startup Archives

Winsage

April 3, 2025

How Bill Gates, the Altair 8800 and BASIC propelled me into the PC revolution

The Altair 8800, introduced by Ed Roberts in 1974, was a groundbreaking personal computer that allowed everyday individuals to own and interact with computers, marking the beginning of the personal computer era. Bill Gates and Paul Allen recognized its potential and created a BASIC interpreter to enable users to engage with their machines. An engineer, initially interested in nuclear reactors, built his own Altair 8800 by scavenging parts and hand-soldering, highlighting the significance of programming languages like BASIC in making computing accessible. Gates and Allen's work on BASIC simplified programming and contributed to the proliferation of personal computers. Gates later advised the engineer on the importance of cash flow for startups, guiding him in his transition to software development. BASIC served as a gateway for many into computing, influencing countless careers in the tech industry.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Windows wallpapers worth celebrating

Microsoft is celebrating its 50th anniversary by inviting fans to reminisce and has released a collection of exclusive products, including limited-edition Windows wallpapers designed by Microsoft designers and Windows enthusiasts. These wallpapers reimagine iconic moments in Windows history, featuring the four-square logo and inspired by nostalgic elements such as the Windows 95 startup screen and classic games like Mahjong and Solitaire. Designer You Zhang created wallpapers that merge retro and modern styles, while art director Yulia Makhmudova designed a wallpaper featuring Solitaire cards arranged in the shape of "50" and revisited the iconic Tulips motif from Windows XP, adding 50 yellow buds. More ways to celebrate the anniversary can be found on Microsoft Unlocked.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Microsoft at 50: how adaptability under Nadella is paying off

Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft fifty years ago to sell a version of the Basic computer language for the Altair. Microsoft has evolved from its initial focus on PC software to commanding a vast network of global data centers and recently investing in generative AI. The company faced challenges from the rise of the internet and smartphones, which shifted focus away from PCs, leading to stagnation in its stock price. Satya Nadella became CEO in 2014 and shifted Microsoft towards a cloud-first strategy, embracing open-source software and partnering with OpenAI for exclusive access to AI models. Under his leadership, Microsoft has adapted to changes in the tech landscape, although the impact of generative AI remains uncertain. Since Nadella's appointment, Microsoft's stock price has increased tenfold, raising its market value to nearly .8 trillion.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Leak: More evidence of an Xbox handheld found in Windows 11 preview

Microsoft is reportedly developing an Xbox-branded handheld gaming device, with potential launch details emerging this year. Updates in the Beta and Dev Channel previews of Windows 11 suggest a user interface designed for handheld gaming, featuring terms like “Gaming Posture” and settings for performance monitoring and resolution adjustments. Asus has released a video teaser that hints at a collaboration with Microsoft, showcasing a robot combining a ROG Ally gaming handheld with a Raikiri Pro controller, which resembles the Xbox gamepad. Asus is considered a strong candidate for collaboration on the Xbox handheld, codenamed “Project Kennan.”

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Microsoft reveals new tool to help with Windows 11 boot recovery crashes

Microsoft is piloting a Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) tool for Windows 11, available to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel for version 24H2. QMR aims to reduce downtime from boot crashes by activating when a device encounters startup issues, transitioning to Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) to reconnect to the network for crash data analysis. Microsoft can then deliver solutions via Windows Update. The feature will be enabled by default on Windows 11 Home devices, while Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise administrators can manage its functionality. The initial rollout allows IT administrators to enable/disable the tool, configure scanning intervals, and conduct readiness tests. Feedback from users is encouraged to improve the tool, though a timeline for general availability has not been announced.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Windows Logo: A Visual Evolution of Microsoft’s Iconic Designs

- Windows 1.0 and 2.0 did not have a distinct logo and relied on traditional Microsoft branding. - Windows 3.1 introduced the iconic four-pane window logo, marking a significant shift in branding. - The logos for Windows 95 and 98 featured a cleaner Sans-Serif font and represented an evolution in branding. - Windows ME had a revamped logo aimed at a younger audience, featuring a green frame. - Windows XP introduced a bold, expressive logo with a 3D effect, marking a new era in branding. - Windows Vista's logo embraced glassmorphism and was consistent with Windows 7, showcasing a glossy finish. - Windows 8 introduced a flat blue logo reflecting minimalism and the new Metro UI. - Windows 10 retained a minimalist approach with a darker shade of blue logo. - Windows 11 featured a straighter, more minimalistic logo with slight curvature of the edges.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Windows 11 leak hints at a new UI designed for gaming handhelds

Microsoft is tailoring Windows 11 for the handheld gaming market by exploring a dedicated game mode for portable devices. The latest preview build includes references to a gaming-centric interface that allows users to select their preferred system layout at startup, featuring a fullscreen experience with customizable home apps and shortcuts. Users can activate this mode through OS settings, establishing it as the default interface. The build includes options like “Boot into the full screen experience at device startup” and “Choose your full screen experience,” resembling Steam’s Big Picture mode. These changes may also be integrated into a rumored Xbox handheld, potentially leading to a Windows 11 device rather than a standalone portable Xbox. The new features are linked to the existing Game Bar, which provides essential gaming functionalities. This shift towards a dedicated UI for handheld devices is seen as necessary, as Windows has historically prioritized keyboard and mouse interactions. The evolution could position Windows handhelds as a compelling option for gamers, especially in light of competition from Valve's SteamOS.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

This simple upgrade is making old computers feel new again

Many users experience issues with sluggish laptops and frozen screens, prompting a reconsideration of their devices. Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10, making it a good time to upgrade to Windows 11, specifically the Pro version, which is currently priced at .97, down from .99. Windows 11 Pro offers faster startup times, enhanced battery life, improved application performance, a redesigned user interface, productivity features like snap layouts and widgets, and an AI-powered assistant called Copilot. The Pro version also includes remote desktop access, BitLocker device encryption for security, and advanced features like Azure AD, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox. There are fewer than 75 licenses remaining at the promotional price.

AppWizard

April 2, 2025

Latest Market Trends for Android TV App Development in 2025

The smart TV market is projected to grow from USD 225.43 billion in 2023 to USD 252.41 billion in 2024, reaching USD 623.62 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.97% from 2024 to 2032. This growth is driven by increased global internet penetration and better access to high-speed broadband, allowing consumers to stream content on smart TVs. The rising popularity of smart TVs is attributed to the convenience of accessing various applications for streaming, gaming, and fitness. Businesses are investing in smart Android TV app development to engage customers effectively, as audiences spend more time on screens. Key trends in Android TV app development for 2025 include the use of AI and ML for personalized experiences, AR and VR for immersive interactions, 5G technology for enhanced performance, instant apps for improved user experience, cross-platform development, on-demand applications, and blockchain technology for security. The cost of developing an Android TV app ranges from ,000 to ,000, depending on complexity, with more intricate applications potentially exceeding 0,000.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Forget the Nintendo Switch 2 – I’m more excited that Microsoft could be making Windows 11 gaming handhelds even better with a new ‘handheld mode’

Windows 11 may soon introduce a dedicated mode for gaming handhelds, as indicated by a leak from a source on Bluesky. This mode includes a new ‘GamingPosture’ category in settings, featuring options for a ‘full screen experience’ to improve usability on smaller screens. Microsoft is also removing HoloLens-related elements from the Windows 11 Settings app. Current Windows 11 interfaces are challenging for handheld devices, prompting speculation about a more portable-friendly interface. Recent enhancements include a ‘compact mode’ for the Xbox app and improvements to the Game Bar, as well as a gamepad keyboard layout for easier typing. Additionally, there are rumors of a potential Xbox-branded handheld device that could utilize the new UI experience in Windows 11.