presentations

Winsage
May 19, 2026
IT leaders face challenges from the rise of artificial intelligence, sophisticated security threats, and scrutiny over investment decisions regarding PC fleets. Microsoft has introduced the Surface line to address these demands, integrating advanced silicon and software for enhanced security and AI capabilities. The new Surface Pro for Business and Surface Laptop for Business, powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, offer significant performance improvements, including up to 35% better graphics than the MacBook Air with M5 and over 90% faster than the Laptop 5 on select configurations. The Surface Laptop for Business is available in 13-inch and 15-inch models, starting at 9.99, featuring a high-resolution touchscreen, advanced haptic touchpad, and up to 23 hours of battery life. The 13-inch Surface Pro for Business, also starting at 9.99, combines multiple input methods with on-device AI processing. All Surface devices are designed with security as a core principle, shipping as Secured-core PCs, and include an optional integrated privacy screen. They support AI applications both in the cloud and on-device, enhancing productivity. Devices can be managed through Microsoft Intune for operational efficiency. The new Surface devices are made from recycled materials, designed for energy efficiency, and certified by ENERGY STAR.
Winsage
May 19, 2026
Windows 11 users can now reposition their taskbar to the top, bottom, left, or right of their screens with the latest update for Windows insiders. To use this feature, users must be on the latest experimental build and can access it through Taskbar settings. The update also allows users to customize the alignment of the Start button based on the taskbar's position and introduces options for smaller taskbar buttons. However, auto-hide and tablet-optimized settings are not supported in alternate positions, and touch gestures for these locations are still being developed. Additionally, users can expect changes to the Start menu, including independent control over the Pinned and Recommended sections, the ability to disable file recommendations without affecting recent files, size adjustments, and privacy options to hide personal information. Users must enroll in the Windows Insider Program to access these features, with broader rollout timelines remaining uncertain.
Winsage
May 18, 2026
Microsoft is set to introduce comprehensive support for Taskbar and Start Menu customization in Windows 11, rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel over the next few weeks. Users will be able to reposition the Taskbar to any side of the screen and adjust icon alignment with options for top-aligned, center-aligned, left-aligned, and right-aligned. Access to these settings will be through Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors. A new feature will also allow for smaller icons and a more discreet Taskbar presence. Additionally, a redesigned Start Menu customization initiative will allow users to select between smaller and larger Start sizes, independently hide or show sections like Pinned, Recent, and All, and remove their name and profile photo for privacy. The Start Menu's file recommendations will be decoupled from File Explorer's recent items and jump lists, meaning disabling recommendations will not affect recent activity elsewhere in Windows. The recommendation area will be rebranded as "Recent," ensuring visibility for newly installed applications while refining the selection of displayed files. These updates are expected to be available to regular Windows 11 users on versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1 within approximately a month.
AppWizard
May 16, 2026
A group of six fifth-grade girls from P.S. 86 Kingsbridge Heights School won the Bronx championship in the Minecraft Education “Battle of the Boroughs,” competing against 3,395 students from 679 teams. They reached the Mayor’s Cup Final, where they presented a design for a cleaner, safer version of the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center. The team utilized Microsoft’s MakeCode for coding and emphasized teamwork and communication during their project. Key roles included Leeah Gonzalez as the speaker, Yafatou Bayo as the primary coder, and Zurisadai Quiroga-Vazquez as the presenter. The girls created a virtual version of their school with sustainable features and prioritized accessibility. Their teacher noted significant personal growth among the girls throughout the competition.
Winsage
May 16, 2026
Windows 11 Insiders can now reposition the taskbar to the bottom, top, left, or right side of their screens. Users can adjust the size of the Start menu with "Small" and "Large" options, and customize the alignment of icons within the taskbar. The Start menu will feature a new layout with toggles to show or hide sections like “Pinned,” “Recommended” (rebranded as “Recent”), and “All.” Users can also hide personal details from the Start menu during presentations or screen sharing. These features will roll out in the coming weeks to the Experimental Channel.
AppWizard
May 12, 2026
Stop Killing Games has evolved from a grassroots initiative to a significant international player, with presentations at the European Parliament and collaborations with global NGOs expected by 2026. In April, the organization endorsed the Protect Our Games Act (AB 1921), which aims to require game developers to inform consumers of server shutdowns and provide options such as offline versions, patches, or refunds. Smaller game studios are adapting their titles to remain playable post-server closure, with examples including Lunarch Studios and 1047 Games. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) opposes the bill, claiming it burdens developers, while Stop Killing Games clarifies that the legislation does not require perpetual server maintenance. Historically, the ESA has lobbied against measures to preserve game access, including opposing a DMCA exemption for libraries and museums. The ESA's concerns mirror those of Video Games Europe, warning that Stop Killing Games' demands could lead to unsafe content and financial burdens on developers.
Winsage
May 8, 2026
Microsoft Office Professional 2021 is available for .97, significantly reduced from its regular price of 9.99. It includes essential applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access, and Publisher, along with a free version of Teams. This software can be installed on one Windows PC, supporting Windows 10 and Windows 11, but is not compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8, or virtual machines like Parallels Pro. The installation process is straightforward, providing a simple solution without the complexities of subscription models.
Winsage
May 7, 2026
You can purchase a bundle that includes Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for PC or Mac and Windows 11 Pro for .97, down from .99. The offer is available until May 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Windows 11 Pro features faster application performance, multitasking capabilities, and advanced security measures. Office 2024 includes essential tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, with significant performance upgrades and a user-friendly design.
Winsage
April 28, 2026
Microsoft is recalibrating its Copilot AI assistant, which enhances productivity across its applications. In Microsoft Word, Copilot assists with drafting, restructuring, and tone adjustment. Excel users receive help with formulas and data analysis, while PowerPoint users get support for presentations. Notepad has rebranded its Copilot features as "Writing Tools," allowing users to generate text, rewrite content, and adjust tone, but the Snipping Tool has removed all AI functionalities. Microsoft plans to introduce AI agents to the Windows taskbar for answering questions, automating tasks, and interacting with files, although this feature is still in testing.
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