contributions Archives

Winsage

June 10, 2026

PowerToys just made Command Palette extensions easier to install and manage

PowerToys has released version 0.100.0, introducing several new features and enhancements: - Command Palette now includes an Extension Gallery for managing extensions directly. - Improvements to Command Palette include enhanced parameter pages, bookmarks for inline parameters, and better accessibility. - Dock feature enhancements allow for separate customization for each monitor and drag-and-drop functionality. - Performance Monitor introduces a Battery widget and dock bands for CPU, memory, and network metrics. - Calculator enhancements include new functions and improved error messaging. - Reliability improvements include a pinned commands section and smoother navigation. - FancyZones received updates for better localization and guidance. - File Explorer fixes address crashes related to Markdown previews. - File Locksmith improvements enhance handling of Unicode file paths. - Grab And Move has been fully released. - Image Resizer supports live settings reload. - Keyboard Manager editor is redesigned and enabled by default. - Mouse Without Borders adds quick access to refresh connections. - Peek's settings allow toggling of file preview tooltips. - PowerDisplay is optimized for better performance. - PowerToys Run improves calculator functionality and documents third-party plugins. - Quick Accent updates enhance UI consistency and language support. - Settings interface has been refreshed for better usability. - Shortcut Guide redesigned for reliability and includes built-in manifests. - Workspaces has a modernized editor. - ZoomIt introduces webcam overlay capabilities and improved recording features. - Development tools and dependencies have been updated for smoother contributions.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

Kakao’s unionized members stage first-ever strike

Unionized members of Kakao Corp. held the company's first-ever strike on June 10, 2026, in front of the Kakao Pangyo Agit headquarters in Seongnam. The striking employees are demanding higher bonuses and a more equitable profit-sharing model, reflecting a broader trend among tech workers seeking compensation aligned with company success. The rally emphasized a shift in corporate culture at Kakao, with employees becoming more vocal about their rights and expectations. The outcome of the strike could have significant implications for labor relations in the tech industry.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Halo: Campaign Evolved Launches July 28, Pre-Orders Available Now

Halo: Campaign Evolved features a new three-mission story arc titled Operation: METEORITE, which includes Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson. The narrative takes place a year before the original game and involves a covert UNSC mission aboard a Covenant research vessel. The gameplay includes battles with UNSC forces, exploration of new locations, and encounters with new enemies like the Brute Berserker. The story was developed with sci-fi author Troy Denning. Pre-orders are available for three editions: Standard Edition (.99), Premium Edition (.99), and Collector’s Edition (9.99), each offering different bonuses. The game launches on July 28, 2026, with early access for Premium and Collector's Edition owners starting July 23. It supports cross-play and cross-progression across multiple platforms and will be available on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

Winsage

June 4, 2026

Microsoft is rewriting Windows 11 shell in native code, killing the web slop slowing your PC

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 by reducing reliance on web-based components, which have caused performance issues. The user interface framework WinUI will now be referred to simply as "WinUI," indicating no plans for a WinUI 4, to reassure developers. Microsoft is integrating WinUI into the Windows 11 shell more rapidly, moving away from web components. A specialized team is focused on creating "100% native" Windows applications, starting with an overhaul of the Start menu from React Native to WinUI components. Performance, memory optimization, and quality control are top priorities for the WinUI team. A new system compositor is being introduced to improve UI performance, and enterprise-focused DataGrid and Charting controls are being added to WinUI. Microsoft is expanding open-source development for WinUI, allowing public testing and contributions. Migration support between WinForms and WinUI is being enhanced for legacy applications. An experimental project called Microsoft UI Reactor is introduced to simplify native application development using C#. This shift towards native development aims to improve performance and efficiency for all Windows users.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

Legendary Warhammer artist John Blanche has died

John Blanche, a prominent illustrator known for his work in fantasy and science fiction, particularly with Warhammer 40,000 and other Games Workshop properties, passed away earlier this week at the age of 77. His death was confirmed by fellow artist Trish Carden on Facebook. Blanche contributed to video games such as the original Space Hulk and Warhammer: Shadow of the Horned Rat, and received special thanks in titles like Vermintide 2 and Fire Warrior. He retired from Games Workshop in 2023 due to health issues. The art community has expressed admiration and sorrow over his passing, highlighting his significant influence on the genre.

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

Google is reportedly buying Android app code from Play Store devs to train AI models

Google is initiating a program to acquire code from Android app developers, referred to as a “confidential content offer pilot,” to enhance its AI capabilities and improve developer tools. The program aims to compensate developers for sharing their code, including active and archived projects, creating additional revenue opportunities. Selected developers are being contacted via email, which highlights the potential benefits of participating in the program, such as influencing future collaborations with Google.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Microsoft Brings AI Agents Directly Into the Windows Terminal

Microsoft has released Intelligent Terminal 0.1, an open-source variant of Windows Terminal that includes native agent functionality. It can be installed via the Microsoft Store or WinGet and operates alongside the existing Windows Terminal. Intelligent Terminal allows users to troubleshoot issues directly within the terminal by interacting with an AI agent that understands the terminal context. The tool features a persistent agent pane for seamless interaction, with GitHub Copilot CLI as the default agent, though it supports any ACP-compatible agent. Automatic error detection is included, providing users with relevant error context and potential fixes. An agent management panel helps users oversee multiple agents and their statuses. The Command Palette has been updated to facilitate agent interactions without disrupting the workflow. Microsoft plans to evolve Intelligent Terminal based on community feedback, with its GitHub repository open for contributions. The release also marks the phasing out of Terminal Chat in Windows Terminal Canary, while the mainline Windows Terminal remains unchanged.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Microsoft Brings Open Source Coreutils To Windows – Open Source For You

Microsoft has introduced Coreutils for Windows, based on the open-source Rust reimplementation of GNU Coreutils, to enhance its developer ecosystem and simplify cross-platform development. This integration allows developers to use familiar Linux command-line utilities natively within Windows, promoting consistency across operating systems. Additionally, Microsoft has unveiled WSL containers, enabling developers to create, run, and deploy Linux containers directly through the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). This feature aims to streamline Linux container workflows and reduce reliance on third-party platforms. Microsoft has noted significant engagement with WSL, receiving over 200 pull requests monthly since its open-sourcing. New APIs will also allow native Windows applications to manage Linux containers programmatically, with controls for IT administrators to oversee container usage. A public preview of WSL containers is expected in the coming months.

AppWizard

June 1, 2026

A Baldur’s Gate 2 remake is apparently in development, with the original co-lead designer returning

Wizards of the Coast is planning a revival of classic titles, specifically focusing on remakes of Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate 2. Kevin Martens, a former BioWare developer known for his work on Baldur's Gate 2, is involved with Archetype Entertainment, a subsidiary of Wizards of the Coast. Fans are hoping for gameplay that combines nostalgia with modern mechanics, including real-time-with-pause battles and an optional turn-based mode. Hasbro, Wizards of the Coast's parent company, has faced challenges in leveraging the success of Baldur's Gate 3 and has canceled a Dungeons & Dragons game while leaving Warlock as the only remaining project outside the traditional Baldur's Gate experience.

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

NotebookLM is quickly becoming the podcast app I didn’t know I needed

Many individuals are experiencing AI fatigue, with concerns about uninspired content, job displacement, and environmental issues related to data centers. The term ‘AI slop’ reflects growing skepticism towards AI-generated media. However, the author had a positive experience with AI-generated podcasts using NotebookLM, particularly during a visit to South Korea. The podcast 'Understanding Korea, One Story at a Time' by Jiwon Yoon featured AI-generated voices, which initially caused conflict for the author but ultimately impressed them due to the accuracy derived from Jiwon’s expert notes. While the author prefers human hosts, they acknowledge that NotebookLM can outperform subpar traditional podcasts and help academics share their insights in accessible formats. NotebookLM allows for quick conversion of academic essays into podcasts, facilitating the dissemination of knowledge that might otherwise remain obscure.