rolling out Archives

AppWizard

April 19, 2026

Samsung Messages is going away, so here are 5 the best messaging alternatives

Samsung will officially cease operations of its Samsung Messages app in July 2026 and has stopped pre-installing it on newer Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S26 series. Users can continue to send messages through the app until the shutdown, but emergency services and specific contacts will not be supported. Samsung is directing users to Google Messages as the official alternative, which supports Rich Communication Services (RCS) and is the default messaging app on most Android devices. Google Messages offers features such as reliable cross-texting with iPhone users, typing indicators, high-quality media sharing, message reactions, and built-in spam protection. Alternatives to RCS include WhatsApp, which offers voice and video calls, group chats, and message reactions, but has raised privacy concerns. Telegram allows large group chats, channels, and file sharing but lacks end-to-end encryption by default. Signal provides end-to-end encryption for all communications and collects minimal user data, making it the most secure option. Customizable SMS apps like Textra and QUIK SMS do not support RCS, making Google Messages the most viable option for RCS functionality.

Winsage

April 17, 2026

Windows 11’s New Xbox Mode is Now Available for More Insiders

Microsoft is expanding the Xbox Mode, previously known as the Xbox Full Screen Experience, to more Insiders, including those on the Canary and Release Preview Channels. The new Xbox Mode can be activated through the Xbox app, Game Bar settings, or by pressing Win + F11, providing a full-screen interface for PC games. The Canary build 29570.1000 also introduces a new Touchpad setting for adjusting the right-click zone size and expands lock screen widget personalization options. For Canary testers on the 28000 series builds, the build 28020.1863 addresses a sign-in issue without introducing new features. The Dev and Beta Channels are receiving updates focused on reliability, including improvements to File Explorer and Windows Hello. The Release Preview Channel is previewing an upcoming optional April update that includes the new Xbox Mode, File Explorer enhancements, haptic feedback for certain pens, a rebranded Drop Tray, taskbar monitoring for AI agents, and revamped voice typing features. Additional reliability enhancements are included for various Windows components.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Android 17 hits a major milestone as Google releases its last ‘scheduled’ beta

Google has released Android 17 beta 4, the final beta version before the anticipated mid-2026 launch. This update, with build number CP21.260330.008, is available for Pixel devices from Pixel 6 to Pixel 10 and focuses on stability rather than new features. A key addition is 'App memory limits' to manage RAM usage and improve performance, particularly for foldable phones and tablets. Developers are required to optimize apps for Android 17, ensuring compatibility with new features. The beta update is rolling out via the Android Beta Program, with stable Android 17 expected later this year. Users can sideload the update or manually flash the factory image if they haven't received it.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

Google Play is changing how Android apps access your contacts and location

Google has updated its Google Play policies to enhance user privacy and protect businesses from fraud. Starting in October, developers will have access to Play policy insights in Android Studio to help comply with new features. On October 27, the Play Console will implement pre-review checks for contact and location permissions. The Android Contact Picker will be the standard for accessing contacts, requiring apps to use it or privacy-focused alternatives. Developers must update their apps to use the picker and submit a Play Developer Declaration for ongoing contact access. A new location button will be introduced for precise location requests, and apps must use it for one-time access. Developers should review their location data requests and include the onlyForLocationButton flag if targeting Android 17 and above. The Play Console will also introduce an official account transfer feature for ownership changes, effective May 27, with a mandatory 7-day security cool-down period for transfers. Unofficial transfers are prohibited.

Winsage

April 16, 2026

Windows 11 adds haptic feedback for snapping, resizing, and more but most laptops can’t use it yet

Windows 11 will introduce haptic feedback for interactions like snapping or resizing windows, hovering over the close button, and aligning objects in PowerPoint, but it requires compatible hardware, specifically haptic trackpads. This feature is currently rolling out to Windows Insiders using Preview Build 26300.8155 or higher in the Dev channel. Confirmed actions for haptic feedback include aligning objects in PowerPoint, window snapping, window resizing, and hovering over the close button. Users can toggle haptic feedback effects in the settings. Microsoft has not specified which devices qualify as compatible input devices, although haptic trackpads are likely candidates. The success of this feature depends on OEMs producing compatible devices, as many current Windows laptops do not include haptic touchpads.

Winsage

April 15, 2026

Microsoft releases Windows 10 KB5082200 extended security update

Microsoft has released the Windows 10 KB5082200 extended security update, addressing vulnerabilities from the April 2026 Patch Tuesday, including two critical zero-day flaws. The update enhances security with new protections against phishing attacks using Remote Desktop Protocol (.rdp) files and provides updated indicators in Windows Security for new Secure Boot certificates. Users can install the update by checking for updates in the Windows Update settings. After installation, Windows 10 will upgrade to build 19045.7184, and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 will transition to build 19044.7184. The update resolves a total of 167 vulnerabilities, including two significant zero-day issues, and includes fixes for signing into Microsoft apps, enhanced Remote Desktop security, dynamic Secure Boot status reporting, and issues affecting Intel-based devices with Connected Standby. Microsoft is also rolling out new Secure Boot certificates to replace older ones expiring in June 2026, with no known issues reported for this update.

AppWizard

April 15, 2026

Roblox is changing the eligibility to upload games on the platform

Roblox is implementing new publishing requirements to enhance safety for its younger audience. Developers must now meet specific criteria based on the target audience of their games. For games intended for all ages, developers must subscribe to Roblox Plus, pass ID verification and age checks, enable two-factor authentication, and maintain an account in good standing. For games aimed at players aged 16 and older, developers need to have an account in good standing, maintain an account that is at least two days old, and pass age verification checks. These requirements do not apply to developers creating games solely for personal enjoyment. The changes are part of a strategy to strengthen moderation systems and will begin rolling out in early June.

Winsage

April 14, 2026

Windows 11 KB5083769 out with improved /scannow, direct download links for offline installers (.msu)

Windows 11 has started rolling out update KB5083769, which introduces the ability to disable Smart App Control and provides offline installers for direct download. The update will automatically download and install unless users have paused updates for up to five weeks. Upon installation, Windows 11 25H2 will advance to Build 26200.8246, while version 24H2 will progress to Build 26100.8246. Users can check their update status in Settings > System > About. The update includes several .NET Framework security updates (KB5082417, KB5086097, KB5086096). The size of the April 2026 Update is approximately 5.1GB for x64 systems and under 4.5GB for arm64. New features include the ability to toggle Smart App Control, enhanced integration of Microsoft 365 in Windows Settings, modernized dialogs in Settings, and improvements to the sfc /scannow feature for accurate status reports.

Winsage

April 14, 2026

I’m wondering how far the Windows 11 modding community will go before Microsoft finally listens

Windows 11, launched over four years ago, has faced user dissatisfaction due to its limited features and stringent hardware requirements, leading to sluggish adoption rates. Some users are considering switching to free alternatives like Linux. In response to criticism, Microsoft is rolling out updates to improve user experience, including allowing users to bypass updates during installations and reintroducing features like a movable Taskbar. Despite these efforts, some experts suggest that Microsoft should focus on developing "Windows 12" instead. The backlash against Windows 11 has led to a rise in third-party tools and modifications, such as Start11 and Rainmeter skins, which enhance personalization and functionality. Social media platforms showcase the popularity of these third-party solutions, indicating a thriving community-driven innovation in response to the operating system's limitations.

Winsage

April 14, 2026

Microsoft is rolling out a ‘turbo mode’ for Windows 11 installation as part of the big drive to fix the OS

Microsoft has enhanced the Windows 11 installation process by allowing users to bypass the update phase during setup, potentially reducing installation time by 20 to 30 minutes. This feature is currently being rolled out and enables users to pause updates indefinitely, a change from the previous maximum delay of five weeks. Users who skip updates during installation may miss crucial security fixes and features, leaving their systems vulnerable. A suggested approach is to use the skip feature during installation and then initiate updates once on the Windows 11 desktop. Some users have speculated that this decision may be influenced by the growing popularity of alternatives like Linux and Apple's MacBook Neo.