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Why Windows stopped including fun games like Minesweeper, Solitaire, and Pinball
Winsage
August 31, 2026

Why Windows stopped including fun games like Minesweeper, Solitaire, and Pinball

Microsoft integrated games into the Windows operating system from its early versions, starting with Reversi in Windows 1.0 in 1985 and introducing Solitaire in Windows 3.0 in 1990. Over the years, various versions of Windows included a range of built-in games, peaking with Windows Vista and Windows 7, which featured titles like Chess Titans and Mahjong Titans. However, with the release of Windows 8, Microsoft removed classic games from the operating system and transitioned to an app-centric model, directing users to the Windows Store for gaming. The Microsoft Solitaire Collection became a single app, while other games were made available as separate downloads. This shift marked a change in how Microsoft approached gaming, moving from integrating games as part of the OS to treating Windows as a platform for independent applications and services.
Microsoft finalizes Windows 11 version 26H2 for general availability: Next version of Windows 11 enters final preview phase before rollout begins
Winsage
August 27, 2026

Microsoft finalizes Windows 11 version 26H2 for general availability: Next version of Windows 11 enters final preview phase before rollout begins

Microsoft has begun rolling out Windows 11 version 26H2 to testers in the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel, marking the final testing phase before general availability. This version is similar to version 25H2 and built on the same platform as earlier releases. Users will receive an extended support period of 24 months, while commercial customers will have 36 months of support. The update includes enhancements to the Start menu and a revamped Windows Search pane.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remaster System Requirements - CDPR Drops Windows 7 and Windows 10 Support
Winsage
August 27, 2026

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remaster System Requirements – CDPR Drops Windows 7 and Windows 10 Support

CD Projekt RED has announced the story expansion "Songs of the Past" for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and plans for a remaster of the original game. The remaster will be available for purchase on Battle.net due to a partnership with Blizzard. The system requirements for the remaster specify that it will only support Windows 11, with minimum requirements including an Intel Core i5-8400 CPU, GTX 1660 GPU, and 12 GB RAM, while recommended requirements include an Intel Core i7 8700K CPU, RTX 2060 Super GPU, and 16 GB RAM. The remaster is set to release on September 29, 2026, and the expansion is expected in 2027. Modder HalkHogan is collaborating with CD Projekt RED on the remaster.
Google to tighten oversight of Android apps’ memory use
AppWizard
August 27, 2026

Google to tighten oversight of Android apps’ memory use

Google is implementing stricter oversight on RAM usage by applications and games to enhance the performance of Android devices. New memory usage restrictions will be introduced on Google Play, requiring apps to adhere to specified memory thresholds, with potential consequences for non-compliance, including slowdowns, termination by the system, reduced visibility in the Google Play store, and publishing restrictions. Monitoring of compliance will begin in February 2027, following the introduction of memory limits with Android 17 on Pixel smartphones. This initiative is linked to a RAM shortage affecting the device market, with reports indicating that the base versions of the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL have less RAM than their predecessors.
Googlebooks could make switching between Android and PC much easier
AppWizard
August 25, 2026

Googlebooks could make switching between Android and PC much easier

Google has released Play Services v26.33 and Play Store v52.9, introducing several enhancements aimed at improving user experience across devices. Key updates include: - Googlebook Integration allows access to phone apps from Googlebooks on PC and mobile devices. - The Ask Play feature now supports video highlights of apps and games. - New developer features support Utilities-related processes across multiple platforms, including phones, PCs, TVs, Wear OS, and Android Auto. - Enhanced connectivity features support related processes in Google and third-party apps. Additional changes in Play Store v52.9 include: - A Home and Search chip for large-screen device optimization. - Automatic dismissal of the fallback overlay during app installations. - Curated app bundles presented after downloading an app. - Improved Play Protect for better detection of harmful apps. - An audiobook samples cluster added to the app’s home page. The rollout of these features may occur gradually, meaning not all users will receive updates simultaneously.
Microsoft Prepares Windows Code Signing for Stronger Cryptography
Winsage
August 24, 2026

Microsoft Prepares Windows Code Signing for Stronger Cryptography

Microsoft has issued an advisory to IT teams and software developers regarding significant changes in Windows code signing due to the expiration of the Windows Production PCA 2011 certificate in October 2026. The transition will involve stronger cryptographic algorithms, including RSA-3072 and SHA-384, which may cause compatibility issues for applications that rely on hardcoded certificate checks or outdated cryptographic standards. Microsoft plans to implement post-quantum cryptography by default for Windows code signing in 2027. IT administrators are encouraged to assess their software environments, confirm vendor compliance with supported trust-validation mechanisms, and ensure applications are tested against the new certificate hierarchy and signing algorithms. Organizations with private trust stores must establish processes for recognizing and deploying legitimate Microsoft certificate updates.
Weekly Recap: Microsoft (MSFT) cloud growth and China Windows 10 phase-out
Winsage
August 24, 2026

Weekly Recap: Microsoft (MSFT) cloud growth and China Windows 10 phase-out

ICE Data Services is expanding its market data offerings to enhance accessibility and quality for investors and analysts. FactSet is providing enhanced reference data services to improve decision-making for clients. Both companies are leveraging advanced technology to streamline data delivery. The American Bankers Association is partnering with FactSet to provide the CUSIP Database for tracking and trading securities. Quartr supplies SEC filings and essential documents to support transparency and compliance in financial markets.
Google Is Putting Tighter Memory Limits on Android Apps
AppWizard
August 20, 2026

Google Is Putting Tighter Memory Limits on Android Apps

Google has implemented tighter memory limits for applications in Android 17 to enhance device performance and prevent memory-intensive apps from monopolizing system resources. This OS-level enforcement is currently being rolled out on Pixel devices, with plans for broader adoption by various OEMs next year. The memory limits are tailored to each device's total RAM, ranging from 4GB to over 16GB. When an app exceeds its memory threshold, Android can compress its data or terminate the app if necessary. Developers must optimize their applications to stay within these limits, aiming to maintain a smooth user experience.
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