NewApp Digest
search bot

initiative

Google researcher explains why Windows NT "puts Linux to shame," and imagines an alternate history where it won
Winsage
September 27, 2026

Google researcher explains why Windows NT “puts Linux to shame,” and imagines an alternate history where it won

Laurie Kirk, a Google researcher and former Microsoft reverse engineer, argues that the Windows NT kernel is superior to Linux in several aspects, particularly in its architecture for managing resources and access permissions. She emphasizes that her critique focuses on the system architecture rather than the user interface of Windows 11. Kirk raises concerns about Linux's suitability for AI agents due to its complex security model, while praising NT's object-based design and security framework. She speculates on an alternate history where Microsoft had created an "Open NT," allowing for customizable components, but acknowledges the challenges of maintaining forks in operating systems. Critics of NT highlight its performance and reliability issues, while Linux's open-source nature has contributed to its dominance in servers and cloud computing. Kirk suggests that future operating systems may need to balance the defined resource types of NT with the flexibility of Linux, especially as AI technology evolves.
Microsoft is ending support for Internet Explorer mode in Edge
Winsage
September 26, 2026

Microsoft is ending support for Internet Explorer mode in Edge

Microsoft has announced that the Internet Explorer mode within its Edge browser will be supported until at least the end of 2029. This mode allows organizations to run IE's rendering engine on current Windows versions. Microsoft will provide a minimum of one year's notice before any end-of-support date. IE mode is a compatibility feature in Edge that uses the legacy Trident engine. Internet Explorer officially retired its standalone browser in June 2022, having dropped to less than 1 percent of the browser market share at that time.
Windows finally let me rip Bing out of my desktop. The speed boost is undeniable
Winsage
September 26, 2026

Windows finally let me rip Bing out of my desktop. The speed boost is undeniable

Windows 11 users previously experienced a dual-search environment where local and web results were mixed, often leading to cluttered searches. Many resorted to registry edits to disable web results, but these workarounds were not fully effective. The search interface was complicated by irrelevant web links, making it difficult to find local files. With the introduction of version 26H2, Microsoft added a toggle in Settings that allows users to manage web searches independently, improving the search experience by prioritizing local files. This feature began rolling out after the September 2026 Patch Tuesday update. Disabling web results streamlines the search panel but removes the Copilot entry and may not be immediately available to all users.
Dutch government to replace Microsoft Windows with NixOS-based operating system
Winsage
September 25, 2026

Dutch government to replace Microsoft Windows with NixOS-based operating system

The Dutch government is launching the Digitaal Autonome Werkomgeving Overheid (DAWO) initiative to create a self-sufficient digital environment, featuring a custom Linux-based operating system and IT suite. DAWO will be based on the Dutch Linux distribution NixOS and will include an office suite, collaboration applications, cloud services, and management tools, with a stable version expected by 2027. Other European countries, such as Denmark, Switzerland, and France, are also pursuing digital independence, with France transitioning 250 employees to Linux-based workstations using NixOS and promoting broader Linux adoption within state administration.
Experimental RPG developer Summer Eternal: 'We're giving away 5% of our studio to you, the Players' in order to 'mend the trust broken in this industry a thousand times over'
AppWizard
September 25, 2026

Experimental RPG developer Summer Eternal: ‘We’re giving away 5% of our studio to you, the Players’ in order to ‘mend the trust broken in this industry a thousand times over’

Aleksandar Gavrilović has introduced a governance model at Summer Eternal that incorporates the interests of all stakeholders, including a player cooperative within a non-profit organization. Players will not profit personally but will have a say in how the organization’s income is allocated, aiming to rebuild trust in the gaming industry. Summer Eternal is pioneering a model that provides ownership stakes and profit-sharing to freelancers and customers, with players having a democratic influence supported by 5% of the profits. The studio will launch the Summer Eternal Anthology Vol. 1, featuring essays from notable contributors, available for preorder for one more day.
Microsoft is set to revamp the design of outdated dialogue boxes in Windows 11
Winsage
September 22, 2026

Microsoft is set to revamp the design of outdated dialogue boxes in Windows 11

Microsoft is modernizing the user experience in Windows 11 by redesigning all legacy dialog boxes in response to user feedback. March Rogers, Microsoft's design director, is leading this initiative to ensure consistency across the platform. Specific examples of outdated interfaces include the Speech settings dialog and the Windows recovery menu. Microsoft is using two strategies for updates: incremental updates, which introduce a dark theme across system dialogs, and comprehensive redesigns using the WinUI 3 framework. The Run menu has been completely revamped with a dark theme and improved features, while the previous version remains available for user preference. These updates are currently in test builds of Windows 11. Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out security patches and an emergency patch for issues from the September update.
Internet Explorer is finally, truly dying, and Microsoft wants you ready by 2029
Winsage
September 21, 2026

Internet Explorer is finally, truly dying, and Microsoft wants you ready by 2029

Microsoft has announced the impending cessation of support for IE Mode in the Edge browser, urging organizations to begin their migration strategies. Initially set to be supported until the end of 2029, Microsoft is emphasizing proactive planning for transitioning away from legacy systems. A communication from Microsoft highlighted the importance of providing a year’s notice before the end of support for IE Mode, which is crucial for IT administrators managing legacy applications. IE Mode uses the Chromium engine while allowing access to web pages through Internet Explorer 11's Trident engine. Organizations still dependent on IE Mode need to evaluate their IT infrastructure and identify critical applications that require updates or replacements. Microsoft is offering its App Assure service to help eligible customers improve compatibility with modern Windows platforms. Early planning is essential to reduce migration risks and maintain operational efficiency.
Ads in XBOX Games Are Getting Closer: Microsoft Patent Reveals How They Will Work on Consoles and PC
AppWizard
September 21, 2026

Ads in XBOX Games Are Getting Closer: Microsoft Patent Reveals How They Will Work on Consoles and PC

Microsoft is exploring the integration of advertisements into its XBOX gaming ecosystem without increasing prices. The company filed a patent on September 3 for a system that introduces ads during non-disruptive moments in games, such as loading screens or after missions. This system includes the concept of "advertising credits," allowing players periods free from ads. XBOX plans to incorporate ads into services like XBOX Cloud Gaming, which will offer a free tier for users who engage with ads. The company aims to prioritize player experience, avoid interrupting gameplay, maintain high-quality standards for ads, clearly distinguish ads from game content, and align ads with player expectations.
Search