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AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Microsoft is working on making Xbox 360 games playable on PC, leaked document reveals

Microsoft plans to expand its gaming ecosystem by introducing Xbox 360 titles to PC platforms, allowing developers to toggle backwards compatibility for their games, set pricing, and decide on inclusion in Game Pass. This feature is expected to roll out between 2027 and 2028. Additionally, Microsoft aims to bring original Xbox games to PC, targeting a launch in October 2026. The document also suggests a feature for digitizing physical game collections, allowing owners of Xbox One and Series game discs to obtain digital copies tied to their accounts. The official launch of this feature has been delayed.

Winsage

August 3, 2026

Microsoft is testing deeper Phone Link integration in Windows 11, but do you actually use it?

Windows Insiders can access new features in Windows 11 Insider Build 26300.9032, available through the Experimental Preview Channel. Key updates include: - Windows Search: Introduces customizable options for integrating personal or work/school Microsoft accounts and OneDrive in search results. It can automatically expand indexing based on user activity, which can be managed in Settings > Privacy & security > Search. - Phone Link: Users can now preview recent messages or notifications by hovering over them in the Start menu, enhancing visibility into mobile activity. This feature is gradually rolling out and requires a minimum Phone Link build of 1.26021.3.0. - Settings App: Improved search functionality for quicker navigation to relevant settings. - Adaptive Hibernate Policy: Enhancements for instant-on resumes from Modern Standby and better battery preservation based on battery levels. - Start Menu: A fix for an issue causing crashes when dragging apps. - Taskbar: Resolved an issue where hovering over app window previews in an overflow state dismissed them. - File Explorer: Home now retains the state of sections, and improvements have been made for reliability when dragging files to disconnected network drives. Issues with files on DFS mapped drives being misidentified have also been addressed. - Windows Spotlight: Changes to enhance reliability on the lock screen. - Storage: Fixes for File History automatic backups to network shares that displayed false "invalid credentials" errors.

Tech Optimizer

August 3, 2026

How to Turn Off McAfee

McAfee provides various cybersecurity features, including real-time antivirus protection, firewalls, VPNs, and browser extensions. Users can adjust settings based on their device. To pause real-time scanning on Windows, open the McAfee app, click on My Protection Widgets, select Real-Time Scanning, and turn it off. For Mac, click the McAfee icon in the menu bar, access the product console, and turn off Real-Time Scanning. To shut down the Advanced Firewall, open the McAfee app, select Advanced Firewall, and turn it off. Scheduled scans can be stopped by navigating to Scheduled Scans in the McAfee app and using the Turn off control. To turn off Secure VPN, open the app, find the Secure VPN tile, and toggle it off. For disabling McAfee WebAdvisor in browsers, users should manage extensions in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. To stop notifications and alerts, users can adjust settings in Windows and various browsers. Uninstalling McAfee involves navigating through the device's settings, and to stop renewal billing, users must log in to their McAfee account and disable auto-renewal. Users should be aware of older and managed-device guides and how to stop notifications on mobile devices. Disabling features does not uninstall McAfee, and turning off auto-renewal does not remove the application from the device.

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

How to sideload Android APKs on your Chromebook

A Chromebook can be used for productivity, gaming, and entertainment, and users can sideload Android apps when they are not available on the Google Play Store. Sideloading involves installing Android Package Kits (APKs) directly onto the device, but caution is advised as these apps have not been verified by Google. Users should research APKs to ensure they are legitimate and free from malware. To sideload an app, users can enable Linux on their Chromebook and use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This requires enabling ADB debugging in the Linux development environment and using the Terminal to install the APK. Alternatively, users can run APKs using an emulator in Android Studio, which involves setting up Android Studio and creating an Android Virtual Device to install the APK.

Winsage

August 1, 2026

Not sure whether to use Windows Hello or Enhanced Sign‑in Security? This breakdown makes the choice easy

Microsoft will introduce Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) in the August 2026 update for Windows 11, allowing support for compatible external fingerprint readers. ESS aims to enhance the security of the authentication process rather than improve the accuracy of biometric recognition. Unlike standard Windows Hello, which processes biometric authentication through the operating system, ESS utilizes Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 to isolate sensitive operations in a protected environment. ESS-compatible fingerprint readers have dedicated secure processors, store templates internally, and communicate with the operating system via encrypted channels. Users can enable ESS by navigating to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options on their devices. If a device does not support ESS, standard Windows Hello remains a robust authentication option.

Winsage

August 1, 2026

Windows Hello vs. Enhanced Sign‑in Security: Which sign‑in method actually keeps your Windows 11 PC safer, and what’s the difference?

Microsoft will introduce Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) in the August 2026 update for Windows 11, which will support compatible external fingerprint readers. ESS aims to strengthen the authentication process against potential attacks by shifting processing to isolated, hardware-protected environments using Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) and TPM 2.0 technology. Unlike standard Windows Hello, which processes biometric authentication through the operating system, ESS-compatible devices perform more processing within the hardware itself, ensuring that only authentication results are sent to the OS. To enable ESS, users must navigate to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and follow prompts to set up their fingerprint recognition. Existing non-ESS biometric enrollments will be removed during the upgrade to ensure security.

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

Gemini’s new blurred UI is finally reaching Android phones

Google is updating its Gemini AI with a new interface that enhances user interaction on select Pixel and Galaxy smartphones, including the Pixel 10 Pro XL and Galaxy S26 Ultra. The update features a blurred backdrop that separates the Gemini interface from the underlying screen, creating a more immersive experience. This redesign builds on previous updates, which included sleeker icons and Dynamic Color support, and allows for direct interactions within the overlay without needing to switch screens. The rollout is server-side controlled, meaning not all users will receive the update simultaneously, and there is currently no toggle to activate the new design.

Winsage

July 31, 2026

Windows 11 File Explorer just changed how file sizes work, how to see MB and GB right now

Microsoft has updated the Details view in File Explorer for Windows 11 to display file sizes using appropriate units (KB, MB, GB) instead of only kilobytes (KB). This change aims to enhance user understanding of file sizes, particularly for casual users. The update is confirmed in the release notes for Windows 11 KB5101684. Users can enable this feature by downloading ViveTool, running a specific command, and rebooting their system. The original KB-only display can be restored with another command, although there is no toggle option provided by Microsoft for switching back.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

How to use screen mirroring on Roku with your Android phone

Owning a Roku TV or streaming box allows for seamless integration with existing tech setups, enhancing the viewing experience. Users can mirror their Android phone's screen to the Roku device, provided both support the Miracast protocol. Most Roku devices support screen mirroring, but some Android devices, like Google Pixels, do not support Miracast natively. Users can still cast individual apps such as YouTube or Netflix using the DIAL protocol. To mirror the screen, users must navigate to the settings menu on the Roku and select the screen mirroring mode. Samsung Galaxy users can easily mirror their screens by using the Smart View feature. While mirroring, a Smart View pill allows users to adjust settings and aspect ratios. If audio issues arise, users should check the volume on both devices. Samsung Galaxy smartphone users can utilize the DeX feature for a desktop-like experience when connected to a Roku. To activate DeX wirelessly, users can access quick settings and select the Wireless DeX toggle. Some lag may occur during wireless use, which can be mitigated by adjusting the TV's picture mode to gaming.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

Google Play Rolls Out Age Signals Worldwide: Get Tailored Per-App Safety Shields

Google has announced the global rollout of its Age Signals API for the Google Play platform, aimed at helping parents manage age-appropriate content for their children across Android applications from a single interface. Initially launched in Brazil, the tool will be extended to users in Australia and Canada by mid-August, with a full worldwide release expected later this year. The Age Signals API allows developers to customize in-app experiences based on the user's actual age, moving away from generic safety measures. Developers receive age range signals to adjust content and features accordingly, while adult users can voluntarily share their age range. Parents can centralize control through the Google Family Link app, sharing their child's age range once for automatic communication to participating apps. Age data is not shared by default, and parents can modify permissions at any time. The API enhances existing safety tools on Google Play, including mandatory standards for family-friendly apps and features in Google Family Link.