tech landscape Archives

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

Google’s Rival App Store Installation Process Faces Court Order

Google has started allowing rival Android app stores to be distributed through its Play Store due to court-ordered compliance measures. Epic Games has criticized the complicated installation process for these competing marketplaces, which includes multiple steps and warnings that could deter users. Judge Donato identified these extra steps as unnecessary "anticompetitive friction" and ordered Google to simplify the installation process within a week. Additionally, Epic Games raised concerns about search results in Google Play, where searches for app stores predominantly show physical retail locations instead of third-party app stores. Judge Donato deemed this unacceptable and instructed Google to address the search result issues. Google is also preparing to launch a new sideloading process starting September 30, 2026, which will involve a mandatory 24-hour waiting period.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

Did the Surface Phone FINALLY leak? The Windows Central Podcast breaks down what we know about the mysterio…

In the latest episode of the Windows Central Podcast, hosts Zac Bowden and Jez Corden discuss several topics related to Microsoft. They explore a 2013 Windows Phone prototype, reflecting on its potential impact had it been released. They examine the new unified Microsoft Copilot experience, noting the removal of certain features and discussing the current state of AI. The hosts also cover the announcement of Xbox backward compatibility for original Xbox and Xbox 360 games on Windows, addressing potential licensing challenges. They provide updates on rumors regarding The Elder Scrolls VI and critique the Halo franchise amid project cancellations. Additionally, they highlight upcoming Xbox console features and improvements in audio for Game DVR captures.

Tech Optimizer

August 14, 2026

Databricks’ Electric acquisition adds embeddable PostgreSQL

Databricks has acquired ElectricSQL, a startup specializing in PostgreSQL database capabilities, to enhance its offerings by extending PostgreSQL functionalities to edge devices. The acquisition, announced on August 11, aims to streamline operations for AI agents by allowing local data access. ElectricSQL has developed PGlite, a lightweight WebAssembly version of PostgreSQL for faster data access and real-time synchronization. This acquisition follows Databricks' earlier integration of PostgreSQL capabilities through the acquisition of Neon in May 2025. The founders of Electric, James Arthur and Kyle Matthews, will join Databricks. PostgreSQL has become the most popular open-source database by 2024, recognized for its versatility in handling diverse data types. Databricks' acquisition strategy also includes previous acquisitions like Neon and MosaicML, aimed at enhancing its AI development tools.

Winsage

August 10, 2026

Windows 11 is pulling picture passwords and pushing people to PINs, passwords, and biometrics

Microsoft has removed the option to set up a new picture password for Windows 11 users as part of the July 2026 security update. Users with an existing picture password can continue to use it, but once removed or disabled, it cannot be re-established. Microsoft recommends using Windows Hello PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint recognition instead.

Winsage

August 4, 2026

Windows 11 vs Linux RAM usage in web browsing and gaming reveals big difference

Linus Tech Tips, a popular YouTube channel, is expanding its content offerings to include educational material, product reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights into the tech industry. The channel will focus on sustainability in technology and is actively seeking viewer feedback to shape future projects.

Winsage

July 30, 2026

Microsoft Quietly Adds New Windows App That Wants to Scan Your Face

Microsoft has started rolling out a new application called OneDrive Photos to select Windows 11 PCs, which automatically indexes local photo libraries and enhances user experience with AI-driven search capabilities and optional facial grouping features. The app can identify and showcase images stored locally, even without a Microsoft account, and provides AI-powered search functionality for locating photos through natural-language queries and optical character recognition. It includes a People feature that groups similar faces while ensuring privacy, with the option to disable it. OneDrive Photos is integrated with the existing OneDrive client and cannot be uninstalled independently; users must uninstall OneDrive entirely to remove the app. Microsoft has not commented on the rollout.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Google Play Store could soon make app search easier for millions of users

The Google Play Store is introducing a new feature in version v52.4.41-34 that includes a dedicated language selector for its voice search tool, allowing users to choose from over 20 languages. Currently, the voice search only recognizes English, but the upcoming feature will enable users to select their preferred language directly, facilitating search queries in that language. Early testing has shown successful recognition of Hindi terms, although the feature does not yet support automatic language detection. The Play Store will also remember recently used languages for easier toggling. This feature is still in development and not yet available to the public.

BetaBeacon

July 24, 2026

Red Magic Astra 2 Android Tablet Runs Cyberpunk 2077 Without Cloud Streaming

The Red Magic Astra 2 tablet is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, up to 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage. It features a 9-inch 2.4K OLED display with a 185 Hz refresh rate and 1,600 nits of peak brightness. The tablet includes a liquid cooling system to manage heat buildup during intensive use. It can emulate PC games locally, supports external peripherals, and offers customization options for a complete gaming experience. The tablet excels in delivering high-performance gaming but may experience thermal throttling during extended sessions.

Winsage

July 24, 2026

Microsoft shares some details on Azure outage that blocked Windows 11 update downloads

This week, Meta experienced a global outage affecting Facebook users, followed by Microsoft facing performance issues with its M365 services, including Teams and SharePoint. Microsoft also reported difficulties with Azure, impacting Windows 11 updates and the Microsoft Store. The issues began around 11:15 AM PST on July 23, 2026, with a notification to users about the Azure outage affecting Windows Update and related services. Microsoft initiated recovery efforts and by 1:45 PM PST, announced that the issues were resolved and services were restored. Currently, there are no ongoing issues reported on the Microsoft Service Health Status page, but the incident is documented on the Windows Release Health page.

Winsage

July 24, 2026

Microsoft is cracking down on Windows 11 bloatware ads, forces LG to pull McAfee popup

LG will disable the McAfee ad pop-up in its Monitor App Installer following consumer dissatisfaction and Microsoft's intervention. Users reported that the app was silently installed via Windows Update, leading to unsolicited McAfee trial ads. LG stated that McAfee is not installed without user consent and blamed Microsoft's distribution process, but many users experienced the pop-up without prior consent. Microsoft confirmed LG's agreement to disable the pop-up within three days, emphasizing a commitment to improving user experience. The incident highlights concerns over silent installations and the necessity of third-party antivirus software for Windows 11 users.