tabs Archives

Winsage

October 4, 2026

These 3 popular Windows apps run faster as CLI tools: Here’s how to switch

Windows provides graphical tools for various tasks, but terminal commands can be more efficient. Three utilities that serve as alternatives to File Explorer, Task Manager, and Notepad are zoxide, btop, and bat, all of which can be installed using winget. zoxide is a directory jumper that simplifies navigation through folder structures by learning user habits. It can be installed with PLACEHOLDERf0ff8219c0950297 and requires a line added to the PowerShell profile for activation. Users can jump to directories by typing PLACEHOLDERb9546a80b5ad16aa followed by part of the folder name, and it adapts over time based on usage patterns. btop is a system monitor that displays processor, memory, disk, network, and process data on a single terminal screen. The Windows version, btop4win, can be installed with winget install aristocratos.btop4win. It features live graphs, allows navigation via keyboard and mouse, and provides real-time updates on resource consumption. Users can filter and sort processes and terminate them directly from the interface. bat is a command-line file viewer that shows file contents with syntax highlighting and line numbers, eliminating the need to open Notepad. It can be installed using winget install sharkdp.bat and allows users to view files directly in the terminal. It integrates with Git to highlight changes and manages longer files with a pager for easier scrolling. These tools enhance efficiency for common tasks in Windows by providing quick access and streamlined workflows through the terminal.

AppWizard

October 3, 2026

Chrome for Android has windows, and they’re better than tab groups for multitasking

Chrome for Android supports the use of windows, allowing users to open multiple windows, each with its own tabs while sharing bookmarks and settings. Users can open an unlimited number of windows, which appear distinctly in Android's Recents screen. To open a new window on slab-style phones, users activate split-screen mode, tap the three-dot menu icon, and select "New window." For foldable phones, users can skip the split-screen step. Tabs can be moved between windows using the three-dot menu icon. All open windows can be managed through the Recents multitasking screen, where users can assign names or close them. This window functionality enhances multitasking and organization, making mobile browsing more akin to a desktop experience. Other browsers like Samsung Internet and Microsoft Edge have adopted similar features, while Firefox has not.

Winsage

October 3, 2026

Tested: Microsoft cloned Outlook Classic’s look into a New Outlook theme, instead of building a native Windows 11 app

Microsoft introduced a new theme for its New Outlook that resembles Outlook Classic, responding to user preferences for a familiar interface. In August 2026, an optional setting was rolled out for New Outlook on Windows 11 and Windows 10, allowing users to enable a “classic Outlook style” through Settings > General > Appearance. This feature alters the interface to echo Outlook Classic while functioning as a web app. Key redesigns include a dark background title bar, updated navigation bar, and a new Calendar view. The mail folder list has been made more compact, and the ribbon has been updated with familiar design elements. Despite these changes, users still express a desire for a native Outlook app, as the current version operates as a resource-intensive Edge instance.

AppWizard

October 2, 2026

HP’s Googlebook 14 Looks Like an Android User’s Dream, But Check the Price

HP has introduced the Googlebook 14, a premium laptop designed to integrate seamlessly with Android phones, featuring phone-file access, app streaming, and a 2.8K OLED touchscreen powered by Snapdragon X Elite hardware. The laptop starts at ,199.99, with Google listing it at ,299 for a configuration with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It supports Android 17 or newer phones, allowing users to access phone files and applications directly from the laptop. The Googlebook 14 has a slim profile, vapor-chamber cooling, a 5MP infrared camera, and supports up to two UHD external displays. Battery life is claimed to be up to 19 hours, but testing methods vary. The laptop includes AI features like Magic Pointer and Rambler, but some features are limited by region and age. Eligible buyers receive 12 months of Google AI Pro with 5TB of cloud storage, available in select countries.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

Mid-week Android game and app deals: Methods, Cyberlords, TABS, Kingdom Rush, more

9to5Toys is a platform that curates the latest deals and news in technology and lifestyle products. It encourages visitors to explore its homepage and engage on social media for real-time updates. The site features a curated list of the best Apple deals and offers a daily podcast for deeper discussions on tech. Additionally, it has a YouTube channel with video content, including product reviews and unboxings.

Tech Optimizer

September 30, 2026

Do You Actually Need a Separate Antivirus, VPN and Scam Protection? McAfee’s All-in-One Plans Have You Covered

Antivirus software prevents malicious software from infiltrating devices. A VPN encrypts internet traffic, providing privacy, especially on public Wi-Fi. Scam protection tools use AI to scan for signs of fraud in texts, emails, and videos. McAfee offers bundled security plans that include antivirus, VPN, and scam protection, with higher tiers providing features like Personal Data Cleanup, credit monitoring, and identity-theft protection. Users can save over 0 in the first year by consolidating security subscriptions. Antivirus software typically costs to 0 annually, standalone scam protection apps range from to per year, and VPN access costs between to 0 annually. McAfee’s Basic plan is available for .99 for the first year for one device, while the Essential plan covers up to five devices for an additional fee. McAfee’s plans include different features based on tiers: - Basic: Covers one device with essential security tools. - Essential: Covers up to five devices with core security tools. - Premium: Unlimited devices with personal info scans. - Advanced: Unlimited devices with personal info removal and identity restoration. - Ultimate: Unlimited devices with extensive financial monitoring and identity-theft coverage. Setting up McAfee involves downloading the app, creating an account, following setup instructions, turning on the Scam Detector, configuring the VPN, and adding other devices. McAfee plans include unlimited VPN data and support multiple operating systems under a single subscription. McAfee's Scam Detector has an accuracy of over 99% and works on both iPhone and Android.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

Google’s Phone app begins reverting one of its most controversial changes

The Phone by Google app is reintroducing the Contacts tab to the bottom navigation bar, which had been absent since last year. This update is currently available only to beta users, with reports of the feature's return on platforms like GApps and Leaks Telegram. The latest beta version (240.0.98) on a Pixel 9 has shown this feature, while previously, the Contacts tab was moved to a sidebar. Some users have not yet seen the reappearance of the Contacts tab, indicating a gradual rollout. In the current stable version, users only see two tabs at the bottom, with the Contacts option accessible via a sidebar menu. The timeline for a wider release of the update remains uncertain.

Winsage

September 26, 2026

Is Windows 11 good enough yet?

A viewer on The Full Nerd asked if perceptions of Windows 11 might change after five years. The author, who initially embraced Windows 11 but became disillusioned due to ads and performance issues, has recently had a positive experience with the Dell XPS 13 laptop. Despite having only 8GB of RAM, the laptop performs well with multitasking, maintaining responsiveness even with multiple applications open. However, the Task Manager shows that memory usage starts at 6GB even when idle, indicating that Windows 11 consumes significant resources. The author speculates that ongoing critiques may have led to optimizations in software from companies like Google and Microsoft.

AppWizard

September 25, 2026

Google could undo one of the most annoying recent changes to the Phone app

Google is revisiting user interface changes to its Phone app based on user feedback, particularly regarding the placement of the Contacts tab. In the latest beta version (v240.0.986973448), the Contacts tab is being reintegrated into the navigation bar between the Home and Keypad tabs, replacing its previous position in a sidebar. This change aims to provide quicker access to saved contacts. The new interface has been activated on test devices, but the timeline for public rollout is uncertain. An APK teardown can provide insights into potential future features, though not all predicted features may reach the final public version.

AppWizard

September 23, 2026

Gemini just got a big upgrade with new connected apps for work, creativity, and life

Google is enhancing its Gemini platform by introducing new connected applications, including Airtable, Adobe, Peloton, and SeatGeek. This rollout allows users to perform tasks like purchasing tickets or managing projects directly within the chat interface. The new connected apps are categorized into three areas: Productivity (Airtable, Linear, monday.com, PandaDoc, Wispr AI, and Zoho), Creativity (Adobe, Picsart, Squarespace, and Webflow), and Lifestyle (Apartments.com, Experian, Peloton, and SeatGeek). Users can connect these applications through Gemini’s settings, the @ mention feature, or by asking the chatbot for help.