Widgets Archives

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Android 16 QPR2 Update is Out — These Upgrades Might Surprise You

Google has announced the Pixel 10 range and the Pixel Watch 4, along with the release of the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 for Pixel users. The QPR2 beta introduces features such as lock screen widgets (Hub mode), an expanded dark theme for apps, auto-theming for app icons, improved haptic feedback, a new HDR brightness slider, native PDF editing capabilities, a personal audio switcher for Bluetooth LE devices, and enhanced security with a new Secure Lock Device mode. Users enrolled in the QPR1 beta can transition to the QPR2 beta, which is available for Pixel 6 through Pixel 9 series, the Pixel Tablet, and the upcoming Pixel 10. The stable release of Android 16 QPR1 is expected in September, with the public release of QPR2 anticipated in December.

Winsage

August 16, 2025

Windows 12 Rumors: Sorting Facts from Fiction

Windows 12 is generating excitement among users, with anticipated features including a redesigned interface with AI capabilities, accelerated startup times, enhanced cloud service integration, improved multitasking tools, and gaming upgrades. Industry experts speculate a potential launch in late 2025, specifically between September and December. The integration of Microsoft's Copilot is expected to enhance productivity through intelligent task optimization and personalized settings. Windows 12 may also include enhanced Snap Layouts, dynamic widgets, and floating taskbars. Cloud storage will play a significant role, providing seamless file access and faster app updates. Gaming improvements may feature DirectStorage 2.0 and AI-enhanced graphics. Users may need to upgrade their hardware to support these new features. While the release date and features remain unconfirmed by Microsoft, the updates are expected to build on Windows 11 rather than overhaul it completely.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27924 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27924 has been released to the Canary Channel, with ISOs now available for download. New features include the rollout of Copilot+ PC experiences, which will gradually introduce improvements to Windows Search and Settings. Advanced settings have been redesigned, now allowing users to enable long paths, manage virtual workspaces, and view Git information in File Explorer. Changes include adjustments to the pointer indicator and a temporary change in the keyboard shortcut for it. The Windows MIDI Services have undergone a breaking change requiring updates for applications using the MIDI 2.0 SDK. Fixes have been made for issues related to upgrades, widgets, remote desktop, and webauth.dll crashes. Known issues include problems with Windows Hello PIN and Group Policy Editor. An update for the Snipping Tool introduces window mode screen recording. Insiders are reminded that Canary Channel builds are early development versions and may not align with future Windows releases.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Office 365 gets new ‘companion apps’ that live in the Windows taskbar

Microsoft has introduced mini-apps called Microsoft 365 companions for Windows 11 users, which include functionalities for People, File Search, and Calendar. Access to these companions is limited to organizations that opt into the beta features. The mini-apps reside in the taskbar, allowing users to access essential functions without launching full applications. The People companion enables quick access to contacts, the File Search companion allows seamless searching through cloud files, and the Calendar companion lets users join Teams calls directly from the taskbar. The status of these mini-apps within the Windows 11 ecosystem is uncertain, and while mobile versions may be forthcoming, there is no official confirmation from Microsoft yet.

Winsage

August 10, 2025

Microsoft ‘rationalizes’ Windows Search settings in latest Windows 11 build

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27919 for users in the Canary channel, focusing on enhancements to Windows Search functionality. The update consolidates Windows Search settings into a single page under Settings > Privacy & security > Search, featuring a modern visual layout for easier navigation. This build primarily serves as a maintenance release, addressing various system issues, including a fix for File Explorer crashes and input method malfunctions. However, known issues persist, such as potential loss of Windows Hello PIN for users transitioning from other channels, display problems during upgrades, and remote desktop limitations. Investigations are also ongoing regarding non-functional widgets after the upgrade.

Winsage

August 9, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27919 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27919 has been released to the Canary Channel. Changes include a refined organization of Windows Search settings, consolidating previous pages into one under Settings > Privacy & security > Search. Fixes address a crash in File Explorer when accessing the digital signatures tab and issues with the Microsoft Changjie Input method and phonetic keyboards. Known issues include potential loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometric sign-in for users transitioning from other channels, rendering issues with the progress wheel during upgrades, multiple error pop-ups in the Group Policy Editor, crashes related to dao360.dll, Remote Desktop being limited to the primary monitor, and non-functional widgets after the upgrade. Insiders are reminded that builds in the Canary Channel reflect early development changes and may not align with specific Windows releases. Features may evolve or be removed, and some may appear in other channels first. A clean installation is required to exit the Canary Channel, and a desktop watermark is standard for pre-release builds.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

If you thought Microsoft wouldn’t add AI to the Windows taskbar, it may yet prove you wrong

Microsoft is exploring the introduction of AI functionalities within the Windows 11 taskbar, as indicated by recent findings from beta builds. Code explorers have discovered references to a "Taskbar Companion," suggesting a potential widget system that could utilize AI to enhance user experience. The concept of "agentic companions," which refers to AI that can take initiative with minimal user input, was first identified in Windows Server Build 26454. If implemented, these companions could provide AI-powered widgets such as a news aggregator, app recommendations, and suggestions for Xbox Game Pass games.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

15 Android Apps You NEED to Download in August 2025

A selection of 15 Android applications for August focuses on enhancing user experience through privacy, productivity, customization, media management, utility, and specialized needs. Ad-Blocking and Privacy: - Athena: Open-source app that blocks ads, trackers, and malware, allowing detailed control over internet access for individual apps. - App Lock: Secures sensitive applications with passcodes, fingerprints, or facial recognition. Customization and Widgets: - My Launcher: Feature-rich launcher with live tiles, widgets, and extensive customization options. - 1 UI Widgets: Offers over 240 customizable Samsung-style widgets for clocks, calendars, and more. Productivity Tools: - Tomato: Pomodoro timer for breaking tasks into manageable intervals. - My Mind: Minimalist app for organizing bookmarks, notes, and media. Media and Content Management: - Material Player: Ad-free video player supporting multiple formats and streaming. - Raven: Lightweight, open-source RSS newsreader for updates from favorite news sources. Utility and Accessibility: - Screenshot Editor, Blur Text: Edits screenshots and blurs sensitive information. - Speak That: Reads notifications aloud with customizable settings. - Screen Stream: Shares screen locally or globally for presentations and tutorials. Specialized Apps: - Torrent Search: Open-source tool for searching and downloading torrents. - Airplanes.live: Tracks real-time flight data for nearby aircraft. - One URL: URL shortener that generates QR codes and allows custom aliases. Rooted Device Tools: - Reddit: Removes ads from the official Reddit app for a cleaner browsing experience.

Winsage

August 2, 2025

This Windows 11 Pro at 92% Off Feels Like a Donation From Microsoft Ahead of Back-to-School

Windows 11 Pro offers innovative user interface features that enhance multitasking and security. StackSocial is currently selling a license for Windows 11 Pro at a 92% discount, reducing the price to just . Key features include a Universal Search tool on the taskbar, the ability to create multiple desktop environments, and seamless integration with OneDrive for syncing files across devices.

Winsage

August 2, 2025

Microsoft is killing a special Windows 11 edition for low-cost PCs

Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of Windows 11 SE, its operating system for low-end computers, which will cease support, including software updates and technical assistance, by October 2026. Windows 11 SE will not receive the upcoming version 25H2 and will not have any feature updates after version 24H2. Users will no longer receive new features, fixes, or security patches, leaving their devices vulnerable. Windows 11 SE was designed for educational institutions and budget-conscious consumers, but it has not gained significant traction. The Surface Laptop SE, which primarily ran Windows 11 SE, has a support lifecycle ending in January 2028.