previews Archives

Winsage

July 29, 2025

7 features Windows 12 needs to borrow from its competitors

Microsoft has confirmed that the 2024 update will be Windows 11 version 24H2, not Windows 12. Nvidia may wait for Windows 12 to launch its N1X processor for laptops. Potential features for Windows 12 include a streamlined menu bar inspired by macOS, the ability to pin files to the dock from ChromeOS, a native preview feature similar to macOS's Preview, a Quick Insert menu like that on Chromebooks, offline setup options as seen in Linux, enhanced customization options akin to Linux Mint, and a more efficient search function similar to macOS's Spotlight.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Windows 11 KB5062660 update brings new ‘Windows Resilience’ features

Microsoft has released the KB5062660 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, introducing twenty-nine new features and changes, including the Black Screen of Death and the Quick Machine Recovery tool. This optional update is part of Microsoft's non-security preview updates, allowing users to test upcoming features before the next Patch Tuesday. Users can install the update via Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update elevates Windows 11 24H2 systems to build 26100.4770. Key features include: - Recall functionality in the EEA for exporting snapshots. - Improvements in Reading Coach and Immersive Reader. - Draft creation in Word with Copilot. - New agent in Settings for easier navigation. - Quick Machine Recovery for automatic issue resolution. - Boolean option in Start menu configuration. - Enhanced Snap and Windows Search settings. - Gamepad layout improvements in the touch keyboard. - Various fixes for File Explorer, desktop icons, and notifications. The KB5058502 update also addresses issues related to authentication and system stability, with no known issues reported for KB5062660.

AppWizard

July 17, 2025

You Can Now Stream Your Own Xbox Games Directly to Your PC

XBOX has enhanced its Play Anywhere program, allowing users to stream Game Pass titles and select personally owned games across various devices, including smartphones and the Meta Quest, through cloud streaming. This functionality now extends to browsers and consoles, but not to the Xbox app on PC. PC gamers can stream games previously unavailable on PC, provided they have a subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and own the specific game. The "Stream Your Own Game" feature is in beta testing and is being rolled out for around 250 games, with plans for expansion. To access this feature, users must become Xbox Insiders by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub app and completing the setup process.

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

Gemini is working to clean up how it handles Canvas previews (APK teardown)

Google has been refining its Gemini platform for over a year, introducing enhancements such as Canvas for document creation and code editing. Currently, users generating web code with Canvas are redirected to a separate Chrome custom tab for previews. However, an APK teardown of the Google Android app version 16.26.64.sa.arm64 indicates that Google is working on allowing code previews directly within the Gemini app, which would streamline the workflow and reduce navigation issues. This change aims to provide a more cohesive user experience, although the mobile interface may still be less expansive than the web version.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

Google TV on Android begins its Material 3 Expressive revamp in latest update

Google has begun rolling out the Material 3 Expressive design in the Google TV app with the update version 4.39.3356.780959673.5. This update includes design enhancements such as a larger banner on movie and TV show detail pages that displays titles and ratings in a center-aligned format. The buttons for Watchlist, Watched it, Like, and Dislike have been redesigned without circular borders, and the Ratings section shortcuts have adopted a pill-shaped form. Image previews in the Top Stories section now have rounded corners, and the Important Information section has been restructured into a clearer two-column layout. Not all changes from the Material 3 framework are included in this release, and user feedback will be important for future updates.

AppWizard

July 12, 2025

Minecraft’s mob vote loser just made a surprise comeback — and it brought brand new gear to the Bedrock Preview with it

Mojang has reintroduced the Copper Golem, a character that lost the 2021 Mob Vote, as part of the latest Bedrock Preview update. Players can summon the Copper Golem by placing a carved pumpkin on a copper block, which also introduces the Copper Chest. The Copper Golem retrieves items from nearby Copper Chests and deposits them into standard chests. It can carry a maximum of 16 identical items and has a range of 15 blocks. The Copper Golem does not deposit into barrels, shulker boxes, hoppers, or dispensers, and unstackable enchanted gear can only be deposited if the enchantments match. Mojang has also introduced a complete set of copper tools and armor, including items like the Copper Axe, Hoe, Pickaxe, Shovel, Sword, Helmet, Chestplate, Leggings, and Boots. Copper gear has the same damage values as stone but offers higher durability and better enchantability. Copper tools cannot mine redstone, gold, emeralds, or diamond ore, but they are more durable and faster than stone tools. Copper gear does not undergo oxidation, unlike copper blocks and golems. The preview is available for testing on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11, and other compatible Bedrock platforms without needing to opt in via the Xbox Insider Hub. Players need a copy of Minecraft: Bedrock Edition to participate. Mojang's content rollout strategy now introduces features through Bedrock Previews before announcing them alongside Java updates, with Java snapshots expected to follow in a few weeks and a full release potentially in the next three to five months.

Winsage

July 12, 2025

Windows 11 Build 27898 introduces taskbar icon scaling and system recovery improvements

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27898 to the Canary Channel, introducing several new features aimed at enhancing usability and recovery. Key features include: - Taskbar Icon Scaling: The taskbar will automatically reduce icon sizes when it reaches capacity, with three customizable options for users regarding icon size. - Quick Machine Recovery: This feature allows automatic recovery from boot issues using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), connecting to the internet for targeted fixes from Windows Update. - Accessibility Enhancements: Users can add custom words to the voice access dictionary, and a new Screen Curtain feature for the Narrator screen reader enhances privacy by blacking out the display. - Energy Saver Feature: An adaptive energy saver mode is being rolled out for battery-powered devices, managing energy saver settings based on power state and system load. - Sharing Features: The Windows share window now shows visual previews of shared content and allows users to select compression settings for images. - Performance Improvements: Enhancements have been made to file extraction for large archives, and the Snipping Tool now has a shortcut for launching the text extractor. - Default Browser Management: Users can set their default browser to handle PDFs and pin it to the Start menu and taskbar. The build also addresses various issues within File Explorer and Settings, although some known problems remain, such as display distortion in Remote Desktop on Arm64 PCs.

Winsage

July 11, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27898 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27898 has been released to the Canary Channel. Key features include: - Taskbar Icon Scaling: Icons on the taskbar can automatically resize when the taskbar is full, with options to keep them at original size or always small. - Quick Machine Recovery: This feature identifies and resolves common issues automatically via the Windows Recovery Environment, reducing downtime. - Custom Words in Voice Access: Users can add custom words to the voice access dictionary to improve dictation accuracy. - Screen Curtain in Narrator: This feature blacks out the display for privacy while using Narrator. - Privacy Dialogs Update: Privacy dialogs for app permissions have been redesigned for better focus. - Accessibility Enhancements: Text descriptions for assistive technologies have been added to the Accessibility flyout. - File Explorer Improvements: Dividers have been added to the context menu for better organization. - Adaptive Energy Saver: An opt-in feature that manages energy saver settings based on power state and system load. - Windows Share Updates: Visual previews are now shown when sharing links or web content. - Expanded Voice Access Support: Voice access now supports Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese. - Narrator Guidance: Narrator will guide users through its features with modal windows. - Settings Adjustments: The selected country or region during setup is now displayed in Settings. Fixes include performance improvements in File Explorer, resolution of input issues with the touch keyboard, and fixes for crashes in Settings. Known issues involve potential loss of Windows Hello PIN on new Copilot+ PCs and graphical issues with Remote Desktop on Arm64 PCs.

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

Blue Archive PC Release Appears To Break Steam Rules

Blue Archive launched on Steam after four years as a mobile exclusive, quickly gaining over 20,000 concurrent players and more than 10,000 reviews. A controversy arose when it was revealed that the developer organized an in-game event encouraging players to leave reviews on Steam, which violates Steamworks guidelines. Players were promised in-game rewards if the review count reached 10,000, but this event has since been removed. A user pointed out that developers are prohibited from manipulating the review system or soliciting reviews for rewards. Blue Archive is categorized as a tactical RPG with gacha elements, and following its release, Umamusume: Pretty Derby also achieved over 50,000 concurrent players on Steam.

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

Shark Dentist Announced for PC

Alice Games has released a PC game called Shark Dentist, where players act as dentists performing dental procedures on anaesthetized sharks. Players must manage anesthesia doses, monitor the shark's pulse, administer medications, and use various dental instruments while avoiding awakening the sharks. The game features randomized events that introduce challenges such as sudden pain spikes, tool malfunctions, and debuffs, ensuring varied gameplay experiences. A game trailer is available, and players can wishlist Shark Dentist on Steam.