Microsoft is testing an ad-supported option for streaming games from your library, allowing players to watch ads before playing without paying upfront.
Microsoft is retiring several outdated user interface elements from Windows 11, some dating back to Windows 95. The latest preview builds show a new File Explorer properties dialog box, part of Microsoft's initiative to replace antiquated dialog boxes with modern versions using WinUI 3. This modernization aims to enhance user experience but poses challenges due to the legacy nature of Windows 11, which may affect performance and third-party applications. Additionally, Microsoft is updating the Windows Run dialog to include a visual refresh and improved functionality, accessible via the Windows key + R shortcut. Users of Windows 11 Home may miss features available in Windows 11 Pro, with a special upgrade offer available.
On July 23, 2026, the stock Android Clock app on Google Pixel devices was updated to version v9.0, which includes a new feature called "Live Updates" that provides time-sensitive notifications in the status bar and lock screen. This feature is enabled by default upon updating.
The stock Android Clock app version 9.0 began rolling out on July 23, 2026, primarily for Google Pixel devices. The update introduces the “Timer Starter” widget, allowing users to start a timer directly from their home screen. The widget features default time options like “10 minutes” and “5 minutes” and dynamically updates to show recently set timers.
A cyber-espionage campaign has been identified involving a counterfeit Bahrain Alert Android application designed to surveil individuals in Bahrain and the Gulf region. The app masquerades as an official civil defense tool and employs social engineering tactics to compromise Android devices, extract sensitive data, and maintain remote access. It targets high-value individuals such as activists and journalists, particularly during civil unrest and missile alerts, leveraging trusted government branding to increase infection rates.
The malware features a complex, multi-stage architecture with advanced evasion techniques and is distributed through phishing links and malicious websites. It initiates a four-stage infection process, ultimately installing a remote access trojan (RAT) that enables covert surveillance and encrypted communications. The malware can monitor device activity, capture credentials, and intercept communications, while also employing mechanisms to avoid detection and maintain persistence.
The campaign primarily targets Bahraini citizens, exploiting fear during crises to encourage app installation. Although there are indications of Russian-speaking developers involved, there is no definitive attribution to a specific nation-state or APT group. Mitigation strategies include monitoring for suspicious app installations, user education on verifying app authenticity, and blocking known malicious domains.
In Chrome's multi-process pipeline, delays can disrupt visual fluidity, leading to missed deadlines and stuttering scrolls. The complexity of the input-rendering pipeline makes it challenging to identify the causes of scroll jank. Comprehensive instrumentation has been implemented to analyze the pipeline from input generation to GPU buffer presentation. Perfetto trace events are used to visually analyze each stage during scroll updates to identify irregularities contributing to scroll jank, with the goal of enhancing performance and reliability for a seamless browsing experience.
Google has improved Chrome on Android, resulting in 48% fewer scroll stutters compared to 2023. This enhancement is the result of nearly three years of engineering efforts and a comprehensive redesign of Chrome's rendering pipeline, leading to a smoother scrolling experience and reduced "scroll jank."
Microsoft will release a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved on July 28, 2026, priced at £40. The game is being developed by Halo Studios and will feature cooperative multiplayer for up to four players, but will not include player-versus-player options or a theater mode. It will offer the original campaign along with three bonus missions. The visual style has changed from the original, leading to mixed reactions regarding its aesthetics and audio updates. The remake has a file size of 70GB and may have performance issues on less powerful hardware. Comparatively, The Master Chief Collection offers more content for a lower price.
Microsoft has introduced enhancements to its Windows operating system security, including an update to Entra ID authentication with default passkeys and AI-enhanced security updates. A key advancement is the KMS Hardware-Secured initiative, which uses Trusted Platform Module (TPM)-based attestation to ensure KMS hosts operate on trusted hardware for Windows volume activation. This aims to combat risks from counterfeit KMS servers. Under the new model, KMS hosts will confirm their hardware identity using TPM before activating Windows devices. Starting in August 2026, Windows Server 2025 will provide readiness messaging for KMS host compliance with new security requirements. TPM attestation will be mandatory for KMS Hardware-Secured activation with the upcoming Windows Server 2028 LTSC release. Organizations are advised to prepare for this transition.
Windows 11 includes various settings that can significantly affect computer productivity and performance.
1. Windows Power Mode: This feature allows users to select performance settings under Settings > System > Power & battery. Options include “Best Power Efficiency,” “Best Performance,” and “Balanced.” For an Intel Core 300 laptop, power consumption varies as follows:
- Performance mode: 30W sustained, 60W boost
- Balanced mode: 25W sustained, 60W boost
- Efficiency mode: 15W sustained, 20W boost
Switching from “Balanced” to “Performance” mode can increase performance by 5%, while “Efficiency” mode can save up to 50% battery life with an 18% performance drop.
2. Storage Sense: Found under Settings > System > Storage, this feature automatically cleans up unnecessary files to maintain optimal SSD performance. It activates when free disk space falls below a certain threshold and can be manually triggered. Users can configure it to manage the Downloads folder and convert locally stored files backed up to OneDrive into cloud-only files.
3. OneDrive and Windows Backup: OneDrive syncs files between the cloud and PC, which can slow down performance, especially on asymmetric broadband connections. Users can adjust backup preferences through the OneDrive icon in the Action Center, but Windows may not always respect these settings, potentially leading to unwanted file re-downloads.