utility Archives

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Samsung MAX VPN goes offline today, leaving Android users searching for alternatives

Samsung MAX VPN has officially reached its end of life as of June 15, 2026, leaving over 50 million users without its privacy and data-saving features. The app, which was designed to mask IP addresses and compress mobile data, will no longer function as intended unless uninstalled. Users are encouraged to seek third-party VPN alternatives for online security, as the app will remain on devices but will not provide any services. The Google Play Store offers numerous highly rated third-party VPN applications, including free options, and users should review logging policies and server locations to maintain privacy.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Over 50 Android Apps Found Spreading MagicAd Trojan via Official Stores

A trojan named Android.MagicAd.1 has been identified as a significant threat to Android users, capable of delivering persistent background advertisements by circumventing built-in defenses. Detected in 2025, it has spread through over 50 infected games and utility applications, infiltrating both dubious download sites and official app stores like the Samsung Galaxy Store and Xiaomi’s GetApps. The malware employs a strategy of rotating applications to evade detection, remaining active on user devices after download. It uses hidden, encrypted components within native code libraries and conducts environment checks to avoid monitoring before launching its payload. Android.MagicAd.1 bypasses Android's restrictions by targeting trusted system applications, utilizing methods that vary by device manufacturer. For example, it uses a delayed system command on Xiaomi and Amazon devices, exploits Android Binder on Vivo devices, and employs a universal fallback method for other brands to gain priority for displaying ads. All identified malicious applications have been removed from official stores, but the campaign highlights the vulnerability of security software.

Winsage

June 14, 2026

What’s New With Windows 11 in 2026

Windows 11, introduced by Microsoft in 2021, has evolved into a simpler and more attractive platform while retaining familiarity. As of 2026, it continues to enhance features and address customer feedback. Microsoft now releases a new version of Windows 11 annually, with each version supported for two years for Home and Pro editions. Currently, versions 24H2 and 25H2 are supported and functionally identical, while the new 26H1 version is for laptops with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 processors. The hardware requirements have become more lenient, and Microsoft has introduced a Copilot+ PC brand for high-end machines with advanced microprocessors. Updates have been revamped for a more predictable experience, and users can manage updates through new options. The user interface has been refined with a modern aesthetic, including Light and Dark modes, centered Taskbar icons, and an evolved Start menu. Windows 11 supports multitasking with familiar tools like Alt + Tab and enhanced Snap features. File Explorer has been updated with a modern interface and integration with OneDrive. The Microsoft Store has been redesigned for a broader selection of apps, and Microsoft Edge is bundled with Windows 11, although it has faced criticism for overriding user preferences. Windows 11 includes preloaded apps leveraging AI, such as Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot, along with updated core applications. It supports gaming with a dedicated Xbox app and Game Pass subscriptions, and simplifies user account management with robust security features like Windows Hello. For power users, it offers a modern Terminal app and advanced configuration options in the Settings app.

Winsage

June 14, 2026

Microsoft hides these secret Windows 11 performance boost settings available on every PC

Windows enthusiasts aim to enhance system performance while managing heat and power consumption, especially in mobile PCs. Under-volting techniques are commonly used to optimize performance and reduce power consumption, with tools like AMD's Ryzen Master and Intel's XTU available for this purpose. Users can also adjust settings in the BIOS, such as Curve Optimizer for Ryzen processors. Processor Power Management operates through the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI), which includes P-states for voltage-frequency scaling and C-states for CPU sleep states. Windows provides two default P-States: "Minimum Processor State" and "Maximum Processor State." A Registry modification can unlock additional options under a "Processor performance boost mode" dropdown, allowing for five distinct profiles: 1. Disabled: Disables processor boosting, reducing power consumption and heat but limiting performance. 2. Enabled: Allows boost functionality under normal conditions, balancing performance with power and thermal constraints. 3. Aggressive: Prioritizes performance, allowing higher boost states but increasing power draw and thermal output. 4. Efficient Enabled: Focuses on energy efficiency while allowing boosting. 5. Efficient Aggressive: Balances performance responsiveness with efficiency. To enable the Processor performance boost mode, users must access the Registry Editor, navigate to a specific path, and modify the value of Attributes from 1 to 2. This will reveal the new "Processor performance boost mode" dropdown with the five P-State options. The settings are summarized as follows: - Disabled: P-state behavior is disabled. - Enabled: P-state behavior is enabled with Efficient Enabled CPPC. - Aggressive: P-state behavior is enabled with Aggressive CPPC. - Efficient Enabled: Efficient P-state behavior with Efficient Enabled CPPC. - Efficient Aggressive: Efficient P-state behavior with Aggressive CPPC. - Aggressive At Guaranteed: Requests performance above the guaranteed level. - Efficient Aggressive At Guaranteed: Consistently requests the highest performance above the guaranteed level. Users should be cautious when modifying these settings, as issues may arise that require reverting to original settings.

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Microsoft is adding a new customizable Start menu to Windows 11: Here’s a first look

Microsoft has introduced customization enhancements for the Start menu in Windows 11, available in preview through the Windows 11 Insider Program. Users can now fully configure which segments of the Start menu are displayed, allowing them to toggle off individual segments: Pinned, Recommended, and All apps. Accessing these options can be done via the Windows Settings app or by right-clicking an empty space in the Start menu. The Recommended feed now allows users to specify the types of items displayed, such as excluding recommended apps while still viewing recent files and installed applications. Users can also adjust the size of the Start menu between small and large, and they have the option to hide their account name and profile picture. However, users cannot rearrange the order of the segments, which remains fixed.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

PowerToys just made Command Palette extensions easier to install and manage

PowerToys has released version 0.100.0, introducing several new features and enhancements: - Command Palette now includes an Extension Gallery for managing extensions directly. - Improvements to Command Palette include enhanced parameter pages, bookmarks for inline parameters, and better accessibility. - Dock feature enhancements allow for separate customization for each monitor and drag-and-drop functionality. - Performance Monitor introduces a Battery widget and dock bands for CPU, memory, and network metrics. - Calculator enhancements include new functions and improved error messaging. - Reliability improvements include a pinned commands section and smoother navigation. - FancyZones received updates for better localization and guidance. - File Explorer fixes address crashes related to Markdown previews. - File Locksmith improvements enhance handling of Unicode file paths. - Grab And Move has been fully released. - Image Resizer supports live settings reload. - Keyboard Manager editor is redesigned and enabled by default. - Mouse Without Borders adds quick access to refresh connections. - Peek's settings allow toggling of file preview tooltips. - PowerDisplay is optimized for better performance. - PowerToys Run improves calculator functionality and documents third-party plugins. - Quick Accent updates enhance UI consistency and language support. - Settings interface has been refreshed for better usability. - Shortcut Guide redesigned for reliability and includes built-in manifests. - Workspaces has a modernized editor. - ZoomIt introduces webcam overlay capabilities and improved recording features. - Development tools and dependencies have been updated for smoother contributions.

Tech Optimizer

June 10, 2026

Tiger Data launches Ghost managed PostgreSQL service for AI agents

Tiger Data has launched Ghost, a managed PostgreSQL service designed for AI agents, providing infrastructure for coding and workflow agents to conduct large-scale experiments. The service features Fluid Storage, which uses a copy-on-write methodology to optimize storage efficiency and reduce costs by charging users only for modified data. Ghost also includes a "fast forking" capability, allowing users to quickly duplicate datasets for experimental environments. It is compatible with major PostgreSQL extensions like TimescaleDB and PostGIS. The pricing model is usage-based, charging users based on actual computing consumption rather than the number of databases created.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

Microsoft to Allow Users to Disable Web Search in Windows 11

Microsoft is introducing new controls for Windows 11 that will allow users to disable web search and remove Microsoft Store suggestions from their search results. The update, demonstrated on June 2, 2026, will include two toggles in the Windows 11 Settings app under Privacy and Security → Search Permissions. The first toggle will turn off Bing-powered web results in the taskbar search and Start menu, while the second will control the appearance of Microsoft Store app suggestions. This change replaces the previous method of disabling web search, which required complex registry edits. The new settings aim to enhance user experience by prioritizing local search results and addressing privacy concerns, as user queries will no longer be transmitted to Microsoft’s servers. The toggles are expected to roll out through the Windows Insider program before becoming available to all users.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

Windows 11’s CPU performance boost released today, enable it using these steps

Microsoft's June 2026 Patch Tuesday update, KB5094126, introduced the Low Latency Profile feature in Windows 11, aimed at improving responsiveness of core shell experiences like the Start menu and Action Center. This feature optimizes CPU performance by allowing it to quickly reach maximum frequency for one to three seconds during user interactions, enhancing the speed of actions such as opening the Start menu. Users must install the update and may need to enable the feature manually using ViVeTool if it is not activated automatically. The Low Latency Profile is designed to work without significantly impacting battery life or thermal performance. Other enhancements in the update include Shared Audio for Bluetooth headphones, Multi-App Camera functionality, and improved Task Manager capabilities.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Windows 11’s Widgets panel is still a wasteland, even after Build

Microsoft's Build conference highlighted tools and hardware for enhancing the developer experience for Windows applications and AI agents, with a focus on refining Windows 11 and its applications through Windows K2. The Widgets panel, accessible via the weather icon or WIN+W shortcut, has not received significant attention and currently offers only 56 widgets, with few providing genuine utility. Notable widgets include MagicPods, Calendar Flyout, and some utilities, but overall, the panel is seen as lacking. Despite improvements in the Microsoft Store and a growing library of applications, the Widgets panel remains underdeveloped, with only minor enhancements made, and its future is uncertain.