software release Archives

Winsage

December 8, 2024

Microsoft releases final Windows Server 2025 preview build in 2024

Microsoft has released Windows Server 2025 build 26334 for Windows Insiders, marking the final update for the year, with the next expected in January 2024. This build includes Desktop Experience and Server Core installation options for Datacenter and Standard editions, as well as the Annual Channel for Container Host and Azure Edition for virtual machine evaluation. The branding remains Windows Server 2025 in this preview, and issues reported should reference Windows Server vNext preview. Users enrolled in Server Flighting will receive this build automatically. New features include Windows Defender Application Control for Business (WDAC), which enforces a list of permitted software to minimize the attack surface, and improved accessibility for Windows Admin Center (WAC), allowing installation directly from the Windows Server Desktop for Datacenter or Standard preview users. There are known issues, including a labeling error that may reference Windows 11, which Microsoft plans to fix in a future release. Windows Server build 26334 is valid until September 15, 2025, with specific installation keys provided for Server Standard and Datacenter editions, while no key is required for Azure Edition.

AppWizard

November 26, 2024

The Wear OS 5.1 preview is now available — and it’s based on Android 15

Google has released the first developer preview of Wear OS 5.1, based on Android 15, for testing in the Android Studio emulator. Key features include audio playback through smartwatch speakers and the new Credential Manager API. The build number for this preview is AP4A.241205.004.F1. Known issues include difficulties in adding accounts during setup, notifications not opening corresponding apps until the screen is scrolled, and potential failures in initiating exercise sessions with Wear Health Services. The audio feature allows users to listen to music or podcasts from the smartwatch's speaker, while the Credential Manager API supports password management and synchronization across devices.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

Windows Server 2025 is now available – but Microsoft warns admins to watch out for three major bugs, including one that causes the dreaded blue screen of death

Microsoft has released Windows Server 2025, succeeding Windows Server 2022, along with System Center 2025. This version supports seamless application deployment across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments. Key security enhancements include improved Active Directory cryptographic support and defenses against various attacks on server message block (SMB). New features for cloud services include hotpatching, which requires an additional subscription fee, and integration with Azure Arc for better onboarding and network management. Windows Server 2025 is optimized for AI and machine learning workloads, offering up to 60% more storage IOPs performance than its predecessor. Certain features, such as WordPad and the Windows PowerShell 2.0 engine, have been discontinued. Microsoft has acknowledged three bugs related to installation: English text display issues, problems with high-core-count devices, and a "boot device inaccessible" error in iSCSI environments. Windows Server 2025 is available now, with extended support until 2034 and mainstream support until 2029. Users can upgrade from Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2022 will be supported until October 2026. The operating system is compatible with most 64-bit processors, and a list of certified processors is provided.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Microsoft releases Windows Server 2025

Microsoft has launched Windows Server 2025, which became generally available on November 1st. This version is classified as LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel), with mainstream support until October 2029 and extended support until October 2034. Key features include hot patching, an easily activated OpenSSH server, improved security for SMB shares, and enhancements to Hyper-V and Active Directory. Known issues include potential installation problems for systems with 256 logical cores and challenges in iSCSI environments. Windows Server 2025 is accessible through standard channels, with ISO images and VHD files available on the evaluation page.

Winsage

November 2, 2024

Microsoft: Windows Server 2025 now generally available alongside System Center 2025

Microsoft has launched Windows Server 2025, starting with build 26100.1742, as part of the long-term servicing channel (LTSC) release, which will have extended support until October 10, 2034, and mainstream support until October 9, 2029. Key features include advancements in security, hybrid cloud capabilities, improved I/O throughput performance, GPU virtualization enhancements, and a new update delivery method called checkpoint cumulatives. There are three known issues: an English language bug during installation, an issue with CPUs exceeding 256 threads, and a 'boot device inaccessible' error in iSCSI environments. A workaround for the high core count issue is to limit cores to 256 or fewer. A free 180-day trial is available for download, and System Center 2025 will also be released.

AppWizard

September 4, 2024

Android 15 Is Almost Here. What You Need to Know About Google’s Latest OS

Google plans to release Android 15 in the upcoming weeks and has made the source code available through the Android Open Source Project. Android 15 will initially roll out to supported Pixel devices, including Pixel 8 and Pixel 9, followed by select devices from manufacturers such as Samsung, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, OnePlus, and others. New features in Android 15 include partial screen recording capabilities, satellite connectivity for messaging without cellular service, predictive back gestures, enhanced in-app camera controls, low-light boost for photography, and sensitive notifications for two-factor authentication codes. Users are advised to back up their devices before updating. To download Android 15 on a compatible Pixel device, users should navigate to Settings > System > Software updates > System Updates, check for updates, and follow the prompts to download and install. If there is insufficient storage, users will need to free up space or use a computer for installation.

Winsage

August 27, 2024

Snapdragon X Elite laptops have a professional-grade video editor at long last, and it’s completely free

Blackmagic has released DaVinci Resolve 19, which is now fully compatible with Windows on ARM and is the first version to offer native support for Snapdragon X series chips. The software is available in free and paid versions and serves as a robust alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro, which lacks ARM64 support. While DaVinci Resolve 19 is compatible with Intel and AMD systems, its focus on ARM compatibility is significant. Users with older Windows on ARM devices may face limitations, but it works well on the latest Copilot+ PCs. DaVinci Resolve has been used in the editing of major films like Deadpool 2 and Avengers: Infinity War.