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The Windows 98 Toaster is Here
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.
Boring always-on displays are history: Android 17 will let apps show controls on your phone’s idle screen
AppWizard
November 3, 2025

Boring always-on displays are history: Android 17 will let apps show controls on your phone’s idle screen

Google is set to launch Android 17, introducing a feature called "Min Mode" that enhances the always-on display by allowing select applications to project functional, minimalist interfaces on the screen without waking the device or draining the battery. This feature will enable users to access live navigation, track workout statistics, and manage music controls while the phone is in sleep mode. Google Maps will be among the first apps to provide simple monochrome directions. Developers can create specialized layouts for a clean aesthetic in low-powered states, and the system will prevent burn-in by shifting pixels periodically. Min Mode will not replace the traditional always-on display but will offer an alternative for a more interactive experience.
Android 17 Min Mode turns AOD into a live app canvas
AppWizard
October 31, 2025

Android 17 Min Mode turns AOD into a live app canvas

Most Android devices now have an always-on display (AOD) feature, which allows users to view the time and notifications without unlocking their phones. Google is developing a new feature called "Min Mode" for Android 17, which will enable apps to integrate with AOD by rendering minimal user interfaces on the low-power display. Min Mode will not replace the traditional AOD but will function as an additional mode, allowing for a full-screen application surface while maintaining low brightness and refresh rates. Apps can activate Min Mode by defining a MinModeActivity in their AndroidManifest and communicating with a MinModeProvider in SystemUI. This feature aims to provide glanceable, battery-efficient experiences for applications that typically drain battery life. Early indications suggest that Google Maps may be the first app to implement Min Mode, with relevant code already identified. The feature is expected to be available in Android 17, as it is currently disabled at the system level and is not anticipated to be included in Android 16 QPR3.
Android 17 could bring full-screen apps to your phone’s always-on display
AppWizard
October 30, 2025

Android 17 could bring full-screen apps to your phone’s always-on display

Google is developing a new feature called Min Mode for Android 17, designed to enhance the Always-On Display (AOD) functionality. Min Mode allows applications to showcase minimal, persistent interfaces while conserving battery life by operating within an ultra-low-power display state. It enables apps to present a full-screen interface when the device is idle and is integrated within the SystemUI package. Developers can register a “MinModeActivity” in their app's Manifest file to activate this feature. To prevent screen burn-in, the system shifts pixels every 60 seconds. Google Maps is expected to be one of the first applications to implement this feature, adopting a minimalist power-saving mode. Min Mode is anticipated to be introduced as a new developer API with the release of Android 17.
5 hidden features in Windows you probably didn't know about
Winsage
October 6, 2025

5 hidden features in Windows you probably didn’t know about

- ClickLock allows users to mimic a sustained mouse click by holding down the mouse button for about a second, enabling actions like text highlighting without continuous pressure. - Windows 11 includes screen savers that can be activated after a period of inactivity, with options like 3D Text, Bubbles, Mystify, Photos, and Ribbons. - The "God Mode Folder" provides a centralized view of various Windows settings and Control Panel utilities within File Explorer, created by renaming a folder to "GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}". - Users can generate a detailed battery report by opening Command Prompt as an administrator and entering the command "powercfg /batteryreport," which saves the report in the System32 folder. - File History allows users to maintain a continuously synchronized backup of their libraries by connecting an external or network drive, automating the backup process and enabling restoration of previous file versions.
Microsoft's big Windows 11 Start menu redesign is great news for OLED monitor owners like me – and you can try it right now
Winsage
June 10, 2025

Microsoft’s big Windows 11 Start menu redesign is great news for OLED monitor owners like me – and you can try it right now

Microsoft is enhancing its Windows 11 operating system, particularly the Start menu, with updates currently available for beta testers. These modifications aim to streamline user navigation and make it easier to manage applications. Users can categorize applications for a more organized interface or revert to a traditional grid view. The update improves scrolling and application discovery, benefiting those who use their devices for gaming or productivity. The changes are aesthetically pleasing, especially for OLED monitor users, and may alleviate concerns about screen burn-in. There is hope that similar customization features could be extended to gaming applications, addressing potential burn-in risks associated with on-screen build numbers in games.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
March 18, 2025

Gaming on Windows on Arm is getting pretty cool

Linux offers a variety of distributions, each with unique features, such as NixOS, Pop_OS! for Nvidia compatibility, Debian for stability, and lightweight options like Q4OS. Many individuals rely on a few fingers for typing despite formal training, questioning the efficiency of using all ten fingers. Windows 11 integrates OneDrive for backing up essential folders, which some users find cumbersome. QD-OLED monitors can experience burn-in, affecting visuals after a year of use. The Dell Inspiron 8500 is often remembered as a first laptop that sparked interest in technology. The rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2 has users debating whether to upgrade, with some preferring to wait for broader availability. Alternatives to Windows File Explorer, such as OneCommander and Total Commander, are being explored by users. The purchase of a first graphics card, like the GTX 760, marks a significant moment in PC building for many. Music streaming preferences vary among users, with platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music being popular choices. Content creators often prefer tools like Greenshot for capturing screenshots due to reliability. Linux desktop environments, such as KDE, allow for aesthetic customization. Transforming an old PC into a smart home hub can enhance living spaces by integrating devices. The first app installed on a new system often reflects personal habits, with browsers like Firefox or gaming platforms like Steam being common choices.
Rainmeter is an impressive Windows customization tool
Winsage
December 1, 2024

Rainmeter is an impressive Windows customization tool

Users are exploring alternatives to the default File Explorer in Windows 11, with OneCommander being a popular choice among enthusiasts. Various recommendations from the community include Total Commander and Directory Opus. A user experienced burn-in on their QD-OLED monitor after using a static image for a year but found relief by switching to dynamic wallpaper. They appreciate QD-OLED technology and plan to upgrade to a newer generation panel. The Linux ecosystem features numerous distributions, with the user rotating between NixOS, Pop_OS!, Debian, and Q4OS based on their needs. A user transformed an outdated dual-Xeon CPU and motherboard into a home lab and budget gaming system, highlighting its versatility. Despite being a professional writer, the user relies on four fingers for typing and feels retraining could hinder productivity. Their first laptop was a Dell Inspiron 8500, which sparked their interest in technology. Microsoft’s OneDrive integration in Windows 11 has mixed reviews, with some users disabling automatic backups for a cleaner workspace. The gradual rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2 has not introduced significant changes, leading some users to wait for broader adoption. A Discord server dedicated to co-working has helped one user maintain productivity while working from home. The challenge of non-repairable tech is noted, with companies like Framework promoting sustainability through repairable products. Opinions on drive partitioning vary, with some advocating for multiple partitions while others prefer a single partition for simplicity. Casual gaming with Vampire Survivors has become a favorite for low-stress gameplay. The need for RAM in gaming PCs is increasing, with 16GB being standard and 32GB ideal for many users. The user was motivated to build their first PC for better gaming performance, inspired by the original Titanfall game. They transformed an old PC into a smart home hub using Home Assistant, enhancing device management. Obsidian is being explored for running tabletop RPGs, showcasing its versatility. The user transitioned from the unreliable Snipping Tool to Greenshot for capturing screenshots. Odd-length M.2 drives are noted as scarce in consumer markets despite the rise of smaller NVMe SSDs. The user is exploring alternative browsers like Floorp and Vivaldi after years of using Chrome.
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