user preferences Archives

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

Google Gemini is finally becoming the personal assistant we were promised

Google is developing an AI assistant named "Remy," powered by its Gemini technology, which aims to function as a digital operator managing various tasks. Internal testing is underway, and Remy will be integrated within the Gemini app to assist with work, school, and personal responsibilities while adapting to user preferences. Google employees are already engaging with Remy in trials. The Gemini app currently summarizes emails, responds to inquiries, creates documents, and interacts with Google services, with Remy's potential extending beyond these capabilities. Google has enhanced Gemini's planning and agent features, preparing Remy for more autonomous tasks. Project Mariner, an experimental browser agent, has concluded, and its technology is now part of Gemini Agent. Researchers have raised security concerns regarding AI agents due to their access to sensitive information. While an official launch date for Remy is not announced, Google suggests that 2026 will be significant for Android, with Gemini absorbing functionalities from the legacy Google Assistant. The development of such assistants raises privacy concerns as users may be uneasy about granting extensive access to their personal lives.

Winsage

May 7, 2026

Microsoft finally begins testing Windows 10-like smaller taskbar for Windows 11 after removing it in 2021

Microsoft is refining Windows 11 based on user feedback, planning to reintroduce a smaller taskbar and resize controls similar to Windows 10. Early signs of these changes are evident in preview builds, specifically in Windows 11 Build 26300.8346, which features a compact Widgets button. Currently, Windows 11 allows for smaller taskbar buttons but not a smaller taskbar overall. Upcoming updates aim to restore the full functionality of the Windows 10 taskbar. Microsoft has acknowledged past missteps and is committed to enhancements, including improved performance and a more efficient File Explorer. Up to 18 major changes are being tested for Windows 11, with some already implemented in the April 2026 update, which includes improvements to system tray loading, Windows Hello reliability, and performance issues in File Explorer. Future changes will also focus on reducing advertisements and enhancing user experience.

Winsage

May 5, 2026

Microsoft is finally ditching the junk MSN feed in Windows widgets

Microsoft will eliminate the MSN news feed from the widgets panel in Windows 11, shifting to a "quiet by default" experience. This change includes disabling the automatic opening of the widgets panel when hovering over its taskbar icon and turning off distracting taskbar badges by default. Users will now see a more personalized set of information in the widgets panel instead of notifications related to stocks, weather, or news. These updates aim to create a less distracting interface and improve the overall user experience in Windows 11, with further enhancements expected throughout 2026.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

NTLite Update Lets Users Strip Copilot and AI Features From Windows 11 25H2 Installation Images

NTLite has released version 2026.04.10936, which allows users to remove AI features like Copilot and Windows Recall from Windows 11 25H2 installation images. The update includes faster, multi-threaded extraction capabilities that reduce processing time for Windows images and results in a smaller installation size. NTLite modifies the installation image directly, enabling a streamlined installation without the need for post-installation uninstallation of these features. The tool is available for free download, with a paid license option for advanced features. The demand for such tools has increased due to Microsoft's integration of AI features in Windows 11.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

Microsoft says it’ll simpilify Windows 11’s Edge browser by removing features like Sidebar, pledges to win back users

Microsoft is removing the Sidebar feature from Microsoft Edge, starting with users of Microsoft accounts (MSA), though no specific timeline has been provided. The Sidebar, which allowed users to integrate web apps like Outlook and Bing, will no longer support adding new apps, and its quick access list will be gradually removed. The Copilot feature within the Sidebar will remain unaffected. CEO Satya Nadella stated that Microsoft is committed to enhancing user engagement across its platforms, including Edge, which has gained market share for 20 consecutive quarters.

Tech Optimizer

May 3, 2026

TigerFS Mounts PostgreSQL As Transactional Filesystem

TigerFS is an open-source project introduced on April 4, 2026, by Michael Freedman, the CTO of TigerData. It allows users to mount a PostgreSQL database as a POSIX-like filesystem, storing database rows as individual files while ensuring ACID guarantees. Key features include an MIT license, support for both file-first and data-first workflows, mounting options using FUSE on Linux and NFS on macOS, and integration with standard Unix tools.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Microsoft brings a Linux-style window trick to Windows 11 via PowerToys, and I can’t go back

Microsoft's PowerToys version 0.99 introduces two new tools: Grab And Move and Power Display, along with enhancements to the Command Palette Dock. Grab And Move allows users to reposition application windows by holding the Alt key and dragging anywhere on the window, facilitating easier window management. Users can customize the activation key and toggle the feature off during gaming sessions. There are also options to exclude specific applications from using this feature. Power Display enables users to manage monitor settings directly from the system tray, including brightness, contrast, volume, rotation, and color temperature adjustments. It supports multi-monitor setups with DDC/CI standards and includes a Profiles option for saving specific monitor settings. The Command Palette Dock now features a compact mode and customization options for pinned commands, improving user accessibility and screen space utilization.

Winsage

April 30, 2026

Microsoft should steal concepts from this Windows redesign project: Envisioning an ad‑free Windows 11 without AI clutter

Windows 11 has faced criticism from users regarding its hardware requirements and perceived overload of features. A customization community has emerged, with developers like Raditya Aryaputra proposing a "Refined" version of Windows 11 that focuses on essential features and a cleaner interface. This concept includes a compact Start menu without ads or forced recommendations and a more intuitive Windows Search. Microsoft is planning enhancements for Windows 11, internally referred to as Windows K2, set for a 2026 release, which may incorporate user feedback and ideas from Aryaputra's project. Microsoft has also redesigned the Start menu but received feedback that it is too large and lacks customization. The company is reintroducing Windows Insider meetups for user feedback and reassessing its AI strategy within Windows 11. Mainstream support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, pushing users towards Windows 11.

AppWizard

April 28, 2026

Logitech’s new gaming keyboard lets you hot swap analog and mechanical switches

Logitech has introduced the G512 X gaming keyboard, which features the ability to switch between analog TMR switches and traditional mechanical switches. It has 39 swappable keyswitch locations, allowing for customization with various switch types. The keyboard supports analog input functions for enhanced gameplay, including dual-actuation points and tactile feedback. It is a wired keyboard with an 8kHz report rate and comes in two form factors: 75% (G512 X 75) and 98% (G512 X 98), with the latter including a numpad. The G512 X features a black and purple design, Lightsync RGB light bar, and backlit keys. It will launch on May 2, priced at 9.99 / £169.99 / €189.99 for the G512 X 75 and 9.99 / £199.99 / €219.99 for the G512 X 98.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

Social media giant spins off new app for disappearing photos

Meta has launched a new standalone application called Instants for sharing disappearing photos with friends. The app opens directly to the camera, allowing users to quickly capture and send images that vanish after being viewed or within 24 hours. Instants is inspired by Snapchat's model and aims to foster connections through fleeting moments. It allows for sharing and viewing images within the app or through Instagram. Despite its launch, Instants has seen only over 100 downloads on the Play Store, indicating a slow uptake in user interest.