NewApp Digest
search bot

Debian

Windows 11 Gamer Base Grows as Linux Slips in Steam Survey Data
Winsage
May 4, 2026

Windows 11 Gamer Base Grows as Linux Slips in Steam Survey Data

As of April, Windows 11 represents 67.74% of the Steam gaming community, reflecting a 0.89% increase from the previous month. Linux-based systems have decreased to 4.52%, down 0.81% since March. The overall share of Windows-based gaming PCs has climbed by 1.14%, totaling 93.47% in the gaming sector. Windows 11 is favored by gamers for its game compatibility and user-friendly interface, while efforts to enhance Linux support for major AAA titles face challenges due to the complexities of the Linux ecosystem. Companies like Valve are working on tools to run Windows-exclusive games on other platforms.
I waited years for Windows updates to get exciting. Linux did it in six months
Winsage
February 21, 2026

I waited years for Windows updates to get exciting. Linux did it in six months

The Windows Creators Update in 2017 introduced tools like Paint 3D and a night light feature, but excitement for updates waned over time. A shift to Linux in mid-2025, particularly using Fedora Kinoite, has revitalized the update experience with frequent updates rolled out within a week. KDE Plasma offers transparency in development, with a weekly blog highlighting upcoming features and a continuous cycle of discovery. Not all Linux distributions have the same update frequency; for example, Debian Stable updates every two to three months, focusing on stability. Overall, the Linux ecosystem is perceived as more engaging and dynamic compared to Windows.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
February 20, 2026

I waited years for Windows updates to get exciting. Linux did it in six months

The author experienced excitement during the Windows Creators Update in 2017, which introduced tools like Paint 3D and Windows Game Mode. However, their enthusiasm diminished over time. In mid-2025, they transitioned to Linux, finding updates to be rapid and content-rich, particularly with the Fedora Kinoite distribution, which offers timely updates within a week. The author appreciates KDE Plasma for its transparency in development, highlighted by a weekly blog, "This Week in Plasma." They celebrated the release of KDE Plasma 6.6.0 and look forward to 6.7.0. The author notes that not all Linux distributions provide fast updates, citing Debian Stable as an example that offers updates every two to three months, focusing on stability. They conclude that their experience with Linux is more engaging than with Windows.
This Smartphone Lets You Use Windows, But Is Far From A New Windows Phone
Winsage
February 11, 2026

This Smartphone Lets You Use Windows, But Is Far From A New Windows Phone

Microsoft discontinued Windows Phone in 2017, a decision regretted by CEO Satya Nadella. Nex Computer is now taking pre-orders for the NexPhone, which aims to run Android, Linux, and Windows 11. The device features a custom Mobile UI designed for touch interactions, reminiscent of Windows Phone. When connected to an external display, it offers full Windows 11 capabilities but lacks cellular connectivity in Windows mode. The NexPhone is not intended to replace primary smartphones but serves as a secondary option with mid-range performance, powered by Qualcomm's DragonWing QCM6490 chip, 12GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. It operates on Windows for Arm, which may present compatibility issues. While in Windows mode, cellular calling and SMS functions are unavailable, requiring users to switch to Android for those features. The device has a rugged design with military-grade build quality, a 120 Hz 6.58-inch display, a 64 MP main camera, and a 5,000 mAh battery, priced at 9.
Microsoft’s Quiet Exodus: Why Enterprise Developers Are Abandoning Windows for Linux Workstations
Winsage
January 29, 2026

Microsoft’s Quiet Exodus: Why Enterprise Developers Are Abandoning Windows for Linux Workstations

Microsoft developers and enterprise technology leaders are increasingly choosing Linux over Windows for development tasks, driven by performance concerns, workflow inefficiencies, and the rise of cloud-native development. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) has facilitated this shift by allowing developers to work in a Linux environment while still using Windows. Tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform, which are primarily designed for Linux, have led to a reevaluation of desktop strategies across various industries. Linux provides direct access to the same kernel and toolchain used in production, reducing discrepancies that can lead to bugs. It typically requires less memory at idle compared to Windows, making it more efficient for developers managing multiple containers or virtual machines. Microsoft has responded by investing in platform-agnostic tools like Visual Studio Code and embracing Linux on its Azure cloud platform, where over 50% of virtual machines run Linux. The introduction of WSL2 has improved compatibility and performance, but it has also highlighted Windows' limitations, leading to frustrations among developers. Security considerations favor Linux due to its open-source nature, allowing for greater customization and auditing. Financially, Linux can be more economical for enterprises due to lower licensing costs and reduced hardware requirements. Organizations that have switched to Linux report significant improvements in build times and overall developer experience. Hybrid strategies are emerging to accommodate developer preferences while ensuring security, with cloud-based development environments gaining traction. The trend toward Linux workstations reflects broader industry movements toward open source and platform independence, as companies adapt to attract and retain technical talent.
This New Windows Smartphone Does Something Most Android Phones Can't
Winsage
January 27, 2026

This New Windows Smartphone Does Something Most Android Phones Can’t

NexPhone is a new smartphone from Nex Computer, marking the first Windows phone launch in a decade, with an official launch planned for 2026. It supports Android, Windows 11, and Linux, allowing users to connect it to any monitor and use it as a computer. The device runs Windows 11 on Arm, ensuring a smooth user experience. It features 256GB of expandable storage and aims to consolidate various digital tasks into one device. The last notable Windows phone was the Microsoft Lumia 650, released in 2016, and Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 Mobile in 2019.
This Android phone could double as your next Windows PC, but you won’t want it to
Winsage
January 22, 2026

This Android phone could double as your next Windows PC, but you won’t want it to

The NexPhone is developed by the team behind the NexDock and aims to transform smartphones into versatile computing devices. It features a 6.58-inch FHD+ 120Hz display, a 64MP Sony IMX787 camera, and 12GB of RAM. The device runs on Android 16 and supports multi-boot capabilities, allowing users to run Linux (Debian) and Windows 11. It is powered by Qualcomm’s QCM6490 SoC, which is designed for IoT applications and may not provide optimal performance for Windows. The NexPhone has a 5,000mAh battery and is priced at 9, with a launch scheduled for Q3 2026.
'Windows Mobile is back, sort of': US startup packs THREE OS in one smartphone in most exciting mobile release I've seen in years
Winsage
January 21, 2026

‘Windows Mobile is back, sort of’: US startup packs THREE OS in one smartphone in most exciting mobile release I’ve seen in years

Nex Computer has launched the NexPhone, a smartphone that operates on three operating systems: Android, Linux, and Windows 11. It allows users to switch between platforms and is the first device to integrate these functionalities into a single mobile device. The NexPhone primarily runs on Android but has dual-boot capabilities for Windows and Linux (Debian), offering a full desktop environment. Traditional calling functions are limited to Android, as Windows and Linux are not designed for telephony. The device will receive standard over-the-air updates for Android, while Windows updates will be managed through Windows Update. Preorders for the NexPhone are open at a refundable price of , with the remaining balance due upon delivery, and include a complimentary USB-C dock.
This ideal distro for Linux newbies includes a bonus for Windows users
Winsage
January 15, 2026

This ideal distro for Linux newbies includes a bonus for Windows users

Q4OS is a Linux distribution built on Debian, designed for users transitioning from Windows. It features the KDE Plasma desktop environment, known for its balance of elegance and user-friendliness, and also supports the Trinity desktop environment. The Welcome app includes a Desktop Profiler tool for switching between different Q4OS versions and installing alternative desktop environments. Q4OS comes preinstalled with applications like LibreOffice, Chromium, Thunderbird, and VLC, and utilizes the Flatpak package manager for additional software. Users can access apps through KDE Discover and the Q4OS Software Center, which includes tools like LookSwitcher for changing KDE Plasma themes. Q4OS prioritizes stability by following the Debian development model, ensuring a reliable operating system. It is available for free download, and the q4os-winsetup tool allows Windows users to set up a dual-boot system.
Search