memories Archives

Winsage

August 6, 2025

40 years of Windows: How XP changed everything

In 2001, Microsoft released Windows XP, which combined consumer and business versions of Windows and was built on the Windows NT core. It provided a more stable platform compared to Windows 98 and Windows Me, despite initial malware issues. Windows XP featured a vibrant blue interface, the iconic green Start button, and the recognizable "Bliss" wallpaper. It introduced customization options, including user-created themes, and tools like Stardock's WindowBlinds. Key features included System Restore, USB plug-and-play support, built-in CD burning, native ZIP file support, and Windows Movie Maker. Microsoft implemented an activation system to combat software piracy. Security measures improved significantly with the release of Windows XP Service Pack 2 in 2004, which introduced a default firewall and a Security Center. Windows XP became popular during the rise of the internet and supported applications like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Skype. It left a lasting cultural impact, with many users expressing nostalgia for the operating system.

Winsage

August 6, 2025

Get over the nostalgic Windows Ugly Sweaters, Windows XP crocs are now a thing – The Times of India

Microsoft has launched a limited-edition line of Crocs inspired by the Windows XP era, featuring the Bliss photograph design. Each pair includes six Jibbitz charms representing early internet icons, such as the MSN butterfly logo and the Internet Explorer icon, along with a matching drawstring bag. Microsoft employees can preorder the Crocs before they are available to the public. This initiative aligns with Microsoft's history of quirky anniversary merchandise.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows XP Crocs are no joke

Microsoft has released a limited edition of Crocs inspired by the Windows XP operating system to celebrate its 50th anniversary. These Crocs feature a Clippy shoe charm and are currently available for preorder exclusively to Microsoft employees, with a global launch planned soon. Each pair is priced at an undisclosed amount and includes a six-pack of Microsoft Jibbitz with symbols like the original MSN logo, the Internet Explorer icon, Clippy, and a mouse pointer. The design reflects the iconic Bliss wallpaper from Windows XP, featuring a blue sky and green sole. Each purchase also includes a Bliss drawstring backpack. An official comment from Microsoft regarding the Crocs is expected soon.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

Separated Friends Connect on Minecraft in ‘Shape Your World’ Film

Minecraft has partnered with Boo Agency to create a new narrative for International Day of Friendship, featuring a short film about two best friends, Sully and Sally, who are separated by distance but connected through Minecraft. The film, directed by Dan French and produced with BIG Productions, showcases the game's world-building capabilities and emphasizes the theme of friendship. It was shot over two days using practical effects and visual techniques to maintain a handcrafted aesthetic. The project aligns with Minecraft's brand proposition, "Shape Your World," and aims to resonate with both new and long-time fans. The film will be accompanied by additional content distributed across Minecraft’s channels, inviting players to explore and create within the game's universe.

Winsage

August 2, 2025

How to tweak your Windows 11 and Windows 10 setup with Winaero Tweaker — easily remove ads, tracking, AI copilot, and more

Winaero Tweaker is a freeware application developed by Sergey Tkachenko that allows users to customize their Windows experience on Windows 10, 11, and 7. It features a user-friendly interface for extensive modifications without needing to use the registry or command line. Users can easily remove the Copilot assistant by searching for "driver," disabling it, and rebooting their system. Additionally, Winaero Tweaker allows users to create a desktop shutdown button by selecting the Classic Shutdown Shortcut option in the Shortcuts section and creating the icon on the desktop.

Winsage

August 2, 2025

Microsoft has fixed the only Windows bug I’ve ever liked: the Vista startup sound ‘unexpectedly’ playing on Win 11 machines

Microsoft addressed a bug in the Canary channel of the Windows Insider program where the Windows Vista start-up sound was unexpectedly used instead of the Windows 11 boot sound. The company reverted to the standard Windows 11 boot sound and clarified the issue. The Vista boot-up sound, which is also associated with Windows 7, is considered nostalgic by many users. The latest update also fixed other issues, including audio playback interruptions when casting to a TV and crashes in the power and battery settings menu. Users can modify the registry to change startup sounds, allowing them to enjoy a unique 'tada' sound upon booting up their computers.

AppWizard

August 1, 2025

Battlefield 6: All the key details on EA’s ‘most ambitious’ Battlefield yet

Battlefield 6 is set to launch on October 10, 2025. The first open beta begins on August 7, with three testing periods: August 7-8 (Battlefield Labs members only), August 9-10 (open to everyone), and August 14-17 (open to everyone). Key features of Battlefield 6 include nine maps at launch, standard 64-player lobbies, a reintroduced single-player campaign, removal of Specialists in favor of traditional classes, a new playlist with class restrictions, the return of Battlefield Portal's custom game modes, and hints at a battle royale mode. The minimum system requirements are a 64-bit processor and operating system, Windows 10, Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600, 16 GB RAM, Nvidia RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT 6GB, DirectX Version 12, broadband internet connection, and 55 GB available storage. The recommended specifications include Windows 11, Intel Core i7-10700 or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, 16 GB RAM, Nvidia RTX 3060Ti or AMD Radeon RX 6700-XT, DirectX Version 12, broadband internet connection, and 80 GB available storage.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

Opera complains over Microsoft Edge persuasion tactics

Opera has filed a complaint with Brazil's Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) against Microsoft, alleging anti-competitive practices that favor the Edge browser. The complaint claims that Microsoft uses "all-or-nothing" bundled rebates to ensure PC manufacturers pre-install Edge as the default browser and employs "dark pattern tactics" that disregard users' browser choices and restrict switching from Edge in Windows "S mode." In Brazil, Opera's market share is 6.78%, compared to Edge's 11.52% and Chrome's 74.95%. Opera's General Counsel, Aaron McParlan, advocates for a browser choice screen similar to one previously mandated by the EU. Additionally, Opera has filed an appeal with the EU General Court regarding the European Commission's decision not to classify Edge as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act. Microsoft has not yet commented on the complaint.

AppWizard

July 30, 2025

I’m a haunted Mad Max muscle car with 2 shotgun turrets in this early access vehicle combat game, and it’s just as rad as it sounds

Fumes is an early access car combat game set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland that focuses on vehicles and their weapons rather than character-driven narratives. It emphasizes fast-paced, pixelated machine violence and offers a straightforward approach to vehicular warfare. The game is currently available on Steam.

AppWizard

July 28, 2025

Super Mario Bros. Remastered Fan Game Hits PC Soon, Includes Lost Levels

Super Mario Bros. Remastered, a fan-made remake of the 1985 NES classic, will launch on September 13, 2025. Created by YouTube creator JoeMama, it features high-resolution graphics, widescreen support, improved physics, enhanced sound effects, and chiptune music. The game includes extensive customization options, allowing players to alter visuals and audio, as well as a built-in Level Editor for designing custom levels. It also incorporates classic titles like The Lost Levels and Super Mario Bros. Special, all benefiting from visual and audio upgrades. The development team is not using original assets to navigate legal issues, requiring players to supply their own NES ROM.