Users Archives

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

3 simple Android Auto Automations that helped me stop wasting time in my driveway

The user transitioned from CarPlay to Android Auto in their Ioniq 5 EV and has been exploring sideloading video and web browsing applications to enhance their long drive experience. They have faced issues with Google's Automations since the launch of Gemini, with many not functioning properly and difficulties in creating custom Automations. Despite these challenges, they found value in using Automations for tasks like closing their garage door upon entering the vehicle and modifying stock Automations to manage smart lights efficiently. They also highlighted the effectiveness of Google's stock Good Morning routine, which provides weather updates, jokes, calendar recaps, and news summaries upon command.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Google shares updated timeline for rolling out Android developer verification

Google, Honor, OPlus, Samsung, Transsion, vivo, and Xiaomi are key players in enhancing app distribution platforms. Google is introducing new APIs to simplify the registration process for developers, including the Android Developer ID Status API and the Android Developer Console API. This month, Google will implement a new system service (com.google.android.verifier) on Android 8 or later devices to restrict the installation of unverified applications, although it will remain inactive until verification is launched in specific regions. In July, new developer APIs will roll out, and testing for "limited distribution" accounts will begin, allowing hobbyists to share apps without fees or ID verification on up to 20 devices. By August, an advanced app verification flow will be globally accessible, allowing users to bypass verification through a complex process. In September, Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand will start verifying app installation status, with plans for expanded developer verification by 2027.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Meta rolls out enhanced safety features for teen Instagram users

On June 18, 2026, Meta announced new safety features for users aged 13 to 17 on Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, including: - Automatic private settings for Teen Accounts, requiring approval for new followers, with non-followers unable to view or interact with content. - Messaging limited to individuals they follow or are connected with. - Tagging and mentioning restricted to followers, with offensive language filtered through the Hidden Words feature. - Notifications to take breaks after 60 minutes of use. - Muted notifications from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., with automatic replies sent during those hours. For users aged 13 to 15, accounts are private by default and require parental consent for changes. Older teens (16 to 17) can modify settings with parental notifications. The Family Center allows parents to manage settings and monitor activities. Teens may need to verify their age if they change it on their account, and providing false information could lead to account suspension or permanent disablement. Malina Enlund, Meta's head of safety policy for the Asia Pacific region, emphasized the importance of honesty about age. The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) supports creating a safe online environment rather than restricting access to social media, citing the 2021 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

Minecraft Releases New Chaos Cubed Update

Minecraft has released its Chaos Cubed update, which has been in development since March 2026, now available for both Bedrock and Java editions. Mojang announced plans for an official port of Minecraft for the upcoming Switch 2, featuring advanced lighting effects, volumetric fog, and performance at 60 frames per second, although a specific release date is not yet available.

Winsage

June 18, 2026

I discovered a dead‑simple way to remember Windows 11 shortcuts, and it changed how I use the OS

The Microsoft team behind PowerToys has released an updated Shortcut Guide in version 0.100 for Windows 11, which now appears as a context-sensitive flyout instead of a static reference page. This guide provides relevant keyboard shortcuts based on the application currently in use, improving user efficiency and learning. Users can access the Shortcut Guide by installing PowerToys and can customize its settings, including color theme and activation shortcut. The guide displays shortcuts for various applications and includes a list of Windows 11 and PowerToys shortcuts when no applications are focused. Developers can integrate their apps into the Shortcut Guide as well.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

5 Surprisingly Useful Android Apps That Aren’t On The Play Store

Google's sideloading process allows users to access applications beyond the Play Store, including open-source and free apps. Five notable apps highlighted are: - WriteOn: A minimalist note-taking app that supports checklists, numbered lists, images, an in-app calendar, and a calculator. It features a Scratchpad for temporary notes and allows exporting notes as TXT files. It also includes a Flashcards feature for studying. - Fridgey: An open-source app for managing fridge and pantry inventory, allowing users to catalog food items by freshness and expiration. Users can input item details and adjust quantities as items are consumed. - PrivacyFlip: An app that enhances privacy control for Android users, enabling toggling of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other features even when the device is locked. It includes a battery-saving feature and requires a straightforward setup process. - Timety: A productivity app that combines a to-do list, habit tracker, and focus timer. Users can categorize tasks, set priorities, and create subtasks. It features customizable habit tracking and a Pomodoro timer for maintaining focus. - Lune: An offline music player that supports Hi-Fi audio, allowing users to organize songs by various criteria and create customizable playlists. It includes equalizer adjustments and playback controls from notifications. These apps were selected for their open-source nature and utility in productivity and entertainment, with a focus on those that have received updates in the past year.

Winsage

June 18, 2026

My favorite file manager for Windows 11 finally gets a long-requested feature

Files has introduced a new Tree View feature in version 4.1.4, available in the Preview channel, allowing users to visualize folders in an expandable hierarchy. This update enables users to expand drives and nested folders easily. Additionally, the update enhances the Windows Fonts folder, allowing users to preview fonts directly within Files. Version 4.1.3 is also available in the stable release, featuring improvements to the tag system, folder size calculations, and bug fixes. Files can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store or its official website.

Winsage

June 18, 2026

How to check if your PC is Secure Boot ready

Microsoft has announced enhancements to its Secure Boot technology to improve system security by ensuring only trusted software is loaded during the boot process. ASUS will integrate advanced Secure Boot capabilities into its hardware, aligning with Microsoft's security protocols. This collaboration aims to enhance device integrity and protect user data against cyber threats. The updated Secure Boot technology will help prevent the execution of malicious software during startup, and both companies seek to boost consumer confidence in their products.

Winsage

June 18, 2026

This $13 Windows 11 Pro offer is too good to ignore

Microsoft is currently offering Windows 11 Pro for .97, down from its regular price of 9.99, representing a discount of 0.03. Windows 11 Pro includes features such as BitLocker encryption, Hyper-V virtualization, Windows Sandbox, TPM 2.0 support, Snap Layouts, improved search functionality, multi-monitor support, and Copilot, Microsoft's AI assistant.

Winsage

June 18, 2026

Microsoft fixes Windows Server 2016 security update failures

Microsoft resolved an installation issue affecting the June 2026 security updates (KB5094122) on Windows Server 2016 systems that had not previously installed the KB5087537 update, which was a prerequisite. Users had encountered 0x80070002 or FILENOTFOUND errors. Microsoft acknowledged the problem and confirmed that affected devices should no longer experience installation failures for the June 2026 update. Additionally, Microsoft fixed a similar issue with the May 2026 Windows 11 security update (KB5089549) that resulted in 0x800f0922 errors due to insufficient space on the EFI System Partition. They also warned users about potential installation issues with error codes 0x80073712 or 0x800f0993 on devices upgraded to Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2. Furthermore, Microsoft addressed a boot issue for Windows Server 2025 devices after the April 2026 update and a bug affecting installation failures for updates since May 2025 using the Windows Update Standalone Installer (WUSA). Lastly, they are investigating a separate issue preventing third-party applications from launching essential Office programs after the June 2026 updates.