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Winsage

August 11, 2026

Microsoft PowerToys will soon take full advantage of the same AI that powers Copilot+ PCs

Microsoft PowerToys has introduced on-device support for Phi Silica, a small language model, in its latest preview version, enhancing the Advanced Paste feature for clipboard management. Advanced Paste can format clipboard content in various formats, extract text from images using OCR, and transcode audio and video files. It now supports multiple AI models, including local options like Foundry Local and Ollama. The latest version, PowerToys v0.101.2211.0, includes improvements such as enhanced AI customization for Advanced Paste, better dialog handling in the Command Palette, and improved window management features. Mouse Jump has transitioned to the newer WinUI app architecture, and new settings have been added for update channel selection and bug reporting.

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Microsoft Patches 398 Flaws Including a Windows Driver Zero-Day Under Active Attack

Microsoft's recent security updates addressed a significant vulnerability, CVE-2026-68820, in a core Windows kernel driver that is being actively exploited, allowing attackers to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level. This vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.0 and is the only one flagged as under active exploitation. Check Point Research links it to the Lazarus group. Additionally, four other vulnerabilities included in the update do not require victim action: - CVE-2026-62878: A stack-based buffer overflow in Windows DNS Server, considered wormable. - CVE-2026-62893: A remote flaw in Windows Deployment Services through TFTP handling. - CVE-2026-62815: A vulnerability in Microsoft QUIC allowing remote code execution. - CVE-2026-59124: An important flaw in HPC Pack with a CVSS score of 9.8. The updates also finalized a fix for a SharePoint vulnerability chain, with CVE-2026-55040 addressing an authentication bypass and CVE-2026-63520 fixing the code execution component. Organizations are advised to prioritize patching CVE-2026-68820 and then address the other vulnerabilities, ensuring SharePoint installations have both fixes applied.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Even the AI assistant inside Russia’s state-backed Max messenger tells users not to trust the app

Alisa, the AI assistant in the Max messenger, has recommended users consider alternative messaging platforms such as Telegram, Signal, or WhatsApp. She highlighted several security vulnerabilities in Max, including the absence of end-to-end encryption and the direction of user data to VK-owned servers. The data collected by Max includes IP addresses, activity timestamps, contact lists, device and browser types, internet service provider information, and various metadata. Alisa suggests that users keep Max on a separate device, referred to as a “maxphone,” to protect sensitive information. If used on personal devices, she recommends using the browser version and restricting the app's access to location services, contacts, microphone, and camera to enhance privacy and security.

BetaBeacon

August 11, 2026

Aptoide Games Joins Google Play: First Rival Android Store in Over Decade

The Play Catalog Access Program was implemented on July 22, 2026, as a result of a court order after Google lost a lawsuit filed by Epic Games for illegally monopolizing Android app distribution and in-app billing. The program allows enrolled stores, such as Aptoide Games, to access Google Play's app catalog and offer users the ability to install apps through Google Play's infrastructure, maintaining security and service fees.

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Microsoft releases Windows 11 August 2026 Patch Tuesday update

Microsoft has enhanced its support services for Windows users by introducing a revamped support interface, improved search functionality, an expanded knowledge base, and live chat support. The new interface categorizes support topics for easier navigation, while the search feature provides tailored responses to user queries. The knowledge base has been enriched with more articles and tutorials, and live chat connects users with representatives for real-time assistance. Microsoft is also encouraging community engagement through forums and focusing on accessibility to accommodate users with varying needs.

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Windows 11 KB5121003 & KB5120240 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released cumulative updates KB512103 and KB5120240 for Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2, addressing security vulnerabilities, bugs, and introducing new features. These updates include the August 2026 Patch Tuesday security patches, which address 400 vulnerabilities. Users can install the updates via Start > Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. This is the eighth 'Patch Tuesday' release of 2026, with no exclusive changes for either version. Key enhancements in the August 2026 update include: - File Explorer: Improved file size display, middle-click functionality for folders, resolution of loading issues, and enhanced clarity of file thumbnails. - Windows Search: Better handling of typos in app search and improved relevance of settings in search results. - Voice Access: Introduction of Voice Isolation and Korean language support, along with reliability improvements. - Widgets: Taskbar notification badges now reflect the Windows accent color, and the Lock screen Widgets experience has been simplified. - Start Menu: Improved reliability of view preferences and enhanced keyboard navigation. - Windows Hello: Enhanced Sign-in Security now supports peripheral fingerprint sensors. - Power and Battery: Improved reliability of power settings and restored threshold setting for energy saver activation. - Accessibility: Enhanced Magnifier experience on touch devices. Microsoft has not reported any new issues related to this month's updates.

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Microsoft Releases August 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates

Microsoft has released the August 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for all supported versions of Windows 11, including the KB5121000 update for version 26H1, which introduces a new Screen tint accessibility option, a subdued Widgets experience, and the ability to pause Windows Updates for up to 35 days. The KB5121003 update for versions 25H2 and 24H2 includes new gesture controls for precision touchpads, enhanced Windows Hello security for peripheral fingerprint sensors, taskbar notification badges reflecting the Windows accent color, improved app search functionality, upgraded Voice Access with Voice Isolation, better Windows Update settings, and the ability to set a threshold for energy saver activation. Additionally, Microsoft has addressed 398 Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) this month, with 62 classified as ‘Critical’ and one ‘Important’ flaw currently being exploited by attackers.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Xodus Cracks Xbox Authentication and Game Package Decryption to Bring PC Game Pass to Linux

Developers of the Heroic Games Launcher have announced Xodus, an open-source project aimed at enabling access to PC Game Pass on Linux and macOS. Launched on August 10, 2026, Xodus has successfully addressed Xbox identity authentication and the decryption of MSIXVC packages, allowing local play of Game Pass titles for Linux and macOS users. Currently, the only way to access Game Pass on non-Windows devices is through Xbox Cloud Gaming, which requires a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and introduces latency. Xodus employs a layered architecture, including an Xbox Authentication Library (xal-rs) for managing Microsoft account sign-ins and license verification, and a reimplementation of the xgameruntime.dll for license checks and Xbox service access. The project can retrieve MSIXVC game packages using a valid Game Pass subscription and decrypt executables for local storage. However, it does not yet support UWP-based titles and lacks a user-friendly interface for general users. The project is under pressure due to Microsoft's upcoming transition to the MSIXVC2 package format, which Xodus does not currently support. Xodus is in early development with only a command-line interface available, and the team is working on emulating the GDK Gaming Services layer necessary for game initialization. The project is legal as it reimplements Xbox runtime behavior without enabling piracy, but it faces risks if Microsoft alters its authentication infrastructure.

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Windows 11’s RAM-hogging, advert-laden Weather app is the poster child for everything that’s wrong with the operating system

The Weather app in Windows 11 can consume over 1GB of RAM, raising concerns about performance and user experience. Microsoft is aware of the need for performance enhancements, particularly for devices with limited RAM, as many manufacturers are reverting to 8GB laptops. The app's memory usage and inclusion of advertisements contribute to user frustration, with complaints similar to those from Windows 10. Users express discontent over ads in native apps, questioning the value of a paid operating system. Microsoft has committed to reducing upselling in Windows 11, and addressing the Weather app's issues could improve user satisfaction.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Notability Brings Fully Native, AI-Assisted Note-taking To Android

Ginger Labs, Inc. has launched its note-taking app Notability on the Android platform via the Google Play Store, allowing millions of new users to access its features. The app was developed with feedback from Android beta testers and includes features such as S pen support, various paper templates, intra-document links to PDFs, and note export capabilities. Notability for Android offers a native experience with unique features like playful pen styles, enhanced handwriting recognition, audio recording with transcription, and real-time syncing across devices. The app also incorporates AI tools for generating quizzes and flashcards, instant live transcription, and access to over 20,000 free note templates. Subscriptions and one-time purchase options are available in the Google Play Store.