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Experts Suggest Removing These 12 Common Windows Applications Without Delay

**12 Widely Used Windows Applications You Should Remove Right Away, According to Experts**

Windows frequently comes with various applications pre-installed that a lot of users deem unnecessary. These apps can drain system resources, hinder performance, and may even pose privacy risks. Below is a list of 12 widely used Windows applications that specialists advise removing for better system optimization:

1. **Microsoft Solitaire Collection**: Although it features classic games like Solitaire and Minesweeper, it is heavily laden with advertisements and requires a subscription for full-screen access.

2. **Microsoft News and Weather**: These applications are redundant given their integration into the Windows 11 taskbar and Start menu. They function slowly and use unnecessary system resources.

3. **Outlook**: The new Outlook application is essentially a web wrapper that uses more memory compared to the older Mail app and includes advertisements disguised as emails.

4. **Microsoft 365 Copilot**: If you do not utilize Microsoft’s 365 services, this application is unnecessary and can be intrusive, launching at startup without providing meaningful functionality.

5. **Xbox App and Game Bar**: Unless you are a dedicated PC gamer, these applications are unnecessary. The Game Bar, especially, can operate unwanted background processes.

6. **Media Player**: It lacks modern capabilities and codec support when compared to alternatives like VLC, which offer improved functionality and compatibility with newer formats.

7. **Third-party Antivirus Software**: The built-in Windows Security is sufficient for most users, making third-party antivirus programs redundant and often obtrusive.

8. **Microsoft Clipchamp**: While it is useful for basic video editing, it lacks advanced features and does not justify the premium price over free alternatives like DaVinci Resolve.

9. **Microsoft To Do**: It falls short of features available in alternatives like Todoist or TickTick, such as natural language input and advanced search functions.

10. **Movies & TV**: With Microsoft shutting down its digital storefront, this application is only beneficial if you have existing purchases. Otherwise, it can be removed.

11. **Maps**: This application has reached the end of its support and serves minimal purpose, particularly with superior alternatives like Google Maps available.

12. **Sound Recorder**: It provides basic functionality but lacks advanced features such as transcription, rendering it less helpful compared to mobile applications or specialized software.

Removing these applications can streamline your Windows experience, enhance performance, and free up essential system resources.

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Presenting the Moto G Power 2026: Equipped with a 50MP Camera and a 5,200mAh Battery for Daily Usage

Motorola has introduced its newest mid-range smartphone, the Moto G Power 2026, crafted to match the dynamic digital lifestyle without hindering your pace. Scheduled for release on January 8 at a price of $299, this device features a 6.8-inch FHD Plus display with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness reaching up to 1,000 nits, assuring a fluid and vivid visual experience. The phone is equipped with MediaTek’s Dimensity 6300 SoC, identical to the chip found in the G Power 2025, guaranteeing speed and dependability.

Robustness is a significant attribute, as the Moto G Power 2026 presents 14 MIL-STD-810H durability, Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, and IP68/IP69 water resistance. The dual-camera system of the device consists of a 50MP primary camera featuring Quad Pixel Technology and OIS, paired with an 8MP ultrawide and macro vision lens combination. The 32MP front-facing camera is embedded within the display, augmented by AI functionalities like Auto Night Vision and Auto Smile Capture.

Operating on Android 16, the smartphone supports Smart Connect for smooth file transfers and syncing, alongside Motorola’s Moto Secure, Unplugged, Family Space, ThinkShield, and Hello UX. The 5,200mAh battery provides up to two days of usage, accompanied by 30W charging for rapid recharges. With 8GB of RAM and AI-driven RAM Boost, users can benefit from up to 16GB of virtual RAM for improved performance.

Offered in PANTONE Pure Cashmere and PANTONE Evening Blue, the Moto G Power 2026 will be available through Best Buy, Amazon, and Motorola’s website, with a Canadian launch cost of $449.

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“Galaxy Chromebook Plus Available Again at Almost Black Friday Prices”

Securing a $150 discount on one of the finest Chromebooks is certainly an opportunity not to miss. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus, recognized for its remarkable features and performance, is presently being offered at a reduced price. Initially listed at $749.99, it can now be purchased for $599.99 at Best Buy, which translates to a $150 saving. While this offer may not be as generous as the discounts during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it remains considerable, particularly with the holiday season approaching.

The Galaxy Chromebook Plus is distinguished by its 16-inch AMOLED display, which provides striking visuals perfect for both entertainment and multitasking. Although it does not feature a convertible design, its sleek profile and robust performance make it a preferred option for those who value display excellence and processing capabilities.

Samsung and Google have worked together to incorporate distinctive features such as the dedicated “Insert Key,” which enhances the user experience by facilitating quick access to functions like an emoji picker and Google Gemini. Furthermore, purchasers are granted 12 months of Google One AI Premium, which includes 2TB of storage and advanced functionalities.

This Chromebook is ideal for users in search of a high-performance, visually impressive device. However, individuals looking for a convertible design or more economical alternatives may want to explore other models. With the ongoing discount, the Galaxy Chromebook Plus presents a compelling choice for both tech enthusiasts and professionals.

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Amazon’s Kindle App Unveils Generative AI Chatbot for Questions About Book Lore and Characters

**The Feature Gently Circulating on iOS, Leaving Android Users Anticipating Until 2026**

Amazon is launching a novel AI-driven feature for its Kindle app intended to enrich the reading journey by offering insights into the narratives users are engaging with. This function, named “Ask this book,” serves as a generative AI tool resembling a chatbot, enabling users to inquire about a book’s storyline, characters, and themes without revealing any spoilers. The feature is crafted to maintain readers’ immersion in their books without interrupting their reading experience.

At present, the “Ask this book” feature is being introduced for iOS users within the United States, while Android users are projected to gain access in 2026. This postponement has left numerous Android users eagerly awaiting the new capability.

The AI can address a broad array of inquiries, providing information about the storyline, character dynamics, and thematic aspects. Users can select any section of a book to activate the “Ask” button, which initiates a conversation with the AI. Amazon also supplies pre-formulated questions to assist users in getting started promptly.

Despite the enthusiasm about this feature, there are apprehensions from authors and publishers concerning rights and copyright matters. The AI was launched without the awareness of rightsholders, prompting inquiries about the safeguards Amazon will implement for authors and publishers.

Alongside “Ask this book,” Amazon is rolling out “Recaps,” a feature designed to give summaries on book series for Kindle and Kindle app users on iOS. This enhancement seeks to assist readers in catching up on their beloved series after intervals between book launches.

As the Kindle app continues to develop, not every update has been warmly welcomed. Earlier this year, Amazon eliminated the capability to download and transfer Kindle books via USB to PCs, a decision thought to tackle DRM removal concerns. However, this alteration does not impact Kindle app users, who still retain the option to manage or delete books from their devices.

As Amazon persists in advancing AI functionalities, the company encounters the challenge of balancing technological progress with the rights and apprehensions of authors and publishers.

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OnePlus Series Debuts Featuring Top-Notch Battery Performance

OnePlus is preparing to introduce a new product line, the OnePlus Turbo series, designed to contend with performance-driven competitors such as Redmi and iQOO. The series highlights robust performance and extended battery longevity, as confirmed by OnePlus China President Li Jie Louis during the company’s 12th-anniversary celebration in China. The Turbo series is anticipated to make its debut in China around January 2026, while global release details have yet to be revealed.

Situated just beneath OnePlus’ flagship devices, the Turbo series is expected to incorporate premium chipsets, potentially including Snapdragon 8-series SoCs. This approach aligns with OnePlus’ legacy of performance-oriented devices, although the Turbo series indicates a more pronounced emphasis on performance and battery endurance. Initial speculations suggest battery capacities nearing 9,000mAh and high-refresh-rate screens with resolutions around 1.5K.

The timing of the launch is vital as the competition among performance-centric Android devices escalates, with numerous brands marketing gaming smartphones or gadgets featuring superior battery life. OnePlus aims to attract younger, performance-enthusiastic consumers with the Turbo series, presenting a more focused alternative to conventional flagships. Information regarding pricing and global distribution remains undisclosed, but the series is expected to first launch in China.

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Google’s Gemini Integration with NotebookLM Improves Project Management

Google’s Gemini has undergone a major enhancement through the direct integration with NotebookLM notes, boosting its usability for customers. This new feature enables users to bring entire NotebookLM projects into a Gemini chat, merging Gemini’s creative insights with NotebookLM’s thorough examination of personal files such as PDFs and transcripts. Although Google has yet to officially confirm this capability, it seems to be in an initial rollout phase, presently accessible only on the web for a limited group of users.

In the past, users were forced to switch between Gemini for creative thinking and NotebookLM for document scrutiny, which could hinder concentration. The new integration seeks to simplify this experience by permitting users to attach NotebookLM projects directly to Gemini chats. This update was noted by @testingcatalog on X, reflecting a gradual deployment.

NotebookLM is proficient at producing responses based on uploaded files, while Gemini provides more extensive reasoning. The combination of these tools enables Gemini to reply based on particular user documents, improving its precision and relevance. This enhancement is currently exclusive to the web and not yet available to the entire user base, indicating a phased rollout by Google. Users are looking forward to its introduction on Gemini’s mobile platform in the near future.

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iOS 26.3 Brings New iPhone Wallpaper Category and Enhances Gallery Functions

### iOS 26.3 Beta 1: Updated Wallpaper Features and Enhancements

The release of iOS 26.3 beta 1 for developers brings some expected updates along with an exciting new feature: the wallpaper gallery has now introduced a specific Weather section.

#### Divided Wallpaper Categories: Weather and Astronomy

In this beta iteration, Apple has split the former ‘Weather & Astronomy’ section into two separate categories: Weather and Astronomy. This adjustment not only streamlines the wallpaper choices but also improves user experience by delivering more distinct options.

#### Fresh Weather Wallpapers

In the past, iOS 26.2 included just one Weather wallpaper. Now, with iOS 26.3 beta 1, users have the ability to choose from three unique Weather wallpapers. Each wallpaper showcases live weather conditions for the user’s location, making them not just visually appealing but also practical.

The new wallpapers feature various fonts and distinct widget arrangements, enabling users to select a design that aligns with their personal style without requiring significant customization.

#### Future Prospects

Although the initial beta release is somewhat modest in terms of changes, it is anticipated that more features will surface in upcoming beta iterations after the holiday season. The launch of a dedicated Weather section marks an encouraging beginning, and many are hopeful it signals the start of additional exciting wallpaper features in the iOS 26.3 beta journey.

As users delve into these new features, it prompts the inquiry of whether they favor Apple’s default wallpapers or their own personalized creations. The improvement in the wallpaper gallery is a move towards offering more tailored options for iPhone users.

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Google’s Latest Easter Egg Disrupts Online Searches

Google Search frequently features references to significant occurrences. The “Pluribus” Google Search Easter egg exemplifies this. As reported by 9to5Google and showcased in the video below, the Google Search “6-7” Easter egg can be triggered by entering “6-7” or “67” into the search bar. Once activated, Google Search will mimic the hand gesture associated with the “6-7” meme — the palms-up weighing motion — by causing the search results to jiggle up and down. The only element absent is the accompanying sound, as Google Search doesn’t vocalize the phrase “six seven.”

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Reasons Why Wireless Charging Might Not Be Ideal for You

We rely on numerous tech gadgets daily — from smartphones to computers, headphones to smartwatches — making the charging of our devices a habitual task. You might have a tangled web of cords on your desk to power everything you require to get through your day. Naturally, this renders wireless charging as an alternative seem quite attractive. Connecting a single multi-charge unit, or a wireless charging pad, allows for a tidy replenishing of all your gadgets. It appears to be a straightforward solution.

However, wireless charging may not suit everyone. For power users in particular, it could prove inadequate. Even the quickest wireless charging technologies, with a few exceptions, are typically slower than standard wired charging solutions. Additionally, they still need a cable (to the base), often have a higher cost, and come with limited compatibility. Moreover, using your phone for anything other than passive activities — such as watching videos or making calls — while it charges can be uncomfortable, even if it’s on a stand. Wireless charging serves well for quick boosts, but for consistent, primary charging, wired remains the preferred method.

Wireless charging generally takes longer than wired charging

Overview of Features Expected for Next Year’s iPhone Fold

**The Expected iPhone Fold: What to Expect**

The flagship iPhone for next year is highly expected to be a folding device known as the iPhone Fold. With ongoing leaks and updates, we have a more defined understanding of its anticipated features.

### A Book-Style Design

The iPhone Fold is forecasted to incorporate a book-style fold, allowing the device to open horizontally into a larger display, akin to an iPad mini. This design differs from the flip-style folding that several other brands have embraced.

### An Outer Display Measuring Around 5.25 to 5.5 Inches

When shut, the iPhone Fold is predicted to showcase an outer display offering functionality resembling current iPhones. Reports indicate that this display is expected to be around 5.25 to 5.5 inches, with the latest estimates tending towards 5.25 inches.

### Punch-Hole Camera on the Outer Display

The outer display will feature a punch-hole camera for selfies, replacing the Dynamic Island functionality found in existing models. This design selection aims to optimize screen space while still maintaining essential camera capabilities.

### An Inner Display in the 7.6 to 7.8 Inch Range

The internal display is anticipated to range from 7.6 to 7.8 inches, slightly smaller than the current iPad mini’s 8.3-inch display. This additional screen size is expected to elevate user experience for multitasking and media engagement.

### Under-Display Camera for the Inner Screen

For the inner display, it’s rumored that Apple will integrate an under-display camera, a technology facilitating a seamless screen experience. While there are challenges with this technology, it is expected to be positively received by users.

### Touch ID Integrated into the Side Button

Due to the challenges of implementing Face ID on both displays, Apple is likely to incorporate Touch ID into the side button of the iPhone Fold, providing a secure and convenient unlocking solution.

### A Sturdy Hinge and Creaseless Display

Among the significant challenges for folding smartphones has been the durability of the hinge and the visibility of creases in the display. Apple is reportedly working on developing a strong hinge mechanism and reducing crease visibility, which has been a notable issue in earlier folding devices.

### Rear Cameras Still Uncertain

Information regarding the rear camera arrangement remains ambiguous. It is presumed that the iPhone Fold will include multiple rear cameras similar to those in the iPhone Pro models, but the high production costs may result in compromises in this aspect.

### A Pricing in the $2000-2500 Range

The expected price for the iPhone Fold is likely to vary from $1,800 to $2,500, with general agreement around $2,000 to $2,500. This pricing positions the device as a premium product, potentially making it a harder sell compared to standard iPhone models.

### Will You Purchase One?

Currently, approximately 100 pre-production models are thought to be in existence, yet the official release is still a way off. Considering the anticipated features and pricing, consumer interest will play a vital role in gauging the iPhone Fold’s success.

As we wait for further details, the enthusiasm around the iPhone Fold keeps growing, with many eager to see how Apple will advance in the folding smartphone arena.

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