Zoom Archives

Winsage

May 2, 2026

New Windows Insider Experience Starts Rolling Out to Some Canary Testers

Microsoft's Windows Insider program has transitioned Dev Channel testers to the new Experimental Channel and is expanding this initiative to include Canary testers on the 28000 series builds, who will also move to the Experimental (26H1) Channel. The new Windows Insider experience introduces feature flags in Windows Update settings, allowing testers to toggle features on and off. Microsoft plans to roll out new features through Controlled Feature Rollouts (CFRs) and has stopped gradual feature rollouts on the updated Beta Channel. Recently, Microsoft released four new builds available via downloadable ISOs. Canary testers on 29500 series builds will soon transition to the "Experimental (Future Platforms)" Channel and can currently download build 29580.1000, which includes a revamped Feedback Hub with a 500 MB file upload limit and design improvements. For Canary testers on the 28000 series, the transition to the "Experimental (26H1) Channel" follows the installation of build 28020.1921, which enhances the Task Manager app. Insiders who moved from the Dev Channel to the Experimental Channel can download build 26300.8346, featuring improvements such as a Widgets board that remains closed by default, a redesigned Run dialog, promotional app recommendations in Windows Share for Microsoft Entra account users, sharper file thumbnails in File Explorer, and enhanced Windows Magnifier functionality. The Beta Channel build 26220.8340 includes similar Windows Share improvements and minor UI enhancements for Task Scheduler. The Beta Channel is set to transition to a new experience that will eliminate Controlled Feature Rollouts.

Winsage

May 2, 2026

Microsoft tests modern Windows Run, says it’s faster than legacy dialog

Microsoft has introduced a modernized Run dialog in the latest preview build of Windows 11, version 26300.8346. This updated Run dialog features a sleek design, dark mode support, and improved performance, achieving a median response time of 94 milliseconds compared to the legacy version's 103 milliseconds. The Browse button has been removed due to low usage statistics, with less than 0.0038% of users engaging with it. New functionalities include support for the ~ command for quick access to the home directory and the addition of icons in the command list. Users can enable or disable the modern Run feature through the Advanced Settings menu. The update also includes improvements to the Windows Share UI for Azure Active Directory users and enhancements to the Magnifier tool, which now offers zoom levels ranging from 5% to 400%. The Windows 11 Build 26300.8346 is available for download from the Experimental Channel.

BetaBeacon

May 1, 2026

Survey reveals how Pixel fans truly feel about the Tensor G5’s lackluster gaming power

A majority of respondents in a reader poll feel that performance deficits in Google's Pixel devices are not enough to deter them from buying one. Many value the "Pixel experience" and cohesive software over raw horsepower. Some users prioritize better power efficiency and less overheating over raw performance. However, a third of readers are deterred by Google's inability to match the competition at flagship price points, fearing for the device's longevity and performance in the future.

Winsage

April 28, 2026

How to Record Windows 11 Internal Audio with Audacity for Free

Windows 11 does not have a built-in option to record internal audio directly from PC speakers. The Stereo Mix feature, which allowed easy recording of audio output, has been phased out on many modern devices. Microsoft's Voice Recorder app only captures microphone audio. Audacity, a free and open-source audio editor, can be used to record internal audio by configuring it to use the Windows WASAPI audio API with a loopback function. This method captures the digital audio stream without quality loss. To record internal audio with Audacity, users need to download and install the software, set the audio host to Windows WASAPI, select the appropriate loopback device, set recording channels to stereo, and then hit record while playing the desired audio. The recorded audio can be exported in various formats such as WAV, MP3, or FLAC. If the WASAPI loopback does not work, users can try enabling Stereo Mix if available or using a virtual audio cable like VB-CABLE. Tips for cleaner recordings include setting the project rate to 44100 Hz or 48000 Hz, disabling audio enhancements, and closing distracting applications. Common issues include no audio recorded, loopback devices not showing up, distorted sound, low volume, and microphone access denial, which can usually be resolved through settings adjustments or driver updates.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

The best Dota 2 options and settings

In Dota 2, optimal settings are crucial for enhancing gameplay and performance. Key settings to prioritize include: - Hotkeys: - Quickcast Abilities for instant ability use. - Direct Key Bindings for customized control over abilities. - Unit Orders: - Auto Attack set to 'Standard' for automatic targeting. - Right-Click Allies to enable attacking friendly units. - Channels for managing teleport or channeled abilities. - Double-Tap to Self Cast for automatic self-use of abilities. - Disable Auto Attack When Stop is Held to prevent unintended movements. - Minimap: - Icons set to 'Hero with Arrow' for visibility. - Adjusted map position to reduce misclicks. - Use Extra Large Minimap for better visibility. - Minimap Hero Size between 100% and 130%. - Increased Minimap Misclick Protection Time. - Camera: - Center Camera on Hero on Respawn can be disabled. - Disable Camera Zoom to avoid accidental zooming. - Enable Screen Shake can be turned off if distracting. - Interface: - Show Ability Rangefinder While Casting for strategic planning. - Holding Alt Shows Neutral Spawnboxes and Tower Attack Range for quick checks. - Healthbars: - Visualize Damage/Healing can be turned off if distracting. - Display Names Over Healthbar switched to 'Hero Names' for easier tracking. - Miscellaneous: - Strict Solo Role Queue Matchmaking for solo players. - Network Quality set to Low for smoother gameplay. - Enable Console for expanded control. To set Dota 2 Launch Options, right-click the game in Steam, select 'properties,' and enter options in the text field. Recommended launch options include: - -autoconfig: Resets graphics settings. - -console: Enables console functionality. - -fullscreen: Forces fullscreen mode. - -high: Assigns high CPU priority. - -map dota: Loads the map in the background. - -noborder: Runs in borderless windowed mode. - -noprewarm: Disables resource loading at startup. - -novid: Skips the introductory video. - -safe_mode: Restores default rendering settings. - -useforcedmparms -noforcemaccel -noforcemspd: Adheres to Windows mouse settings. - -windowed: Runs in windowed mode. Players are encouraged to explore and experiment with these settings to optimize their individual playstyle.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

WWII RTS ‘Sudden Strike 5’ Launches on PC on the 23rd

H2 Interactive has released 'Sudden Strike 5,' a PC strategy game developed by Kite Games, available on Direct Games with a promotional discount. A PS5 version will be released in Korea soon, and an update will add Korean language support to the PC version. The game is set during World War II, featuring 25 historical mission campaigns and over 300 unique units. Players can command various combat units, including tanks and infantry, and have flexibility in tactics and objectives. The game includes commander customization, enhanced camera options, and a PVP mode. The Deluxe Edition features an original soundtrack, vehicle camouflage skins, and exclusive PVP maps. For more information, visit the official website and social media platforms.

AppWizard

April 22, 2026

You’ll soon be able to use Google Meet’s note-taking tool during in-person meetings

Google Meet's AI-powered note-taking feature, "Take Notes For Me," launched in 2024, has gained over 110 million users in a month. It will soon be available for various meeting types, including in-person and on platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. The feature provides comprehensive summaries and detailed notes, accessible via the Google Meet home screen. It compiles notes and action items into a Google Doc. Google will announce this expansion at Cloud Next ‘26, which runs until April 24, along with other features.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

Minecraft Maps Guide: How to Master the 1.21 Grid and Find Trial Chambers | Attack of the Fanboy

Maps in Minecraft have become essential for navigating underground Trial Chambers introduced in the 1.21 Tricky Trials update. Players can create maps using a Cartography Table, which requires only two pieces of paper and four wooden planks, making it more efficient than the traditional crafting table method. An empty map costs one piece of paper, and scaling maps up or down also only requires one piece of paper. For Bedrock Edition players, creating a locator map with a compass is necessary to display their position. Maps can be scaled from level 0 to level 4, with each level covering increasingly larger areas but with less detail. Level 0 covers a 128 by 128 block area, while level 4 spans 2048 by 2048 blocks. The Trial Explorer Map, obtainable from a Cartographer for 12 emeralds and a compass, helps players locate Trial Chambers, which are hidden within deepslate layers at Y levels between 0 and -64. Minecraft maps do not center on the player but snap to a fixed grid, requiring players to move specific distances to align maps correctly. Players can use a white dot that appears on the edge of their map for navigation and can mark locations using renamed banners. Additionally, maps display the highest block in a vertical column, allowing for creative map art projects. The lore suggests a connection to an ancient civilization of builders, with villagers continuing their legacy through cartography.

Winsage

April 17, 2026

France Ditches Windows for Linux in Massive “Digital Sovereignty” Push

The French government plans to transition all government workstations from Microsoft Windows to Linux by April 8, 2026, as part of its strategy for "Digital Sovereignty." Each government ministry must present a "de-dependence" plan by autumn 2026. By 2027, all 2.5 million French civil servants will switch to Visio, a domestically developed communication platform, replacing Teams and Zoom. The country's health data platform will also move to a "trusted sovereign solution" to keep citizen data under French jurisdiction. French officials emphasize the need to reduce reliance on foreign technology for strategic decisions and citizen data.

AppWizard

April 14, 2026

If you ever need truly private photos on Android, this is the camera app to use

Smartphone manufacturers have focused on improving megapixels and zoom capabilities in camera technology while neglecting user security features. Major camera apps from companies like Google and Samsung lack immediate methods to protect sensitive information at the point of capture. A recent poll indicated that 71% of respondents believe privacy-focused features are necessary in camera apps. SnapSafe is an application designed to enhance privacy by operating without internet permissions, allowing for encrypted image capture, editing, and storage. Users must set a PIN to secure the app, and it includes features like a "Poison Pill" for deleting images with a secondary PIN, decoy photographs for security, and automatic face obfuscation. Despite some shortcomings, such as delays in image capture and limited image management features, SnapSafe is recognized as a leading private camera app for Android, highlighting the demand for privacy-centric technology in photography.