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Microsoft remembers Mixed Reality exists, adds basic features I bet you thought were already here
Winsage
September 21, 2026

Microsoft remembers Mixed Reality exists, adds basic features I bet you thought were already here

A recent update to Mixed Reality Link has improved the user experience for utilizing a virtual reality headset as a monitor for Windows 11 PCs. The update, version 26.9105.9070.0, allows direct access to the headset's microphone and cameras within the Windows environment. Mixed Reality Link enables the connection of up to three virtual monitors on compatible headsets, such as the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S, supporting both wired and wireless connections. Previous versions required users to connect an external microphone, but the latest update integrates the headset's built-in microphone and camera with Windows applications.
Microsoft's research boss reveals why Windows 11 features don't show up, and his fix half works
Winsage
September 19, 2026

Microsoft’s research boss reveals why Windows 11 features don’t show up, and his fix half works

Windows 11 has introduced new features such as a resizable Start menu, a movable taskbar, and the option to remove Bing from Windows Search. Users report not seeing significant changes after updates, leading to frustration. Marcus Ash, the design and research lead for Windows & Devices, acknowledged this issue, explaining that features may not appear immediately due to gradual rollouts. Users can enable the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option, but this does not guarantee instant access to new features. The September 2026 update includes a movable taskbar, a smaller taskbar option, and the ability to disable Bing results in Windows Search, though immediate visibility of these changes is not assured. Microsoft is also testing new features with Windows Insiders, including a customization tool for the context menu, enhanced File Explorer performance, a reduction in memory footprint for devices with 8GB RAM and above, a new WinUI-based Run dialog, a revamped Properties dialog, a redesigned pop-up for connected drives, the ability to remap the Copilot key, and improvements to Bluetooth connections and headset calls.
Bill Gates’s 'kind lesson' that Windows developer, now a billionaire, took to Sea when he built his $500 million Yacht
Winsage
September 17, 2026

Bill Gates’s ‘kind lesson’ that Windows developer, now a billionaire, took to Sea when he built his $500 million Yacht

Gabe Newell, co-founder of Valve, created a custom-built superyacht named Leviathan, delivered by Oceanco. The 364-foot yacht features a glass wall etched with the names of nearly 3,000 contributors, honoring the collaborative effort behind its creation. Leviathan includes luxurious amenities like a 10-meter swimming pool and operates as a sophisticated oceanic base, equipped with a dive and scientific workstation, a laboratory, and 3D printing capabilities. The yacht also has an entertainment lounge optimized for holographic displays and a soundproof suite for music and video editing.
Steam users cautioned as new free RPG hit with 'do not play' warning
AppWizard
September 15, 2026

Steam users cautioned as new free RPG hit with ‘do not play’ warning

GAMINGbible highlights a new free RPG called Adventurers Guild, developed by AG Studio, which features a whimsical fantasy world and gameplay elements reminiscent of popular franchises. However, the game has been criticized for not matching the vibrant visuals shown in its trailer, with players expressing skepticism about its authenticity. The Steam listing includes a personal email for customer service, raising further concerns. Reviews warn of potential scams, false advertising, and misleading marketing tactics, advising caution when considering the game. There is currently no evidence of malware, but players are urged to be vigilant.
Windows 11 wants your trust. Microsoft keeps testing it
Winsage
September 7, 2026

Windows 11 wants your trust. Microsoft keeps testing it

Microsoft is facing significant security and reliability issues, particularly related to system startup, BitLocker recovery, and updating Secure Boot certificates. Users have expressed confusion over these complexities, especially regarding Microsoft Defender Antivirus errors. These problems stem from a tumultuous period before the launch of Windows 11, including changes to the TPM requirement and the extension of Windows 10's life. Despite increased security patches, underlying issues remain, leading to user skepticism about the reliability of Windows systems.
Xbox Cloud Gaming Caps Hours: 15 for Ultimate [2026]
AppWizard
September 7, 2026

Xbox Cloud Gaming Caps Hours: 15 for Ultimate [2026]

On September 3, 2026, Microsoft announced that Xbox Game Pass subscribers will see a shift in cloud gaming access. Starting November 2026, unlimited cloud streaming will be replaced by a tiered hour bank system: 15 hours for Ultimate, 10 for Premium, and 5 for Essential subscribers. Once a subscriber exhausts their allotted hours, they must wait for the next billing cycle or purchase additional time. This change is the most significant since the beta launch of Xbox Cloud Gaming in 2019. The announcement was made on Xbox Wire, and the new structure is reflected on Xbox’s product pages. The new tiered system introduces a scarcity model, with every paid tier now having its own cloud gaming quota. Essential subscribers, who previously had no cloud access, will now receive 5 hours per month. The pricing for the Game Pass tiers is as follows: Ultimate at .99 for 15 hours, Premium at .99 for 10 hours, and Essential at .99 for 5 hours. The free ad-supported tier remains unchanged at 5 hours per month. Microsoft's rationale for the change is based on usage data indicating that most subscribers do not heavily utilize cloud streaming, coupled with the rising costs of operating cloud gaming services. The company has stated that additional hours can be purchased once a subscriber's monthly allotment is used up, although pricing details for these add-ons have not yet been disclosed. The new hour caps will take effect in November 2026, following a shorter notice period compared to NVIDIA's GeForce NOW service, which implemented a 100-hour monthly cap earlier in 2026. The response from gaming communities has been largely negative, with concerns about the limits falling short of typical usage patterns and conflicting with the marketing of Game Pass as offering unlimited access. The introduction of hour caps could impact Game Pass's subscriber base, particularly among those who rely on cloud gaming as their primary access point. Microsoft's internal usage data will determine the extent of this impact, as the company aims to control costs without raising subscription prices.
Ex-BioWare designer says doom and gloom about the next Mass Effect is overstated: 'I think that they can do it'
AppWizard
September 6, 2026

Ex-BioWare designer says doom and gloom about the next Mass Effect is overstated: ‘I think that they can do it’

The gaming community has expressed skepticism about the upcoming Mass Effect installment from BioWare due to mixed reactions to recent titles like Anthem and Mass Effect Andromeda. Armando Troisi, a veteran cinematic designer from the original Mass Effect trilogy, believes concerns may be overstated and emphasizes that BioWare has a talented team capable of delivering a compelling experience if given the freedom to innovate. He expressed support for the studio's vision and confidence in their ability to succeed.
It's really starting to look like a new StarCraft game will be revealed at BlizzCon
AppWizard
September 4, 2026

It’s really starting to look like a new StarCraft game will be revealed at BlizzCon

BlizzCon 2026 is scheduled for September 12-13. Nexon is reportedly close to finalizing a deal to create a new game in the StarCraft series, following a long hiatus since StarCraft Remastered in 2017 and the last original installment, StarCraft 2, in 2010. There is skepticism within the StarCraft community regarding whether the new title will be StarCraft 3 or a shooter. The official StarCraft website has shown unusual activity, suggesting an imminent announcement. Additionally, there is an unexplained one-hour gap in the BlizzCon main stage schedule that fans speculate could be for a StarCraft reveal. Blizzard has also been reportedly developing its own StarCraft shooter since 2024. Recent hiring efforts and a major patch for StarCraft 2 have further fueled speculation about the franchise's future.
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