NewApp Digest
search bot

Settings

Microsoft is testing deeper Phone Link integration in Windows 11, but do you actually use it?
Winsage
August 3, 2026

Microsoft is testing deeper Phone Link integration in Windows 11, but do you actually use it?

Windows Insiders can access new features in Windows 11 Insider Build 26300.9032, available through the Experimental Preview Channel. Key updates include: - Windows Search: Introduces customizable options for integrating personal or work/school Microsoft accounts and OneDrive in search results. It can automatically expand indexing based on user activity, which can be managed in Settings > Privacy & security > Search. - Phone Link: Users can now preview recent messages or notifications by hovering over them in the Start menu, enhancing visibility into mobile activity. This feature is gradually rolling out and requires a minimum Phone Link build of 1.26021.3.0. - Settings App: Improved search functionality for quicker navigation to relevant settings. - Adaptive Hibernate Policy: Enhancements for instant-on resumes from Modern Standby and better battery preservation based on battery levels. - Start Menu: A fix for an issue causing crashes when dragging apps. - Taskbar: Resolved an issue where hovering over app window previews in an overflow state dismissed them. - File Explorer: Home now retains the state of sections, and improvements have been made for reliability when dragging files to disconnected network drives. Issues with files on DFS mapped drives being misidentified have also been addressed. - Windows Spotlight: Changes to enhance reliability on the lock screen. - Storage: Fixes for File History automatic backups to network shares that displayed false "invalid credentials" errors.
Can Microsoft Really Make Windows 11 Suck Less on Weak PCs?
Winsage
August 3, 2026

Can Microsoft Really Make Windows 11 Suck Less on Weak PCs?

Microsoft is refining Windows 11 to improve user experience by reducing unnecessary AI integration, enhancing control over widgets and taskbar configurations, and streamlining File Explorer. The company aims to decrease the operating system's memory usage, particularly for devices with 8GB of RAM, addressing concerns about excessive memory consumption. Historically, Microsoft recommended 16GB of RAM for new PCs, but rising prices have led to a shift towards lower RAM configurations to attract budget-conscious consumers. For example, Dell offers an XPS 13 with 8GB of memory for 9, while a model with 16GB costs ,299. The minimum requirement for Windows 11 is 4GB of RAM, which is barely sufficient to run the OS. Microsoft is working on optimizing the OS by remaking components to reduce reliance on the memory-intensive WebView2 and implementing a more efficient memory allocator. These enhancements aim to improve the experience for users with 8GB laptops, but potential buyers must decide between purchasing a less powerful machine or investing in a more capable system.
Villagers in Minecraft: What You Actually Need to Know
AppWizard
August 3, 2026

Villagers in Minecraft: What You Actually Need to Know

Villagers in Minecraft have 13 distinct professions that dictate their trades, such as librarians offering enchanted books, farmers trading crops, and armorers providing diamond gear. To assign a job to a villager, a job site block is required. Villagers trade based on specific items they desire, such as crops for farmers and emeralds as currency. Zombies can infect villagers, but they can be cured with a splash potion of weakness and a golden apple, resulting in significant trading discounts. Breeding villagers requires beds, food, and their willingness, while a well-structured trading hall can enhance trading efficiency. Protecting villagers from threats like zombies and pillager raids is essential. Transporting villagers can be done using minecarts, boats, water streams, or Nether portals. Server management requires attention to CPU, RAM, and storage to handle villagers efficiently. If villagers stop breeding or trading, check their access to beds, food, and job sites. Ultimately, trading with villagers can replace traditional resource gathering in the late game.
RUMOR: Xbox May Move Away From Steam
AppWizard
August 3, 2026

RUMOR: Xbox May Move Away From Steam

Microsoft is considering a potential shift in its PC gaming strategy, which may involve moving its games away from Steam, according to Jez Corden from the Xbox Two Podcast. This is not a confirmed strategy but has emerged in internal discussions. Under new CEO Asha Sharma, Microsoft is undergoing a transformation to consolidate its brand under the "Xbox" umbrella, focusing on proprietary titles. However, Corden expressed skepticism about the likelihood of this shift due to the financial implications, suggesting that moving away from Steam could lead to significant revenue losses.
4 Pre-Installed Google Pixel Apps You Can Safely Delete
AppWizard
August 2, 2026

4 Pre-Installed Google Pixel Apps You Can Safely Delete

Users can optimize their Google Pixel devices by disabling or uninstalling certain pre-installed apps that may no longer serve a purpose. 1. Google Chrome: Users can disable it to hide its icon and prevent updates, especially if they prefer a different browser. Recent regulatory changes may allow some users to uninstall it entirely. 2. Google Photos: While it offers features like AI enhancements, it can consume significant storage, particularly after the discontinuation of unlimited photo storage for Pixel users. Disabling it may affect the camera app's functionality, but it can be re-enabled later. 3. Google Books: Users can typically uninstall this app if they prefer alternatives like Kindle or Libby. However, removing it may restrict access to purchased ebooks or audiobooks. 4. YouTube Music: This app may be unnecessary for users already using other music services. Depending on the device, users may be able to disable or uninstall it to free up space.
How to sideload Android APKs on your Chromebook
AppWizard
August 2, 2026

How to sideload Android APKs on your Chromebook

A Chromebook can be used for productivity, gaming, and entertainment, and users can sideload Android apps when they are not available on the Google Play Store. Sideloading involves installing Android Package Kits (APKs) directly onto the device, but caution is advised as these apps have not been verified by Google. Users should research APKs to ensure they are legitimate and free from malware. To sideload an app, users can enable Linux on their Chromebook and use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This requires enabling ADB debugging in the Linux development environment and using the Terminal to install the APK. Alternatively, users can run APKs using an emulator in Android Studio, which involves setting up Android Studio and creating an Android Virtual Device to install the APK.
Шон Торренте победил на Иссык-Куле и назвал Кыргызстан идеальным финалом карьеры
TrendTechie
August 2, 2026

Шон Торренте победил на Иссык-Куле и назвал Кыргызстан идеальным финалом карьеры

The inaugural stage of the F1H2O World Championship concluded on August 2 at Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan, with Sean Torrente from the Victory Team winning the Grand Prix. The race featured 18 pilots navigating 40 laps around a two-kilometer circuit at an altitude of 1,607 meters. Torrente noted challenges from shifting winds and waves, and he announced his intention to retire from competitive racing after this victory. The event, held from July 31 to August 2, was the first of its kind in Central Asia and the highest-altitude race on the calendar. Eduard Kubatov, head of the State Agency for Tourism Development, reported that the competition was incident-free and mentioned ongoing discussions about hosting the championship stage annually at Issyk-Kul.
Windows 11 Search is fixing its biggest annoyance, will find files in folders you actually use
Winsage
August 2, 2026

Windows 11 Search is fixing its biggest annoyance, will find files in folders you actually use

Windows 11 Search is a crucial tool for users who create and download files, but it often struggles to find recently accessed files due to its indexing limitations. Microsoft is introducing a feature called “Automatically find additional relevant locations,” which will automatically identify and index folders based on user activity, reducing the need for manual indexing. Currently, Windows Search maintains an index focused on specific folders, which can lead to frustrations when files are not found. Users can manually add locations or switch to Enhanced mode for broader indexing, though this may result in irrelevant search results and increased resource usage. The new feature aims to streamline the search process by making significant folders searchable automatically while allowing users to block any unwanted folders. Additionally, Microsoft is enhancing Windows Search to better recognize typos and plans to disable Bing search and ads in results. These updates are expected to be rolled out later this year.
Search