refreshed user interface Archives

Winsage

October 29, 2025

Crowbarring Windows 95 into Windows NT with CAPITALS

The early versions of Windows NT transitioned from the Program Manager of Windows 3.1 as Windows 95 was developed, leading to the integration of the Windows 95 shell into Windows NT. The Windows NT team, while preparing for their launch, considered how to incorporate features from Windows 95, resulting in Windows NT 4.0. The teams maintained communication, with the NT team integrating the Windows 95 user interface and window management capabilities into their system. The integration involved using Windows 95 as a reference for reimplementing features rather than merging code directly. Explorer was integrated into Windows NT's architecture, allowing updates in Windows 95 to avoid redundant changes. To prevent bugs from affecting Windows 95, the NT team enclosed new code within #ifdef WINNT directives. They faced challenges with the sizeof operator due to Windows NT's Unicode awareness, leading to a macro definition for tracking verified instances. Microsoft used an internal source code management system called SLM, which lacked branch support, making the transfer of changes between Windows 95 and Windows NT a manual process.

AppWizard

October 20, 2025

Surviving Mars: Relaunched arrives in orbit next month, bringing a whole new political system and every DLC from the get-go

Surviving Mars: Relaunched is a remaster of the city-builder game Surviving Mars, originally released seven years ago. The new edition will feature enhanced technology, a refreshed user interface, and a groundbreaking political system that starts with an Earth-based council making decisions for the colony. Players can later establish their own governance by creating a Martian Assembly, choosing from government types like theocracy or liberal democracy, which will influence political dynamics and faction development. The Relaunched edition will also include all previously released DLC, featuring mechanics such as terraforming and rival colonies, with future updates planned to enhance food production systems and introduce robots.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

Nothing OS 4.0 Brings a Wild Android 16 Makeover

Nothing has released the Android 16 update, branded as Nothing OS 4.0, which will begin rolling out as a beta for select smartphone models. The update features a more minimalistic UI with a streamlined interface, enhanced dark mode, improved multitasking capabilities, a revamped camera application, and a new AI usage dashboard for tracking statistics. All current devices, except the Nothing Phone (1), are expected to receive the update, with the Phone (3) anticipated to be among the first. Specific distribution start dates for eligible models have not been announced.

Winsage

August 23, 2025

Improve your PC’s performance for under $15 with Microsoft’s most advanced operating system

A lifetime license for Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, down from its regular price of 9. This offer includes advanced security features, performance enhancements, and an AI-powered assistant called Copilot. Windows 11 Pro supports TPM 2.0, BitLocker encryption, and DirectX 12 Ultimate for gaming. Customers receive a digital key and installation instructions upon purchase. The offer is limited and subject to change.

Winsage

August 8, 2025

Microsoft improves Windows 11 Search UI settings, confirms group policy bug in build 27919

Microsoft has released a new Windows 11 build, 27919, for Insiders in the Canary channel, featuring a refreshed user interface for the Search page within the Settings app. The update reorganizes Windows Search settings under Settings > Privacy & security, introducing dedicated “Search permissions” and “Searching Windows” pages for easier navigation. The build also resolves several bugs, including a crash in File Explorer when accessing digital signatures and issues with the Microsoft Changjie Input method and phonetic keyboards. However, known issues include potential loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for users transitioning from other channels, display errors during the upgrade process, error pop-ups in the Group Policy Editor, and remote desktop functionality defaulting to the primary monitor.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

I tested Gemini’s driving experience at Google I/O

Google is set to launch the Gemini update for Android Auto, enhancing hands-free functionality for drivers. The update will feature different experiences based on vehicle compatibility, with around 250 million cars supporting Android Auto and about 50 models equipped with Google built-in. Gemini allows for voice control independent of an Android smartphone, enabling tasks like adjusting climate settings through natural language commands. Vehicles with Google built-in will have access to the Google Play Store and integrated car manuals. Gemini will also include offline capabilities and streamline trip planning via voice commands. Most features will be available across all vehicles with Android Auto, with a rollout expected in the coming months. The pre-release version showed improved reliability over the previous Google Assistant.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Google Voice adds three-way calling support alongside its interface rework

Google has introduced a new update for its Voice app that enables three-way calling for Workspace subscription holders, allowing users to create conference calls by adding another participant. The update includes a refreshed user interface with more accessible key tools for managing calls, such as prominently displayed "Add" and "Merge" options. This feature is available to Google Workspace customers on Voice Starter, Voice Standard, and Voice Premier plans, as well as SIP Link Standard and SIP Link Premier customers. The rollout began on May 1 and is expected to reach all Google Voice users within approximately 15 days. Earlier in February, Google Voice added a "call delegation" feature, allowing users to transfer calls to another person with options for immediate transfer or confirmation before proceeding, including the ability to transfer calls from personal accounts to paid enterprise accounts.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

For the Price of a Good Burger, You Can Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro and Unlock Microsoft’s Copilot AI

Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, a 92% discount from the standard price of approximately 9. It features a refreshed user interface for multitasking, enhanced security, a Universal Search tool on the taskbar, the ability to create multiple custom desktops, and integration with OneDrive for file synchronization across devices. It also includes productivity shortcuts like Win + V for clipboard history and the Copilot AI tool to streamline tasks.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

Still using Windows 95? This app will no longer work for you

AIDA64 has released version 7.60, which no longer supports Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows ME. The update maintains compatibility with Windows 2000 and later versions. New features include support for AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards, new dark themes, support for Asus ROG Ryujin III Series LCDs, integration of Turing LCD support, enhanced compatibility with B840, B850, and B860 chipset motherboards, support for Corsair HX1200i 2023 PSU sensors, improvements in kernel driver security, better support for Intel Arrow Lake-H and Arrow Lake-U processors, and detailed GPU information for Nvidia GeForce RTX 5000 Series.

Winsage

February 15, 2025

Microsoft adding new PowerToys utlity for Windows package manager (WinGet)

Microsoft's PowerToys suite, designed for power users and Windows enthusiasts, includes features like Advanced Paste, FancyZones, File Explorer add-ons, Registry Preview, and a keyboard and mouse manager. PowerToys Run received a significant update in December, introducing version 2 with a refreshed UI and improved UX. Kayla Cinnamon announced a new utility for installing WinGet packages, which is being developed in collaboration with the Windows Terminal team. Clint Rutkas confirmed that this new feature represents the "next gen version" of PowerToys Run. WinGet is a command line tool for the Windows Package Manager service, automating software installation, upgrading, and configuration.