Widgets Archives

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.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

The Googlebook work test: Can an Android laptop get the job done?

The Googlebook integrates desktop and mobile experiences, primarily influenced by its Android roots. Its functionality is centered around the Play Store, which affects the app experience based on availability and performance. Google Calendar on the Googlebook resembles its web version, but users can enhance productivity with Android app widgets. There are challenges with installing certain web applications, indicating a need for improved compatibility. The Googlebook features a fully customizable desktop with Android widgets and excels in connectivity, allowing easy access to files on an Android phone. Hardware-wise, the Lenovo Googlebook has a sleek design and premium build quality. It also supports Android app streaming, enabling remote use of many apps, which may change user engagement with applications.

AppWizard

October 18, 2026

All Users Can Now Download Android Auto 18.0 As “Cielo” Update Is Coming

Android Auto 18.0 has transitioned to production, rolling out to devices outside the beta program, focusing on under-the-hood improvements. The update includes references to the Cielo update, which introduces a redesigned layout, widgets integrated into the main interface, and expanded app support for video applications. Users will soon be able to watch videos on their infotainment screens while parked, with an audio-only mode being developed for use while driving. The full build number for the update is Android Auto 18.0.6642, and the Cielo update is expected to be ready for production devices by the first quarter of 2027.

Winsage

October 17, 2026

Microsoft Overhauls Windows 11 Core Apps and Memory Use in Bid to Win Back Users

Microsoft is overhauling Windows 11 six years after its launch, with significant updates currently available to Windows Insiders and a broader rollout expected later this year. Key enhancements include the reintroduction of taskbar repositioning, a complete redesign of the Search and Photos applications using WinUI3, improved memory management allowing up to 2GB more active data in RAM, and performance improvements of up to 20% in response times for certain tasks. Windows Hello and Bluetooth pairing have been optimized for speed, and the AI assistant Copilot has been redesigned to be less intrusive. Starting in November, new Windows 11 PCs will come bundled with classic and contemporary games. The updates aim to address user frustrations and improve the overall experience, particularly for those with lower-end hardware.

Winsage

October 17, 2026

Microsoft Overhauls Windows 11 Core Apps and Memory Use in Bid to Win Back Users

Microsoft is overhauling Windows 11 six years after its launch, with updates currently available to Windows Insiders and set for public release later this year. Key changes include the ability to reposition the taskbar, a complete redesign of the Search and Photos applications using WinUI3, and enhancements in memory management that allow for more active data in RAM. The revamped Search feature includes direct controls and document previews, while Photos now offers semantic search and improved editing tools. Memory management improvements will benefit lower-end hardware by conserving memory and improving response times. Additional refinements include optimized sign-in processes, faster Bluetooth pairing, and a redesigned AI assistant, Copilot. Starting in November, new Windows 11 PC purchases will come with a selection of games. The updates aim to address user concerns and improve the overall experience of the operating system.

Winsage

October 17, 2026

“C’mon, man”: Former Windows boss calls Windows 11’s taskbar unusable, as Windows 11 26H2 fails to bring back Windows 10-like features

Mikhail Parakhin, the former head of Windows and Bing at Microsoft, criticized the Windows 11 taskbar as "unusable," particularly after the 26H2 update, which did not restore the ability to auto-hide the taskbar when positioned at the top or sides. He expressed disappointment over the lack of features he advocated for, such as a movable taskbar with auto-hide functionality, which he believes is optimal for productivity. The September 2026 Patch Tuesday update allowed users to move and resize the taskbar, but auto-hide is still not available for non-bottom placements. Users must navigate through Windows Settings to adjust the taskbar, unlike the drag-and-drop feature in Windows 10. Additionally, the right-click menu in Windows 11 is limited compared to Windows 10, lacking options to lock or unlock the taskbar. Parakhin, now the CTO at Shopify, continues to use Windows for work and has noted that users may have to wait months for Windows 11 to fully integrate functionalities from Windows 10.

Winsage

October 17, 2026

Windows 11 has now been optimized for 8 gigabytes of memory

The tech landscape has shifted to 8 gigabytes as the new baseline for computer manufacturers due to a global memory shortage. Microsoft has been optimizing Windows 11 for devices with limited RAM, including enhancements in background memory management that allow Windows to retain up to 2GB more active data in memory. This improvement helps maintain responsiveness when opening multiple apps or browser tabs. Additionally, optimizations for PCs with 8GB of memory or less include widget management, which now loads widgets only when accessed, freeing up an extra 200MB of memory.

AppWizard

October 16, 2026

6 wild ways to make Android widgets more useful

The Popup Widget allows users to access any widget at any time and summon two widgets simultaneously with a single tap. Edge Gestures provide quick access to favorite widgets with a swipe. Material Capsule features on-demand camera cutout widgets for dynamic customization. The volume key can trigger the appearance of a widget. Overlays offer a floating icon for ongoing access to essential tools. Smart Launcher introduces stacked widgets for efficient organization and space-saving design, with an easy setup interface for customization.

AppWizard

October 16, 2026

Alexa Tablet 12 Pro review: Amazon’s premium tablet gets almost everything right

The Alexa Tablet features a home screen with shortcuts to Amazon services and a folder for essential Google applications. It is a fully functional Android tablet that allows downloads from the Play Store. The user interface includes widgets for recently accessed content and the Alexa+ app, and users can interact with Alexa via voice commands. The tablet has a vibrant display suitable for streaming and Dolby Atmos-supported speakers. Performance remains positive with additional apps, though some lack optimization for larger screens. Popular apps like Adobe's Lightroom and Google's suite are optimized for tablet use. The tablet supports multitasking with split view mode and runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Battery life is claimed to be up to 16 hours, but initial testing shows around eight hours for mixed usage.

Winsage

October 15, 2026

“674M views and they still don’t get the message”: Windows 10 users still aren’t sold on Windows 11

The most-watched video on Microsoft's official Windows YouTube channel has 674 million views since its release on October 31, 2025, promoting the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This video has 48 times more views than the introductory video for Windows 11, which has around 14 million views. Many users remain attached to Windows 10 due to hardware compatibility issues, as Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0, UEFI with Secure Boot, and a supported 64-bit processor. Concerns about RAM usage in Windows 11, which has been criticized for being a memory hog, and a higher frequency of bugs compared to Windows 10, contribute to users' reluctance to upgrade. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements, higher RAM demands, a default Microsoft account requirement for setup, and more visible ads and upsells. Although Windows 11 features a more modern design, many users feel that functionality has been sacrificed. Microsoft has committed to improving Windows 11's performance, reporting that it is now up to 20% more responsive in key areas, and users with 8GB of RAM can manage up to 2GB more active data. However, the perception of Windows 11 remains a challenge due to ongoing complaints about its performance and user experience.