overview, improving upon other services like Samsung's Now Brief. Gemini, Google's personal AI assistant, organizes personal information and is available exclusively to paid Google AI subscribers. Users must enable Personal Intelligence, connect to Google Workspace, and activate Gemini Memory to access it. The Daily Brief can be found in the Gemini app and provides actionable tasks, contextual buttons for further actions, and options to export chats or draft emails. The author has experienced improved organizational skills since using Gemini Daily Brief.

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

Kingston kids to compete in Ontario’s top Minecraft championships

More than 100 students will participate in the largest Minecraft esports competition in Ontario at Humber Polytechnic on Saturday. Two teams from King’s Town School, the Pixelites and the TerrorBytes, will compete in the Ontario Scholastic Esports Association (OSEA) Minecraft Provincial Championship against 16 other teams. The competition is for students in Grades 5 to 8 and involves collaborative building challenges using Minecraft Education. The Pixelites include Oliver Armstrong, Ralph Bobrow, and Harlo Garwood, while the TerrorBytes consist of Kieran McCabe, Charlie Neary, and Jackson Geen. This year's qualifying task required teams to create an Olympic-themed parkour course. The event aims to connect gaming with curriculum-based learning and skills development. Teams will have 30 to 40 minutes to complete each of the four build challenges, with one scenario remaining a mystery. Medals will be awarded to top teams, but the focus is on skill development and confidence-building. The event will be livestreamed for families and school communities.

AppWizard

May 29, 2026

Grim Dawn’s gigantic final expansion will be out in July

The expansion for Grim Dawn, titled Fangs of Asterkarn, will feature 54 new bosses and an expansive map now measuring six square kilometers, which is 190% the size of Ashes of Malmouth and 250% larger than Forgotten Gods. The environments will include snowy peaks and hot springs, with numerous secrets and hundreds of new treasures. The expansion will also introduce new epic items, unique legendary items, and monster infrequents.

AppWizard

May 27, 2026

Minecraft 26.2 pre-release 1 patch notes: Sulfur Cube changes, bug fixes, and more

Mojang has launched the pre-release phase for Minecraft Java Edition 26.2, focusing on bug fixes in preparation for the Chaos Cubed update. The Peer-to-Peer connection feature has been removed due to unsatisfactory user experience. Patch notes include: - Small Sulfur Cubes have updated models and textures, with unique sounds for each archetype. - The fog color in Sulfur Caves has been updated, and the maximum growth length of Sulfur Spikes has been reduced. - Continuous Geyser setups now require a Lava block to erupt. - Updated sounds for chicken variants and Small Sulfur Cubes when fed Slimeballs. - The Friends List button is now always visible on the title screen. - New server properties for chat and command spam thresholds have been introduced, defaulting to 10 seconds. Bug fixes include: - Resolved framerate loss during rendering of decorated pots and banners. - Fixed issues with players being kicked for rapid command sending in multiplayer. - Addressed overgrowth of Sulfur Spikes in Sulfur Caves. - Corrected the absence of a texture for Small Sulfur Cubes. - Fixed a crash when an Evoker retaliated against its Vex. - Resolved inventory issues after death with keep_inventory disabled. - Fixed Shulkers suffocating when opening while suspended. - Addressed a softlock issue when creating a new world if the saves folder was unwritable. - Corrected fog color in Sulfur Caves to match Bedrock Edition. Minecraft 26.2 Pre-Release 1 is available for download through the Minecraft Launcher by enabling snapshots in the "Installations" tab.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Google thinks Gemini 3.5 Flash can finally make AI agents more useful

Google has rolled out its AI model, Gemini 3.5 Flash, across various platforms, claiming it outperforms its predecessor, Gemini 3.1 Pro, in key benchmarks. Gemini 3.5 Flash generates responses four times faster than competing AI systems and is designed for complex workflows and coding tasks. Google plans to introduce Gemini 3.1 Pro next month, which excels in decision-making and coding tests. The model is particularly effective for "long-horizon" tasks, aiding app development and document preparation. Google Antigravity, an agentic development platform, integrates with Gemini 3.5 Flash to manage large workloads. The company also introduced Gemini Spark, a personal AI agent for managing digital tasks, with a beta rollout for select testers. Gemini 3.5 was developed under the Frontier Safety Framework, incorporating enhanced safety measures and interpretability tools.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Valve made more than 27 million unique images for Counter-Strike listings as part of its new ‘major update’ to Steam’s Community Market

Valve has initiated a beta test for a significant update to the Steam Community Market, which now includes over 13,000 games and more than 700 with in-game items. The update features a new layout with a full-width grid display to enhance user navigation. Counter-Strike players will be the first to experience these changes, including specially generated images for individual items that showcase their characteristics. Valve has created over 27 million unique images for Counter-Strike listings. The updates are set to go live today, and all marketplace users can access the beta, with an option to opt out.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

Free Pokémon PC Game Is Yours To Play Before Wind And Waves

A new PC game called Pokémon Reloaded has been released in beta, offering a nostalgic experience reminiscent of the Game Boy Color era. It features a top-down exploration of Paldea, a real-time combat system, and a Pokedex with 900 Pokémon, including Mega evolutions. Currently in Beta version 1.9, it promises expanded regions and additional content in its full release. Pokémon Reloaded serves as a precursor to the upcoming Pokémon game, Winds and Waves, which will feature one of the largest maps in the series and new starter Pokémon.