setup Archives

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

Swatting hoax sees cops raid elderly Minecraft player’s home

Sue Jacquot, also known as GrammaCrackers, experienced a swatting incident on May 18 while she was asleep at home. Armed police officers responded to a false report, with around 20 police cars and five SWAT vans arriving at her residence. Jacquot's grandson noted the spectacle outside, and the responding officers treated her with respect, even requesting her autograph. One officer suspected the call was a hoax after seeing her livestreaming setup. Despite the incident, Jacquot resumed her Minecraft livestream the next morning, harvesting around 60 Nether warts for potions.

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

I hated multitasking on my Pixel — until I tried Android 17’s app bubbles

Software experience significantly influences smartphone appeal, with Google's Pixel series noted for its seamless interface. The recent Android 17 introduces features like app memory limits, enhanced controls, and improved location transparency, leading to the installation of its beta version on the Google Pixel 10a. A poll on multitasking preferences revealed that 17% prefer split screen, 57% switch between apps, and 27% barely multitask. The introduction of the bubbles feature in Android 17 enhances multitasking by allowing users to pin up to five apps simultaneously, facilitating quick access and seamless transitions between tasks. The user's setup includes Instagram, WhatsApp, Chrome, Slack, and YouTube Music, promoting a balanced work-life integration. The Pixel 10a is characterized by a flush camera design, good performance and battery life, strong cameras, and a promise of excellent software support. It features the Tensor G4 chip, a vibrant 120Hz display, and is priced at .99, with a commitment to seven years of software updates.

Winsage

May 23, 2026

Microsoft says you should pause Windows 11 Updates when you need to work, as it tests greater controller

Microsoft is shifting its approach to Windows updates, responding to user frustrations about receiving update notifications during critical work hours. The company is currently testing more nuanced controls for updates with Windows Insiders, including a "Pick a date" feature that allows users to pause updates for up to 35 days, with the option to extend the pause indefinitely. Retail Windows 11 users can pause updates for up to five weeks, after which updates will automatically download without further pause options. Microsoft acknowledges that the frequency of updates can disrupt workflows for its 1.6 billion users, many of whom view mandatory updates as interruptions. The time required for updates has increased due to larger cumulative update packages, which can exceed 4GB, and the complexity of the operating system. To improve user control, Microsoft is testing a new power menu that separates update and shutdown options, allowing users to power down without installing updates. Additionally, updates will now include device class information in their titles for better user awareness. These changes aim to streamline the update experience and address long-standing user complaints.

Winsage

May 23, 2026

CVE-2026-45585: YellowKey BitLocker Bypass

BitLocker, a security feature for data protection, has a vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-45585, also known as YellowKey, which allows unauthorized access to encrypted data on Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, 26H1, and Windows Server 2025. This flaw does not compromise BitLocker’s encryption but affects the recovery environment supporting it. The vulnerability can be exploited locally through the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) by an attacker with physical access, who can trigger an unrestricted shell and access the BitLocker-protected volume. Microsoft has provided two mitigation strategies: modifying the WinRE image to remove the autofstx.exe entry and transitioning from TPM-only protection to a TPM+PIN requirement at startup. The exploit poses challenges for detection, as it occurs pre-boot and currently lacks vendor-published indicators of compromise. Organizations using BitLocker for unattended devices are particularly at risk, as the vulnerability can lead to loss of confidentiality if an attacker gains access before the legitimate user.

Winsage

May 23, 2026

Announcing new builds for 22 May 2026

The Windows Insider Program is rolling out changes across various channels, with new builds of Windows 11 Insider Preview available. The transition for devices in the Canary 29500 Series Channel to the new experience has not yet begun. New features include: 1. Screen Tint: An accessibility feature that applies a color overlay to reduce screen intensity. 2. Narrator: Enhanced support for HID-compatible braille displays, allowing for plug-and-play functionality via USB or Bluetooth. 3. Voice Isolation in Voice Access: A feature that improves voice recognition by filtering out background noise, processing occurs privately on the device.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Subnautica 2 could become a chilling horror game, if only it would shut up

Subnautica 2 features players as the sole survivor of a failed expedition on an alien planet, awakening disoriented after a disaster. The game incorporates an AI assistant named NoA, which provides constant reminders about survival needs, often causing frustration. The narrative heavily relies on audio logs that interrupt exploration and detract from the immersive atmosphere, as they auto-play at inconvenient times and often spoon-feed information rather than allowing for organic discovery. This reliance on audio logs diminishes the thrill of exploration and the sense of agency for players. Despite its potential, the game's narrative structure undermines the overall experience.

Tech Optimizer

May 22, 2026

Threat Protection Pro: all you need to know about IPVanish’s anti-malware tool

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have evolved into comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, offering features like ad-blockers, antivirus software, and dark web monitoring. IPVanish offers a feature called Threat Protection Pro, available with the Advanced plan, which protects against malware, ads, and trackers. It enhances online security by blocking ads and tracking scripts, quarantining suspicious downloads, and preventing access to malicious websites. All IPVanish plans include core Threat Protection, utilizing DNS filters to combat trackers and malware across various platforms. Threat Protection Pro, launched in March 2026, provides 24/7 malware and antivirus protection, even when the VPN is not active. This feature is exclusive to Advanced-tier subscribers and currently supports Windows and Mac platforms. It employs VIPRE’s antivirus engine and initiates detailed measures to identify risks at multiple levels. Users can activate Threat Protection Pro through a straightforward setup process on Windows or MacOS. IPVanish allows unlimited devices per subscription and includes DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. Advanced users also have access to a Secure Browser for disposable browsing.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Google AI Studio: Bringing Ideas To Life With Android App Support, Workspace Integrations, And Mobile Development Tools

At the Google I/O 2026 event, Google announced an expansion of its AI Studio, introducing new features for developers. Key updates include support for native Android app development, deeper integrations with Google Workspace, a mobile app for AI Studio, enhanced design customization tools, and free deployment options for new users. Developers can now create applications that utilize Google Workspace services, such as Google Sheets and Google Drive, directly within AI Studio. The platform supports direct export to Google Antigravity, allowing for streamlined local development workflows. The AI Studio Build agent can generate custom visual assets, and a new in-preview editing tool enables real-time modifications. Native Android app development is supported with production-quality Kotlin code generation, in-browser emulator support, and one-click publishing to Google Play. First-time builders can deploy their first two applications to Google Cloud for free without a credit card.

Winsage

May 21, 2026

The 13 biggest Windows 11 changes from early May — and why these updates matter for how the OS evolves through the rest of 2026

Microsoft has released preview builds for Windows 11 in May 2026 as part of the Windows Insider Program, focusing on refining existing functionalities. Key improvements include: 1. The reinstatement of Taskbar position settings, allowing users to place the Taskbar at the top, left, or right edges of the screen. 2. An upgraded Voice Typing experience on the touch keyboard with a new design and animations. 3. Significant changes to the Windows Update system, allowing users to skip updates during the Out-of-box Experience and pause updates indefinitely in 35-day blocks. 4. The introduction of a "Shared Audio" feature enabling two users to share the same audio stream from a single computer using Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology.

Winsage

May 21, 2026

The 13 biggest Windows 11 changes from early May — and why they matter for 2026

Microsoft has released several preview builds of Windows 11 as part of the Windows Insider Program in early May 2026, focusing on refining existing functionalities. Key updates include: 1. Taskbar position settings: Users can now reposition the Taskbar to the top, left, or right edges of the screen with build 26300.8493. 2. Modern Run dialog: A redesigned Run dialog was introduced in build 26300.8346, featuring a modern aesthetic and support for light and dark modes. 3. Share interface with suggestions: App suggestions for Azure Active Directory users have been added to the Windows Share interface. 4. File Explorer improvements: Enhancements have been made to address loading issues and improve the "Favorites" section and thumbnail displays. 5. Widgets changes: Default settings for Widgets have been adjusted to minimize distractions, including disabling hover opening and Taskbar badges. 6. Windows Search box with improved results: The search interface will prioritize local apps and files over web results starting with build 26300.8493. 7. New spinner design for core experiences: A unified donut-style spinner animation has been introduced for various core experiences. 8. Touchpad gesture controls: New precision touchpad gestures have been added to adjust scroll and zoom speeds. 9. Home to Pro Education free upgrade: Eligible K-12 organizations can upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro Education at no cost. 10. Task Manager with new NPU visibility: The Task Manager now includes columns for "NPU" and "NPU Engine" in relevant tabs. 11. Voice Typing on the touch keyboard: The touch keyboard's Voice Typing feature has been updated with a new button and animations. 12. Windows Update overhaul: Users can skip updates during setup and pause updates indefinitely in 35-day blocks starting with build 28020.2134. 13. Shared Audio feature: The new "Shared Audio" feature allows two users to listen to the same audio stream from one computer using Bluetooth LE Audio technology.