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My 4-year-old Android phone is showing its age. Here's how I'm keeping it running
AppWizard
October 1, 2026

My 4-year-old Android phone is showing its age. Here’s how I’m keeping it running

Many users are considering whether to upgrade their smartphones or extend the life of their current devices. Strategies to rejuvenate aging smartphones include: 1. Replacing Hardware: Replacing the battery can significantly improve performance, especially if the original battery's health is below 75%. Using a slower charger (like an 18W charger) can reduce heat and extend battery longevity. 2. Switching Apps: Replacing resource-heavy applications with lighter alternatives can enhance performance. For example, using the Brave browser instead of Chrome and AntennaPod instead of Spotify can conserve battery life. 3. Optimizing System Settings: Adjusting settings such as window animations and screen refresh rates can improve user interface responsiveness. Setting a maximum charge limit of 80-90% can help mitigate heat buildup. 4. Regular Maintenance: Deleting large files and using Android's built-in Private DNS can prevent lag and enhance performance. Flashing a custom ROM like LineageOS can provide a new operating system experience but may come with risks. 5. User Vigilance: While older phones may pose security risks, users can extend their life with regular updates and maintenance, especially as manufacturers offer devices with longer software support.
5 Open-Source Android Apps to Unlock Your Device
AppWizard
October 1, 2026

5 Open-Source Android Apps to Unlock Your Device

Android manufacturers curate devices, often leading to frustration for users who struggle to find specific settings due to the absence of desired features. The open-source community offers tools to enhance device functionality. MT Manager allows deep app modification directly on devices, providing access to app decompiling and editing without needing a desktop. It requires root permissions for its most powerful features and is not available on Google Play. Install with Options enables users to bypass installation restrictions on Android 7.0 and later, allowing the installation of apps outside the Google Play Store by using shell-level privileges or root access. Canta Debloater helps users safely remove carrier bloatware without root access on devices running Android 9.0 and above, using color-coded safety guidance to assist in the uninstallation process. ColorBlendr offers precise control over Material You color palettes on Android 12 and newer, allowing users to customize colors and themes with a live preview function. It requires elevated access via Root, Shizuku, or Wireless ADB. Kvaesitso Launcher replaces the default home screen with a search-centric interface, streamlining app navigation through a unified search bar that handles queries for apps, contacts, files, and calendar events. It is available on GitHub, F-Droid, and IzzyOnDroid.
Minecraft Dungeons II, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve on Xbox X/S, PlayStation 5, Switch, PC: New Gameplay,
AppWizard
September 30, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons II, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve on Xbox X/S, PlayStation 5, Switch, PC: New Gameplay,

New video game releases this week include "Minecraft Dungeons II" on Tuesday and "Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve" on October 2. "Minecraft Dungeons II" allows players to explore a new dimension called the Sift, either solo or with up to three friends. "Ace Combat 8" features aerial combat in the alternate-universe Earth of Strangereal, where players defend against an invasion. Analysts predict that AI tools could significantly reduce game development costs, potentially unlocking billions in profits for developers. Global consumer spending on video games is projected to reach 0 billion this year, with billion reinvested in development. "Grand Theft Auto VI" is set for a November 2026 launch, having been in development since 2018.
Microsoft Retires Windows PowerShell Support for Graph SDK
Winsage
September 29, 2026

Microsoft Retires Windows PowerShell Support for Graph SDK

Microsoft is initiating a 12-month retirement period for support of Windows PowerShell 5.1 for the Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK due to maintenance challenges. Organizations using Graph PowerShell automation on Windows PowerShell 5.1 may face disadvantages, as existing scripts will remain operational but will miss platform-specific bug fixes. Microsoft encourages a transition to PowerShell 7.x, which will be the focus of Graph PowerShell v3.0, set to launch in Q4 2026. During the retirement phase, Graph PowerShell v2.x will remain operational and receive security updates. Transitioning to the new SDK version may require migration planning, script validation, and runtime upgrades, especially for organizations with dependencies on older PowerShell runtimes or outdated components.
AMD & Perplexity bring local AI to Ryzen Windows PCs
Winsage
September 29, 2026

AMD & Perplexity bring local AI to Ryzen Windows PCs

AMD and Perplexity have launched Portable Computer, a software solution for Windows PCs with Ryzen AI Max Series processors, enabling local AI tasks and workflow management for Pro and Max subscribers. This allows users to run extensive AI models on their devices without relying on cloud processing, enhancing privacy and conserving Perplexity Computer credits. The software integrates local models with agent orchestration, scheduling, and security controls, and connects with popular workplace applications like Gmail and Slack. AMD's AI PCs, introduced in 2023, feature a neural processing unit that allows local AI operations alongside standard applications. This collaboration signifies a shift towards more AI processing on personal devices, aiming to automate tasks and improve user experience. Jack Huynh from AMD highlighted the transformation of PCs into intelligent partners, emphasizing the coexistence of local and cloud AI in their strategy.
Microsoft was better at software in the '90s, and these still-useful Windows utilities prove it
Winsage
September 28, 2026

Microsoft was better at software in the ’90s, and these still-useful Windows utilities prove it

Microsoft PowerToys originated during the development of Windows 95 as small programs created by engineers to test concepts and ease workloads. The first collection of PowerToys included tools like FindX, Send To X, and Tweak UI. System Configuration (MSConfig) helps isolate configuration and startup issues by allowing selective loading of services and startup components, remaining useful despite modern management shifting to Task Manager. Disk Cleanup was launched with Windows 98 to help users reclaim disk space, featuring commands that allow saving cleanup profiles, a functionality that persists in Windows 11. Task Scheduler, introduced in 1995 as System Agent in the Microsoft Plus! pack for Windows 95, automates tasks based on specific triggers. System File Checker (SFC), dating back to Windows 98, scans and repairs protected Windows resources, evolving from a graphical utility to a command-line tool. Device Manager provides an expandable tree of hardware components and reflects advancements in Microsoft's Plug and Play system from Windows 95, continuing to assist users in hardware inspection and troubleshooting. The DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag) was created for gamers in the late '90s to examine hardware and software configurations related to DirectX and remains available in Windows 11.
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