NewApp Digest
search bot

Insider

Ubisoft have reportedly cancelled Alterra, a life sim blending Animal Crossing with Minecraft, after almost three years of dev work
AppWizard
April 22, 2026

Ubisoft have reportedly cancelled Alterra, a life sim blending Animal Crossing with Minecraft, after almost three years of dev work

Ubisoft has canceled an unannounced life simulation game called Alterra, which had been in development for nearly three years. The development team was informed of the cancellation on April 21st and has the option to transition to other projects within the company. The cancellation is part of a broader restructuring at Ubisoft, which has included project discontinuations and layoffs, including the closure of the Tom Clancy studio, Red Storm, resulting in 105 job losses. Earlier in January, Ubisoft also canceled the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake and five other titles.
Ubisoft cancels Animal Crossing and Minecraft-inspired cosy life sim game Alterra
AppWizard
April 22, 2026

Ubisoft cancels Animal Crossing and Minecraft-inspired cosy life sim game Alterra

Ubisoft has canceled Project Alterra, an original game described as an "Animal Crossing-inspired social sim" with Minecraft-like elements. The decision was communicated to the development team on April 21st, resulting in an early dismissal for staff, although no layoffs were reported. The project had been in development by Ubisoft Montréal for nearly three years, led by creative director Patrick Redding and lead producer Fabien Lhéraud. Employees involved in Alterra have been reassigned to other projects within the company. Ubisoft stated that it continuously assesses projects to ensure they align with strategic priorities and quality standards, leading to the discontinuation of those that do not meet expectations.
Microsoft's next Windows 11 update targets stability and speed
Winsage
April 21, 2026

Microsoft’s next Windows 11 update targets stability and speed

Microsoft has released new preview versions of Windows 11 for Insiders across the Beta, Dev, and Canary channels, focusing on enhancing stability and performance. Key enhancements include: - File Explorer: Faster, smoother, and more reliable experience. - Settings App: Improved navigation and consistent user interface. - Drop Tray: Functioning seamlessly. - Clipboard History: Quicker response time. - Storage Settings: Enhanced performance for large-volume storage. - Windows Hello: Greater reliability. - Keyboard Input and Voice Control: More uniform experience. - Startup Applications: Improved performance and memory management. - Screen Content Display: Enhanced stability in displaying content, audio, and fonts. - Overall Security: Improved security measures. These updates aim for reliability and consistency, with significant enhancements expected to be available to the public by May 2026.
Microsoft tests Windows Explorer speed, performance improvements
Winsage
April 20, 2026

Microsoft tests Windows Explorer speed, performance improvements

Microsoft is enhancing File Explorer for Windows 11 Insider program users, focusing on improved launch speed and performance. A preloading feature was tested that allows File Explorer to load in the background for faster access, which users can disable in the Folder Options. These updates follow the introduction of Startup Boost for Office applications, which also aims to improve loading times. The Windows Insider Program Team is also working on enhancing the reliability of the explorer.exe process and addressing issues with bright white flashes when opening File Explorer in dark mode. Additionally, a new Xbox mode has been introduced for Windows 11 PCs, providing a full-screen gaming interface to reduce distractions. These updates are being rolled out to Insiders in the Release Preview channel with specific Windows 11 builds installed.
France has ditched Windows 11 for Linux on 2.5 million government PCs — here's why Microsoft should worry that millions more could follow by the end of 2026
Winsage
April 18, 2026

France has ditched Windows 11 for Linux on 2.5 million government PCs — here’s why Microsoft should worry that millions more could follow by the end of 2026

Dissatisfaction with Windows 11 is widespread, prompting the French government to transition from Windows to Linux for its computer systems, aiming for 'digital sovereignty.' French officials, including Minister David Amiel, emphasize the need to reduce reliance on American tools and regain control over digital infrastructure. The transition is mandated to be completed by fall 2026, with GendBuntu, a variant of Ubuntu, likely being adopted. Over 100,000 PCs currently run GendBuntu, and an additional 2.5 million government workstations will migrate from Windows. Other regions, such as Schleswig-Holstein in Germany and Denmark, are also moving away from Windows. Users have reported issues with Windows 11, leading to a backlash and prompting Microsoft to promise fixes. However, the effectiveness of these improvements remains uncertain, and if unresolved, users may increasingly consider alternatives like Linux or macOS. Microsoft has revamped its Windows Insider program to gather user feedback but lacks clarity on internal quality assurance improvements. The company's ability to regain user trust hinges on addressing ongoing concerns effectively.
How I got 2 Microsoft job offers at once after more than 50 rejections
AppWizard
April 18, 2026

How I got 2 Microsoft job offers at once after more than 50 rejections

Business Insider focuses on innovative narratives in business journalism, highlighting emerging trends and the intricacies of the business world. It provides insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders through creative storytelling that blends factual reporting with a narrative style. The publication explores cutting-edge technologies, profiles visionary leaders, and analyzes economic trends and their implications for businesses.
Windows 11 finally fixes inconsistent folder views in File Explorer
Winsage
April 18, 2026

Windows 11 finally fixes inconsistent folder views in File Explorer

Microsoft has released Build 26200.8313 (KB5083631) for the Release Preview Channel, enhancing File Explorer by ensuring that folder view settings remain consistent across all access points. This update allows user preferences, such as sorting, icon sizes, and layouts, to persist regardless of how a folder is accessed, addressing previous inconsistencies where settings would reset when opening folders from different applications. The update also includes improved launch performance, reduced white flash in dark mode, expanded support for additional archive formats, and reliability improvements for explorer.exe. The update is expected to roll out to standard Windows 11 PCs by May.
Search