NewApp Digest
search bot

Development

You're not alone: even the former CEO of Microsoft's advertising can't put the Windows 11 taskbar on the left yet
Winsage
October 17, 2026

You’re not alone: even the former CEO of Microsoft’s advertising can’t put the Windows 11 taskbar on the left yet

Users of Windows 11 are awaiting taskbar customization options, including autohide and size controls, which are not yet available despite the rollout of the 26H2 update. Mikhail Parakhin expressed disappointment on social media, stating that the taskbar is "not usable yet." The rollout of these features is staggered, with some users having access while others do not.
Xbox is crazy if it thinks making Fallout and Minecraft exclusive will work
AppWizard
October 17, 2026

Xbox is crazy if it thinks making Fallout and Minecraft exclusive will work

Microsoft is considering making major gaming titles like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout exclusive to Xbox, which has sparked concern among gamers about the brand's strategic direction. A former Xbox One owner expressed relief at not upgrading to the Xbox Series X/S due to perceived missteps and a lack of sincerity from executives. Microsoft has started polling its fanbase about the interest in exclusivity, but this may not yield objective feedback. The recent release of Gears Of War: E-Day underperformed, highlighting the challenges of exclusivity in a market leaning towards subscription services. The idea of limiting access to popular franchises raises questions about market strategy, especially with Skyrim nearing its 20th anniversary. Some gamers believe Microsoft should consider divesting its console business to foster a more competitive landscape that prioritizes franchise legacy over short-term strategies.
HeroQuest: Digital Edition Officially Announced For PC Release in 2027
AppWizard
October 17, 2026

HeroQuest: Digital Edition Officially Announced For PC Release in 2027

HeroQuest: Digital Edition will be released on PC in 2027. Players can choose to play as the Barbarian, Dwarf, Elf, or Wizard in tactical turn-based battles, either solo or in online co-op for up to four players. The game features Zargon’s monsters and traps, and players can also take on the role of Zargon to challenge others. A Quest Editor allows for the creation of custom adventures, and built-in mod.io support provides access to community-made content.
Looks like Windows Settings could become a Microsoft Store app
Winsage
October 16, 2026

Looks like Windows Settings could become a Microsoft Store app

Microsoft is testing a new application called 'Project Odeon' in the Microsoft Store, which aims to unify Windows settings by consolidating functionalities from the Control Panel into a single platform. The app requires Windows 11 build 26100 or newer and features an interface similar to the current Windows Settings. It currently has some inconsistencies, such as incomplete pages and greyed-out options, but offers more extensive settings in certain areas, like detailed display settings. The app's architecture allows for modular add-ons that require additional permissions for various tasks. Microsoft may be using the Store for testing, and if successful, this could lead to quicker updates and enhancements, moving away from traditional Windows Update cycles. The development indicates a clear trajectory away from the Control Panel, which Microsoft has been signaling it intends to phase out.
NordVPN's CTO on redefining antivirus for the AI era, and his dream security tool
Tech Optimizer
October 16, 2026

NordVPN’s CTO on redefining antivirus for the AI era, and his dream security tool

NordVPN has introduced a new offering called "next-gen antivirus" (NGAV) to address evolving cybersecurity threats, particularly those from artificial intelligence. NGAV aims to redefine online security by protecting against sophisticated threats like socially engineered scams and phishing attacks, rather than just traditional viruses. It operates in the background, alerting users to potential scams, blocking ads and trackers, and removing malware without requiring extensive technical knowledge. The company recognizes that personal AI agents present a new cybersecurity challenge and is developing features to protect these agents. NordVPN has incorporated bespoke AI solutions into its NGAV, using efficient models that can identify phishing attempts while running locally on user devices. The company has also shifted to open-weight models to reduce costs while maintaining capabilities, although sensitive areas like payment processing remain unaffected by AI. Despite privacy concerns regarding AI, NordVPN has not faced significant pushback from customers about its AI features and emphasizes its commitment to not using customer data for model training. Briedis warns that over-regulation could hinder innovation in cybersecurity. Looking ahead, he envisions a comprehensive application that monitors users' digital environments and manages their data presence online, while NordVPN plans to focus on creating localized solutions rather than hardware development.
Google Play Store starts selling… Samsung Galaxy phones
AppWizard
October 16, 2026

Google Play Store starts selling… Samsung Galaxy phones

Users can access Google’s latest products, including the Pixel 11, Pixel Watch 5, and Fitbit Air, through the Play Store by selecting ‘Shop devices.’ Tech influencer Marques Brownlee reported that Samsung Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S26, are now available for purchase on the Play Store, although users in the UK, India, and South Africa have not found Galaxy devices listed. The US and UK official webstores do not currently feature Samsung or other brand mobile devices. This development suggests a strategic partnership between Google and Samsung. The Google Fi app in the US offers access to various smartphones. There is speculation about the potential addition of more Samsung devices, like the Galaxy S27, to the Play Store and whether Google will expand its official web store offerings.
Meta's enterprise AI pitch is strongest inside WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger
AppWizard
October 16, 2026

Meta’s enterprise AI pitch is strongest inside WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger

The Meta Enterprise Platform, unveiled on September 28, includes four products: Muse, Meta Business Agent, Muse API, and Muse Code, aimed at enhancing business operations with AI. CJ Desai leads the new business unit, which focuses on providing AI agents and developer tools. The Meta Business Agent has been operational since June, automating customer interactions across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger, while Muse was launched on September 8 as a personal AI agent. Muse API offers programmatic access to Meta's AI models, and Muse Code is a developer tool for coding tasks. Analysts emphasize Meta's advantage in customer messaging due to its ownership of popular communication channels, but also note concerns about its credibility in the enterprise space, given its lack of foundational business systems. The discontinuation of previous products like Workplace and Horizon Workrooms raises questions about Meta's commitment to enterprise solutions. The platform's pricing strategy may leverage Meta's computing resources, but organizations need to evaluate its effectiveness based on cost per completed tasks. Initial feedback from marketing professionals highlights potential benefits of the Muse platform for smaller enterprises.
Faster protection, fewer interruptions: How Microsoft Edge is rethinking updates
Winsage
October 16, 2026

Faster protection, fewer interruptions: How Microsoft Edge is rethinking updates

Microsoft Edge is developing a seamless-updates prototype that allows security updates to be applied without interrupting users' work. Currently, the browser has a Restart to update on idle feature that applies updates when devices are not in use. The goal is to eliminate the need for users to click an update button, enabling background updates that do not disrupt ongoing tasks. Microsoft Edge can also issue patches independently of the Chromium release schedule for urgent security needs. Additionally, Security Update Alerts help organizations manage updates by notifying administrators about critical updates and vulnerabilities. These alerts are available for managed Windows devices through the Edge management service without additional licensing.
Search