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How to quickly launch multiple apps with a single action in Windows 11
Winsage
July 6, 2026

How to quickly launch multiple apps with a single action in Windows 11

Windows includes a Task Scheduler for automating tasks and batch files for streamlining operations. Batch files, with a .bat extension, are plaintext scripts that execute a series of commands in sequence, useful for automating repetitive tasks. A common use is launching multiple applications simultaneously, such as Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Google Chrome, Excel, and File Explorer, to enhance productivity. To create a batch file, users should identify the executable locations of the desired applications, create a text file named Launch Apps.bat, and input a specific script to launch the applications. The batch file can be executed by double-clicking it, and users can add echo commands for execution status or automate it with Task Scheduler. Some applications may require administrator privileges, and paths may need adjustments based on installation locations.
You can now play Half-Life 2 right inside your browser at over 100 FPS with save states & console support — Ingenious port recreates the entire game campaign using WebGL 2
AppWizard
July 5, 2026

You can now play Half-Life 2 right inside your browser at over 100 FPS with save states & console support — Ingenious port recreates the entire game campaign using WebGL 2

A fully playable browser version of Half-Life 2 has been released, created by developers Slqnt and 98006 in three months. This version includes the entire main campaign and two episodic DLCs, operating natively on devices without cloud streaming. It utilizes WebGL 2 and WebAssembly to run graphics-intensive tasks and translate C++ code into JavaScript. The port features a Source console for accessing developer commands, though it does not support Steam achievements. Testing on various devices showed the best performance on a Windows PC, achieving over 100 FPS. The future of the port depends on Valve's response, and while copyright issues pose challenges, many classic games are available for free online.
This gorgeous Android launcher is basically dead — and it’s all Google’s fault
AppWizard
July 4, 2026

This gorgeous Android launcher is basically dead — and it’s all Google’s fault

Stario Launcher, launched in 2024, is an aesthetically pleasing Android launcher that combines speed and functionality, featuring custom animations, widgets, and automatic app categorization. Its design is influenced by Google’s Material Expressive language, with a minimalist interface that emphasizes essential widgets. The launcher includes a search function similar to Pixel Launcher, supports alternative search engines, and has a dedicated Briefing page for personalized news feeds. It also offers a widget page for customization and a Low Spec mode for older devices. However, the developer plans to cease updates due to Google's tightening policies on third-party apps, which will complicate the installation of non-verified apps starting in September 2026. This situation reflects broader concerns about the future of third-party applications in the Android ecosystem.
Microsoft brags Copilot key has main character energy on Windows 11, but you can soon remap it
Winsage
July 3, 2026

Microsoft brags Copilot key has main character energy on Windows 11, but you can soon remap it

Microsoft promoted the Copilot key on social media, branding it as a button with “main character energy,” despite acknowledging that it has negatively impacted productivity for some users. The company plans to allow remapping of the key in an upcoming Windows 11 update. User reactions to the promotion were largely critical, with many expressing dissatisfaction and calling for the removal of the Copilot key. Microsoft had previously admitted that the key caused disruptions in productivity and accessibility workflows. Additionally, only 3.3% of Microsoft 365 users are paying for Copilot, indicating low adoption. Microsoft has distanced its flagship products from the Copilot branding and users have reported preferring alternatives like ChatGPT and Claude over Copilot.
Today’s Android app deals and freebies: DREDGE, Bendy Lone Wolf, Ninja Hero Cats, more
AppWizard
July 2, 2026

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: DREDGE, Bendy Lone Wolf, Ninja Hero Cats, more

A selection of Android games and apps are currently on sale, including DREDGE, Bendy: Lone Wolf, Zero Stress King: Idle Defense, Farm Invasion USA – Premium, Ninja Hero Cats Premium, Guns’n’Glory Premium, and Little Berry Forest 2: Stars. There are significant discounts on Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra models, with savings of up to 6 for open-box units. The LG 4th of July sale features the 2026 C6 and G6 OLED TVs at discounts reaching 0, and Acer’s Swift Go 2K touchscreen PC is also discounted. Additional Android apps are seeing price reductions, including new releases and classic favorites, along with exclusive discounts on in-app purchases.
Pixel users aren't receiving calls, but the issue might be Google's phone app
AppWizard
July 2, 2026

Pixel users aren’t receiving calls, but the issue might be Google’s phone app

Pixel users are experiencing a "missing incoming call" bug that prevents notifications for incoming calls across various Pixel devices. This issue is linked to the Google Phone app and has persisted for several months, affecting users even after updates, including those on the Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5. Reports indicate that some users have resolved the issue by disabling the Call Screen feature. Android Central has noted the problem and reached out to Google for clarification.
silver Android smartphone
Tech Optimizer
July 2, 2026

From monolith to Lakebase to LTAP: rethinking the database from storage up

Sixteen years ago, the author began their PhD at UC Berkeley, where they were advised to focus on analytics rather than OLTP databases, which were considered a solved problem. However, upon developing Databricks, they found that OLTP databases were cumbersome, challenging to scale, and fragile. This led to the creation of Lakebase, a serverless Postgres database designed to address these issues by externalizing the write-ahead log (WAL) and data files into independent services. Lakebase architecture separates the WAL into a distributed service called SafeKeeper and data files into another service called PageServer, allowing for improved durability, scalability, and performance. This architecture eliminates data loss risks associated with disk failures and misconfigurations, simplifies high availability, and allows for elastic compute resources. Lakebase also introduces LTAP (Lake Transactional/Analytical Processing), which enables transactions and analytics to operate on a single data copy in real-time, avoiding the need for separate data copies and reducing costs. The system retains Postgres's ACID semantics while storing data in open columnar formats, making it accessible to both transactional and analytical engines without the delays and complexities of traditional replication methods. The architecture allows for unlimited storage, serverless compute, and instant branching, while ensuring that analytics can read the most current transactional data without affecting transactional workloads. LTAP aims to unify transactional and analytical processing by leveraging distinct compute engines for each workload while integrating at the storage layer.
3 Old Windows Laptops Still Worth Buying In 2026
Winsage
July 2, 2026

3 Old Windows Laptops Still Worth Buying In 2026

In 2026, the laptop purchasing landscape is affected by a price crisis due to AI data center demands, leading to higher costs for RAM, storage, and processors. Buyers are advised to consider laptops manufactured between 2019 and 2024 for compatibility with Windows 11, which requires a minimum of 4GB of RAM, with 8GB being the practical baseline and 16GB recommended for everyday tasks. 1. The Acer Swift X (2022) features an RTX 3050 Ti mobile chip, a Ryzen 5825U processor, and 16GB of LPDDR4X RAM, priced under ,000, and has a 4.4/5 rating on Amazon. 2. The Dell Latitude 7330 (2022) has a 1080p display, an Intel i5-1245U processor, and 16GB of RAM, available for around 0 from third-party sellers, and offers a convertible design. 3. The Acemagic LX15Pro is priced under 0, powered by a 5700U processor, has 16GB of RAM and a 512GB storage drive, and holds a 4.8/5 rating on Best Buy. The laptops were selected based on affordability, compatibility with Windows 11, and availability across multiple retailers.
Why B3 chose Android for secure AI-enabled productivity
AppWizard
July 1, 2026

Why B3 chose Android for secure AI-enabled productivity

B3 has deployed a secure mobile solution to 1,000 employees in two weeks using Android Enterprise, enhancing security with AI threat detection and Managed Google Play. The transition is expected to yield a 30% cost savings over the next decade. B3 prioritized security and compliance while providing devices that ensure constant availability and productivity. The deployment process was streamlined through collaboration with Samsung and Android Enterprise's zero-touch enrollment, allowing centralized management of devices. Employees received lightweight devices with 7-inch screens and longer battery life, leading to positive feedback. B3 is also expanding its use of AI to improve productivity and plans to refresh hardware more frequently due to the anticipated cost savings.
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