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AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Google is this close to bringing third-party app stores to the Play Store

Google is testing new features in the Play Store, including Play Labs, which allows users to experiment with new functionalities. The company is also exploring the integration of third-party app stores, allowing users to install alternative app stores directly from the Play Store, although this feature is not yet available to the general public. Users have reported limited access to these experimental features through adjustments in the latest Play Store version. Additionally, Google has confirmed the rollout of a revamped search experience, featuring a new two-row search bar for longer queries and a prompt labeled “Ask Store” to enhance search capabilities. These updates aim to improve user experience and accessibility in the Play Store.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

Google Search’s AI Mode can now handle tasks beyond the search bar

Google Search has introduced AI Mode, allowing users in the United States to connect with third-party applications like Canva, YouTube Music, and Instacart. This feature enables users to streamline tasks such as designing invitations, compiling music playlists, and populating shopping carts by simply providing prompts. AI Mode processes requests and delivers results quickly, enhancing user convenience. Currently, the integration is limited to a few applications, but Google plans to expand partnerships to increase functionality.

BetaBeacon

July 11, 2026

Roblox: How to Download for Free on PC, Consoles, Android, and iOS

Roblox can be downloaded for free on computers, Xbox consoles, Android phones, and iOS phones.

Winsage

July 6, 2026

Microsoft finally fixes bug that broke all major Windows 11 core UI components on some PCs

Microsoft introduced an update to the out-of-box experience (OOBE) for Windows 11, identified as KB5095189, targeting versions 25H2 and 24H2. This update includes enhancements and fixes, coinciding with additional updates KB5102558 and KB5095615 from the June C-release preview update (KB5095093). A major fix addresses a storage issue caused by the Capability Access Manager process, which was consuming significant disk space. Another fix resolves a malfunction affecting Shell components, impacting the Start menu, Search bar, Settings, Taskbar, and File Explorer, primarily on provisioned PCs due to compatibility issues with XAML. This bug had been present since July 2025 and is being resolved with updates released starting June 23, 2026 (KB5095093), with full deployment expected in the following month. Users are advised to use previous workarounds until the fix is fully available. Further details can be found in support article KB5072911 on Microsoft's website.

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

I changed one Android 17 setting and made my Pixel home screen so much cleaner

Google Pixel phones have received an update that enhances home screen customization, allowing users to remove the At a Glance widget and eliminate app names for a cleaner aesthetic. The Android 17 update introduces five app icon styles and shapes, including a Minimal option that aligns icons with a color palette, and a Create option for custom designs with six styles. The Google Pixel 10 is highlighted as the ideal device to experience these features and future updates.

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

Bryce Clark, game director of Poppy Playtime, has played 23,000 hours of Steam games: ‘I’m a bit obsessed with learning the market’

Bryce Clark is the game director of Poppy Playtime and has a history in gaming that began with DOS games. His childhood favorite was the 1994 RTS Dominus, which had technical difficulties that required troubleshooting. He has worked for studios like 343 Industries and Blizzard and became the lead technical artist at Mob Entertainment in 2023 before directing Poppy Playtime: Chapter 5, released in February. Clark enjoys games like Aethus, Strange Antiquities, and Prosperous Universe, and recently played Librarian: Tidy Up the Arcane Library and Forza Horizon 6. The oldest games on his PC are No Man's Sky and The Hunter: Call of The Wild. He has logged over 23,000 hours on Steam, with Rocket League and Ark: Survival Evolved among his top titles. Clark finds comfort in The Hunter: Call of the Wild and Subnautica. He uses Snagit for screenshots and video recording and WinDirStat for disk space management. He has shifted to a minimalist desktop organization style, using the taskbar and search bar instead of desktop shortcuts.

Winsage

June 16, 2026

Windows 11 Is Hiding A ‘God Mode’ Folder That Most Enthusiasts Would Love

Windows 11 features a "God Mode" folder, which serves as a centralized hub for accessing a wide range of Windows settings and utility tools that are typically scattered across the Control Panel. This feature is not officially designated by Microsoft but is popular among power users for its extensive access to settings. To create the God Mode folder, users must manually create a new folder on their Desktop and rename it to .{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}, which will transform the folder icon into the Control Panel icon. Inside the folder, settings are organized into collapsible sections, and a search bar allows for quick navigation. Users can double-click options to access specific settings, and while the folder cannot be pinned to the Start menu or taskbar, it can be accessed from the Desktop and frequently used settings can be dragged to the Desktop for convenience.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

How to Use Meta AI on Meta Apps

Meta AI is integrated into WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger, providing functionalities like chat, search, image generation, and automated customer support through the Meta Business Agent. Its availability varies by country, account type, app version, and language. Users should be aware that seeing a colleague's blue Meta AI ring in WhatsApp while they do not may indicate a rollout flag on Meta's end rather than an app malfunction. Meta AI can answer queries, suggest ideas, generate images from prompts, clarify messages, assist with searches, and support customer interactions for business accounts. It is linked to the Llama model family, including Llama 2 and Llama 3. To use Meta AI on WhatsApp, users need to update the app and can start a chat by locating the Meta AI button or circle. They can ask practical questions, request image generation, and utilize it in group chats. On Instagram, it enhances DMs and search functions, allowing users to create AI chats for content ideas and captions. In Messenger, there is an "Ask Meta AI" bar for direct interactions. Users can also utilize Meta AI on Facebook for search and content discovery. The Meta Business Agent is a version of Meta AI for businesses, providing 24/7 responses to customer inquiries. It can be set up in Meta Business Suite or WhatsApp Business. Privacy measures should be considered, as users cannot entirely disable Meta AI and should avoid sharing sensitive information in chats. For better responses, users should provide context and constraints in their prompts and consider training in prompt design and AI risk management for professional use.

Winsage

June 13, 2026

Windows 11’s Low Latency Profile Is Available Now. Here’s How to Use it

Microsoft has rolled out its Low Latency Profile to all Windows 11 users, optimizing CPU performance for quicker frequency ramp-up when using Windows features. This update enhances responsiveness, particularly in tasks like opening the Start menu and other native elements. To access the feature, users need to download the June 2026 Patch KB5094126 for specific OS builds and reboot their systems. The update also includes improvements such as better Shared Audio capabilities, multi-app camera support, and refinements to Windows Search.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

Microsoft to Allow Users to Disable Web Search in Windows 11

Microsoft is introducing new controls for Windows 11 that will allow users to disable web search and remove Microsoft Store suggestions from their search results. The update, demonstrated on June 2, 2026, will include two toggles in the Windows 11 Settings app under Privacy and Security → Search Permissions. The first toggle will turn off Bing-powered web results in the taskbar search and Start menu, while the second will control the appearance of Microsoft Store app suggestions. This change replaces the previous method of disabling web search, which required complex registry edits. The new settings aim to enhance user experience by prioritizing local search results and addressing privacy concerns, as user queries will no longer be transmitted to Microsoft’s servers. The toggles are expected to roll out through the Windows Insider program before becoming available to all users.