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Microsoft Introduces WinApp CLI to Unify Windows App Development Workflows
Winsage
March 27, 2026

Microsoft Introduces WinApp CLI to Unify Windows App Development Workflows

In January 2026, Microsoft launched the public preview of the WinApp CLI, a command-line tool for Windows application development that is open source and supports various frameworks including .NET, C++, Electron, and Rust. The tool aims to simplify the complexities of Windows development by providing a unified entry point for environment setup, configuration, and packaging. Key features include the winapp init command for environment initialization, the winapp create-debug-identity command for attaching package identities without full MSIX packaging, and automation capabilities for manifests, certificates, and signing processes. The CLI also supports Electron and Node.js scenarios, allowing developers to inject package identity into running Electron processes. The WinApp CLI is currently in public preview, with potential changes before general availability, and an updated version 0.2.0 was released in late February 2026. It can be accessed via WinGet, npm, and as a GitHub project for community contributions.
Announcing Babylon.js 9.0
Winsage
March 27, 2026

Announcing Babylon.js 9.0

Babylon.js 9.0 has been released, marking the most extensive update to date, featuring new tools and enhancements for web developers. Key features include: - Clustered Lighting: Accelerates per-pixel lighting calculations by grouping lights into screen-space tiles and depth slices, improving performance in scenes with many lights. - Textured Area Lights: Area lights now support emission textures, allowing images to be used as light sources for realistic lighting effects. - Node Particle Editor: A visual tool for creating complex particle systems using a non-destructive node graph interface. - Particle Flow Maps and Attractors: Introduces flow maps for controlling particle movement and gravity attractors for dynamic effects. - Volumetric Lighting: A system for realistic light scattering through fog and haze, with configurable parameters for artistic control. - Frame Graph: A Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) system for managing the rendering pipeline, optimizing GPU memory usage by over 40%. - Animation Retargeting: Allows animations from one character to be applied to another with different skeleton structures, enabling animation sharing across diverse characters. - Advanced Gaussian Splat Support: Enhancements for Gaussian Splatting, including support for multiple file formats, shadow casting, and the ability to create and modify splat data programmatically. These features enhance the capabilities of Babylon.js for creating immersive web experiences.
Extraction shooter Sand delayed from March as Ukrainian developer cites 'a difficult few months' with 'severe power outages and air alert disruptions'
AppWizard
March 26, 2026

Extraction shooter Sand delayed from March as Ukrainian developer cites ‘a difficult few months’ with ‘severe power outages and air alert disruptions’

Hologryph announced that their game, Sand: Raiders of Sophie, will not be released in March due to ongoing challenges in Ukraine, such as power outages and air alerts. The developers are focused on refining key features, including enhancements to PvE mobs, server physics and performance, anti-cheat measures, and expanding the weapon arsenal. They plan to use the additional development time to incorporate feedback from playtests. A new release date has not been set, but the team will provide another update soon, including details about a community engagement event.
Samsung’s new Windows browser comes supercharged with Perplexity AI: Details
Winsage
March 26, 2026

Samsung’s new Windows browser comes supercharged with Perplexity AI: Details

Samsung has launched its browser for Windows, moving from beta to a fully operational platform, featuring AI capabilities powered by Perplexity. Key features include: - AI integration that provides detailed, source-backed answers by analyzing current webpages or multiple tabs. - Cross-tab summarization and comparison for synthesizing information from related tabs into a concise summary. - Intelligent tab management that organizes, names, and groups open tabs based on user tasks. - Natural-language search for browser history, allowing users to find previously visited pages using plain English queries. - Real-time webpage translation that maintains formatting while translating multi-language pages. - Local processing for speed and privacy, keeping user data off the cloud. The Samsung Browser is available for Windows 11 and Windows 10, free to download from the Microsoft Store and official website, with advanced AI features currently limited to users in South Korea and the United States, and a global rollout planned by 2026.
PowerToys adds these 8 features that Windows should have had for years
Winsage
March 23, 2026

PowerToys adds these 8 features that Windows should have had for years

PowerToys is a curated set of utilities created by Microsoft to enhance functionality for power users, evolving from its origins in Windows 95. Users can install PowerToys easily from the Microsoft Store or GitHub. Key features include: - Text Extractor: Captures text from images for easy copying. - Color Picker: Identifies and captures hex codes of colors by pressing Windows + Shift + C. - Command Palette: Allows quick searching of files and launching applications with Windows + Alt + Space. - Awake: Keeps the computer active during long tasks, accessible from the PowerToys menu. - Shortcut Guide: Displays Windows key shortcuts by pressing Windows + Shift + /. - Pixel Ruler: Measures dimensions on the screen by pressing Windows + Ctrl + Shift + M. - File Manager Enhanced Preview: Expands file preview capabilities in Windows Explorer. - PowerRename: Facilitates batch renaming of files with a preview option. These features aim to improve the Windows user experience and may influence future updates to the operating system.
Avast VPN: An in-depth review of its speed, security and value
Tech Optimizer
March 21, 2026

Avast VPN: An in-depth review of its speed, security and value

Avast launched its VPN service, Avast Secureline VPN, in 2017, focusing on encryption, a no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection. The company operates outside the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes alliances, which limits data-sharing with intelligence agencies. In January 2020, Avast faced criticism for collecting user data for its subsidiary, Jumpshot, but ceased this practice shortly after. The VPN offers dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting, basic split tunneling, and a kill switch, but lacks comprehensive features compared to competitors. Supported protocols include WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPsec, with encryption standards generally secure. Avast claims to operate 700 servers across 27 countries, with a limited selection of streaming-optimized servers. The app supports various platforms but lacks support for Linux or routers. Speed tests showed an average download speed of 275.69 Mbps, but performance in unblocking content was disappointing, with limited success on streaming services. Avast's privacy policy indicates extensive data collection, despite claims of addressing past issues. Customer support includes 24/7 access for paying customers. Pricing tiers include a 60-day free trial, with competitive rates but limited features. Pros include decent speeds and reasonable pricing, while cons highlight controversial data practices, limited information, poor streaming performance, and fewer features compared to competitors.
How I've improved Windows 11 with a 30-year-old tool
Winsage
March 20, 2026

How I’ve improved Windows 11 with a 30-year-old tool

Microsoft PowerToys is a utility that enhances the Windows experience with additional features. It was first introduced with Windows 95, revived in 2019 as an open-source tool, and is available for free download from the Microsoft Store or GitHub. Key features of PowerToys include: - Pin important windows on top: Users can pin active windows above others using the shortcut Win+Ctrl+T, allowing for better focus on key tasks. - Resize images: The Image Resizer tool allows users to resize images to specific dimensions through right-click options, with presets for Fill, Fit, or Stretch. - Extract text from the screen: The Text Extractor uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to copy text directly from anywhere on the screen by selecting the area with Win+T. - Control multiple computers: The Mouse Without Borders feature enables users to control up to four computers with a single set of peripherals and share clipboard and files. - Customize shortcuts: The Keyboard Manager allows users to remap keys and shortcuts, though some keys are reserved for system functions. - Batch rename files: PowerRename enables users to rename multiple files at once through a right-click option, with a preview of changes. - Thumbnail and preview pane previews: PowerToys enhances file previews in File Explorer for additional file types and adds thumbnail support for files that Windows Explorer does not natively generate thumbnails for. - Crop and Lock: This feature allows users to crop application windows to focus on specific content, with two modes: Thumbnail mode for static previews and Reparent mode for functional cropped windows. PowerToys continues to be a valuable tool for enhancing productivity on Windows.
Windows Insider Feedback Hub Gets a New Design and Simpler Submission Flow
Winsage
March 20, 2026

Windows Insider Feedback Hub Gets a New Design and Simpler Submission Flow

Microsoft is rolling out a revamped Feedback Hub app to Windows Insiders on the Canary and Dev Channels, featuring a redesigned Home page with a "give a compliment" feedback option. The feedback submission process has been simplified with a unified template and searchable categories. Enhanced editing tools allow users to edit screenshots before submission, and privacy options let users choose between private or public feedback. A streamlined interface is dedicated to filing suggestions, problems, or compliments. The redesigned Feedback Hub is accessible to Canary Insiders with build 28020.1743 and optional build 29553.1000, while Dev Channel users can access it with build 26300.8085. The Beta Channel build 26220.8079 does not include the new Feedback Hub.
Here’s everything new in Android Canary 2603: App lock, Bubbles, Wi-Fi & Mobile data toggles
AppWizard
March 19, 2026

Here’s everything new in Android Canary 2603: App lock, Bubbles, Wi-Fi & Mobile data toggles

Google has released Android Canary channel version 2603, which includes the March 2026 security patch for various Pixel devices. Key features of this update include a redesigned screen recording interface, enhanced system UI with increased blur effects, separate Quick Settings toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data, and new options for App lock and Bubbles accessible through a long-press on apps. The screen recording feature allows users to record the entire screen or a single app, with options to manage audio and touch visibility. The update aims to improve usability and functionality for developers and users.
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