Users Archives

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

Google is paying out $700M to Android app buyers

A federal court has approved a 0 million settlement involving Google, resulting from a lawsuit by 53 state attorneys general alleging unlawful monopolization of Android app distribution and in-app payments. Google has set aside 0 million for a consumer reimbursement fund and million for the states involved, without admitting wrongdoing. Consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store from August 2016 to September 2023 may be eligible for compensation, with payouts based on individual spending, guaranteeing a minimum of . Most eligible consumers will receive payments automatically via PayPal or Venmo, with options for those without these accounts to use a supplemental claims process. Additionally, there is a separate million settlement for claims regarding unauthorized use of cellular data, and a million California-specific settlement for Google Play subscription renewals between May 30, 2014, and October 27, 2019.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

Massive new Xbox Ally X update brings major changes to the Steam Deck’s handheld rival

The latest update for the Xbox Ally X introduces several enhancements, including improved docked usage, expanded game library support, and automatic upscaling through Auto Super Resolution. The handheld now automatically transitions gameplay to a connected display, disables its own screen to conserve resources, and activates Auto Low Latency Mode and Variable Refresh Rate settings on compatible displays. Users can adjust external display settings via the Game Bar overlay without exiting games. Controller pairing has been improved, with handheld controls disabled when a controller is connected. The left thumbstick can now function as a cursor for navigating applications that do not support controller input. Auto Super Resolution allows games to run at 720p but output at 1440p on external displays. The update also enhances support for the Xbox Wireless Headset and Bluetooth LE Audio, improves haptic feedback, and allows users to add custom game links in the Xbox app for easier access to games.

Winsage

May 2, 2026

Microsoft’s faster, less annoying Windows 11 is coming into focus

Microsoft is refining Windows 11 to enhance productivity and minimize distractions. New features are being rolled out as part of the Windows Insider program, including a more configurable taskbar expected later this month. Significant improvements in File Explorer aim to reduce delays and improve responsiveness through foundational architectural enhancements. Microsoft is also rethinking the Widgets feature to create a calmer aesthetic with fewer notifications, separating Widgets from the Discover feed to reduce clutter. The updates promise a "feels faster" Windows 11, with performance tuning for frequently used applications and adjustments to the Windows scheduler for better CPU allocation. Users may notice subtle improvements in application launch times and overall system responsiveness.

Winsage

May 2, 2026

Microsoft tests modern Windows Run, says it’s faster than legacy dialog

Microsoft has introduced a modernized Run dialog in the latest preview build of Windows 11, version 26300.8346. This updated Run dialog features a sleek design, dark mode support, and improved performance, achieving a median response time of 94 milliseconds compared to the legacy version's 103 milliseconds. The Browse button has been removed due to low usage statistics, with less than 0.0038% of users engaging with it. New functionalities include support for the ~ command for quick access to the home directory and the addition of icons in the command list. Users can enable or disable the modern Run feature through the Advanced Settings menu. The update also includes improvements to the Windows Share UI for Azure Active Directory users and enhancements to the Magnifier tool, which now offers zoom levels ranging from 5% to 400%. The Windows 11 Build 26300.8346 is available for download from the Experimental Channel.

Winsage

May 2, 2026

Microsoft to Enable Windows 11 Updates to Be Skipped During Install or Even Paused Indefinitely by Users

Microsoft is enhancing the out-of-the-box experience for Windows 11 users by allowing them to skip updates during initial installation on consumer devices. Users can now pause updates for up to 35 days and re-enable this pause multiple times. Additionally, the shutdown and restart options during update installations have been revamped, allowing users to shut down or restart their devices without triggering the update process. These changes aim to provide users with greater control over their update experience while maintaining security.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

Google releases experimental ‘COSMO’ AI assistant app on Play Store

Google released an experimental AI assistant application called COSMO for Android devices, which has since been removed from the Play Store due to an accidental launch. The app, which is 1.13 GB in size, was designed to enhance daily productivity by organizing schedules and answering complex queries. COSMO features include a list tracker, document writer, calendar event suggester, browser agent, timer suggestions, deep research capabilities, quick photo lookup, web search functionality, jargon definitions, insights provision, context understanding for people and events, recall assistance, and conversation summarization. It offers three settings: Hybrid, PI Only, and Nano Only, with the latter two indicating different processing methods. The app also includes voice match and screen access features but is not intended for the general consumer market.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

You no longer have to pay for Gemini’s smartest organization tool

Gemini Notebooks are now available on mobile without a paywall, allowing users to organize chats and files in a centralized project hub. Existing NotebookLM notebooks sync to mobile, enabling direct saving of chats as sources. The feature is accessible to both free and paid users, with source limits varying by subscription plan: free users can add 50 sources, AI Plus users 100, Pro users 300, and Ultra users 600. The rollout is live for most users globally, with updates expected in Europe and other countries soon.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Microsoft CEO wants to win back lost Windows fans

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, announced the company's renewed focus on improving user engagement with Windows and its consumer offerings during the third quarter of fiscal year 2026. Microsoft is addressing issues in Windows 11 by enhancing speed and reducing bugs, with key objectives including improving performance on devices with lower RAM, simplifying the update interface, and focusing on core features. Notable updates include options to postpone or skip system updates, the removal of unnecessary applications like Copilot, and enhancements such as displaying NPU activity in Task Manager and a built-in Internet speed test. Microsoft is also transitioning to native frameworks like WinUI 3, redesigning the Start menu to function directly at the system level, which is expected to reduce RAM consumption and improve performance stability on lower-resource devices.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Windows 11’s April update is now breaking third-party backup apps

Microsoft rolled out update KB5083769 for Windows 11 to enhance security, but users have reported issues such as BitLocker lockouts, boot loops, and problems with Remote Desktop functionality. The update is causing compatibility problems with third-party backup applications, including Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud, Macrium Reflect, NinjaOne Backup, and UrBackup Server, due to a bug in the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS). Users experiencing backup failures are advised to uninstall update KB5083769 as a temporary solution until Microsoft releases a patch. The timeline for resolving these issues is currently unclear.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Microsoft tests redesigned Windows 11 Run menu with dark mode and more

Microsoft is rolling out a significant update to the Windows 11 Run menu for users in the Experimental Channel, featuring a modern interface, improved speed, and dark mode support. The "Browse" button has been removed and replaced with a new command, “~,” which directs users to their user directory. The updated Run menu is developed using code from the Command Palette, and Windows 11 Insiders can activate it through Settings. An early version of this redesign was seen in preview builds last year. The update aims to enhance overall system performance and efficiency.