bridge Archives

Winsage

February 11, 2026

Someone built a Windows 98-powered smart toaster, and you toast bread by running an EXE

A smart toaster powered by Windows 95 has been created using a Raspberry Pi inside a 3D-printed beige shell. The original toaster hardware was incompatible with Windows 95, so a Raspberry Pi Pico was used to intercept inputs, allowing the Raspberry Pi to manage the OS-toaster connection. Users can control the toaster through a custom application called Toast.exe, which allows manual adjustments to heating, cycles, and tray movements.

Winsage

February 11, 2026

The Windows 98 Toaster is Here

YouTuber Throaty Mumbo successfully ran Windows 98 on a smart toaster by disassembling the Revolution Cooking High-Speed Smart Toaster and using a Raspberry Pi 5 to emulate a late-1990s Pentium II PC. He created a custom program called “toast.exe” to facilitate communication between the Windows 98 interface and the toaster's hardware. The project resulted in a functional system that allows users to operate the toaster through a retro Windows 98 environment, complete with a 7-inch HDMI monitor and a 3D-printed shell designed to resemble a classic PC.

Winsage

January 30, 2026

Why Windows 11 feels slower than Windows 10—and why it’s not just in your head

Windows 11 features a modern architecture with advanced schedulers and SSD support, but many users experience sluggishness, with delays in menus and dialog boxes. This perception of reduced responsiveness compared to Windows 10 has been linked to the use of XAML, which modernizes traditional desktop components but introduces performance issues due to added abstraction layers. Disabling animations does not resolve the delays, which are attributed to XAML's reliance on GPU acceleration for simple tasks, leading to inefficiencies. The cumulative effect of these micro-delays, measured in milliseconds, contributes to an overall feeling of sluggishness, regardless of high-end hardware. Microsoft's design choices prioritize visual consistency and modern UI technology, resulting in trade-offs in everyday responsiveness. The slower perception of Windows 11 compared to Windows 10 is rooted in these deliberate technical decisions.

Winsage

January 29, 2026

Microsoft’s Quiet Exodus: Why Enterprise Developers Are Abandoning Windows for Linux Workstations

Microsoft developers and enterprise technology leaders are increasingly choosing Linux over Windows for development tasks, driven by performance concerns, workflow inefficiencies, and the rise of cloud-native development. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) has facilitated this shift by allowing developers to work in a Linux environment while still using Windows. Tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform, which are primarily designed for Linux, have led to a reevaluation of desktop strategies across various industries. Linux provides direct access to the same kernel and toolchain used in production, reducing discrepancies that can lead to bugs. It typically requires less memory at idle compared to Windows, making it more efficient for developers managing multiple containers or virtual machines. Microsoft has responded by investing in platform-agnostic tools like Visual Studio Code and embracing Linux on its Azure cloud platform, where over 50% of virtual machines run Linux. The introduction of WSL2 has improved compatibility and performance, but it has also highlighted Windows' limitations, leading to frustrations among developers. Security considerations favor Linux due to its open-source nature, allowing for greater customization and auditing. Financially, Linux can be more economical for enterprises due to lower licensing costs and reduced hardware requirements. Organizations that have switched to Linux report significant improvements in build times and overall developer experience. Hybrid strategies are emerging to accommodate developer preferences while ensuring security, with cloud-based development environments gaining traction. The trend toward Linux workstations reflects broader industry movements toward open source and platform independence, as companies adapt to attract and retain technical talent.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

Could a video game help combat antisemitism on college campuses?

Julia Sebastien's forthcoming PC game, StrangeLand, explores the complexities of Jewish life at an Ivy League college, aiming to serve as both entertainment and an educational tool about antisemitism. The game targets current and former Jewish students in North America, helping them articulate their experiences. Sebastien, who has a background in Jewish education and media psychology, draws from her own experiences and those of other Jewish students. Gameplay involves navigating challenges such as balancing academic commitments with Jewish holidays and addressing antisemitism. The game intentionally avoids discussions of Zionism and Israel to focus on educating players about antisemitism. It features a retro aesthetic inspired by classic Game Boy graphics, designed to create a comfortable environment for players. Sebastien hopes the game will enhance understanding of the Jewish collegiate experience for both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences.

AppWizard

January 27, 2026

After four hours of Resident Evil Requiem, it could be the return to classic RE I’ve waited so long for

The Resident Evil series has been debated among fans regarding its identity as either an action or survival horror game, particularly after the destruction of Raccoon City, which led to a shift towards action-oriented gameplay. The announcement of Resident Evil Requiem, featuring the return of the Raccoon Police Department, has generated hope for a return to the series' roots. The game includes distinct gameplay styles for protagonists Grace and Leon, with Grace in first-person mode focusing on survival horror and Leon in third-person mode emphasizing action. The Rhodes Hill Clinic offers a complex layout reminiscent of classic locations, filled with puzzles and collectibles. New enemies include a formidable chef and a creature similar to Mr. X, which can be defeated by Grace. Grace's character adds vulnerability, contrasting with Leon's heroism and reinforcing his role as a protector. The game balances classic elements with new mechanics, such as inventory management and the return of the hip pouch and optional ink ribbons for saving. Overall, Requiem aims to recapture the essence of the original trilogy while introducing fresh experiences.

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

Your Pixel 10 could soon get a lot smarter thanks to a major Magic Cue expansion

Google is enhancing the Pixel 10’s Magic Cue feature by integrating Google Wallet and Google Tasks. Currently, Magic Cue can draw data from applications like Pixel Screenshots, Gmail, Messages, Keep Notes, Contacts, and Calendar. An early screenshot suggests that Google Wallet and Google Tasks may soon be added. The integration of Google Wallet could allow users to receive real-time updates on travel status for tickets stored in the app, while Google Tasks could improve event reminders and task management. As of now, these integrations have not been officially announced or rolled out.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Valve’s Steam Machine will have “fewer constraints” for games to be Verified than Steam Deck — plus, an explanation for that weird Steam Controller puck

Valve announced the Steam Machine, set to release in early 2026, which will be powered by SteamOS and designed for living room integration. It aims to bridge the gap between PC gaming and consoles, boasting hardware specifications that rival current-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The Steam Machine will have a streamlined process for games to achieve the "Verified" badge, making it easier for developers to secure this status compared to the Steam Deck. The Steam Machine is expected to have a larger library of Verified games due to its enhanced capabilities. Additionally, the new Steam Controller will feature a puck accessory that serves as a wireless receiver and charger, designed to reduce Bluetooth interference.

Winsage

January 15, 2026

Wine 11 runs Windows apps in Linux and macOS better than ever

Wine 11.0 has been released, allowing users to run 16-bit, 32-bit, and 64-bit Windows x86 binaries on Unix-like operating systems without distinguishing between 32-bit and 64-bit commands. It introduces support for the Linux kernel's NT synchronization primitive, enhancing performance for Windows binaries. Wine 11 is compatible with older kernels, though with reduced performance. It supports x86-to-Arm translation on Arm64 Linux systems through FEX-Emu and works on Apple Silicon Macs via Rosetta 2. The version simplifies command usage to a single wine command and eliminates 32-bit support libraries. Enhancements include improved clipboard handling over Wayland, full-screen mode functionality, Direct3D support, native Vulkan video decoding for H.264, and better handling of SCSI devices and game controllers. Wine 11 downloads are available for Linux and macOS, with a FreeBSD port expected. Testing on Ubuntu 25.10 under GNOME using Wayland showed positive results for both 32-bit and 64-bit applications.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

2026 Shift: Professionals Ditch Windows 11 for Linux’s Speed and Savings

Professionals are increasingly moving away from Windows 11 to various Linux distributions due to dissatisfaction with performance issues and intrusive features in Windows. A 2025 analysis showed Linux distributions outperforming Windows by an average of 19.5% in everyday tasks. Performance tests indicated that SteamOS, a Linux-based platform, often matched or exceeded Windows 11 in gaming performance. Linux's lightweight nature and superior system administration tools appeal to those managing servers and virtual environments. Security concerns regarding Windows 11, including privacy issues and forced updates, have led users to prefer Linux's open-source model, which allows for greater transparency and customization. Economic factors also play a role, as Linux is free and open-source, eliminating licensing fees associated with Windows 11. User-friendly distributions like Linux Mint facilitate the transition for new users, and community support helps address common challenges. Large organizations are increasingly adopting Linux for its stability and responsiveness, while the Linux community fosters rapid improvements and adaptability. User feedback highlights privacy, performance, and customizability as key benefits of switching to Linux.