transparency Archives

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Samsung One UI 9’s ‘Warranty & Care’ App Could Revolutionize Device Repairs

Samsung is preparing to launch One UI 9, based on Android 17, which will include a hidden app called ‘Warranty & Care.’ This app, accessible through an activity launcher, will serve as a hub for device support and will allow users to check warranty status, access self-diagnostic tools, and view help guides. It will also provide insights into repair history, repair cost estimates, service center reservations, and real-time updates on repair status. Additionally, an AI-powered chatbot for remote assistance is being developed, though it is uncertain if it will launch with One UI 9. One UI 9 is expected to debut with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide later this summer.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Android 17 adds ‘location button’ for apps and more private ‘Approximate’ algorithm

Android 17 has introduced updates to enhance location privacy, including a new "location button" in Beta 3 that allows users to access location services for one-time use without granting permanent or background access. This feature provides a streamlined user experience, enabling users to share their location only when necessary and eliminating repeated prompts for location-dependent features. Developers can customize the button's appearance while the location icon remains mandatory and non-customizable. Additionally, Android 17 Beta 3 includes an improved runtime permission dialog with distinct options for "Precise" and "Approximate" location access. A persistent blue dot in the status bar indicates when a non-system app accesses a user's location, and users can view notifications about which apps have recently accessed their location. The algorithm for approximate locations has also been improved to consider local population density, enhancing privacy in low-population areas.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Total War Medieval 3 director says recreating its predecessors “would not make a good game”

Creative Assembly has announced several new titles, including Total War: Warhammer 40k and Total War Medieval 3, which is a sequel to a beloved game. They are also developing a sequel to Alien Isolation. Game director Pawel Wojs emphasized the studio's commitment to innovation and the need to modernize classic games for today's audience. He acknowledged the challenges of recreating Medieval 2, stating that simply replicating it would not result in a good game. However, he assured fans that the essence of what made Medieval 2 enjoyable will be preserved in Medieval 3. Creative Assembly is adopting a strategy of early project announcements to foster transparency and community involvement, aiming to engage with fans and incorporate their feedback throughout the development process. The studio is utilizing advancements in technology and a new engine to innovate within the strategy genre, potentially leading to significant achievements with Total War Medieval 3.

Winsage

March 27, 2026

A quick tour of the new Windows 11 Feedback Hub

Microsoft is transforming its Windows 11 ecosystem by launching a redesigned Feedback Hub app. The update features a new "Give Feedback" page for submitting bug reports, feature requests, and compliments. Users can search for existing issues, categorize feedback, and use a built-in capture tool for screenshots. The app includes a "My feedback" page to track submissions and a "Community feedback" section for user interaction. Core functionalities remain, with enhanced privacy options. Additionally, Microsoft is resetting the Windows Insider Program to improve user engagement and transparency regarding feedback's impact on Windows development.

Winsage

March 26, 2026

Microsoft provides much needed update on Windows 11’s dark mode in refreshing moment of transparency

Marcus Ash, head of Windows Design and Research at Microsoft, stated that the development of Windows 11's dark mode is ongoing, with efforts to expand it across various parts of the operating system, including legacy user interface elements. He mentioned no specific timelines for implementing dark mode in Regedit. Microsoft is also working on a comprehensive plan to improve the overall user interface and experience of Windows 11.

AppWizard

March 26, 2026

“Nobody wants their games to look like Italian brainrot” – Indie publisher New Blood CEO urges devs to push back against DLSS 5 just like they did with NFTs and crypto games

A growing number of independent developers, including New Blood's CEO Dave Oshry and developer David Szymanski, are skeptical about Nvidia's DLSS 5 and its generative AI graphics tools. They express concerns that generative AI is irrelevant to Deep Learning Super Sampling, questioning the branding and technology connection. Oshry suggests that if Nvidia rebranded the technology as “Nvidia Generative Upscaling,” it would face backlash from the gaming community. Their stance reflects a broader apprehension about gaming technology's direction and emphasizes the importance of aligning innovations with player expectations and community feedback.

Winsage

March 25, 2026

Tested: Windows 11 now has a second taskbar, and it works surprisingly well

In 2026, Microsoft released PowerToys version 0.98, which includes the new Command Palette Dock feature. This Dock can be pinned to any edge of the screen and displays information such as CPU and memory usage while providing quick access to frequently used commands. Users can enable the Dock through the PowerToys interface without needing to restart their system. The Dock offers customization options, including repositioning, themes, and backgrounds. It integrates live system statistics, a clock, and allows users to pin commands and applications for a tailored workflow. The Command Palette Dock is designed to complement, not replace, the Windows 11 taskbar. Other enhancements in this update include a new Keyboard Manager, performance upgrades for the Command Palette, and improvements to CursorWrap and ZoomIt.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Google Tests Unified Gemini Interface On Android

Google is experimenting with a streamlined interface for its Gemini assistant on Android devices, aiming to reduce clutter and enhance consistency. The redesigned sidebar includes a dedicated Settings & Help section, organizes key items like Scheduled Actions and Notebooks, and features collapsible sections for tidiness. The header has been compacted to create a more spacious typing area. The app now prominently displays the last-used extension, enhancing transparency about the tools utilized for user queries. The model switcher has been relocated to the app header, decluttering the input area and defaulting to the “Fast” model for most queries. These changes are part of a broader effort to unify the Gemini experience across app and web platforms, with the Google app version 17.11.54 beta indicating a phased rollout of these features.

Winsage

March 25, 2026

Microsoft woll allow to pause Windows updates

Microsoft is changing its update management policy for the Windows operating system to give users more control over when and how updates are installed. This shift comes after years of user dissatisfaction with the automatic update model implemented in 2015, which often led to unexpected system restarts and disruptions. The new policy allows users to pause updates indefinitely and choose when to install them, improving predictability and convenience. Additionally, Microsoft plans to enhance transparency by providing detailed notifications about updates before installation. While users generally welcome these changes, experts warn that delaying updates could increase vulnerability to cyber threats. Microsoft is also refining Windows 11 to improve speed and user interface, including updates to the integration of Copilot and restoring taskbar customization options.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

This Android TV launcher fixes everything I dislike about the default one

Android-based televisions, including Google TV models from TCL and Sony, often have a cluttered and slow default launcher filled with ads, recommendations, and bloatware, making navigation cumbersome. The Projectivy launcher offers a minimalistic, customizable, and ad-free alternative that enhances speed and flexibility. It allows users to modify their home screen, including app arrangements, icon sizes, and the visibility of categories. Projectivy supports features like tailored recommendations, remote control via smartphones, and custom app icons, although some features require a premium subscription. Overall, Projectivy provides a significantly faster and cleaner interface compared to the stock launcher.