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Something Happened ⭐
Winsage
February 11, 2026

Something Happened ⭐

Microsoft's relationship with Windows has been challenging since the Windows 8 era, particularly under CEO Satya Nadella. The launch of Windows 11 faced criticism, leading to expectations of further decline. However, Microsoft has recently shown optimism about Windows 11. Despite a shift in focus towards cloud computing and AI, Windows continues to generate significant revenue, primarily from Fortune 500 companies. The user community has diminished, with many remaining users relying on Windows for professional tasks. Microsoft's neglect of Windows has left loyal supporters feeling abandoned. Antitrust scrutiny is returning, particularly regarding cloud computing practices. In August 2025, Pavan Davuluri was appointed president of the Windows + Devices division, leading to a reorganization aimed at integrating Windows client and server development. Recent initiatives indicate a renewed focus on quality and security, with efforts to address user concerns and improve functionality.
CES 2026: Showcasing new Windows 11 PC innovations across the ecosystem
Winsage
January 13, 2026

CES 2026: Showcasing new Windows 11 PC innovations across the ecosystem

CES showcased significant advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) integrated into the Windows ecosystem, with various companies unveiling new products. Acer introduced the Copilot+ PCs, including the Swift 16 AI laptop with a haptic touchpad and Predator Helios Neo 16S AI gaming laptop. ASUS launched the Zenbook DUO, featuring dual OLED touchscreens, and the ROG Zephyrus Duo, a dual-screen gaming laptop. Dell refreshed its XPS brand with new laptops and monitors, while HP presented the EliteBook X G2 Series and the EliteBoard G1a Next Gen AI PC. Lenovo revealed several new Copilot+ PCs, and Samsung introduced the Galaxy Book6 series. AMD and Intel announced new processor lines, with AMD's Ryzen AI 400 Mobile Series and Intel's Core Ultra Series 3 processors. Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon X2 Plus for enhanced AI experiences in PCs.
Windows 11's "Agenda" view in the Notification Center is a WebView2 (web app component), not native
Winsage
December 7, 2025

Windows 11’s “Agenda” view in the Notification Center is a WebView2 (web app component), not native

Windows 11 will reintroduce Calendar Agendas to the Notification Center in an upcoming update, a feature that was absent since the transition from Windows 10. The new Agenda view, based on Outlook, will utilize a WebView2 component, which has raised concerns about its dependence on Edge resources. Microsoft is currently testing this feature in Windows 11 preview builds, with users reporting mixed results regarding its performance and resource usage. Activating the Agenda view has been observed to significantly increase CPU usage, particularly for the “Windows Shell Experience Host” process, which can rise from idle to consuming 6% to 20% of CPU resources. The memory footprint of the main host can escalate from about 1MB to over 130MB when the Agenda view is active. However, once the Notification Center is closed, Windows reduces resource consumption by putting these components into a dormant state. The Agenda view is designed to provide a clean, chronological list of scheduled meetings and will include optional AI features like 'Microsoft 365 Copilot' and direct access to Teams meetings. Initial assessments suggest that the Agenda view operates efficiently without excessive resource consumption, although there are ongoing discussions about optimizing WebView2 within the Notification Center.
As Windows turns 40, Microsoft faces an AI backlash
Winsage
November 21, 2025

As Windows turns 40, Microsoft faces an AI backlash

Microsoft is transforming Windows into an "agentic OS" by integrating advanced AI capabilities, as announced at the Ignite conference. The reception has been mixed, with users expressing concerns similar to those after the release of Windows 8. Windows chief Pavan Davuluri faced criticism on social media regarding the initiative, with users calling for a return to simpler interfaces like Windows 7. Despite acknowledging user pain points, many feel that the focus on AI features overshadows necessary improvements. The integration of AI tools like Copilot has received mixed reviews, with reports of unreliability. CEO Satya Nadella envisions a shift towards AI agents performing tasks, while also emphasizing the need for user control over their experience. Microsoft aims to balance innovation with user preferences, allowing users to opt-in to AI features at their own pace. Recent developments include a hotfix driver from Nvidia for Windows 11 performance issues, the return of a calendar feature to Windows 11, integration of Google's AI models into GitHub Copilot, and enhancements in security and performance for Windows and Office applications.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
November 14, 2025

A fan project called Windows Astria resurrects Windows Phone from Microsoft’s graveyard, showing off what the OS could have been while reminding us why it still inspires tech nostalgia today

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella reflected on the company's exit from the mobile phone market, describing it as one of his most difficult decisions and expressing a sense of missed opportunity. Former CEO Steve Ballmer noted that a mix of "paranoia and confidence" may have limited Microsoft's ability to succeed in the smartphone market. The decline of Windows Phone was attributed to a weak app ecosystem, which the new concept, Windows Astria, aims to improve by running Android apps natively. Windows Astria incorporates elements from Windows 11 and features like Live Tiles, designed for modern screens. The concept also adapts to larger screens and foldable devices, showcasing potential applications like MS Word and a system-integrated Wallet app.
Google and Qualcomm are prepping 'desktop' Android to enable 'mobile and PC' in one device, but should Windows and x86 be afraid?
Winsage
September 25, 2025

Google and Qualcomm are prepping ‘desktop’ Android to enable ‘mobile and PC’ in one device, but should Windows and x86 be afraid?

Qualcomm and Google announced a collaboration at the Snapdragon Summit 2025 to develop a desktop version of Google's Android operating system, traditionally used on smartphones. The initiative aims to create a device powered by an Arm chip, moving away from the x86 architecture prevalent in PCs. This development aligns with Google's plan to base ChromeOS on Android, allowing Android apps to run natively on laptops and desktops. The anticipated benefits of the new device include affordability, exceptional battery life due to Arm CPUs, and a seamless web browsing experience. However, challenges remain for the gaming sector, as evidenced by Valve's decision to stop plans for Steam on Chromebooks. The collaboration may indicate a significant shift towards Arm architecture in the PC market.
Meta Quest: Microsoft Adds Windows on Arm Support to Mixed Reality Link App
Winsage
September 3, 2025

Meta Quest: Microsoft Adds Windows on Arm Support to Mixed Reality Link App

Microsoft's Mixed Reality Link app now supports Windows on Arm PCs, allowing users of Arm-based devices like the Surface Pro 11 to connect with Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets. This update, rolled out around August 29 via the Microsoft Store, enables users to stream their Windows desktop and create a multi-monitor setup with up to three virtual screens. Initially launched for x86-based PCs in December 2024, this expansion to Arm reflects Microsoft's commitment to feature parity across its hardware ecosystem. The update strengthens the partnership between Microsoft and Meta, aiming to establish mixed reality headsets as essential tools for work and leisure. The Meta Quest 3S, recently launched, is designed to make VR technology more accessible, and includes an "Xbox Edition" bundle with an Xbox controller and Game Pass subscription. This update positions Microsoft strategically in the spatial computing landscape, targeting mainstream consumer and prosumer markets while maintaining Windows as a core productivity hub.
Oh dear. Windows boss says Microsoft is again reshaping OS
Winsage
August 14, 2025

Oh dear. Windows boss says Microsoft is again reshaping OS

Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft's Windows and Devices chief, discussed the future of the operating system, emphasizing a vision for a multimodal computing experience that integrates voice, touch, and pen control, along with AI features. He envisions computing becoming more ambient and pervasive, moving beyond traditional form factors. The lessons from the mixed reception of Windows 8 are acknowledged, with concerns about whether users want touch and voice controls in collaborative settings. Critics suggest that Microsoft should focus on improving existing issues within the operating system rather than adding new features. Davuluri's comments on AI ambitions included the ability for users to articulate their intentions in Windows Settings, raising concerns about reliability.
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