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Microsoft rolls out tables in Notepad for all Windows 11 users, though I'd feel happier about this if I knew this was the final addition to my favorite little app
Winsage
January 17, 2026

Microsoft rolls out tables in Notepad for all Windows 11 users, though I’d feel happier about this if I knew this was the final addition to my favorite little app

Notepad has undergone significant enhancements since 2022, including spell checking, dark mode, tabbed windows, state preservation, basic formatting capabilities, and the introduction of tables. The AI text streaming feature is currently available only on Copilot+ PCs but will eventually be rolled out to all Windows 11 systems. Users appreciate Notepad's simplicity and minimalistic design, though there are concerns that adding too many features may compromise its core functionality.
Wine 11 runs Windows apps in Linux and macOS better than ever
Winsage
January 15, 2026

Wine 11 runs Windows apps in Linux and macOS better than ever

Wine 11.0 has been released, allowing users to run 16-bit, 32-bit, and 64-bit Windows x86 binaries on Unix-like operating systems without distinguishing between 32-bit and 64-bit commands. It introduces support for the Linux kernel's NT synchronization primitive, enhancing performance for Windows binaries. Wine 11 is compatible with older kernels, though with reduced performance. It supports x86-to-Arm translation on Arm64 Linux systems through FEX-Emu and works on Apple Silicon Macs via Rosetta 2. The version simplifies command usage to a single wine command and eliminates 32-bit support libraries. Enhancements include improved clipboard handling over Wayland, full-screen mode functionality, Direct3D support, native Vulkan video decoding for H.264, and better handling of SCSI devices and game controllers. Wine 11 downloads are available for Linux and macOS, with a FreeBSD port expected. Testing on Ubuntu 25.10 under GNOME using Wayland showed positive results for both 32-bit and 64-bit applications.
Microsoft’s Surface Pro 12-inch delivers rich Windows‑on‑Arm performance at a new low price — now under $760 for New Year’s
Winsage
January 3, 2026

Microsoft’s Surface Pro 12-inch delivers rich Windows‑on‑Arm performance at a new low price — now under $760 for New Year’s

In 2026, Amazon is offering a 16% discount on the Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch laptop, reducing its price to .99 from the original .99. The laptop features a Snapdragon X Plus (8 Core) processor, 16GB of RAM, a 12-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 2196x1464, a refresh rate of 90Hz, and a brightness of 400 nits. It has 512GB of storage, a battery life averaging around 16 hours, and supports Windows on ARM. Additionally, a 256GB version is available for .99, down from .99, with various color options for the 512GB model.
WinBoat is an open source tool that lets you seamlessly run Windows applications on Linux.
Winsage
January 1, 2026

WinBoat is an open source tool that lets you seamlessly run Windows applications on Linux.

WinBoat is an open-source tool that enables users to run Windows applications natively on Linux systems through virtualization technology. It can be tested on an Ubuntu 24.04 Linux PC using Docker and FreeRDP. Users can download WinBoat as an AppImage, grant execution permissions, and follow installation steps that include specifying installation location, Windows version, language, and system resource allocation. Key features include a refined interface, automatic installation, universal application support, file system integration, USB pass-through support, future GPU support plans, and compatibility with Podman. As of December 2025, WinBoat is in beta and may have bugs. User feedback has been mixed, with some comparing it to a Windows virtual machine and noting issues like browser freezing and the need for a Windows license.
Better Relevance for AI Apps With BM25 Algorithm in PostgreSQL
Tech Optimizer
December 23, 2025

Better Relevance for AI Apps With BM25 Algorithm in PostgreSQL

Tiger Data, formerly known as Timescale, has released a preview version of pg_textsearch, an open-source extension for PostgreSQL that uses the BM25 algorithm to improve keyword search relevance and performance. The project quickly gained over 1,800 stars on GitHub. The rebranding reflects a strategic shift from a focus on time-series databases to a broader scope, including cloud offerings and PostgreSQL for various applications. The pg_textsearch extension addresses the need for enhanced search capabilities in PostgreSQL, particularly for AI applications, as customers sought a general-purpose search primitive. The BM25 algorithm improves relevance ranking in information retrieval systems, offering features like inverse document frequency and term frequency saturation. The extension is compatible with PostgreSQL versions 17 and 18 and enhances performance for large datasets. Development of pg_textsearch began in October, utilizing AI tools to streamline the process, with a production-ready version expected early next year.
Over Half A Million Windows Users Are Switching To Linux - Here's Why
Winsage
December 20, 2025

Over Half A Million Windows Users Are Switching To Linux – Here’s Why

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, offering free Extended Security Updates until October 13, 2026, and paid options until 2028. The requirement for the TPM 2.0 security chip has prevented many users from upgrading to Windows 11, leading to increased adoption of Linux distributions like Zorin, which has surpassed a million downloads, with 78% from Windows users. Valve's Steam Deck has improved gaming on Linux, with major titles now supporting Linux compatibility, and the development of Proton has enhanced the ability to run Windows games on Linux. Zorin allows users to install Windows applications and progressive web apps, providing alternatives to traditional software.
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.
Popular YouTube app for Android TV ‘SmartTube’ compromised with malware
AppWizard
December 1, 2025

Popular YouTube app for Android TV ‘SmartTube’ compromised with malware

The developer of SmartTube, an ad-free YouTube client for Android TV, confirmed a security breach involving the app's signing key, which allowed malicious actors to inject harmful code into app updates. The breach was disclosed by Yuriy Yuliskov, the maintainer, who advised users to avoid reinstalling the old app and instead wait for a newly signed version. A reverse-engineering analysis of the infected APKs revealed that they were gathering sensitive information and transmitting it to a remote server. Versions 28.56 to 30.52 were particularly affected, and Google Play Protect began disabling installations of SmartTube. In response, Yuliskov wiped his hard drive and released a new version, 30.56, with a different signing key and app ID. Transparency concerns remain, and the developer plans to disclose details about the breach and measures to prevent future incidents. Users have requested additional security assurances, including hashes of clean builds.
Qualcomm says 90% of top Windows games will run on Snapdragon X2 laptops — is Windows on Arm gaming finally here?
Winsage
November 21, 2025

Qualcomm says 90% of top Windows games will run on Snapdragon X2 laptops — is Windows on Arm gaming finally here?

Qualcomm has introduced the Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme, which are expected to significantly enhance the performance and efficiency of Windows laptops. Initial benchmarks show that the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme performs well in single-core, multi-core, and GPU metrics, making it suitable for both productivity and gaming. Over 90% of the most played Windows games will be compatible at launch on devices using these new processors, which offer up to 2.3 times higher efficiency than previous models. Qualcomm has also launched the Snapdragon Control Panel to optimize game performance and ensure up-to-date drivers. The Snapdragon X2 Elite supports AVX2 emulation for running certain games via Microsoft's Prism Emulator, and there is ongoing development of kernel-level anti-cheat support for Windows on Snapdragon. Microsoft reports that 90% of user activity on Windows 11 on ARM involves native applications, indicating improved compatibility. New laptops featuring these Snapdragon processors are expected to debut in the first half of 2026, with previews potentially at CES in January.
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