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Enhancing User Experience

Microsoft wants AI to customize your Windows 11 entirely with one sentence, shows off a demo
Winsage
June 5, 2026

Microsoft wants AI to customize your Windows 11 entirely with one sentence, shows off a demo

At Build 2026, Microsoft announced plans to enhance Windows 11 personalization through AI agents, with API endpoints available for developers to create tailored experiences. Product Manager Samantha Song highlighted the need for a more user-friendly interface that reflects individual preferences, noting current customization options can be cumbersome. Microsoft introduced "WinUI skills," enabling developers to use AI agents like Copilot to create native applications that interact with Windows APIs. Users could instruct AI to modify themes, such as creating a cherry blossom theme, which would adjust wallpapers and accent colors automatically. AI skills could also apply accent colors to File Explorer and download themed wallpapers. The theme module can orchestrate multiple actions, allowing users to change their entire Windows theme with a single command. Microsoft is exploring a themes agent for generating new themes. While currently an open-source project, there is potential for these features to be integrated into Windows 11, enhancing user experience through personalized customization.
A guide to agentic AI: How Windows is going to do more things for you
Winsage
June 4, 2026

A guide to agentic AI: How Windows is going to do more things for you

Microsoft is introducing Scout, its first Autopilot agent designed to enhance productivity within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem by autonomously managing tasks and providing timely notifications. Scout will integrate with applications like Teams, Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint, utilizing OpenClaw's open-source technology to manage emails, summarize documents, and allocate time for overdue tasks. To ensure safety, Microsoft has implemented Execution Containers, which define access parameters for agents and integrate with existing security tools like Defender and Intune. Additionally, Microsoft Discovery is now available to all researchers, allowing them to use AI in scientific research with a user-friendly chatbot interface. Microsoft also unveiled Rayfin, a tool that simplifies app development by enabling users to define backend systems through code and deploy them directly to Microsoft Fabric.
Microsoft is rewriting Windows 11 shell in native code, killing the web slop slowing your PC
Winsage
June 4, 2026

Microsoft is rewriting Windows 11 shell in native code, killing the web slop slowing your PC

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 by reducing reliance on web-based components, which have caused performance issues. The user interface framework WinUI will now be referred to simply as "WinUI," indicating no plans for a WinUI 4, to reassure developers. Microsoft is integrating WinUI into the Windows 11 shell more rapidly, moving away from web components. A specialized team is focused on creating "100% native" Windows applications, starting with an overhaul of the Start menu from React Native to WinUI components. Performance, memory optimization, and quality control are top priorities for the WinUI team. A new system compositor is being introduced to improve UI performance, and enterprise-focused DataGrid and Charting controls are being added to WinUI. Microsoft is expanding open-source development for WinUI, allowing public testing and contributions. Migration support between WinForms and WinUI is being enhanced for legacy applications. An experimental project called Microsoft UI Reactor is introduced to simplify native application development using C#. This shift towards native development aims to improve performance and efficiency for all Windows users.
Windows 8’s codename was “Modern Experience” — Microsoft says it lacked creativity
Winsage
June 4, 2026

Windows 8’s codename was “Modern Experience” — Microsoft says it lacked creativity

Raymond Chen, a Microsoft software engineer, reflected on the development of Windows 8, which was announced on June 1, 2011, and had its support withdrawn on January 12, 2016. The development team initially referred to Windows 8 as "the modern experience" to distinguish it from Windows 7, known as "the classic experience." This led to the creation of abbreviations like "MoSh" for the modern shell and "ClaSh" for the classic shell. Other terms included "MoGo" for the new Start menu and "MoSet" for the settings control panel. Microsoft has since introduced Windows K2, an internal project aimed at addressing issues in Windows 11, and has made changes based on user feedback, such as allowing indefinite postponement of updates. Users can engage in discussions about Windows K2 on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral.
OpenAI's Codex can finally control Windows 11 PCs on its own
Winsage
June 3, 2026

OpenAI’s Codex can finally control Windows 11 PCs on its own

OpenAI has announced that the Codex desktop's Computer Use feature is now available on Windows 11 systems, previously exclusive to macOS. This feature allows Codex to control applications on a user's computer using a virtual mouse and keyboard, enabling it to autonomously navigate the system and execute tasks. Users can direct Codex by referencing their computer or specific applications in their instructions. The feature is integrated with mobile applications, allowing users to manage tasks on their Windows systems from mobile devices. Currently, it is available across all Codex plans, including free tiers, but access may eventually be limited to premium plans.
Google is playing with a new look for voice search
AppWizard
June 2, 2026

Google is playing with a new look for voice search

Google is refining its voice search functionality in the Google app, introducing a toggle for the "Auto search" feature that allows users to control how their voice queries are processed. This update enables users to disable automatic searches that occur when they pause their speech, allowing them to complete their thoughts without interruption. The new interface includes a pill-shaped toggle above four redesigned buttons and features two animations: a chunky waveform pattern when Auto search is activated and a fluid, side-scrolling waveform when it is disabled. The timeline for the official rollout of these features is uncertain, as the information is based on an APK teardown, which may not reflect all final public releases.
Google's wallpaper-based Gemini redesign is finally rolling out to users
AppWizard
June 2, 2026

Google’s wallpaper-based Gemini redesign is finally rolling out to users

Google is rolling out wallpaper-based theming for Gemini within the Google app, transitioning from hidden manual activation to a beta version accessible to users, including those on the Pixel 9 with version 17.27.33.sa.arm64. This update aligns Gemini with the Material You design philosophy, allowing the interface to dynamically adjust to the user's wallpaper colors, moving away from the previous static color scheme. Currently, changes are visible in Gemini's floating overlay UI, which adopts a tint reflecting the system theme, while the main interface has not yet fully implemented dynamic theming, indicating a phased rollout approach.
Google's about to make its My Pixel app a whole lot more useful
AppWizard
June 1, 2026

Google’s about to make its My Pixel app a whole lot more useful

Google is enhancing its My Pixel app with an in-app search tool, codenamed “koda,” to help users navigate the app's resources more easily. This feature, currently in early development, will assist users in finding usage tips and product-related information, such as phone cases. The search tool is expected to provide search suggestions to improve user experience. However, there is no guarantee that all anticipated functionalities will be included in the final public release.
Complaints worked: Google is already addressing Gemini's new usage limits
AppWizard
May 29, 2026

Complaints worked: Google is already addressing Gemini’s new usage limits

Google is making significant adjustments to its Gemini platform in response to user feedback regarding usage limits. The changes include a cap on how much quota a single Gemini prompt can consume, ensuring users can maximize their usage of the Pro model. Requests that fail will no longer count against users' quotas, and Google plans to introduce detailed usage breakdowns for better tracking. These adjustments follow user complaints about quickly exhausting quotas, with some reporting that single prompts consumed large portions of their allowances. Josh Woodward from Google confirmed the new cap is intended to enhance user value from the Pro model and clarified that only successful requests will count toward usage limits. Additionally, Gemini will remember users' preferred models across sessions, continuing to use the selected model until a switch is made or a usage cap is reached.
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