NewApp Digest
search bot

Live Tiles

Windows 8 had a 30-second ad with more creativity than all of Microsoft’s Copilot-heavy Windows 11 marketing
Winsage
January 30, 2026

Windows 8 had a 30-second ad with more creativity than all of Microsoft’s Copilot-heavy Windows 11 marketing

In 2025, users reported over 20 issues with Windows 11, leading to dissatisfaction reminiscent of past criticisms of Windows Vista and Windows 8. The original Windows 8 promotional campaign effectively highlighted its features through engaging marketing, contrasting with recent Copilot ads that faced backlash for showcasing the AI's limitations. Microsoft has shifted its focus towards AI integration, particularly with Copilot, despite negative feedback from users and developers regarding its effectiveness. Historically, Microsoft responded to Windows 8's challenges by releasing Windows 8.1, which addressed user concerns and improved functionality. A similar update, Windows 11.1, could help restore user confidence and improve the overall experience with Windows 11.
You can now try the Windows phone OS that Microsoft never released
Winsage
December 31, 2025

You can now try the Windows phone OS that Microsoft never released

Microsoft had plans for a custom operating system called Andromeda OS, designed for dual-screen devices, which was ultimately shelved. A leaked build of Andromeda OS has been ported to the original Surface Duo by developer Gustave Monce, allowing users to experience this unfinished software. Andromeda OS was based on Windows 10 and resembled Windows Phone, featuring Live Tiles and a Start Menu for dual displays. The project was abandoned in favor of Android in 2018 to avoid rebuilding a mobile app ecosystem. The ported build is not compatible with Surface Duo 2 and is available for download, but installation will erase existing Android data and may not be suitable for beginners. The device can run both Android and Windows, but booting into Windows requires a PC connection. The current version of Andromeda OS is unstable and incomplete, providing insight into Microsoft's previous mobile technology aspirations.
Microsoft's canceled dual-screen version of Windows Phone has leaked, and you can now try it on a Surface Duo
Winsage
December 29, 2025

Microsoft’s canceled dual-screen version of Windows Phone has leaked, and you can now try it on a Surface Duo

Andromeda OS, originally conceived by Microsoft in 2018 for a dual-screen phone, has been revived by developer Gustave Monce, who successfully ported a leaked build to the Surface Duo. The OS was intended to provide a new smartphone experience, featuring a home screen for note-taking and seamless navigation with gestures. Applications can open on one display and be dragged to another for multitasking. Monce has packaged the OS into a user-friendly FFU file for installation, although it is still unfinished and may have bugs. Installing Andromeda OS will erase existing Android data, but a dual-boot option is available with data loss risks. Monce has previously ported Windows 10 and 11 to the Surface Duo, highlighting Microsoft's dual-screen ambitions.
Decline of Native Windows Apps: Electron’s Rise and Hybrid Future
Winsage
December 5, 2025

Decline of Native Windows Apps: Electron’s Rise and Hybrid Future

Native Windows apps, once central to the desktop experience, are declining in favor of web-based technologies like Electron and Chromium. Developers are shifting towards web wrappers for cross-platform compatibility and efficiency, despite performance drawbacks. WhatsApp has transitioned from a native app to a web wrapper, prioritizing maintenance over performance. This trend is evident across various software categories, with applications like Spotify and Slack adopting web frameworks, leading to increased resource consumption and slower performance. Microsoft’s focus on cloud services and AI has influenced this shift, as has the demand for cross-platform solutions. Native apps are being overshadowed by web technologies, which often lack deep integration with Windows features. Performance trade-offs are significant, with web wrappers consuming more memory than native apps. The rise of progressive web apps (PWAs) and AI integration further complicates the landscape, suggesting a future where the definition of "native" may evolve. The tech community is divided on these changes, with some advocating for a balance between web and native solutions.
Windows 10 still has the best Start menu, so I brought it back for free
Winsage
November 18, 2025

Windows 10 still has the best Start menu, so I brought it back for free

Windows 11's Start menu has received criticism from some users who believe it lacks the intuitiveness and customization of the Windows 10 Start menu. The Windows 10 Start menu was praised for its design, functionality, and features like Live Tiles, which allowed real-time information access and personalization options such as resizing and organizing tiles. ExplorerPatcher is a free tool that enables users to customize the Windows 11 Start menu to resemble that of Windows 10, allowing for features like pinning apps and organizing the menu. Users can download ExplorerPatcher from GitHub and switch the Start menu style with ease. The tool also offers additional customization options, although it has some reported bugs.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
November 14, 2025

A fan project called Windows Astria resurrects Windows Phone from Microsoft’s graveyard, showing off what the OS could have been while reminding us why it still inspires tech nostalgia today

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella reflected on the company's exit from the mobile phone market, describing it as one of his most difficult decisions and expressing a sense of missed opportunity. Former CEO Steve Ballmer noted that a mix of "paranoia and confidence" may have limited Microsoft's ability to succeed in the smartphone market. The decline of Windows Phone was attributed to a weak app ecosystem, which the new concept, Windows Astria, aims to improve by running Android apps natively. Windows Astria incorporates elements from Windows 11 and features like Live Tiles, designed for modern screens. The concept also adapts to larger screens and foldable devices, showcasing potential applications like MS Word and a system-integrated Wallet app.
I actually liked Windows 8.1, even though I never had a tablet
Winsage
November 13, 2025

I actually liked Windows 8.1, even though I never had a tablet

In 2012, Microsoft launched Windows 8 to bridge traditional desktop environments and the tablet market, but it received a poor reception, leading to the release of Windows 8.1 a year later to address its shortcomings. Windows 8 aimed to compete with the iPad by transforming tablets into productivity tools. Windows 8.1 introduced features like on-demand OneDrive storage and the ability to snap apps side-by-side, marking a significant evolution in Windows. The concept of Windows RT for ARM processors faced challenges due to hardware limitations and underdeveloped applications but laid the groundwork for devices like the Microsoft Surface. The transition to touchscreen capabilities was revolutionary for users accustomed to older operating systems. The adaptation of the Windows Phone Metro UI for Windows 8 and 8.1 was innovative, despite criticism from traditional PC users. Windows 8.1 developed a dedicated fan base for its tile-based interface, leading to hopes for its return in future devices.
Search