space Archives

Winsage

September 8, 2026

Microsoft Releases September 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates

Microsoft released its September 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11, focusing on versions 26H1 and 25H2/24H2. Key features include: - Taskbar customization for versions 25H2 and 24H2, allowing users to choose the taskbar's location and size. - Faster Windows Search with options to hide web and Microsoft Store suggestions. - Touch scrolling support in the "Recommended" section of File Explorer. - Start Menu customization options for size and visibility of sections. - Stability improvements for Microsoft Teams and Outlook on Arm64 PCs. For version 26H1, updates include: - Improved app search and Settings relevance in Windows Search. - Voice Isolation technology in Voice Access. - Updated taskbar notification badges and Weather widget display on the Lock Screen. - New gesture controls for Precision Touchpads. - Enhanced Sign-in Security supporting peripheral fingerprint sensors. - Optimized Windows Update progression calculations and clean-up logic. - Power settings allowing users to set energy saver activation thresholds. Microsoft is using AI to identify vulnerabilities, with 997 Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures reported, including one actively exploited vulnerability (CVE-2026-81963). Windows 11 version 26H2 has been made available to Insiders, with a public rollout expected next month.

AppWizard

September 8, 2026

7 Ways To Use Private Space On Your Android Device That Are Actually Helpful

Google's Private Space is a feature on Android devices that creates a secure environment for managing sensitive information. It allows users to lock banking apps, providing a secure vault that is hidden from the main interface and protected from malware and unauthorized access. Users can enhance security with a unique PIN or biometric authentication, and the space locks automatically when the smartphone is secured. Private Space also serves as a secure repository for personal documents, enabling users to move files like PDFs and IDs into it, ensuring they remain inaccessible until the space is locked. Additionally, Private Space allows users to separate personal and professional digital lives by logging into a different Google account, maintaining distinct emails, contacts, and calendar events. Users can install separate instances of messaging and social media apps within Private Space to manage multiple accounts securely. It also helps keep dating apps hidden, protecting users' privacy and personal data. When sharing devices, Private Space ensures personal data remains secure behind authentication. Lastly, it allows users to store data locally without syncing to the cloud, prioritizing privacy over convenience.

Winsage

September 8, 2026

Microsoft is now using your Windows 11 wallpaper as ad space

The Bing Wallpaper app is popular for its beautiful images that enhance desktop backgrounds, but users have reported unwanted changes where their backgrounds are replaced by fullscreen ads promoting Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. This has led to frustration among users, who have expressed their concerns on platforms like Reddit. The controversy extends to the definition of advertisements within Windows 11, with some users viewing prompts for OneDrive as ads. The recent promotional content in the Bing Wallpaper app has upset many, as it alters the user experience by combining beloved imagery with marketing messages. While users are generally open to learning more about images, intrusive promotional content on personal desktops is seen as unacceptable. Despite being an optional app, the introduction of ads could jeopardize the positive reputation of Bing Wallpaper.

Winsage

September 8, 2026

Feel peak Windows was 7? You might like Kumander Linux

Kumander Linux is set to launch version 3.0, built on Debian 13.6 with the Xfce 4.20 desktop environment. It aims to replicate the look and feel of Windows 7 using free and open-source software, including LibreOffice 25.2 and GIMP 3.0.4. The distribution replaces the default Task Manager with a new System Manager and includes an intuitive Software Center. It has a download size of 4.25 GB and requires 11 GB of disk space, consuming approximately 725 MB of RAM when idle. The name "Kumander" references Commodore computers and reflects its Filipino origins. The distribution is currently in its Release Candidate 2 phase.

Winsage

September 8, 2026

You Can Get Windows 11 Pro on Sale for A$13 Right Now

Windows 11 Pro is available for a limited-time offer of A, down from its regular price of A8, until September 27. Key features include Windows Copilot, remote desktop access, TPM 2.0, Smart App Control, biometric login options, BitLocker encryption, Azure AD integration, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox. The minimum system requirements are a processor speed of at least 1GHz, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of hard disk space. The offer is sourced from a reputable Microsoft partner.

AppWizard

September 8, 2026

Minecraft World to open in 2027 at Chessington park, near London: what this changes for its hotels

Merlin Entertainments is investing £50 million to create Minecraft World, a dedicated park zone at Chessington World of Adventures, set to open in 2027. The park will include a unique roller coaster, interactive trails, play areas made from blocks, and themed dining and shopping experiences. There are currently no plans for Minecraft-themed hotel rooms, although the resort has two existing hotels, Azteca and Safari, and an Explorer Glamping site. The strategic location near London is expected to attract families, potentially increasing overnight stays. Chessington World of Adventures is already home to themed rooms inspired by various franchises.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

GrapheneOS is ‘slightly delaying’ its overhauled Messages app

The GrapheneOS team is working on a new OS release to fix a volume bar UI regression caused by an upstream Android security preview patch and a UI issue within the Private Space feature. The release of the revamped Messages app has been delayed to follow the upcoming OS release, and there is currently no timeline for the integration of RCS (Rich Communication Services) into the new Messages app. The team is focused on enhancing user privacy and functionality while developing applications and privacy controls to reduce Google's influence.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

5 Reasons To Switch To Waze On Android Auto

Waze, owned by Google since 2013, is a navigation app focused on driving, offering a streamlined interface that prioritizes route efficiency. It excels in suggesting optimal routes using real-time data from users, including reports on road closures and accidents. Waze provides real-time insights about traffic conditions, speed cameras, and police sightings, fostering a community through user-submitted reports. The app features a simple, user-friendly interface that adapts to lighting conditions and is designed for driving. Waze includes car-specific features, such as locating gas stations based on fuel type and sorting them by price, as well as helping electric vehicle owners find charging stations. Users can customize their experience with themes, custom voices, and alerts, enhancing engagement and enjoyment.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

Samsung is shutting down two apps it used to brag about

Samsung will discontinue its augmented reality applications, AR Doodle and Quick Measure, on December 31, 2026. After this date, users will no longer be able to download these apps, which are already unsupported on certain devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The applications will not be supported in future versions of Samsung's One UI, starting with the anticipated stable release of One UI 9. Users can still download and use the apps until the end of the year, but their functionality may be limited due to the lack of future support.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

Xbox Cloud Gaming Caps Hours: 15 for Ultimate [2026]

On September 3, 2026, Microsoft announced that Xbox Game Pass subscribers will see a shift in cloud gaming access. Starting November 2026, unlimited cloud streaming will be replaced by a tiered hour bank system: 15 hours for Ultimate, 10 for Premium, and 5 for Essential subscribers. Once a subscriber exhausts their allotted hours, they must wait for the next billing cycle or purchase additional time. This change is the most significant since the beta launch of Xbox Cloud Gaming in 2019. The announcement was made on Xbox Wire, and the new structure is reflected on Xbox’s product pages. The new tiered system introduces a scarcity model, with every paid tier now having its own cloud gaming quota. Essential subscribers, who previously had no cloud access, will now receive 5 hours per month. The pricing for the Game Pass tiers is as follows: Ultimate at .99 for 15 hours, Premium at .99 for 10 hours, and Essential at .99 for 5 hours. The free ad-supported tier remains unchanged at 5 hours per month. Microsoft's rationale for the change is based on usage data indicating that most subscribers do not heavily utilize cloud streaming, coupled with the rising costs of operating cloud gaming services. The company has stated that additional hours can be purchased once a subscriber's monthly allotment is used up, although pricing details for these add-ons have not yet been disclosed. The new hour caps will take effect in November 2026, following a shorter notice period compared to NVIDIA's GeForce NOW service, which implemented a 100-hour monthly cap earlier in 2026. The response from gaming communities has been largely negative, with concerns about the limits falling short of typical usage patterns and conflicting with the marketing of Game Pass as offering unlimited access. The introduction of hour caps could impact Game Pass's subscriber base, particularly among those who rely on cloud gaming as their primary access point. Microsoft's internal usage data will determine the extent of this impact, as the company aims to control costs without raising subscription prices.