HDR Archives

Winsage

May 16, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27858 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27858 has been released to the Canary Channel. A new system tray icon for the emoji and more panel has been introduced, allowing users to access emojis, GIFs, and Kaomojis, with customization options available. Several fixes have been implemented, including resolving black screen issues during upgrades, enhancing accessibility in File Explorer, updating desktop icon logic, fixing voice typing initiation issues, resolving explorer.exe crashes related to snap layouts, addressing taskbar icon resizing problems in tablet mode, fixing night light functionality, and resolving MIDI device recognition issues. Known issues include potential problems with Windows Hello PIN and biometrics on new Copilot+ PCs and unresponsive pen input on certain devices. Insiders are reminded that builds in the Canary Channel are early development versions and may change. A clean installation is required to exit the Canary Channel, and a desktop watermark will be present in pre-release builds.

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

The Minecraft Movie on Blu-ray & 4K, plus new Imprint, KLSC, and BFI announcements & Tron screens in 4K with Dolby Vision at the Academy Museum on 7/3!

Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment will release Jared Hess’ The Minecraft Movie digitally on May 13, 2024, followed by physical formats on June 24, including a Limited Edition 4K Steelbook. The 4K disc will feature Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio, along with five featurettes. Kino Lorber Studio Classics will release Bob Giraldi’s Hiding Out (1987) on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray on July 29. Via Vision will release several Imprint Films Blu-ray titles on July 30, including a double feature of Blue (1968) and Fade In (1973), along with other classic films. Paramount will release Clue (1985) and Aeon Flux (2005) in 4K Ultra HD Steelbook format on October 7. The British Film Institute will release Women in Love (1969) in 4K Ultra HD and Bhaji on the Beach (1993) on Blu-ray on July 14, and Human Traffic (1999) in 4K Ultra HD on July 21. Eureka! will release The Tattooed Dragon (1973) on Blu-ray on July 21. Film Movement will screen Shanghai Blues (1984) in theaters on June 20, and the Academy Museum will screen Tron (1982) on July 3, with a physical 4K Ultra HD release expected later this year.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Introducing all-new Surface Copilot+ PCs: The Surface Pro, 12-inch and Surface Laptop, 13-inch

Copilot+ PCs are a new category of personal computing devices designed to enhance AI experiences and productivity. Microsoft has introduced the Surface Laptop (13-inch) and Surface Pro (12-inch) as part of this lineup, both featuring Snapdragon X Plus processors with Neural Processing Units (NPU). The Surface Laptop, available from May 20, 2025, starts at 9, is the thinnest and lightest model yet, and offers up to 23 hours of video playback. It has a full HD touchscreen, AI-enhanced camera, and a keyboard with a fingerprint reader. The Surface Pro, also powered by the Snapdragon X Plus, weighs 1.5 pounds and features a detachable keyboard and adjustable kickstand. Both devices incorporate sustainable materials, with the Surface Laptop using 100% recycled cobalt in its battery and the Surface Pro made from 82.9% recycled content. They provide access to AI tools for productivity, including features like Recall and Click to Do. Pre-orders for both devices are available, with the Surface Pro starting at 9 and the Surface Laptop at ,199.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Will Microsoft finally give PC gamers the one series they should already have?

Gears of War: Reloaded will debut on PlayStation and is set for release on August 26, 2025. The game will feature native 4K assets, HDR and Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos Surround Sound, variable refresh rate, super resolution, enhanced art direction, and no loading screens. It will support cross-play and cross-progression across all platforms. Players who own Gears of War: Ultimate Edition will receive a complimentary upgrade to this new version, and it will be available on day one through Game Pass.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Expanding the Surface for Business Copilot+ PC portfolio

AI has evolved into a transformative force for organizations, increasing the demand for secure and high-performance AI-ready Windows 11 PCs. Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs, including the new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop, both powered by the Snapdragon X Plus processor with an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) capable of 45 trillion operations per second. The 13-inch Surface Laptop offers up to 23 hours of video playback and 16 hours of web browsing, with performance enhancements of up to 50% faster speeds and double the battery life compared to its predecessor. It features an AI-enhanced 1080p front camera for video conferencing and a durable design. The 12-inch Surface Pro is the thinnest and lightest Copilot+ PC, providing 50% faster performance and up to 16 hours of local video playback. Both devices are designed as Secured-core PCs with advanced security features, including Windows Hello for Business and biometric authentication options. They support enhanced productivity through AI features in Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling faster file searches and improved team efficiency. Microsoft emphasizes sustainability with the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient designs. The new devices will be available starting July 22 in select markets.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Microsoft: Windows 11 24H2 now ready to rollout to everyone

Microsoft has announced the rollout of the Windows 11 24H2 update, also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, which is now available for all compatible PCs, except those with safeguard holds. The gradual rollout via Windows Update is nearing completion, and eligible users will see an option to download the update in their settings. Automatic updates will apply to Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 (versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2) not managed by IT departments. Upgrade blocks are in place for systems with incompatible hardware or software, including certain applications and drivers. Users can check compatibility using the PC Health Check app or Windows 11 specifications. The update introduces new features such as AI-powered capabilities, an energy saver, Wi-Fi 7 compatibility, Bluetooth LE audio support, HDR background support, natural language understanding in search, and a revamped Windows Recall feature. The rollout began in May 2024 for enterprise testing and transitioned to general availability in October. It will also be available to eligible PCs running Windows 10 22H2 in late January 2025, with a force-installation for unmanaged systems on Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2. Microsoft provides a guided walkthrough and support document for users during the upgrade process.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3950 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3950 (KB5055653) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. Insiders on version 23H2 can opt to upgrade to version 24H2 with this build. Key changes include the introduction of energy saver management in Microsoft Intune, allowing IT administrators to manage energy settings on Windows 11 PCs. Other updates involve UI experiments in Recall, taskbar enhancements, and graphics improvements for HDR capabilities. Fixes include resolving keyboard focus issues in the taskbar, startup sound playback issues, and scaling problems after sleep/resume. Known issues involve bugs with Xbox Controllers and live captions crashing. Insiders are reminded to keep their devices updated for optimal performance and access to features.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5581 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5581 (KB5055651) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Key updates include: - Energy Saver in Microsoft Intune: IT administrators can manage energy saver settings on Windows 11 PCs through group policies and MDM configurations, optimizing battery usage by limiting background activities and reducing screen brightness. - Taskbar Improvements: The needy state pill for apps has been redesigned, and administrators can allow users to unpin specific pinned apps. - Graphics Enhancements: Improved management of HDR capabilities, including refined wording for HDR settings and independent toggling of Dolby Vision mode. - Fixes: Resolved issues with taskbar keyboard focus, startup sound playback, scaling after sleep, and cumulative update errors. - Known Issues: Users may experience discrepancies in build version display after PC resets and issues with Xbox Controllers causing bugchecks. - Recall (Preview): Users can opt to remove Recall at any time, and intelligent text actions are now moderated locally. - Windows Search: For optimal performance, devices should be connected to power during initial search indexing. - Task Manager: Users may see the System Idle Process showing as 0 after the addition of a new CPU Utility column. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, with features rolled out gradually.

AppWizard

May 5, 2025

Gears of War: Reloaded Announced, Coming to PC This Summer

Microsoft has announced a remaster of the original Gears of War, titled Gears of War: Reloaded. This remaster features 4K assets, enhanced post-processing effects, improved shadows and reflections, HDR support, and Dolby Vision, along with 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos audio. The campaign mode runs at 60 FPS, while multiplayer aims for up to 120 FPS. The game supports cross-play between PC and consoles without requiring a Microsoft account for the Steam version, although signing in unlocks additional cross-platform features. The remaster will be available on Steam, and the developers have not yet confirmed the engine used or the official PC requirements.

Winsage

May 3, 2025

Say ‘no thanks’ Microsoft Windows 11 and ‘yes please’ to AnduinOS 1.3

Windows 10 is approaching its end of life, prompting users to consider alternatives to Windows 11, which has several challenges including strict hardware requirements and mandatory Microsoft account registration. One alternative is AnduinOS, a Linux distribution designed for users transitioning from Windows. The latest version, 1.3.0, is built on Ubuntu 25.04 and features GNOME 48, offering a familiar interface with a centered taskbar and rounded window corners. Key updates in version 1.3.0 include an integrated app store based on Flatpak, pre-installed GNOME Software, support for HDR displays, a new Super + V shortcut for clipboard history, and improved localization for Firefox. AnduinOS 1.3 is available for download with separate ISO files for each supported language.