feedback Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

“Don’t kill Android (WSA) in Windows 11” is now a top feedback, but will Microsoft listen?

Microsoft will discontinue the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) in 2025, along with the removal of the Amazon Appstore from the Microsoft Store. Many users rely on WSA for accessing Android applications not available on Windows, leading to significant disappointment among them. A post on the Feedback Hub advocating for WSA has received nearly 700 upvotes, indicating user frustration. WSA is seen as essential for both daily tasks and for developers testing Android applications. The decision to discontinue WSA is linked to the financial performance of the Microsoft Store and a lack of support from Google. Initially, WSA was only available in the United States, which limited its user base.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

AI Has Come for Sweet, Innocent Notepad

Notepad has introduced a new feature called Rewrite, powered by Microsoft's GPT AI model, which allows users to rephrase sentences, adjust tone, and modify text length. Users can access this feature by highlighting text and selecting the Rewrite option from the context menu or using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + I. The feature generates three variations of the modified text based on user-selected options. Currently, it is available to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels of Windows 11, specifically in the U.S., France, the UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany, with additional access for Microsoft 365 and Copilot Pro subscribers in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. Users need to sign in with their Microsoft accounts and have credits to use the GPT model, starting with 50 complimentary credits. Microsoft Paint has also been updated with AI features, including Generative Fill and Generative Erase tools.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Windows on Arm apps are about to get access to the secret sauce Adobe used to get Premiere Pro 25 to work on Copilot+ PCs

Windows on Arm PCs with the Snapdragon X Elite processor are receiving a preview build of Windows 11 that enhances Prism emulation, specifically Build 27744. This update expands support for various CPU features, allowing non-native Arm applications to run more efficiently. The update increases the range of 64-bit x86 applications that can be emulated, integrating support for additional CPU extensions like AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C. Currently, only x64 applications are supported, and users can provide feedback on compatibility and performance issues. Additionally, the Start menu has been simplified, a new Gamepad keyboard layout is being introduced for Xbox controller navigation, the Task Manager's Disconnect and Logoff dialogs have been updated for dark mode and text scaling, and the detach virtual hard disk button has returned in the Settings menu.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

First Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered PC Patch brings performance and stability improvements

Nixxes has released Patch 1.1 for Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, which includes bug fixes and performance enhancements. Key fixes include resolving a crash related to mouse and keyboard controls, addressing disappearing or flickering shadows in Meridian for ultrawide resolutions, and correcting a floating bow issue during cinematics. The update also aligns the audio volume of pre-rendered cut scenes with gameplay. Improvements have been made to Steam Input, HUD markers for objectives, and various user interface elements, alongside general performance and stability enhancements. A PSN account is required to access the remaster, and there are no plans to remove this requirement. The update will be automatically downloaded via Steam.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Windows 11 Canary Build 27744 returns the Gamepad keyboard, and fixes old dGPUs

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 in the Canary Channel, providing a unified experience and eliminating the previous dual-experience model. This build enhances the Prism emulator for Windows on Arm, allowing a wider range of 64-bit x86 applications to run, including support for additional CPU features. The update enables previously incompatible games and creative software to function on Arm devices. Key changes include the simplification of the Start menu, a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard, and updates to Task Manager and Settings. Several fixes have been implemented, addressing issues with NVIDIA GPUs, the Emoji Panel, Windows Sandbox performance, and various graphics and app-related bugs. Known issues include potential problems with Windows Hello PIN on new Copilot+ PCs and desktop background display across multiple monitors. Users are encouraged to provide feedback on their experience.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

What apps do you need on Windows on Arm?

Microsoft has released a new build of Windows 11 for Insiders in the Canary channel, enhancing support for additional CPU extensions for emulated 64-bit x86 applications, which improves the functionality of Windows Arm PCs. Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the first applications to benefit from this update. Users are encouraged to share their experiences with application compatibility on Arm PCs, highlighting any applications that have caused issues or underperformed during emulation. The author noted that the messaging app Beeper performed poorly on a Windows on Arm PC.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

New AI experiences for Paint and Notepad begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

The updates to Paint (version 11.2410.28.0) include the introduction of generative fill, which allows users to make edits and additions to their artwork using text prompts, and generative erase, enabling the removal of unwanted objects from the canvas. Generative fill is initially available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs for Windows Insiders in supported markets, while generative erase is accessible for all Windows 11 PCs. Additionally, the Cocreator feature has been enhanced for faster results, and Image Creator is now available in preview for Windows 11 users in several countries, with AI credits for Microsoft 365 subscribers in select regions. The Notepad update (version 11.2410.15.0) introduces a generative AI feature that allows users to rewrite content by rephrasing sentences and adjusting tone and length. This feature is available in preview for users in specific countries and requires a Microsoft account. Improvements have also been made to Notepad’s launch performance, with most users experiencing over a 35% improvement in app launch time.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 has been released to the Canary Channel. This build introduces enhanced support for 64-bit x86 applications in the Prism emulator, allowing previously incompatible applications, including Adobe Premiere Pro 25, to run on Arm devices. The virtual CPU for x64 emulated applications now supports various x86 instruction set architecture extensions, such as AVX and FMA. Changes include the simplification of the "All apps" section in the Start menu, a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard, redesigned Task Manager dialogs, and the return of the detach virtual hard disk button. Fixes address issues with NVIDIA GPUs, the Emoji Panel, Windows Sandbox performance, and various bugs affecting graphics and application stability. Known issues include potential loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for new Copilot+ PC users joining the Canary Channel and desktop background display problems across multiple monitors. Insiders are reminded that features in the Canary Channel may not be released and can change during development.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Windows 11 build 26120.2213 (KB5045885) fixes multi-monitor desktop background and more

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2213 (KB5045885) in the Dev Channel. Key changes include the temporary suspension of the Gamepad keyboard feature, improvements to the Start menu, and enhancements for users typing in Chinese or Japanese, such as hiding the IME toolbar in full-screen mode. Fixes include enhanced reliability and corrected spacing in the Start menu, adjustments in File Explorer for navigation pane padding and RAW image display, taskbar improvements including a search box for auto-hide settings, and general fixes for all users addressing game launch issues and Task Manager display problems. Known issues include a problem with desktop backgrounds not displaying correctly across multiple monitors. Windows Insiders receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, with features rolled out gradually and subject to change based on feedback.

AppWizard

November 5, 2024

The Big Indie Interviews: Chorrus Games on their award-winning fantasy adventure game Radiant: Guardians Of Light

The Very Big Indie Pitch is a speed-dating style pitching event for indie developers held at Pocket Gamer Connects and other gaming events worldwide, where participants present their games to judges in five minutes. Chorrus Games, an indie studio from Madrid, Spain, developed the game Radiant: Guardians of Light, which won third place at the recent competition in Helsinki. The game blends 80s Beat 'Em Up gameplay with RPG elements, featuring fast-paced combat, a rich narrative, and a crafting system. The team, consisting of Oscar Ruiz and Roberto Martinez, focused on creating an engaging experience inspired by classic games while incorporating modern storytelling. They initially developed Radiant for PC but are exploring console opportunities. The pitching experience helped them refine their game and connect with industry professionals. The team aims to expand the Radiant universe through new titles and adaptations in various media.