legacy Archives

Winsage

May 6, 2026

Microsoft’s Windows 11 update just fixed memory leaks, slow startup, and File Explorer bugs

Microsoft released the April 2026 optional preview update (KB5083631) for Windows 11, targeting versions 24H2 and 25H2. This update resolves the "white flash" bug in File Explorer, overhauls its codebase, and preserves user settings for View and Sort preferences. It improves the reliability of the explorer.exe process, optimizes the Delivery Optimization service to reduce memory leaks, and enhances the boot sequence for faster startup. The update lifts the FAT32 formatting limit from 32GB to 2TB. It also includes reliability improvements for the Taskbar, fixes for Microsoft Store download errors, resolves a Windows Hello fingerprint data loss issue, enhances Remote Desktop scaling, ensures color profile consistency, and improves the Fluid Dictation feature. The comprehensive improvements will be included in the mandatory Patch Tuesday update on May 12, 2026.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Surprise: The studio making Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic is full of former BioWare devs

LucasFilm Games announced a new title, Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, at The Game Awards 2025, described as a "spiritual successor" to the Knights of the Old Republic series. Casey Hudson, former project director of KotOR and Mass Effect, is the CEO and game director at Arcanaut Studios, which he co-founded after leaving BioWare. The development team includes former BioWare employees, such as Chris Bain, the CFO, and Ryan Hoyle, the CTO. The studio's team also features talent from companies like Microsoft, Epic, Remedy, The Coalition, and ZeniMax. The game's artistic direction includes sci-fi visuals that align with the Old Republic aesthetic. Fate of the Old Republic will introduce new characters and a fresh storyline, not serving as a direct sequel to previous games. Arcanaut Studios was established in 2025.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Fitbit’s Public Preview app is missing data for some users

The Fitbit app is experiencing issues for some users, particularly with the new timeline-style Today tab, which is largely blank and only shows minimal information. The updated Public Preview version of the app is malfunctioning, failing to provide the expected insights and AI-generated text summaries, which is problematic for users transitioning their legacy accounts to Google. The app relies on AI technology, specifically Gemini, for generating personalized guidance, but without these features, the interface appears empty. While some users have not faced these issues, others are concerned about potential data loss during the transition to Google accounts. A Fitbit moderator noted that some data may have been moved to the Fitness tab, and restarting the tracker and app may help resolve perceived data loss.

Winsage

May 5, 2026

All new features arriving in the Windows 11 May 2026 update

Microsoft will release the Windows 11 May 2026 update on May 12, 2026, as part of its regular Patch Tuesday rollout. Key features include: 1. Enhanced File Explorer with improved launch speed and persistent View/Sort preferences. 2. Haptic feedback integration for compatible input devices. 3. Xbox mode for an improved gaming experience, available to all users later this month. 4. Transformation of the Drag Tray to Drop Tray with settings relocated for easier file sharing. 5. Introduction of the Arabic 101 Legacy keyboard layout. 6. New AI agent support on the taskbar for app previews. 7. Ability to format FAT32 drives up to 2TB. 8. Updated Windows Driver policy requiring drivers to be signed through the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program. 9. Improvements to Voice Typing, allowing activation via the Voice Typing key. 10. Security changes restricting certain CMD scripts that could manipulate system files. 11. Updated Group Policy for removing default Microsoft Store packages with a dynamic list for customization.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Microsoft ended MS-DOS support 20 years ago, but the latest update for the best roguelike ever made still supports it anyway

On September 14, 2000, Microsoft released the Windows Millennium Edition, marking the end of MS-DOS. In 2006, Microsoft ended long-term support for Windows 98 and Me. Recently, a new update for NetHack was released, which continues to support MS-DOS. NetHack has been consistently updated since its launch in 1987. The game has an open-source philosophy and features various iterations, including a modern 3D version that offers a visually appealing interface while retaining the classic ASCII format. The latest update provides an accessible entry point for new players, with options for both 2D tilesets and ASCII mode. NetHack is recognized for its intricate gameplay and has influenced many other titles, earning a place in the Museum of Modern Art.

Winsage

May 5, 2026

Microsoft’s new Windows 11 Run dialog is faster than the Windows 95-era version it’s replacing

Microsoft is developing a modernized version of the Run dialog for Windows 11, featuring a streamlined design created using C# and WinUI 3. The new Run dialog has a median "time-to-show" of 94 milliseconds, which is an improvement over the old dialog's 103 milliseconds. This new version is designed to be more functional and user-friendly, allowing users to quickly access their home directory and supporting dark mode. The modern Run dialog is currently being rolled out as an opt-in feature for Insiders in the Experimental Channel.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

Sega Game From 2024 Free for Millions Next 72 Hours

Sega's Total War: Pharaoh Dynasties is available for free to Amazon Prime subscribers until May 6. Players can download the game at no cost and keep it indefinitely, even if they cancel their Prime subscription. The game is set in the New Kingdom of Egypt and is the 16th installment in the Total War series. Total War: Pharaoh Dynasties has a Metacritic score of 83 and an 80% approval rating on Steam, while its predecessor, Total War: Pharaoh, received a score of 74 and a 64% approval rating. Total War: Pharaoh Dynasties is currently the only Sega title available for free through Prime Gaming, with potential for more free offerings in the future due to the partnership between Sega and Amazon.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

5 Best Video Games Like Half-Life

The absence of "Half-Life 3" is felt by fans of first-person sci-fi gaming, but there are alternative titles that capture similar gameplay experiences. "System Shock 2," released in 1999, is set aboard a starship in the 22nd century where players awaken from cryogenic sleep to find the crew transformed by alien parasites, featuring a partnership with the AI SHODAN. A remaster was released in 2025. "Deus Ex," launched in 2000, places players in a dystopian future as JC Denton, a cybernetically enhanced agent navigating conspiracies and making choices that affect humanity's future. "Quake 4," released in 2005, is a sequel to "Quake II," where players control Matthew Kane during an invasion of the Strogg home planet, focusing on single-player storytelling and refined gameplay. "Crysis," released in 2007, is set in 2020, where a Delta Force unit investigates an archaeological discovery and faces aliens and North Korean forces, emphasizing action and an engaging storyline. A remaster was released in 2020. "Metro 2033," based on Dmitry Glukhovsky's novel, immerses players in post-apocalyptic Moscow, where survivors live in the subway system and face hostile factions and mutated creatures, presenting a survival horror experience.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

Warcraft 3 Legacy is finally back on Battle.net

Warcraft 3: Reforged faced significant criticism due to its shortcomings and the negative impact it had on the original Warcraft 3, as players encountered connection issues and lost access to competitive ladders. Blizzard announced a significant update allowing all players who own Warcraft 3 to access the original 1.29 client through the Battle.net App, which supports offline and LAN play only. This version was the last to allow easy LAN play, making it relevant for players seeking nostalgic gaming experiences. Additionally, a fix for non-functioning cinematics in the Legacy client involves renaming the en-USMovies folder to Movies in the installation directory.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

Class uses Minecraft as building blocks for MCAT

A new course at the University of Texas at Dallas, titled Experiential Medical Reasoning, immerses premed students in a virtual hospital environment using Minecraft. The course, developed by IvyBee, Inc., allows students to engage with fictional patients and make medical decisions based on symptoms and charts. The digital replica of Parkland Memorial Hospital enables students to experience various medical roles while preparing for the MCAT. Students have reported improvements in their MCAT practice scores and gained insights into hospital operations. The course is part of a broader initiative led by Dr. Walter Voit, who aims to enhance student engagement through innovative educational tools.