support Archives

Winsage

July 30, 2026

Windows 11 KB5101684 update released with 42 changes and fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5101684 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, which includes 42 bug fixes and various enhancements. This update is part of the optional non-security preview update schedule and does not include security updates. Users can install it via Settings > Windows Update > Check for Updates, with an option to choose installation. The update elevates Windows 11 24H2 to build 26100.8973 and Windows 11 25H2 to build 26200.8973. It addresses issues such as false invalid credential errors in File History backups, noncompliance in newly enrolled devices, and incorrect file markings on DFS mapped drives. New features include enhanced navigation in File Explorer, more accurate file size indicators, improved search results for app names, and new precision touchpad controls. Voice Isolation support for Voice Access is introduced, along with expanded Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security for external fingerprint readers. Immediate features include enhancements to Secure Boot, app stability improvements, and fixes for MDM compliance issues. Additional features rolling out post-update involve better file size displays in File Explorer, enhanced app search, Voice Isolation for voice access, taskbar notification badge updates, new touchpad gesture controls, and reliability improvements for the Start menu and Windows sign-in screens. Microsoft reports no known issues with this update.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

Samsung Find app is losing support for millions of old smartphones

Samsung will no longer support the Find app on older Galaxy phones running One UI 2.0 or earlier, meaning these devices will not receive updates, new features, or bug fixes. The app will continue to function for users with Android 10 or earlier, but if reinstalled, it will only provide the last compatible version. Users must update their phone's software to regain access to the latest features and security updates for the Find app. Many devices on One UI 2.0 have reached the end of their software support lifecycle, prompting users to install available updates for optimal app functionality.

Winsage

July 30, 2026

ThinkPads from 2008 are some of the hottest used laptops right now — Here’s how (and why) they’re being turned into Windows 11 PCs

The ThinkPad X210Ai is a modified laptop that combines the chassis of older ThinkPad models (X200/X201) with a modern mainboard from TP Art, featuring Intel Core Ultra processors, DDR5 RAM support, dual M.2 SSD slots, Thunderbolt 4, and HDMI 2.1. The modification allows users to retain the original display and keyboard while requiring some chassis adjustments. TP Art offers a kit starting at 9, with complete builds beginning at 9, excluding RAM and storage. The popularity of the X210Ai has surged due to rising RAM prices and the demand for reliable, customizable machines. The modified board allows compatibility with Windows 11 and various Linux distributions. Processing times for orders can take up to six months, and cancellations are not allowed once placed.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

Half-Life: Alyx gets ‘No VR’ mode, perfect for those without an expensive headset

Half-Life: Alyx has introduced a 'No VR' mode that allows players without virtual reality headsets to play the entire campaign on a flatscreen. Originally launched in 2019 as a VR-exclusive title, it faced criticism for being inaccessible to many fans of the series. The new mod enhances gameplay with interaction mechanics similar to those in games like SOMA or Amnesia, allowing players to engage with objects by aiming and holding down a button. Currently in testing, the mod covers only the first chapter of the game, with a public release expected soon. While the game is designed for VR, the mod offers an opportunity for those unable to use a headset to experience the narrative and gameplay interactively.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

Simultaneously Control Two Heroines in Fantasy ARPG Lunarium, Available Now on PC

Lunarium, a hand-drawn isometric action role-playing game (ARPG) developed by Lunarium Game Studio and published by Imperfect Games, was released on July 29, 2026, for PC via Steam. The game features dual-protagonist gameplay with two heroines, Ave, a knight, and Lune, a sorceress, allowing players to switch between characters to combat dark forces. Players can explore hand-drawn environments, solve puzzles using Lune's powers, and customize their experience through various enhancements and skill trees. Lunarium is priced at .99, £15.99, or €17.99, with a 10% launch discount for the first week and supports multiple languages.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

Xbox Project Helix could be dead on arrival thanks to PlayStation PC cull

Xbox's upcoming console, Project Helix, has undergone significant modifications due to changes in the gaming industry influenced by PlayStation's strategic decisions. PlayStation plans to phase out physical disc production by 2028 and is reportedly stepping back from PC ports due to disappointing sales figures. This shift affects Xbox's strategy, as PlayStation is reluctant to share its gaming library with Xbox users, disrupting Project Helix's original model. The anticipated cost of Project Helix is expected to exceed that of Valve's Steam Machine, raising concerns about its pricing amid a market where fewer gamers are willing to invest heavily in consoles. Exclusive titles have historically been a major draw for consoles, but Xbox is still recovering from past strategic missteps. The gaming community is awaiting further details on Project Helix's PC capabilities and an official unveiling.

Winsage

July 30, 2026

A major Windows 11 UI redesign is coming, Microsoft is dumping legacy code for WinUI

Microsoft is transitioning more Windows UI elements to WinUI3, moving away from legacy UI inconsistencies that have led to increased RAM usage. WinUI serves as the native UI framework designed to replace older technologies like Win32 and UWP. An early preview of the redesigned Properties dialog, rebuilt in WinUI, showcased new native elements. Microsoft plans to bring more Windows UI to WinUI3, despite previous issues with hastily integrating dark mode into legacy code. The decision to rebuild the Properties dialog indicates a commitment to investing resources in this initiative. Updates across various dialogs and system components are ongoing, with the file copy dialog already rewritten in WinUI. The Run dialog has also transitioned to WinUI, loading faster than its predecessor. However, the Start menu rewrite is being cautiously managed due to current memory usage issues with WinUI. Microsoft is actively working to enhance WinUI’s memory usage and integrate it with the Windows system compositor for improved performance.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

Some Android Phones Can No Longer Access Google Play

Smartphone users are now keeping their devices for an average of two and a half years before upgrading, an increase from 22 months in 2016. Android manufacturers, including Google and Samsung, are now providing seven years of operating system and security updates for their flagship models. Google has restricted access to the Play Store for devices running Android 6 Marshmallow, raising the minimum supported version to Android 7 Nougat, marking the end of support for Marshmallow after nearly 11 years. By December 2025, devices running Android 6 or earlier will account for only 0.4% of the Android install base accessing Play Store services. App developers must adhere to Google's version targeting protocols, which may result in many apps not functioning on older versions like Marshmallow. Users can download apps from alternative sources but must be cautious about compatibility.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

4 Android Phones That Will Get Software Updates Until 2030 And Beyond

Long-term support for smartphones is important for consumers, especially regarding data security. Security updates are typically provided, but software updates often lag, leaving devices without the latest features. Samsung committed to four years of OS updates and five years of security updates in 2022, evolving to seven years for newer devices in 2024. The Galaxy S24, launched in early 2024, will receive support through 2030. The Galaxy S23 has already concluded its software updates. Google’s Pixel 8, launched in 2023, is also expected to be supported until 2030 with seven years of updates. Nothing's Phone 3, launching in 2025, promises five years of software support and seven years of security updates, while Motorola's Signature model, debuting in 2026, is projected to be supported until 2033. OnePlus guarantees four years of software updates and five years of security updates, but none of its phones will reach the 2030 mark for new OS upgrades. Other brands like Oppo and Xiaomi lack transparency in their support policies, with Xiaomi only committing to two years of security updates.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

The next game on GOG’s preservation list would be your favourite ARPG if it hadn’t released the same year as Diablo 2, and it’s on sale now

NOX, an action role-playing game released by Westwood in 2000, is being revived as it has secured a spot in GOG's Preservation Program following a recent patron poll. GOG will provide ongoing support and enhancements for the game, which is currently available on GOG for a limited-time price of .39. Owners of the game will receive updates free of charge.