testing phase Archives

Winsage

August 27, 2026

Microsoft finalizes Windows 11 version 26H2 for general availability: Next version of Windows 11 enters final preview phase before rollout begins

Microsoft has begun rolling out Windows 11 version 26H2 to testers in the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel, marking the final testing phase before general availability. This version is similar to version 25H2 and built on the same platform as earlier releases. Users will receive an extended support period of 24 months, while commercial customers will have 36 months of support. The update includes enhancements to the Start menu and a revamped Windows Search pane.

AppWizard

August 27, 2026

One of Google Keep’s biggest note-taking annoyances could soon be fixed

Google is introducing a new feature in Google Keep (v5.26.341.03.90) that allows users to create to-do lists within their regular notes. Users can now convert a single line into a to-do item without changing the entire note into a checklist. The checkbox icon has been redesigned to prioritize this new functionality, making it easier to manage tasks alongside standard text. This improvement aims to enhance organizational capabilities within the app.

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

Gemini is working on a ton of useful UI changes: filters, notifications, and more

Google is developing significant interface updates for its AI application, Gemini, aimed at enhancing user experience. Key features in development include: - A dedicated Notifications section to consolidate alerts related to completed tasks and activities, addressing the issue of disappearing notifications. - An updated Recents section with filters (Unread, Ready, Needs attention, In progress) to help users sort conversations without relying solely on keyword searches. - A Customize section for Gemini Spark, allowing users to discover and manage various skills and applications, enhancing functionality and personalization. - A new setting to hide Gemini’s status bar icon for a cleaner interface, giving users more control over customization. These features are currently in testing and not yet available to the public.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Windows 11 will soon let you control unified memory, just in time for NVIDIA RTX Spark

A new feature in the Windows Insider program for Windows 11 allows users to designate specific amounts of unified memory for graphics and AI applications, discovered in build 29648 by user @XenoPanther. Unified memory enables sharing between the CPU, GPU, and other processors, with support for up to 128GB of unified RAM from NVIDIA and integrated features from AMD. This feature aims to reserve additional unified memory for demanding applications, enhancing performance by ensuring consistent access to high-speed memory and reducing latency issues. It is still in development and not officially announced by Microsoft, but users can enable it using ViveTool, with a recommendation to wait for further testing before widespread use.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

Modern Warfare 4 team “hard at work” to improve PC optimization and mouse controls, as players express beta frustrations

The beta phase for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 has started, facing performance issues, especially for PC gamers who report input delays with mouse and keyboard setups and a perception that multiplayer favors controller users due to aim assist. Activision and Infinity Ward are working to improve the PC experience, focusing on customizable settings, mouse input responsiveness, and a preload feature for shaders. Some players are frustrated with the game's requirements for Secure Boot and TPM 2.0, which may not be recognized even after installation. An update is planned to address footstep audio, map voting, weapon balance, and bug fixes. The beta currently has a 53% positive rating on Steam, with concerns about movement mechanics and map sizes affecting gameplay.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Microsoft has a new way to twist your arm to use Edge, this time on mobile

The Edge Canary build for Android is testing new image themes that require users to set Edge as their default browser to access them. This requirement has sparked debate among users who prefer their current default browser. Microsoft's efforts to promote Edge have received mixed reactions, with some features being well-received while others, like those in Windows 11, have faced criticism for making it harder to switch away from Edge. A survey by the Browser Choice Alliance indicates that PC users find it complicated to transition away from Edge, but the situation differs on Android. Microsoft is working to balance user preferences with its strategic goals as it refines Edge's features.

Winsage

August 21, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 will auto-enable Point-in-Time Restore by default, how to check yours

Microsoft is introducing the Point-in-Time Restore feature in Windows 11 26H2, which will be enabled by default. This feature allows users to create backup points for their PCs, enabling them to revert to a previous state, including applications, settings, and files. It uses the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) to create backup snapshots while applications are in use and retains backups for up to 72 hours, generating new backups every 24 hours. The feature will be automatically activated for eligible systems with a Windows OS volume of 200GB or larger when Windows 11 26H2 is released, expected between late September and early October 2026. Users can manually enable it on smaller volumes, and enterprise administrators can block it via Group Policy.

Winsage

August 19, 2026

Windows 11 is getting a major privacy upgrade, blocks apps spying on your camera and mic with new controls

Windows 11 has introduced individual privacy controls for desktop applications, allowing users to manage access permissions for apps like Chrome and Steam through Settings > Privacy & security. This change enables users to selectively grant or deny access to features such as the microphone, camera, and location for each app, moving away from the previous system where traditional Win32 software was grouped under a single toggle. With the latest Experimental build (26340.9212), apps like Edge and Brave now have separate toggles for microphone, camera, and location access. Additionally, a new centered system dialog prompts users for permission when a desktop app attempts to access the microphone or camera for the first time. These features are still in testing and may not be universally available.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

New PC app lets you play your PS5 games without the need for a console

Asobi: Remote Play is an upcoming app currently in beta testing that allows PC gamers to stream PS5 games directly on Steam devices like the Steam Deck and Steam Machine, making console ownership optional. The app supports streaming from PS4 or PS5 consoles with quality options up to 1080p at 60fps, depending on whether users choose a free or paid version. It enables remote streaming of select games, allowing access to titles like Demon’s Souls, Astro Bot, and Saros, but requires an active PlayStation Plus Premium membership for streaming. The free version streams at 1080p and 30fps, while the paid version offers HDR video at 1080p and 60fps, potential 4K upscaling, and additional features like manual bitrate control and low-latency modes. Users can sign up for beta testing on Steam, but the full release date is not yet announced.

AppWizard

August 9, 2026

An Odd Fix For Marvel Tōkon On PC Is Giving Mixed Results

PC players of Marvel Tōkon have reported that keeping the Epic Games Store open before launching the game may improve performance, with some users claiming positive changes in gameplay. However, not all players experienced benefits, leading to speculation about a potential placebo effect. A personal test indicated minor improvements in frame rates and CPU usage, but the results may be influenced by other factors. The ongoing performance issues have raised concerns about the game's readiness for release.