Stack Archives

AppWizard

October 1, 2026

Google Antigravity looks like an Android app, but your phone isn’t invited

Google has introduced a new app called Antigravity to the Play Store, specifically designed for the Googlebook OS and not for traditional Android devices. Antigravity is described as an agent-first development platform for Googlebooks, allowing users to create and manage applications directly on the device. The Play Store indicates that regular Android devices are incompatible with Antigravity. Attempts to sideload the app onto a Pixel phone revealed significant limitations, including a poorly scaled interface and a failure during the onboarding process due to a permission-denial error. Other Googlebook-specific applications, such as Look Up and Desktop Camera, have also appeared in the Play Store. The first Googlebooks are set to launch in the U.S. on October 4.

AppWizard

October 1, 2026

Google maps out transition plan to replace Gemini Gems with Skills

Google is replacing its Gemini Gems with a new feature called Skills, with the rollout starting on October 5, 2026, in Workspace and expected to be completed by mid-November. Skills will begin appearing in the Gemini app on October 13, 2026, and will also be fully integrated by mid-November. On November 17, 2026, Gems will be moved to the Settings panel of the Gemini app, but users will still be able to create, edit, and use them. From March 1, 2027, for business and enterprise users, the creation, editing, and usage of Gems will cease, and they will be removed from the Settings panel, with existing workflows in Workspace Studio that include Ask a Gem becoming inactive. Remaining Gems will be converted into draft Skills. For education users, on June 1, 2027, Gems will also no longer be usable or editable, and will be removed from the Gemini app, Google Classroom, and supported third-party LMS platforms, with remaining Gems transitioning to draft Skills. Skills will not synchronize between the Gemini app and Workspace, requiring independent creation for each platform. Skills will be available to all Workspace customers and personal Google account holders, allowing users to combine multiple Skills for improved task management.

AppWizard

October 1, 2026

Google outlines timeline to phase out Gemini Gems in favor of Skills

Google is phasing out its customizable Gems in favor of a new framework called Skills, which will begin rolling out in Google Workspace on October 5 and in the Gemini app on October 13. The phased departure of Gems will start in November. Skills allow for multiple modular components to work together, enabling more complex tasks. They will be accessible to both personal and Workspace accounts and are built on an open SKILL.md format using Markdown. However, Skills created in Gemini and Workspace will not synchronize automatically. Gems will be transferred to Gemini’s Settings on November 17, remaining usable for a limited time. Business and enterprise accounts will keep their Gems until March 1, 2027, while educational accounts will have until June 1. Remaining Gems will eventually be converted into draft Skills.

BetaBeacon

September 30, 2026

Five Days After the Steam Frame Shipped, Its SteamOS Was Booting on Android Handhelds

Valve's SteamOS now runs on Android gaming handhelds, thanks to two hobby projects. The operating system image from the Steam Frame, complete with Game Mode and KDE desktop, has been repackaged to work on Snapdragon handhelds sold by AYN, AYANEO, KONKR, and Retroid. Adjustments were made to optimize performance, and initial tests show promising results, although some games may face performance issues. Installing the SteamOS image involves replacing the handheld's bootloader and requires specific hardware, a compatible microSD card, a PC, and a Steam account with games.

Winsage

September 28, 2026

Your PC can get Windows 11 Pro and seven Office apps for just $25.99

A bundle is available that includes Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for .99, reduced from a regular price of 9. The bundle provides lifetime licenses for both software, designed for a single Windows PC, and does not require a recurring Microsoft 365 subscription. Windows 11 Pro includes features like BitLocker, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox, while Office Professional Plus 2019 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access, and Publisher. Office 2019 will no longer receive support after October 2025, and Publisher will lose support by October 2026. Windows 11 Pro requires specific hardware compatibility, including TPM 2.0, which can be checked using Microsoft's PC Health Check tool.

Tech Optimizer

September 28, 2026

Spinnaker launches PostgreSQL support & migration services

Spinnaker Support has launched a suite of PostgreSQL support and migration services to help organizations reduce their reliance on Oracle databases. The services include enterprise software support for PostgreSQL and migration services facilitated by HexaCluster, allowing customers to maintain their Oracle environments while transitioning workloads to PostgreSQL. Spinnaker is also developing an enterprise distribution for PostgreSQL, built around standard PostgreSQL and open-source components. The support package includes break-fix support, troubleshooting, security guidance, performance and configuration support, and lifecycle guidance. The migration service analyzes Oracle database dependencies, automates parts of the conversion process, validates production readiness, and facilitates controlled cutovers. The HexaRocket platform from HexaCluster aids in migration, data movement, and replication. The launch aligns with a trend of organizations reassessing database expenditures, with 55.6% of developers using PostgreSQL according to the 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey. Spinnaker aims to enhance its role in enterprise infrastructure decisions by supporting both Oracle and PostgreSQL environments. Martin Biggs has been appointed Vice President and General Manager of the PostgreSQL Practice, overseeing PostgreSQL support and migration services. Spinnaker's PostgreSQL offerings are part of its Run, Optimize, Transform framework, designed to help customers manage current systems and plan for long-term changes.

Winsage

September 27, 2026

I finally figured out why Windows 11’s menus feel so slow—and the fixes that take seconds

Windows 11 users experience delays in right-click menus and context options due to a combination of factors, including the MenuShowDelay registry setting, UI transition animations, and the hybrid shell architecture. The MenuShowDelay setting introduces a default pause of 400 milliseconds before submenus appear. Users can improve performance by modifying this setting to a range of 0 to 100 milliseconds, disabling animation effects and transparency, and adjusting the power mode to "Best performance." Additional tweaks include using the Performance Options panel, enabling Task Manager's Efficiency Mode, auditing startup programs, and ensuring graphics drivers are up to date. These adjustments can enhance responsiveness without requiring advanced technical skills or third-party software.

AppWizard

September 26, 2026

First look: This upcoming Snapseed tool could leave Google Photos in the dust

Snapseed is set to introduce a new collage-making tool in version 4.1.9, featuring a collage-creator interface that supports various aspect ratios and grid configurations. Users will be able to customize background patterns, spacing, and utilize a “Snap to grid” toggle for precision. The app will also include a Layers option for adding and managing photos, text, and stickers, with capabilities for reordering, hiding, and duplicating layers. A masking option will allow cropping into Rectangle or Radial shapes, and users can modify layer styles, including border color and opacity. A textures menu will offer preset textures that can be modified, along with a Randomize button and QR-code-based sharing for templates. Users can save, export, or delete projects, with common actions like reset and undo/redo available.

Winsage

September 24, 2026

86Box Setup Guide 2026: Emulate a Windows 98 PC in 13 Steps

86Box is an emulator that meticulously reconstructs vintage PCs, allowing users to boot operating systems like MS-DOS, Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows XP. The latest version, 6.0, was released on May 31, 2026, featuring a native Windows ARM64 build and discontinuing support for macOS 10.13 High Sierra. It has approximately 2,400 monthly searches in the U.S., indicating a demand for setup guides among enthusiasts. Unlike DOSBox, which creates a generic DOS environment, 86Box emulates specific hardware components for authentic execution of various operating systems. Originally a fork of PCem, 86Box has expanded its supported motherboards and developed a community of contributors. Version 6.0 has established it as the preferred choice for retro-PC builders in 2026. Before installation, users need a minimum of a 64-bit Intel Core 2, AMD Athlon 64, or ARMv8 CPU, 4 GB of RAM, and a compatible host operating system. The installation process involves downloading the appropriate build, sourcing a legal ROM set, and configuring the virtual machine using the 86Box Manager. Users can select specific graphics cards and sound hardware to replicate the original systems accurately. The setup requires installation media for the guest operating system, which must be sourced legally. Common pitfalls during setup include ensuring the BIOS ROM is available, matching CPU speed to software era, and installing the correct drivers. A properly configured virtual machine should display a BIOS POST screen and boot the selected operating system. Troubleshooting common issues often involves checking for missing ROMs, uninstalled drivers, or performance settings. 86Box is open-source and legal to use, but users must ensure they have legitimate licenses for any software used within the emulator.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Google’s classic ‘Text’ app is now an Android app for Googlebook on the Play Store

Chrome Unboxed offers a membership called Chrome Unboxed Plus, providing an ad-free experience and access to a private Discord community. Google has introduced a new "Text" editor app for Googlebook OS, available on the Google Play Store, which features broad syntax highlighting, a multi-file tabbed interface, large-screen desktop navigation, and standard code tools. This app is designed to be a lightweight, distraction-free text editor optimized for various screen sizes, including foldable and smartphone formats, and may eventually be extended to the broader Android ecosystem.