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Google Keep is finally rolling out the search feature you've been asking for
AppWizard
August 4, 2026

Google Keep is finally rolling out the search feature you’ve been asking for

Google is reintroducing the "Find in note" feature in the Google Keep app, which allows users to search for specific terms within individual notes. This feature can be accessed through the three-dot menu in a note, providing a search box that highlights all instances of the search term. It is currently available in app version 5.26.301.00.90, although some users have reported not seeing the feature despite having the correct version. Additionally, Google is working on a new user interface for the toolbar at the bottom of notes, which will include rearranged buttons and a redesigned plus icon.
An official Microsoft engineer gives a favorite unofficial Windows 11 app a shiny polish
Winsage
August 3, 2026

An official Microsoft engineer gives a favorite unofficial Windows 11 app a shiny polish

Microsoft is addressing performance gaps in Windows 11, particularly with built-in applications. Users have turned to third-party applications like Files, which has received a substantial update focusing on file extraction and folder loading improvements. The update includes enhanced user experience features, such as updated sidebar icons and improved management of encrypted archives. A notable addition is the integration of WindowSill into Files, allowing users to perform various tasks directly from file selections without opening dedicated applications. This integration provides context-aware actions for different file types, including images, PDFs, videos, and Office documents. The update also includes numerous bug fixes and performance enhancements. The latest version of Files, 4.2.2, is available for download on GitHub and the Microsoft Store.
Windows 11's Photos app just got debloated, but Microsoft is already ruining it with a WebView2 sequel
Winsage
August 2, 2026

Windows 11’s Photos app just got debloated, but Microsoft is already ruining it with a WebView2 sequel

Microsoft Photos for Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel has been updated to feature a cleaner interface with fewer icons and a faster context menu. The update removes unnecessary elements, including the "Ask Copilot" button, and focuses on essential actions like Edit, Print, and Share. The context menu now opens faster and includes a concise list of relevant options. Additional enhancements include a richer file info pane, support for HEIC files without conversion, SVG viewing support, improved launch performance, and new device import controls. However, a new app called "Photos (Preview)" has been introduced, which operates as a WebView2 process and adds complexity to the user experience. Microsoft is seeking user feedback on this experimental app.
Google Keep is working on new UI that may screw up your muscle memory
AppWizard
July 31, 2026

Google Keep is working on new UI that may screw up your muscle memory

Google is updating its Keep app, specifically focusing on the toolbar at the bottom. The Add button will become larger and permanently blue to reduce accidental taps. The Background options button will be replaced by a checkbox button for easier switching between note and list formats, while the Background options will still be accessible in the menu that appears when the Add button is tapped. Other features like Reminder, Labels, and Collaborator will also be included in the Add menu, indicating a more intuitive design for note-taking and list management. These changes are based on an APK teardown of version 5.26.301.00.90, and not all features may be included in the final release.
I checked Reddit to see which Windows 11 features people truly find "life changing", and the community had some surprising answers
Winsage
July 26, 2026

I checked Reddit to see which Windows 11 features people truly find “life changing”, and the community had some surprising answers

Windows 11 includes several features that enhance productivity, many of which are underutilized by users: 1. Clipboard History: Activated with "WIN + V", it allows users to access a history of copied text and images, improving multitasking by enabling retrieval of multiple copied items. 2. Snipping Tool: Beyond screenshots, it includes screen recording, text extraction (OCR), basic image editing, and GIF creation, streamlining workflows by reducing the need for third-party applications. 3. End Task from Taskbar: Users can terminate unresponsive applications directly from the Taskbar, simplifying the process compared to using Task Manager. 4. Windows Sandbox: Provides a temporary Windows environment for testing untrusted software without risking the main system, available only on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. 5. Winget Command: The Windows Package Manager simplifies app installation and updates via command line, saving time compared to searching for applications online. 6. Snap Layouts: Activated with "Win + Z", it enhances window management by allowing users to arrange applications efficiently on larger monitors. 7. Windows Key + Shift + Arrow: This shortcut enables quick movement of windows between multiple monitors, improving productivity for users with dual or multiple displays. 8. Voice Typing: Activated with "Win + H", it allows dictation in nearly any text field, enhancing efficiency and accessibility. 9. Reliability Monitor: Accessible via "perfmon /rel", it presents system issues on a timeline, making troubleshooting easier and potentially preventing unnecessary reinstallation of Windows 11. 10. Advanced Display Settings: Users can check and adjust their monitor's refresh rate in Settings, ensuring optimal performance, as many monitors default to 60Hz even if they support higher rates.
Sound Recorder, Camera, and Windows Studio Effects
Winsage
July 18, 2026

Sound Recorder, Camera, and Windows Studio Effects

Windows 11 includes a suite of audio and video recording applications: Sound Recorder, Camera, and Windows Studio Effects. The Sound Recorder app allows audio capture using PC microphones, featuring a navigation pane, recording area, and playback controls. Users can customize audio input in the Settings app under System > Sound, selecting microphones and adjusting quality formats like “CD quality” or “Studio quality.” Within the Sound Recorder app, users can change the recording format (default is AAC) to MP3, WMA, FLAC, or WAV and set audio quality to Best, High, or Medium. To record audio, users click the red “Start recording” button, with options to stop, pause, or mark significant moments using keyboard shortcuts. Recordings can be played back, managed, shared, renamed, or deleted through the app's interface. Users can also import compatible audio files into Sound Recorder. The Camera app allows users to take photos, record videos, and scan items using the PC's webcam, with an interface similar to smartphone camera apps. Users can customize camera settings in the Settings app under Bluetooth > Cameras, adjusting brightness, contrast, and resolution. Photos are taken in Photo mode, while videos are recorded in Video mode, with options for pausing without creating new files. Windows Studio Effects offers AI-driven enhancements for audio and video calls, requiring a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for some features. Enhancements include automatic framing, background effects, creative filters, eye contact simulation, portrait lighting adjustments, and voice focus. Compatibility can be checked in Quick settings or the Settings app under Bluetooth & devices > Cameras. Each effect can be configured individually through the Settings app or supported applications.
Microsoft Releases July 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates
Winsage
July 14, 2026

Microsoft Releases July 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates

Microsoft has released the July 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11 versions 26H1, 25H2, and 24H2, introducing several key features: - A new recovery feature allows users to revert their PCs to a recent restore point. - The Widgets experience has been revamped to minimize distractions, including no longer opening upon hover and reduced memory usage. - Users can pause Windows updates for up to 35 days and re-pause them as needed. - A new screen tint feature applies a color overlay to reduce eye strain. - Magnifier now offers preset zoom increments and allows specific zoom percentages to be input. - Bluetooth connectivity improvements include quicker pairing for Apple’s AirPods and better reliability for Beats Studio Pro headphones. - Voice access and voice typing features are now available in French, German, and Spanish. - Users can customize the right-click zone size on touchpads with a pressable surface. - The emoji panel now uses GIPHY for GIF content. - Taskbar notification counts and badge visuals will update accurately. For Qualcomm-powered PCs running Windows 11 version 26H1, the KB5101649 update includes the Point-in-time restore feature and introduces new NPU usage metrics in Task Manager, the option to assign a custom user folder name during setup, and allows multiple applications to access the camera stream simultaneously. Improvements have also been made to Windows Hello authentication and Microsoft Store performance, along with enhancements to Windows Search for better file location and prioritization.
Microsoft should be jealous of what this file explorer just shipped
Winsage
July 7, 2026

Microsoft should be jealous of what this file explorer just shipped

The latest update to the Files application, version 4.2, introduces a Tree View feature that allows users to navigate folders and subfolders in an expandable hierarchy from the sidebar. Additional upgrades include the ability to split the view into multiple panes, reorganized context menus, a cleaner breadcrumb bar design, and various UI improvements such as quick access to compatible apps, always showing file extensions when renaming, and enhancements to media file metadata. Other notable highlights include proper font thumbnails in the Windows Fonts folder, automatic selection when creating a new archive, and the addition of a "Skip" button in the File In Use dialog.
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