update Archives

AppWizard

April 22, 2026

Nvidia graphics research just made a 2-3x gain in performance, and this time it didn’t use AI

Nvidia has released a research paper that indicates potential graphics performance improvements of 2-3 times in certain scenarios, utilizing techniques like reciprocal neighbor selection and duplication maps, without heavily relying on artificial intelligence. The research focuses on path tracing, a rendering technique that is currently only feasible on advanced graphics cards. Nvidia's recent advancements include reservoir-based spatiotemporal importance resamplers (ReSTIRs), which could achieve up to a 65x performance improvement over existing methods. The new paper revisits this algorithm, offering an additional 2x-3x performance boost and enhancing image quality. The research suggests that path-traced modes in video games could experience significant performance enhancements, although it remains unclear if these improvements can be implemented via a simple driver update or if new hardware will be required.

Winsage

April 22, 2026

Microsoft Changes Windows Security After 15 Years—Update By ‘End Of April’

Microsoft is set to expire the Secure Boot authentication certificates that protect Windows PCs from threats upon each restart, with this initiative beginning in April 2023. The update will install new certificates and confirm if user action is necessary, with all devices expected to have the update by the end of April 2026. Users can check their Secure Boot status in Windows Security, where a badge system indicates the status. If the certificates expire, users may be at risk of boot-level malware. Microsoft is enhancing visibility of Secure Boot certificate status to aid user awareness. Users should check their PC by the end of the month to ensure it is updated.

Winsage

April 22, 2026

Microsoft Teams 26072.519.4556.7438: Right-click bug on desktop

The Microsoft Teams desktop client has a bug affecting users on macOS and Windows after the update to build 26072.519.4556.7438, specifically with the right-click functionality not working. Users are advised to use keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+C, Ctrl+X, Ctrl+V) for clipboard operations. The issue was first mentioned on the Patchmanagement.org mailing list, referencing issue TM1279908, which noted service degradation alerts from Microsoft 365. Users have reported problems with copying and pasting URLs, text, and images, with the paste option grayed out in the context menu. Microsoft has identified a potential root cause and is rolling out a fix while monitoring telemetry data, with the next status update expected on April 21, 2026.

AppWizard

April 22, 2026

Tired Of Google Messages? These 4 Texting Apps Might Be Better For You

Samsung plans to retire its proprietary messaging app by July 2026, leading many Android users to rely on Google Messages. Major carriers like AT&T have stopped supporting their own messaging apps, potentially creating a monopoly. Alternative SMS-enabled apps include: - Pulse SMS: Syncs across devices, offers password-protected cloud backups, and has end-to-end encryption for stored conversations. It has a 3.6-star rating on Google Play. - Chomp SMS: Highly customizable with features like scheduled messages and block lists. It remains free with ads, but some users find the customization options complex. - Handcent Next SMS: Incorporates AI for features like text extraction and grammar checks. It has over one million downloads and a 4.4-star rating, but requests a high number of permissions. - Textra SMS: Offers faster performance and extensive customization, aiming to replace default messaging apps. It follows a "free forever" model but lacks cross-device functionality and encryption. The selection of these alternatives was based on Google Play ratings above 3.5 stars, a minimum of 50,000 user reviews, and recent updates.

Winsage

April 22, 2026

Microsoft Changes Windows Security After 15 Years—Update By ‘End Of April’

Microsoft is updating the Secure Boot certificates for Windows PCs, which have been in place since 2011. This update will begin with the April security patch rollout and is expected to be fully deployed across PCs by the end of April 2026. Users can check the status of the Secure Boot update by navigating to Windows Security > Device security > Secure Boot, where a color-coded badge will indicate the current status. The update will install new certificates and confirm if user action is necessary. If the badge is red, immediate attention is required. Microsoft is enhancing the visibility of the Secure Boot certificate status within Windows Security to aid users in verifying the update. The certificates will not expire for several more weeks, so users should check their systems by the end of the month.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

After 2 years of silence, an extraction shooter we liked back in 2022 for its ‘impeccable vibes’ suddenly springs back to life on Steam

In 2022, Marauders, an extraction shooter, launched in early access on Steam, gaining a notable player base despite not being free-to-play. However, updates ceased after the Retribution update in August 2024, leading to over 20 months without new content. Recently, developers announced they had focused on a comprehensive overhaul of the game, which generated mixed reactions from the community. Some players are hopeful for its revival, as evidenced by 11 pages of comments following the update. The competitive landscape for extraction shooters has intensified with new titles like Arc Raiders and Marathon.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

Gemini keeps its ears open for ‘Continued Conversations’ in Google Home

Google Home's "Gemini for Home" program has been updated to include the "Continued Conversations" feature, allowing users to interact without repeating commands. Gemini retains contextual information for more fluid conversations and understands casual phrases better, reducing miscommunication. Additionally, Gemini has improved music recognition and playback capabilities, making it a more effective home DJ. The AI can now also manage complex, multi-step tasks more efficiently, enhancing productivity and user experience.

Winsage

April 21, 2026

Microsoft’s next Windows 11 update targets stability and speed

Microsoft has released new preview versions of Windows 11 for Insiders across the Beta, Dev, and Canary channels, focusing on enhancing stability and performance. Key enhancements include: - File Explorer: Faster, smoother, and more reliable experience. - Settings App: Improved navigation and consistent user interface. - Drop Tray: Functioning seamlessly. - Clipboard History: Quicker response time. - Storage Settings: Enhanced performance for large-volume storage. - Windows Hello: Greater reliability. - Keyboard Input and Voice Control: More uniform experience. - Startup Applications: Improved performance and memory management. - Screen Content Display: Enhanced stability in displaying content, audio, and fonts. - Overall Security: Improved security measures. These updates aim for reliability and consistency, with significant enhancements expected to be available to the public by May 2026.

Tech Optimizer

April 21, 2026

Microsoft says Windows 11 users do not need third-party antivirus software

Microsoft has introduced built-in antivirus software, Microsoft Defender, in Windows 11, which is active by default and continuously updated. Independent testing shows Defender achieving a score of 6 out of 6 from AV-Test and real-world protection rates between 98.5% and 100% from AV-Comparatives. The security features include real-time scanning, behavior monitoring, cloud-delivered protection, SmartScreen technology, Controlled Folder Access, and Smart App Control. Microsoft acknowledges that while Defender is sufficient for most users, third-party solutions may be necessary in enterprise environments. Windows Security benefits from automatic updates through Windows Update, providing continuous protection. Over 500 million Windows 11 users have received this updated guidance.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

New Marathon update bolsters free kit meds, and solo runs are all the better for it

The latest patch from Bungie has enhanced the Standard Sponsored Kits in Marathon, increasing the quantity of meds they contain and expanding their stack size. Specifically, the stack size of Depleted Patch Kits and Depleted Shield Charges has been doubled from three to six. This change improves the supply of essential items and allows for more inventory space for high-value items. Additionally, Bungie has addressed several bugs and refined the radial menu's accuracy to prevent accidental actions, such as throwing a grenade instead of deploying a shield. These updates are expected to encourage more players to use free loadouts and create a more favorable environment for newer players.