Widgets Archives

Winsage

July 15, 2026

Windows 11 finally gets an undo button for your entire PC

Microsoft unveiled its July 2026 Patch Tuesday update, identified as KB5101650, for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. The update introduces the Point-in-Time Restore (PITR) feature, allowing users to take full backups and create snapshots every 4 to 24 hours, with snapshots retained for a maximum of 72 hours. PITR can restore local files and applications. Users can now pause Windows updates for up to 35 days. Other enhancements include discreet widget operation, optimized taskbar notifications, faster File Explorer startup, quicker disk image mounting, improved Bluetooth functionality, reduced eye strain through screen tinting, and enhancements in voice control and input capabilities. Not all features will be available immediately after installation, with security-related improvements being deployed universally.

Winsage

July 15, 2026

Microsoft patches record 570 Windows security bugs with two exploited zero days

Microsoft released its July Patch Tuesday updates, addressing 570 security vulnerabilities in Windows, a record number for the company. This update includes three zero-day vulnerabilities, two of which have been exploited in real-world attacks, affecting Microsoft’s Active Directory and SharePoint, while the third concerns BitLocker encryption. The update also enhances Windows features, including changes to the Widgets app, improvements in File Explorer speed, refined Bluetooth connectivity, and a new feature allowing users to pause updates until a specific date. However, the update has been temporarily halted for certain Dell computers due to compatibility issues, with Microsoft working on a fix.

Winsage

July 14, 2026

Windows 11’s big patch Tuesday allows you to hold off on updates for longer

Microsoft has introduced enhancements for Windows 11, including the ability to pause updates indefinitely, allowing users to delay updates for up to 35 days with the option to extend this deadline. The update also addresses several security vulnerabilities using artificial intelligence for identification and patching. Additional features include a "Point-in-time restore" option, customization options for Widgets, a more precise magnification tool, and improved stability for certain Bluetooth devices.

Winsage

July 14, 2026

Microsoft Releases July 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates

Microsoft has released the July 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11 versions 26H1, 25H2, and 24H2, introducing several key features: - A new recovery feature allows users to revert their PCs to a recent restore point. - The Widgets experience has been revamped to minimize distractions, including no longer opening upon hover and reduced memory usage. - Users can pause Windows updates for up to 35 days and re-pause them as needed. - A new screen tint feature applies a color overlay to reduce eye strain. - Magnifier now offers preset zoom increments and allows specific zoom percentages to be input. - Bluetooth connectivity improvements include quicker pairing for Apple’s AirPods and better reliability for Beats Studio Pro headphones. - Voice access and voice typing features are now available in French, German, and Spanish. - Users can customize the right-click zone size on touchpads with a pressable surface. - The emoji panel now uses GIPHY for GIF content. - Taskbar notification counts and badge visuals will update accurately. For Qualcomm-powered PCs running Windows 11 version 26H1, the KB5101649 update includes the Point-in-time restore feature and introduces new NPU usage metrics in Task Manager, the option to assign a custom user folder name during setup, and allows multiple applications to access the camera stream simultaneously. Improvements have also been made to Windows Hello authentication and Microsoft Store performance, along with enhancements to Windows Search for better file location and prioritization.

TrendTechie

July 12, 2026

Релиз BATorrent 4.0 — BitTorrent-клиента, созданного на C++, Qt 6 и libtorrent-rasterbar

In mid-June 2026, BATorrent released version 4.0, a lightweight BitTorrent client developed with C++, Qt 6, and libtorrent-rasterbar. The source code is available on GitHub under the MIT license, with builds for Windows, Linux, and macOS. Key features include support for magnet links, resumable downloads, sequential downloading, customizable file priorities, and an automatic RSS download feature. The client prioritizes user privacy with no telemetry or analytics, and the only outgoing request is a release check on GitHub. The user interface includes three themes, a real-time speed graph, a detailed tabbed panel, drag-and-drop support, and multilingual options. Privacy features include a PT mode for anonymous connections and a one-click Tor proxy setup. Notifications are integrated with Telegram and Discord, and key improvements in versions 4.0 and 4.1 include an interactive tour, automatic launch after updates, refined protection against automatic updates, and the ability to add torrents via URL.

AppWizard

July 12, 2026

I wish someone told me about these 5 Android Auto settings before I bought my new car

A 2003 PT Cruiser was replaced by a 2022 Hyundai Tucson after a transmission failure. The Hyundai Tucson features modern technology, including Android Auto. Key settings in Android Auto can enhance the user experience: 1. Taskbar Widgets: Enable taskbar widgets in the Android Auto settings to display miniature widgets for multitasking. 2. Launcher Customization: Rearrange the app drawer and hide infrequently used apps for a more organized interface. 3. Change Home Screen Layout: Adjust the layout to place the media app closer to the driver for easier access. 4. Play Media by Default: Disable the automatic playback of the last played media upon startup for more control over audio selection. 5. Gemini Actions: Create multi-step commands for tasks like navigation and media playback with a single command to streamline the driving routine.

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

Wear OS 7: New features, eligible smartwatches, and everything you need to know

Wear OS 7 has been rolled out for smartwatches currently operating on Wear OS 6, with future models like the Galaxy Watch 9 expected to come with this update pre-installed. Current devices eligible for the upgrade include the Galaxy Watch 8 series and the OnePlus Watch 3 (release date pending). Key features of Wear OS 7 include Live Updates for real-time notifications, Remote Media Routing and Per-App Auto Launch for media apps, and Android XR Control for managing Android XR devices. The update introduces a new Neural Expressive design language, Gemini Intelligence for task automation, and a Personal Intelligence feature for personalized suggestions based on app data. Customization is enhanced with Widgets replacing traditional tiles, allowing users to create dynamic dashboards. Updates to the Google Contacts app include an improved search interface and an Emergency Sharing feature for location sharing during emergencies. The Wear Workout Tracker standardizes fitness tracking across devices, and battery life improvements promise up to a 10% increase in longevity. Samsung's One UI Watch is evolving with the upcoming One UI 9 Watch, which is expected to feature a refreshed interface and new customizations. Firmware for One UI 9 Watch has been detected on Galaxy Watch 8 models, indicating an imminent release, with the Galaxy Watch 9 series anticipated to launch in July alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Winsage

July 5, 2026

How I think Microsoft’s campaign to fix Windows 11 is going so far — the verdict now we’re 3 months in

Microsoft is working to improve Windows 11, having started this initiative in late March 2026. Key changes include a customizable Start menu, a repositioned and adjustable taskbar, and a refined widgets board that removes the default MSN feed with ads. Windows search results have been optimized to reduce clutter, and new options allow Home users to delay updates indefinitely, along with bundling updates to minimize reboots. Performance enhancements include faster File Explorer launch speeds, a 'Low Latency Profile' for improved CPU performance, a 'turbo mode' for quicker installations, and a 'Driver Quality Initiative' to enhance OS drivers and reduce battery drain. A point-in-time restore feature has also been introduced. Microsoft is engaging with the Windows community for feedback and has established panels for user testing. However, bugs remain a concern, particularly with the Recycle Bin and storage issues, indicating a need for a stronger quality assurance process. Users have expressed interest in removing intrusive recommendations, installing Windows 11 with a local account, and disabling telemetry in the Home version.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

Google Play Store widgets will soon be available for individual Collections

Google Play Store has introduced a feature called Collections, allowing users to group apps by categories like Shop, Listen, and Food. The latest updates indicate that Google is developing new widgets for the Play Store that will enable users to select individual Collections instead of displaying multiple at once. In version 52.1.26-31 of the Play Store Android app, users currently have two widget options: a compact version with icons for individual Collections and a larger widget listing Collections. The upcoming update will allow users to choose from eight distinct widgets corresponding to categories: Food, Game, Listen, Read, Shop, Social, Travel, and Watch. These new widgets are still in development and not yet available for public use.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

This gorgeous Android launcher is basically dead — and it’s all Google’s fault

Stario Launcher, launched in 2024, is an aesthetically pleasing Android launcher that combines speed and functionality, featuring custom animations, widgets, and automatic app categorization. Its design is influenced by Google’s Material Expressive language, with a minimalist interface that emphasizes essential widgets. The launcher includes a search function similar to Pixel Launcher, supports alternative search engines, and has a dedicated Briefing page for personalized news feeds. It also offers a widget page for customization and a Low Spec mode for older devices. However, the developer plans to cease updates due to Google's tightening policies on third-party apps, which will complicate the installation of non-verified apps starting in September 2026. This situation reflects broader concerns about the future of third-party applications in the Android ecosystem.