preview Archives

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

Everything new in Minecraft Bedrock 26.30.25/26 beta and preview

Mojang has released the Minecraft 26.30.25/26 Beta and preview build, introducing new features such as Geysers that launch players skyward and Sulfur Cubes that can absorb TNT blocks with varying fuse times based on activation methods. The update includes bug fixes, such as correct generation of iron doors and stone buttons in strongholds, crafting adjustments for Sulfur Spikes, and improvements to video settings and user interface. Technical updates feature the transition of four entity components to the 1.26.30 format, the addition of voxel shapes for 46 vanilla blocks, and a new SoundInstance API class for sound playback control.

Winsage

May 3, 2026

You shouldn’t delay your Windows 11 updates, experts reveal

Experts advise against postponing Windows updates, as Microsoft has introduced features allowing users to control when updates occur. Users can pause updates for up to 35 days indefinitely, but delaying updates can lead to security vulnerabilities. Microsoft releases several types of updates: security updates, feature updates, quality updates, driver updates, optional updates, out-of-band updates, and zero-day updates. Zero-day updates are critical and should be installed immediately to avoid exploitation. Recent reports indicate that critical OS patching for Windows 10 and 11 is lagging by an average of 256 days, increasing the risk of cyber incidents.

Winsage

May 3, 2026

Microsoft tests Auto SR, its AI upscaler for Xbox and Windows gaming

Microsoft has introduced a preview of Auto SR, an AI-driven upscaling technology for Xbox Insiders using the ROG Xbox Ally X handheld. This feature upgrades game output from 720p to 1440p and increases frame rates by about 30% in docked mode. Auto SR operates at the OS level, requiring no developer patches, but is limited to games that support DirectX 11 and 12, excluding titles using DirectX 9, Vulkan, and OpenGL. Currently, it is available only for the ROG Xbox Ally X and Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X chips, and the preview is invite-only and docked mode only. Early feedback indicates some user interface artifacts and a battery drain of 8–12% on the Ally X. A broader rollout for Windows began on April 30, 2026, but no specific consumer launch date has been announced. Auto SR is not intended for the upcoming Project Helix Xbox console, which will use AMD FSR Diamond instead.

Winsage

May 2, 2026

Microsoft is finally turning off the MSN feed and ads in Windows 11 Widgets by default

Microsoft has modified the default behavior of the Widgets feature in Windows 11, confirming that the MSN feed will no longer be displayed by default when users hover over the Widgets icon. This change is being gradually rolled out through the Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8346. The updated Widgets experience includes several modifications: - The Widgets board will no longer open on hover; users must click the Widgets icon to access it. - Taskbar badging for breaking news and alerts will be turned off by default. - Animated taskbar alerts will only appear after user interaction with the Widgets board. - Upon first launching the Widgets board, users will see core widgets like weather and calendar instead of the MSN news feed. Users can manually customize their Widgets experience by disabling the "Open Widgets board on hover" option, turning off the MSN feed, or completely removing Widgets from Windows 11. Additionally, a redesign of the MSN feed is planned, featuring rounded corners to distinguish it from the Widgets. Microsoft aims to create a calmer operating system by reducing distractions and excessive notifications.

Winsage

May 2, 2026

Windows finally fixed File Explorer’s most annoying quirk, and it only took 20 years

Windows 11's latest builds (26100.8313 and 26200.8313) have improved folder view consistency in File Explorer, ensuring that user-configured settings persist regardless of how a folder is accessed. This update eliminates the need for registry tweaks. Additionally, the updates enhance File Explorer's speed and performance, resolve a white flash issue in dark mode, introduce a "preview anyway" button for the preview pane, and add support for four new archive formats. These changes are currently available in the Release Preview channel and will soon be rolled out to regular users.

Winsage

May 2, 2026

Microsoft tests modern Windows Run, says it’s faster than legacy dialog

Microsoft has introduced a modernized Run dialog in the latest preview build of Windows 11, version 26300.8346. This updated Run dialog features a sleek design, dark mode support, and improved performance, achieving a median response time of 94 milliseconds compared to the legacy version's 103 milliseconds. The Browse button has been removed due to low usage statistics, with less than 0.0038% of users engaging with it. New functionalities include support for the ~ command for quick access to the home directory and the addition of icons in the command list. Users can enable or disable the modern Run feature through the Advanced Settings menu. The update also includes improvements to the Windows Share UI for Azure Active Directory users and enhancements to the Magnifier tool, which now offers zoom levels ranging from 5% to 400%. The Windows 11 Build 26300.8346 is available for download from the Experimental Channel.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

Google releases experimental ‘COSMO’ AI assistant app on Play Store

Google released an experimental AI assistant application called COSMO for Android devices, which has since been removed from the Play Store due to an accidental launch. The app, which is 1.13 GB in size, was designed to enhance daily productivity by organizing schedules and answering complex queries. COSMO features include a list tracker, document writer, calendar event suggester, browser agent, timer suggestions, deep research capabilities, quick photo lookup, web search functionality, jargon definitions, insights provision, context understanding for people and events, recall assistance, and conversation summarization. It offers three settings: Hybrid, PI Only, and Nano Only, with the latter two indicating different processing methods. The app also includes voice match and screen access features but is not intended for the general consumer market.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Microsoft tests redesigned Windows 11 Run menu with dark mode and more

Microsoft is rolling out a significant update to the Windows 11 Run menu for users in the Experimental Channel, featuring a modern interface, improved speed, and dark mode support. The "Browse" button has been removed and replaced with a new command, “~,” which directs users to their user directory. The updated Run menu is developed using code from the Command Palette, and Windows 11 Insiders can activate it through Settings. An early version of this redesign was seen in preview builds last year. The update aims to enhance overall system performance and efficiency.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

Love Albany announces ‘Minecraft,’ ‘Hoppers’ for free summer movie series

Love Albany has announced the lineup for its "Movies Under the Stars" summer series, featuring free movie screenings in various parks in Albany. The event is organized in collaboration with the city's Office of Cultural Affairs, Albany Community Land Trust Gun Violence Prevention, Lincoln Park Alliance, the RED Bookshelf, and the Pine Hills Neighborhood Association. The film schedule includes: - "Zootopia 2," May 15 at Washington Park - "GOAT," June 19 at Swinburne Park - "A Minecraft Movie," July 17 at Lincoln Park - "Hoppers," August 21 at Ridgefield Park Pre-show festivities start at 7:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. for "Hoppers") and include lawn games, nonprofit information booths, complimentary popcorn, and a bounce house. The films will begin at sunset. Additional sponsorship support comes from the city’s Department of Recreation, Albany Public Library, and Honest Weight Co-op.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Windows quality update: Progress we’ve made since March

The Windows Insider Program is undergoing changes to improve transparency and user control. Two main channels, Experimental and Beta, are being introduced, with the Beta channel eliminating controlled feature rollouts. Users will have the ability to select features in the Experimental channel and switch between channels more easily. Updates to the Feedback Hub are aimed at enhancing user experience. Windows updates will now be consolidated into a single monthly restart, providing users with more flexibility. AI features are being refined, with a focus on intentional integration. File Explorer is receiving architectural improvements for better performance, and there will be more control over widgets and notification settings. System performance enhancements include memory optimization and improved app launch responsiveness. Upcoming features include Taskbar customization, and the team is engaging with Insiders in various cities for feedback.