inbox Archives

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Microsoft updates Notepad app with new features after decades

Microsoft's Notepad is undergoing an update that introduces enhanced formatting features, moving away from its traditional minimalist design. The new version will support "lightweight formatting," including Markdown-style input, a formatting toolbar for bold, italic, hyperlinks, lists, and headings. Users who prefer the classic Notepad can revert to its original simplicity by clearing formatting or disabling new features in the app settings. Notepad was first launched in 1983 as "Multi-Tool Notepad" and became a part of the Windows operating system starting with Windows 1.0 in 1985.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Games Inbox: Will Nintendo games ever come to PC?

Nintendo is being speculated to potentially embrace PC gaming, partly due to an incident where an Xbox website mistakenly listed Xenoblade Chronicles X, leading to discussions about a possible collaboration with Microsoft. Historically, Microsoft has attempted to acquire Nintendo twice, which could influence Nintendo's decisions on PC support. This relationship might allow Nintendo to utilize Microsoft's server capabilities for game streaming or share development costs for new titles. Meanwhile, Sony appears to be losing influence in the gaming market despite strong PlayStation 5 sales. The gaming community has mixed feelings about recent releases, with some expressing disappointment over the quality of titles like Elden Ring Nightreign. Players are also finding enjoyment in games like Horizon Zero Dawn, and there is a growing trend for gamers to seek affordable physical copies of games through platforms like Vinted. The anticipation for the Switch 2's midnight launch reflects a nostalgic aspect of gaming culture, while consumers are navigating the balance between supporting brands like Nintendo and managing personal finances amidst rising costs.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Microsoft releases a bold new update for Notepad

Microsoft is updating its Windows Notepad app with new text formatting options, including bold and italic styling, hyperlinks, lists, and Markdown support. This update is currently available to testers in the Canary and Dev Channels on Windows 11. A new formatting toolbar has been added at the top of the application, allowing easy access to these features. Users can toggle between formatted Markdown and Markdown syntax views. Notepad retains its plain text functionality, and users can clear formatting or disable the new features in the app settings. This update follows the introduction of an AI-powered Write function, enhancing Notepad's capabilities.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Text Formatting in Notepad begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

Notepad version 11.2504.50.0 is rolling out to users in the Canary and Dev Channels on Windows 11. The update introduces lightweight formatting with support for Markdown-style input, allowing users to apply bold, italic, hyperlinks, simple lists, and headings using a new formatting toolbar. Users can revert to plain text or switch between formatted Markdown and Markdown syntax views easily. There is also an option to disable formatting support in the app settings.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Report: Microsoft Gives Windows-Based Gaming Handhelds the Priority Over its Own Xbox Model

Microsoft has decided to prioritize enhancing Windows 11's performance for third-party gaming handhelds over its own Xbox handheld project, which may delay its launch originally planned for 2027. The company remains committed to developing its Xbox handheld in the long term but is currently focusing on optimizing Windows 11 for devices like ASUS's upcoming “Project Kennan.” This shift may be influenced by the competitive landscape, particularly the rise of Valve’s SteamOS, which offers advantages such as being free for hardware manufacturers and providing a user-friendly experience. SteamOS is currently supported on devices like the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go S, and Valve is working to expand its compatibility. Jason Ronald, Microsoft's VP of Next Generation, indicated the company's goal to create a seamless Xbox-like experience on PCs, but the competitiveness of Windows 11 against SteamOS for gaming handhelds remains uncertain.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Windows 11 Version 24H2 Gets a Featured-Packed Optional Update

Microsoft has released the May optional update for Windows 11 version 24H2, introducing features such as the Win + C keyboard shortcut for quick access to Copilot, a drag tray feature, and cross-device resume notifications for OneDrive files. The Copilot+ feature is now available in the European Economic Area (EEA) and supports intelligent text actions in Spanish and French. Users can utilize the 'Ask Copilot' option to highlight text or images and open Copilot with the selected content. New text actions for summarizing, creating bulleted lists, or rewriting highlighted text are available for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs. Pen users can configure a shortcut button for Click to Do, and Windows Search improvements allow direct typing of settings. The Narrator feature provides detailed descriptions of images for blind and low-vision users. Energy saver controls for IT admins have been introduced, along with HDR and Dolby Vision controls. A new FAQs section in Settings assists users with common inquiries, and mouse settings have been simplified. Users can now edit images shared through the Windows Share window, and a new drag tray area appears when dragging local files. Taskbar policies have been improved to allow unpinning specific apps. The features will roll out with the upcoming Patch Tuesday update, alongside the optional KB5058481 update for Windows 10, which reinstates the clock view displaying seconds on the calendar flyout.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows Update to include third-party apps – now that’s a game changer

Microsoft is introducing a "Windows Update orchestration platform" that allows third-party developers to integrate their applications with Windows Update. This platform, currently in preview, provides an API for developers to register their apps as update providers, enabling seamless scheduling, downloading, and installation of updates. Developers can defer updates based on user activity and system performance, while users will benefit from a unified update history for all supported applications. Developers interested in the private preview can contact Microsoft at unifiedorchestrator@service.microsoft.com.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

How Amazon Ads used Minecraft to help Andalusia’s tourism board reach 17 million people

Access to the article is restricted, but readers can register for free to access limited articles each month. Registration includes benefits such as a selection of free articles and informative email bulletins. A 30-day free trial is available for full access to subscriber-only content, including unlimited news, case studies, and exclusive videos.

Winsage

May 25, 2025

Hands-On Windows 141: Windows 10 End of Life

Windows 10 is approaching its end-of-life in October 2025, prompting users to consider options for maintaining system security and updates.

Winsage

May 23, 2025

Microsoft dumps AI into Notepad

Microsoft has updated Notepad to include the Copilot feature for text generation, requiring users to sign in with their Microsoft account to access the Write feature. Users can generate text by selecting the Write option from the Copilot menu, which can then be reviewed, saved, or refined. Microsoft has also introduced AI-driven features in Paint, including a sticker generator and a smart selection tool. These updates reflect Microsoft's efforts to innovate its built-in Windows applications, although some users question the necessity of AI in simpler tools like Notepad.