user requests Archives

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Hands-On: The New Windows 11 Taskbar

Microsoft is refining the Taskbar in Windows 11 as part of its updates within the Windows Insider Program. The Taskbar has undergone significant changes, including a centered layout and the removal of features like relocating it to different screen edges. Users can now align the Taskbar to the left, toggle visibility for Search, Task view, and Widgets, and drag files to app shortcuts. A Mute/Unmute microphone button has also been introduced. Microsoft has acknowledged user feedback regarding the Taskbar's size and functionality, with plans to allow repositioning and a smaller version of the Taskbar. As of late May, a new build introduced options for Taskbar positioning and smaller taskbar buttons, allowing users to place the Taskbar at the top or sides of the screen.

Winsage

May 30, 2026

Tested: Windows 11’s new Start menu lets you fully customize it, and it works surprisingly well

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Build 26300.8553, featuring a redesigned Start menu that addresses user complaints about customization and performance. The update introduces section-level toggles for managing the visibility of Pinned, Recent, and All sections. The Recommended section has been rebranded as Recent, allowing users to display recently accessed files and customize its visibility. Users can also disable Pinned apps and All apps, leading to a minimalist Start menu. Three size options for the Start menu are available: Automatic, Small, and Medium. The All apps section can be viewed in Grid or List format. Users can hide their name and profile picture from the Start menu. A native Start menu is in development, with plans to use native WinUI 3 frameworks for improved performance. Additionally, a new Low Latency Profile CPU boost is being rolled out to enhance responsiveness.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

Oppo open-sources Android AI agent X-OmniClaw that uses your camera, screen, and voice without leaving the phone

Oppo's Multi-X team has introduced X-OmniClaw, an open-source AI agent for Android that operates on the device without cloud processing. It uses the camera, screen, and voice functionalities to perform tasks across applications. Unlike cloud-based platforms, X-OmniClaw processes information locally, with the cloud serving as a supplementary resource. The architecture integrates three perception channels into a unified pipeline, allowing it to interpret scenes and user requests effectively. It transforms local data into semantic entries for long-term memory, processes gallery photos into descriptions, and filters out sensitive information. X-OmniClaw captures user behavior into reusable skills, enabling direct navigation to app pages through deeplinks. Demonstrations show its ability to retrieve product prices, assist with homework, and create highlight albums from photos. The project is built on the open-source HermesApp codebase and is accessible on GitHub. It draws inspiration from existing models, including Google's local model and ByteDance's UI-TARS, while enhancing functionality through on-device execution and structural XML data integration.

Winsage

May 11, 2026

Microsoft brings Refresh & Print back to Windows 11 File Explorer right-click, plus readable file sizes for Details view

Windows 11 is set to reintroduce the ‘Refresh’ button in the context menu, addressing user requests. Currently, File Explorer features two right-click menus: a modern context menu and an optional legacy menu, with the modern version lacking certain features like ‘Refresh’ and ‘Print.’ Improvements are also being made to the Details view in File Explorer, which will soon display file sizes in appropriate units (KB, MB, GB) for better clarity. Additionally, the address bar functionality will be enhanced, allowing users to enter paths with double backslashes or quotation marks. Other updates include accurate display of renamed files, proper closing of the address bar when selecting items from suggestions, and smoother keyboard shortcuts in flyouts. These updates are available in Windows 11 Experimental Build 26300.8376 and will roll out to all users in the coming weeks.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

April Xbox Update: Customize Your Console, Manually Add Your Favorite Games on PC, and More.

Users can now customize console colors by adjusting sliders for a unique hue, which will accentuate elements of the console interface. Quick Resume has been enhanced to allow disabling on a per-game basis. The Play History feature has been revamped with a new tab for easier access. A User Selected Resolution feature lets players choose streaming resolution, while a Network Quality Indicator provides real-time network health insights. PC gamers can manually add any installed game or app to their Xbox library. Users can pin up to three favorite games for quick access. A Gamepad Cursor feature allows navigation in non-controller apps. Xbox notifications can be repositioned on the Game Bar. The Xbox mobile app now includes wishlist alerts for game changes. Recent updates for the ROG Xbox Ally improve external display experiences. Microsoft Rewards is hosting a Total Prize Drop event with prizes up to ,000,000. The Handheld Compatibility Program has expanded, adding titles like Hades II as handheld optimized. Xbox Cloud Gaming now includes over 1,000 games for streaming.

Winsage

April 24, 2026

Your Windows update experience just got updated

Windows Insiders are receiving enhancements to the Windows Update experience based on user feedback, focusing on providing more control and reducing disruptions. Key features include: 1. The ability to skip updates during the out-of-box experience (OOBE). 2. Extended options for pausing updates for up to 35 days, with the ability to re-pause as needed. 3. Separation of power actions from update actions, allowing users to shut down or restart without triggering updates. 4. Enhanced insights on available updates, including device class information for driver updates. Additionally, the update process will be unified to minimize reboots, with a single restart expected per month for most users. Updates will download in the background and can be manually initiated by users. Improvements also focus on reducing update times and implementing automatic recovery measures for update failures.

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.

Tech Optimizer

April 16, 2026

Deploy Postgres and MySQL databases with PlanetScale + Workers

Cloudflare has deepened its partnership with PlanetScale to enhance the developer experience by providing Cloudflare Workers with access to Postgres and MySQL databases. Users will be able to create PlanetScale databases directly from the Cloudflare dashboard and API, with billing handled through their Cloudflare accounts. Cloudflare credits can be applied towards PlanetScale databases. The integration allows developers to link their PlanetScale accounts and create Postgres databases from the Cloudflare dashboard. Starting next month, new PlanetScale databases will be billed directly to Cloudflare accounts. The integration uses Hyperdrive for database connectivity, managing connection pools and query caching. PlanetScale offers performance and reliability, allowing developers to choose between Postgres and Vitess MySQL. Cloudflare users can deploy PlanetScale databases directly from Cloudflare, with features like query insights and usage breakdowns included. A single node on PlanetScale Postgres starts at a specified monthly rate. Developers can configure Workers to minimize latency by placing them near the primary database, with future plans to automate this process. Currently, billing for existing PlanetScale databases is processed through PlanetScale, but new databases will be billed through Cloudflare starting next month. Further enhancements and API integration are planned, with community feedback encouraged.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

Easy as pie: Google’s Gemini uses your memories for AI photos that feel personal

A personalization upgrade for Google's Gemini has been rolled out, enhancing its image generation capabilities through Personal Intelligence and the Nano Banana 2. Users can request personalized photos using simple prompts, as the AI analyzes their photo library and video archives. This feature will be available soon for subscribers of the AI Pro, Plus, and Ultra tiers. By connecting the Photos app to Personal Intelligence, users can enable the AI to create tailored images based on actual memories. Nano Banana 2, launched in February, has improved speed and precision, offering generated content in resolutions from 512px to 4K.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

Google Unveils AppFunctions to Connect AI Agents and Android Apps

Google has introduced early beta features for Android aimed at enhancing task-centric capabilities through an "agent-first" operating system. The key component is AppFunctions, a Jetpack API that allows developers to expose self-describing capabilities within their applications for seamless interaction with AI agents while prioritizing user privacy and performance by executing tasks on-device. AppFunctions operates similarly to backend capabilities declared via MCP cloud servers but runs locally on the device. Additionally, a UI automation platform has been introduced to assist users in performing complex tasks without requiring developer input. This platform allows users to complete tasks like placing pizza orders or coordinating rideshares through the Gemini Assistant. Privacy and user control are emphasized, with all interactions designed for on-device execution and mandatory confirmations for sensitive tasks. Currently, these features are in early beta and available exclusively on the Galaxy S26 series, with plans for broader deployment in Android 17.