streamlined process Archives

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Valve’s Steam Machine will have “fewer constraints” for games to be Verified than Steam Deck — plus, an explanation for that weird Steam Controller puck

Valve announced the Steam Machine, set to release in early 2026, which will be powered by SteamOS and designed for living room integration. It aims to bridge the gap between PC gaming and consoles, boasting hardware specifications that rival current-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The Steam Machine will have a streamlined process for games to achieve the "Verified" badge, making it easier for developers to secure this status compared to the Steam Deck. The Steam Machine is expected to have a larger library of Verified games due to its enhanced capabilities. Additionally, the new Steam Controller will feature a puck accessory that serves as a wireless receiver and charger, designed to reduce Bluetooth interference.

Winsage

December 21, 2025

Windows 11 gets a December Insider update packed with new features and AI upgrades — reveals Microsoft’s next big push. Here’s everything that is new.

Microsoft has slowed down the development of Windows 11 but released several preview builds through the Windows Insider Program in December 2025, showcasing various enhancements. Key updates include: - Model Context Protocol (MCP): Introduced in build 26220.7344, allowing AI agents to communicate with applications and tools via a secure on-device registry. It includes the File Explorer Connector for managing files through natural language searches and the Windows Settings Connector for navigating settings. - Unified Update Orchestration Platform (UOP): Provides a consistent update experience for developers through the Settings app. - Windows MIDI Services: Rollout of a new MIDI API, Service, and SDK, supporting MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0 devices with enhancements like app-to-app MIDI support. - Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE): Expanded to additional handheld gaming devices, replicating console gaming on PCs. - Settings app with AI agent: Enhanced navigation and modification of settings with an integrated AI agent. - File Explorer dark mode improvements: Extended dark mode to various elements and improved search functionality using AI. - Drag Tray disable option: Users can now disable the Drag Tray feature through Settings. - Mobile Devices settings integration: Features for managing mobile devices are now integrated within the Settings app. - Virtual Workspaces in Advanced settings: New access to manage virtualization features without using the legacy "Windows Features" page. - Keyboard and text cursor settings: New settings added for customizing keyboard and cursor behavior. - Quick Machine Recovery improvements: Now enabled by default on Windows 11 Home and Pro editions. - Windows Studio Effects compatibility: Expanded to more camera hardware for improved user appearance. - Windows Spotlight for desktop changes: New context menu options for wallpaper changes and additional details. - Taskbar with Ask Copilot: A toggle to replace Windows Search with AI-driven searches. - Taskbar with AI agents: AI agents can function as apps in the Taskbar, providing real-time updates. - Windows 11 Agent Launchers: A framework for registering AI agents within the OS. - Narrator customization: Users can select which properties are announced while navigating applications. - Voice Typing animation: New animation for the dictation key in the Touch Keyboard and a "Discover Windows" widget added. - Voice Access streamlined setup: Simplified setup process for Voice Access. The Windows Insider Program will pause further builds until January.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

Android 17 will boost Xiaomi’s app lock security to a new level

Android 17 introduces a system app locking feature, enhancing mobile security with a new permission structure called LOCK_APPS, allowing only system apps and designated launchers to execute this functionality. This feature utilizes the Biometric Prompt API for user authentication via fingerprint, facial recognition, or PIN. Users can lock or unlock apps by long-pressing the app icon on the launcher, which sends a SETAPPLOCK request to Android's core security service. The app lock will only be available on handheld devices, excluding Android Automotive, Wear OS, and Android TV. The feature is expected to debut later in the rollout of Android 17, benefiting Xiaomi devices and HyperOS.

AppWizard

December 9, 2025

Android 16 QPR2 removes this handy way to save pictures from apps

Android's Recents screen allows users to share content from various applications, including copying URLs from Chrome and sharing images. With the upcoming Android 16 QPR2 update, Google is repositioning the link-sharing icon in Chrome to a more accessible location at the bottom of the screen. However, the update will also reduce image-related functionalities, limiting users to only sharing or copying images and removing the ability to save files locally.

Winsage

November 26, 2025

Microsoft may soon let you update all your apps directly from Windows 11’s Settings

Microsoft is developing a new app updating feature in the latest Windows 11 preview build that aims to simplify the update process for users. This feature will provide a centralized app updating page, similar to Linux's KDE Discover or the Google Play Store, allowing users to monitor and manage updates more efficiently. The interface will include a status tracker for available updates, a "Check for updates" button, and customizable options for the update process. There are concerns that the functionality may be limited to apps installed via the Microsoft Store, which could restrict its effectiveness. If expanded to include third-party applications, it could significantly enhance how Windows users maintain their systems.

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

Fiverr – Freelance Service For Android

Fiverr has a rating of 4.4 stars from over 10 million users and offers a marketplace for businesses and entrepreneurs to connect with freelancers across various service categories, including programming, graphics, digital marketing, writing, video, music, and business operations. The platform features over 400 service categories, a mobile app for browsing and managing orders, and facilitates communication between buyers and sellers. It supports secure payment processing and multiple languages. Fiverr is trusted by over 11 million businesses and is recognized for its user-friendly interface.

AppWizard

November 10, 2025

Google and Epic propose Android settlement modifying antitrust injunction

On November 4, 2025, Google and Epic Games filed a joint motion with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to modify a permanent injunction from Epic's antitrust litigation against Google. The modified injunction retains prohibitions on Google's revenue-sharing practices and mandates that app developers are not required to launch exclusively on the Google Play Store. It introduces a "Registered App Store" system for third-party app stores, allowing users to install these through a streamlined process. The settlement extends globally, promoting competition across all Android markets. Developers are granted rights to offer alternative in-app payment methods and can present various payment options side-by-side. The modified injunction caps service fees that Google can charge on transactions in Play-distributed apps using alternative payment methods, extending through 2032. A Technical Committee will oversee disputes related to the new terms. The settlement's effectiveness depends on court acceptance and coordination with a separate settlement between Google and state attorneys general. The settlement is part of ongoing antitrust scrutiny facing Google. Following court approval, Google will have eight months to implement the necessary technology for the registered app store program.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Google and Epic’s new settlement could change the Play Store globally

- Google and Epic Games are proposing a new settlement to address antitrust concerns related to the Play Store. - The settlement would have a global scope and last for six and a half years. - The agreement includes new developer fee caps for those bypassing Google Play Billing. - The settlement aims to streamline the process for installing third-party app stores on Android devices. - The proposal will be presented to Judge Donato for approval, potentially resolving a significant legal challenge for Google's Android business.

Winsage

November 3, 2025

Stop downloading software from websites: Windows has a built-in package manager

Windows 11 users can utilize Winget, or Windows Package Manager, for downloading applications through the command line via Windows Terminal. Winget allows users to search for applications using the command "winget search" and install them using their IDs with "winget install," which is faster and reduces confusion compared to traditional web-based methods. It enhances security by sourcing applications from trusted locations like the Microsoft Store and the Winget repository on GitHub, where submissions undergo a vetting process. Additionally, Winget enables users to create a backup file of installed software, facilitating quick setups on new devices or after system resets by allowing users to import the list and reinstall applications efficiently.

Winsage

September 25, 2025

5 Windows 10 features that Windows 11 does way better

Microsoft will cease security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, prompting users to choose between a free upgrade to Windows 11 or an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of protection. Windows 11 offers enhanced multi-monitor support, improved gaming features like AutoHDR and DirectStorage, and stronger security measures requiring hardware that supports Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. Additionally, Windows 11 integrates AI features such as Live Captions and natural language interaction for adjusting settings.