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Pocket Lands Looks Like Mixed Reality Minecraft On Quest
AppWizard
November 14, 2025

Pocket Lands Looks Like Mixed Reality Minecraft On Quest

Pocket Lands allows users to create miniature worlds in mixed reality and explore them in virtual reality. It is set to launch in early access on December 11, developed by Thomas van den Berge, known for the VR painting app Vermillion. Players can build dioramas using hand tracking controls and switch to first-person VR mode for exploration. The game features various biomes and locomotion options in VR. Future plans for the full release in the second half of 2026 include cave systems, additional biomes, creatures, multiplayer build battles, and co-located and remote creative multiplayer experiences.
Storied Windows dev reminisces about Microsoft's first hardware product 45 years ago — the Z-80 SoftCard was an Apple II add-in card
Winsage
November 7, 2025

Storied Windows dev reminisces about Microsoft’s first hardware product 45 years ago — the Z-80 SoftCard was an Apple II add-in card

Raymond Chen, a developer at Microsoft, discussed the company's first hardware product, the Z-80 SoftCard, launched in 1980 for Apple II users. The SoftCard allowed access to CP/M software but faced development challenges, requiring complex coding and hardware adaptations. It integrated the Z80 processor with the Apple II's 6502 processor, necessitating innovative techniques like simulated Direct Memory Access (DMA) to manage operations. Microsoft’s hardware launch timeline includes the Z-80 SoftCard (1980), Microsoft Mouse (1983), various Windows peripherals in the 1990s, Xbox (2001), Zune (2006), Windows Mobile phones (2010), Surface (2012), and HoloLens (2016). Microsoft redefined itself as a ‘software and devices’ company in 2013.
Microsoft employee reverse engineers Windows Mixed Reality driver and restores life to abandoned headsets with native SteamVR support
Winsage
September 5, 2025

Microsoft employee reverse engineers Windows Mixed Reality driver and restores life to abandoned headsets with native SteamVR support

Microsoft discontinued support for the Windows Mixed Reality platform with the rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2, rendering many headsets unusable. A new driver, available for free download through Steam, allows users to revive their Windows Mixed Reality headsets, compatible with any Windows Mixed Reality device. The driver works on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, but is only compatible with PCs equipped with NVIDIA graphics cards due to limitations in AMD and Intel drivers. Users can connect their headsets, download SteamVR, and access a wide library of games and applications. Microsoft announced the deprecation of the Windows Mixed Reality platform in 2023, coinciding with the end of HoloLens production.
This is Microsoft's canceled Windows-based Surface Duo — the dual-screen Windows Phone from 2018 that we never got
Winsage
August 3, 2025

This is Microsoft’s canceled Windows-based Surface Duo — the dual-screen Windows Phone from 2018 that we never got

Recent images reveal that the Surface Duo was initially conceived as a Windows Phone codenamed Andromeda, featuring a custom-built operating system designed for its dual-screen form factor. The project was shelved in 2018 due to challenges faced during development. Prototypes from 2017 and 2018 show that Andromeda included features such as a back camera system, integrated wireless charging for the Surface Slim Pen, and a premium metal frame, which were not present in the final Surface Duo. Andromeda also had smaller hinges, which were later enlarged in the Surface Duo for added stiffness. The operating system for Andromeda was based on Windows Core OS, featuring a universal shell for dual-screen use, a home screen designed for note-taking, and a lock screen that functioned as an inking canvas.
Happy birthday and RIP Windows 10! Ten years of Windows, from successes to failures.
Winsage
August 1, 2025

Happy birthday and RIP Windows 10! Ten years of Windows, from successes to failures.

Support for Windows 10 is set to conclude on October 14, 2025, after which users will no longer receive free security updates, software enhancements, or technical assistance. Windows 10 was released in 2015 to restore user confidence following Windows 8's reception and quickly became a leader in the market. It eliminated many frustrations of its predecessor, offering a classic desktop experience and free upgrades from Windows 7 and 8.1. The Windows Insider Program was introduced for testing pre-release builds, but Microsoft faced criticism for inconsistent responsiveness to feedback and issues like unexpected reboots and the October 2018 Update that deleted user files. Windows 10 Mobile failed due to insufficient support and user interest. Microsoft replaced Internet Explorer with Edge, transitioning to Chromium for better compatibility. Privacy concerns arose from extensive telemetry and tracking settings. The Universal Windows Platform (UWP) initiative did not fulfill its promise. Despite nearing the end of its life cycle, Windows 10 remains dominant in the desktop market, appreciated for its stability and non-intrusiveness.
Windows 10 turns 10: No compatibility chaos
Winsage
July 29, 2025

Windows 10 turns 10: No compatibility chaos

Windows 10 was launched as a response to the mixed reception of Windows 8, aiming to provide a stable and reliable alternative. It offered improved performance on solid-state drives compared to Windows 7, although it did not achieve the same affection. The development included the Windows Insider program for user feedback, but responsiveness to that feedback was inconsistent. The operating system faced issues, such as the problematic October 2018 Update that deleted user files. Windows 10 Mobile, launched alongside, quickly faded due to lack of interest. The desktop version thrived, aided by a free upgrade offer and hardware compatibility. Privacy concerns arose due to telemetry and data collection practices. Microsoft replaced Internet Explorer with the Edge browser, which later adopted the Chromium engine. Despite challenges, Windows 10 maintained a strong presence in the desktop market, proving to be a stabilizing force for Microsoft after Windows 8.
Windows 10 Turns 10
Winsage
July 29, 2025

Windows 10 Turns 10

Today marks the tenth anniversary of Windows 10, which was unveiled on September 30, 2014. Microsoft is offering a complimentary copy of the Windows 10 Field Guide to users in celebration. A new free newsletter is available for subscribers, providing three time-saving tips every Friday and complimentary copies of Paul Thurrott's Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides. Windows 10 was designed to operate across various devices and was announced as a free upgrade for users of Windows 7, 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1 in January 2015. It was officially released on July 29, 2015, and received positive reviews for its adaptability and user-friendly experience, addressing design flaws from Windows 8. A free copy of the Windows 10 Field Guide is available at Leanpub until August 1, 2025.
Minecraft’s VR support is now gone
AppWizard
May 7, 2025

Minecraft’s VR support is now gone

Mojang has discontinued support for virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) devices in the Bedrock Edition 1.21.80 Update, following a previous announcement that support would cease after March 2025. The company cites limitations in maintaining support for these platforms. Players will continue to receive updates on PCs and retain access to previously purchased Marketplace content and world-building capabilities. Alternatives for VR experiences include mods like Vivecraft for the Java version on PC and QuestCraft for Meta Quest headsets.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
April 2, 2025

Forget the Nintendo Switch 2 – I’m more excited that Microsoft could be making Windows 11 gaming handhelds even better with a new ‘handheld mode’

Windows 11 may soon introduce a dedicated mode for gaming handhelds, as indicated by a leak from a source on Bluesky. This mode includes a new ‘GamingPosture’ category in settings, featuring options for a ‘full screen experience’ to improve usability on smaller screens. Microsoft is also removing HoloLens-related elements from the Windows 11 Settings app. Current Windows 11 interfaces are challenging for handheld devices, prompting speculation about a more portable-friendly interface. Recent enhancements include a ‘compact mode’ for the Xbox app and improvements to the Game Bar, as well as a gamepad keyboard layout for easier typing. Additionally, there are rumors of a potential Xbox-branded handheld device that could utilize the new UI experience in Windows 11.
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