packaging Archives

Winsage

January 11, 2026

I uninstalled Windows 11’s WhatsApp WebView2 and replaced it with the old native app with a new trick

WhatsApp's transition to a Chromium-based web wrapper has resulted in a significant increase in resource consumption for Windows 11 users, with RAM usage reportedly surging to 2GB, compared to less than 1GB for the older version. Users can revert to the older version, which utilizes native code and is more efficient, by following a series of steps involving enabling Developer Mode, downloading a specific package, and using PowerShell commands. The older version maintains a steady resource usage, with memory consumption peaking at 400 MB during status updates and remaining under 300 MB for general messaging. However, reverting to the older version will prevent users from receiving new updates, and it may eventually be phased out by Meta.

Winsage

January 8, 2026

Windows can never be an immutable OS, and that might be a problem

"Immutable" operating systems are designed with a read-only core that is updated comprehensively, allowing user data and applications to exist independently from the base system, reducing risks of corruption and configuration drift. While macOS is largely immutable, Windows cannot transition to an immutable model due to its design based on mutability, which allows for continuous modification and backward compatibility. Windows 11's flexibility leads to a cumulative change model, making it increasingly difficult to troubleshoot and maintain. Microsoft has made some improvements within the mutable framework, but challenges remain, such as dependency control and application integration. Users expect seamless updates, but Windows is perceived as high-maintenance, leading to performance issues. A truly immutable version of Windows would conflict with user expectations and require significant software rewrites. Consequently, Windows is likely to remain in a hybrid state, adopting some immutable features while still facing issues related to its mutable architecture.

Winsage

January 4, 2026

How to Install Windows Configuration Designer Using Winget Command

The Windows Configuration Designer is a tool from Microsoft that allows users to create provisioning packages for automating the setup of Windows devices. These packages, saved as .ppkg files, can pre-configure settings such as network configurations, user accounts, and device names. The tool is not pre-installed on Windows systems and is primarily intended for IT administrators. It can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store or installed via the command-line tool winget, which requires the package name to be enclosed in double quotes for proper recognition. The installation process involves opening a terminal as an administrator, checking for winget availability, and executing the installation command. The download size is approximately 30 to 50 MB, and installation typically completes in under a minute. Users can verify the installation by searching for the application or using winget commands. Alternative installation methods include using the Microsoft Store or the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK). The tool is free and does not require a Microsoft account for winget installations.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Adidas Just Turned Minecraft Creepers Into $40 Holiday Sneakers

Adidas has launched a holiday collection in collaboration with Minecraft, featuring footwear inspired by the game. The collection includes the Samba XLG, Handball Spezial, Campus 00s, Superstar II, and Adilette slides, each themed around specific Minecraft elements and characters. The Samba XLG is inspired by the Creeper, while the Handball Spezial reflects the Ghast. The Campus 00s showcases the Eye of Ender, and the Superstar II is designed after the Ender Dragon. The Adilette slides display the Creeper's face. The packaging resembles Minecraft storage chests, enhancing the unboxing experience. The collection is exclusively available in youth and children’s sizes, with prices ranging from forty to ninety-five dollars. It aims to resonate with Minecraft's younger audience while also appealing to broader aesthetic tastes. The collection includes complementary apparel pieces and is available through the Adidas webstore.

AppWizard

December 25, 2025

adidas Channels Minecraft Into Holiday 2025 Collection

Minecraft and adidas have collaborated for the Holiday 2025 season, creating a collection that combines the game's pixelated aesthetic with adidas' footwear designs. The collection features several models, including Samba XLG, Handball Spezial, Campus 00s, Superstar II, and Adilette slides, each inspired by specific Minecraft elements or characters. The Samba XLG is inspired by the Creeper, the Handball Spezial by the Ghast, the Campus 00s by the Eye of Ender, the Superstar II by the Ender Dragon, and the Adilette slides also reference the Creeper. The collection is exclusively available in youth and children’s sizing and can be purchased on the adidas webstore, along with matching apparel.

Tech Optimizer

December 18, 2025

Constructive Launches pgpm: Modular Postgres for Large-Scale Application Development

Constructive has launched pgpm, an open-source PostgreSQL package manager that enables a Modular Postgres approach, allowing teams to decompose complex databases into focused, composable modules with explicit dependencies and isolated testing. This modularity facilitates better management of application-layer SQL, enabling developers to define schemas, tables, functions, and business logic directly in SQL without the limitations of traditional PostgreSQL extensions. Key features of pgpm include separation of concerns, composable architecture, idempotent migrations, first-class CI/CD testing, npm distribution for easy installation across projects, and compatibility with native PostgreSQL extensions. The system has been successfully implemented in real-world applications, such as packaging the Supabase PostgreSQL backend as pgpm modules. Teams can quickly initialize workspaces, create modules, and deploy to PostgreSQL using a package-driven workflow.

AppWizard

December 17, 2025

Android Prepares Satellite App Hub for Connectivity

Android is introducing a central "Satellite connectivity" hub in its latest Canary build, designed to enhance user experience by identifying applications that can operate over satellite networks. The hub includes a Quick Settings tile that displays the status of satellite connectivity and a dedicated Settings page for discovering "satellite apps." Initial testing shows core integrations with apps like Emergency SOS, Google Messages, and Maps, with plans for broader support. The system differentiates between narrowband and LTE-based satellite networks, affecting the types of applications available. Users with compatible plans will have access to features, while those without will be informed of limitations. The development aims to transition satellite connectivity from emergency use to everyday functionality, aligning with advancements in satellite-to-device connectivity standards. The hub is currently available only in the Android Canary channel, with a market-ready product expected as carrier partnerships and API integrations develop.

AppWizard

December 9, 2025

Gift Digital Xbox and PC Games for the Holidays

Gifting digital games through the Microsoft Store is popular during the holiday season, allowing users to send digital codes easily across Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, ROG Ally devices, and web browsers. On Xbox consoles, users select a game, click the gift-wrap icon, and choose a friend or enter an email address to send the gift. Both sender and recipient must be in the same country. The recipient receives a redeemable code via Xbox message and email. The process is similar on the Xbox app for PC and ROG Ally, as well as through the Microsoft Store online, which only supports email delivery. The Microsoft Store on Windows also allows gifting via email. Digital Xbox gifts cannot be sent internationally, and subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can be gifted. Gifting is not supported through web3 wallets or blockchain services, and redeemed codes cannot be refunded or transferred.

AppWizard

November 29, 2025

Darktide’s new Hive Scum class can transform into a nigh-on immortal John Wick with infinite bullets—it’s no wonder Fatshark’s nerfed it before release

The Hive Scum class in the Warhammer 40,000 universe is a formidable ranged class, initially deemed the most powerful before adjustments were made to its capabilities. It features enhanced dodges, melee immunity while sliding, and immunity to ranged critical hits. A key ability, Enhanced Desperado, allows players to become immune to all ranged attacks, gain increased sprint speed, and reload without consuming ammo, although its cooldown has been adjusted from 30 to 45 seconds. The class also has strong melee combat potential and support capabilities through abilities like Stimm Supply, which provides team-wide benefits. Each character can access a 'Stimm Lab' tree with various stimm options that have specific effects and cooldowns. The class includes customizable cosmetics reflecting different gangs from Tertium, though these designs are criticized for being basic and generic. Overall, the Hive Scum class offers significant build potential and mobility, contributing to an engaging gameplay experience.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Microsoft Integrates System Monitor (Sysmon) into Windows 11

Microsoft will integrate its forensic tool, System Monitor (Sysmon), into the Windows kernel with the upcoming releases of Windows 11 and Server 2025. This integration will transform Sysmon from a standalone utility into a native “Optional Feature” that will be serviced automatically through Windows Update. Administrators will no longer need to manually distribute Sysmon; instead, it can be activated through the “Turn Windows features on or off” dialog or command-line instructions. The integration will ensure that updates flow through the standard Windows Update pipeline, providing official support and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for Sysmon. Microsoft plans to utilize local computing capabilities for AI inferencing to enhance security measures, focusing on detecting credential theft and lateral movement patterns. Sysmon will maintain backward compatibility with existing workflows, allowing the use of custom configuration files and adhering to the XML schema while continuing to log events to the Windows event log. Community-driven configuration repositories will remain operational, preserving established community knowledge.