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"We're building Copilot as a new OS," says Satya Nadella, even as Microsoft strips it from Windows 11
Winsage
September 26, 2026

“We’re building Copilot as a new OS,” says Satya Nadella, even as Microsoft strips it from Windows 11

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced a unified Copilot experience that integrates Home, Code, and Autopilot into a single application, transforming the Microsoft 365 suite into a “super app.” Copilot is described as a “new OS for work,” serving as a central hub for productivity across various tasks and devices. The Home section features Chat and Cowork functionalities, while the Office section includes full integration of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The Code feature allows users to create applications using natural language, democratizing app development. Autopilot, previously known as Scout, functions as a virtual colleague that manages tasks and projects. Microsoft has revised its pricing model to include a standard per-user subscription for basic functionalities and a usage-based billing model for advanced features. The announcement on September 25 met the timeline set during the Build 2026 conference, although features are still being rolled out incrementally. The new Copilot experience aims to enhance user interaction with AI without introducing a new operating system.
Google Messages gets a major gesture and menu refresh
AppWizard
September 26, 2026

Google Messages gets a major gesture and menu refresh

Google Messages is introducing refined gestures to enhance user experience on Android. Long-pressing a message now opens a floating menu with shortcuts for actions like copying, starring, or replying. Users can select specific text snippets instead of copying entire messages. Swiping left reveals message timestamps and encryption statuses, while swiping right allows for instant replies. The long-press menu replaces the top toolbar, providing quick access to functions such as Reply, Forward, Copy, Star, Delete, Select more, and Info. For images, options like Save and Remix are available. The text copying feature allows selection of portions of text, extending to images, videos, links, files, locations, and contact cards. Tapping a message reveals read receipts and timestamps briefly appear after a tap. These features are part of recent builds of Google Messages, including version 2026091003RC02, but the rollout is server-side, so not all devices will receive the updates at the same time.
Windows Insiders Can Test Phone Companion Improvements and New Mouse Pointer Effects
Winsage
September 26, 2026

Windows Insiders Can Test Phone Companion Improvements and New Mouse Pointer Effects

Microsoft has released new Windows 11 preview builds for Insiders in the Experimental and Beta Channels. The Experimental build 26340.9577 includes energy recommendations accessible from the system tray’s Quick Settings. The Beta build 26220.9568 allows users to preview recent message content in the Phone Companion by hovering the mouse cursor over it. New Pointer Indicator settings have been added under Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch, providing crosshair effects for easier cursor location for users with low vision, which can be toggled with Win + Ctrl + X. The Beta build also features a contrast theme toggle in the Magnifier tool that recolors the interface without altering the original hues of photos, videos, and charts. No new features were introduced in the new 26H1 preview builds for Insiders on both channels, and there was no new release from the Experimental segment.
ATV Launcher's latest update brings big home screen upgrades for your Android TV
AppWizard
September 25, 2026

ATV Launcher’s latest update brings big home screen upgrades for your Android TV

ATV Launcher has released version 0.1.41 for Android TV, introducing significant updates that enhance aesthetics and functionality. Key features include ten fixed row layouts (Spotlight, Bookends, Centre Stage, Marquee, Hero Trio), the ability to place widgets within app rows (Weather, Digital Clock, System Info, Favorite App, Watch Next, Recommended, and standard Android widgets), and the launch of the "ATV Launcher Digital Clock Widgets" companion app with 15 clock styles. Visual enhancements allow folders to display contents in various preview styles, and the Configure Tile dialog now includes a live preview interface. The Watch Next and Recommended cards feature edge-to-edge artwork and progress bars. A modular status bar lets users toggle and reorder icons, select placements, and switch TV inputs. The update is available on the Google Play Store.
F-Droid app store thumbs its nose at Google's dev crackdown
AppWizard
September 25, 2026

F-Droid app store thumbs its nose at Google’s dev crackdown

F-Droid has released version 2.0 of its Android app, marking its most significant upgrade in a decade. The update features a modern interface, improved app discovery, enhanced search functionality, and a streamlined user experience. The app now uses Kotlin and Jetpack Compose for its UI, allowing for quicker future improvements. However, F-Droid faces challenges due to Google's upcoming developer registration requirements set to take effect in August 2025, which could threaten its existence and that of other independent app distribution sources. The new version includes a redesigned Discover screen, automatic app updates, and benefits from the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. Despite these enhancements, the F-Droid team is concerned about the potential impact of Google's policies on their platform.
These three Microsoft 365 apps lasted just one year before getting axed
Winsage
September 24, 2026

These three Microsoft 365 apps lasted just one year before getting axed

Microsoft will retire the Calendar, People, and Files companion apps from its Microsoft 365 suite on December 16, 2026. These apps were launched a year ago to enhance productivity by providing quick access to information via the Windows 11 taskbar. However, their role has shifted from essential tools to supplementary resources, as users can access the same information through existing Microsoft services. Microsoft recommends alternatives such as Outlook, Teams, Windows Search, File Explorer, SharePoint, OneDrive, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for users to utilize after the retirement of these apps.
Poll: Which new Surface device are you most excited about?
Winsage
September 24, 2026

Poll: Which new Surface device are you most excited about?

Microsoft has updated its Surface lineup, introducing the refreshed Surface Pro with a 12-inch display and the Surface Laptop with a 13-inch screen, both powered by Snapdragon X2 processors. The Surface Mouse has been revived as part of this update. Microsoft will showcase the Surface Laptop Ultra at an upcoming event. The Surface portfolio has undergone significant changes, including the discontinuation of the Surface Hub, Surface Go, Surface Laptop Go, Surface Studio, Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Duo, Surface Book, Surface Headphones, and Surface Earbuds. The current lineup is more focused, allowing Microsoft to concentrate on delivering high-quality devices.
I just spent a day with Stardock's Snipboard, a promising replacement for the Windows 11 clipboard
Winsage
September 23, 2026

I just spent a day with Stardock’s Snipboard, a promising replacement for the Windows 11 clipboard

Stardock has introduced Snipboard, a clipboard dock application for Windows 11 users that can be pinned to any edge of the screen. It allows users to search clipboard history, pin frequently accessed content, and copy and paste items across multiple PCs. Snipboard is currently part of the Object Desktop suite, which starts at .99 for an annual subscription, and will be available for separate purchase after its beta phase. Compared to Edge Drop, another clipboard management tool, Snipboard offers a more robust experience, although Edge Drop has superior drag-and-drop functionality.
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