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Microsoft Now Lets AI Build Native WinUI 3 Apps for Windows 11 in Under 30 Minutes
Winsage
September 6, 2026

Microsoft Now Lets AI Build Native WinUI 3 Apps for Windows 11 in Under 30 Minutes

Microsoft has released a quick-start guide for developers to create native WinUI 3 applications for Windows 11 in about 30 minutes, using tools like VS Code, .NET 10, GitHub Copilot's free tier, and Microsoft's winapp CLI, without requiring Visual Studio. The guide details project scaffolding, AI integration for features, testing, and packaging as an MSIX installer. The AI agent, winui-dev, is a specialized plugin for WinUI tasks, and developers are encouraged to connect it to the Learn MCP server for updated documentation. This initiative aims to move developers away from web wrappers and Electron-style applications, which use more RAM. Microsoft announced at the Build 2026 conference that "3" will be removed from WinUI's name, reinforcing its long-term stability. WinUI 3 is being integrated into Windows 11 components, although some apps still use WebView2 technology, which consumes more RAM than native options.
The best Android alarm app isn't on the Play Store. Here's how to install it
AppWizard
September 6, 2026

The best Android alarm app isn’t on the Play Store. Here’s how to install it

Many users prefer default applications for calendars, messaging, and clocks, but third-party options like Chrono offer enhanced experiences. Chrono is an open-source clock application that provides a user-friendly interface, extensive alarm features, and an ad-free experience, but it is not available on the Google Play Store. The app features four tabs: Alarm, World Clock, Timer, and Stopwatch, with customization options including dark mode and Material design. Users can personalize the app's appearance and tag alarms for organization. Chrono's alarm functionality includes assertive alarms that require tasks to be completed before turning off, adjustable snooze intervals, and the ability to lock alarms. To download Chrono, users must visit the F-Droid website, download the app, and follow installation instructions. Updating Chrono through F-Droid is straightforward, while sideloaded users must check for updates manually or use a tool like Obtainium.
Our next drop has a name
AppWizard
September 6, 2026

Our next drop has a name

Adventurers gather around a campfire to share stories of their experiences, including unexpected detours and surprise encounters. While some moments are planned, spontaneous events often create lasting memories. Preparations for future journeys include stocking inventory, mapping campsites, and being ready for unforeseen adventures. New features for Wilderness Bound will require either Minecraft: Bedrock Edition or Java Edition, which must be purchased separately, and community feedback will help refine these features as development continues.
I gave Windows 11 an old-school makeover by restoring its classic icons
Winsage
September 6, 2026

I gave Windows 11 an old-school makeover by restoring its classic icons

Users can customize icons in Windows 11 by following different methods depending on the type of icon. For folders and shortcuts, right-clicking the item and selecting Properties allows users to change icons easily. Taskbar items require pressing Shift while right-clicking the closed app. Desktop icons like "This PC" and the Recycle Bin can be modified through Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings. More complex changes, such as altering icons for file types or drives, involve editing the Windows registry. Windows retains a selection of classic icons within DLL files, including moricons.dll, pifmgr.dll, and netshell.dll. Users can also access the Windows Icon Archive project for a repository of icons from various Windows versions, though .png files need conversion to .ico format for use. Limitations include the inability to change icons for new folders automatically, modifications not reflecting in Quick Access for special folders, and restrictions on altering application icons. Programs like OpenShell can help modify taskbar and Start menu icons, but achieving a perfect replica of older versions is not possible.
Dwarf Fortress co-creator Tarn Adams was amazed other devs had heard of his game the first time he went to a convention: 'I didn't know that anyone knew what we were doing'
AppWizard
September 5, 2026

Dwarf Fortress co-creator Tarn Adams was amazed other devs had heard of his game the first time he went to a convention: ‘I didn’t know that anyone knew what we were doing’

Tarn Adams, co-creator of Dwarf Fortress, revealed in an interview that he was unaware of the game's significant following for many years. He recalled a moment around 2013 or 2014 at PAX in Seattle when he realized the game's impact, as most indie developers there recognized Dwarf Fortress and reacted with enthusiasm. Adams expressed a desire to have promoted the game more actively in its early years, noting that he had only met a few other developers from 2006 until around 2013 and described himself as "not a very social person" at that time. He reflected on the game's status as "outsider art" and considered giving his younger self advice to engage more with the gaming community.
I refuse to stop using my 8-year-old Chromecast for one simple reason
AppWizard
September 5, 2026

I refuse to stop using my 8-year-old Chromecast for one simple reason

The original Chromecast has received an update, which has pleased its users who appreciate its simplicity compared to the more complex Google TV interface. A recent poll showed that 36% of users often use their older Chromecast, another 36% use it rarely, and 27% never had one. The Chromecast (3rd gen) remains reliable for some users, despite being connected to an Android TV with built-in Chromecast capabilities, which can struggle with performance issues. Users find casting from a smartphone to be more efficient than navigating the TV's interface, and the ability to cast content without delays is a significant advantage. The original Chromecast continues to be relevant and valued by users for its functionality and ease of use.
There are two kinds of Windows users—and one of them is unknowingly making the OS worse
Winsage
September 4, 2026

There are two kinds of Windows users—and one of them is unknowingly making the OS worse

There is a divide between casual Windows users and engaged enthusiasts, with passive users often accepting default settings that contribute to system bloat. Passive users enable telemetry and promotional content by not customizing their installations, while active users take steps to enhance privacy and performance. Microsoft interprets user inaction as approval for unwanted features, leading to an accumulation of bloatware and unnecessary updates. The Connected User Experiences and Telemetry service collects user data, justifying the inclusion of features like Copilot, which many users may not want. Users face challenges in maintaining control over their systems, often needing technical knowledge to opt out of unwanted features. Microsoft's feedback system is inadequate, interpreting silence as consent rather than a lack of interest, making it difficult for users to effect meaningful change.
Announcing Project Zenith: The ready-to-code Windows experience on developer-class devices
Winsage
September 4, 2026

Announcing Project Zenith: The ready-to-code Windows experience on developer-class devices

Windows announced Project Zenith, a developer-optimized Windows 11 experience designed for devices with over 64 GB of unified memory and memory bandwidth exceeding 250 GB/s. The project will initially launch with AMD’s Ryzen AI Halo and will include preconfigured Windows setups and a curated selection of development tools. Devices under Project Zenith will allow developers to run models with over 30 billion parameters locally, reducing reliance on cloud resources. Enhancements to Windows 11 include improved performance and a cleaner workspace tailored for coding, with features like pinned Windows Terminal and Visual Studio Code. Project Zenith also integrates the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and provides a secure environment for developing agentic applications, leveraging OS-enforced identity and Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC). The initiative aims to offer a consistent ready-to-code experience across various devices while responding to developer needs and evolving with advancements in AI and software development.
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