calendar Archives

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Windows 11’s Widgets panel is still a wasteland, even after Build

Microsoft's Build conference highlighted tools and hardware for enhancing the developer experience for Windows applications and AI agents, with a focus on refining Windows 11 and its applications through Windows K2. The Widgets panel, accessible via the weather icon or WIN+W shortcut, has not received significant attention and currently offers only 56 widgets, with few providing genuine utility. Notable widgets include MagicPods, Calendar Flyout, and some utilities, but overall, the panel is seen as lacking. Despite improvements in the Microsoft Store and a growing library of applications, the Widgets panel remains underdeveloped, with only minor enhancements made, and its future is uncertain.

Winsage

June 8, 2026

Microsoft Build ignored the most barren part of Windows 11, and it’s one only third-party developers can fix

Microsoft showcased new tools and hardware for Windows development at the Build conference, including the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box for AI-driven solutions. The company is refining first-party applications under the Windows K2 initiative but has not prioritized the Widgets panel, which remains a concern for users despite minor improvements. Microsoft is assembling a team of app developers to enhance the Windows 11 app ecosystem, and the Microsoft Store has improved significantly with a larger library of applications. However, the Widgets panel continues to be overlooked in the modernization efforts.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

There’s suddenly a terrifying number of games releasing this fall

The Steam platform continues to be active with daily game launches, but this year has seen a scarcity of big-budget releases due to delays from developers aiming to avoid competition with the anticipated release of GTA 6. This blockbuster is expected to significantly impact market sales. The gaming industry is preparing for a quieter second half of the year, with many developers considering their options. There is growing anticipation for titles set to release in 2026, as gamers express a desire for more substantial releases amidst these delays.

Winsage

June 7, 2026

Welcome to the 2026 Edition of the Windows 11 Field Guide!

The Windows 11 Field Guide has been rebranded as the Windows 11 Field Guide 2026 edition, covering all supported versions of Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2, and 26H1) and highlighting new and existing features. The guide will evolve throughout 2026, with updates requiring considerable effort and likely unfolding over several editions. Outdated content has been removed, including chapters on Mail, Calendar, Microsoft 365, Movies & TV, and the Microsoft Store. Chapters have been consolidated for clarity, with three upgrade chapters merged into one and four installation chapters also consolidated. New chapters have been added on Microsoft Paint, Notepad, Quick Machine Recovery, and account security basics. Existing chapters, such as those on Desktop and Passkeys, are being revised. The focus has shifted from assisting users transitioning from Windows 10 to supporting the over one billion Windows 11 users, with all "Where did it go?" sections eliminated. Visuals have been refined to optimize file sizes, and a new companion book, De-Enshittify Windows 11, has been created. Future editions will be year-based rather than version-based, with free updates for existing owners through the release of Windows 11 version 26H2 in late 2026. Thurrott Premium members will have complimentary access to the 2026 edition.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

I’m a sucker for clean UI — these are the 9 best-looking Android apps I’m using in 2026

Hacki for Hacker News is an open-source app with a sleek design, enhancing user experience for accessing Hacker News. Gradient Weather features stunning visuals with bold typography and animated headers for weather updates. PeakFinder uses augmented reality to identify mountain peaks with a minimalist aesthetic. Mako is a minimalist launcher with pastel themes and extensive customization options. Buzzkill offers vibrant notification management with a visually appealing interface. Zest is a to-do list app with an attractive design and organizational tools. Fotmob provides in-depth soccer statistics and real-time updates with customizable widgets. The Wikipedia app features an attractive interface for easy navigation of information. Txori is a time-management app with a retro-minimalist aesthetic and effective scheduling capabilities.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Here’s how to watch the PC Gaming Show 2026

The PC Gaming Show will return this summer, featuring over 50 games. Hosts include Frankie Ward, Mica Burton, Sean 'Day[9]' Plott, and YouTuber Elz. The event will be broadcast on Twitch, YouTube, X, and Steam with localized subtitles in multiple languages and sign language options. It starts on Sunday, June 7, at 12:00 PT / 15:00 ET / 20:00 BST / 03:00 CST. A 30-minute pre-show will precede the main event, and co-streams will be available from popular personalities. Viewers can win a custom PC, and the event will include highlights from the Future Games Show and interviews, including one with Gareth Damian Martin, creator of Citizen Sleeper.

AppWizard

June 6, 2026

Meta’s AI agent for WhatsApp Business is now available globally

Meta has launched the Meta Business Agent, a customer support AI bot, on WhatsApp, following nearly two years of testing in India and Mexico. The bot can respond to inquiries, recommend products, schedule appointments, qualify sales leads, and escalate queries to human representatives. It will also be available through Instagram DMs. Meta is testing a feature for the Business Agent that provides daily briefings on chats and insights. Future functionalities under exploration include market research, product showcases, calendar management, and integration with competitive insight tools. Meta is developing a platform for larger enterprises to create custom agents that connect with systems like Shopify and Zendesk. The Business Agent will be incorporated into WhatsApp Business Premium subscriptions, with charges based on usage.

Winsage

June 5, 2026

A guide to agentic AI: How Windows is now going to do more things for you

Microsoft is advancing in the field of artificial intelligence with the introduction of agentic AI, which aims to perform tasks on behalf of users rather than just responding to queries. A key feature is 'autoagents,' starting with Scout, which will integrate into Microsoft 365 applications and autonomously manage tasks like monitoring communications and summarizing documents. Scout is currently being rolled out to select users and is designed with safety measures, including Execution Containers to control resource access and mitigate risks. Additionally, Microsoft has launched Discovery, a tool for enhancing scientific research, and Rayfin, which simplifies application development for individual creators.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

Meta brings AI Business Agents to Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger globally

Meta has launched the global rollout of the Meta Business Agent, an AI-driven assistant for businesses on WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram. This was announced at the Conversations 2026 event in London, along with the new Meta Business Agent Platform, which allows businesses to create and deploy AI agents. Over one million businesses currently use Business Agents for 24/7 customer support, handling over one billion daily conversations across the platforms. The Meta Business Agent can answer inquiries, recommend products, schedule appointments, qualify leads, and close sales, while also supporting multilingual communication and customizable brand tones. The Meta Business Agent Platform facilitates large-scale AI deployment and integrates with tools like Shopify and Zendesk. New WhatsApp business discovery tools are being introduced, and the service will initially be available for free, with future subscription plans. Advanced features such as market research and competitive intelligence are planned for future updates.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

Meta Unveils AI Agent for WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger

Meta has introduced the Meta Business Agent, an AI tool that enhances business-client interactions on platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram. It is currently operational for over one million businesses, providing 24/7 customer responses. The AI can answer inquiries, recommend products, book appointments, qualify leads, and close sales. The setup process is quick, and the tool supports local languages while adapting to a brand's tone. Initially free, it will transition to paid subscription tiers soon. Alongside the agent, Meta is launching the Meta Business Agent Platform, allowing companies to customize their own agents and integrate them with systems like Shopify and Zendesk. This platform offers enterprise-grade controls for larger businesses and aims to expand the agent’s capabilities over time.