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Android 17 QPR1 Beta 8 is here, and Pixel users get a much-needed audio fix
AppWizard
August 1, 2026

Android 17 QPR1 Beta 8 is here, and Pixel users get a much-needed audio fix

Google has released Android 17 QPR1 Beta 8 for Pixel devices, addressing a significant audio issue that caused crackling, distortion, and loud static during media playback and notifications. The update, build CP31.260623.010, focuses on improving system stability and fixing bugs ahead of the official Pixel Feature Drop in September. The audio glitch had generated over 30 reports in Google's issue tracker. The primary fix involves managing buffers within the audio framework. Beta 8 is available for eligible Pixel devices in the Android Beta Program, including the Pixel 6 series to the Pixel 10 lineup. However, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will not receive Android 17 QPR2, and the stable QPR1 release in September will be their last major software update.
Microsoft slipped another Photos app on my PC, and this one wants names
Winsage
July 31, 2026

Microsoft slipped another Photos app on my PC, and this one wants names

Microsoft has announced that the revamped OneDrive Photos app is now available exclusively to Windows Insiders as a preview called ‘Photos (Preview)’ for those in the Experimental channel. This update was delivered through a OneDrive update without requiring a separate installation. Users can find it using Windows Search. OneDrive Photos retains essential photo editing tools but features a more streamlined menu that includes Moments, Gallery, People, Albums, Favorites, and This PC.
Announcing new builds for 31 July 2026
Winsage
July 31, 2026

Announcing new builds for 31 July 2026

New Windows Insider Preview Builds have been released for both the Beta and Experimental channels, featuring renewed Windows Insider flight certificates valid until August 11, 2026. The Experimental channel has already incorporated these renewed certificates. Notable new features include: 1. Adaptive Hibernate Policy: Enhancements to improve instant-on resumes from Modern Standby and battery preservation, with less frequent hibernation above 80% battery and earlier hibernation below 10%. 2. Alternate Taskbar Position: Users can change the taskbar's position to bottom, top, left, or right through Settings. Tooltips, flyouts, and animations will function in alternate positions, but some features are still in development. 3. Smaller Taskbar: A new, smaller taskbar option is available for maximizing screen space, particularly on smaller devices, allowing for smaller icons and reduced height. Users can adjust this setting in Taskbar behaviors.
Windows quality: an update on the commitment we made in March
Winsage
July 31, 2026

Windows quality: an update on the commitment we made in March

In March, a commitment was made to enhance the quality of Windows, with a focus on several immediate changes including enhanced taskbar customization, meaningful AI integration, minimizing disruptions from Windows Updates, faster and more reliable File Explorer, greater control over widgets and feed experiences, a more straightforward Windows Insider Program, and improving the Feedback Hub experience. The core areas of focus are performance, reliability, and well-crafted experiences, with improvements already being rolled out to Windows Insiders and set to expand across Windows 11 PCs this fall. Recent updates include enhancements to the Windows Search Box, improvements for developers at Build 2026, advancements in WinUI 3, updates to the Taskbar and Start menu, simplified AI integration, foundational architecture enhancements for File Explorer, updates to widgets and feed experiences, the launch of the Driver Quality Initiative (DQI), memory efficiency improvements, enhanced reliability for Windows Hello, changes to reduce disruptions from Windows Updates, and a simplified Windows Insider Program. Looking ahead, the team plans to bring enhancements to general availability while focusing on onboarding and setup, memory optimization for PCs with 8GB and above, family features, and improved voice interactions. Engaging with Windows Insiders has been a highlight, and the team remains committed to ongoing improvements based on user feedback.
The next game on GOG's preservation list would be your favourite ARPG if it hadn't released the same year as Diablo 2, and it's on sale now
AppWizard
July 30, 2026

The next game on GOG’s preservation list would be your favourite ARPG if it hadn’t released the same year as Diablo 2, and it’s on sale now

NOX, an action role-playing game released by Westwood in 2000, is being revived as it has secured a spot in GOG's Preservation Program following a recent patron poll. GOG will provide ongoing support and enhancements for the game, which is currently available on GOG for a limited-time price of .39. Owners of the game will receive updates free of charge.
This forgotten Windows shortcut from the '90s replaces your worst terminal habit
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.
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