calendar Archives

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2 expected release date, platforms, features and more

Mojang announced Minecraft Dungeons 2 during Minecraft Live 2026, confirming its release in Fall 2026. The game will be available on Windows PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2, with Game Pass support. A trailer hinted at new challenges involving Sculk blocks and the Deep Dark biome, and a QR code in the trailer led to a secret video with the term "spicewood." The original Minecraft Dungeons, released in 2020, faced criticism for repetitiveness and lack of endgame content, prompting Mojang to halt its development.

Winsage

May 2, 2026

Microsoft is finally turning off the MSN feed and ads in Windows 11 Widgets by default

Microsoft has modified the default behavior of the Widgets feature in Windows 11, confirming that the MSN feed will no longer be displayed by default when users hover over the Widgets icon. This change is being gradually rolled out through the Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8346. The updated Widgets experience includes several modifications: - The Widgets board will no longer open on hover; users must click the Widgets icon to access it. - Taskbar badging for breaking news and alerts will be turned off by default. - Animated taskbar alerts will only appear after user interaction with the Widgets board. - Upon first launching the Widgets board, users will see core widgets like weather and calendar instead of the MSN news feed. Users can manually customize their Widgets experience by disabling the "Open Widgets board on hover" option, turning off the MSN feed, or completely removing Widgets from Windows 11. Additionally, a redesign of the MSN feed is planned, featuring rounded corners to distinguish it from the Widgets. Microsoft aims to create a calmer operating system by reducing distractions and excessive notifications.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

The cozy game launches of May are dominated by a bunch of hotly-anticipated sims

A total of 27 cozy games are set to be released in May, with a focus on simulation games. Notable upcoming titles include: - Thrifty Business: Release Date: May 18 | Shop organizing sim - Greenhearth Necromancer: Release Date: May 11 | Balcony garden sim - Paralives: Release Date: May 25 | Sims-like life sim - OddFauna: Secret of the Terrabeast: Release Date: May 13 | Creature collecting and crafting - Wax Heads: Release Date: May 5 | Record store narrative sim Three of these titles have experienced delays.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

Google releases experimental ‘COSMO’ AI assistant app on Play Store

Google released an experimental AI assistant application called COSMO for Android devices, which has since been removed from the Play Store due to an accidental launch. The app, which is 1.13 GB in size, was designed to enhance daily productivity by organizing schedules and answering complex queries. COSMO features include a list tracker, document writer, calendar event suggester, browser agent, timer suggestions, deep research capabilities, quick photo lookup, web search functionality, jargon definitions, insights provision, context understanding for people and events, recall assistance, and conversation summarization. It offers three settings: Hybrid, PI Only, and Nano Only, with the latter two indicating different processing methods. The app also includes voice match and screen access features but is not intended for the general consumer market.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

Android Auto app widgets mirror mobile setup, leak shows as release nears

Android Auto is set to receive a significant update with the introduction of a widget selection feature, codenamed "Gemini." This update aims to enhance user experience and integrates widgets into the driving experience. The "car widgets" menu is accessible in Android Auto version 16.8.161804-release.daily, featuring a layout similar to home screen widget selection on Android devices. The menu includes a highlighted section, browsing option, and search bar, with app options like Calendar, Chrome, Google Drive, and ChatGPT. Google may impose limitations on widget functionality within the dashboard for optimal display and usability. There is currently no timeline for the official announcement of this feature, but it may be highlighted at the upcoming Google I/O event.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

Subnautica 2 is the latest behemoth to mess with other games’ launch plans at the last minute: ‘we need to dodge the Leviathan’

Subnautica 2 has a release date set for May 14 and is currently the most-wishlisted game on Steam. Other games launching on the same day include Outbound, the 13th most wishlisted game on Steam, which has decided to avoid direct competition with Subnautica 2. Dark Light: Survivor is another contender with promising wishlist numbers. The game’s design lead, Anthony Gallegos, has discussed its exploration-first approach to survival.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Windows Weekly 981: Semi-Sophisticated

Leo, Richard, and Paul discussed developments in the Windows Insider Program, Snapdragon X2 gaming, artificial intelligence, and Xbox. Two changes in the Insider Program were noted. Microsoft has open-sourced early MS-DOS source code. Intel reported a .7 billion loss, which Paul attributes to 'collusion.' Microsoft and OpenAI are revising their partnership, with Microsoft 365 Copilot gaining enhanced AI features in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and GitHub Copilot moving to a usage-based billing model starting June 1. OpenAI is reportedly entering the mobile phone market, while Adobe's Firefly AI Assistant is in preview, and Anthropic is increasing its creator space involvement. Microsoft Gaming has rebranded to Xbox, with new leadership focused on future plans, including a mobile game store pending changes in Apple's policies. Valve will release its Steam Controller next week. A listener inquired about purchasing Windows 11 on Arm for Mac virtualization, leading to suggestions for cost-saving options. PowerToys 0.99 introduces new utilities and improvements. This week’s episode of RunAs Radio compares M365 Copilot and Claude Cowork. Reifel Rye is recommended as the brown liquor of the week.

Winsage

April 30, 2026

Microsoft should steal concepts from this Windows redesign project: Envisioning an ad‑free Windows 11 without AI clutter

Windows 11 has faced criticism from users regarding its user experience and strict hardware requirements. Many users feel the OS is overloaded with features, including unwanted AI elements and pre-installed applications. In response, a customization community has emerged, with developers like Raditya Aryaputra proposing alternative designs, such as a "Refined" version of Windows 11 that focuses on a streamlined experience. Aryaputra's concept includes a compact Start menu without ads, a revamped Windows Search, and a simplified Widget panel. Microsoft is reportedly planning to reintroduce the movable and resizable project feature in its Windows K2 initiative, set for 2026. User options are limited as mainstream support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025, although an Extended Security Updates program is available temporarily. Microsoft has also redesigned the Start menu based on user feedback and is actively seeking input through Windows Insider meetups. Additionally, Microsoft has streamlined its AI strategy within Windows 11, removing Copilot from certain applications. A status tracker is available for users to follow changes related to the Windows K2 initiative.

Winsage

April 30, 2026

Microsoft should steal concepts from this Windows redesign project: Envisioning an ad‑free Windows 11 without AI clutter

Windows 11 has faced criticism from users regarding its hardware requirements and perceived overload of features. A customization community has emerged, with developers like Raditya Aryaputra proposing a "Refined" version of Windows 11 that focuses on essential features and a cleaner interface. This concept includes a compact Start menu without ads or forced recommendations and a more intuitive Windows Search. Microsoft is planning enhancements for Windows 11, internally referred to as Windows K2, set for a 2026 release, which may incorporate user feedback and ideas from Aryaputra's project. Microsoft has also redesigned the Start menu but received feedback that it is too large and lacks customization. The company is reintroducing Windows Insider meetups for user feedback and reassessing its AI strategy within Windows 11. Mainstream support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, pushing users towards Windows 11.

AppWizard

April 29, 2026

Motorola News | Motorola & Google announce new Google Photos features

Motorola and Google are introducing a wardrobe feature in Google Photos, allowing users to create a personalized digital closet by capturing images of clothing and accessories. This feature will debut on Android devices in select regions later this summer. Additionally, Motorola has integrated Google Photos Memories into its content feed, called Daily Drops, which refreshes twice daily with personalized content. The wardrobe feature aims to help users organize outfits and express individuality, while Daily Drops allows users to rediscover memories. The wardrobe feature will be available on various Android devices, including Motorola models, in the coming months, and Daily Drops is already rolling out on select Motorola devices across multiple regions.