initiative Archives

Winsage

April 24, 2026

WSL9x: Add An Entire Windows 9x Subsystem To Your Linux

The Linux Subsystem for Windows 9x, led by Hailey Somerville, allows Linux to run within the Windows 9x framework by modifying the Linux kernel to interface with Windows 9x kernel APIs. Users need to create a specially modified Linux kernel (version 6.19) and a disk image with Windows 9x installed. The subsystem can be initiated with the wsl command, enabling both kernels to operate together. This initiative is reminiscent of Cooperative Linux and parallels the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2) on Windows 10 and later. Contributions from the community have been vital to the project's development.

AppWizard

April 24, 2026

Google rolls out verified email feature for Android apps, removing need for OTPs

Google has introduced a verified email feature for Android applications via its Credential Manager API, allowing users to access their verified email addresses directly from their devices without traditional verification steps like OTPs or email links. Users receive a system-level prompt to share their verified email with a single tap, improving the user experience by eliminating the need to switch between apps. This feature simplifies the onboarding process for developers, reducing user drop-offs during registration and potentially improving conversion rates. Currently, it supports consumer Google Accounts, with plans for broader adoption pending support from other credential issuers. The system is intended for various use cases, including account creation, re-authentication, and recovery, while maintaining existing verification methods for non-Google accounts. This initiative is part of Google's effort to enhance authentication integration into the operating system and reduce reliance on passwords and multi-step verification.

AppWizard

April 24, 2026

Google Verified Email delivers powerful boost to Android app signups

Google Verified Email is a feature that streamlines the email confirmation process on Android devices by eliminating the need for one-time passwords (OTPs) or link tapping. It uses Android’s Credential Manager to store a cryptographically verified email credential on the device. When a user interacts with an email field or a sign-up button, a prompt requests permission to share the verified email with the app, allowing for instant confirmation without leaving the screen. This feature currently supports consumer Google Accounts on devices running Android 9 or later with updated Google Play services. Apps cannot access user information without explicit consent, and the feature can also be used for account recovery and profile modifications. Developers can use the Credential Manager API, which is issuer-agnostic, but Google’s credential specifically verifies only the email address. Despite its benefits, Google recommends maintaining backup options like manual email entry or traditional OTPs for situations where no suitable credential is available.

Winsage

April 24, 2026

Microsoft’s new Windows 11 freebies are useful, but they also feel a little desperate

Microsoft has launched an offer for U.S. college students purchasing Windows laptops, providing a year of Microsoft 365 Premium, a year of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and a custom Xbox Wireless Controller, valued at approximately 0. This offer is available until June 30, 2026, or while supplies last, through Microsoft channels, major retailers, and participating PC manufacturers. The initiative follows Apple's introduction of the MacBook Neo, priced at ,199 for regular customers and 9 for students. The offer is exclusively for verified U.S. college students, applicable only to qualifying PCs, and intended for new subscribers to the services. Many colleges already provide Microsoft’s productivity tools, which may lessen the appeal of the Office component. The pricing of Windows laptops has faced challenges, with recent increases noted, such as the 13-inch Surface Laptop rising to ,199.

AppWizard

April 24, 2026

New PAW Patrol land opens May 3 at Chessington ahead of Minecraft World

Chessington World of Adventures will open a new PAW Patrol-themed land on May 3, 2026, marking the UK's first PAW Patrol area. The attraction will include four main rides: Chase’s Mountain Mission (a junior roller coaster), Marshall’s Firetruck Rescue (a rocking ride), Skye’s Helicopter Heroes (an aerial spinning ride), and Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure (the UK’s first “Drifter” ride). Additionally, there will be three themed play areas, including Rubble & Rocky’s Play Zone and the Flounder Boat. The £50 million investment in this area is part of a broader initiative by Merlin Entertainments, which includes the upcoming Minecraft World set to debut in 2027. Chessington aims to attract young families and enhance its appeal as a family-friendly destination.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

Parents of Instagram and Messenger teens can see what they’re asking AI.

Meta has introduced a feature that allows parents to monitor the inquiries their teenagers make to the company's AI on platforms such as Instagram and Messenger. This feature is available in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Brazil, providing insights into the topics explored by teens with Meta's AI over the past week. It also extends to Facebook, although the platform's relevance among younger users is decreasing. The initiative is part of Meta's efforts to safeguard young users, including alerts to parents about searches related to self-harm.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

eSafety Commissioner of Australia issues notices to Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite and Steam

Australia's eSafety Commissioner has issued legally enforceable transparency notices to online gaming platforms such as Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, and Steam due to concerns about grooming, sexual extortion, and youth radicalisation. The notices require these platforms to clarify their strategies for identifying, preventing, and responding to online harms, including grooming, cyberbullying, and violent extremism, while aligning with the Australian Government’s Basic Online Safety Expectations. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to A million per incident and daily penalties of up to A,000.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

Xbox Game Pass report claims you’ll be able to pick which features you pay for

Xbox is exploring a new Game Pass subscription model that allows users to customize their experience by selecting specific features and content packages, potentially lowering their monthly fees. Subscribers could exclude certain elements, like Fortnite Crew or Xbox Cloud Gaming, to reduce costs. The model may also introduce alternative subscriptions and perks, such as Minecraft Realm or World of Warcraft, with pricing adjustments based on user modifications. Gamers might select genres of interest, focusing on specific packages. Microsoft insiders suggest this personalized approach is part of a long-term goal to attract a broader audience. Recently, Microsoft announced price reductions for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, while noting that Call of Duty will no longer be available on the service from day one. An internal memo indicated that Game Pass had become too expensive for players, prompting a reevaluation. Despite the absence of Call of Duty at launch, major titles like Forza Horizon 6, Fable 4, and Subnautica 2 are expected to be released in 2026.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

Meta’s Threads is going live with chats for big moments, like the NBA Finals

The NBA Playoffs are currently ongoing, and Threads is introducing Live Chats for its NBA Community, allowing users to engage in real-time discussions. Initially, this feature will be available to select creators within the NBAThreads Community, with plans for wider access in the future. Users will see a red ring around their profile icon when participating in Live Chats. This feature is being launched during the playoffs and the Finals, following a previous update that allowed users to customize their feeds through the "Dear Algo" feature, which lets them tailor content preferences.

Tech Optimizer

April 23, 2026

Everywhen issues six checks to spot unsafe websites

Everywhen has released guidelines to help organizations identify unsafe websites and combat online fraud. The guidance includes six checks users can perform before visiting unfamiliar sites: 1. Utilize website safety checker tools like Google Safe Browsing and Norton Safe Web. 2. Verify the site contains standard business information, such as contact details and social media links. 3. Conduct reputation checks by reviewing public feedback for complaints related to fraud or poor service. 4. Evaluate visual and editorial standards for indicators of illegitimacy, such as poor grammar or outdated branding. 5. Maintain updated antivirus software to block malicious downloads and phishing attempts. 6. Adjust browser settings to receive alerts about suspicious websites. The guidance highlights the importance of scrutinizing URLs for unusual spellings or characters and distinguishes between HTTP and HTTPS, noting that the padlock symbol does not guarantee trustworthiness. The initiative aims to protect both consumers and organizations from cyber threats, particularly as fake websites increasingly target personal information and financial transactions.