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Microsoft says it's optimizing Windows 11 for 8GB PCs, so I tested 26H2 on an 8GB laptop
Winsage
October 22, 2026

Microsoft says it’s optimizing Windows 11 for 8GB PCs, so I tested 26H2 on an 8GB laptop

Following the Windows 11 26H2 update, users with 8GB PCs reported a significant reduction in RAM usage. One user noted a decrease from 5GB to 3.3GB after a restart, while tests on a virtual machine showed RAM usage drop from 4.1GB to between 2.8GB and 3.2GB. Microsoft has optimized RAM usage for 8GB PCs, aiming for improvements through 2026, with anecdotal evidence suggesting a reduction of 1GB to 2GB in boot RAM usage. Specific improvements include Windows now retaining up to 2GB more active data in memory and allowing Widgets to load only when accessed, freeing over 200MB for other tasks. The separation of Widgets from the Discover feed has also contributed to reduced RAM usage.
Windows 11 cuts back some AI features — but that's overshadowed by a Microsoft exec admitting the design team is using... AI
Winsage
October 22, 2026

Windows 11 cuts back some AI features — but that’s overshadowed by a Microsoft exec admitting the design team is using… AI

Microsoft is streamlining some Copilot features in Windows 11 by removing certain options from the right-click context menu. Users can still access Copilot features through the 'Ask Copilot' icon. Diego Baca, Microsoft's Vice President of Design for Windows, mentioned that AI has accelerated the design team's workflow, allowing designers to contribute to code fixes, which has received mixed reactions online. Critics have expressed skepticism about Microsoft's coding practices and raised concerns about software reliability, linking these issues to the introduction of AI. The dissatisfaction appears to stem from ongoing problems with Windows 11's bug testing and update reliability rather than the use of AI itself.
Android Prototype Recommends Eyeglasses by Detected Face Type
AppWizard
October 21, 2026

Android Prototype Recommends Eyeglasses by Detected Face Type

A mobile research prototype has been developed that integrates image processing, deep learning, and internet-connected hardware to provide personalized eyeglass style recommendations based on facial type. The system operates through an Android application that captures or selects a user’s photograph, enhances it, and sends it to a connected device for analysis using deep-learning algorithms. The analysis determines the user's face type and generates a list of suitable eyeglass styles. The process involves four key components: image acquisition, image enhancement, remote analysis, and recommendation presentation. The smartphone acts as the user interface while computational tasks are handled by the connected device. The study does not provide quantifiable results on the accuracy of face classification or the quality of recommendations, nor does it specify details about the neural network architecture, training datasets, or criteria for facial categories. There is also no information on the dataset's size or composition, methods for determining face types, or evidence of improvements in appearance or fit.
Google extends free Pixel 9 Satellite SOS for one more year
AppWizard
October 21, 2026

Google extends free Pixel 9 Satellite SOS for one more year

Google has extended free access to its Satellite SOS feature for Pixel 9 owners for an additional year, following the conclusion of the initial two-year complimentary period. Satellite SOS, launched in 2024, allows users to contact emergency services and share their location without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. The feature is available on compatible Pixel devices, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but not on the Pixel 9a. The service's availability depends on the user's geographical location. Google has not yet announced any potential subscription pricing or whether the service will transition to a paid model after the extension period.
Android 17 beta tackles a security loophole thieves could exploit
AppWizard
October 21, 2026

Android 17 beta tackles a security loophole thieves could exploit

Google has released Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2, which includes a security enhancement for Pixel devices that requires PIN or fingerprint authentication to modify Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Mobile Data on a locked phone. Non-security tiles like Flashlight and Battery Saver remain accessible without authentication. The beta version also fixes issues such as random reboots, system crashes, Bluetooth pairing failures, and excessive idle battery drain. Users can activate the new connectivity restriction feature in Settings under Security & privacy or Display & touch.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
October 21, 2026

Gemini’s Personal Intelligence Makes Its Way to Android Auto

Google has introduced the Personal Intelligence feature on Gemini for Android Auto, enhancing the driving experience by integrating with Google apps to provide personalized responses. This feature began rolling out today and will be available in the coming months for Google built-in cars. Users who have previously activated Personal Intelligence in the Gemini app will have their settings automatically applied in their cars, while new users can enable it through the Gemini settings. Personal Intelligence utilizes data from various Google applications, such as Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Maps, to deliver precise answers to user inquiries. The feature is currently available for personal Google accounts for users aged 18 and older, but not for Workspace business, enterprise, or education accounts. Users in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the UK, and Nigeria do not have access to this feature at this time.
Hades II ported to Android - fan port released based on macOS version
BetaBeacon
October 21, 2026

Hades II ported to Android – fan port released based on macOS version

- Enthusiasts in the gaming community have released an unofficial Android port of Hades II based on the macOS version. - The Android port supports touch controls and external gamepads, showing decent performance even on less powerful devices. - Users have reported positive feedback on performance, with some achieving 30-50 frames per second on budget devices. - Some players have encountered issues such as black screens and control problems, but developers are actively working to address these. - The latest update, version 1.1-beta, has resolved some issues and optimized the game for a variety of hardware configurations. - Players need to have their own files from the macOS version of the game to play the Android port.
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