uBlock Origin Archives

Winsage

September 9, 2026

AI vibe coding is so fast that Microsoft had to change how it reviews Edge extensions

Users of Windows and Windows Phone previously faced an app gap, but the rise of artificial intelligence has led to increased development activity, creating challenges for Microsoft regarding the Edge browser. The ad blocker uBlock Origin has stopped functioning on Edge, similar to its status on Chrome. Microsoft revamped the Edge Add-ons site last year to improve user experience with a more intuitive interface and better categorization. This update allows users to find and install extensions more easily, and the Edge team is focused on maintaining quality amidst the growing number of extension submissions.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

This Google Chrome alternative is the most exciting Android browser I’ve used all year

Solipsism Browser is a third-party, open-source browser based on Chromium, launched just over three months ago. It features a unique side-rail design for navigation buttons, allowing for ergonomic one-handed use, especially on larger devices. Users can customize the homepage with HTML and CSS, and it includes a built-in ad blocker powered by uBlock Origin and a malware scanner. However, it lacks extension support, which is a strength of Firefox, and the address bar's placement at the top can hinder one-handed usability. Solipsism is not available on the Google Play Store and requires updates through platforms like F-Droid or Obtanium. The developer plans to create a future version based on the Servo engine.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

Pixel 11 notifications are the last straw for many readers sick of phone ads

Google has reintroduced the My Pixel app, previously known as Pixel Tips, with the Pixel 11 series, which has started sending unsolicited push notifications to users of older Pixel devices about the latest smartphones and the Pixel Watch 5. A poll showed that 93.9% of 9,600 respondents believe smartphone ads have become intolerable. Users find the notifications from the Pixel Tips app particularly annoying due to their invasive delivery method, which differs from traditional ads. There are tools available, such as NextDNS and Blokada, to manage unwanted ads.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

Windows 11 keeps breaking user expectations around browser choice, according to new global research

A survey by the Browser Choice Alliance involving 2,000 U.S. adults reveals significant dissatisfaction with Microsoft's Edge browser. Key findings include: - 86% of respondents believe they should control their default browser, and 80% want a "one-click browser default" option. - 26% currently have Edge as their default browser, but only 19% would choose it if given a free choice. - 72% of those who tried to change their default browser in the past two years faced obstacles, such as Edge being recommended or links opening in Edge. - 29% reported that Windows system updates changed their browser preferences. - Among adults aged 65 and older, 44% found changing their default browser complex, and 61% lacked confidence in the process. - 14% of respondents believe users should not have the ability to choose their default browser. - Microsoft has made changes to enhance user choice only within the EU, ignoring global opportunities. - Tools like MSEdgeRedirect and EdgeDeflector aimed at redirecting links to preferred browsers are now ineffective or limited. - Microsoft announced the discontinuation of support for MV2 extensions, affecting tools like uBlock Origin.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

“Windows undermines user expectations”: Survey shows Windows 11 keeps complicating basic browser choices

A survey conducted by the Browser Choice Alliance, involving 2,000 adults in the U.S., reveals concerns about Microsoft's Edge browser and the difficulties users face when trying to change their default browser on Windows 11. The survey highlights that altering the default browser only affects specific file types, and fully disabling Edge remains challenging. Tools like MSEdgeRedirect and EdgeDeflector have become less effective, impacting Microsoft's reputation. Many users are skeptical of Microsoft's claim that using Edge for widgets and system components enhances the experience. Additionally, the discontinuation of support for MV2 extensions may force users of popular tools like uBlock Origin to seek alternatives. Overall, the survey indicates that switching browsers is more complicated than it should be, creating a restrictive environment for users.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

Mozilla Firefox and Brave keep uBlock Origin alive while Chrome and Edge block the adblocker

Microsoft Edge will discontinue support for Manifest Version 2 (MV2), affecting extensions like uBlock Origin. Firefox has confirmed it will continue to support uBlock Origin, ensuring users can maintain ad-blocking capabilities. Users are encouraged to explore alternative browsers that support MV2 extensions.

Winsage

August 10, 2026

We now know exactly when uBlock Origin will stop working on Microsoft Edge

Microsoft is phasing out Manifest Version 2 (MV2) extensions, which will discontinue support for uBlock Origin on Microsoft Edge by the end of 2026. Users may start receiving notifications about this change, and MV2 extensions will be disabled by default in the coming months. In contrast, Mozilla Firefox and Brave will continue to support MV2 extensions.

Winsage

August 8, 2026

Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge could quietly download up to 20GB AI models on Windows 11

Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome are phasing out support for Manifest V2 extensions, affecting popular add-ons like uBlock Origin. Google Chrome can automatically download a 4GB AI model for local functionalities, requiring approximately 20GB of free disk space for the download. Microsoft Edge has established a similar 20GB minimum storage requirement for downloading local AI models, with additional specifications including Windows 10 or 11 and macOS 13.3 or later, at least 5.5GB of VRAM, and an unmetered network connection. Users can disable on-device AI features in Chrome, and Edge will automatically delete the AI model if available storage drops below 10GB.

AppWizard

June 13, 2026

As a longtime Android privacy nerd, here are 6 privacy apps I actually regret installing

The author shares experiences with six privacy applications that did not meet expectations. 1. Private Internet Access (PIA): A robust VPN service with a cluttered interface and concerns about its U.S. base; transitioned to NordVPN for a better user experience. 2. Brave Browser: Known for ad and tracker blocking, but had issues with Brave Search reliability, syncing, and battery drain; switched to Firefox with uBlock Origin. 3. LastPass: A former leading password manager that lost trust due to security breaches; moved to Bitwarden for its solid and secure platform. 4. KeePassDX: Impressive for local storage and clean UI, but lacked cloud syncing and required manual password management; eventually chose Bitwarden for convenience. 5. OpenBoard: A privacy-focused keyboard app that is no longer available on Google Play; basic features and installation hassles led to regret over its use; better alternatives exist. 6. OsmAnd: An open-source offline navigation app with extensive customization but a steep learning curve and rigid address searches; now prefers Organic Maps for ease of use.

Winsage

October 20, 2025

Mozilla Says It Will Continue to Fully Support Firefox on Windows 10

Mozilla will continue to provide comprehensive support for Firefox on Windows 10, including security updates and new features. Approximately 36.5% of Firefox users are on Windows 10, and Mozilla's commitment ensures they will receive full feature parity with Windows 11. Users can expect rapid vulnerability patching and ongoing access to new functionalities. Mozilla also recommends security measures for Windows 10 users, such as enrolling in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates program and using Firefox Sync for data backups. Additionally, Mozilla has extended support for Firefox ESR 115 on older operating systems until March 2026, distinguishing itself as the last major browser offering secure browsing on deprecated systems. Mozilla will also support Manifest V2 browser extensions until February 2025.