update

Winsage
August 13, 2026
Windows 11's August update introduces several enhancements, including the expansion of Launch Performance Optimization (LLP) to all applications, improving app launch speed by temporarily boosting processor performance. Voice Access now features Voice Isolation to filter out background noise, requiring a one-time setup for optimal performance. Precision touchpad users gain new gesture controls for zoom and scroll speed adjustments. The update reinstates the ability to manually set the threshold for the Energy Saver feature. Lock screen widgets now display only the weather by default, and notification badges in the taskbar have been visually updated to use the Windows accent color. Additional changes include support for peripheral fingerprint sensors in Windows Hello and a parental controls notice during setup.
Winsage
August 13, 2026
A recent update has been released, addressing security vulnerabilities and improving system functionality. Key improvements include a fix for the Backup feature, resolving an "invalid credentials" error that caused automatic backups to fail when using Server Message Block (SMB). The update also enhances the Secure Boot feature by introducing high-confidence device targeting data, allowing more devices to receive new Secure Boot certificates. This update addresses outdated Secure Boot certificates for Windows 11 and Windows 10 users. The update, identified as KB5120249, is under 1 GB and is available only to PCs enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which ensures Windows 10 PCs receive security updates until at least October 2027. Non-enrolled PCs lost security update support in October 2025.
Winsage
August 13, 2026
Devices using Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 will experience a significant transition with the rollout of version 2608, which will end feature enhancements for applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Security updates will continue until October 10, 2028. The OneDrive desktop app on Windows 10 version 22H2 will also receive updates until October 10, 2028, while older versions will not. Microsoft recommends transitioning to Windows 11 to avoid performance and reliability issues with Microsoft 365 Apps.
Winsage
August 13, 2026
Dave W. Plummer, a notable figure in programming, contributed significantly to Microsoft by introducing ZIP file support for Windows, adapting Space Cadet Pinball for Windows NT, and creating the Windows Task Manager, which debuted in 1996. He has shared insights from his time at Microsoft through his platform, Dave's Garage. Recently, he released a mockup of a redesigned Task Manager, named "Task Manager OG" (TMOG), which features a cyberpunk aesthetic and is currently available as a beta version for macOS, with a Windows version planned. TMOG combines elements of macOS's Activity Monitor and Windows Task Manager, providing essential system information and deeper diagnostics. The application is described as being half the size of the Windows Task Manager and is available for free download.
AppWizard
August 13, 2026
Google has unveiled refreshed app icons following the launch of the Pixel 11, aligning them with the Material 3 Expressive design language. The Weather icon features a brighter sun and a gradient cloud on a white background, while the Recorder app has a bold red waveform design. Other apps, including Pixel Camera, Calculator, and Clock, are also set to receive updates. The Pixel Camera icon will have a refreshed blue color palette, the Calculator will adopt a minimalist design with essential symbols, and the Clock will feature playful shapes characteristic of Material 3 Expressive. These changes aim to create a more cohesive visual identity across the Pixel ecosystem.
Tech Optimizer
August 13, 2026
Users of Chromium-based browsers, including Google Chrome, Brave, and Opera, are experiencing deceptive pop-ups that falsely claim a "Critical Update Required" or "Update available." These notifications are part of a scam designed to trick users into downloading malware disguised as software updates. Clicking on these prompts can lead to the download of harmful scripts, such as .vbs or .exe files, which traditional antivirus software often fails to detect. The issue is linked to compromised browser extensions that fetch malicious scripts from external servers. A specific extension, QuickLens – Search Screen with Google Lens, has been identified as a source of these pop-ups and has been removed from the Web Store. Other extensions, like “Enable Right Click & Copy Smart Unlock + OCR,” have also been implicated despite their popularity. Users are advised not to click on any links or run downloaded files and to check their browser settings for legitimate updates, as well as to audit and disable suspicious extensions.
AppWizard
August 13, 2026
The latest update for Helldivers 2, titled Devoid of Liberty, introduces a new level cap raised from 150 to 300 and adds 15 new titles for players to unlock. Players will receive a new title every 10 levels, with the titles being: - Level 160: 5-Star Super Private - Level 170: 10-Star Super Private - Level 180: Ranger - Level 190: Ranger, Eagle Class - Level 200: Ranger, Bald Eagle Class - Level 210: Divemaster - Level 220: First Divemaster - Level 230: Divemaster Major - Level 240: Command Divemaster Major - Level 250: Master Divemaster - Level 260: Master Divemaster Major Omega - Level 270: Max Rank - Level 280: Max Rank Infinity - Level 290: Max Rank Infinity +1 - Level 300: Rank 300 Experience points earned beyond Level 150 have been banked, allowing players to potentially unlock several titles immediately after the update.
AppWizard
August 13, 2026
Android smartphones often have a trade-off between price and software support. Motorola typically offers two major Android updates and three years of security patches for flagship models, while mid-range devices receive only one Android update and two years of security patches. Motorola devices, like the Moto G line, are priced under 0 and provide solid battery life and camera performance. Xiaomi's software support varies, with models like the Xiaomi 14 and 15 receiving up to five years of patches starting in 2026, while entry-level models offer only two to three years of support. Imported Xiaomi devices, such as the Redmi Note or Poco X, feature AMOLED screens and rapid charging for under 0. TCL generally provides at least two years of security updates, but not all devices receive two Android version upgrades. TCL's Nxtpaper technology offers a unique display experience, and models like the TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper come with 8GB of RAM and a 120Hz screen. RedMagic promises two major Android updates and three years of security patches starting with the RedMagic 11 Pro. The RedMagic 11 Pro features high-end specifications, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and a 7,500mAh battery, priced around 9. Brands with subpar software support are identified by the number of promised major Android updates and the duration of security patches, with comparisons made against industry standards set by manufacturers like Google and Samsung.
Search