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Which came first, Windows 95's taskbar or NeXT's Dock? Neither
Winsage
September 4, 2026

Which came first, Windows 95’s taskbar or NeXT’s Dock? Neither

The tech community recently celebrated the 31st anniversary of Windows 95, sparking discussions about its design influences, particularly regarding the potential British roots of its interface. Former Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer's post on X led to exchanges among ex-Microsoft employees, including Joe Belfiore, who clarified that the Windows taskbar was not inspired by the NeXT dock but rather by developments from the Cairo team, specifically a persistent "tray" for file transfers. The debate references Paul Fellows, who led the Arthur project at Acorn, which introduced the first "icon bar" in 1987, influencing both NeXTstep and Windows. Acorn's Arthur, initially a BASIC demo, became RISC OS by 1989, maintaining its foundational design elements. The timeline shows that Acorn's icon bar predated NeXTstep's dock and the Windows taskbar, with Windows 2.0 and OS/2 1.1 released in late 1987 and 1988, respectively, showing visual similarities to NeXTstep. The Microsoft Cairo project, which ran from 1991 to 1996, coincided with Windows NT 4 development. The Windows 95 taskbar and NeXT's dock served different functions, but their historical context is significant.
31 hours with the spit-shined Mina the Hollower (and 34 with the four games that came before it)
AppWizard
May 29, 2026

31 hours with the spit-shined Mina the Hollower (and 34 with the four games that came before it)

Mina The Hollower is a game developed by Yacht Club Games over six years for PC and consoles. The protagonist, Mina, has a unique move called "hollowing," which allows her to dive into the ground to find treasures and navigate through walls, contrasting with the jumping mechanic of Super Mario. The co-founder of Yacht Club Games, David D’Angelo, recommended starting with Shovel Knight to prepare for Mina The Hollower, noting that Specter of Torment is the least difficult and quickest to finish, while King of Cards offers a polished experience similar to Mina. Engaging with Yacht Club's previous titles enhances understanding of their game design evolution.
Google Contacts is modernizing the contact sharing interface
AppWizard
January 30, 2026

Google Contacts is modernizing the contact sharing interface

The recent update to the Contacts app includes an improved contact import interface with better touch targets and segmented lists, enhancing navigation. The design aligns with the color scheme of the contact sharing menu. Users, including those with the Pixel 9 Pro, can access these enhancements through an app update.
Stunning Android 17 Leak: Blur UI Floating Screen Recorder & App Lock
AppWizard
January 28, 2026

Stunning Android 17 Leak: Blur UI Floating Screen Recorder & App Lock

The Android 17 update introduces a system-wide blur UI with a glassy design, enhancing the visual appeal of the notification shade. It features a floating screen recorder with multiple audio input options and touch indicators, allowing for seamless management during recordings. A built-in app lock enhances security through biometric authentication or device passwords, with hidden message previews for locked apps. The update also includes refinements to the notification and quick settings panels. Android 17 is currently in internal builds, expected to launch in 2026, with a preview at the Google I/O event.
Android 17 Leaks Reveal Blur UI, Floating Screen Recorder, App Lock, Privacy Controls & More: Here’s What to Expect?
AppWizard
January 27, 2026

Android 17 Leaks Reveal Blur UI, Floating Screen Recorder, App Lock, Privacy Controls & More: Here’s What to Expect?

Google is expected to unveil Android 17, featuring a visually sophisticated update with significant enhancements to the system interface, including widespread blur and transparency effects. The design aims for a translucent, layered aesthetic that allows wallpapers and app icons to subtly show through. A system-wide blur effect will be introduced, affecting elements like the volume bar and power menu, with a semi-transparent appearance that enhances wallpaper visibility. The update will also include a revamped screen recorder with a floating control for easy access to recording options, a built-in app lock feature for enhanced privacy, and a split-panel layout for Quick Settings and notifications. Separate toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data are anticipated, reversing a previous merge. The release date is speculated to be around mid-2026.
Android and Wear OS are getting a big refresh
AppWizard
May 14, 2025

Android and Wear OS are getting a big refresh

The introduction of Material 3 Expressive enhances customization options for Android devices, allowing for a more personal expression of style. It features natural animations that create delightful interactions, such as adjacent notifications responding when one is dismissed and providing tactile feedback through haptic rumble. This design evolution emphasizes both functionality and the emotional connection users have with their devices.
Microsoft reveals its rejected Start menu redesigns
Winsage
May 13, 2025

Microsoft reveals its rejected Start menu redesigns

Microsoft is redesigning the Start menu in Windows 11, introducing a wider layout that allows users to disable the recommended feed of files and applications. The company shared five distinct concept designs for the menu, including features like a rounded menu with widget-like functionality, a side-separated "For You" section, a landing page design, and a full-screen vertical layout. The design team engaged with over 300 Windows 11 enthusiasts to refine their concepts through co-creation calls and user feedback. The new Start menu aims to enhance app visibility, increase customizability, and ensure speed while maintaining familiarity. It will also include a phone companion panel for quick access to calls, messages, and files. Microsoft plans to test the revamped Start menu with Windows Insiders soon, with a broader rollout expected in the coming months.
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