streamlining Archives

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Microsoft to stop pushing older Windows 11 drivers through Windows Update

Microsoft is implementing a policy change in Windows Update that will no longer display older legacy drivers when a newer version is available. This update is being rolled out but does not affect the replacement of newer drivers manually installed from Intel, AMD, or Nvidia. The initiative is described as a “periodic cleanup of drivers from Windows Update,” primarily targeting OEMs. When a driver expires and a newer version exists, the older driver will be removed from Windows Update listings. This cleanup focuses on legacy drivers, and while users may not notice significant changes, it aims to streamline the update process. Future expansions may include expired drivers without replacements, but currently, the focus is on legacy drivers with available updates. OEMs can republish expired drivers with justification. The policy will not resolve issues where manually installed drivers are replaced by older versions via Windows Update, as Windows Update drivers may have higher version numbers despite being older. The policy does not affect users on unsupported hardware, as a driver is only marked as “expired” when a new replacement is available.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

Total War: Warhammer 3’s latest patch radically reattunes its magic item system: ‘In total some 600 ancillaries have had their effects and rarity adjusted’

Creative Assembly has restructured the magic item system in Total War: Warhammer 3, adjusting approximately 600 ancillaries to improve balance and uniformity. This update follows a previous revamp of the Kislev faction and aims to enhance gameplay by addressing the influx of magical items from the series' expansions without corresponding balance changes. The upcoming Tides of Torment DLC is anticipated to further impact gameplay.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

This free Android app helps me optimize my workflow

Saeed Wazir is a freelancer who uses Clockify, a time-tracking tool, to manage his work and family responsibilities. Clockify allows him to track his working hours, categorize them as billable or non-billable, and streamline his invoicing process. Previously, he used an Excel spreadsheet for logging work, which was time-consuming and error-prone. Clockify's Timesheet feature provides a detailed breakdown of his weekly work, helping him assess productivity and plan future tasks. The Reports feature offers an overview of total hours worked, categorized by project, allowing for better workload management. Clockify syncs between his phone and laptop, providing flexibility to access time-tracking data from anywhere. While he finds the free version sufficient, he notes that the mobile app lacks some features present in the desktop version. Clockify also offers subscription plans for larger teams with advanced features.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Pixel AI tipped to supercharge your Gboard with instant edits and more

Google is preparing to roll out enhancements for Gboard, including a feature called "SmartEdit" that uses generative AI for voice-driven editing, allowing users to add, remove, or replace words with their voice. Another rumored feature, "Magic Cue," may integrate with Gboard's clipboard to recognize relevant information in apps like Gmail for easier data sharing. Magic Cue has previously been known as "Pixel Sense" and "Pixie" and aims to provide time-saving actions. Additionally, a "favorites" list for Emoji Kitchen will allow users to save their favorite emoji combinations. These features are still in development.

Winsage

June 19, 2025

You Can Get Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro on Sale for A$84 Right Now

A bundle featuring a lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office 2021 is available for a reduced price until July 20 at 11:59 p.m. PT. The Windows 11 Pro activation key allows upgrades on two compatible PCs with at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The bundle includes eight Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, which can be installed on a single computer with a minimum of 1GB of RAM and 4GB of free hard disk space. Prices are subject to change.

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

Google app could level up with this powerful AI feature for Android users

Gemini, the AI assistant in the Google app, now supports video analysis, allowing users to upload videos up to five minutes long for AI-powered insights. This feature is gradually rolling out, enabling users to upload videos from their Android devices by tapping the "plus" button in the Gemini text box. Once uploaded, Gemini generates an analysis of the video. Future updates may allow direct video capture through the camera app.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

Android Automotive now lets apps show your food order status and more on your car’s home screen

Google is introducing a new feature called AppCard to its Android Automotive OS, which allows applications to display essential data and functionalities directly on the home screen. The design of these AppCards will be determined by car manufacturers, ensuring a consistent user interface across vehicles. AppCards can include images, text, tappable buttons, and progress bars, although space limitations may restrict the amount of information displayed. This feature may not be exclusive to Android 16 and could function independently of primary operating system updates. AppCards aim to optimize applications for automotive environments, encouraging developers to refine their apps for vehicle use.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

Microsoft’s Urgent New Windows 10 Update Brings Free Feature For All Users

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14. To assist users in transitioning to Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced a free tool that allows data transfer. Users with compatible hardware are encouraged to upgrade, while those without can use either the paid OneDrive service for cloud backup or the new Windows Migration feature for direct PC-to-PC data transfer. The Windows Migration feature will be included in the upcoming Windows 10 update, KB5061087, and allows users to transfer information directly to a new PC over the same network. This feature is currently in testing and aims to facilitate the migration to Windows 11.

Tech Optimizer

June 16, 2025

Databricks rolls out Lakebase Postgres and Agent Bricks for AI-era apps

Databricks has introduced the Lakebase Postgres database layer to enhance its lakehouse architecture, facilitating AI applications and analytics on operational data. The company also launched Agent Bricks to simplify the development of automated AI agents. During the Data + AI Summit, CEO Ali Ghodsi emphasized the importance of transitioning from outdated systems to modern solutions for AI. Lakebase, powered by Neon technology, is a fully managed, Postgres-compatible database that supports data loading from over 300 sources. Databricks aims to unify operational and analytical systems for real-time decision-making. The summit outlined a three-chapter framework: establishing the lakehouse, integrating AI, and introducing Lakebase. Agent Bricks enables business users to create AI agents without extensive technical knowledge, while Managed Iceberg Tables support external engines and promise performance optimizations. Databricks announced partnerships with Microsoft and Google Cloud for deeper integration and AI model usage. The company is investing 0 million in AI education and plans to release Lakeflow Designer for no-code ETL capabilities. Databricks anticipates reaching .7 billion in annualized revenue by July, with a growth rate of 50 percent and plans to hire 3,000 employees in 2025. Lakebase is currently in Public Preview.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

With Windows 10 EOL On the Horizon, It’s Time to Replace Rather Than Upgrade

The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, after which users will not receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support, exposing them to cyber threats. Many legacy PCs do not meet the system requirements for Windows 11, leading to potential compatibility issues and performance problems if upgraded. Investing in a new Windows 11-compatible PC ensures better performance, energy efficiency, and long-term support, with built-in security features like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Transitioning to Windows 11 offers advantages such as an improved user interface, integrated AI tools, enhanced default apps, personalizable workspaces, and better visuals. Continuing to use an unsupported Windows platform after 2025 can result in compliance issues, data loss, and increased maintenance costs. Replacing hardware rather than upgrading can mitigate these risks and ensure access to ongoing security features.