third-party applications Archives

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

Windows 11’s new performance boosting Low Latency mode is now available, and here’s what it does

The latest Windows 11 update includes the Low Latency Profile feature, which enhances performance for certain applications by temporarily increasing CPU speed for brief intervals. Currently, only Microsoft's applications and native Windows 11 features can utilize this capability, but third-party applications may be able to in the future. The update, identified as KB5094126, is necessary to activate the feature, which operates quietly in the background. Users can verify the feature's functionality by ensuring the update is installed and can conduct tests to observe changes in CPU clock speed. Personal experiences with the feature show varying degrees of improvement in responsiveness, particularly on older systems.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

‘This looks awesome’: there’s now an unofficial, open source app for reading Whoop data that doesn’t need a subscription

An independent developer has released an open-source application called Noop for Whoop bands, allowing users to access their Whoop data without a subscription fee. The app is available for free on Android and macOS and is compatible with Whoop 4.0, 5.0, and MG bands. Users need to sideload the app on Android devices, with installation instructions provided on GitHub. The app offers a cloud-free experience, appealing to those looking to avoid ongoing costs associated with Whoop subscriptions. Feedback on Reddit has been positive, although some users have requested help with installation. The developer has created algorithms to interpret raw data from Whoop devices, but it is uncertain how Whoop will respond to this app. Noop is part of a trend of alternative fitness applications, including Goose and Whoof.

Winsage

June 7, 2026

It’s not just you: Microsoft says Windows 11’s right-click menu has been quietly slow for years

Windows 11's modern context menu has been criticized for being slower than Windows 10, especially for users with lower-end PCs. Enabling extensions like “Edit with Clipchamp,” “Edit with Notepad,” and “Ask Copilot” can cause delays, leading to misclicks. Microsoft has acknowledged these performance issues and is working on solutions. In March 2026, the company announced plans for a significant update to improve Windows 11, focusing on core functionalities. The right-click context menu has been a key area for improvement, with delays in loading options causing frustration. Microsoft confirmed that these delays are due to late-loading extensions and is testing a streamlined context menu that reduces vertical space by 25% or more. A new nested menu titled “Manage file” has been introduced to organize file-related operations. Additionally, Microsoft is developing a configurable context menu for user personalization, addressing previous customization limitations.

Winsage

June 5, 2026

Microsoft Promises Customizable Windows Right-Click Menus

Microsoft is working on a more efficient, streamlined, and customizable right-click context menu for Windows File Explorer and Desktop interactions, responding to user feedback about the cluttered nature of existing menus. The initiative aims to improve user experience by allowing customization, which marks a shift from Microsoft's previous rigid approach. Developers will need to adapt to new APIs and guidelines for context menu interactions, and there may be restrictions on the number of items that can be added. Performance improvements are also planned to address slow-loading context menus. The timeline for implementation is uncertain, but updates may first appear through Windows Insider testing channels. The changes are part of Microsoft's broader strategy to modernize Windows 11 and improve basic functionalities like file management and interface responsiveness. Customizable context menus could provide enterprise IT departments with new management options, and the initiative reflects Microsoft's awareness of competition from other operating systems.

Winsage

June 5, 2026

Microsoft wants AI to customize your Windows 11 entirely with one sentence, shows off a demo

At Build 2026, Microsoft announced plans to enhance Windows 11 personalization through AI agents, with API endpoints available for developers to create tailored experiences. Product Manager Samantha Song highlighted the need for a more user-friendly interface that reflects individual preferences, noting current customization options can be cumbersome. Microsoft introduced "WinUI skills," enabling developers to use AI agents like Copilot to create native applications that interact with Windows APIs. Users could instruct AI to modify themes, such as creating a cherry blossom theme, which would adjust wallpapers and accent colors automatically. AI skills could also apply accent colors to File Explorer and download themed wallpapers. The theme module can orchestrate multiple actions, allowing users to change their entire Windows theme with a single command. Microsoft is exploring a themes agent for generating new themes. While currently an open-source project, there is potential for these features to be integrated into Windows 11, enhancing user experience through personalized customization.

Winsage

June 4, 2026

Microsoft admits Windows 11’s right-click menu is a mess, will let you customize it after years of complaints

Microsoft is updating the right-click context menu in Windows 11, allowing users to customize it by adding or removing items. The new context menu will load faster and provide a more streamlined experience. Marcus Ash from Microsoft highlighted that the context menu will be configurable based on user preferences. The update aims to address previous criticisms regarding the cluttered and slower performance of the context menu compared to Windows 10. Microsoft will retain access to the classic context menu through the “Show more options” feature. Additionally, other customization options for Windows 11, such as repositioning the taskbar and resizing the Start menu, are being introduced.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Microsoft plans Linux tools and an RTX Spark desktop for Windows developers

Microsoft's Build developer conference featured the introduction of Microsoft Scout, an AI tool designed to automate tasks by integrating with Microsoft 365 data. The conference also announced "Codename MDASH," a multi-model agentic scanning system for identifying and fixing software vulnerabilities. Additionally, the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box was unveiled, a compact developer PC with Nvidia's RTX Spark chip, up to 128GB of memory, preloaded with Windows 11 Pro, and tailored for developers. The Windows Dev Kit 2023 was also highlighted, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3, facilitating the development of Arm-based Surface devices with improved code translation technology.

AppWizard

June 1, 2026

Android 18 Could Ban Battery-Draining Apps From the Play Store

Google is planning to implement stricter efficiency requirements for third-party applications with the launch of Android 18 in 2027. Developers may need to optimize their applications by removing unnecessary functions and background processes to avoid penalties, including potential removal from the Google Play Store. The focus will be on reducing battery drain, device overheating, memory consumption, background resource abuse, and improving overall system performance. If enforced, these changes could lead to longer battery life, reduced heating issues, faster performance, and improved reliability for users. However, developers may face challenges in optimizing their applications to meet these new standards.

Tech Optimizer

May 30, 2026

Microsoft quietly nuked its controversial blog claiming Defender is all you need

Microsoft Defender has evolved from a criticized product to a robust security solution for everyday users. Initially, many recommended third-party antivirus software over Defender due to its inadequacies. Microsoft has improved Defender's built-in protection, making it suitable for a diverse user base. However, users with complex security needs may still benefit from third-party antivirus applications. Recently, Microsoft deleted an article that claimed Defender was sufficient for all users, acknowledging that while it meets basic protection needs, third-party solutions can address more intricate security demands. Microsoft now recognizes the importance of both built-in protection and third-party applications, reflecting a balanced view of user requirements.

AppWizard

May 29, 2026

Telegram’s finally getting an official Wear OS app again

Telegram has reintroduced its app for Wear OS smartwatches after a hiatus since 2021. The new version is available to users in the beta program for download from the Play Store. The app features customizable chat backgrounds, a condensed layout for navigating large group chats, and an Open on Phone button for transitioning back to mobile devices. Prior to this, users had to rely on generic notifications or third-party apps for messaging on Wear OS. To install the app, beta participants can access it on the Play Store, and others can join the beta program through Telegram’s Play Store page.