Progressive Web App Archives

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Best Windows apps this week

This week's highlights include the updated Copilot app from Microsoft, which has transitioned from a progressive web app to a fully native application available for Insiders in the Microsoft Store. Users should expect improved performance and usability, though it will gradually reach the stable release channel. Notable discounts are available this week, with some apps enjoying extended offers. New or improved apps include: - Intel Graphics Software (Beta): A management hub for Intel graphic cards, offering features like graphics settings and performance monitoring, requiring .NET Runtime 8 or newer. - PowerToys 0.89: An update introducing a new feature in the Advanced Paste tool that allows users to transcode audio and video files to mp3 or mp4 formats using a shortcut. - PreventSleep: A utility that keeps Windows systems awake by preventing sleep mode, screen dimming, or screensaver activation.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

Microsoft goes native with Copilot once more

Microsoft has updated its Copilot app for Windows, now presenting it as a native XAML application. The update includes a side panel for initiating conversations and a conversation history list. Users can ask specific questions about their PCs, receiving tailored responses. A new shortcut key, Alt + Space, has been introduced for users without a dedicated Copilot key. The update is being rolled out to Windows Insiders via the Microsoft Store, with plans for broader availability in the coming weeks. Currently, the app's capabilities are limited, but it aims to enhance user interaction with their PCs through a conversational interface.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

How to Download the Old Classic Outlook App on Windows 11

Microsoft has started the automatic migration of classic Outlook users to its new web-based Outlook Progressive Web App (PWA), removing the option to revert to the classic version for many users. The classic Outlook app is still available for download via the Microsoft Store, and users can install it by accessing the Microsoft Store link, clicking "View in Store," and then "Install." To block automatic transitions to the new Outlook app, users need to modify a Registry entry by opening "Registry Editor," navigating to the specified path, changing the value of "UseNewOutlook" to 0, and restarting their PC. Additionally, Microsoft has removed WordPad from Windows 11, leading to discontent among some users.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

Microsoft goes native with Copilot once more

Microsoft has updated its Copilot app for Windows, now claiming it is a native XAML application. The update is being rolled out to Windows Insiders via the Microsoft Store and introduces a side panel for conversations and a history list for previous interactions. This native version allows Copilot to access the operating system more effectively, enabling users to ask device-specific questions and receive tailored responses. The app previously functioned as a wrapper around a website and is now designed to provide a more integrated experience. A shortcut key, Alt + Space, was introduced for users without a dedicated Copilot key. The update will be gradually rolled out across all Insider Channels, with general availability expected in the coming weeks, pending successful testing. Currently, the app's capabilities for direct interaction with a user's PC are limited, but future developments may enhance its functionality.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

Windows 11’s new native Copilot rolls out to everyone, but it consumes more RAM

Microsoft has released a new version of its Copilot application for Windows 11, marking the fourth redesign since its launch. This version is now available in the Microsoft Store and is described as a more "native" experience compared to previous iterations, which were Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). The new app integrates more seamlessly with Windows and can be accessed from the system tray. However, it still relies on web-based components, loading its interface through a Microsoft Edge-based WebView, resulting in higher RAM consumption of 500MB to 600MB, with spikes up to 1.5GB. Users can summon the app using the Alt + Space keyboard shortcut. The redesign has been led by Mustafa Suleyman, and while it features a more traditional Windows appearance, the app's web-centric nature remains evident.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Microsoft gives Alt+Space shortcut over to Copilot

Copilot has transitioned from a Progressive Web App (PWA) to a native binary, now residing in the system tray after the app update. The update has caused the Alt+Space keyboard shortcut, previously used by other applications like PowerToys, to be commandeered by Copilot. Microsoft acknowledged this overlap and stated that Windows will register whichever app is launched first when using Alt+Space. Users with a dedicated Copilot key can open the app directly in a main window. The update is being rolled out for all Windows 10 and 11 devices in the Windows Insider program, although Microsoft will not extend support for Windows 10.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Microsoft Rolls Out Native Copilot App With Quick View Features

Microsoft has announced the rollout of a native Copilot app for Windows, replacing the previous progressive web app (PWA). This update is targeted at users in the Windows Insider Program and integrates the app into the system tray for better accessibility. The new app features a quick view functionality that allows users to interact with the AI chatbot using keyboard shortcuts, specifically Alt + Space, to open or close the quick view. The quick view window is movable and resizable, and users can return to the main app window by clicking an icon. The rollout is occurring through the Microsoft Store, with the app version at 1.24112.123.0 and higher, but it is gradual, so not all users will receive it at the same time.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Update for Copilot for Windows begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

Microsoft is rolling out an updated version of the Copilot app through the Microsoft Store for Windows Insiders. The update transitions the app from a progressive web app to a fully native version, integrating it into the system tray for easier access. A new quick view feature is introduced, accessible via the Alt + Space keyboard shortcut on Windows 10 and 11 PCs, allowing users to move and resize the quick view window. The update is designated as version 1.24112.123.0 and higher and is being gradually rolled out across all Insider Channels. Feedback can be submitted in the Feedback Hub under Apps > Copilot.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Microsoft replaces web-based Copilot app with a native one for Windows 10 and 11 insiders

Microsoft has released a significant update for Windows Insiders, introducing a revamped native version of the Copilot app for Windows 10 and 11, replacing the previous web-based application. Key features include: - A native application that resides in the system tray. - A Quick View functionality accessible via the Alt + Space keyboard shortcut for quick interactions. - A customizable Quick View window that can be moved and resized. - A dedicated Copilot key for direct access to the main app window. Microsoft is exploring additional keyboard shortcuts, but users should note that the Alt + Space shortcut may conflict with other applications. The rollout of the new Copilot app will be gradual, requiring users to be patient for its appearance on their systems.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Microsoft is giving Copilot a new taskbar UI and keyboard shortcut on Windows

Microsoft is updating Copilot on Windows, enhancing its functionality as a Progressive Web App (PWA) for testers. The new version includes a keyboard shortcut (Alt + Space) and a quick view user interface that hovers above the taskbar, improving accessibility. Users can activate this feature through the system tray, and it remains visible above other applications until dismissed. However, the use of Alt + Space may cause conflicts with other applications that use the same shortcut, leading Windows to prioritize the first launched app. Microsoft is considering adjustments to the keyboard shortcuts based on user feedback. The new features will be available on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, despite plans to phase out Windows 10 support by October 2025. Initially launched as Windows Copilot in Windows 11, the application has evolved from a sidebar to a more integrated web view.