wish Archives

AppWizard

October 2, 2026

Android’s new sideloading rules are here

Google has begun rolling out new Android developer verification rules starting September 30, affecting users in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Certified Android devices running Android 7 or later will require apps from participating stores to come from verified developers. Approved platforms include Google Play, Samsung’s Galaxy Store, HONOR App Market, OPPO App Market, Xiaomi GetApps, vivo V-Appstore, and Transsion’s Palm Store. While sideloading apps from unverified developers is still possible, the process has become more complicated. Users must enable a setting through Developer Options, authenticate their identity, restart their device, and wait 24 hours before installing such apps. Once activated, users can allow installations from unverified developers for seven days or indefinitely. ADB installations are exempt from the waiting period. No immediate changes are occurring for users in the United States, and the global rollout of these requirements is planned for 2027.

Winsage

October 2, 2026

I turned Windows 11’s useless Copilot key into a screenshot button, here’s how

Microsoft has shifted its approach regarding the Copilot key on laptops, moving away from a mandatory integration strategy. Users have reported that the key is often underutilized, with some finding it inconveniently placed. Microsoft has responded to feedback by allowing users to customize the Copilot key's functionality through Windows 11 settings. Users can assign various functions to the key, such as launching applications or acting as a shortcut for system functions. Additionally, Microsoft PowerToys can be used for more advanced customization, enabling users to remap the key for tasks like taking screenshots, managing clipboard history, or enhancing gaming experiences. Future updates may include a "Do nothing" option for the key.

Winsage

October 1, 2026

Microsoft to drop support for Snapdragon 850 powered PCs with the next version of Windows

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 version 26H2 will be the last version to support devices with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 850 processors. The Snapdragon 850, introduced in 2018, was the first chip specifically designed for Windows. While devices with the Snapdragon 850 can still install the current update, they will not be eligible for the upcoming version 27H2. Windows 11 version 26H2 will receive support for 24 months, after which devices using the Snapdragon 850 will no longer have official support, posing potential security risks.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

Play Store premium gaming listings are really starting to take shape

Google Play is revamping app listings for premium games to enhance user experience. The new layout features larger banner graphics and detailed information about each game, including Play Pass availability, in-app purchases, and advertising presence. The updated user interface, version 53.3.21-34, includes expressive labels instead of traditional numerical ratings. Listings now have a “What you get” list and a “More features” breakdown for easier decision-making. These changes aim to improve the representation of Android as a serious mobile gaming platform, with ongoing developments expected before the public rollout.

Winsage

September 30, 2026

The Copilot+ PC brand is dead — here’s how to reclaim and remap the Copilot key

Microsoft has shifted its branding strategy by discontinuing the Copilot+ designation for the newly launched Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch models, despite these models technically qualifying for the label. This change has caused confusion among consumers who purchased Copilot+ PCs to access the latest laptop iterations. Users with the Copilot experience are questioning the functionality of the Copilot key, which may feel redundant. Non-Copilot+ PCs and keyboards still feature a Copilot key, leading to user frustrations regarding branding inconsistencies. To address this, users can cover the Copilot key with stickers, with options available for black or white keyboards being easier to find than for gray or vibrant Type Covers.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

What’s The Difference Between Android Auto And Android Automotive OS?

CarPlay and Android Auto have transformed in-car infotainment by utilizing smartphones. Android Auto was launched by Google in 2015, allowing users to connect Android devices to their vehicle displays. It has evolved to support more applications, compatibility with major automotive brands, and wireless connectivity, focusing on minimizing distractions for drivers. Android Automotive is an operating system that runs directly on vehicle hardware, eliminating the need for a smartphone connection. It is an open-source platform that car manufacturers can customize. Automakers can license Google Automotive Services, which includes Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant, but are not required to do so. Android Automotive OS allows for direct communication with vehicle systems, enhancing user experience by enabling features like voice-activated climate control. Vehicles with Android Automotive OS are marketed as having "Google built-in" and include brands such as Polestar, Volvo, Chevrolet, and Ford. Android Automotive can receive over-the-air updates, while Android Auto is compatible with over 500 car models and requires an Android device running version 9.0 or higher. Android Auto allows seamless transfer of apps and media from smartphones and benefits from automatic updates.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

Android Auto bug is preventing calls from closed foldable phones

Motorola and Google are addressing an issue with Android Auto affecting users of clamshell foldable devices, specifically that outgoing calls cannot be made while the phones are closed. Incoming calls can be received without issues, but attempts to make outgoing calls result in no connection. This problem has been reported by owners of Motorola Razr and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip devices and appears to have arisen after the transition from Google Assistant to the new Gemini system. Reports of this malfunction have been ongoing for several months, with some claims dating back to September. No definitive solution has been announced yet, and users may need to keep their devices open to make calls while driving.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

Stop Uninstalling Your Android Apps When You Need Space

Android 15 has introduced an Archive option that allows users to remove an app from their device while preserving all associated data in the cloud. This feature is useful for seasonal apps that may only be needed at certain times. To use the Archive option, users can go to Settings, find the Apps section, select the app to archive, and choose the Archive option. The app will be removed, and its data will be uploaded to the cloud. Users can restore the app by selecting it again in the Settings app and choosing Restore, which reinstalls the app with all previous settings, though new updates will need to be downloaded. Regular maintenance tasks, such as clearing the app cache, should still be performed for optimal performance.

Winsage

September 28, 2026

Windows 11 can keep thumbnails of photos you deleted. Here’s how to remove them

Windows retains thumbnails in a cache file named thumbcache_256.db, but it does not save a thumbnail of every deleted photo. Other operating systems, including macOS and Linux, also use thumbnail caching. Users can access their thumbnail cache by navigating to %LOCALAPPDATA%MicrosoftWindowsExplorer, but this will not show deleted images. Thumbnails are created only when images are displayed in Explorer’s thumbnail view. Windows allows users to clear the thumbnail cache using the Disk Cleanup tool, and there is an option to disable thumbnail caching in Windows 11 Pro and higher. The cached thumbnails do not guarantee persistence and do not represent original files. Windows also keeps records of application launches in Prefetch, maintains entries for USB devices in the USBSTOR registry key, saves Wi-Fi networks and passwords, and can keep clipboard history and recent file shortcuts.

Winsage

September 28, 2026

Windows 11 can keep thumbnails of photos you deleted. Here’s how to remove them

A recent post on X claims that Windows retains a thumbnail of every deleted photo in a file named thumbcache_256.db, which has raised privacy concerns among users. While Windows does maintain a thumbnail cache for efficiency, this practice is not unique to Windows, as other operating systems like macOS, Linux, and Android also use similar systems. Users can inspect or clear their thumbnail cache by accessing specific database files in the Windows Explorer directory. The claim that Windows retains "every photo you’ve ever deleted" is misleading, as thumbnails are only created when images are viewed in thumbnail mode. Windows does not cache every file, and thumbnails must exist before they can be cached. Additionally, Windows keeps app launch records in Prefetch files for performance optimization, maintains entries for USB devices in the USBSTOR registry key, retains records of Wi-Fi networks and passwords (which are encrypted), and can keep clipboard history and recent file shortcuts. Caching previews is common across various operating systems, and Microsoft is focused on user consent and privacy as it enhances Windows 11 with AI functionalities.