NewApp Digest
search bot

update

Google rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 2 for Pixel
AppWizard
August 4, 2026

Google rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 2 for Pixel

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 2 is being rolled out for a wide range of Pixel devices, enhancing user experience with potential new features and improvements. The build number is CP41.260717.006. Google has not provided detailed release notes for this update. Users can report bugs through the Android Beta Feedback app and engage with the Android Beta community on Reddit. The beta is compatible with the following Pixel devices: Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a, Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and Pixel 10a. Users can join the Android Beta Program for over-the-air updates.
Microsoft Executive Says Windows 11 Tools Like Control Panel Are Taking Too Long To Become Modernized As Company Wants To Keep Its “Compatibility Promise”
Winsage
August 4, 2026

Microsoft Executive Says Windows 11 Tools Like Control Panel Are Taking Too Long To Become Modernized As Company Wants To Keep Its “Compatibility Promise”

Marcus Ash, Corporate Vice President of Design and Research at Microsoft, discussed the stagnation in UI updates for Windows 11 tools like Control Panel, File Explorer, and Registry Editor, emphasizing the importance of maintaining functionality and compatibility with legacy systems. He noted that changing the Control Panel is challenging due to the need to avoid disrupting existing functionalities that users rely on. Microsoft is focused on modernizing these applications while ensuring core functionalities remain intact, using user behavior, telemetry data, and feedback to guide updates. Ash mentioned that the Registry Editor is also set for modernization without compromising its essential functions. Additionally, Pavan Davuluri, President of Windows and Devices, stated that Windows 11 would be optimized for devices with 8GB of RAM.
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.
Data Doctors: What the deadline extension for Windows 10 means
Winsage
August 3, 2026

Data Doctors: What the deadline extension for Windows 10 means

Microsoft has extended its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 consumers until October 12, 2027, providing critical security updates for eligible systems. Windows 10 remains functional, but no new features will be introduced, and users must ensure their devices are enrolled in the ESU program to receive updates. Users are advised to check their computer's compatibility with Windows 11 and consider upgrading, as it is available as a free upgrade for eligible machines. If a computer does not meet the requirements for Windows 11, the ESU extension allows additional time to plan for replacement. Users should keep their internet security software and applications updated and maintain backups of important data.
Microsoft is testing deeper Phone Link integration in Windows 11, but do you actually use it?
Winsage
August 3, 2026

Microsoft is testing deeper Phone Link integration in Windows 11, but do you actually use it?

Windows Insiders can access new features in Windows 11 Insider Build 26300.9032, available through the Experimental Preview Channel. Key updates include: - Windows Search: Introduces customizable options for integrating personal or work/school Microsoft accounts and OneDrive in search results. It can automatically expand indexing based on user activity, which can be managed in Settings > Privacy & security > Search. - Phone Link: Users can now preview recent messages or notifications by hovering over them in the Start menu, enhancing visibility into mobile activity. This feature is gradually rolling out and requires a minimum Phone Link build of 1.26021.3.0. - Settings App: Improved search functionality for quicker navigation to relevant settings. - Adaptive Hibernate Policy: Enhancements for instant-on resumes from Modern Standby and better battery preservation based on battery levels. - Start Menu: A fix for an issue causing crashes when dragging apps. - Taskbar: Resolved an issue where hovering over app window previews in an overflow state dismissed them. - File Explorer: Home now retains the state of sections, and improvements have been made for reliability when dragging files to disconnected network drives. Issues with files on DFS mapped drives being misidentified have also been addressed. - Windows Spotlight: Changes to enhance reliability on the lock screen. - Storage: Fixes for File History automatic backups to network shares that displayed false "invalid credentials" errors.
Microsoft finally has a Windows 11 upgrade everyone can get behind
Winsage
August 3, 2026

Microsoft finally has a Windows 11 upgrade everyone can get behind

Microsoft is focusing on enhancing Windows 11 by addressing fundamental improvements, as highlighted by CEO Satya Nadella during the fiscal 2026 fourth-quarter earnings call. The company is investing in maintaining high quality and fundamentals for the operating system, with ongoing efforts to fix user concerns. Enhancements include testing a movable taskbar, reducing RAM consumption, fixing memory leaks, improving slow startup times, and updating File Explorer and Windows Search. The introduction of the Low Latency Profile update aims to improve responsiveness in the Start menu and shell. Microsoft has also removed the Copilot branding from certain applications to streamline the user experience. This renewed focus follows a challenging year with problematic updates, including a mandatory update in June that caused boot failures and other issues, prompting an emergency update in July. Financially, Microsoft's More Personal Computing revenue declined by 4%, with Windows OEM and Devices revenue dropping by 7%.
Microsoft warns Windows 11 Insiders of crucial mandatory upcoming deadline
Winsage
August 3, 2026

Microsoft warns Windows 11 Insiders of crucial mandatory upcoming deadline

Microsoft is updating Secure Boot certificates for Windows 11 PCs, as the previous certificates are 15 years old and nearing expiration. Users can check their certificate status easily. An advisory was issued in early September regarding changes for Windows Insider channels, particularly affecting the Experimental and Beta channels, with a deadline for certificate updates set for August 11, 2026. The Release Preview builds will not be affected by this update requirement. Users in the impacted channels must update to specific builds to obtain the new certificates, or they may stop receiving updates after the deadline. The minimum build requirements for each channel are outlined, and users can check their current Windows 11 Insider build by using the winver command. Microsoft has confirmed that these updates will not impact activation or licensing status.
Search