NewApp Digest
search bot

resource

Google made Android 17’s best feature a Pixel 11-exclusive. This free app does it better
AppWizard
August 30, 2026

Google made Android 17’s best feature a Pixel 11-exclusive. This free app does it better

Android 17 features a Digital Wellbeing tool called Pause Point, which prompts users to reflect on their app usage but is only available on the Pixel 11 series. The Stroll app encourages users to earn screen time through physical activity, allowing them to accumulate time for using distracting applications by walking. It integrates step tracking from a phone’s counter or a smartwatch and allows manual input of steps via Google Health. Stroll restricts specific URLs and tracks usage streaks, promoting a healthier relationship with exercise and digital consumption. Unlike traditional app timers that warn users when time is running out, Stroll motivates users to engage in physical activity before accessing social media. The app also features a “time bank” for saving unused screen time. Users have reported reduced social media usage and a shift towards more enriching activities.
In a rare move, Google is bringing native Windows 11 and WSL support to its new AI tools
Winsage
August 30, 2026

In a rare move, Google is bringing native Windows 11 and WSL support to its new AI tools

The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is gaining popularity among developers, with GitHub introducing experimental support for WSL in its Copilot desktop application, allowing Linux environments to be used directly within Windows. Google is also integrating WSL support into its Antigravity development platform, marking a shift in its approach to Windows support. Rody Davis from Google confirmed that both WSL and native Windows support are being developed for Antigravity, which will enable file operations and shell commands in a Linux environment. GitHub Copilot now allows users to create sessions inside WSL, enhancing the development experience by enabling real-time interaction with projects in a WSL environment. Additionally, Microsoft is focusing on improving Windows for developers, with initiatives like Coreutils for Windows and the open-sourcing of WinUI, while Ubuntu is reportedly gaining traction on Windows 11.
I rely on Google Maps every day, but these 4 missing features still hold it back
AppWizard
August 29, 2026

I rely on Google Maps every day, but these 4 missing features still hold it back

Google Maps has evolved into a vital resource for daily life, assisting with navigation, real-time traffic updates, and local business information. Users have requested several enhancements to improve their experience: 1. A more efficient offline map download process that allows users to download entire regions or countries easily. 2. An automatic route optimization feature for multi-stop trips to arrange destinations in the most efficient order. 3. Enhanced route customization options to prioritize main roads over narrow streets. 4. Improved functionality for creating cohesive travel itineraries based on saved locations, travel times, and traffic patterns. 5. A focus on practical improvements to streamline offline downloads, optimize routes, enhance navigation controls, and facilitate trip planning.
Site provides instructions to get up to $175 back for your pre-installed Windows 11 license — new portal provides legal forms, but warns buyers not to wipe storage first
Winsage
August 29, 2026

Site provides instructions to get up to $175 back for your pre-installed Windows 11 license — new portal provides legal forms, but warns buyers not to wipe storage first

A significant portion of new PCs is sold with Windows 11 pre-installed, causing frustration among Linux enthusiasts. The Refund4Freedom initiative, launched by the Italian Linux Society and the Free Software Foundation Europe, aims to provide consumers with the option to purchase laptops without being tied to a specific operating system and to avoid paying for unwanted software. The initiative has three main demands: 1. Freedom of Choice: Consumers should not be forced to use or pay for pre-installed software. 2. Transparent Pricing: Consumers should be able to purchase hardware without pre-installed software and see price differences. 3. Clear Refund Processes: Manufacturers must provide clear guidelines for requesting refunds for pre-installed software. The Refund4Freedom website details various brands' reimbursement practices, noting that Acer and Lenovo have established refund processes for Windows, while Asus has a less visible route primarily in Italy. Dell and HP currently do not offer reimbursement options. For those wishing to reject Windows, Refund4Freedom advises documenting contract clauses, contacting customer service, and using a pre-made form for refunds, which is tailored for Italy. The typical reimbursement amount for a Windows license is around €50, though it varies by region and manufacturer.
Windows picks the wrong CPU cores for your games, and your processor has been telling it which ones to use
Winsage
August 28, 2026

Windows picks the wrong CPU cores for your games, and your processor has been telling it which ones to use

Modern processors, such as those from AMD, feature distinct cores with varying capabilities, allowing them to communicate their performance potential to the operating system via the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI). This enables efficient resource allocation, particularly important for gaming, where a game may rely heavily on one or two threads. While Windows generally manages CPU resources effectively, issues can arise if the firmware fails to accurately convey core capabilities, leading to performance problems. Regular BIOS updates are crucial to ensure the CPU's preferred-core hierarchy is correctly communicated. Manual core assignment is usually unnecessary and can be counterproductive, as Windows' built-in scheduling is typically sufficient for most users.
Windows on Arm just hit 7,000 compatible apps. It's still not enough
Winsage
August 28, 2026

Windows on Arm just hit 7,000 compatible apps. It’s still not enough

Windows on Arm offers energy-efficient performance with extended battery life, minimal heat generation, and quiet operation. However, compatibility issues arise as most applications are designed for x86/x64 systems, making it difficult for Arm-based systems to run them effectively. A significant resource, the "Works on Windows on Arm" website, lists over 7,000 apps and games that support Arm architecture, including popular applications like Adobe Photoshop and Firefox. Microsoft plans to launch Arm-based computers from major manufacturers, but the number of compatible apps is still a small fraction of those available for traditional Windows systems. For non-native Arm applications, Microsoft provides an emulation solution through Prism in Windows 11, though this does not perform as well as native support. Gamers face challenges with current Snapdragon laptops, which struggle to deliver a smooth gaming experience, and the existing app offerings do not meet the gaming community's needs.
Did A New Google 'Pulse' App Just Appear On Your Android Phone? Here's What It Does
AppWizard
August 28, 2026

Did A New Google ‘Pulse’ App Just Appear On Your Android Phone? Here’s What It Does

A new app called Pulse has been released on the Play Store, quickly reaching over 10 million downloads. It is an existing Google system service that became more visible in the settings app following a recent update and has been in place since March. Pulse may collect information related to app performance but does not share data with third parties. It can be accessed on Pixel devices through Settings > Google services > All services > Privacy & security > System services. Disabling system services like Pulse could disrupt features, so it is advisable to keep it installed. Pulse helps monitor resource usage in Android, including battery drain, memory usage, and CPU activity, and is part of Google's efforts to track issues within the operating system. Google plans to implement stricter measures against apps that excessively consume resources.
Google tells Android app developers to cool it on memory use, or else
AppWizard
August 27, 2026

Google tells Android app developers to cool it on memory use, or else

Google has announced new memory-usage restrictions for Android applications to address the ongoing RAM crisis. These restrictions require developers to comply with new memory constraints to ensure smoother operation across devices. The initiative coincides with the rollout of Android 17, which is being introduced on devices like the Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL, both of which have less RAM than previous models. Developers must consider varying RAM configurations, ranging from 4GB to over 16GB. Applications that exceed the memory limits may experience reduced performance, slowdowns, or termination, and may face diminished visibility on the Google Play Store. These memory limits will take effect in February 2027, providing developers time to adjust their applications.
Search