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The engineer who built Windows Task Manager in the 90s says its 80KB footprint was a feature not an accident
Winsage
April 13, 2026

The engineer who built Windows Task Manager in the 90s says its 80KB footprint was a feature not an accident

David Plummer, a veteran Microsoft engineer, created the original Windows Task Manager (Taskmgr.exe) in the 1990s, which had a file size of only 80KB. This small size was crucial for its functionality during system freezes. Plummer used a mutex to check if another instance of the program was running, allowing for efficient operation without complex process lists or loops. His recent reflections in early 2026 have sparked discussions about the evolution of software, particularly criticizing Windows 11 for straying from its foundational purpose and emphasizing resource efficiency. The 1990s hardware constraints forced developers to innovate, contrasting with today's environment where abundant resources allow for less efficient applications. Plummer's mutex technique is now seen as a benchmark in application design, highlighting a generational shift in development practices. The discourse around his 80KB Task Manager raises questions about the future of software procurement and the importance of memory footprint in purchasing decisions.
Mozilla accuses Microsoft of running the old browser wars playbook to lock in AI dominance through Windows
Winsage
April 13, 2026

Mozilla accuses Microsoft of running the old browser wars playbook to lock in AI dominance through Windows

Mozilla has accused Microsoft of using its dominance in the Windows operating system to marginalize competitors in the AI sector, particularly through the promotion of its Copilot feature. Mozilla claims that misleading update mechanisms are being used to push Copilot onto users and that system settings are being adjusted to hinder the performance of alternative browsers like Firefox. This situation is reminiscent of the 1990s browser wars when Microsoft bundled Internet Explorer with Windows to eliminate competition. In July 2025, Opera filed a formal antitrust complaint in Brazil against Microsoft, leading to an investigation into whether Microsoft was coercing hardware manufacturers to bundle Edge exclusively. A ruling against Microsoft could require a separation between the operating system and AI services. Microsoft's current strategy aims to control the AI inference layer, with each interaction through Copilot representing valuable data and monetization opportunities. Reports indicate that Microsoft is removing Copilot branding from standalone applications to further integrate it into the operating system. Despite Edge being the third most popular browser, Microsoft's tactics suggest a focus on securing AI infrastructure rather than just competing for browser market share. Regulatory scrutiny may increase due to ongoing antitrust challenges related to Microsoft's OpenAI investment and cloud AI bundling practices. The development of OEM relationships and potential resistance to Microsoft's requirements could significantly impact its integration strategy.
Clover Origins codes April 2026
AppWizard
April 12, 2026

Clover Origins codes April 2026

Clover Origins codes provide various benefits, including stat resets, race, broom, and Grimoire rerolls, and in-game currency. The latest codes are: - 1KLIKES!: 10k yen, three stat resets, ten Grimoire spins, six broom spins, and six race spins. - SHUTDOWNSORRY!: 5k yen, three stat resets, ten Grimoire spins, and three broom spins. - BETARELEASE!: 5k yen, three stat resets, ten Grimoire spins, and three broom spins. - 500LIKES!: a stat reset. To redeem codes, players must join the Funzy Labs community group, open Clover Origins in Roblox, access the menu, enter the code, and hit enter. Additional codes are released irregularly, and players can stay updated by bookmarking the page. There is also a Clover Origins Discord server for community engagement and updates.
Apex Legends reaches 20-month Steam high, proving Respawn's communication is paying off
AppWizard
April 12, 2026

Apex Legends reaches 20-month Steam high, proving Respawn’s communication is paying off

Apex Legends was launched by Respawn Entertainment in February 2019 with minimal fanfare. As of April 11, 2024, the player count on Steam surpassed 300,000 for the first time in 20 months, coinciding with the launch of Season 22. After experiencing a decline in player numbers following Season 25, the game has seen a 50% increase in players since the launch of Season 28 in February 2024. Respawn has actively addressed issues like cheating and server performance, implementing strict measures and maintaining open communication with the community. The recent crossover with Gundam has positively impacted player sentiment, which is reflected in favorable discussions on Reddit. Community feedback highlights Respawn's consistent quality updates and responsiveness to player concerns.
New LEGO Minecraft sets scheduled for this summer have leaked
AppWizard
April 12, 2026

New LEGO Minecraft sets scheduled for this summer have leaked

Reddit has announced strategic initiatives to enhance user engagement and monetization, including new moderation tools for community leaders, personalized content recommendations using advanced algorithms, and monetization opportunities for content creators through subscriptions and exclusive content. The company is attracting investor interest due to its potential for growth and innovation, with a focus on diversifying revenue sources. Reddit's strategy emphasizes community involvement and user feedback in developing new features, aiming to balance innovation with its foundational principles.
"What else were Steam Deck users to do but create their own solutions?": I watched Valve's Linux-first handheld turn into a Windows 11 experiment in its community
Winsage
April 12, 2026

“What else were Steam Deck users to do but create their own solutions?”: I watched Valve’s Linux-first handheld turn into a Windows 11 experiment in its community

Valve's Steam Deck was released on February 25, 2022, and received positive reviews for its custom Linux operating system, SteamOS. Initially competing with the Nintendo Switch, it now faces competition from new handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go, which run Windows 11. Although not originally designed for Windows 11, users found ways to install it, leading Valve to release official drivers for easier installation. Running Windows 11 on the Steam Deck allows access to Xbox Game Pass and other game launchers, but it introduces challenges like performance issues due to additional telemetry and bloat. A community on Reddit, r/WindowsOnDeck, has formed to support users dual-booting Windows and SteamOS, providing resources and guides. Despite the challenges, the Steam Deck has become an unexpected Windows gaming handheld, sustained by community enthusiasm.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
April 12, 2026

1000xResist developer added a video sequence ‘out of desperation’ but now they’re bringing FMV back for their next game

Players of 1000xResist navigate through chapters with new perspectives and mechanics, featuring a transition to video footage of Hong Kong, which was incorporated out of necessity by creative director Remy Siu using archival documentary footage. The game explores the theme of convincing an AI of its humanity and utilizes full-motion video (FMV) as a storytelling tool, with the team focusing on narrative-driven games for innovation. The resurgence of FMV in gaming is highlighted by titles like Her Story and Road to Empress, showcasing diverse storytelling possibilities. Despite its niche status, Siu believes their unique approach can contribute to the genre. Another title, Prove You're Human, is set to launch on Steam, further enhancing the narrative landscape.
Denuvo properly cracked in Resident Evil: Requiem, bypasses become plug-and-play — cracked version runs faster, smoother, and uses way less VRAM and RAM
AppWizard
April 12, 2026

Denuvo properly cracked in Resident Evil: Requiem, bypasses become plug-and-play — cracked version runs faster, smoother, and uses way less VRAM and RAM

Denuvo's DRM has been successfully bypassed for Resident Evil: Requiem, which was released over 40 days ago, by the cracker voices38. The cracked version improves performance by approximately 5% in frames per second (FPS) and reduces resource consumption, with a decrease of 1.5 to 2 GB in VRAM usage and nearly 1 GB in system memory requirements. Initial tests on a high-end system show fewer CPU usage spikes and improved frametimes. Additionally, a new version of the hypervisor-based bypass (HV) is being developed to allow use without disabling Windows security features. Irdeto, Denuvo's parent company, is facing challenges as it promises enhancements to its software.
Microsoft Overhauls Windows Insider Program To Fix Channel And Feature Rollout Confusion
Winsage
April 11, 2026

Microsoft Overhauls Windows Insider Program To Fix Channel And Feature Rollout Confusion

Microsoft has revamped the Windows Insider Program by streamlining it from three channels to two: Experimental and Beta. Experimental replaces the Dev and Canary channels, allowing users to test new features immediately, while Beta provides a more stable preview of major updates. The program now offers previews across three branches: Windows 11 25H2 for x86 PCs, Windows 11 26H1 for ARM PCs, and a "Future Platforms" branch for upcoming Windows 11 26H2. Feature Flags have been introduced to customize notifications for new features, and the program has eliminated gradual rollouts, providing immediate access to new features for Experimental users. The process of unenrolling or switching between channels has been simplified with a new In-Place Upgrade (IPU) system, allowing users to transition between versions without losing applications, data, or settings.
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