new features Archives

Winsage

April 26, 2026

‘Shutdown, Restart’—Microsoft Changes Windows On 1 Billion PCs

Microsoft has announced changes to the Windows operating system to improve user experience concerning updates, restarts, and shutdowns, impacting over a billion users. Key enhancements include the ability to skip updates during the out-of-box experience, extend update pauses indefinitely, always-available options to shut down and restart without updating, and more insights on available updates. These changes are currently rolling out to Windows Insiders and those in the Experimental channels, with plans to extend to all users soon.

Winsage

April 26, 2026

Microsoft rolls out revamped Windows Insider Program

Microsoft is overhauling its Windows Insider Program to enhance the reliability of Windows 11 and improve user feedback responsiveness. The program will now consist of two channels: Experimental, which replaces the Dev and Canary channels for testing experimental features, and Beta, which will provide immediate access to all features listed in the release notes without gradual rollouts. The transition will occur in phases, starting with users in the Dev Channel moving to Experimental. Users from the Canary Channel will also be transitioned to specific versions of the Experimental channel. Beta Channel users will experience a new Beta setup, with minor adjustments possible. Microsoft is updating build details, with the latest builds including Build 26220.8283 for Beta, Build 26300.8289 for Experimental, Build 28020.1873 for Experimental 26H1, and Build 29576.1000 for Experimental Future Platforms. Additionally, a new Windows Update experience will allow users to pause updates and avoid unexpected reboots.

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

Android’s Linux Terminal now lets you max out performance, but at a cost

Android's built-in Linux Terminal app is set to receive an upgrade with new options for adjusting image quality and performance, particularly beneficial for users in desktop mode. The latest Android 17 QPR1 beta 1 introduces a setting to adjust the Terminal's resolution, offering three choices: Full (prioritizes visual quality), Half (balances performance and visibility), and Quarter (maximizes performance at the cost of visual fidelity). Users can access these options through Settings > Advanced. The update also includes a full-screen button to hide navigation and status bars, and a redesigned toolbar in a pill-shaped floating bar at the bottom of the screen. Additionally, a feature to limit memory usage is being tested for future stable rollout in Android 17.

Winsage

April 25, 2026

How Microsoft hopes to win back enthusiasts: A deep dive into the Windows Insider reboot

Microsoft is revamping the Windows Insider Program in response to community feedback, acknowledging past shortcomings such as confusing channels and lack of transparency in feature rollouts. Key changes include a simplified channel strategy with an Experimental track for early features and a Beta track for more stable releases, a feature-flags page for testers, easier transitions between channels, and the introduction of Directly Responsible Individuals (DRIs) for accountability in specific areas. The company aims to improve Windows 11's quality and user experience, focusing on community engagement and measurable goals to rebuild trust. Concerns about the shift to web view apps are acknowledged, with a commitment to optimizing performance. Microsoft is prioritizing enhancements to Windows 11 over launching a new version, emphasizing a collaborative approach with the community.

Winsage

April 25, 2026

Microsoft Starts Rolling Out New “Experimental” Windows Insider Channel

Microsoft is rolling out a new Experimental Windows Insider channel, transitioning users from the Dev Channel to the Experimental Channel with updates from the 26300 series builds. Over the coming weeks, Canary testers using the 28000 series will be moved to the Experimental (26H1) Channel, while those on the 29500 series will go to the Experimental (Future Platforms) Channel. The latest build for the Dev Channel is 26300.8289, which includes enhancements such as improved Windows Update functionalities and options to skip updates during the out-of-the-box experience. Dev Channel testers can enable the Experimental Channel option through Settings. The Experimental Channel will allow switching between 26H1 builds and future platform builds. Canary Channel testers have access to build 28200.1873, which rebrands the Xbox full-screen experience and improves the Touch Keyboard. Additionally, build 29576.1000 is available for testers on the 29500 series, featuring a redesigned volume slider and new metrics in Task Manager. Beta Channel Insiders can download build 26200.8283, which includes minor adjustments to the Start Menu and print drivers, but the new Beta experience will not be immediately available.

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

Clair Obscur Expedition 33 celebrates first anniversary with new cosmetics, and it’s shipped over eight million copies

Clair Obscur Expedition 33 has celebrated its first anniversary, surpassing eight million players. Sandfall Interactive has released an update introducing new hairstyles for characters, available at specific merchants in the game. The update also fixes minor bugs, including an issue with character outfits and allows players to open rest points without interruptions. Official merchandise featuring characters is now available, and there is a 20% discount on Steam.

Winsage

April 25, 2026

Hands-On: The New Windows Insider Program and Windows Update

Microsoft has released a pre-release wave of enhancements for Windows 11 through the Windows Insider Program, introducing three notable features: 1. A new Feature flags interface that allows users to toggle new features immediately. 2. An updated experience providing access to both Experimental and Beta channels. 3. The ability to pause Windows Updates indefinitely using a calendar interface. Users must enroll in the Windows Insider Program to access these features. The new "Pick a date" button for pausing updates replaces the previous drop-down menu, allowing users to select specific dates for update pauses. The Experimental channel has replaced the Dev channel, and users can now revert to a stable version with the "Unenroll Device" option. Additionally, users can pause updates for up to 35 days, with the option to extend this pause indefinitely. Future updates will also introduce an "Available updates" interface.

AppWizard

April 24, 2026

FF14 Evercold will “unite the stars” in January – here’s everything Yoshi-P said in his massive Fanfest keynote

FF14 Evercold, the upcoming expansion for Final Fantasy 14, is set to launch in January 2027, marking the start of "The Godless Realms Saga." Players will explore the Fourth realm, dealing with ice-related challenges. The gameplay structure will shift to a weekly-based system, allowing more flexible engagement. New character customization options will be introduced, along with improvements in public field content and questing, including a new difficulty level for eight-player raids and same-region player matching. Two new jobs—a tank and a physical ranged DPS—will be added, along with a level cap increase to 110, new enemies, dungeons, and an eight-player raid series. There will also be a crossover alliance raid with Evangelion.

Winsage

April 24, 2026

I got an inside look at the plan to bring the soul back to Windows 11 — Microsoft’s bet on quality, community, and making the OS feel human again

Microsoft is implementing significant changes to the Windows Insider Program and Windows 11 to enhance user engagement and address feedback from the community. Key changes include: - A simplified channel strategy with clearer purpose-driven channels: an Experimental track for early feature flags and a Beta track for a more predictable experience. - Introduction of a feature-flags page in Experimental builds, allowing testers to opt into visible features. - Easier transitions between channels without the need for complete reinstalls. - The appointment of Directly Responsible Individuals (DRIs) for each priority area to synthesize feedback and telemetry for improvements. Upcoming enhancements for Windows 11 include new taskbar positioning options, improved integration of Copilot, updates to File Explorer, and better user control over updates and widgets. A redesigned Feedback Hub will streamline the feedback submission process. Microsoft acknowledges the need for accountability and aims to rebuild trust within the community by ensuring quality in Beta builds and publicly recognizing community contributions. The focus will remain on refining Windows 11 rather than launching a new version like Windows 12. The company is committed to reengineering the Windows experience to provide users with more control and flexibility.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is finally out this summer and “it is not an RPG”

Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced is set to launch on July 9. The remake features enhanced visuals and modernized gameplay, utilizing Ubisoft's Anvil engine for improved combat mechanics, including parries, blocks, and finishing moves. The parkour system has been updated for smoother movement, and the game eliminates the insta-fail tailing missions, offering players options to fight or negotiate. The world design allows for seamless exploration without loading screens. While some original content, such as DLC and multiplayer, has been removed, the focus remains on the single-player narrative. New features include three new officers with unique questlines, the option to adopt a cat or monkey as a ship companion, new shanties, and additional quests for Blackbeard. Preorders are available.