NewApp Digest
search bot

usability

Microsoft wants Windows 11’s right-click menu to work the way it should, by giving users more control
Winsage
August 2, 2026

Microsoft wants Windows 11’s right-click menu to work the way it should, by giving users more control

Microsoft is redesigning the context menu in Windows 11 to address complaints about its sluggishness and clutter. The new design will feature a more compact layout that enhances loading speed and offers full customization options. Users will be able to prioritize frequently used actions, hide seldom-used entries, and rearrange items in the menu. This initiative is part of the broader Windows K2 project aimed at improving the operating system's performance and user experience. The redesigned context menu is currently functional in internal testing, but no timeline for its public rollout has been announced.
How to sideload Android APKs on your Chromebook
AppWizard
August 2, 2026

How to sideload Android APKs on your Chromebook

A Chromebook can be used for productivity, gaming, and entertainment, and users can sideload Android apps when they are not available on the Google Play Store. Sideloading involves installing Android Package Kits (APKs) directly onto the device, but caution is advised as these apps have not been verified by Google. Users should research APKs to ensure they are legitimate and free from malware. To sideload an app, users can enable Linux on their Chromebook and use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This requires enabling ADB debugging in the Linux development environment and using the Terminal to install the APK. Alternatively, users can run APKs using an emulator in Android Studio, which involves setting up Android Studio and creating an Android Virtual Device to install the APK.
Your Samsung phone already has something better than Android 17 App Bubbles — here’s how to use it
AppWizard
August 2, 2026

Your Samsung phone already has something better than Android 17 App Bubbles — here’s how to use it

Android 17 introduces App Bubbles, allowing users to create floating bubbles for apps on their screen for easier access while using other applications. Samsung Galaxy phones have a similar feature called Pop-Up View, which offers a more refined multitasking experience with resizable, floating windows. Pop-Up View allows users to interact with multiple apps simultaneously without disrupting the primary app, making it useful for tasks like watching videos while chatting. Users can access Pop-Up View through the Recents menu, a swipe gesture, or the Edge Panel. The swipe gesture is preferred for its speed, though it may require practice. Pop-Up View supports individual window resizing and maintains visibility of app contents in the background, unlike App Bubbles, which can obscure the screen.
You should deep clean your Windows PC every year to keep it running smoothly — here's how I do it
Winsage
August 2, 2026

You should deep clean your Windows PC every year to keep it running smoothly — here’s how I do it

Maintaining the performance of a Windows 11 computer requires regular care, particularly in software management. An annual deep clean is recommended, with the following steps to improve performance: 1. Uninstall Apps: Use BCUninstaller to remove unnecessary applications, including those from the Microsoft Store, with a bulk uninstall feature and a post-uninstallation cleanup for leftover files. 2. Run a Debloat Script: Utilize tools like Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility to disable unnecessary bloatware and manage telemetry settings. 3. Disable Startup Apps: Access the Task Manager to disable non-essential applications that launch at startup, improving boot times. 4. Check for Driver Updates: Ensure drivers are up to date through Windows Update and check graphics driver websites for the latest versions. 5. Run a Malware Scan: Use Malwarebytes for deep scans to identify and remove potential malware threats. 6. Delete Temporary Files: Clear temporary files through the Settings app and clean up web browser cached files to free up space.
Windows quality: an update on the commitment we made in March
Winsage
July 31, 2026

Windows quality: an update on the commitment we made in March

In March, a commitment was made to enhance the quality of Windows, with a focus on several immediate changes including enhanced taskbar customization, meaningful AI integration, minimizing disruptions from Windows Updates, faster and more reliable File Explorer, greater control over widgets and feed experiences, a more straightforward Windows Insider Program, and improving the Feedback Hub experience. The core areas of focus are performance, reliability, and well-crafted experiences, with improvements already being rolled out to Windows Insiders and set to expand across Windows 11 PCs this fall. Recent updates include enhancements to the Windows Search Box, improvements for developers at Build 2026, advancements in WinUI 3, updates to the Taskbar and Start menu, simplified AI integration, foundational architecture enhancements for File Explorer, updates to widgets and feed experiences, the launch of the Driver Quality Initiative (DQI), memory efficiency improvements, enhanced reliability for Windows Hello, changes to reduce disruptions from Windows Updates, and a simplified Windows Insider Program. Looking ahead, the team plans to bring enhancements to general availability while focusing on onboarding and setup, memory optimization for PCs with 8GB and above, family features, and improved voice interactions. Engaging with Windows Insiders has been a highlight, and the team remains committed to ongoing improvements based on user feedback.
Software takes center stage in this Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5 leak
AppWizard
July 31, 2026

Software takes center stage in this Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5 leak

Google is set to launch the Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and Pixel Watch 5 on August 12 in New York City. Leaked images reveal the user interface of these devices. The Pixel 11 Pro features various menus, including the home screen layout, Emergency SOS setup, TalkBack accessibility options, and Visual Voicemail functionalities. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold has a centered app drawer and a camera interface with video controls on the left and shutter, lens switching, and gallery buttons on the right. The Pixel Watch 5 showcases a circular app grid, large touch targets, and a keyboard layout optimized for its round display.
Windows NT 4.0 brought the Win95 UI to servers 30 years ago today — milestone unifying modern Windows OS hit RTM in the Pentium era
Winsage
July 31, 2026

Windows NT 4.0 brought the Win95 UI to servers 30 years ago today — milestone unifying modern Windows OS hit RTM in the Pentium era

On July 31, 1996, Microsoft released Windows NT 4.0, codenamed Cairo, which integrated the Windows 95 interface into a 32-bit enterprise operating system. It was the last version to support multiple CPU architectures, including Alpha, MIPS, and PowerPC. Windows NT 4.0 included features such as the Start Menu, Taskbar, Task Manager, and support for advanced functionalities like the cryptography API and DirectX (v2). The minimum hardware requirements were a CPU of 33 MHz or better, 32MB of RAM, SVGA graphics, and a 256 MB hard disk. Following its launch, Microsoft introduced versions for embedded systems and a Terminal Server edition. The release of Windows XP in 2001 marked a shift away from DOS-based consumer operating systems.
The latest Windows 11 update highlights the part of Microsoft I genuinely enjoy covering the most
Winsage
July 29, 2026

The latest Windows 11 update highlights the part of Microsoft I genuinely enjoy covering the most

Windows Insiders can explore a new build of Windows 11 that enhances accessibility features, particularly the upgraded Voice Access with Voice Isolation, which filters background noise for better voice command control in noisy environments. This update allows users to navigate their devices using voice commands alone, with a dock displaying spoken commands for immediate feedback. Voice Access now offers three speech recognition modes: Voice Isolation, which requires a one-time voice setup; Remove background noise only, which eliminates non-speech sounds without additional setup; and No filtering, the default mode. Additionally, the Narrator feature has improved support for HID-compliant braille displays, enabling plug-and-play connectivity via USB or Bluetooth, including during the initial Windows setup for users who are deaf-blind. Compatible HID displays include the Orbit Reader 20, Orbit Slate 340, Freedom Scientific Focus 40, and APH Mantis Q40. Customization options for braille input and output are available in the Accessibility settings under Narrator.
First look: Per-app zoom controls on Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8
AppWizard
July 28, 2026

First look: Per-app zoom controls on Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8

Samsung has launched the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Flip 8, with pre-orders underway. A new feature in One UI 9 stable allows individual zoom controls for apps, enhancing user experience. This capability, initially found in the firmware of the Z Fold 8 Ultra, is now available as a Labs option on the standard Z Fold 8, accessible through Settings -> Advanced features -> Labs. Users can choose from five different zoom levels for each app, although Samsung's own apps are not currently supported. Testing shows varying results in different applications, with Chrome and Google Maps exhibiting different scaling behaviors. There are questions about whether this feature will remain exclusive to the Z Fold 8 and if it will be available across all devices in the Z8 lineup after retail sales begin on August 7.
Search