desktop interface Archives

Winsage

August 22, 2025

Microsoft is bringing PC gaming apps and stores to its Xbox app on Windows

Microsoft is piloting a feature called “My apps” within its Xbox app for PC gamers, designed to streamline access to third-party applications like web browsers and gaming utilities. This feature introduces a dedicated tab in the Xbox PC app’s library, allowing users to locate, view, and download essential applications easily. Previously, Microsoft integrated platforms such as Steam and Battle.net into the Xbox app. The “My apps” feature is particularly useful for handheld PC users, enabling easier navigation between applications. Users have tested the feature and found familiar applications like Battle.net, Chrome, and GOG Galaxy listed. Currently, Microsoft is testing a curated selection of applications and plans to expand support for more in the future, aiming to position the Xbox app as a central hub for PC gaming.

AppWizard

August 13, 2025

Google Gemini Canvas On Android: New Features Could Transform Mobile AI Experience

Google is enhancing the Canvas feature within its Gemini AI app on Android, expanding its functionality to allow users to create various content formats and develop apps within a sandbox-style interface. These updates were identified in the beta version 16.31.75.sa.arm64 of the Google app for Android during an APK teardown. The new capabilities may enable users to create web pages, infographics, quizzes, audio overviews, and apps directly from Canvas, moving closer to the interactivity available in the web version. However, Google has not officially confirmed the rollout or provided a timeline for when these features will be available to beta testers or the general public.

Winsage

August 13, 2025

MS sells cloud VMs for when Windows 11 inevitably breaks

Microsoft has launched Windows 365 Reserve, a service that allows organizations to transition users to temporary virtual machines (VMs) in the cloud during device failures. This service provides employees with access to a secure Cloud PC for up to 10 days, minimizing downtime. The cloud-hosted VMs can be managed through Microsoft Intune, but accessing them requires a secondary device with a web browser or the Windows App. Scaling may be a challenge, as multiple simultaneous users could face resource limitations due to Azure capacity constraints. Applications for the gated beta are open to Microsoft customers, MVPs, or partners with specific licensing requirements, and successful applicants will receive complimentary access for up to 12 weeks.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Happy birthday, Windows 10—one of Microsoft’s most popular operating systems ever reaches its 10-year milestone, just three months before it gets hoofed off to OS heaven

Windows 10 was publicly released on July 29, 2015, and will end regular support on October 14, 2025. It has surpassed the lifespans of its predecessors, Windows 7 and 8, which lasted six years, and Windows Vista, which was short-lived. Many users continue to use Windows 10 due to its reliability and satisfaction. Windows 11 has received mixed reviews from users who have transitioned from Windows 10.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

This lightweight Linux distro makes switching from Windows 10 easy

Lubuntu is a Linux distribution that combines the Ubuntu framework with the lightweight LXQT desktop environment, making it fast, reliable, and user-friendly, particularly for older hardware. The desktop interface is designed to be familiar to users, especially those accustomed to Windows, featuring a panel, start menu, system tray, and organized applications. The Configuration Center allows users to customize settings easily. Openbox is the default window manager, enabling theme and window behavior modifications. Lubuntu does not provide a straightforward method for sharing folders across a local area network using its default file manager. The operating system is notably fast, with applications launching quickly, making it a suitable alternative to Windows 10 for older machines.

Winsage

July 6, 2025

I replaced my Windows desktop with this custom shell, and I actually love it

Cairo Shell is an application that transforms the Windows desktop experience by altering the taskbar and user interface elements. It serves as a file browser, displaying the contents of the desktop folder and allowing easy navigation through any folder directly from the desktop. Users can access their desktop contents via a keyboard shortcut or taskbar button, maintaining workflow continuity. The menu bar, reminiscent of macOS, provides access to settings, favorite programs, and user folders, allowing customization and quick access to files. The taskbar features a floating design with adjustable icon sizes and an option to auto-hide, though it does not combine icons for the same application. Cairo Shell is user-friendly, with a straightforward setup process that enhances the overall experience.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

Windows 11’s rumored Start menu redesign could mean it eats up a huge chunk of desktop space for some users – although it can be tamed

Microsoft is considering a significant redesign of the Start menu in Windows 11, which includes integrating the Phone Link side panel for enhanced interaction with Android smartphones. The Phone Link app allows users to connect their Android devices for functionalities like text messaging and notifications directly from the desktop. The proposed redesign could expand the Start menu to occupy up to 75% of the desktop, merging two sections into one interface. Users will have the option to toggle the visibility of the Phone Link panel, allowing for a customizable desktop experience. The redesign is still in early testing phases, and the final implementation may vary from current observations.