team Archives

Winsage

May 13, 2025

‘End of 10’ offers hope and help to Windows 10 users who can’t upgrade

- Support for Windows 10 will cease on October 14, 2025. - Microsoft is encouraging users to purchase new computers. - Linux is presented as a faster, more secure alternative to Windows. - The End of 10 campaign provides resources and support for users transitioning to Linux. - The campaign includes links to PC shops and user groups worldwide. - It offers a guide for installing Linux and lists benefits such as lower costs, no ads or data tracking, environmental friendliness, community support, and enhanced user control. - The campaign organizes events for Linux installation assistance in various countries. - The initiative is a collaboration among several individuals from different organizations. - End of 10 maintains public channels on Matrix and a mailing list, and is present on the Fediverse for outreach.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Coventry-mad Dexter, 14, recreates stadium in Minecraft

14-year-old Dexter has recreated the CBS Arena, home of Coventry City FC, in Minecraft over three months. He aims to represent Coventry comprehensively and researches details using Google Maps for accuracy. Dexter's mother, Gemma, praises his patience and analytical skills. He is considering a future career as a football coach or pilot. Coventry City is preparing for a Championship play-off semi-final, needing to overcome a one-goal deficit.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Turkish spies caught exploiting zero-day for over a year

Microsoft reported that Turkish espionage operatives have been exploiting a zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-27920) in the Output Messenger app to gather intelligence on the Kurdish military in Iraq. This operation, attributed to the group Marbled Dust, began in April 2024. The vulnerability is a directory traversal flaw in version 2.0.62 of the app, and many users have not yet updated to the patched version released in December. Marbled Dust has used this flaw to access sensitive user data and deploy malicious files within the Output Messenger server. The group has a history of targeting entities opposing Turkish interests and has evolved its tactics by leveraging this vulnerability for unauthorized access. Srimax and Microsoft are advising users to upgrade to version V2.0.63 to mitigate the risks associated with the exploit.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Microsoft reveals its rejected Start menu redesigns

Microsoft is redesigning the Start menu in Windows 11, introducing a wider layout that allows users to disable the recommended feed of files and applications. The company shared five distinct concept designs for the menu, including features like a rounded menu with widget-like functionality, a side-separated "For You" section, a landing page design, and a full-screen vertical layout. The design team engaged with over 300 Windows 11 enthusiasts to refine their concepts through co-creation calls and user feedback. The new Start menu aims to enhance app visibility, increase customizability, and ensure speed while maintaining familiarity. It will also include a phone companion panel for quick access to calls, messages, and files. Microsoft plans to test the revamped Start menu with Windows Insiders soon, with a broader rollout expected in the coming months.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Microsoft shows off the cool Windows Start concepts we never got

Microsoft's design team explored various concepts for the Windows 11 Start menu that were not included in the final product. These concepts aimed to enhance user experience by integrating notifications and functionalities from different Windows features. Key principles guiding the designs included easy access to the app library, personal customization, maximizing utility, and maintaining familiar iconography. The team engaged with 300 Windows 11 enthusiasts and used eye-tracking heat maps for feedback. One concept featured a slide-out phone dashboard for users of the Phone Link feature, restructuring recommended apps and documents for creativity and productivity. Another concept resembled earlier Windows versions, offering an expandable list of apps and shortcuts. Some designs expanded the Start menu significantly, while one focused on app visibility and timely information like meeting reminders. None of these designs were implemented in the current version of Windows 11, with some considered cluttered or confusing. Third-party developers like Stardock Software are providing customization options through solutions like Start11.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Another Level Reached For A MINECRAFT MOVIE As The Film Passes The $900 Million Mark

Warner Bros. Discovery’s A Minecraft Movie has surpassed the 0 million mark at the global box office and remains in the Top 3 at theaters, earning .9 million domestically and 4 million globally as of Friday. It is expected to become the second-highest-grossing video game adaptation in history, behind The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The film features a cast including Jason Momoa and Jack Black, directed by Jared Hess, and follows four misfits who navigate a fantastical cubic realm to return home. The screenplay was written by a team including Chris Bowman and Hubbel Palmer, and the film is produced by several individuals including Roy Lee and Jason Momoa. Theaters are introducing "Block Party Edition" screenings to enhance audience engagement.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

A MINECRAFT MOVIE Just Hit Another Major Milestone

A MINECRAFT MOVIE has surpassed HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS at the global box office, earning 6.8 million and claiming the 15th position in Warner Bros' history, while HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS previously held 6.1 million. The film features Jack Black and Jason Momoa and has a 48% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 86% audience approval rating. It is a live-action fantasy adventure inspired by the video game MINECRAFT, following misfits in the Overworld facing destruction. The digital release is set for May 13, and physical copies will be available on June 24. Warner Bros. executives have hinted at plans for a sequel.

Tech Optimizer

May 13, 2025

Best antivirus software 2025, tried and tested

Antivirus software has been essential for PC users for two decades, with advertisements emphasizing its importance. Windows 11 includes built-in security features, but many users prefer third-party antivirus solutions for quicker updates and additional benefits. User behavior significantly impacts computer security, and it is recommended to avoid links from unfamiliar email senders and not to reuse passwords. A comprehensive evaluation of antivirus applications involved testing on a Windows 11 PC using simulated virus attacks. The testing included scanning the SSD and consulting independent security testing laboratories. The best antivirus software for 2025 includes BitDefender Total Security as the best overall, Avira Free as the best free option, Malwarebytes Plus for the best VPN bundle, and Sophos Home Premium for protecting multiple devices.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Copilot on Windows: Windows Insiders can now use Vision with 2 apps and new Highlights feature with 1 app

The Microsoft Copilot app on Windows has received an update that enhances Copilot Vision, allowing users to share a single browser or app window for guided assistance with specific tasks. Users can ask Copilot to highlight areas of interest within the shared window. The update also introduces support for sharing up to two applications simultaneously, enabling Copilot to analyze and provide insights across both. The update is identified as version 1.25044.92.0 and higher and is being rolled out to Insiders in the U.S. via the Microsoft Store. Users can provide feedback through the app.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Windows Insider release blocked by OS-busting bug

The Windows team at Microsoft has discovered a significant bug affecting the Canary build, which has led to the delay of several Insider builds. This bug impacts essential functionalities such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, USB accessory connections, and the onboard camera for Windows Hello. Brandon LeBlanc from the Windows Insider program described the bug as "really bad" and noted that it arose from a specific code change in newer builds not yet released to Insiders. Microsoft is currently working on a fix and hopes to deliver a new build to the Canary channel by the end of the week. The situation emphasizes the company's focus on quality control to prevent flawed releases from reaching users.