enhancements

Winsage
June 3, 2025
Microsoft has discontinued WordPad and is enhancing Notepad for Windows 11 users. The beta version introduces new features such as adding hyperlinks, modifying text formatting, subheadings, bullet points, and the ability to switch text styles. An AI integration allows users to rewrite text by selecting it and using a right-click function, currently available to Windows 11 Insider program users in specific regions. Notepad now supports tabbed browsing and includes an integration of Copilot for summarizing text, adjusting tone, and switching to dark mode.
AppWizard
June 3, 2025
The latest update to the Phone by Google Android app includes larger text and images for callers, redesigned oval buttons, and the removal of the "Call from" text during incoming calls. The caller's phone number remains visible even after the call is answered, and the end button has been redesigned into a pill shape to reduce accidental presses. These changes aim to enhance usability and create a more intuitive user experience.
Winsage
June 3, 2025
Microsoft is enhancing user autonomy for Windows users in the European Economic Area (EEA) by allowing them to uninstall the Microsoft Store and remove prompts to set Microsoft Edge as the default browser. Users can now set alternative browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Brave as their default, with these choices automatically pinned to the taskbar unless opted out. The updates extend browser functionality to additional formats such as "read," ftp, and .svg. These changes are being rolled out in the beta channel and are expected to be available on Windows 10 and Windows 11 by July. Applications installed through the Microsoft Store will continue to receive updates even if the Store is removed, and users can reinstall it at any time. Third-party apps will be integrated into Windows Search, and users can rearrange their preferred search providers. The Microsoft Bing app, Widgets Board, and Lock Screen will open web content using the user's default browser, with these changes anticipated to roll out in early June.
Winsage
June 3, 2025
Microsoft is aligning its Windows 10 and 11 operating systems with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) for users in the European Union. In March 2024, Microsoft launched a Digital Markets Act Compliance website detailing plans to adapt Windows and LinkedIn. Recent updates include: - Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) can associate a wider range of file and link types with their default web browser, including ftp, http, https, .htm, .html, and .xml. New options for “Pin to Taskbar” and “Pin to Start” will also be available. - The Windows Search feature will allow applications to provide web search results directly within the interface, enabling users to filter and reorder results. - EEA users will have the option to uninstall the Microsoft Store app, while apps downloaded from the Store will continue to receive updates. Users can reinstall the Store app later. - The Bing and Start Experiences apps will direct web content to the user's default browser instead of Microsoft Edge, which will no longer prompt users to set it as the default unless opened directly. If Edge is uninstalled, other Microsoft applications will not suggest its reinstallation, except for Progressive Web Apps installed via Edge.
Winsage
June 3, 2025
Microsoft has made adjustments to Windows 11 and Windows 10 to comply with the Digital Markets Act for users in the European Economic Area, including stopping prompts to set Edge as the default browser and automatically pinning users' preferred browsers to the Taskbar. The optional update KB5058499 (OS Build 26100.4202) for Windows 11, released on May 28, 2025, improves gaming stability and includes upgrades to AI tools. OpenAI's Sora AI model is now available globally in the Bing Video Creator within the Bing mobile app. Notepad has added support for Markdown syntax. Microsoft has committed that all USB-C ports on Windows 11 will support data, charging, and display functionalities, with USB4 ports being compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 peripherals. The release date for Windows 11 version 25H2 is anticipated between September and October 2025.
Winsage
June 3, 2025
Major tech companies, including Microsoft, are adapting their practices to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Union (EU). Microsoft has allowed users in the EU to uninstall Microsoft Edge, Bing, and OneDrive on Windows 11 devices. Additionally, Microsoft will no longer pressure users to adopt the Bing app; Bing searches will now open in the user's preferred default browser. This change applies to links from the Widgets Board or Lock Screen in the European Economic Area (EEA). Microsoft has limited prompts to set Edge as the default browser to when users actively open Edge. This update has been effective since May 29th, with the release of Edge version 137.0.3296.52. Users who set a default browser will have it pinned to the Taskbar automatically unless they opt out, and other Microsoft applications will not prompt users to reinstall Edge if it is uninstalled. The process for setting a default browser will now cover a wider range of file and link types in the EEA, and Windows Search will receive enhancements, including support for third-party web search providers. Many features are being gradually rolled out, starting with Windows Insider builds.
Winsage
June 3, 2025
Asus is encouraging Windows 10 laptop users unable to upgrade to Windows 11 to consider transitioning to a Copilot+ PC, as support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025. The Copilot+ devices feature a dedicated AI processor, promising improved user experience and security. However, this marketing strategy raises environmental concerns regarding increased electronic waste from discarded older PCs. Critics argue that many users could upgrade their existing machines if not for Microsoft's stringent hardware requirements for Windows 11. Microsoft has introduced an option to extend support for an additional year, but it is uncertain if this will be available to all consumers. While Copilot+ PCs offer enhanced features, the urgency to upgrade may be overstated, and there are calls for a more responsible approach to product lifecycle and sustainability in technology.
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