design changes Archives

Winsage

November 23, 2025

Windows Users Furious at Microsoft’s Plan to Turn It Into an “Agentic OS”

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, emphasizing its integration of artificial intelligence (AI) throughout the platform. The company aims to transform Windows into a “canvas for AI” with AI agents accessible from the taskbar to assist with tasks like background research and file management. However, user reception has been negative, with many expressing concerns about the new features on platforms like Reddit, suggesting alternatives like Linux. Despite the backlash, Microsoft continues to promote significant design changes, including the central placement of the Copilot AI assistant on the taskbar and enhancements to Windows File Explorer. The push for voice interaction aims to allow more natural communication with PCs, but raises privacy concerns regarding third-party access to personal files. Early reviews of the AI features have been mixed, with some users reporting ineffective experiences.

AppWizard

November 3, 2025

Pillars of Eternity’s 10-year anniversary turn-based mode will sidestep the biggest issues I was worried it would have, and you can try it this week

Obsidian Entertainment announced that the open beta for the turn-based mode of Pillars of Eternity will begin on Wednesday, November 5. Director Josh Sawyer discussed the evolution of gameplay mechanics, noting the initial use of real-time with pause (RTWP) in the original game and the challenges posed by introducing a turn-based mode in Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire. The gaming landscape has shifted, with modern players expecting faster-paced action and greater tactical depth, prompting Obsidian to adapt its approach to meet these expectations.

Winsage

October 12, 2025

As Windows 10 hits EOL, Microsoft says it’s designing Windows 11 for AI

Microsoft has introduced a new design blueprint for Windows 11 that focuses on AI integration, as outlined by Windows Design Director Diego Baca. The company aims to create a user-friendly experience, learning from past mistakes with Windows 8. Windows 11 will see gradual design changes that enhance user experience without shocking users with a complete overhaul. Key design principles include "Intentional innovation," "Craft + scalable systems," "Tailored for all," and "Secure, trustworthy, and compliant by design." Microsoft plans to maintain a stable core design while incorporating AI features, such as contextual menus and personalized experiences based on user activities. The Fluent design system will be emphasized, with updates to classic applications like Microsoft Paint and Notepad. Security is a priority, with measures embedded early in development to ensure AI functionalities are safe. Speculation about Windows 12 suggests it may further integrate context-aware features and diverse interaction methods, while retaining the design principles established in Windows 11.

Winsage

September 26, 2025

Microsoft Windows 10 support to end very soon: Private users in certain regions can secure one year of free ESU security updates

Microsoft has updated its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), confirmed by Microsoft Germany, allowing access to essential updates until October 13, 2026. EEA users can choose between two options for receiving ESU updates: 1. Free option: Users must sign in to their PC using a Microsoft account (MSA) and remain signed in to receive free security updates for one year, expiring on October 13, 2026. If the MSA is inactive for 60 days, updates will stop but can be reactivated by signing in again. The previous requirement to use the Windows Backup app or redeem Microsoft Rewards points has been removed. 2. One-time payment: Users must initially sign in with a Microsoft account and pay a one-time fee plus taxes to register for the ESU program. After registration, ongoing sign-in is not required. For users outside the EEA, the original ESU options remain, which include free updates via Windows Backup or Microsoft Rewards, or a one-time payment for registration. Business customers have different terms, with ESU available at an annual rate per device and renewals allowed for up to three years. Windows 10 users on virtual machines will receive complimentary ESU access without registration. The ESU program will only address critical and important security vulnerabilities from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026, without introducing new features or non-security updates. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11, while Microsoft 365 applications will receive security updates on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028.

AppWizard

August 23, 2025

Pixel users tipped to gain control over its automatic volume adjustment

Google is developing a new settings page called "Hearing Wellness" for Pixel users, which will integrate Android's Sound Exposure and Hearing Health options. This feature will allow devices to automatically adjust volume levels when they exceed safe thresholds, with users having the option to enable or disable this automatic volume reduction. The initiative responds to user feedback regarding dissatisfaction with previous automatic adjustments for regulatory compliance. The new interface includes toggles for Sound Exposure notifications and Hearing Health. Additionally, Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 has been released for enrolled Pixel devices, introducing enhancements like an expanded dark theme and auto-themed icons, as well as new developer APIs.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

Google TV on Android begins its Material 3 Expressive revamp in latest update

Google has begun rolling out the Material 3 Expressive design in the Google TV app with the update version 4.39.3356.780959673.5. This update includes design enhancements such as a larger banner on movie and TV show detail pages that displays titles and ratings in a center-aligned format. The buttons for Watchlist, Watched it, Like, and Dislike have been redesigned without circular borders, and the Ratings section shortcuts have adopted a pill-shaped form. Image previews in the Top Stories section now have rounded corners, and the Important Information section has been restructured into a clearer two-column layout. Not all changes from the Material 3 framework are included in this release, and user feedback will be important for future updates.

Winsage

July 8, 2025

Firms on Windows 10 will get more time before support runs out

The end of support for Windows 10, originally set for October 14, 2025, has been postponed for certain users, particularly accounting firms, allowing them more time to upgrade. Microsoft has introduced an Extended Security Updates program for select Windows 10 users, which requires a fee per device for continued security updates, but does not include new features or general tech support. A December 2023 report indicates that 47% of accountants still rely on Windows 10, with approximately 25% of Windows 10 PCs actively used in accounting firms. Over half of all devices have migrated to Windows 11, which holds about 52% of the market. Experts recommend delaying upgrades to Windows 11 in favor of Windows 12, expected to be more optimized for AI, with potential hardware investments needed for the transition.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

Here’s a first look at the Google Personal Safety app’s Expressive redesign (APK teardown)

Google's Personal Safety app is undergoing visual enhancements in its latest version (2025.06.12.772866699.3-release), aligning with Material 3 Expressive design. Updates include bold headers, white boxes for information fields, redesigned toggles showing an “X” or tick for status, and a new pill-shaped green button for adding contacts. A three-dot button for each contact allows for easier removal and reordering, although removal may be slightly more complex. These design changes are currently exclusive to Android 16 QPR1, which is also updating its Safety and Emergency section.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

macOS 26 Tahoe vs Windows Vista: Who did glass better?

Apple announced a visual redesign called Liquid Glass, set to debut with macOS 26 Tahoe. This design features transparency effects in context and dropdown menus, system controls, and the Control Center, where elements exhibit a glass-like quality. The dock allows icons to have varying translucency, with options for classic, dark, clear, or tinted versions. However, some inconsistencies exist in the beta version, such as tinted icons lacking transparency. The glass effects are present in many of Apple's apps, with navigation panes on a glass-like surface and floating menu buttons that are translucent. In comparison, Windows Vista's Aero Glass was noted for its impactful use of transparency in title bars and window borders, creating a sense of depth and enhancing user experience. Although Apple's Liquid Glass is meticulously designed, it may come across as too subtle compared to the more pronounced Aero Glass effects. The impressions of macOS 26 Tahoe are based on the initial developer beta, and improvements are expected before its public release later this fall.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Check out how Google plans on improving the native Google Phone app for Android

The latest update to the Phone by Google Android app features a larger display of the caller's name and phone number at the top of the screen, requiring contacts to be saved for identification. The caller's photo has also been enlarged. The app now uses oval-shaped controls for functions like mute and speaker, while the answer call button remains circular. The "Call from" text has been removed, and the other party's number is visible after answering, with the call duration repositioned to the top of the screen. A new animation showcases the caller's profile picture. These design changes aim to improve readability and user experience.