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Windows 11’s February Insider update adds new features — but which ones actually matter? Here are the 11 biggest.
Winsage
March 1, 2026

Windows 11’s February Insider update adds new features — but which ones actually matter? Here are the 11 biggest.

Microsoft has released enhancements to Windows 11 in build 26300.7877, including: - Modern content menu improvements, showing application icons for specific file types when right-clicked. - Updates to File Explorer with dark mode improvements for the Folder Options dialog. - Changes to the Settings app for better clarity and usability. - A redesigned "About" settings page focusing on key hardware specifications. - Introduction of the Cross-Device Resume feature, allowing users to resume applications from Android devices on Windows 11. - New customization options for the Narrator tool, enabling users to select which properties are read aloud. - Windows Hello now supports external biometric fingerprint readers for enhanced security. - Voice Typing updates allowing users to set a wait time before executing voice commands. - Redesigned SCOOBE page for a streamlined setup process. - Expansion of the AI agent in the Settings app to support additional languages. - Quick Machine Recovery feature enabled by default on Windows 11 Pro editions. - Camera support for pan and tilt settings accessible from device properties. - A new network speed test feature available from the Taskbar. - Improvements to the Widgets dashboard with a new settings page. Additionally, changes from build 28020.1619 are related to version 26H1, designed for new ARM64 hardware expected in 2026, and the Canary Channel has been divided into two paths for different versions.
Android desktop will put Gemini front and center — just as you'd expect
AppWizard
February 10, 2026

Android desktop will put Gemini front and center — just as you’d expect

Google is integrating its Gemini feature into Android to enhance its desktop capabilities. Gemini will be pinned to the top right corner of the upcoming Android desktop interface and can be launched using a keyboard shortcut with the Google key and Space. The latest beta version of the Google app (version 17.5) confirms this setup. Additionally, an animation featuring Gemini appears during the setup phase of PCs running the new Aluminium OS, suggesting a streamlined user experience.
Microsoft previews command-line tool created because calling modern Windows APIs is too difficult
Winsage
January 27, 2026

Microsoft previews command-line tool created because calling modern Windows APIs is too difficult

Microsoft has introduced a new command-line tool called winapp to simplify developer interactions with modern Windows APIs. This tool aims to address the challenges developers face when integrating with contemporary Windows programming interfaces by providing a more accessible command-line interface. Winapp is designed to streamline various tasks, allowing developers to execute commands without extensive coding knowledge, thereby enhancing productivity and encouraging broader engagement in Windows development. Key features include a user-friendly interface, reduced complexity of API calls, and community-driven development for continuous improvement.
6 exciting and niche OS projects that are quietly growing as users leave Windows
Winsage
October 27, 2025

6 exciting and niche OS projects that are quietly growing as users leave Windows

More individuals are dissatisfied with Windows due to updates, telemetry, and restrictive design choices, especially with the end of life for Windows 10 approaching. This has led to a subtle migration towards niche operating systems. Zorin OS is a user-friendly Linux distribution designed for newcomers, featuring a familiar interface that mimics Windows and macOS, and is powered by Ubuntu for stability. It includes Zorin Connect for synchronizing notifications and emphasizes security and privacy. Haiku is a lightweight operating system that serves as a successor to BeOS, focusing on speed and simplicity, built entirely from scratch for a snappy user experience. SerenityOS is an independent project created from the ground up, featuring a nostalgic aesthetic and a complete desktop environment, with a focus on usability and craftsmanship. Ultramarine Linux is a Fedora-based distribution that simplifies open-source software for users, offering multimedia codecs and multiple desktop environments for a comprehensive experience. Vanilla OS introduces a modern approach to Linux with immutability, protecting core system files and allowing independent application management to enhance stability. ReactOS aims to recreate the Windows experience using open-source code, focusing on compatibility with Windows applications and drivers while fostering a community around its development.
Microsoft rolls out Copilot Chat to Microsoft 365 Office apps
Winsage
September 17, 2025

Microsoft rolls out Copilot Chat to Microsoft 365 Office apps

Microsoft is introducing Copilot Chat to its applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, for paying Microsoft 365 business customers. Copilot Chat is an AI-driven chat solution that provides web-based insights, unlike its predecessor, which accessed organizational content. It is available at no additional cost for users with Entra accounts holding specific Microsoft 365 licenses. Users can access Copilot Chat in a side pane, allowing for seamless interaction while working on documents. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license enables access to all work data, enhancing the functionality of Copilot Chat. Microsoft plans to automatically install the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on Windows devices outside the EEA region starting next month, with IT administrators able to opt out. Additionally, Microsoft will integrate Copilot agents into the Edge sidebar in late September 2025.
Windows is getting a better em dash keyboard shortcut.
Winsage
August 29, 2025

Windows is getting a better em dash keyboard shortcut.

Microsoft is enhancing the keyboard experience for Windows users by introducing a new, simplified shortcut for inserting em dashes and en dashes in Windows 11. Previously, users used Alt+0151 for an em dash (—) and Alt+0150 for an en dash (–). The update is expected to roll out to all Windows 11 users later this year.
Samsung plans to make Now Bar more useful by nearly doubling app support
AppWizard
July 23, 2025

Samsung plans to make Now Bar more useful by nearly doubling app support

Samsung's Now Bar feature, initially introduced with the Galaxy S25 series, has expanded to the cover screen of the Galaxy Z Flip with the One UI 8 update. As of June 2025, it supports approximately 20 applications, including those from Samsung, Google, and third-party developers, with plans to increase this number to 35 by the end of 2025. The expansion is enabled by a new API in One UI 8 based on Android 16, allowing applications to create “Live Notifications.” Current compatible applications include various Samsung apps (e.g., Media Player, Notes, SmartThings TV Remote), Google apps (e.g., Google Maps), and third-party apps (e.g., Uber, Waymo). Samsung's documentation lists 19 specific applications but suggests a 20th app is forthcoming.
Gemini overlay brings back shortcut to open full app on Android
AppWizard
July 21, 2025

Gemini overlay brings back shortcut to open full app on Android

The Gemini overlay on Android has been updated to include a new shortcut that allows users to quickly open the full Gemini app via a drag handle at the top of the overlay. This feature provides access to chat history, Gems, and settings. The updated prompt bar offers seamless access to features like Video, Deep Research, and Canvas chips, while the design of the 'plus' menu has been refreshed. The overlay shortcut is being rolled out with versions 16.27 (stable) and 16.28 (beta) of the Google app, and users may need to force stop the app to activate it. Additionally, the overlay now supports right-alignment on tablets and foldables.
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