tickets Archives

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Gemini’s next wave of app integrations focuses on productivity, entertainment, and lifestyle

Google is expanding its Gemini connected app ecosystem to enhance user experience by integrating various applications for planning, creativity, and productivity. The new integrations will include: - Productivity and Creativity: Tools like Granola, Otter.ai, and Wix for summarizing meetings and editing websites. - Local and Entertainment: Apps such as Fever, Get Your Guide, Localiza, OpenTable (UK), and Ticketmaster for booking local experiences and securing event tickets. - Music: Integrations with iHeartRadio and Pandora for discovering new stations and playlists. - Home, Health, and Lifestyle: Services like Angi, Thumbtack, and Zocdoc for finding home professionals and booking medical appointments. The rollout of these connected apps will occur over the next few weeks.

Winsage

August 7, 2026

Permanently disable Microsoft’s hidden tracker on all Windows 11 versions with this script

Microsoft's Global Device Identifier (GDID) is an internal marker that uniquely identifies each Windows installation across Microsoft services. It is a persistent device-level identifier that remains constant across supported services, and there is no option to disable or regenerate it manually. Windscribe has developed a free utility called deGDID to permanently remove the GDID from Windows systems and prevent its recreation. This tool operates by blocking Microsoft registration pathways and wiping local GDID-related states without altering system files. While it can remove the GDID from the local system, it cannot erase historical records linked to the device. Windscribe provides instructions for using the tool, which is compatible with Windows 10 version 22H2 and all versions of Windows 11 from 21H2 to 25H2. Users should be aware that disabling GDID generation may impact Microsoft services that rely on device identification, but the tool includes an undo feature to revert changes.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Pixel Party Free Add On

Two friends visited an arcade filled with games and competed for leaderboard positions, winning prizes such as cosmetic items and food. They announced the release of the free Chaos Cubed: Pixel Party add-on by Hogskull Labs, which includes a quest to find the Arcade Cave containing five unique arcade machines. Players can engage in minigames that utilize sulfur cube physics, such as Netherball, Metal Mania, Paint Frenzy, and Void Pinball. Completing challenges in these games can earn players collectible pet spawners, while the Rewards Kiosk offers cosmetics, plushies, and consumables based on performance. The add-on also provides tools for creative players to build their own arcade experiences in Creative Mode. The add-on is available at the Minecraft Marketplace and requires Minecraft: Bedrock Edition.

AppWizard

July 20, 2026

Google Maps is finally getting a speedometer on Android Auto, and it’s about time — my ancient GPS system could do this 20 years ago

Google is rolling out live speedometer support for Google Maps on Android Auto. Some users have already reported seeing the speedometer feature in regions like Canada and India. A Canadian user confirmed its presence while using version 26.29.02.946673643 of the Google Maps beta.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Enable BitLocker on Windows 11: 11 Steps, 45 Min [2026]

A stolen laptop can lead to a significant data breach, particularly when taken from public places. Windows 11 has introduced BitLocker, a full-disk encryption feature that became mandatory for Australian businesses in 2026. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner reported 766 notifiable data breaches in the latter half of 2024, with unauthorized access to devices being a major cause. Full-disk encryption is crucial for compliance with the Essential Eight framework, which mandates data protection on portable devices. BitLocker ensures that data on an encrypted drive becomes unreadable if the drive is removed and connected to another computer. It aligns with the Essential Eight framework, requiring evidence of encryption rather than just claims of protection. There are three types of encryption on Windows 11: Device Encryption, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and File-Level Encryption. BitLocker is available only on Windows 11 Pro and higher editions. To use BitLocker, certain prerequisites must be met, including having Windows 11 Pro or higher, a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot enabled, and local administrator rights. The process to enable BitLocker involves confirming the edition, checking TPM status, enabling BitLocker through Windows Settings or PowerShell, and backing up the recovery key. Organizations can deploy BitLocker fleet-wide using Microsoft Intune, and additional security measures like TPM+PIN can be implemented for pre-boot authentication. Common pitfalls during BitLocker rollout include skipping recovery key backup and assuming that Home edition machines are covered. Troubleshooting common BitLocker issues involves identifying symptoms and applying appropriate fixes. Advanced tips for enhancing security include suspending BitLocker before maintenance and auditing compliance at the fleet level. BitLocker is integral to protecting data on portable devices, and compliance documentation is essential for proving that every device has an active recovery key.

AppWizard

July 14, 2026

Game Research Launches Official Service for Traditional PC Wuxia MMORPG ‘Blood Wind’ on the 14th

Game Research launched the Wuxia MMORPG 'Blood Wind' on the 14th, developed by Supergins Co., Ltd. It is a prequel to 'Mookhon Online' and a successor to 'Mookhyang Online' from 2004. Pre-registration began on June 23, with rewards for participants, and additional sign-ups open until July 27. Players can earn in-game items and entries into a raffle for prizes, including gold and gift certificates. New users receive seven perks upon account creation, rewards for class advancements, and support for joining a guild. An 'On-Time' event rewards players for daily logins, and there is a limited-time sale for costume items and a payment event for purchasing in-game currency. Game Research aims to cater to both nostalgic players and newcomers, ensuring the game's longevity through updates and stable service.

AppWizard

June 27, 2026

Ticketmaster’s ‘customizable pass’ collab with Google Wallet sounds great for gameday

Ticketmaster has partnered with Google Wallet to introduce "customizable passes" for Android users, allowing event clients to personalize digital passes with designs and up to 12 links for venue details. These passes can provide information on parking, food, drinks, merchandise, and VIP access. The collaboration also includes an update to Google Wallet that uses "context-aware" technology to display relevant passes automatically as users approach specific locations, enhancing user convenience.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

Gemini Wants To Take Over Your Android Phone

Google introduced Gemini Intelligence, an enhancement to its Android operating system, designed to autonomously manage tasks on devices. Gemini will enable seamless interactions with apps, utilize contextual data from photos and emails, and facilitate automated payments. The rollout coincides with Android 17, expected on devices like the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Google Pixel 10 in summer 2026, though not all devices may feature Gemini. Key capabilities include scanning textbooks for shopping cart integration, booking concert tickets, and managing food deliveries. Gemini can analyze photos, reference emails, and enhance functionality in Google Chrome. Notable features include an upgraded Autofill and Rambler, an AI-driven speech-to-text tool. Opting out of Gemini may be complex due to its operating system integration, but Google plans for most features to be opt-in, requiring user consent. Similar features are found in Samsung's Galaxy AI in the S26 series, which may allow users to disable functionalities like Call Screening.

Winsage

June 1, 2026

Windows Server vulnerability can grant system privileges with just a malformed packet — domain controllers are being exploited in the wild

Microsoft is facing scrutiny due to a critical remote execution vulnerability, CVE-2026-41089, rated at 9.8, affecting Windows Server domain controllers from version 2012 onward. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated users on the same network to send malformed UDP packets to a domain controller, potentially granting unauthorized system access or causing a reboot, leading to denial-of-service scenarios. The vulnerable service is Netlogon, and there are no immediate mitigations available; patches will be released on May 12. The vulnerability could allow attackers to create multiple accounts with various access levels, compromising the security of entire networks. Cybersecurity experts recommend patching all linked domain controllers simultaneously. The vulnerability is caused by a buffer overflow in the Netlogon service due to a field in a network packet exceeding its expected size. A GitHub repository exists with proof-of-concept code that can crash the LSASS service. Additionally, Microsoft is in conflict with security researcher Chaotic Eclipse, who has published zero-day exploits following a breakdown in negotiations.

Winsage

June 1, 2026

How to watch Microsoft Build 2026: Windows 11, NVIDIA RTX Spark, AI agents, and more

Computex is currently underway, and Microsoft Build is set to start soon, focusing on advancements in Windows and artificial intelligence. Microsoft and NVIDIA have launched the NVIDIA RTX Spark platform with the N1x chip, aimed at transforming PC application development and supporting the transition of Windows apps to ARM architecture. Microsoft is working to increase the number of native applications for Windows 11 and will share insights during Build. The keynote by CEO Satya Nadella will be streamed live without registration, but full event access requires prior registration, which is now closed. The session catalog includes hundreds of offerings, with many exclusive to in-person attendees. Comprehensive coverage of key announcements will be provided throughout the week, and discussions can continue on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral.