tool

AppWizard
August 21, 2026
A Samsung C410W printer has been repurposed by a maker named vimpo to host a Minecraft server, leveraging its debug serial port and LAN Test Protocol. The printer, despite being from the mid-2010s, features Wi-Fi connectivity and has 23 megabytes of RAM. Vimpo crafted a payload to redirect execution to activate the printer's status lights, allowing the lightweight UCraft server to run. This server, with a binary size of about 46 kilobytes, enables basic gameplay for a single player but has limitations in processing power, leading to lag when multiple players connect. The exploit and server code are publicly available for others to replicate this project.
AppWizard
August 21, 2026
Minecraft Dungeons II has revealed a new gameplay trailer showcasing its features, including a new dimension called the Sift. This realm offers unique landscapes, enemies, and cooperative gameplay for up to four players, both online and locally. The game will expand on the original with new areas, enemies, missions, equipment, and character customization, while maintaining a loot-driven progression system. Minecraft Dungeons II is set to launch on September 29, 2026, for PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo platforms.
Winsage
August 21, 2026
Microsoft has removed the OneDrive Photos app from the Start menu and Windows Search results as part of efforts to improve user experience and address feedback about its intrusive nature. The app was initially force-installed on Windows 10 and 11 devices but faced backlash due to difficulties in launching and uninstalling it. Microsoft acknowledged that the app's widespread release was unintended and plans to allow users to uninstall it independently from the OneDrive sync client later this year. Although OneDrive Photos is hidden from the Start menu and search results, it remains installed on users' PCs and can still be accessed through the OneDrive installation folder.
Tech Optimizer
August 20, 2026
Surfshark offers a cybersecurity package called Surfshark One, which includes antivirus capabilities and a VPN service. The overall rating for Surfshark is 4.1/5, with specific ratings of 3.7/5 for protection, 4.5/5 for performance, 3.3/5 for features, 5.0/5 for support, and 4.5/5 for value. The antivirus component has a 93.44% malware detection rate and a 95% phishing detection rate with no false alarms. Surfshark One costs .79 per month and includes features like real-time protection, scheduled scans, breach alerts, a private search engine, and webcam protection. The One+ tier adds Incogni data removal and identity theft insurance. Surfshark Antivirus is not available as a standalone product and lacks features such as a firewall, password manager, and parental controls. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Android. Surfshark provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Winsage
August 20, 2026
Microsoft released a guide to optimize internet bandwidth usage for Windows 11 update downloads, focusing on policy settings for network efficiency. Enhancements to Task Manager include new columns for monitoring NPU (Neural Processing Unit) and NPU Engine usage, allowing users to see which applications leverage the neural processor. Additional columns for NPU Dedicated Memory and NPU Shared Memory provide insights into memory consumption for AI workloads. Neural engines in GPUs will also be visible on the Performance page. An optional Isolation column has been added to help users evaluate AI workload management. Applications optimized for NPUs will show specific designations in Task Manager, while high CPU usage with idle NPU indicates underutilization of dedicated AI hardware. Users can activate new metrics by right-clicking on column headers in Task Manager.
Winsage
August 20, 2026
PowerToys will soon introduce several enhancements, including a compact option for the Command Palette and a ripple effect for the Mouse Highlighter. The Command Palette will improve user interaction by allowing faster access to applications and settings, while the Mouse Highlighter will provide a more subtle method for locating the cursor. Additionally, PowerToys will incorporate Phi Silica to enhance features like Click to Do and on-device rewriting in applications such as Word and Outlook. The update will also simplify access to preview updates and include a comprehensive change log detailing fixes and enhancements. Users can expect a smoother Shortcut Guide, improved performance, and a new utility in the upcoming release.
AppWizard
August 20, 2026
Google's Pixel 11 Pro series features a "HiLight" LED system that provides visual notifications for calls and activity during Gemini conversations. The HiLight LED is customizable through the open-source HiLight Studio app, developed by Dhananjay Bhosale. Users can sideload the app and manage permissions using Shizuku. HiLight Studio allows users to assign colors, create light patterns, and save presets for notifications. It includes six effects: Rainbow, Random, Comet, Pulse, Breathe, and Wave, with options to adjust saturation and brightness. The app respects Do Not Disturb settings and can pause during low battery. However, some users may experience conflicts with the base HiLight functionality, as noted by a user who found that the original LED notifications stopped working after installing the app.
Winsage
August 20, 2026
Microsoft's built-in security tool in Windows 11 is considered sufficient for most users, but a recent issue has emerged where certain PCs are unable to complete security scans, potentially exposing them to vulnerabilities. Users on Reddit reported problems with Microsoft Defender, specifically with both Full Scan and Quick Scan functionalities failing. One user noted that a recent update may have caused the tool to crash shortly after scans begin, with offline scans stopping at 90-93% completion. The issue may be linked to a Microsoft Security Intelligence update, and some users have found that upgrading to Security Intelligence Update v1.457.236.0 resolved the problem for them.
Winsage
August 20, 2026
In early August, there were no new Windows 11 builds released for over 15 days in the Windows Insider Program. On August 17, Microsoft released five new preview builds, introducing several features and enhancements. Key updates include a fully customizable context menu, allowing users to tailor options directly from Settings under Personalization, and improvements to the desktop background experience with higher resolution previews and better slideshow transitions. The Camera Roll backup feature now automatically backs up photos and videos to OneDrive. The Magnifier tool received a visual refresh, and the Windows Recovery Environment was upgraded to reuse eligible Wi-Fi profiles automatically. Microsoft also removed the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool and the Drag Tray feature while maintaining access to WMI through PowerShell. File Explorer improvements include a faster launch for the "Home" page and touch scrolling support in the "Recommended" section. Minor visual adjustments were made to the Windows Security app, enhancing its alignment with the Windows 11 design language.
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