I replaced File Explorer on my Windows 11 laptop with this app — and it's still one step ahead of Microsoft's optimization plans

windowscentral.com Aug 18, 2026

I replaced File Explorer on my Windows 11 laptop with this app — and it’s still one step ahead of Microsoft’s optimization plans

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Aug 18, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

The open‑source Files app, an alternative to Windows 11’s File Explorer, released version 4.2.7, delivering faster right‑click context menus and reduced memory usage when tabs close. New features include middle‑click tab creation, automatic selection of items opened from other apps, and a cleaner filter box. The update positions Files ahead of Microsoft’s planned Explorer optimizations, offering users a lightweight, keyboard‑friendly file manager that can be installed without affecting the default system. The app remains free on GitHub and available for purchase on the Microsoft Store.

💡 Why It Matters

· By cutting context‑menu latency and trimming RAM consumption, Files gives power users immediate performance gains that Microsoft’s upcoming updates will still lag behind.

Apps Capsules

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4 Headphone Brands With Software That Really Makes A Difference

A recent article highlights four headphone brands that distinguish themselves through robust, free companion software, contrasting them with competitors offering limited customization. The piece emphasizes that while hardware adjustments are minimal, software significantly enhances the user experience. Sony is specifically cited as a prime example, with its Sound Connect app providing advanced features like a 10-band equalizer and various audio presets for models such as the WH-1000XM4. The author argues that these free applications allow users to maximize the value of their premium purchases without incurring additional subscription costs. This approach stands in stark opposition to the industry trend of locking essential features behind paywalls or trial periods. By prioritizing comprehensive software support, these brands ensure that consumers can tailor their audio experience precisely to their preferences. The article serves as a guide for buyers seeking headphones that offer substantial post-purchase utility through digital enhancements rather than relying solely on out-of-the-box performance.

💡 Free, feature-rich companion apps directly counter the industry's push toward recurring subscription models for basic audio customization. This shift empowers consumers to fully utilize premium hardware without ongoing financial commitments.

9to5google.com · Aug 19

Spotify rolling out ‘User Notes’ and ‘Running Mode’ features on Android –…

Spotify has launched two new features: “Running Mode,” which creates workout‑specific playlists based on intensity, BPM, and music style, and “User Notes,” allowing users to add personal captions to tracks that appear in their library and shared playlists. Running Mode is available to Premium subscribers in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden, initially on iOS and now rolling out to Android in selected regions. User Notes roll out to free and Premium users in select markets for those 16 and older.

💡 By integrating workout‑tailored music and personal annotations, Spotify deepens user engagement and positions itself as a versatile fitness companion, potentially reshaping how listeners curate and interact with music libraries.

Top 5 Software Solutions for Account Planning

redwingnews.com · Aug 19

TikTok explores peer-to-peer payments via DMs, report says

TikTok is developing a peer-to-peer payment feature that would enable users to transfer money directly through private messages, according to a Bloomberg report. Code discovered in the current U.S. iPhone app suggests recipients can tap to accept funds, while senders may attach text notes, mirroring functionality seen in Venmo. The feature would likely utilize TikTok Pay, currently active in Southeast Asia for TikTok Shop transactions. TikTok confirmed to Bloomberg that the tool is not yet in testing, indicating it remains in early development stages. Consequently, a release timeline or confirmation of launch remains uncertain. The company did not respond to TechCrunch’s request for comment. This move aligns with TikTok’s broader expansion into financial services, following recent applications to operate as a fintech firm in Brazil. The development positions TikTok to compete directly with established payment platforms like Venmo and Zelle, as well as rival social network X, which recently launched its own money-transfer service.

💡 Embedding financial transactions within direct messaging transforms social interaction into a seamless commerce channel, potentially capturing high-frequency, low-value transfers that traditional banking apps often overlook. By integrating payments directly into the communication layer, TikTok aims to deepen user retention and monetize social engagement more aggressively than standalone fintech competitors.

appleinsider.com · Aug 18

Apple’s EU App Store changes are big, and a preview of what’s…

Apple announced new EU App Store terms on August 18, simplifying fee structures and lowering commissions for developers. The revised rules cut the in‑app purchase fee from 30% to 26%, with a 15% rate for small‑business and tenured accounts, and reduced external payment fees to 20% (10% for program participants). A single 15% fee replaces the prior Initial Acquisition and Store Services fees, while the Core Technology Commission drops to a flat 5% for non‑App Store sales. Additional child‑safety restrictions limit external links for under‑13 users.

💡 The EU changes signal a broader shift toward lower developer fees that could ripple into the U.S. market, reshaping the App Store’s revenue model and competitive dynamics.

9to5mac.com · Aug 18

Peacock is the latest streaming service to increase prices, details here

Peacock has increased all three subscription tiers, raising the Premium Plus plan to $20 per month ($199.99 annually). The entry-level Select plan now costs $8.99 monthly ($89.99 yearly), Premium climbs to $12.99 monthly ($129.99 yearly), and Premium Plus to $19.99 monthly ($199.99 yearly). The largest percentage hike is 18% for Premium. New rates take effect August 18 for new and returning users; existing subscribers will see the change after September 17. Apple’s bundled prices remain unchanged.

💡 The price jump underscores Peacock’s push to sustain content investment amid a crowded streaming market, potentially reshaping consumer loyalty and bundle strategies.